tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56735946660510078862024-03-12T23:16:15.029-05:00 Will Run For A MedalIf I can do it, YOU can too!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger161125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5673594666051007886.post-10946610120294465762023-10-08T20:44:00.003-05:002023-10-22T17:25:36.607-05:00Half Marathon #57 - MO' Cowbell<p>I am obviously way behind on my blogging, but I completed half marathon #57 on Sunday, October 1st. I had started training with the Big River Running training team this summer but got thrown off course by a week long illness and then too many weekends out of town or with overnight visitors. I knew that I still wanted to do MO' Cowbell because I love the course and it's so walker-friendly, so I ended up run/walking the first couple miles and then completely walked the remaining mileage. It was warm this year, but still a beautiful day. </p><p>I always highly recommend this race for many reasons including:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Start/finish line is easy to get to and near several hotels</li><li>Expo is also easy to get to and easy to get through quickly</li><li>Plenty of delicious and unique restaurants near the expo and the start/finish line</li><li>VIP option with separate porta potties, bag check, food (Chris' Cakes catering, Bike Stop Cafe pre-race caffeine and pastries), and beer but you can also partake in the other post race food</li><li>Post race food included bananas, breakfast bars, salty snacks like popcorn and chips, chocolate milk, and beer</li><li>Pacers for the half and full marathon</li><li>Swag this year included a hooded sweatshirt, sticker for your distance, a cowbell, drawstring bag, and a finisher's medal for your distance</li></ul><div>Here are a couple pictures from this year's race:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH9Y0eIYVEHytr4_7V1YOFvrjysQjCZazEFgaHpMpT5irPc8iADgGlOH_ZWBVesRbTK18jSOCLf3L12jBFDZjDYxzgGxc8My9bRzDCdrpxz67-VzhA8fuOdZfdTiWumWl0bsI3Lq-PTrE68Qn31yb6mYaDXt_S51HQIl3sVBRUxQejM5pcxDHBlcaNoaQ/s4032/20231001_054706.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1816" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH9Y0eIYVEHytr4_7V1YOFvrjysQjCZazEFgaHpMpT5irPc8iADgGlOH_ZWBVesRbTK18jSOCLf3L12jBFDZjDYxzgGxc8My9bRzDCdrpxz67-VzhA8fuOdZfdTiWumWl0bsI3Lq-PTrE68Qn31yb6mYaDXt_S51HQIl3sVBRUxQejM5pcxDHBlcaNoaQ/s320/20231001_054706.jpg" width="144" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgojbn7x_QBm5ABmBF_UDBMk0L58qnquSj3hTH3hXnndRBMHE_2UJviaW1c5Ce6iYG4EcQzZmKdiLCzV4eIrfcJkE6Tn8qe35_aQgLFh3_Fq0IKvBaUpc0JUrMUX62Zr3g1ObtIcERbmPOJX7odqcRYIlof6q48jGKG1rgx8YV_il56CeSde3iVuxB5Pj4/s2880/IMG_1696159093000.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgojbn7x_QBm5ABmBF_UDBMk0L58qnquSj3hTH3hXnndRBMHE_2UJviaW1c5Ce6iYG4EcQzZmKdiLCzV4eIrfcJkE6Tn8qe35_aQgLFh3_Fq0IKvBaUpc0JUrMUX62Zr3g1ObtIcERbmPOJX7odqcRYIlof6q48jGKG1rgx8YV_il56CeSde3iVuxB5Pj4/s320/IMG_1696159093000.jpg" width="213" /></a></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKTeIeK6IwJAI29moTzGmn6Or4X_yHDxHMLRvLOwVR8R9hKMfpHjmqvJvpvHD7xAlOgZ6hyphenhyphenODUtiuI8rWSwiZO1NzfoU8-f1aA2ZhD1I0Bq93qnX0RGMUKYRuOjvGqPzrEtNQJ97mfeEdzeU4l7yWNsQKZFrPQMNcStPqF0mKdPtBMe0oOZmz6QEcF-v4/s4032/20231001_073138.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKTeIeK6IwJAI29moTzGmn6Or4X_yHDxHMLRvLOwVR8R9hKMfpHjmqvJvpvHD7xAlOgZ6hyphenhyphenODUtiuI8rWSwiZO1NzfoU8-f1aA2ZhD1I0Bq93qnX0RGMUKYRuOjvGqPzrEtNQJ97mfeEdzeU4l7yWNsQKZFrPQMNcStPqF0mKdPtBMe0oOZmz6QEcF-v4/w640-h288/20231001_073138.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5673594666051007886.post-33885605248838085752023-06-11T18:21:00.001-05:002023-06-11T18:21:53.826-05:00The Big Run 5K Training Program Review<p><span style="font-family: inherit;">I remember overhearing two colleagues talking and one of them mentioned that she was sore because she had just started a <a href="https://www.fleetfeet.com/s/stlouis/ffrc" target="_blank">5k training program through Fleet Feet - St. Louis</a>. The other colleague remembered that I ran and recommended that she talk to me about her soreness. As I overheard the conversation pretending to not pay attention, I wondered if my sore colleague was shocked that I "ran" or not. I still don't look like a runner, I may never look the way that I think a true runner should, but I had been working my way through the You Can Run program through Peloton in preparation for summer races. The Peloton program was going ok, but I just wasn't all that motivated yet. Within a few days of the conversation I overheard, my sore colleague approached me and started telling me all about the 5k training program she had started on April 11th. I had seen the email from Fleet Feet about the program but I thought "why would I pay $100 for a 5k training program" and I just deleted the email without a second thought. But when my colleague described it to me, I was suddenly interested. Maybe I needed the accountability of meeting a group for a run on Saturdays and a track workout on Tuesdays because I wasn't forcing myself to do those runs on my own. The benefit of this particular program was that it was training for The Big Run 5k on June 7th, which was a race that I had already registered for AND the best part was that they were still allowing people to enroll several weeks into the program at a discounted rate. Since I am somewhat frugal, I waited until the price went down to $52 and I registered on May 10th. Here is a description of the program <a href="https://www.fleetfeet.com/s/stlouis/ffrc/5k" target="_blank">from the Fleet Feet website</a>:</span></p><p><span style="color: #272727;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>The Big Run 5K Training Program program is a learn to walk, run/walk or run program designed for the true beginner. During this 8-week program, participants are surrounded by a team of dedicated, motivated people all working toward the goal of becoming healthy and strong. By the time they cross the finish line of The Big Run 5K, team members will have learned the importance of proper form, stretching, hydration, and nutrition - all the tools needed to maintain their new fitness routine.</i></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #272727;">In addition to the accountability of two group runs a week and the discounted price, I also loved that the weekend long runs rotated between three parks that were all near my home. Within a day of registration I received several emails with information about the training schedule, coaching assignments, and other useful websites. I was all set!</span></p><p><span style="color: #272727;">My first group run was on May 13th and even though the mileage that day was two miles, I was as nervous as I was at the start line of my last marathon. Maybe it was because my colleague had been in this training program since the beginning and she was now in the same pace group as I was. Maybe it was because I am an introvert and joining this group meant meeting a lot of new people. I don't know what made me nervous but I did end up having a great time! My pace group was great (some talkers and some quiet runners like myself), the pace physically felt good, the distance was completely comfortable, our pace group leaders were very upbeat and helpful, and the Fleet Feet staff were very welcoming and answered all of my questions. </span></p><p><span style="color: #272727;">Each week leading up to the Tuesday track workout and the Saturday long run, we received a reminder email with detailed instructions about the upcoming run. In addition to the two group runs, the training schedule also included one run on our own plus suggested workouts for the other days. I find it very helpful to have a schedule and have someone else telling me exactly what to run and when. Since I joined the training program halfway through, I only made it to a few Saturday long runs and two Tuesday track workouts but in that short amount of time, I felt really connected to my group and the program. Now that The Big Run 5k is over and the training program has concluded, I am left feeling sad but also so grateful that my colleague talked me into joining. I feel more motivated now to continue running on my own and am really trying to stay in the same pace and run/walk interval that we trained in. </span></p><p><span style="color: #272727;">Thank you <a href="https://www.fleetfeet.com/s/stlouis/" target="_blank">Fleet Feet - St. Louis</a> for allowing people to join the program late (even half way through) AND at a discounted rate. I had a blast and I feel ready to continue running 5k's this summer. </span></p><p><span style="color: #272727;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5673594666051007886.post-17579555195243574132022-10-03T20:49:00.002-05:002022-10-03T20:56:09.311-05:00Half Marathon #56 MO' Cowbell<p>This was my 5th time completing the MO' Cowbell half marathon:</p><p>MO' Cowbell has been my <a href="https://www.willrunforamedal.com/2013/10/21-missouri-cowbell-half-marathon.html" target="_blank">21st half</a>, my <a href="https://www.willrunforamedal.com/2017/10/mo-cowbell-half-marathon-recap.html" target="_blank">45th half</a>, my <a href="https://www.willrunforamedal.com/2018/10/mo-cowbell-half-marathon-recap.html" target="_blank">51st half</a>, my <a href="https://www.willrunforamedal.com/2020/12/mo-cowbell-single-chuck-challenge-half.html" target="_blank">54th half and 1st virtual half marathon</a>, and my <a href="https://www.willrunforamedal.com/2021/10/mo-cowbell-half-marathon-55.html" target="_blank">55th half marathon</a>. Of all of the <a href="https://www.willrunforamedal.com/p/races-by-location.html" target="_blank">St. Louis are half marathons</a>, MO' Cowbell is my favorite! If you haven't read my previous MO' Cowbell race recaps, I will just summarize by telling you exactly what I told the runner from Southeast Missouri and the runner from Dallas, TX in the VIP tent on race morning:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The course is mostly flat</li><li>There is plenty of race day parking and the parking and start/finish line is easy to get to</li><li>The course, hotels, and restaurants aren't far from the airport</li><li>Gorgeous fall foliage! (Apparently the trees aren't starting to change in Dallas yet) </li><li>A scenic course including downtown St. Charles and the riverfront, the countryside, and a variety of neighborhoods including NEW TOWN (my personal fav)</li><li>Great crowd support</li><li>The most reasonably priced <a href="https://mocowbellmarathon.com/register/mo-vip/" target="_blank">VIP area</a></li></ul><div>I am also a fan of this year's swag as it was a very lightweight, tech, long-sleeved, hooded shirt with a front pocket and thumb holes. You also received a swag bag, a sticker for your race distance, and a cowbell. This year's medal had a spinning piece that showed '22 on one side and 13.1 on the other.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiclROz6MpvxCeZSFiJdjc3s0XJOokoqKHXMpE0CKRnCJRsW2PPqvdSVxKDhBRLcUwohAt9UKqurUW62EzvjjqPS8fDTMtAWmheX64ICs7rZAwLOzrkDlNPrmNptr0yv2YAhzrMCAZ1naVYVUZpqpCrEHS0lW58oj1xbhKsO6In92mdu-H6CY4DmtUo/s2327/20221003_113907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="2327" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiclROz6MpvxCeZSFiJdjc3s0XJOokoqKHXMpE0CKRnCJRsW2PPqvdSVxKDhBRLcUwohAt9UKqurUW62EzvjjqPS8fDTMtAWmheX64ICs7rZAwLOzrkDlNPrmNptr0yv2YAhzrMCAZ1naVYVUZpqpCrEHS0lW58oj1xbhKsO6In92mdu-H6CY4DmtUo/w640-h500/20221003_113907.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPkWR05MJrnbWobsorDVpxxeME6h7K3Hr1DStrl2YnG18BYtWfqCnY-YFcyY3KAYWwXEWdjzoVq0bXAyJkXniU-LnWUkAOKAUjN6L2ye61Xdc0na-AYukHLhWEd2O4PC7Tq--8nHPcOS7TYeSI77CTueWr-st0-7h1QMe7njFsQ-EiFEfetx2ybCPa/s1748/20221003_114107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1748" data-original-width="1748" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPkWR05MJrnbWobsorDVpxxeME6h7K3Hr1DStrl2YnG18BYtWfqCnY-YFcyY3KAYWwXEWdjzoVq0bXAyJkXniU-LnWUkAOKAUjN6L2ye61Xdc0na-AYukHLhWEd2O4PC7Tq--8nHPcOS7TYeSI77CTueWr-st0-7h1QMe7njFsQ-EiFEfetx2ybCPa/w400-h400/20221003_114107.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><br /><br /><div>This year's experience was similar to last year's in that I walked over 50% of the race BUT I used the Galloway Method for the first 10k or so. This combination shaved 29 minutes off of last year's finish time!!! I still finished over three hours, but I was SUPER excited about my finish time and look forward to actually training for the 2023 race.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here are some other pictures I took on the course, mostly approaching and within New Town.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwduSn8LDFYPCnE4OQhnjfDHfu3W0t9JoCox1KKbFyccI_N6aLyvYMrXpCfLPmdMcVVwO8rCxu87GZyJrFM2SVgVkzt_80p-K2VPm9cqCk2JZG5mztgO07B0EjTKATBr8tyTO5Qjq3SVcJVvM5JbCKgpkL61frwY1y4QmZBAvzJ1N7iSD_5iNGKG2E/s4032/20221002_083619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwduSn8LDFYPCnE4OQhnjfDHfu3W0t9JoCox1KKbFyccI_N6aLyvYMrXpCfLPmdMcVVwO8rCxu87GZyJrFM2SVgVkzt_80p-K2VPm9cqCk2JZG5mztgO07B0EjTKATBr8tyTO5Qjq3SVcJVvM5JbCKgpkL61frwY1y4QmZBAvzJ1N7iSD_5iNGKG2E/w640-h288/20221002_083619.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiILQPWqEaXzlKMmCToUn_8McEM7yDKeYRyulin3Yx9UN41C30d4kPiyVkPJeBVvH6n-mmjngiIoeAESVhXEvFHS9DWjhKSjOTgeaazRMdVob35sVAaJBAm5i34ANNMUPxERowKjQZ36CU5srOUEnZJENwtet_4_n20WzltSmTmcBvhu8FEJECKHLFw/s1600/20221002_090553(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1108" data-original-width="1600" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiILQPWqEaXzlKMmCToUn_8McEM7yDKeYRyulin3Yx9UN41C30d4kPiyVkPJeBVvH6n-mmjngiIoeAESVhXEvFHS9DWjhKSjOTgeaazRMdVob35sVAaJBAm5i34ANNMUPxERowKjQZ36CU5srOUEnZJENwtet_4_n20WzltSmTmcBvhu8FEJECKHLFw/w640-h444/20221002_090553(1).jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2OTK8ppJYaFX0Rr4eVm113BuPIXYUyAm4uQ0h3_W-o9lPemYrBnMsYY3W90PrvBTGkaqzxSsVoQaHo07bih3zgzJX6QbL1tpkQ7cHswdomv1t24eFh5yKbtF_GBxSBXxyBxgf-FIr07G-BAhgEPIIPOr6sV7Rsb0erUAOl_P3RC8T-8_LzWkVSPfh/s2529/20221002_090912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1772" data-original-width="2529" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2OTK8ppJYaFX0Rr4eVm113BuPIXYUyAm4uQ0h3_W-o9lPemYrBnMsYY3W90PrvBTGkaqzxSsVoQaHo07bih3zgzJX6QbL1tpkQ7cHswdomv1t24eFh5yKbtF_GBxSBXxyBxgf-FIr07G-BAhgEPIIPOr6sV7Rsb0erUAOl_P3RC8T-8_LzWkVSPfh/w640-h448/20221002_090912.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMRF023kO8iwmFJYccVyz9dlUVft3o2aAL8_tnELmwnYWpBvdTFN0eDtoI98JMePHEvJeltgJTdF1HLfIn3YxsMZ0Mn_rn3OiRdrHkBDwel9IBtlanrfdAbazuNKpZk0z1iDjG-nH47MfigPoxyMrEuAl-M_Qx-vph46ThX3p6DNzZirv1Ed35KW1K/s4032/20221002_090924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMRF023kO8iwmFJYccVyz9dlUVft3o2aAL8_tnELmwnYWpBvdTFN0eDtoI98JMePHEvJeltgJTdF1HLfIn3YxsMZ0Mn_rn3OiRdrHkBDwel9IBtlanrfdAbazuNKpZk0z1iDjG-nH47MfigPoxyMrEuAl-M_Qx-vph46ThX3p6DNzZirv1Ed35KW1K/w640-h288/20221002_090924.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrS6JBu1Futo7oziXODH_d80Csb8l0rTSYowNRYtUhhs0u-NbNUk6lgRE3ip3oLU7XcS0PUANxIh_fPBuu6akIt8vhvltfFDRfT_ezOI2FQ74P4B0bj72DxZ0wnG1LcyX2Kdzk65zb4oBjSX9_IPO1p58lIRmtGt8qTqDZOAwF2hOwZwpPimguFrQ3/s4032/20221002_090930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1816" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrS6JBu1Futo7oziXODH_d80Csb8l0rTSYowNRYtUhhs0u-NbNUk6lgRE3ip3oLU7XcS0PUANxIh_fPBuu6akIt8vhvltfFDRfT_ezOI2FQ74P4B0bj72DxZ0wnG1LcyX2Kdzk65zb4oBjSX9_IPO1p58lIRmtGt8qTqDZOAwF2hOwZwpPimguFrQ3/w288-h640/20221002_090930.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPbiR2EFXVLkPZmu-byUm61SR8RAHZOeH8ofqun3mjNU9tnjd_Ej9QtksCNDbAQqktJwWB25vgjYWcKwaKU0zB_lUg_ELbd4KGylK-zoRSwugndIhsUGYtZM_uh2FslJU0sP2NIM6Pk3nACLuoZ6mDidw3sIvw8YR4L7sQjD9cPtYtSwjbc-hbmAFi/s3293/20221002_090934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3293" data-original-width="1816" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPbiR2EFXVLkPZmu-byUm61SR8RAHZOeH8ofqun3mjNU9tnjd_Ej9QtksCNDbAQqktJwWB25vgjYWcKwaKU0zB_lUg_ELbd4KGylK-zoRSwugndIhsUGYtZM_uh2FslJU0sP2NIM6Pk3nACLuoZ6mDidw3sIvw8YR4L7sQjD9cPtYtSwjbc-hbmAFi/w352-h640/20221002_090934.jpg" width="352" /></a></div></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div>I hope that you will consider running (or walking) this race in 2023, especially now that they offer a 10k option as well. <a href="https://mocowbellmarathon.com/" target="_blank">Check out their website</a> and save the first weekend in October for a trip to St. Charles, MO. </div><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5673594666051007886.post-58613336314854940822021-11-28T20:03:00.001-06:002021-11-28T20:03:48.135-06:00Girl Scouts Go: Run for the Cookies 5K Race RecapThe Saturday after Thanksgiving I ran the Go Scouts Go: Run for Cookies 5k in Maryland Heights, MO. Just like the <a href="http://www.willrunforamedal.com/2021/11/olivette-turkey-trot-race-recap.html" target="_blank">Olivette Turkey Trot</a>, I have known about this race for years but just ran it for the first time this year. Also like the Olivette Turkey Trot, this race course was VERY close to where I live. <div><br /></div><div>What I really loved about this race was the option to save money by not getting a race t-shirt. If I remember correctly, it saved me $5 (which I just used towards my pre-race Starbucks). I opted to pick up my packet on Saturday at the Des Peres Fleet Feet and it only took a matter of minutes to get my bib. </div><div><br /></div><div>This race course is close to my home but it is also right off of I-270 and Page Avenue, so it is super convenient for locals. The race started at 8 a.m. so I was parked by about 7:15 a.m. It was a bit chilly again that morning, so I just waited in my car until 7:50 and I walked right up to the start line. This race had corrals that were released roughly three minutes apart. Since I couldn't remember which corral I signed up for, I just started in corral two. The race course took us through the industrial park area of Westport Plaza, which was surprisingly hillier than I expected or was prepared for. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj73zcHb1_VdQaNO-w3DfVFt7HN_N9jbe7rsoYtgIp-wvS3f1hskJB89suCv8h_arALtMaU5pTxcuNFiXCjS7abz-tnUqaVi_VXBx0I5HIWdPhXZfQIB__5KBO_TofDC1SY9h0vKqr1z1A/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1190" data-original-width="2642" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj73zcHb1_VdQaNO-w3DfVFt7HN_N9jbe7rsoYtgIp-wvS3f1hskJB89suCv8h_arALtMaU5pTxcuNFiXCjS7abz-tnUqaVi_VXBx0I5HIWdPhXZfQIB__5KBO_TofDC1SY9h0vKqr1z1A/w640-h288/20211127_080104.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div><div>Right off the bat I felt slower than I did at the Turkey Trot. I just felt sluggish, so I started my intervals a lot earlier at this race. Once the flow of runners started to thin out, I kept pace with a couple pre-teen Girl Scouts. They would run while I was walking and I would run while they were walking. Eventually there was one Girl Scout running alone after her friend ran ahead, and we started talking. We talked about the hot chocolate at the finish and she reminded me that there would also be Girl Scout cookies. We talked about the new Girl Scout cookie, which I had not tried yet. Talking to someone else, especially about Girl Scout cookies, was a welcome distraction from feeling sluggish and it honestly helped me finish the 5k faster than I would have otherwise. Despite feeling much, much slower than I did at the Turkey Trot I ended up only being 34 seconds slower, so I was very happy with my time. Once you crossed the finish line you were greeted by volunteers, a medal, and water. Then back in the parking lot were the much anticipated Girl Scout cookies and hot chocolate. They had my favorite cookie the thin mints, so I was beyond excited!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRmgYLO-Ec2RkArJkI3uGhWyIj_krGtT7tKHcD16uAJERMXV3f_ziZ9qOjVsTaQTX9n0M4ljCJJX2ZeLkqWHBlFY1zB0tyKV1t3hBO6xY4z5p05irRpmrGTcRHEYr9R6O-h2ixvAAVAm4/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1638" data-original-width="2048" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRmgYLO-Ec2RkArJkI3uGhWyIj_krGtT7tKHcD16uAJERMXV3f_ziZ9qOjVsTaQTX9n0M4ljCJJX2ZeLkqWHBlFY1zB0tyKV1t3hBO6xY4z5p05irRpmrGTcRHEYr9R6O-h2ixvAAVAm4/w640-h512/20211127_084412.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />After the race as I was stretching, I was approached by a fellow runner who thanked me for keeping her at a good pace. I guess she is like me and tries to find someone to pace with to avoid running too fast, and also finding someone to follow for motivation. It was a nice compliment and I even turned around to make sure that she wasn't talking to someone behind me. I am normally silent and don't talk to anyone during a race unless I am running it with a friend. This was a nice change and I just left the race feeling really happy and excited for the next 5k. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com02300 Ball Dr, St. Louis, MO 63146, USA38.7040635 -90.421576110.393829663821151 -125.5778261 67.014297336178842 -55.265326099999996tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5673594666051007886.post-25542269959967061732021-11-28T18:25:00.009-06:002021-11-28T18:27:44.495-06:00Olivette Turkey Trot Race Recap<p>Thanksgiving Day seems like ages ago already, but I am still on cloud nine about my Turkey Trot finish time. Now 37:49 is likely slow for a 5k to most runners reading this, but that is my fastest 5k time since 2017!!! </p><p>In 2020 I just ran a virtual Turkey Trot due to Covid and I think all of the local Turkey Trots were virtual last year too, so it was nice to have an in-person option close to home. The race started and ended in <a href="https://www.olivetteparksandrec.com/stacy-park.html" target="_blank"><b>Stacy Park in Olivette</b></a>, which is near my home and my work. This park is very easy to get to since it is just off of Olive Boulevard between I-170 and I-270. </p><p>Before Covid I had run the Turkey Trot downtown, the St. Charles Turkey Trot, and the black Friday Turkey Trot in Town and Country. The Olivette Turkey Trot is technically the closest race course to my home, so it has been on my radar for years and I was happy to finally be able to run it. Packet pick-up was held on the Tuesday and Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving at Olivette City Hall. Since I picked up my packet on Tuesday, it wasn't busy at all. There was also a race day option for packet pick-up. Swag included a long sleeved blue tech shirt and you had the option to purchase previous years shirts for $5, which I took advantage of again. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir762yg21tv7QhmOC_PV6uOHJaC8gkWyh_Yh64VorIxPBSIG_SQN2JIbuzgJyWMoDS-8aYRHkB-LP70fVo64I18EB9j_gvvr3qqVHwVfYayGvc7sngb6cEqsjHrPQPtBGhxeoUqeQGW2c/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1723" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir762yg21tv7QhmOC_PV6uOHJaC8gkWyh_Yh64VorIxPBSIG_SQN2JIbuzgJyWMoDS-8aYRHkB-LP70fVo64I18EB9j_gvvr3qqVHwVfYayGvc7sngb6cEqsjHrPQPtBGhxeoUqeQGW2c/" width="285" /></a></div><br />I often run and walk in Stacy Park, so I knew that it had a small parking lot and I wasn't sure where overflow parking would be, so I arrived around 7:10 a.m. to ensure that I would snag a parking spot. Upon arrival, several Olivette fire trucks and police vehicles were already on-site and the music was going. The mayor was present as was our St. Louis County Executive (he's become locally famous during Covid). Hot chocolate, coffee, and tea were available adjacent to race day packet pick-up and there were plenty of porta-potties available in addition to the park's permanent restrooms. Stacy Park has a nice walking path, and I saw plenty of people warming up before the race. As the parking lot filled up, I realized that overflow parking was being directed to the grass in between the ball fields but I loved that I was able to park right at the start/finish line. As a result, I was able to stay in my warm car until five minutes before the race started. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibrr6m203VGF4MsQbQ70CbMiSP9L1foeFMAlzZt2vRg0lCsIHo7mz1IJgeqyim4UfVGEm3uNJ1bskroicvbcxmaJ3a-QrSO-RZgdMEq2hSJlbBe2u_TKmVGQMw7EBnlc-oqTIdES1orAc/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1190" data-original-width="2642" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibrr6m203VGF4MsQbQ70CbMiSP9L1foeFMAlzZt2vRg0lCsIHo7mz1IJgeqyim4UfVGEm3uNJ1bskroicvbcxmaJ3a-QrSO-RZgdMEq2hSJlbBe2u_TKmVGQMw7EBnlc-oqTIdES1orAc/w640-h288/20211125_073441.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The race course was basically one large loop with a few small hills. I was so pumped about this race that I didn't even switch over to my intervals until about halfway through the race. I just got into a good pace and was fueled by all the people around me. The other runners and walkers were people of all ages and abilities, a lot of strollers, and lots of dogs. Spectators along the course were friendly and were cheering us on, despite the cold morning. Waiting at the finish line were snacks like hot chocolate, coffee, tea, water, beer, bloody mary's, and chips. The Olivette police department opened a separate exit for people to be able to easily leave the park, and it was actually a breeze leaving the park which is one problem I came across at the downtown and St. Charles Turkey Trots. I would highly recommend this race to anyone living or visiting the St. Louis area for Thanksgiving. It really was a great race!<p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Stacy Park Reservoir, Olivette, MO 63132, USA38.6713334 -90.391905910.361099563821156 -125.5481559 66.981567236178847 -55.2356559tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5673594666051007886.post-41975875970372002102021-10-10T13:28:00.000-05:002021-10-10T13:28:04.457-05:00MO' Cowbell Half Marathon - #55<p>Last Sunday I walked the MO' Cowbell Half Marathon with my running/walking buddy Stephanie. It was technically her 2nd half marathon but 1st in-person half marathon, having completed the <a href="http://www.willrunforamedal.com/2020/12/mo-cowbell-single-chuck-challenge-half.html" target="_blank">virtual Single Chuck Challenge</a> with me in 2020. We decided to walk this race since our training was not consistent this summer and I was bouncing back from an injury incurred during my last 5k, more on that another time. I told her that this half marathon was <b><u>very</u></b> walker friendly and she was pleasantly surprised to see that I was right! Despite walking the entire race, we were constantly passing other walkers and also being passed by faster walkers. The original forecast was not looking good going into the weekend, but the weather ended up being very pleasant for our long walk and I've included a few photos from the course below.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKrjGDWBg14DzwFbUGOw2zm8Gqu0VLWbkksPZovKKbVkqs5mL0ZOgilIkowstsh0wATiAEuX_MqJwSXpONngAFDlWXm4Jyu7I3bx-9Of4Y1GWjMLiziubF6CJf7y9lWHjVNYhwtuyL3iw/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2642" data-original-width="1190" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKrjGDWBg14DzwFbUGOw2zm8Gqu0VLWbkksPZovKKbVkqs5mL0ZOgilIkowstsh0wATiAEuX_MqJwSXpONngAFDlWXm4Jyu7I3bx-9Of4Y1GWjMLiziubF6CJf7y9lWHjVNYhwtuyL3iw/w180-h400/20211003_073124.jpg" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0wxuymjscVBchRSuYrpzvYJKEMIybr9Bp6Fmx9IeHiWrFdLl-MaKshn4s5RaQlJQqCTCBVD2HUCGuAgp_z2_jhp3uN22KJHVVfFVMBWU3wkn_DY2KnjLTzQxLiGAF3EpTuKpUYcABsDA/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2642" data-original-width="1190" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0wxuymjscVBchRSuYrpzvYJKEMIybr9Bp6Fmx9IeHiWrFdLl-MaKshn4s5RaQlJQqCTCBVD2HUCGuAgp_z2_jhp3uN22KJHVVfFVMBWU3wkn_DY2KnjLTzQxLiGAF3EpTuKpUYcABsDA/w180-h400/20211003_091922.jpg" width="180" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfwM1WO17YVblguV6FRJYqN0-eUjIPMXWZ5RkJXiX97ep6SoNW5m0pg51HhtERRpc3m9_Ipm532TEpDxJHTaT6JOayvhN-SODt8RiVBXyBiYiciHqzJ168tIGrFNxBgCdKTaJGmvwgPUw/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2642" data-original-width="1190" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfwM1WO17YVblguV6FRJYqN0-eUjIPMXWZ5RkJXiX97ep6SoNW5m0pg51HhtERRpc3m9_Ipm532TEpDxJHTaT6JOayvhN-SODt8RiVBXyBiYiciHqzJ168tIGrFNxBgCdKTaJGmvwgPUw/w180-h400/20211003_093206.jpg" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOKmB7wrDhnu4VFF_PLDUjApg-V_dN5XYNYQArcDaqooIU1gU0DumTI0JjClef9R4kNp0wACUDHx1yMIR0UYaylTgCQuZ180bOYmRjTq9_H7hT5gI6FzZoVN6XHzhhVuH9F_474-Tt1Wg/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2642" data-original-width="1190" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOKmB7wrDhnu4VFF_PLDUjApg-V_dN5XYNYQArcDaqooIU1gU0DumTI0JjClef9R4kNp0wACUDHx1yMIR0UYaylTgCQuZ180bOYmRjTq9_H7hT5gI6FzZoVN6XHzhhVuH9F_474-Tt1Wg/w180-h400/20211003_093212%25280%2529.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p>This was the 10th year for the MO' Cowbell Marathon weekend and my 5th MO' Cowbell half marathon. I also ran the 5k two years back when the 5k was also on Sunday, and then I volunteered instead of running for a couple years as well. I've been involved in this race in some way since 2013 and I just love it! This year, I volunteered at bib pick up at the expo on Friday and at the post-race food tent for the 5k on Saturday night and I included a few photos from those volunteer shifts below.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3GkTxPWvUqo6Sxu4pItqzWdmM8bQRn6cPZjm5POlBnqxH1Yao9Sh4gpWAxR3oCWm88nMPpJfnOrnTRfia5Jnl5cwVygWPE3-Gtyk23zBX8nDdS2QMx19e9HHamE5Na9KrsFMmLTdJGZk/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1546" data-original-width="2048" height="483" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3GkTxPWvUqo6Sxu4pItqzWdmM8bQRn6cPZjm5POlBnqxH1Yao9Sh4gpWAxR3oCWm88nMPpJfnOrnTRfia5Jnl5cwVygWPE3-Gtyk23zBX8nDdS2QMx19e9HHamE5Na9KrsFMmLTdJGZk/w640-h483/20211003_171059.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk-pXQeT3qy2QHP7CbT81nh_b4doTIFy8aSomOZ9tke404uNqeFtm72nKU2QtZtTi4pkrmeuTwq7MKPgg-ij068w7PgN3zNmNhsceJm9MRsU49Q8dOtY9K401lsKSLt0LC0PK73lLrwGQ/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1190" data-original-width="2642" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk-pXQeT3qy2QHP7CbT81nh_b4doTIFy8aSomOZ9tke404uNqeFtm72nKU2QtZtTi4pkrmeuTwq7MKPgg-ij068w7PgN3zNmNhsceJm9MRsU49Q8dOtY9K401lsKSLt0LC0PK73lLrwGQ/w400-h180/20211003_130903.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhToHdqh0_Q1YoJXk0eRCeZicWgnWP1Pe9wMJjZuRIP_SUnZu1kcea9pM6O5eIAKDcpcj1JxvOBS70mgb_gQHW6Dnt_eyzrbF12QORmSWNb45lTBtHZCCHiE60ZG6gnzV3izWl1VaQDGbE/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1190" data-original-width="2642" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhToHdqh0_Q1YoJXk0eRCeZicWgnWP1Pe9wMJjZuRIP_SUnZu1kcea9pM6O5eIAKDcpcj1JxvOBS70mgb_gQHW6Dnt_eyzrbF12QORmSWNb45lTBtHZCCHiE60ZG6gnzV3izWl1VaQDGbE/w640-h288/20211001_115158.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFrfwV5aEvEUtBslm0XfWtZm82c4PXIoQQOrXaLJfHhF9JfpoUUqQq5iZ0TMOdCSyQgwakynLQo5EtdqHAS10Jj52Y6Pu-n0PSYSoUeN5mu8v8ojEFJ0L1jTdi2GORp6Y1iP11XZx-l-Y/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1190" data-original-width="2642" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFrfwV5aEvEUtBslm0XfWtZm82c4PXIoQQOrXaLJfHhF9JfpoUUqQq5iZ0TMOdCSyQgwakynLQo5EtdqHAS10Jj52Y6Pu-n0PSYSoUeN5mu8v8ojEFJ0L1jTdi2GORp6Y1iP11XZx-l-Y/w640-h288/20211001_115152.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOn7U0N6hp5PJcNCzdorQPkQg_w-eYY9gVHjkclxSh1Hy-tquypJRlc_xc61AOQCW5ECarR_OiIc5w_DOBlW8lR4LfPPev-2LJX8SfSkzwQjCzTf7G3YaVgLshdlo5i0e17H7TZP8xFm0/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2643" data-original-width="1189" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOn7U0N6hp5PJcNCzdorQPkQg_w-eYY9gVHjkclxSh1Hy-tquypJRlc_xc61AOQCW5ECarR_OiIc5w_DOBlW8lR4LfPPev-2LJX8SfSkzwQjCzTf7G3YaVgLshdlo5i0e17H7TZP8xFm0/w180-h400/20211001_183452.jpg" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqGIRXPpUdaxO2LqvD4mKW0vFa6SQMOyeLa3HD22pMgrYbij6ESYiydDl32AB3hNLbAsSNVGsK3SfmKg5-REqDEVFAk1L4vhpM165V5mWHXKrK0_EOv7ygP2u6ieyJZMJ_jeEqLkUStc/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2642" data-original-width="1190" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqGIRXPpUdaxO2LqvD4mKW0vFa6SQMOyeLa3HD22pMgrYbij6ESYiydDl32AB3hNLbAsSNVGsK3SfmKg5-REqDEVFAk1L4vhpM165V5mWHXKrK0_EOv7ygP2u6ieyJZMJ_jeEqLkUStc/w180-h400/20211001_114531.jpg" width="180" /></a></div></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRCt-vlFCvzhmio9MYog-0r6iEnCTwLMt9uoO6baj_YyjYitLBd4PxKpd9D_K_OXaD-_0qmfg0rydwV3y-dRGCTMLuWeQvC4wn6KnfWYkNJIX4wQeUP5_zuh9Rev6LQxtSUGKThYLh-qI/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2642" data-original-width="1190" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRCt-vlFCvzhmio9MYog-0r6iEnCTwLMt9uoO6baj_YyjYitLBd4PxKpd9D_K_OXaD-_0qmfg0rydwV3y-dRGCTMLuWeQvC4wn6KnfWYkNJIX4wQeUP5_zuh9Rev6LQxtSUGKThYLh-qI/w180-h400/20211002_155939.jpg" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihounJf0KmRotD8t1hTZLoOydEX9hqajq9tjEl-WqIGunN3ChMVIbCb7YN7412MPafzL00vpp9jO8SBR7NdDamd0TjQQb70Gmuu3GK7vQmDnyBkRTDHOIAfD4Mej1-Jg1KhH6vhD2m76Y/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2642" data-original-width="1190" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihounJf0KmRotD8t1hTZLoOydEX9hqajq9tjEl-WqIGunN3ChMVIbCb7YN7412MPafzL00vpp9jO8SBR7NdDamd0TjQQb70Gmuu3GK7vQmDnyBkRTDHOIAfD4Mej1-Jg1KhH6vhD2m76Y/w180-h400/20211002_181305.jpg" width="180" /></a></div></div><br /><p>I just can't say enough good things about this race and if you haven't run with us yet, <a href="https://mocowbellmarathon.com/" target="_blank">go ahead and flip to the first weekend in October of 2022</a> and plan to make the trip to St. Charles for one or two of the races. I hope to see you there!</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5673594666051007886.post-79651693397056623632021-05-31T19:36:00.002-05:002021-05-31T19:36:36.809-05:00University City Memorial Day 5k<p>I finally felt comfortable enough to run an in-person 5k this morning, <a href="https://www.ucitymemorialdayrun.org/" target="_blank">the annual University City Memorial Day 5k</a>! I last ran this race in 2019 when there was also a 10k option and my running buddy and I decided that running a 10k untrained was a good idea. Oops! So this year's 5k race was much more manageable and we felt great afterwards. </p><p>We initially rushed to register for this race because there was a lower cap of around 300 runners but with the updates to the CDC recommendations for vaccinated individuals, the cap recently increased to 700 runners. This year the start line and finish line were separate, porta-potties were spaced out, volunteers and police officers were all wearing masks, runners were assigned to corals based on their estimated pace, and four runners started at a time and were staggered a few seconds apart. In the Covid-era I have been overly cautious and basically became a hermit, but this race setup felt safe to me. </p><p>There were two packet pick-up options available: one the day prior (Sunday) and on race day. Both packet pick-up options were outdoor this year as well. Our start time was at 7:30 a.m., but we still arrived and parked around 6:30 a.m. since Coral 1 was supposed to start at 7:00 a.m. The start ended up being delayed by 15 minutes due to a police situation on the course, but everyone went with the flow and our coral ended up starting just eight minutes late. The delayed start gave us some time to take pictures of the area and explore a bit, which was nice. We estimated that our overall pace would be in the 14:00 range, but we ended up with an overall pace of 12:57 so we were pretty excited. Unfortunately all of the snacks were gone when we finished, so we just celebrated with breakfast at a nearby Starbucks instead. </p><p>The University City Memorial Day 5k is a great race to kick off your summer with. It's usually humid and warm on race day but in 2021, it was absolutely perfect with temperatures in the high 70's and low humidity. I highly recommend this race and hopefully in 2022 they are able to get back to having various food and beverage vendors on-site after the race, ESPECIALLY <a href="https://fitzsrootbeer.com/" target="_blank">Fitz's</a>!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzSNkXxykBiagVjE1cslxojtu5j8Yg1ks3lv5KyjTcKtoI_gO4xjPquOfbZ7-NbGuHj8TXZ2XsVF2krIZriNA40Xg3YRPbHFLKEVv70532jZlpnQYebSqZ6a1Yhf5FvA9JgEWkJwECtPs/s1024/IMG_20210531_144428_270.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzSNkXxykBiagVjE1cslxojtu5j8Yg1ks3lv5KyjTcKtoI_gO4xjPquOfbZ7-NbGuHj8TXZ2XsVF2krIZriNA40Xg3YRPbHFLKEVv70532jZlpnQYebSqZ6a1Yhf5FvA9JgEWkJwECtPs/w400-h400/IMG_20210531_144428_270.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgULl6sC2hyjsElfClha-BE-TrKV9p2ktwoOatCYk7DSZ2WeIE9WUgJb6wcqVUdMVviuI9oUxwnTpimue7BNoyU5sqwQ38gmp7GOI84PswHxvM_Zcso8hLeanceiwox9UhpZIEkcGipAk4/s2643/20210531_064735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2643" data-original-width="1189" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgULl6sC2hyjsElfClha-BE-TrKV9p2ktwoOatCYk7DSZ2WeIE9WUgJb6wcqVUdMVviuI9oUxwnTpimue7BNoyU5sqwQ38gmp7GOI84PswHxvM_Zcso8hLeanceiwox9UhpZIEkcGipAk4/w288-h640/20210531_064735.jpg" width="288" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">University City's beautiful city hall</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" dir="rtl" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><div class="separator" dir="ltr" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcr96VrmaeKKOkcjcAE2qiyYbTU0ZwaN2zsv-s2t-4dnolem0rIbd8tLna46wAXGGcUjkPOdo80a0yq2DRWt5U8iDxSrkp2hxRVZ3E1aqADqKBUhPtTA_PISxLfKIa4_KHt2YR7FwgDJM/s2642/20210531_064900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2642" data-original-width="1190" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcr96VrmaeKKOkcjcAE2qiyYbTU0ZwaN2zsv-s2t-4dnolem0rIbd8tLna46wAXGGcUjkPOdo80a0yq2DRWt5U8iDxSrkp2hxRVZ3E1aqADqKBUhPtTA_PISxLfKIa4_KHt2YR7FwgDJM/w180-h400/20210531_064900.jpg" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEvDFEF097hLNz6dnu1In2sn6rjotqkMv6qAI02XP1yGeG_3m8yCe3VnanLmhHUBbyX9rlwmYJV_OZhlojE6NX9cbw_icGw06-pOG1UTMoSPQ6dHlJht_E8TsqtnfRYve_gDUhT1MFTKc/s2642/20210531_064855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2642" data-original-width="1190" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEvDFEF097hLNz6dnu1In2sn6rjotqkMv6qAI02XP1yGeG_3m8yCe3VnanLmhHUBbyX9rlwmYJV_OZhlojE6NX9cbw_icGw06-pOG1UTMoSPQ6dHlJht_E8TsqtnfRYve_gDUhT1MFTKc/w180-h400/20210531_064855.jpg" width="180" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeI1JQgWbVG80V6NKTTSKFUdRzmkeeR2lfNKTLczagb2UOn6Hr161sgLBmK_j2CYh6bW9xNVK2q7I_rZr3gDrpqbvf3ro4CXbXgzDszTasPUBS1lvK2JvrsllyKMJeq1VygW4kIqDd2Hg/s2642/20210531_065025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2642" data-original-width="1190" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeI1JQgWbVG80V6NKTTSKFUdRzmkeeR2lfNKTLczagb2UOn6Hr161sgLBmK_j2CYh6bW9xNVK2q7I_rZr3gDrpqbvf3ro4CXbXgzDszTasPUBS1lvK2JvrsllyKMJeq1VygW4kIqDd2Hg/w180-h400/20210531_065025.jpg" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdIGPGQ7QGBKb6r_zetGTcFsYtePgCpwSp4ZTf3dDr-a5dIQo22ABBqTDp93K6NYhtUbs8QuULFyfZYBYnCu1ey7YcWFTROw2MUZEATkSQmNaYg6WvleZ88i0h63ZgzH5GE6QA6jzdGc/s2642/20210531_065137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2642" data-original-width="1190" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdIGPGQ7QGBKb6r_zetGTcFsYtePgCpwSp4ZTf3dDr-a5dIQo22ABBqTDp93K6NYhtUbs8QuULFyfZYBYnCu1ey7YcWFTROw2MUZEATkSQmNaYg6WvleZ88i0h63ZgzH5GE6QA6jzdGc/w180-h400/20210531_065137.jpg" width="180" /></a></div></div><br /><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5673594666051007886.post-79704022537807738942021-02-22T09:00:00.002-06:002021-02-22T09:00:09.310-06:00LoveStruck Run Indy Virtual 5k<p>I'm going to be honest. I signed up for this race because of the sweet SWAG! In the virtual race era that has absolutely exploded due to Covid, I find that signing up for virtual races fuels my motivation to run consistently. Pre-Covid, I would sign up for races based on the location more than anything. Since I choose to only run virtual races until I am fully vaccinated, the location of the virtual races is always here in St. Louis County, although I may drive across the river to St. Charles County from time to time for a little variety. There are no runcations right now, so the SWAG matters more now than ever before! </p><p>This particular race was put on by a company called <a href="https://www.facebook.com/racemaker/" target="_blank">Racemaker Productions</a>, based just outside of Indianapolis in Plainfield. In 2014 I ran their <a href="http://www.willrunforamedal.com/2014/11/get-your-kick-on-route-66-litchfield.html" target="_blank">Litchfield Route 66 Half Marathon</a> in Litchfield, Illinois and ABSOLUTELY loved it! I have followed them on social media for years now so when they posted pictures of their SWAG options for the LoveStruck 5k, I immediately fell in love! I'm guessing that was their intent....</p><p>They offered two colors of the hoodie, a sweet medal, and a customizable race bib that is color-coded to the relationship status that you selected. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxmM0tfs2NKJ3s3ogJG-2s4MSX_6ozXCBE_VusfZHhBVk1PhLejlzSKHPwYJ916YTgEY249MiO13idgcathV9KaizEbDtzxcBp3YsX2iDaKUHLJXILfzeQu0WIgqtANoRu_BPxm6B8Xig/s567/Love+Struck+Shirts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="352" data-original-width="567" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxmM0tfs2NKJ3s3ogJG-2s4MSX_6ozXCBE_VusfZHhBVk1PhLejlzSKHPwYJ916YTgEY249MiO13idgcathV9KaizEbDtzxcBp3YsX2iDaKUHLJXILfzeQu0WIgqtANoRu_BPxm6B8Xig/w640-h398/Love+Struck+Shirts.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p><a href="https://runsignup.com/Race/IN/Indianapolis/LoveStruck5k" target="_blank">Their in-person race</a> took place in downtown Indianapolis on February 13th. Virtual runners complete the 5k anytime between February 13 and 28th. My intent is always to run virtual races outdoors but the St. Louis area was hit with a snowstorm on February 14th and temperatures stayed WELL below freezing for several days afterwards, so I opted for completing the mileage on a treadmill on February 16th. So although the scenery was limited to watching traffic attempting to drive in the slushy remains of the snowstorm, I can honestly say that I would not have been motivated to run a 5k that day had I not had a virtual race to complete.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB1vwvNgo0gI5Qms8bXqQyqJvVqzaHdgCRzC2REa-T_o6XTg9lD74W_9K3uy4qXxJj7nvao2s5zpS6zhvc8l6CwH4Eb-1CNDvHabnJZ9gqjuo8L1fA7hhifBaYGCG6qcBWf3VhWIAlK0Q/s2642/20210216_135040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2642" data-original-width="1190" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB1vwvNgo0gI5Qms8bXqQyqJvVqzaHdgCRzC2REa-T_o6XTg9lD74W_9K3uy4qXxJj7nvao2s5zpS6zhvc8l6CwH4Eb-1CNDvHabnJZ9gqjuo8L1fA7hhifBaYGCG6qcBWf3VhWIAlK0Q/w288-h640/20210216_135040.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><br /><p>Those who know me (or read my blog regularly) know that I consider it bad luck to wear the race shirt (or even wash it) before completing the distance. So as soon as I completed the virtual 5k on February 16th, I laid out the SWAG to take a few pictures before washing the hoodie. My cat had to get in on the photo shoot as you can see below. I also opted for the blue hoodie because I rarely wear pink.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqEWwmzLxu9WtOvaeGKKqS3L2waB3uofXKMVleYtn2_mFxEldfXTj95aSIBCli8U9hdUSqSGHuFoGvbhmTAjR50SyOoqsKcfJYIVA6fSHRmUJeFZPdHK8pxEIuRvmvh-Qcw5hSZSrg9BY/s2048/20210216_193841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1672" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqEWwmzLxu9WtOvaeGKKqS3L2waB3uofXKMVleYtn2_mFxEldfXTj95aSIBCli8U9hdUSqSGHuFoGvbhmTAjR50SyOoqsKcfJYIVA6fSHRmUJeFZPdHK8pxEIuRvmvh-Qcw5hSZSrg9BY/w326-h400/20210216_193841.jpg" width="326" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Both the hoodie and the medal have the Indianapolis skyline in the background. The back of the medal has the name of the race engraved on it and it is reflective, hence my cat admiring her reflection. If you've never visited Indianapolis, you have to find a reason to check it out! You can read more about why I love visiting Indianapolis in my <a href="http://www.willrunforamedal.com/2014/05/my-30th-half-marathon-and-mothers-day.html" target="_blank">2014 One America 500 Mini Marathon race recap</a> or my <a href="http://www.willrunforamedal.com/2014/11/indianapolis-monumental-half-marathon.html" target="_blank">2014 Indianapolis Monumental Half Marathon recap</a>. I can't wait to visit Indy again, but I will try to schedule my next visit around a race of course!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD7rRhVbeIn4Vnn64L184rU7kOJORHFv-EkfjncnJeJG1BwqPPr950ZVPutO4qBEvDxzQaokaeTfeOsY_Yt2c0SWS1MDxZ6atd5ZRRuOUhwRvagdCZR9NEMAUcxzrcRHRQNcfhR_DakHQ/s2642/20210216_194119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2642" data-original-width="1190" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD7rRhVbeIn4Vnn64L184rU7kOJORHFv-EkfjncnJeJG1BwqPPr950ZVPutO4qBEvDxzQaokaeTfeOsY_Yt2c0SWS1MDxZ6atd5ZRRuOUhwRvagdCZR9NEMAUcxzrcRHRQNcfhR_DakHQ/w180-h400/20210216_194119.jpg" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfwJmWLmiR1Ha8CAdt1v1caK359eTPQw1RIUKHRdiaUo3SiiuRiN8wm15z6jBfd31pYaW2UAWZaxTLscZeUBJ8K3HkAmNBnllggczGHxPVCnN3f7cjMUP1IwjEICpbO5eX0I9s5hqOT7g/s2642/20210216_193958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2642" data-original-width="1190" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfwJmWLmiR1Ha8CAdt1v1caK359eTPQw1RIUKHRdiaUo3SiiuRiN8wm15z6jBfd31pYaW2UAWZaxTLscZeUBJ8K3HkAmNBnllggczGHxPVCnN3f7cjMUP1IwjEICpbO5eX0I9s5hqOT7g/w180-h400/20210216_193958.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><br /></div> <br />You still have time to complete the virtual 5k and you can find more information <a href="https://runsignup.com/Race/LoveStruck5k/Page-7" target="_blank">by clicking here</a>. I also recommend checking out <a href="https://www.facebook.com/racemaker/" target="_blank">Racemaker Productions Facebook page</a> and their <a href="http://racemaker.org/event-calendar/?fbclid=IwAR3j22tYj5sizueRHdNDHKApdSlSe4aKJA6Hifmf4XrtjUfHeVg83-4eAOU" target="_blank">event calendar</a> for upcoming race. I'm really excited to see what they will do next!</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5673594666051007886.post-78160439122709490672020-12-30T21:24:00.006-06:002020-12-30T21:34:54.570-06:00MO' Cowbell Single Chuck Challenge - Half Marathon #54<p>On a cold Christmas Eve morning in St. Louis, my runner friend and I finally completed the Single Chuck Challenge for the MO' Cowbell Virtual Half Marathon. Since summer we had trained and were working our way up to running at least 10 of the 13.1 miles, if we couldn't run the entire distance. We were on track and had a great eight mile run on November 7th, but soon after that our training got derailed due to a couple Covid scares and crazy work schedules. The rest of November and the 1st half of December, we hardly ran at all. Since our training had completely derailed, we settled for walking the entire 13.1 miles. </p><p>Once we saw the forecast for Christmas Eve we knew that despite the cold, the weather was otherwise beautiful and sunny. My friend asked me how long I thought a walking half marathon would take and in my experience as a race sweeper, I told her four hours. We finished just under that, around the 3:52:00 mark.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_zNy5bRAf600Y9ZuGvSyS9566PbAkfFZYhcmdlOSrSszuwu3z8Bsp6oFETBCg9Y90fVP5_ZEHaFxz1Yzg63XaYB1FpIG6KZ95x6m3fQxzRGfgl2gE77_5We7z4161UDGjr-oMjMquSU/s2400/Screenshot_20201230-192546_Connect.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_zNy5bRAf600Y9ZuGvSyS9566PbAkfFZYhcmdlOSrSszuwu3z8Bsp6oFETBCg9Y90fVP5_ZEHaFxz1Yzg63XaYB1FpIG6KZ95x6m3fQxzRGfgl2gE77_5We7z4161UDGjr-oMjMquSU/w288-h640/Screenshot_20201230-192546_Connect.jpg" width="288" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our finish time</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our course was beautiful and almost completely clear of any other humans, partially due to the holiday and partially due to the bitter cold. We started at Longview Farm Park in Town & Country, walked several loops through Drace Park, down Bopp Road where we felt tiny as we walked by mansions, and then repeated the same course back to Longview Farm Park.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRKNso-TXTRM8g2Lrt8kUOkV4tEdf0Bu0CxudynhQqVsueAwsnjl9IKPZmmS8XM8WAHtEpU2yPXBAy4rhMlKKPI4C-AMAHMcAyjBQJOOnG58ScvOZihJQtDVP73c-PRQiSm9Sy_gjV14U/s2642/20201224_105729.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1190" data-original-width="2642" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRKNso-TXTRM8g2Lrt8kUOkV4tEdf0Bu0CxudynhQqVsueAwsnjl9IKPZmmS8XM8WAHtEpU2yPXBAy4rhMlKKPI4C-AMAHMcAyjBQJOOnG58ScvOZihJQtDVP73c-PRQiSm9Sy_gjV14U/w640-h288/20201224_105729.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drace Park along the course in Town & Country</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We even passed several holly bushes along the course, which made the race feel more festive. </div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVA9WI2e3GJFVK6L9tntOUC7HPXlDHK8YZxsaWkROG_Mt_c0IDP9svXKkkh5_BA6InS0Y2epAjmvcQKCMYbUv66zL6o5VjMA0ngQ6v6mwvVKlc1ejGFaV4X0y5914iViJu8lkq5d1b8mE/s2642/20201224_110732.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2642" data-original-width="1190" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVA9WI2e3GJFVK6L9tntOUC7HPXlDHK8YZxsaWkROG_Mt_c0IDP9svXKkkh5_BA6InS0Y2epAjmvcQKCMYbUv66zL6o5VjMA0ngQ6v6mwvVKlc1ejGFaV4X0y5914iViJu8lkq5d1b8mE/w288-h640/20201224_110732.jpg" width="288" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holly along the course</td></tr></tbody></table><br />As we got back to Longview Farm Park to finish the 13.1, we were cold but we were not sore. We were the only two cars in the parking lot when we left, which was a completely different view from when we started training together this summer. We had picked up our race SWAG back in October and normally I refuse to wear race SWAG until I complete the race, but I've actually been using this year's race SWAG ever since packet pick-up. I wear hats much more often now since I primarily work from home in the Covid-era and I LOVE the face mask because it is perfect for workouts. I actually wore my MO' Cowbell face mask during the entire virtual half marathon not only for safety, but also because it protected my face from the bitter cold!<div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjTtLuZjYsLfMyHiriAH6zJ_x1ex8pZmh6dbXEByTR5s5GCak3LtRaVz5qTWK27Xgj4_29OaIxk_rxwK1hsr4q_4ZmyS6RWdFBL1yT9vcclVwGpJlMQ5jrpKxtptMmomF1xLlx7tgV-lA/s2048/20201031_224609.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjTtLuZjYsLfMyHiriAH6zJ_x1ex8pZmh6dbXEByTR5s5GCak3LtRaVz5qTWK27Xgj4_29OaIxk_rxwK1hsr4q_4ZmyS6RWdFBL1yT9vcclVwGpJlMQ5jrpKxtptMmomF1xLlx7tgV-lA/w640-h360/20201031_224609.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Single Chuck Challenge SWAG</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Normally my runner friend and I volunteer on race weekend, so it was nice to be a participant again this year. Be sure to stay tuned to the <a href="https://mocowbellmarathon.com/" target="_blank">MO' Cowbell Marathon</a> website to see what they have in store for 2021.</p><p><br /></p><p>See you next year!</p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5673594666051007886.post-5000660914200581352020-11-01T16:11:00.004-06:002020-11-01T16:15:57.290-06:00Virtual Stranger Distances 6.7 Mile Race<p>Although there have been a couple in-person races in the St. Louis area, I still just prefer virtual races for now. Due to Covid, the race market is suddenly flooded with virtual races so when I received an email about a virtual race with unusual distance options, I just knew that I had to sign up. The race was called "Stranger Distances" and it offered a 3.2 mile, 6.7 mile, and an 11.11 mile option that was offered through an organization called <a href="https://allcommunityevents.com/" target="_blank">All Community Events</a>. My friend and I have slowly been building our mileage since this summer so although I wanted to sign up for the 11.11 mile option, I decided that the 6.7 mile option was much more attainable. </p><p>Once you registered, you had up until Halloween to complete your selected mileage. I selected a random weekend with warm weather to run the 6.7 miles with my friend. We didn't do anything special to prepare other than setting our long run goal for 6.7 miles that day. We started the race from a gorgeous park in Town and Country, MO called Longview Farm Park. It connects to a wide asphalt path that runs along Clayton Road and connects to several other parks. Since I have never run this distance before, our finish time was definitely a PR for both of us. We actually completed the race on October 10 and then a week or so later, the race shirt arrived. For this race, I opted not to pay the extra $10 (I think) for a medal and the bib was emailed to you to print at home. What I like about the shirt is that it is long sleeve, so it will be perfect to wear this fall and winter on my long runs.</p><p>Below are some pictures from the <a href="https://runsignup.com/Race/IN/Hawkins/StrangerDistances32Mi67Mi1111Mi" target="_blank">Stranger Distance 6.7 Mile race</a>. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHYreFLjXMBFTqMyAMjD2jT8OlfGtP0iVyo90FaucdZZi1f5-xNfAZkwEVRj1UkT1oMM8d9vJEZFK-x5e2RYg927B343LUK5ADgyh-l9AIR1aafqUEqKeAaGe0hr5f7DK_0NSgyp_99Dnq/s1434/Screenshot_20201010-222029.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1419" data-original-width="1434" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHYreFLjXMBFTqMyAMjD2jT8OlfGtP0iVyo90FaucdZZi1f5-xNfAZkwEVRj1UkT1oMM8d9vJEZFK-x5e2RYg927B343LUK5ADgyh-l9AIR1aafqUEqKeAaGe0hr5f7DK_0NSgyp_99Dnq/w400-h396/Screenshot_20201010-222029.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQzsKw-Nh9Uyw2cWKuVRGGlJfIJvqBirnIr7mHmxZAniMbndxaQuSQBCfwj08qWLv9IDTQGj3FhZN3XgK12onff8EdOe4ysh4C8QhGkzD-z2U_sxTIyzTDL815kEwsN0Q8OSaaT3kV9gEJ/s2048/20201010_075332.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQzsKw-Nh9Uyw2cWKuVRGGlJfIJvqBirnIr7mHmxZAniMbndxaQuSQBCfwj08qWLv9IDTQGj3FhZN3XgK12onff8EdOe4ysh4C8QhGkzD-z2U_sxTIyzTDL815kEwsN0Q8OSaaT3kV9gEJ/w640-h360/20201010_075332.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Fall Colors<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-LkkLd5EhgwsP5qWPKDF8SmISgEZvx2du1DvSC63ixeVpT5YQrwHOQ8oOmLL43OrGj74Mn6-UL6G6-Q7RGTVeagThGxsG-LWO_cNP_ft_GfRdYQWVODqgXjoNLGPXqM8buN2ShmbYhDX-/s2048/shirt+and+bib.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1405" data-original-width="2048" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-LkkLd5EhgwsP5qWPKDF8SmISgEZvx2du1DvSC63ixeVpT5YQrwHOQ8oOmLL43OrGj74Mn6-UL6G6-Q7RGTVeagThGxsG-LWO_cNP_ft_GfRdYQWVODqgXjoNLGPXqM8buN2ShmbYhDX-/w640-h440/shirt+and+bib.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Race shirt and printable bib were included in the registration fee<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p>Breehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07247874959613676577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5673594666051007886.post-6961730721818061702020-09-20T14:17:00.003-05:002020-09-20T14:17:22.364-05:00Will Run for Coffee Virtual 5k<p>This weekend I ran the <b>Will Run for Coffee Virtual 5k</b> through <a href="http://virtualrun.com">virtualrun.com</a>. This is the first virtual race that I have participated in through this company, but I have been following them on social media for a while. I registered for this particular 5k due to the medal and obviously by the name of my blog, I am all about medals!</p><p>I run regularly with a former co-worker and since we ran another <a href="http://www.willrunforamedal.com/2020/07/im-back-and-slower-than-ever.html" target="_blank">virtual 5k together at Tiemeyer Park</a>, we chose a different park for this virtual 5k. With this race being coffee-themed, I also decided that I would celebrate finishing this virtual 5k with a fancy coffee from <a href="https://www.deercreekcoffee.com/" target="_blank">Deer Creek Coffee</a>.</p><p>We started the race in Town and Country, MO at a park called <a href="https://www.town-and-country.org/151/Longview-Farm-Park" target="_blank">Longview Farm</a>. It is a beautiful park with wide paths, multiple loop options, a barn, and horses. More importantly though, it connects to a wide trail along Clayton Road. We started and ended our 5k at the park, but mainly ran along the Clayton Road path. We also ran through another Town and Country park called Drace Park. It has a small paved loop but it also has several log cabins along the path, which makes it very unique. We are still using the Galloway Method, so our intervals were set to run two minutes and then walk one minute. I'm happy with our overall paced and we ended up finishing in 44:16. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglYALN57oUBGE3qGEcOk2dC23zKcu7FEgzOmhAgocSnispn3TekZy0-JWCCsQ5bHZSgeA2SbCsQ8R9rItOQlGltgMqYbrj4pEJlrA3hSU7iQcWcu4q7-Rl1NaCZl1qpK_H-4A7dLIRVFQ/s1440/strava1104876687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglYALN57oUBGE3qGEcOk2dC23zKcu7FEgzOmhAgocSnispn3TekZy0-JWCCsQ5bHZSgeA2SbCsQ8R9rItOQlGltgMqYbrj4pEJlrA3hSU7iQcWcu4q7-Rl1NaCZl1qpK_H-4A7dLIRVFQ/w400-h400/strava1104876687.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>After cool down and stretching I placed my pick-up order from Deer Creek Coffee, which is in the opposite direction on Clayton Road. Sure enough, my Cadbury Creme Latte was ready for me when I arrived and it was delicious!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGGfBC7NSfKKRAzrkX7a9fTIQWAfFIQzXYNxzmxMB7hoiGY_wN4SM3h7-PAP53GGTEavwXggqUffZppcZVi4RY8P6Jcq1VaIRCLN4cUj31ubn1b_1T60VquT12NeYLpKwdnLSNQAN2BVg/s1417/Screenshot_20200913-093540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1251" data-original-width="1417" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGGfBC7NSfKKRAzrkX7a9fTIQWAfFIQzXYNxzmxMB7hoiGY_wN4SM3h7-PAP53GGTEavwXggqUffZppcZVi4RY8P6Jcq1VaIRCLN4cUj31ubn1b_1T60VquT12NeYLpKwdnLSNQAN2BVg/s320/Screenshot_20200913-093540.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXCXZALXFBvtf72asPhWYaxGSs7fYkmNXWsPfexdce_5l1nR8fTnzmwkCUxzZeATpLotFMoIBwu3ZqAxJyvBQqnGMM2sg06UDiZSl14pyFYW2dn67teCNgirRkUCmnXukdQnecoJYdZwQ/s2048/20200913_114425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXCXZALXFBvtf72asPhWYaxGSs7fYkmNXWsPfexdce_5l1nR8fTnzmwkCUxzZeATpLotFMoIBwu3ZqAxJyvBQqnGMM2sg06UDiZSl14pyFYW2dn67teCNgirRkUCmnXukdQnecoJYdZwQ/w640-h360/20200913_114425.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS3Oi3bzRYYJLObrx9jo5afhYzBL4nUYRgp64ag4ytMYeH-ChunobjYoXiWZjmouTX4CoLAF0J7OoNnhI5XE-G-ik8R0qplw0EagiR1fUwIzViRuk1ZhNWjUn_m39wGwUCJQD0yYMtb9c/s320/20200913_114456.jpg" style="text-align: left;" /><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkIaAwUZZ7KHk_kTamk4J2SooSNVj3Bv62D1lsCTftMjpY8Ujk5TErm0kWs5DAvFtpw-F1C8xIuK4-imxr8hVXrp6ra2OslLqRwOioZ55MnbnnT27f8H95beOMl2pgv_bhYhB8w8lGws/s320/20200913_114450.jpg" style="text-align: left;" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVoXMaFPw5ewoedBRVd0xZ6SEeINXsNoZ_lbvzgmPqQp6oWMlExw4sX5iEXOG58BCliKLFCeoL1WZ7p9xhHP0qlfiL8zDfTb2ZlwpIfAELATTOpxAj-vdzdQPL6dFrjnpEa0FVFvQwn0/s2048/20200913_114522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVoXMaFPw5ewoedBRVd0xZ6SEeINXsNoZ_lbvzgmPqQp6oWMlExw4sX5iEXOG58BCliKLFCeoL1WZ7p9xhHP0qlfiL8zDfTb2ZlwpIfAELATTOpxAj-vdzdQPL6dFrjnpEa0FVFvQwn0/s320/20200913_114522.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love this medal and how it is designed to not just hang on your medal rack (or in my case, the closet), it can actually be used as a coaster. I'll be sure to keep an eye out for other unique medals from <a href="http://virtualrun.com">virtualrun.com</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Happy running!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5673594666051007886.post-12724053623713259732020-07-12T10:52:00.001-05:002020-07-12T10:52:49.394-05:00I'm back and slower than ever!Back in January, I started talking to my mother about where we would go for our mother-daughter race-cation this year. We had tentatively chosen a June race in Kansas City until I received an email about the Baltimore Running Festival celebrating their 20th anniversary . <a href="http://www.willrunforamedal.com/2013/07/the-beginning.html" target="_blank">My very first half marathon in 2009</a> was at the Baltimore Running Festival and I had wanted to run it again in 2019 to celebrate my ten years of running, but I couldn't make it happen due to my lack of training and my crazy schedule. I thought going back to Baltimore to run a half marathon for their 20th anniversary, staying in the same hotel in the Inner Harbor, and eating amazing seafood sounded amazing! Then COVID-19 hit and the world changed. We canceled our Baltimore hotel back in March and luckily I had not registered for the half marathon yet. I started working from home and since my commute became non-existent, I was able to walk every morning before starting my work day. Walking at least a 5k daily eventually led to the need for a new pair of Brooks Adrenalines, which made me want to run again. <br />
<br />
In 2019 I completely walked the two half marathons that I finished and I did not register for any races after June last year. I had gotten so slow due to weight gain and I wasn't motivated to train for a race of any distance. But something this spring re-energized me. I was getting motivated by all the miles I was walking and I kept wanting to walk longer every day or even multiple times a day. With most races being converted to a virtual format I started looking at virtual 5k's, but I knew that I needed to take the time to properly train this time. I ended up downloading a Couch to 5k training app and LOVED it, but it stopped working about four weeks in. I Googled similar plans and just chose one that I liked and would end the week of Independence Day. My goal was was the virtual America's Birthday 5k, which is normally held in downtown St. Louis on Independence Day before the parade. <div><br /></div><div>Training started off well and the weeks flew by. When my Couch to 5k app stopped working I could have made that an excuse to quit too, but I had re-fallen in love with running by that point so I found a new plan to follow thanks to Google. We had an amazing Spring in Missouri this year, but the temperature and humidity jumped up in June and has only been going up since. I HATE running in the summer heat and humidity. I just wilt in the heat and if I don't start running before 7 a.m., I just won't run outdoors that day. My body just won't let me do it. I will still go for a walk, but my body just hates running in that environment. But just as the temperature and humidity were going up, the gym in our complex finally re-opened by appointment only. I suddenly found that I really enjoyed running on the treadmill and wished that I had my own so that I could run longer than a one-hour appointment allowed me. So by the end of June, I was consistently running outdoors or indoors between three and five days per week!</div><div><br /></div><div>As Independence Day weekend approached, we had a socially distanced department lunch at a co-workers house. Her house was adjacent to a park in St. Ann, MO. Before that lunch I had no idea where I was going to run my virtual 5k but as I left her house, I texted another co-worker to see if she would want to run a 5k with me at that park on Friday, July 3. It had been a while since I had run with that co-worker (we had run the University City Memorial Day 10k in 2019 together but I didn't blog about it), but she immediately agreed to meet me at 7 a.m. to try to beat he heat. </div><div><br /></div><div>With the <a href="https://www.fleetfeet.com/s/stlouis/AB5K" target="_blank">America's Birthday 5k</a> going virtual, you had from July 1st - July 7th to complete your 5k. Technically I completed two: one indoors on a treadmill and one with my co-worker, outdoors on July 3rd. I wanted to see what the time difference would be when you factored in real hills, heat, humidity, and socializing. To my surprise, there was not a major difference between the two.</div><div><br /></div><div>I completely ran my indoor treadmill 5k at a fairly slow and comfortable pace, and I did add some rolling hills for a finish time of 42:49, which averages out to a 13:47 pace. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKQlorzW-3hhWmLDwIoPim2unPSvbOERM3VBZzO30f15VX9TxosqfG-Bh5kGk_UxFZjIZkdPHGXemuzpQDKpmQ8lkeBXS-4AjL4iwBPNy_D43yyu7hFOpFGUgLLCMMY12VTnfcLjJfyGY/s2048/Screenshot_20200703-182501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKQlorzW-3hhWmLDwIoPim2unPSvbOERM3VBZzO30f15VX9TxosqfG-Bh5kGk_UxFZjIZkdPHGXemuzpQDKpmQ8lkeBXS-4AjL4iwBPNy_D43yyu7hFOpFGUgLLCMMY12VTnfcLjJfyGY/w351-h625/Screenshot_20200703-182501.jpg" width="351" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Treadmill 5k<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span></span><p style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 1; text-align: left;">For my outdoor 5k, I alternated between jogging and walking with my co-worker. The park had rolling hills and it was HOT and humid that morning. Our finish time was 44:40 for an overall pace of 14:25. I was surprised that there was not more of a difference since we walked quite a bit, but we must have been running at a faster pace than I usually run on the treadmill to make up for that time. </span></p><p><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQwDhi1E3GqxldB12k8mVh3sGuhOHlbTG66dthQt7JlDl_oYCaNEHcY11GJKUZeOxaiybI_K4LgAHYHVyijWJ9JUXNhtVOPnkBH_Jp-A5n2Gf7GEAz42Vv5WmYBjHrQ1KWW6bf3qBQRrE/s2048/Screenshot_20200703-182118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQwDhi1E3GqxldB12k8mVh3sGuhOHlbTG66dthQt7JlDl_oYCaNEHcY11GJKUZeOxaiybI_K4LgAHYHVyijWJ9JUXNhtVOPnkBH_Jp-A5n2Gf7GEAz42Vv5WmYBjHrQ1KWW6bf3qBQRrE/w351-h625/Screenshot_20200703-182118.jpg" width="351" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p></p><div>After our 5k, we walked another mile to cool down and explore other areas of the park. The park was really a hidden gem with several water features, beautiful landscaping, several paved paths, plenty of parking, and it was very quiet that morning and not packed with people.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSj8O63kaJb1MBsvaX0-YA09xUZkbq2BNFlJKPAPSVPNfCm-PygWENx51sRir0AZkm6e_ZhGyJRaUUxFfSsipr2181cBFtxQXodXRhRFAvmt-et3ktHRjMT-hWZM7hbw6n247aJ8-NAFk/s2048/20200703_081113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSj8O63kaJb1MBsvaX0-YA09xUZkbq2BNFlJKPAPSVPNfCm-PygWENx51sRir0AZkm6e_ZhGyJRaUUxFfSsipr2181cBFtxQXodXRhRFAvmt-et3ktHRjMT-hWZM7hbw6n247aJ8-NAFk/w225-h400/20200703_081113.jpg" width="225" /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv4YdJb7LQiP9iH26dVwiV4LCrvSqdzQ-Ura7Vzc_-TLXnaPgw1IZEp6wYFbr1nvvtor22x_koDbddNBUatvJSOUN2a1Aa8SvKon69xiPARvgkSvFYc-zDYRjid0_tb6VQGQDHJIB3wQI/w225-h400/20200703_081134.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="225" /></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_q80OnF-kWw78A8N7xHnNT9sjSUCZuRey4z1r_H4zY7aKQZYxFDfrFS32ZTTdJ3vc1lGKO_cNHfrvm0NClMzg2R23WuXzWv4EUqQCCuYAnTZSEdqu8vI2mx9-NxS-6vrbfAvqBzmrhIQ/s2048/20200703_081218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_q80OnF-kWw78A8N7xHnNT9sjSUCZuRey4z1r_H4zY7aKQZYxFDfrFS32ZTTdJ3vc1lGKO_cNHfrvm0NClMzg2R23WuXzWv4EUqQCCuYAnTZSEdqu8vI2mx9-NxS-6vrbfAvqBzmrhIQ/w225-h400/20200703_081218.jpg" width="225" /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-h3zQzEOo7edR0OPKhyphenhyphenwfv8njQIMxGR-sEPA0MD0pXjEDjRnaTX8QHF4ZxMTBJr2SFh3CxZN5MKBvHywxsqqUEai-TnKmnafXlXdrOVILYC3IxX-hj4wwHHlSEzfZaHC66pkC3bXGzk0/w225-h400/20200703_081318.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="225" /></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>I also brought my virtual bib and medal along to take a picture of in the park post-race:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHSOlZhAhELhPYmXfeYXTCjMq9JJGHao4rCAXKqgpeYTvHb-_b9ZHlcBufVMpF8OjipGHEBNht3bj_3RCGWrNRaYbpBFKSGMsMTD9fLfWhpZfsZmlDbVeymLqd8D_YaBnxQBC2BFWGcfc/s2048/20200703_090851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1590" data-original-width="2048" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHSOlZhAhELhPYmXfeYXTCjMq9JJGHao4rCAXKqgpeYTvHb-_b9ZHlcBufVMpF8OjipGHEBNht3bj_3RCGWrNRaYbpBFKSGMsMTD9fLfWhpZfsZmlDbVeymLqd8D_YaBnxQBC2BFWGcfc/w500-h388/20200703_090851.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The race director sent out several emails leading up to the race so that participants would stay motivated and know how to submit their results. I'm really glad that I found this virtual 5k to complete my Couch to 5k training and I am so glad that I pulled in a co-worker to run with me at the last minute. I am certain that my outdoor 5k time would have been even slower had she not been there with me! Even though both my indoor and outdoor finish times were slow, I am now able to see where my current fitness level is and then hopefully improve and stay motivated going forward.</div><div><br /></div><div>So I am slower than ever, but I am finally back running again!!!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Breehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07247874959613676577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5673594666051007886.post-88110782772833161582019-08-18T15:55:00.001-05:002019-10-09T18:09:38.440-05:00When you decide NOT to run a race, volunteer instead!I haven't posted in a while because I was holding out for a training update post, but my half marathon training hasn't quite been going as planned. As a result, I made the difficult decision to NOT run any half marathons this fall and volunteer at the races I had planned to run instead. This fall and winter I plan to focus on increasing my strength and flexibility and hopefully get closer to the level of fitness I had <a href="https://www.athlinks.com/athletes/94707050/results" target="_blank">in 2014 when I ran my last marathon</a> and before I experienced several years of injuries.<br />
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So now the plan is to volunteer at the <a href="http://mocowbellmarathon.com/get-involved/moo-crew/" target="_blank">MO' Cowbell</a> expo and on race day. I think it will be hard being absent from the start line with the other MO' Bassadors and runners, but I am really looking forward to seeing race day from a totally different perspective.<br />
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I hope to see you on race day!Breehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07247874959613676577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5673594666051007886.post-43476417249600563762019-07-03T19:44:00.000-05:002019-07-03T19:18:25.038-05:00Be Well STLI attended the most amazing event on Saturday, June 29 called Be Well STL. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rm9Q2rnyElI" target="_blank">Click here</a> to watch a video about the event. For $20 (or $22 after fees) you could attend up to six exercise classes offered by local gyms and studios, visit the booths of local health and wellness vendors, receive a goodie bag with a sweat towel (which you will need if you take any classes), and enjoy lunch from <a href="https://fit-flavors.com/" target="_blank">Fit Flavors</a>.<br />
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Onsite registration is available but since I signed up a few weeks prior, I was automatically sent a link to pre-register for my exercise classes. My plan was to skip the 6:45 a.m. class and start with 8:00 a.m. WERQ then attend the 9:00 a.m. Shred415 class, 10:00 a.m. Zumba, 11:00 a.m. Pilates, and 12:00 p.m. Balance Barre. Since this was my first time attending this event, I didn't realize that this plan wasn't well thought out.<br />
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<b>The Class Schedule:</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG52Z4J1NHsaNpX9cq6LxT3WRevRLH-qM-H8sjvXsUhr5niIFDXrJ7SjUTFYNXzparoHogZMb1x6CVgzffItiDgCEK1UqHzpGUFuTANwe85n8IKk1akbNO0m8b6TkrRx92YP6kpJ382TN3/s1600/Schedule+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="457" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG52Z4J1NHsaNpX9cq6LxT3WRevRLH-qM-H8sjvXsUhr5niIFDXrJ7SjUTFYNXzparoHogZMb1x6CVgzffItiDgCEK1UqHzpGUFuTANwe85n8IKk1akbNO0m8b6TkrRx92YP6kpJ382TN3/s640/Schedule+1.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzmdkEnXh1tbAvFr5O4l5J0DWbtOzCMf_nRw_9fHLcOGG7oRn1GfMClSUpbg1wU_lBe05iskp5G-3uo-Py-O4r2dP-rZ3BzcaxKWTvPJfTSyCZ01bORV0PdtpvzBRPweZhj6EDWu7imDdm/s1600/Schedule+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="559" data-original-width="414" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzmdkEnXh1tbAvFr5O4l5J0DWbtOzCMf_nRw_9fHLcOGG7oRn1GfMClSUpbg1wU_lBe05iskp5G-3uo-Py-O4r2dP-rZ3BzcaxKWTvPJfTSyCZ01bORV0PdtpvzBRPweZhj6EDWu7imDdm/s640/Schedule+2.jpg" width="472" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigy6BKpdNeMMDrl4nberge8t4mkvNNbe0Il9GvqoKA4H9xIzj4UYcIdElYy_0kfOJYFyJ336t0ExbrDGv8XJZoIXQrkyAl9gCsPb_T_ABvdaDqRIH-HkQlbtfc7ntKJP3zk9qblFrbO1Dw/s1600/Helpful+Tips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="678" data-original-width="447" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigy6BKpdNeMMDrl4nberge8t4mkvNNbe0Il9GvqoKA4H9xIzj4UYcIdElYy_0kfOJYFyJ336t0ExbrDGv8XJZoIXQrkyAl9gCsPb_T_ABvdaDqRIH-HkQlbtfc7ntKJP3zk9qblFrbO1Dw/s640/Helpful+Tips.jpg" width="420" /></a></div>
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<b>Vendor Information:</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmiTAcMA85wGLQw8UZpu2rorBsWyh8WPDKjG8VtVYc7CQLexozya-vC7AT5PXqSnUV7qhYgaC__iHYXEZpSz9hf0G-MYsoCu7mtjBNcfxeGLhH6Y0bWi1_96ugUqJBJqex9OH7fMfyDHmq/s1600/Marketplace+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="445" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmiTAcMA85wGLQw8UZpu2rorBsWyh8WPDKjG8VtVYc7CQLexozya-vC7AT5PXqSnUV7qhYgaC__iHYXEZpSz9hf0G-MYsoCu7mtjBNcfxeGLhH6Y0bWi1_96ugUqJBJqex9OH7fMfyDHmq/s640/Marketplace+1.jpg" width="438" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtickjH1RYqEZBxn-eSf4n3GJLw0SYAWBoNlrQl7TUj0T7i2P_MsZFAT4D2aRrtrHjIIXnLJqHwa2fHVW45AS4_xkG7mMSrFRY0Zt_FrJ_92S6aAxwp8vrN6WabWDFcgHP2AYXU3dXWUZh/s1600/Marketplace+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="641" data-original-width="397" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtickjH1RYqEZBxn-eSf4n3GJLw0SYAWBoNlrQl7TUj0T7i2P_MsZFAT4D2aRrtrHjIIXnLJqHwa2fHVW45AS4_xkG7mMSrFRY0Zt_FrJ_92S6aAxwp8vrN6WabWDFcgHP2AYXU3dXWUZh/s640/Marketplace+2.jpg" width="396" /></a></div>
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<b>What actually happened was this:</b><br />
8:00 a.m. <a href="https://werqfitness.com/" target="_blank">WERQ</a> This class is basically like Zumba but with hip hop music and dance moves. It was fun and I burned 470 calories in the 45 minute class BUT I quickly realized that I am just as bad at WERQ as I am Zumba.<br />
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9:00 a.m. <a href="https://shred415.com/" target="_blank">Shred415</a> I have loved Shred415 ever since I took my first class at the Brentwood studio. I could go to one of their two studios any time but when I saw that one of my favorite instructors was teaching a 9:00 a.m. class, I knew that I had to be there! At this event, Shred415 didn't have their treadmills, decks, or weights but we still managed to fit in plenty of cardio and body weight/resistance band exercises. I actually ended up burning 427 calories in the 45 minute class!<br />
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10:00 a.m. Zumba. I took the Zumba class because it was being taught by an instructor from my own gym and I hadn't been to a Zumba class in a while, a long while. Again, I am horrible at Zumba but I burned 470 calories in the class.<br />
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11:00 a.m. I had signed up for Pilates but I was completely drenched in sweat and hungry after three straight classes, so I decided to take a break and eat my lunch from Fit Flavors. The classes were all around 45 minutes each to allow time in between classes to visit the vendors, take a break, and get to you next class but I knew that I wanted and needed more than a 15 minute break. Lunch included half of a chicken wrap and a kale Caesar salad. It was amazing and really hit the spot.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKzdUwbV4tDHnCRTplQ3UWogE7-6zme8vp25-0o_6zOE4xW_XRRD5jatKb0gSr_8sXIHAiNh8mZJL-rOK9pr57L_MGbxkbtYvMBuiISLb_JVYZh48lbzrq-pCSrs9Mu3Mj6qEOM8_bd1kn/s1600/20190629_110540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKzdUwbV4tDHnCRTplQ3UWogE7-6zme8vp25-0o_6zOE4xW_XRRD5jatKb0gSr_8sXIHAiNh8mZJL-rOK9pr57L_MGbxkbtYvMBuiISLb_JVYZh48lbzrq-pCSrs9Mu3Mj6qEOM8_bd1kn/s400/20190629_110540.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fit Flavors = Yum!</td></tr>
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I thought ahead and packed a 2nd outfit knowing that I could get extremely sweaty with back-to-back-to-back classes, so I also used my downtime to change clothes. After the Zumba class, I thought about leaving the event after I ate lunch but the little break gave me my 2nd wind! I also used the downtime to walk around the vendor booths and I ended up picking up several samples as well as a few complimentary gym passes and class passes. It was time well spent!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF06M1wbMzwLu606vvEZ-MxKLTy7GManqYdJaLQvN6_nOvYUD-oD6iBU47y9mJBh2E3E-4VpW5u9seBleTDKKNV1SRWnCZF2bjdgBxwVwxTrKF92yrWtX6rUZSGAgU0oTdo1iMsbyRO89C/s1600/20190629_105253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF06M1wbMzwLu606vvEZ-MxKLTy7GManqYdJaLQvN6_nOvYUD-oD6iBU47y9mJBh2E3E-4VpW5u9seBleTDKKNV1SRWnCZF2bjdgBxwVwxTrKF92yrWtX6rUZSGAgU0oTdo1iMsbyRO89C/s640/20190629_105253.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vendors throughout the lobby</td></tr>
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After my break, I walked past the various classrooms trying to decide which class I should take at Noon. I finally decided that I would take the <a href="https://d1training.com/" target="_blank">D1 Training Boot Camp</a> after watching the end of their 11:00 a.m. class. But at 12:05 p.m., I still didn't see anyone in the classroom so I took MIXXEDFIT instead. MIXXEDFIT ended up being a hybrid of Zumba and WERQ, so it was a lot of fun just trying to make my body mimic the moves of the instructors. After another 45 minute class, I had burned another 500 calories!<br />
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Around 1 p.m. I walked out of the event almost giddy and humming to myself. I hadn't worked that hard in a long time and it just felt amazing to sweat! I can't wait until the 2020 event but some advice I have for any first-timers would be:<br />
<ul>
<li>Bring a 2nd outfit if you plan to take multiple classes. Pack deodorant too!</li>
<li>Bring snacks and a water bottle.</li>
<li>Bring a yoga mat even if you don't intend to take yoga or Pilates classes. We laid on the floor for some of the exercises during the Shred415 class and that was my 2nd class of the day, so I was already sweaty. I didn't have a mat so I ended up leaving a big sweat puddle on the gym floor. Meanwhile most of the other ladies had yoga mats to lay on, so they had nothing to worry about. Next year I will remember to bring a mat!</li>
<li>Shake, jump, run, just relax and have fun! </li>
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Next year I am going to try to wait until Noon to take a lunch break because the 11:00 a.m. classes all seemed to be pretty packed but then the event started to noticeably die down at 11:45. I wish I would have taken the D1 class at 11:00 a.m. since it was packed and then taken a lunch break, but I did the exact opposite and the last classes of the day at Noon were noticeably smaller. At least I know what the flow is like for next year and I will just grab little snacks or samples in between classes to keep me going until lunch. <br />
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What is great about this event is that every year is different. Different gyms and studios attend and offer classes and/or have booths in the marketplace. Lunch is provided and plenty of vendors are offering food samples too! The atmosphere is very positive and you'll have fun. I can't wait until the 2020 event!!!!</div>
Breehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07247874959613676577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5673594666051007886.post-29678753545130963212019-04-30T19:18:00.004-05:002019-04-30T20:45:40.995-05:00The Kentucky Derby Mini Marathon - The Rest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After last year's mother-daughter trip to Nashville for the Rock 'n' Roll race, we decided to extend this year's trip to four days instead of three so that we would have more time for sightseeing. Since we arrived on Thursday and the <a href="http://www.willrunforamedal.com/2019/04/the-kentucky-derby-mini-marathon-race.html" target="_blank">Kentucky Derby Mini Marathon</a> was Saturday, we had ample time before and after the race to tour the city.<br />
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<b><u>Tours:</u></b><br />
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Coming into race weekend, we knew that we would at least visit the <a href="https://www.sluggermuseum.com/" target="_blank">Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory</a> which was one block from our hotel. This museum was our first stop Friday morning and we were able to get tickets for the 10:20 a.m. tour. Tour tickets were $16 for adults, which was well-worth it because we learned so much more about baseball AND you get a mini bat at the end of the tour. You aren't allowed to take pictures during the tour, but I did take the photos below before the tour began.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigkca7aDDKQtDsBlDuGPcvyLM1Ztdtb3mZG1xpmJA2CtKgD5QsyeWsrWFEtItH5IcyZIkMdZZzU5bM_yIRNSrRwSJO-vO4kH3pAcLy9xnlF9U7Hwv5PYhvOExyMkbKuwjhG_cQer6cC-f2/s1600/20190426_092114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigkca7aDDKQtDsBlDuGPcvyLM1Ztdtb3mZG1xpmJA2CtKgD5QsyeWsrWFEtItH5IcyZIkMdZZzU5bM_yIRNSrRwSJO-vO4kH3pAcLy9xnlF9U7Hwv5PYhvOExyMkbKuwjhG_cQer6cC-f2/s640/20190426_092114.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9tjmEyb0AeeBRmi-KbKsy-EhOPjedDGceRkKUfzf1SMhw4TQ7ZgZ6G8iHiB2zXfSvqNcc-hdHnJqQlgMuItdNj8WiknXVcibfGg7zgK40Ok4YO9mtYgKqQdrEd0hwBhW_sz1QNW1r5skD/s1600/20190426_111827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9tjmEyb0AeeBRmi-KbKsy-EhOPjedDGceRkKUfzf1SMhw4TQ7ZgZ6G8iHiB2zXfSvqNcc-hdHnJqQlgMuItdNj8WiknXVcibfGg7zgK40Ok4YO9mtYgKqQdrEd0hwBhW_sz1QNW1r5skD/s400/20190426_111827.jpg" width="225" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7gaxhaz_Z-WfBs62OhHocnqPYsUXm_kf378Jst4ay3RCxE6u4ILPfE3IHtYiu___LMi5wG8fmhXDseugxrfuVq__n-oY7gmYY7Y9FWmRJMC6hZ0UsOn815zQ17qPeFBr0LBKnZnMAP-is/s1600/20190426_094249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7gaxhaz_Z-WfBs62OhHocnqPYsUXm_kf378Jst4ay3RCxE6u4ILPfE3IHtYiu___LMi5wG8fmhXDseugxrfuVq__n-oY7gmYY7Y9FWmRJMC6hZ0UsOn815zQ17qPeFBr0LBKnZnMAP-is/s400/20190426_094249.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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The most surprising tour of the weekend was the <a href="https://evanwilliams.com/plan-your-trip.php" target="_blank">Evan Williams Bourbon Experience</a>, which was only a few blocks from the Louisville Slugger Museum. We rarely drink so when I first read about this tour, I immediately thought that it wasn't for us. But on Thursday evening, the woman working at a downtown Subway restaurant swore that this tour was still worth the time, even for non-drinkers. </div>
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The one-hour Traditional Tour and Tasting is $14 per person BUT non-drinkers get a discount as long as they mention that they are non-drinkers at the time of purchase. Since we were on a mid-day tour, we were the only two guests so we were able to ask a lot of questions. The tour included a lot of information about <a href="https://www.gotolouisville.com/things-to-do/history/" target="_blank">the history of Louisville</a>, which actually owes it's growth to the Falls of the Ohio nearby. </div>
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Since we were non-drinkers, the guide gave us bourbon balls and water and still explained the difference between the four bourbons that we would have sampled. The tour ends in the gift shop (of course) and to my surprise there were tons of bourbon sauces, seasonings, spreads, and desserts. Even as non-drinkers, we both walked away with some delicious souvenirs. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZo-sPUTF-ZsBYoD8oV3pBdrU2lQwFVNB1O3sVV4Jlzqd1J-6O7Zl3K1Pw2PHWkyWXihEkhsHqw4jGUXbPBmO9H-aPrYOxm-8FhiO4M82DDxHT7DFyibMJjEFpEx7P4k3WUO4ReNALerHM/s1600/20190426_113616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisnAUBMbQXfn57zVgePQSYbYdDR_vEt7eP8zk6subHSd83pFmznptDf9avEdlctWWPQbrkdbpM7E4cIcsDmIt-WsiXTRZRuFijvtXoDKNpBx2JRgIGgIhtlRmWA7Q_4ffyeHDR5guetaoj/s1600/20190426_114422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisnAUBMbQXfn57zVgePQSYbYdDR_vEt7eP8zk6subHSd83pFmznptDf9avEdlctWWPQbrkdbpM7E4cIcsDmIt-WsiXTRZRuFijvtXoDKNpBx2JRgIGgIhtlRmWA7Q_4ffyeHDR5guetaoj/s400/20190426_114422.jpg" width="225" /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZo-sPUTF-ZsBYoD8oV3pBdrU2lQwFVNB1O3sVV4Jlzqd1J-6O7Zl3K1Pw2PHWkyWXihEkhsHqw4jGUXbPBmO9H-aPrYOxm-8FhiO4M82DDxHT7DFyibMJjEFpEx7P4k3WUO4ReNALerHM/s640/20190426_113616.jpg" width="360" /><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRSqQiuQNBuRheD08nX4tcLs5hC9OxYwNShSb9z0qyoLsrwhySayyAQhc_5fIy89cwncKYcoydSDH5RaHbfp3FIDwztyftqjtj3eThzOxKzFSQIZ4kaG9PQ2iFi9_rpsVhHq9LGGbiESPy/s1600/20190426_123130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRSqQiuQNBuRheD08nX4tcLs5hC9OxYwNShSb9z0qyoLsrwhySayyAQhc_5fIy89cwncKYcoydSDH5RaHbfp3FIDwztyftqjtj3eThzOxKzFSQIZ4kaG9PQ2iFi9_rpsVhHq9LGGbiESPy/s640/20190426_123130.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bourbon in the making</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9xB-w_aGZLmn_DpyQpAS4ww0zFZ20eAMYlDxxWEcG3En2X-9TQ3CjxU3Uj5rCVjvzR5uyuROLsqbZKKWEbPD6wCQlMC-0TLKavKfNDsu_NjVO8Q7otnB4wIfZQkaGghBvcQKWtcKltE0P/s1600/20190426_124933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9xB-w_aGZLmn_DpyQpAS4ww0zFZ20eAMYlDxxWEcG3En2X-9TQ3CjxU3Uj5rCVjvzR5uyuROLsqbZKKWEbPD6wCQlMC-0TLKavKfNDsu_NjVO8Q7otnB4wIfZQkaGghBvcQKWtcKltE0P/s640/20190426_124933.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What?????</td></tr>
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As we walked around downtown Friday afternoon, we came across random street art. The first piece was in front of the <a href="https://www.21cmuseumhotels.com/museum/exhibit/david-inspired-by-michelangelo-2/" target="_blank">21c Museum Hotel David Statue</a> which was inspired by Michelangelo's 16th century marble statue of David. This statue came to Louisville in 2012 from Istanbul, Turkey via New York City.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiebARZx6lFOxpUyD6vurmnQ8tU2Z_xXN-w8_Vl5t7MweESIB0pMd4668IXGhs0WAjUXpLDdXEVZQ-HTajdG1Ci_0OdVfe8MJdr2TpruyC4f65_qal0TtHVj6-x66jFTHJ1Bm6_PDM6nf8e/s1600/20190426_112611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiebARZx6lFOxpUyD6vurmnQ8tU2Z_xXN-w8_Vl5t7MweESIB0pMd4668IXGhs0WAjUXpLDdXEVZQ-HTajdG1Ci_0OdVfe8MJdr2TpruyC4f65_qal0TtHVj6-x66jFTHJ1Bm6_PDM6nf8e/s400/20190426_112611.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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If you look at the roof of the 21c Museum Hotel, you will see random red penguins on the ledge. Apparently <a href="https://www.21cmuseumhotels.com/louisville/" target="_blank">the museum inside the hotel is free</a>, but we didn't have time to check it out. We'll save this for our next visit. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLugCjt2UUk4ulT4GvCV6DdCHUjmkLoi_DZYwlohp0e0XKIYGFhyA0GjdDuIGimNv2Rb1Ec99pyLaK0atcdUKDV-CrRBpdh5jFOwAefLaDx1gZ4V7hY2N6oV6vpI_EJ3rJSpxLkEKAritw/s1600/20190426_112547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLugCjt2UUk4ulT4GvCV6DdCHUjmkLoi_DZYwlohp0e0XKIYGFhyA0GjdDuIGimNv2Rb1Ec99pyLaK0atcdUKDV-CrRBpdh5jFOwAefLaDx1gZ4V7hY2N6oV6vpI_EJ3rJSpxLkEKAritw/s400/20190426_112547.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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Also outside the hotel...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdE8o3h93oR1wnCP6NQQ4bXAkFivX5jxijshLUZ-B1SGAeP1nQD2fAhaNJ7b6Sas5HlziBKD5o6wwykRwuKqvCcDxuL-_ES39njv4gFbGfx1_e9ZbN0h2y9FyXqrJMT24jvh7HC9PE_Yan/s1600/20190426_112330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdE8o3h93oR1wnCP6NQQ4bXAkFivX5jxijshLUZ-B1SGAeP1nQD2fAhaNJ7b6Sas5HlziBKD5o6wwykRwuKqvCcDxuL-_ES39njv4gFbGfx1_e9ZbN0h2y9FyXqrJMT24jvh7HC9PE_Yan/s640/20190426_112330.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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I have no idea who this statue represents, but I made mom pose with him anyway.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYMoZl3osSiLuLjQa6YojIAAY8Axi0vURydlsNfGsMhg0W6jYdBOK_Hy1e8PO7XJjOxVpmdNWomph5xKRBPLcIUm0iEb8QzygWbtbENcVJNcysaMyNYxBU4FauSov_hThGiUJKtA4BhnEh/s1600/20190426_093233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYMoZl3osSiLuLjQa6YojIAAY8Axi0vURydlsNfGsMhg0W6jYdBOK_Hy1e8PO7XJjOxVpmdNWomph5xKRBPLcIUm0iEb8QzygWbtbENcVJNcysaMyNYxBU4FauSov_hThGiUJKtA4BhnEh/s640/20190426_093233.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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<b><u>Murals, murals, and more murals:</u></b><br />
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Looking back, I think my mural obsession started at either Rock 'n' Roll <a href="http://www.willrunforamedal.com/2018/03/rock-n-roll-dc-half-marathon-race.html" target="_blank">DC</a> or <a href="http://www.willrunforamedal.com/2018/05/rock-n-roll-nashville-race.html" target="_blank">Nashville</a> last year. Months before our trip to Louisville, I was researching murals there and saving their locations to my Google map in order to see which murals would either be on the race course or a short drive from other places we planned to go. Then at the race expo, I picked up the <a href="https://www.gotolouisville.com/" target="_blank">Louisville Official Visitor's Guide</a> which included more than 10 additional murals that I had not come across in my initial search. Even leaving town, I saw at least two more that I couldn't pull over to take photos of so I am sure that by the time I visit Louisville again, there will be even more!<br />
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<b><i>Murals along the half marathon course:</i></b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt2u55otpf4sfjpN-YZFd3MHbgm5hiBSJT9gbTgLAfqXNbLnkGvIX9ryOnVAeiGxY4CVltu-Ny48x2cOHmcp_ZeJM0bQb_LRTv7Z2NfQR278xQFMAl6VDa4jN3qQ80srNrCSgcXduKNgFH/s1600/20190426_145651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt2u55otpf4sfjpN-YZFd3MHbgm5hiBSJT9gbTgLAfqXNbLnkGvIX9ryOnVAeiGxY4CVltu-Ny48x2cOHmcp_ZeJM0bQb_LRTv7Z2NfQR278xQFMAl6VDa4jN3qQ80srNrCSgcXduKNgFH/s400/20190426_145651.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fund for the Arts Building</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8XpNyeUTQ20TVoNgxbbpZP9sn8IuSm5OUmeg54-gz39niDesoLbq2smrn7MpmLYxMc4C_TPrDx9sEqwvdOgq-yuMnVQYbNoiBfHWo_OW9I1zyM-7Q9f-ClZ6W6AhuskRjmyywmzmayC55/s1600/20190426_092721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8XpNyeUTQ20TVoNgxbbpZP9sn8IuSm5OUmeg54-gz39niDesoLbq2smrn7MpmLYxMc4C_TPrDx9sEqwvdOgq-yuMnVQYbNoiBfHWo_OW9I1zyM-7Q9f-ClZ6W6AhuskRjmyywmzmayC55/s640/20190426_092721.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On Main Street, just past the overpass, near Caufield's Novelty Shop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGm05j1pC9mw6ZllavCk8ixCIPmT1KvjtUrZ9Aiq1yBReouhbuwdgGHkvPoILM_qm397SFwen4DKmw3aNXLkj9vRHrijgiGipNh-8udtfPpFplcLsNX1-iFqlzMns40i9q6DkKNJIXnGOK/s1600/main+and+12th.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="304" data-original-width="336" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGm05j1pC9mw6ZllavCk8ixCIPmT1KvjtUrZ9Aiq1yBReouhbuwdgGHkvPoILM_qm397SFwen4DKmw3aNXLkj9vRHrijgiGipNh-8udtfPpFplcLsNX1-iFqlzMns40i9q6DkKNJIXnGOK/s320/main+and+12th.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Intersection of West Main and 12th</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmr7bQG_j_Fxi3s8OWyVsLoqkZUvL6t_mDUn2nQryGhRskj5Zj21cdAdy7I0yRaEBl2siz7LRIJKXrUU_1hBwWRvlcFOBGb9q-mndYT-tu7ZJEx4znkuCJUSMIvUdiznD2r97wU7lHZQ8K/s1600/waterfall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="441" data-original-width="344" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmr7bQG_j_Fxi3s8OWyVsLoqkZUvL6t_mDUn2nQryGhRskj5Zj21cdAdy7I0yRaEBl2siz7LRIJKXrUU_1hBwWRvlcFOBGb9q-mndYT-tu7ZJEx4znkuCJUSMIvUdiznD2r97wU7lHZQ8K/s400/waterfall.JPG" width="311" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Intersection of West Main and 15th </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtcaz9WYjhi_spgKD6GwK3zXulLQN3mNBDIwB8DTnyxQUTSBTA7g_NdrnDy92H5qbz4Mng8uY9yhAXnDWY82Xu6ToPw3kf7u6EVzeL2h4hIqTbinj4Xsi3JMTRYUj3NjLF9vI8Ti_z4pWc/s1600/20190427_081803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtcaz9WYjhi_spgKD6GwK3zXulLQN3mNBDIwB8DTnyxQUTSBTA7g_NdrnDy92H5qbz4Mng8uY9yhAXnDWY82Xu6ToPw3kf7u6EVzeL2h4hIqTbinj4Xsi3JMTRYUj3NjLF9vI8Ti_z4pWc/s640/20190427_081803.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Intersection of Muhammad Ali Blvd. and South 16th Street<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/victor.sweatt/photos">https://www.facebook.com/victor.sweatt/photos</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5_q4e890IiPKAYBHR2eGxxlPjCQpMXhknytopynsweeYtFoDFwGfrcCgZIICwDOFLPRJwKahx9q-rjQrNS2LELhHlm0Jfy2tyuDolUE7RiAB3Whka8sgN4KFZJGBIaTUaoVN1cRU8Fnfe/s1600/ali+mural.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="282" data-original-width="320" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5_q4e890IiPKAYBHR2eGxxlPjCQpMXhknytopynsweeYtFoDFwGfrcCgZIICwDOFLPRJwKahx9q-rjQrNS2LELhHlm0Jfy2tyuDolUE7RiAB3Whka8sgN4KFZJGBIaTUaoVN1cRU8Fnfe/s320/ali+mural.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1800 Ali murals</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY5XfiqEaszRHbqdz6g4A_OoTTpjo7bXjzxcLFBdkLJVFEzHa0eY-nP3DwQNbY1fdxxDiNEJRc3N6owFwm3wGCvJ11H1AqEITDQ3VHaacc5PLKfAiydA6podE1XAsFjXUY5502_b6mT8Cs/s1600/20190427_082132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY5XfiqEaszRHbqdz6g4A_OoTTpjo7bXjzxcLFBdkLJVFEzHa0eY-nP3DwQNbY1fdxxDiNEJRc3N6owFwm3wGCvJ11H1AqEITDQ3VHaacc5PLKfAiydA6podE1XAsFjXUY5502_b6mT8Cs/s400/20190427_082132.jpg" width="225" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9q__SJunKITeOMUn6vivX6NDvnbYezlMfV0hJ_LPUpKM-cHr5_QaP6wiAtPOLC4kzHzJ_Z4JXbSlQH4zyndNXTqBiueb7tiIPC8AuThAllTGJzKM2QTuaaFIy-Zw-UWZhTF5-73wy9-56/s1600/20190427_082123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9q__SJunKITeOMUn6vivX6NDvnbYezlMfV0hJ_LPUpKM-cHr5_QaP6wiAtPOLC4kzHzJ_Z4JXbSlQH4zyndNXTqBiueb7tiIPC8AuThAllTGJzKM2QTuaaFIy-Zw-UWZhTF5-73wy9-56/s400/20190427_082123.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>More murals around Louisville:</i></b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGG9PMHY51UJJXX_EngBoFqQOv280oXOm51VlCVFgutoSWye81MYKTa416_FTGzaWuWCctEnSwF4NI2xpuu38OqhLH6eIOGt5L7suvQbE3YEJgrBChSHK5qpjvlcC2MSCqbzxmUzCsyWS4/s1600/hie+mural.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="274" data-original-width="346" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGG9PMHY51UJJXX_EngBoFqQOv280oXOm51VlCVFgutoSWye81MYKTa416_FTGzaWuWCctEnSwF4NI2xpuu38OqhLH6eIOGt5L7suvQbE3YEJgrBChSHK5qpjvlcC2MSCqbzxmUzCsyWS4/s400/hie+mural.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Across from the Holiday Inn Express</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX6m38tEW_jYw3Dkf18ycy-rSP0ZgAsrR-Mml8AXXWeoBL9wZC4qQuN-zJmep5ZK57SDaOTsUAqngIhP6p29MOkQ4UN6f3pjYLt4dTBSumPZ5hSdrWauy4Yv3Eu1QDSsUYjzJo3-dOCChO/s1600/gfl.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="355" data-original-width="346" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX6m38tEW_jYw3Dkf18ycy-rSP0ZgAsrR-Mml8AXXWeoBL9wZC4qQuN-zJmep5ZK57SDaOTsUAqngIhP6p29MOkQ4UN6f3pjYLt4dTBSumPZ5hSdrWauy4Yv3Eu1QDSsUYjzJo3-dOCChO/s400/gfl.JPG" width="388" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1101 Central Avenue, near Churchill Downs<br />
<a href="https://www.greetingstour.com/murals/louisville" style="font-size: 12.8px;">https://www.greetingstour.com/murals/louisville</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGyitEvRjB7GIYuQ-iPhEpRfmzkRLjWE39iybjyjzbLhl3asaDQjWiFGUptgsdova_VfAMLv0QDq98EHZJTIKbMqkPzGKel7eTQjZ5yFi_Ly4gHZ8wOBZg1tB3zHmYsLHIJhD1J0yfN7ON/s1600/20190427_142542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGyitEvRjB7GIYuQ-iPhEpRfmzkRLjWE39iybjyjzbLhl3asaDQjWiFGUptgsdova_VfAMLv0QDq98EHZJTIKbMqkPzGKel7eTQjZ5yFi_Ly4gHZ8wOBZg1tB3zHmYsLHIJhD1J0yfN7ON/s640/20190427_142542.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nord's Bakery<br />
<a href="https://www.nordsbakery.biz/">https://www.nordsbakery.biz/</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhesXWS6dVBjFvDqGkiBHO2OUlEw8f4159W13BoMesgx8x-0ijLUhGXOshAnYeXIvyoVVZlIGiJSGDGn6N99MGdbafz8t96lER_2_XS0jNuasSNJOsgQ-EK-fvlMEMnXir8tsx0JhR1RAha/s1600/20190427_142607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhesXWS6dVBjFvDqGkiBHO2OUlEw8f4159W13BoMesgx8x-0ijLUhGXOshAnYeXIvyoVVZlIGiJSGDGn6N99MGdbafz8t96lER_2_XS0jNuasSNJOsgQ-EK-fvlMEMnXir8tsx0JhR1RAha/s640/20190427_142607.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nord's Bakery<br />
<a href="https://www.nordsbakery.biz/">https://www.nordsbakery.biz/</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD0Md2sLqYxlsJ9qig5yktglYbwcNUVYNwDgYmLeln8YVAJ2YK_EHtfNYlhMsQ4zxRZYxqNeEVxZnPaLWkBtBnub68KDdxaDd_cXqXUh8BbSr3HinrTm0LVQlOD5ItpcteEp4gKXlC3LIj/s1600/20190428_074404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD0Md2sLqYxlsJ9qig5yktglYbwcNUVYNwDgYmLeln8YVAJ2YK_EHtfNYlhMsQ4zxRZYxqNeEVxZnPaLWkBtBnub68KDdxaDd_cXqXUh8BbSr3HinrTm0LVQlOD5ItpcteEp4gKXlC3LIj/s640/20190428_074404.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">West Market, between 1st and 2nd Street</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0hQRI6omc8qF7qiqalvGUDne1nk2nWNKC3wZaP9YN8zD6WAvv9n1pFMjnt2aOA36VH9FAcOEZOlglrNQ-6EjSK5FVWXws2iMwSMo43Wb3E-SKkPehfHodO7AYtw-KH_aPu8VgTtCkJ7qh/s1600/Screenshot_20190428-152807.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0hQRI6omc8qF7qiqalvGUDne1nk2nWNKC3wZaP9YN8zD6WAvv9n1pFMjnt2aOA36VH9FAcOEZOlglrNQ-6EjSK5FVWXws2iMwSMo43Wb3E-SKkPehfHodO7AYtw-KH_aPu8VgTtCkJ7qh/s320/Screenshot_20190428-152807.png" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjibEMf3pFdo9kX-_T0wDdkvkvzeBY_cvlVtGbvM29I3pUtMX1GUGhOby3Ya-H-JuwZYH6SO1KbkTW7ZkXC64x4f87bHWPKPKVm4d6ouXpcM-vCqbrVawEdl2T9_bNmvaobmUM3I13OFD1z/s1600/Screenshot_20190428-152830.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjibEMf3pFdo9kX-_T0wDdkvkvzeBY_cvlVtGbvM29I3pUtMX1GUGhOby3Ya-H-JuwZYH6SO1KbkTW7ZkXC64x4f87bHWPKPKVm4d6ouXpcM-vCqbrVawEdl2T9_bNmvaobmUM3I13OFD1z/s320/Screenshot_20190428-152830.png" width="180" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjedW6BpqB2V1_nxDM6QDRuspdKpUOp88bcxZv0LszTPWNxEnKAkrh4d_BxTiPBB6Ot_z1s8eEgaD-mkflFr4gZ8R4ETin39mhsPzmOBTtoWj2DhAVFmRDJhW65e1P2Oc4Q_O5sKM2OxmZa/s1600/red+tree+furniture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="493" data-original-width="347" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjedW6BpqB2V1_nxDM6QDRuspdKpUOp88bcxZv0LszTPWNxEnKAkrh4d_BxTiPBB6Ot_z1s8eEgaD-mkflFr4gZ8R4ETin39mhsPzmOBTtoWj2DhAVFmRDJhW65e1P2Oc4Q_O5sKM2OxmZa/s400/red+tree+furniture.JPG" width="281" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Tree Furniture<br />
<a href="http://www.redtreefurniture.com/">http://www.redtreefurniture.com/</a><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/lizrichterart/">https://www.facebook.com/lizrichterart/</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU7g-WkWZh5cOClB4a5agypGrtpep0CEN4bgubTVEaAY8lsgaTDPgpB1F-K4oRdvm1-R5HWQcDGL2vU3oe0nNs2eNe95wdtqksQwY3QhZyj-WzaSkInOxRdRks6UlsI6Nd5XCAyeeJyN8_/s1600/via+studio.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="244" data-original-width="335" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU7g-WkWZh5cOClB4a5agypGrtpep0CEN4bgubTVEaAY8lsgaTDPgpB1F-K4oRdvm1-R5HWQcDGL2vU3oe0nNs2eNe95wdtqksQwY3QhZyj-WzaSkInOxRdRks6UlsI6Nd5XCAyeeJyN8_/s320/via+studio.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">VIA Studio building<br />
<a href="https://viastudio.com/">https://viastudio.com/</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="289" data-original-width="344" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghFYg7weIJcTJ5ph9XPM95fUhO4IWkwYmnSjz0rzY-DcJbMjQoJk-eXROlv7xJceIU9EiSTGwWoammNHKSGYeYdipFGLeZ-mY19o0JQFoYTAl9Pb2GWuAHVTa6wXpIaBOSbiBkh3IcS0bw/s400/via+studio+2.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">VIA Studio building</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPpHjMZiUHiqZhauwpAXwn-5AFrFLIFWSIezLLuPDZfxPkN3yiG3XglLwDj7WXqbFegclGiYp9kE3KtSFYQK3exiuDx_iyB-XvgSzkO3YyR2mkmAAjsMgqx5zbfEZhoyf4zqT6HaYs0QIC/s1600/20190428_080004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPpHjMZiUHiqZhauwpAXwn-5AFrFLIFWSIezLLuPDZfxPkN3yiG3XglLwDj7WXqbFegclGiYp9kE3KtSFYQK3exiuDx_iyB-XvgSzkO3YyR2mkmAAjsMgqx5zbfEZhoyf4zqT6HaYs0QIC/s640/20190428_080004.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Royals Hot Chicken<br />
<a href="https://royalshotchicken.com/">https://royalshotchicken.com/</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKxgHAubcv32avE45n0mv1QtAt6O2NGHa39jnDCSagOryq8qdrNgAYOptxxf85Ygdzw33ff7u0NEoaQkdTGW4iqFRqU_NJqlLKgijBZ0qJiFzhOJPXQ_0GVERTrJV6vLBhyvJtCxzM3VoM/s1600/20190428_080929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKxgHAubcv32avE45n0mv1QtAt6O2NGHa39jnDCSagOryq8qdrNgAYOptxxf85Ygdzw33ff7u0NEoaQkdTGW4iqFRqU_NJqlLKgijBZ0qJiFzhOJPXQ_0GVERTrJV6vLBhyvJtCxzM3VoM/s400/20190428_080929.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside Hi-Five Doughnuts<br />
<a href="http://www.hifivedoughnuts.com/">http://www.hifivedoughnuts.com/</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj27_-CY_zE7Nqel1VllsVzttETSidNO7i7wnkQA6jbF9gwkCpVeJhLx9awKol_xV0HfIagip-n2fYBjWHagj2ayyDZrj2tq18dDoQM6FAEfa8tKhWfXSiSK-nS-yuXb78biyrOWQukClwm/s1600/20190428_081305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj27_-CY_zE7Nqel1VllsVzttETSidNO7i7wnkQA6jbF9gwkCpVeJhLx9awKol_xV0HfIagip-n2fYBjWHagj2ayyDZrj2tq18dDoQM6FAEfa8tKhWfXSiSK-nS-yuXb78biyrOWQukClwm/s400/20190428_081305.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside Hi-Five Doughnuts</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUOSnt05_Zvi1u8aucjm_AYSxF7eUmoB8AFp7rIrnN6ZvrQTBAbCewLbx4YThf5EIQfFte8jEOSCrG5pAp2M_3mWyO3ctPI4VjjzUV8A_FzqIV36Ujefh_WYgLwXRgAqk69BnZuqvyBTxG/s1600/20190428_081856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUOSnt05_Zvi1u8aucjm_AYSxF7eUmoB8AFp7rIrnN6ZvrQTBAbCewLbx4YThf5EIQfFte8jEOSCrG5pAp2M_3mWyO3ctPI4VjjzUV8A_FzqIV36Ujefh_WYgLwXRgAqk69BnZuqvyBTxG/s640/20190428_081856.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Intersection of Buchanan and East Washington</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRMlDquMLcBHbCjokmP-HdTxwKDTleuudBSzjgpCeVPmuWLT2LZa63kZMh7pqnVWAoPqQwlxhWlVdRqtwCCXN1pbsRVRwoeVEIRP72uVDYt6MRct3wr6gIxkqhFgtz3mb7FM08RasErP5B/s1600/20190428_082115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRMlDquMLcBHbCjokmP-HdTxwKDTleuudBSzjgpCeVPmuWLT2LZa63kZMh7pqnVWAoPqQwlxhWlVdRqtwCCXN1pbsRVRwoeVEIRP72uVDYt6MRct3wr6gIxkqhFgtz3mb7FM08RasErP5B/s640/20190428_082115.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Butchertown Market Building</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX2Wm8LEYEkCF5_WJRPBKIi6E7kak_fGHR_Avoadw0GA-1QbdqbKew6QM8CF-h2E2C4O2PpuEIzGt5iXAnMlj3uoAz1nsFA0jxGPdy8hoYWJv77xHzXHQ9sm6mP6LrBS_dYAzunUej1ibD/s1600/20190428_082224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX2Wm8LEYEkCF5_WJRPBKIi6E7kak_fGHR_Avoadw0GA-1QbdqbKew6QM8CF-h2E2C4O2PpuEIzGt5iXAnMlj3uoAz1nsFA0jxGPdy8hoYWJv77xHzXHQ9sm6mP6LrBS_dYAzunUej1ibD/s640/20190428_082224.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Near the intersection of Story Avenue and Bickel Avenue</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnyIt18W0yNADb4rk4JbMzvSRMOY57sReGScPeqGf02EDMesZjytDZRVyzAYztIVUmn8wz5eN2oCb7JuIe5B34QNannJvtghJE5wu3L45umrn8dKwn9HAQK3a4Q_H0QX0ue6dCD8J6s0fh/s1600/20190428_082159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnyIt18W0yNADb4rk4JbMzvSRMOY57sReGScPeqGf02EDMesZjytDZRVyzAYztIVUmn8wz5eN2oCb7JuIe5B34QNannJvtghJE5wu3L45umrn8dKwn9HAQK3a4Q_H0QX0ue6dCD8J6s0fh/s640/20190428_082159.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Story Avenue side</td></tr>
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I couldn't see everything in one weekend, so I look forward to finding more reasons to visit Louisville in the future. </div>
Breehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07247874959613676577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5673594666051007886.post-30754119345012453522019-04-29T19:58:00.002-05:002019-04-29T19:58:19.205-05:00The Kentucky Derby Mini Marathon - The RaceLast weekend I completed half marathon #52, the <a href="https://derbyfestivalmarathon.com/" target="_blank">Kentucky Derby Mini Marathon</a>. Kentucky is the 12th state that I have completed a half marathon in and I actually registered for this race back in September 2018 when registration was at it's lowest. I was in a car accident at the beginning of April and have yet to really run, luckily the course time limit for the half marathon is four hours, so I knew that I could completely walk the course and still finish before the cut-off. <br />
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There wasn't a shorter distance that I could downgrade to, so it was either walk the half marathon in 2019 or come back another year. I loved this race so much that I probably will be back to run it again, but I REALLY wanted to check another state off my list in 2019 so I didn't give up despite knowing my finish time would be very, very slow.<br />
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<b><u>The Expo:</u></b><br />
The race expo was held at the Kentucky International Convention Center, which is in downtown Louisville. I picked up my packet at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, which was 30 minutes after the expo opened. Honestly, there wasn't anything new that caught my attention so we were in and out in 20 minutes or less. <br />
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<b><u>Why you should run this race:</u></b><br />
<ul>
<li>Distances include the half marathon, marathon, and marathon relay.</li>
<li>Walker-friendly, really! A lot of races state this but then you find yourself being one of only a few walkers and the finish line is already packed up when you cross the timing mat, if the timing mat isn't packed up yet. I was never alone on this course and I was surrounded by talkative, friendly runners. It was the confidence boost I needed after having my training completely derailed!</li>
<li>Pre-race communication was timely and not repetitive. Any question I had leading up to the race was answered with one of their emails, but I also never felt inundated with emails either. </li>
<li>If you stay downtown close to the start/finish, there will be so much to do within walking distance. The expo is easily walkable. A wide-variety of restaurants, museums, and shops are all nearby. It was so nice to just leave the car parked after the four hour drive from St. Louis! With so many options so close together, you could also just fly in to Louisville and cab/Uber/shuttle to your downtown hotel and not even need a car! </li>
<li>The race starts and ends near Louisville Slugger Field and ends up taking you through a wide-variety of neighborhoods. You pass through the campus of Spalding Unviersity as well as the University of Louisville. You run into Churchill Downs, under the track, and around the infield. Then you cross the finish line as spectators cheer, inspiring music plays, and volunteers greet you with a smile and your medal.</li>
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<ul>
<li>There were corrals, but we all just merged into one wave of runners once the race started. </li>
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<ul>
<li>Pacers were available for both distances. </li>
<li>LOTS of parking garages available downtown for race day.</li>
<li>Post race snacks include chocolate milk, Powerade, bananas, bagels, chips, peanut butter crackers, and squeezable apple sauce.</li>
<li>Plenty of porta-potties at the start and finish line and the pre-race instructions gives you the exact location of all of them.</li>
<li>Plenty of water, Powerade, and porta potties on the course too!</li>
<li>Plenty of volunteers and a large police presence. </li>
<li>Music throughout the course.</li>
<li>Louisville is a beautiful city and we found that the locals were friendly and very helpful.</li>
<li>Any time you finish a race and then immediately wonder when you can come back, that's a good sign!</li>
<li>The half marathon medal features the <a href="https://www.sluggermuseum.com/" target="_blank">Louisville Slugger Museum</a>, which you run by in the first mile. We were able to tour this museum the day before the race, but more on that in another post. </li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://www.willrunforamedal.com/2018/05/rock-n-roll-nashville-race.html" target="_blank">Last year in Nashville</a> my obsession with murals started. I ran/walked past several murals on the course in Louisville but then we went on a bit of a journey to see how many more we could find during our stay. Stay tuned for my next blog post coming later this week: The Kentucky Derby Mini Marathon - The Rest. </div>
Breehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07247874959613676577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5673594666051007886.post-4576056336098430542019-01-30T19:22:00.001-06:002019-01-30T19:22:04.656-06:00#WellnessWednesday - Introducing DawnOn a dreary January day in 2017 I grew tired of the negativity in American news, so I went to the <a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/uk" target="_blank">BBC News - UK</a> website to see what else was happening in the world. One of the top stories that day was about a woman named <a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-manchester-38731822" target="_blank">Dawn, a runner from the Greater Manchester area</a> who finished last in a Parkrun, but was completely filled with joy at the finish line.<br />
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As I read the article I felt like I was suddenly reading my own story, only a much better-written version. Once I got to the end of the article, I had to find Dawn on Facebook and reach out to her. I wanted to tell her how inspiring her story was and that I wanted to follow her running journey as it progressed.<br />
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Within a few days, I received a response back from her just as her story started to spread <a href="http://blog.parkrun.com/uk/2017/01/13/so-excited-for-my-year-ahead/#.WHjWuXxeUEc.facebook" target="_blank">more</a> and <a href="http://www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk/news-features/8/news-headlines/101725/inspiring-runners-fun-snap" target="_blank">more</a> in the UK. Dawn was being interviewed by <a href="http://runeatrepeat.co.uk/dawn-nisbet-interview/" target="_blank">bloggers</a> and even <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzmfZ_IBCFU" target="_blank">BBC One North West</a>. Her amazing story was everywhere, yet she still took the time to answer a few of my questions. Since I wasn't blogging as frequently when I first contacted Dawn, I recently re-sent her the same questions to see how her running journey has changed since I first started following her. Her original answers are in black and her updated answers are in purple.<br />
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<b>Why did you decide to start running?</b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>My stepmum was diagnosed with cancer in march of 2016. At that point I did no exercise of any kind restricted by my weight and size. I signed up for the Race for Life which is a 5k event to raise money for Cancer Research. I felt this was my way of showing my support and helping in some small way. I started training, mostly walking and under the cover of dark. Somewhere along the way I started to enjoy running and thought if I did the race and then stopped my life would return to being sedentary and feeling a failure. So the weekend after the race I did my first <a href="https://www.parkrun.com/" target="_blank">Parkrun</a>. A 5 km race on a Saturday morning in park across the country. I have now completed 15 Parkruns and can truly say I love it. I still can't run the whole thing and I'm never quick but I love it, something I never thought I'd say about exercise.</i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #7030a0; white-space: normal;"><i>Now I’ve been running for a while, the reasons why I run have changed. It’s a part of my life now and a lot of the friends I have made are through running, so it feels more like time with friends than a run sometimes. Also I love how it makes me feel about myself – I now see the strong and determined I can be if I set my mind to it.</i></span></span><br />
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<b>Did you join other friends or co-workers who were running, did you join a group, start a training program, or did you just start your journey on your own?</b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>My journey was very much my own as I was so ashamed of how unfit I was and how hard it was. My cousins started training with me but I was always the slowest and the sweatiest.</i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #7030a0; white-space: normal;"><i>Now running and Parkrun feel like family – the support you get no matter how fast or slow is amazing – and I in turn now look out for those that are struggling or look like they might appreciate some company.</i></span></span><br />
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<b>What set-backs, if any, did you experience and how did you overcome them?</b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Each time I see a picture of me running I come crashing down. I love how well I am doing and how empowered i feel running. The reality of the pictures shows a person I don't want to be anymore. I shows a body I am running to improve. Every so often it all feels a little hard, when I'm tired and all my body aches but I remind myself I can do it, I already have done it and the reason my body aches is because I am working it so hard to improve my now and my future.</i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #7030a0; white-space: normal;"><i>Right now I am injured and that has taken some getting used to – I can’t do what I love so after a bit of a sulk and realizing I needed to be a bit kinder to myself I now volunteer most weeks at Parkrun and cheer others along. My friend did her first half-marathon at the weekend in training for London marathon in 2019, so I went along and stood in the cold and rain to be there and cheer her along the way and tell her how proud I am. I would still much rather be out there running myself but this is a close second.</i></span></span><br />
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<b>What does your typical training week look like as far as running and training?</b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>I get up at 6 a.m. to walk my 2 dogs before my kids wake up and before I got to work. 2 nights a week I run between 3.5 and 4 km once the kids are in bed. 2 nights a week I go to the gym. One work day lunchtime I run along the canal with a personal trainer. Saturday morning I get up for the 5 km Parkrun. Sunday morning I go horse riding. All of this is what I couldn't have done last year. This year I want to cover 500 km between running and horse riding. I see the 500 km as my gift as it is 500 km I could not have done before. My photo and story went viral and I want to show from many small things something great can happen. I asked anyone who saw my story and was inspired do donate £2. Cancer was the starting blocks of my story and it makes sense cancer research is the benefactor. I set up a just giving page for donating.</i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #7030a0; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>When I’m not injured, Parkrun is now the only way to start my weekend. And then I try and get out a couple of nights in the week. Or sometimes I go to the gym and then have a swim. I use a PT sometimes to make me do a core workout as I hate doing those but know it is important but I need a nudge to do it. Plus on a Sunday I go horseriding which I absolutely love. So all in all most of my muscle groups are getting used in some form or another each week.</i></span></span></span><br />
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<b style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;">How many races and what distances have you now run? </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1f497d;"> </span></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #7030a0;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>I did my first (and last) half marathon last year – I can say I’ve done one but it wasn’t my most favourite run – think 10k is where I am happiest. I got to my 50 Parkruns milestone which was amazing. </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #7030a0;"><br /></span><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;">Any goals you want to accomplish in 2019?</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1f497d;"> </span></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #7030a0;"><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I would like to run the Great Manchester Run (10k) with my brother. We don’t see each other very often and this year he did his first Great South Run (10 miles) and said the Manchester one sounded fun.</span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #7030a0;"><br /></span><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;">Where do you turn for running/fitness advice?</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1f497d;"> </span></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #7030a0;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Mainly friends – I have so many different running friends of different experiences and abilities – there is always someone for friendly non-judgy advice and support.</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: transparent;">What I love about Dawn's story is that she cares less about pace and more about the friendships, being outdoors, and the physical activity. I used to be obsessed with pace and finish times, but years of injuries have helped me realize that I shouldn't take the ability to run (at whatever pace) for granted. I should just be happy to be healthy enough to use my feet to propel me forward! So the next time you feel down, search for a story or a new person that inspires you. Also, don't be afraid to reach out and let someone know that they have inspired you. A simple email or Facebook message can spread kindness and make you both smile.</span></span>Breehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07247874959613676577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5673594666051007886.post-14539988345979132122019-01-09T20:49:00.002-06:002019-01-09T20:49:51.905-06:00#WellnessWednesday - Hip and Glute Strength WorkshopThis past Saturday I attended a <b>Hip & Glute Strength for Athletes</b> clinic at <a href="https://www.bigriverrunning.com/" target="_blank">Big River Running</a> - West County. It was an hour long clinic led by physical therapists from Mercy and it was totally FREE!<br />
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I arrived 15 minutes early and luckily I did, because the runners just kept coming and coming until the entire store was filled. It was an amazing sight to see! The physical therapists greeted us as we entered and gave each runner a resistance band to use during the clinic and to take home. I believe there were four physical therapists present at the clinic. Two PT's discussed hip and glute anatomy as well as typical problems and weaknesses they see in runners. They also demonstrated specific hip and glute strengthening exercises. After they would demonstrate a couple exercises, it was our turn to try them ourselves. All of the physical therapists then walked around to correct our form and answer questions.<br />
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The exercises we learned are pasted below, in no particular order:<br />
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As the therapists demonstrated these exercises and explained their benefits, I kept wondering if there was a way to have my running form evaluated BEFORE I experience any (more) problems. Luckily they offer a "Running Screen."</div>
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I think I will wait until summer to schedule the screening just so that I am running more consistently when I get evaluated, but I think it sounds well worth the money! I also plan to work through these exercises a couple times per week and have already worked through them once at home thanks to my free resistance band! We are really lucky in St. Louis to have a running store like Big River that offers FREE clinics throughout the year. <a href="https://www.bigriverrunning.com/calendar/" target="_blank">Click here</a> to check out their calendar of upcoming events. </div>
Breehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07247874959613676577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5673594666051007886.post-37249040388477183832018-12-30T11:43:00.000-06:002018-12-30T11:43:01.767-06:002018 In ReviewI am happy that 2018 is coming to a close, I really am. It has been such a strange year and I remain hopeful that 2019 will be better, but I am also very grateful for every single day and every breath I take. Here is what 2018 looked like for me.<br />
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<b><u>What went well in 2018:</u></b></div>
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<li>I (slowly) completed five half marathons in three different states and the District of Columbia.</li>
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<li>I completed my <a href="http://www.willrunforamedal.com/2018/09/looking-back-on-50-half-marathons.html" target="_blank">50th half marathon</a> and mom was there just like she was for my first half marathon back in 2009!</li>
<li>I ran in two more states: Arizona and Tennessee! </li>
<li>I ran three Rock 'n' Roll races, which earned me two extra medals.</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVJf3zsRi4f5z4h-JIJRqJzdifsJ-5R9VBsqowFoxdwd6d-yd5fL6GkVFTYGvhlcknSLGnN_6HnoxXuYFsUeqiRiixjxAg84ttp-JBhGBZvV73Oh_ZeCzggJkH6gbLSrmuj5GwFMl3FUPb/s1600/rock+n+roll+medals.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="573" data-original-width="575" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVJf3zsRi4f5z4h-JIJRqJzdifsJ-5R9VBsqowFoxdwd6d-yd5fL6GkVFTYGvhlcknSLGnN_6HnoxXuYFsUeqiRiixjxAg84ttp-JBhGBZvV73Oh_ZeCzggJkH6gbLSrmuj5GwFMl3FUPb/s320/rock+n+roll+medals.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<li>I was a <a href="http://www.willrunforamedal.com/2018/10/mo-cowbell-half-marathon-recap.html" target="_blank">MO' Bassador</a> again. I hope to keep doing this until they tell me to go away (but please keep me forever)!</li>
<li>I discovered <a href="http://www.willrunforamedal.com/2018/05/an-amazing-recovery-system.html" target="_blank">cryotherapy and compression therapy</a>. </li>
<li>I increased my flexibility <a href="http://www.willrunforamedal.com/2018/12/a-pure-barre-adventure.html" target="_blank">thanks to Pure Barre</a>. </li>
<li>I <a href="http://www.willrunforamedal.com/2018/06/volunteering-at-race-131-st-louis.html" target="_blank">volunteered</a> at a couple races, which is always fun and rewarding. </li>
<li>I really mixed up my workouts by trying different fitness studios like Orangetheory, Shred415, CycleBar, Pure Barre, and various yoga studios. </li>
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<b><u>What I can work on in 2019:</u></b></div>
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<li><b><i>Listening to my body more often. </i></b> In late spring I could feel that my calf muscles were very tight. I tried to stretch them out after a run when I thought about it, but I just didn't think about it enough. Then I tripped going up the stairs at work and pulled a muscle in my left calf. It was very painful and I was limping for days, which meant <a href="http://www.willrunforamedal.com/2018/06/volunteering-at-race-131-st-louis.html" target="_blank">I had to miss sweeping the Race 13.1 course</a> with my friends. Moral of the story, STRETCH and LISTEN TO YOUR BODY!</li>
<li><i style="font-weight: bold;">Train for the races I "run." </i>This year I became obsessed with Orangetheory, which meant that I chose taking classes there on weekends over completing long runs. I wanted those splat points! The problem with that is that I failed to build the endurance to finish a half marathon with a decent time. Only one of my five 2018 half marathons was completed under three hours and I pretty much walked all five of them. Yikes! So to remedy that, I have joined the Big River Running half marathon training group for Spring 2019 and I can't wait to start!</li>
<li><b><i>Stretch some more.</i></b> My fitness wing-woman and I plan to do an unlimited month at Pure Barre in January, I signed up for Pure Barre On Demand and I will make myself use it, and I have purchased several yoga DVD's to use at home. No excuses in 2019!</li>
<li><b><i>Consistently track my meals.</i></b> When I was consistently running more than 15 miles per week, I justified high-calorie meals by saying "I ran today, I earned it." The problem is that I still told myself I earned those crap meals even when I barely ran or worked out. That's what got me right back to the same spot I was in 2009 before I started running. No more! I joined Weight Watchers this fall and although my weight chart looks more like a roller coaster than a perfectly downward arrow, it is still trending downward. I love my Saturday "workshops" so much that I chose a half marathon training group that met on Sundays so that I wouldn't miss it! </li>
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So as 2018 closes (finally) and the door to 2019 opens I look forward to working on the goals above, going on at least one mother-daughter race-cation, and celebrating the 10-year anniversary of my first half marathon (I know - it's crazy to think about). <br />
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Have a Happy and Safe New Year!</h2>
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Breehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07247874959613676577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5673594666051007886.post-14014923006387094222018-12-27T16:59:00.000-06:002018-12-27T16:59:59.050-06:00Shred415 - Creve Coeur Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My fitness wing-woman (<a href="http://www.willrunforamedal.com/2018/12/a-pure-barre-adventure.html" target="_blank">the Pure Barre enthusiast</a>) and I recently purchased a Groupon for four classes at <a href="https://shred415.com/" target="_blank">Shred415</a> - Creve Coeur, which opened earlier this year. I first heard about Shred415 through the <a href="http://class.ps/lqd27" target="_blank">Class Pass app</a>, which I discovered in October 2016. I honestly would not have found out about Shred415 had it not been for Class Pass.<br />
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Their first location in the St. Louis area was in Brentwood, just south of the I-170 and I-64/40 interchange. The Brentwood studio is not near my home and this area is notorious for traffic, but I had one Friday afternoon off from work that October so I decided to sign up for my first class. Since I was able to make it to a 3 p.m. class, it was not as packed as their pre-work and post-work classes tend to be. The instructor took plenty of time explaining the class format as well as showing me how to work the Woodway treadmills. After that first class I was exhausted, but excited to return. I liked it so much that I purchased the New Shredder Unlimited Month.<br />
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Fast forward to 2018 when I learned that Shred415 was opening a Creve Coeur location, which is near my home and where I work. I was so excited! As soon as I saw that Shred415 was offering a four pack through Groupon, my wing-woman and I each purchased one for $39. Our first class was on Thanksgiving and little did we know that our first class was actually FREE! We showed up early so that we could get a tour of the studio and here are some of the pictures I took:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp_B9bGVFdQNLBWBQbPkGT0MT-S_o2n4BqSzkiBMWEL_SMrrSX09JD97x7Ok39si8dNbO-VukY0GE3p-3SqdsAlvpoj3hyphenhyphen2uPMhMIiDuXrkiV3JZK7KnZQ9osSIpyudY9z695zfCqyrSrA/s1600/20181215_110107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp_B9bGVFdQNLBWBQbPkGT0MT-S_o2n4BqSzkiBMWEL_SMrrSX09JD97x7Ok39si8dNbO-VukY0GE3p-3SqdsAlvpoj3hyphenhyphen2uPMhMIiDuXrkiV3JZK7KnZQ9osSIpyudY9z695zfCqyrSrA/s400/20181215_110107.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn2Exr2f1chEQL-bWfZpD90Ja8g-j66PUeZE1d19308SiRvFMWW4tRRl4yPrhmZR90CVUvMKsrvqA9iisxYWFrt0AKcjqYX-5Sz2J4RGzIaq4PP1Dh5GZcnLE6pD2MXxh9ejPn3K1MfX3X/s1600/20181215_105642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn2Exr2f1chEQL-bWfZpD90Ja8g-j66PUeZE1d19308SiRvFMWW4tRRl4yPrhmZR90CVUvMKsrvqA9iisxYWFrt0AKcjqYX-5Sz2J4RGzIaq4PP1Dh5GZcnLE6pD2MXxh9ejPn3K1MfX3X/s400/20181215_105642.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Merchandise</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-vEHSk_rBY0JRRq4ay4ZX_mI7gxvYuGzG7Fb8g7EDmBfgz5GAS-wMslOsluy6IS-QgIzkElGLtdrQWY9VA4EAUHnXh2JArhB1qkQ96j-L1T5m7l8xb_VKkkI-iGynWaHYaY3wleRQZiBM/s1600/20181215_105834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-vEHSk_rBY0JRRq4ay4ZX_mI7gxvYuGzG7Fb8g7EDmBfgz5GAS-wMslOsluy6IS-QgIzkElGLtdrQWY9VA4EAUHnXh2JArhB1qkQ96j-L1T5m7l8xb_VKkkI-iGynWaHYaY3wleRQZiBM/s400/20181215_105834.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Decks and weights</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQNY95jKy6XCDHVn0Tx_8IimuUv-kk3SefktfBeo1y-ghJr_lbK9Vn72j7f1RJqHAgJjT6Ckc2_VZu9tr32NMlZLW6jHTFTm-f0f0AszI7vki110_tMX2bl4u_k0q-6q3Ad9csI9ItREv/s1600/20181215_105413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQNY95jKy6XCDHVn0Tx_8IimuUv-kk3SefktfBeo1y-ghJr_lbK9Vn72j7f1RJqHAgJjT6Ckc2_VZu9tr32NMlZLW6jHTFTm-f0f0AszI7vki110_tMX2bl4u_k0q-6q3Ad9csI9ItREv/s400/20181215_105413.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Treads</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up of the Woodway console - incline on the left, pace on the right</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Additional equipment (used less often)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rear locker and coat area</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ladies locker room</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbvXiQqQ9zHKT9fJNBr93gNXAVwZDLPaa94w4QtocB5zmiFZRAI-S12c5P30BIUD2tVCr1D_XhZ3_jcVVIW0-MATFWgYpbVuKlhyphenhyphencNCJFrLor_v016Pp5DVyoMqOjggZPx6vrKEFAYwgwU/s1600/20181122_070129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbvXiQqQ9zHKT9fJNBr93gNXAVwZDLPaa94w4QtocB5zmiFZRAI-S12c5P30BIUD2tVCr1D_XhZ3_jcVVIW0-MATFWgYpbVuKlhyphenhyphencNCJFrLor_v016Pp5DVyoMqOjggZPx6vrKEFAYwgwU/s400/20181122_070129.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ladies showers and additional lockers</td></tr>
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<b>What to bring:</b><br />
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<li>A bottle of water, but you can always buy one if you forget</li>
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<b>What to wear:</b><br />
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<li>Clothing you feel comfortable running/walking/lifting weights in</li>
<li>Shoes that are comfortable for both running/walking and floor work</li>
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<b>What is provided (other than a great workout):</b><br />
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<li>Friendly staff and instructors</li>
<li>Towels</li>
<li>All the equipment you will need</li>
<li>Instructions as well as suggested modifications</li>
<li>Great music!</li>
<li>Shower towels</li>
<li>Toiletries (hair spray, lotion, mouthwash, etc.)</li>
<li>Child care (for a fee and only at certain times)</li>
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<b>Class Format and What to Expect:</b></div>
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Shred415 started as four, 15-minute intervals of high intensity interval training with two intervals on the treadmills and two on the floor or "decks." Some classes have different durations for the intervals, but all will add up to 60 minutes of work. Your instructor will explain the duration of each interval as well as the treadmill inclines at the beginning of class so that you always know what to expect. I always try to start on the treadmills (just personal preference), but the class is split between treadmills and the decks. The instructor leads the two groups through their workouts simultaneously.<br />
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For the treadmills, your first few minutes of class are spent trying to find your <b><i>"ending warm up pace"</i></b> which is defined as a pace you can easily sustain for 15 minutes. You will want to remember this number because the remainder of the treadmill work builds on this pace, meaning you end up running faster than that pace or walking at a higher incline if you are a walker.<br />
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Meanwhile, the people on the decks are working their way through a dynamic warm-up and stretches before being led into their workout. Each class totally depends on the theme of the workout: Total Body, Butt & Legs, or Arms & Abs. I have been in classes where the treadmill inclines don't exceed 3% and others that go up to 6%, again it just depends.<br />
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After the first interval is complete, you switch. <b><i>Decks to treads</i></b> and <b><i>treads to decks</i></b> and then you work your way through what the other group just completed. The instructor explains and demonstrates everything again, so no need to memorize what they are doing on the decks while you are on the treadmill. Just stay in the present and focus on yourself and listen to the instructor. Now I will admit that I can't physically do everything the instructor demonstrates during floor work, but they will always offer modifications. Just listen to your body and don't worry about what the other people in the room are doing or how quickly they are doing it.<br />
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After you have completed your first interval on both the treads and the decks, you switch back to where you began. The switching happens quickly and you pretty much jump right into to the second round but before you know it, class is over and it's time to stretch. Now this is just my body, but I burned at least 800 calories at each class according to my Polar heart rate monitor. Of course I loved the calorie burn, but I also loved the variety on the treadmills and the decks. The music was so great that I wanted to dance, but it also kept you motivated and moving. Now that my package is up, I plan to attend classes at Shred415 through Class Pass for now and maybe purchase another package down the road. I really enjoyed my time there and look forward to coming back soon.<br />
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Shred415 continues to expand, so you can <a href="https://shred415.com/locations" target="_blank">click here</a> to find a location near you.<br />
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Breehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07247874959613676577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5673594666051007886.post-28788240828556434922018-12-19T19:41:00.002-06:002018-12-19T19:51:23.385-06:00#WellnessWednesday - iLoveKickboxing - Creve Coeur Review<a href="https://www.ilovekickboxing.com/" target="_blank">iLoveKickboxing</a> opened their second St. Louis area studio late this fall in Creve Coeur and as their Grand Opening approached, they offered amazing deals to draw new members in. A co-worker and I decided to take advantage of one of their amazing deals which was five classes (a $75 value) <b>+</b> boxing gloves (a $45 value) <b>for only $15</b>.<br />
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Your orientation class is the first of your five classes, and we scheduled our orientation for Saturday, November 10. In this class staff give you a tour of the studio, explain the class format, and really break down the basics of kickboxing. What I <b>LOVED</b> about the orientation class was how they broke down the proper form and footwork for every move. For example, I knew what an uppercut was but only because I watched my brother playing the Mortal Combat video game growing up. I had no idea where you should be hitting the bag for a proper uppercut and that your feet were supposed to pivot as you punched the bag. I also didn't realize that your other arm should be defending your face/head while you are throwing that uppercut.<br />
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Here are some of the pictures I took during our first tour of the studio:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpBHg4jibGLTDhDPukuQM4nfJyZG2hoCciBsdoUObvJfTFKteUm155c-BS0wOT1dCzpTHx286YhdPhq0Wn65uSetA8vpkWmXBIZmUoKZz6vU326uEccxsQ6IGmt1XS49dhdIXeU9PyCel8/s1600/20181110_150153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpBHg4jibGLTDhDPukuQM4nfJyZG2hoCciBsdoUObvJfTFKteUm155c-BS0wOT1dCzpTHx286YhdPhq0Wn65uSetA8vpkWmXBIZmUoKZz6vU326uEccxsQ6IGmt1XS49dhdIXeU9PyCel8/s400/20181110_150153.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Day Fighters - That's me!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Vuz6bvkGrmLvMsjI5ahUinPVzSrN-O0wVhGatlZh3xDOnNX8jwcZ5dWOpYZ_ls8-kIZlto7MrtMrjV7IHTvZtqSaTlZyhz2rnceZzBLF3caJqXXtaZiT9Aak8rOn5pb1_dl7RgrHnM7Y/s1600/20181110_133248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Vuz6bvkGrmLvMsjI5ahUinPVzSrN-O0wVhGatlZh3xDOnNX8jwcZ5dWOpYZ_ls8-kIZlto7MrtMrjV7IHTvZtqSaTlZyhz2rnceZzBLF3caJqXXtaZiT9Aak8rOn5pb1_dl7RgrHnM7Y/s400/20181110_133248.jpg" width="225" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFpe_rAzN5nOagxRPKbMGIjqxw4eJe99WGX4S46UXeWPVaVMpN6vM3lypwh5crjiwAsZLknqZQNPBU5th71XdnhDSOvXJChP6ESdC0YWe4yoF24f8xSyp6f7ThFK9izv5JfElNEtW2d67i/s1600/20181110_133917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFpe_rAzN5nOagxRPKbMGIjqxw4eJe99WGX4S46UXeWPVaVMpN6vM3lypwh5crjiwAsZLknqZQNPBU5th71XdnhDSOvXJChP6ESdC0YWe4yoF24f8xSyp6f7ThFK9izv5JfElNEtW2d67i/s400/20181110_133917.jpg" width="225" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here is what you can expect from start to finish in their own words:</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: inherit;">The instructors will show you how to wrap your hands like a real kickboxing pro, but you’ll be hitting bags instead of people. You'll meet the squad, strap on the gloves and get right to business, calorie burning business that is.</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: inherit;">=====</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: inherit;">First: The Warm Up.</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: inherit;">Designed to get your heart rate up, the music kicks you into full gear. Each day, you’ll run a little faster, jump a little higher and even squat a little lower with the help of a variety of cardio exercises you’ll grow to love. Instructors join you on the mat and guide you to ensure good form and provide modifications if needed. Before you know it, the warm up is over and you’re anxiously waiting for whatever comes next.</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: inherit;">Second: The Stretch.</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: inherit;">With your muscles warmed up this is the perfect opportunity to get them nice and loose. You’ll need it to avoid cramping and get those kicks nice and high.</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: inherit;">Third: The Bag Workout.</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: inherit;">Did you know resistance training helps you burn more calories? Instructors teach you easy to learn punch and kick combos that real fighters use in the ring. You’ll let out the stresses of your day while learning self defense and hand eye coordination. It’s the full package of working out and all you gotta do is beat up the bag. Not bad right?</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: inherit;">Lastly: The Cool Down</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: inherit;">Here the instructor helps you get your heart rate back to normal by guiding you through a series of stretches. You’ll close out class by giving a fitness tip to incorporate into your lifestyle outside of the studio too. Plus, as you stretch you can settle your mind and think of your battle cry for the next class!</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: inherit;">After burning around 1000 calories by the end of the workout, you’ll be drenched in sweat, and chomping at the bit to do it all over again!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My co-worker and I completed our 5th class on December 10 and after five classes I can say that even though the format is the same, every class is different. The only thing that really stayed the same was the fact that there was jogging around the studio during warm up. All other warm up, bag work, and partner work moves were different. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I enjoyed the camaraderie both during class and in the locker room after class (those conversations were the best). We worked hard but also laughed quite a bit, especially when my co-worker and I would both get lost in the combinations, which happened multiple times per class. I learned a lot during the orientation class and then at each class thereafter, the instructors really broke down every move: where on the bag you should punch, where the force of the punch is coming from, what your feet should be doing, how to reset for a roundhouse, etc. Even though I had taken boxing and kickboxing classes before, I had NEVER had the moves explained to me in this way. I still have a tendency to get lost when there are more than a couple moves per combination, but at least I became very cognizant of my form during the combinations. I can't remember how I even came across the package deal for iLoveKickboxing, but am really glad that we were able to take advantage of it and learn something new in the process.</span></div>
Breehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07247874959613676577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5673594666051007886.post-85126510225335143802018-12-04T17:24:00.005-06:002018-12-04T17:26:01.376-06:00A Pure Barre Adventure<b><span style="font-size: large;">Adventure</span></b> can be defined many ways but when I think of classes at Pure Barre, my definition would be: <i><b>an exciting or remarkable experience</b></i>.<br />
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Back in June I purchased a Groupon for 20 classes at <a href="http://purebarre.com/mo-ladue/" target="_blank">Pure Barre (Ladue and Central West End)</a> with a 20% off code. This meant that I paid a total of $79.20 for 20 classes, or $3.96/class. A single drop-in class at Pure Barre is $22 and the price per class could decrease by a few dollars if you purchase a package, but they will NEVER be as cheap as $3.96/class. This was such a good deal that I also asked/made my friend purchase the 20 class pack so that we could go to some of the classes together.<br />
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We scheduled our first class for Saturday, July 14 at 9:30 a.m. and were told to arrive a few minutes early for a quick overview before class. As you walk into the Pure Barre - Ladue studio you are greeted by staff, who check you in for class. A small merchandise area and changing room is also in the lobby.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pure Barre Ladue</td></tr>
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After checking in, the instructor gave us a tour and a brief orientation before class began. A door separates the lobby from the actual classroom to help control noise. Adjacent to the door are rows of cubbies for your personal items. You remove your shoes, leave them in the cubbie, and wear sticky socks for class. I have a pair of yoga socks that I wore for the first couple classes, then I ended up purchasing a pair of socks from Pure Barre as well. They had so many cute options that I just could not resist!</div>
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Just past the cubbies is all the equipment you will need for class, neatly stacked and organized. </div>
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The classroom itself is a large carpeted room with mirrors on two sides and ballet barres around the entire perimeter of the room. The instructor will display the equipment needed for class on either the front or side barre but you typically need a red ball, the red tubes, and a light set of weights. The red mats shown in the picture below are brought to the center of the room by staff halfway through class for ab work and cool down.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUkUOsoAtRF3icLQ7SRhRC8Ln3LYifxtlOFnLmBE3dvwQEw1cRkczC1hNbIJ7WQo2bSiZ-KqJBCUdqMTb4kXmLIxYs2J9qpVRuylYDr8foybf9UzwZph2kV-XHqY5VIbOwPESILkyAiLPu/s1600/20180928_065543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUkUOsoAtRF3icLQ7SRhRC8Ln3LYifxtlOFnLmBE3dvwQEw1cRkczC1hNbIJ7WQo2bSiZ-KqJBCUdqMTb4kXmLIxYs2J9qpVRuylYDr8foybf9UzwZph2kV-XHqY5VIbOwPESILkyAiLPu/s640/20180928_065543.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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Below is information about the class types and Pure Barre Etiquette that I picked up at our first class.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGowlUdh8F9tegeL9C8PljF18ZoGiM9SMaB7mDJahZhzYqdJP_kD2jiJYdav5tLKuS5Bsb_PnosXk44U7I5NPpBP5ifwx1-7zRwJGhWRc-mFWHp63SmECKFaXQwvE0RiwJ6dYvm2AHbIK-/s1600/PB1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="152" data-original-width="700" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGowlUdh8F9tegeL9C8PljF18ZoGiM9SMaB7mDJahZhzYqdJP_kD2jiJYdav5tLKuS5Bsb_PnosXk44U7I5NPpBP5ifwx1-7zRwJGhWRc-mFWHp63SmECKFaXQwvE0RiwJ6dYvm2AHbIK-/s640/PB1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDn4UZRwgM4-eXJb-MNRy2oioYK1LJCs_v-bKHYZQOMUeOd7hh9rHhFQeby5FwAYclbmkF1WraUbKhReaIFIGwWwQuYNlZfa0DmiNdJ7-S3lwM8BpZhCDVZ-WvN4SZmOPXg18yxb5-V5pz/s1600/PB2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="430" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDn4UZRwgM4-eXJb-MNRy2oioYK1LJCs_v-bKHYZQOMUeOd7hh9rHhFQeby5FwAYclbmkF1WraUbKhReaIFIGwWwQuYNlZfa0DmiNdJ7-S3lwM8BpZhCDVZ-WvN4SZmOPXg18yxb5-V5pz/s400/PB2.jpg" width="335" /></a></div>
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<b><u>What to wear:</u></b><br />
<ul>
<li>Pants, leggings, or capris (no shorts) and a top that covers your midriff</li>
<li>Sticky socks</li>
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<b><u>What to bring:</u></b><br />
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<li>Water</li>
<li>Sweat towel (I seemed to be the only one, but I needed it)</li>
</ul>
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What I love about Pure Barre is that even if some of the exercises were included in a previous class, every workout is different! Over the course of my 20 classes I would start to guess what the instructor was doing next, and then I would be wrong. This forces you to actually be mentally and physically present in class and I was always learning something new and working muscles that I hadn't before.<br />
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The class flows like this:<br />
<ul>
<li>Participants are generally stretching and chatting before class while seated throughout the classroom.</li>
<li>The instructor walks in, turns on their mic, and everyone automatically stands up at attention.</li>
<li>The music starts and the instructor leads the class through a challenging warm up. Sometimes the warm up includes more floor work than others, but it <b>always</b> involves planks and push ups!</li>
<li>Next is arm work with light weights. Don't be fooled by the light weights because the arm section of class will leave your muscles burning! Before moving on you go through several stretches specifically for the muscles in your arms. Your weights are picked up by staff as you are stretching since you won't need them for the remainder of class.</li>
<li>Up next is thigh and seat work. Sometimes you use the tubes, sometimes the ball, sometimes just the barre. Each class varies but once you are done with thigh and seat work, you stretch those muscles as well.</li>
<li>The red mats are brought out halfway through class for ab work and cool down. Ab work utilizes the ball, the tubes, or just your body weight. Sometimes participants face the instructor with their mats parallel to the front mirror, and other times all participants are facing the center of the room. Once ab work is complete, you stretch your abs and lower back.</li>
<li>The last working section of class includes glute bridges, sometimes with the red tube and sometimes without. The instructions for this section vary, but it's really your last chance to push yourself.</li>
<li>Then it's time to stretch! You will notice the instructor's tone turning from energetic to quiet and calming as they lead you through a series of deep stretches. </li>
<li>Finally, everyone claps and you wipe down everything red which includes your mat, ball, and tubes. </li>
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The Pure Barre website is a great read if you are new to barre. <a href="http://purebarre.com/ltb/all-about-the-barre/" target="_blank">Click here</a> to see what I mean. You can read about some of the lingo you will hear in class by <a href="http://purebarre.com/ltb/all-about-the-barre/#learn-the-lingo" target="_blank">clicking here</a>. Your instructor will also cover the basics during your orientation. </div>
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What I love about <a href="http://purebarre.com/technique/new-to-purebarre/" target="_blank">this section</a> of the Pure Barre website is the "What if I am not a teeny tiny ballerina" section. Let me explain why. While I loved every class I took at Pure Barre, I did not feel like I fit in at first. I was the most overweight participant in the room by far, my pants were usually from Target and not a designer brand, and I would wear a baggy t-shirt that I typically earned in exchange for volunteering at a race or an event. I looked NOTHING like the other people in the room and I could feel that I was comparing myself to others. At that point, I should have just told those negative thoughts to <b><span style="color: red;">stop</span></b> because <b>no one cared what I was wearing or how far from flexible I was</b>. We were all there for a great workout and to improve ourselves, not judge others. The instructors were also nothing but kind and discrete with any corrections given. I don't know why I let myself get so worked up about not looking the part during the first couple classes, but I want to reassure you that <b>no one is judging you and you just need to relax and enjoy the class</b>. I still get a little intimidated by the warm up section of class but once the class is over, I am so glad I toughed it out!</div>
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During the time we were using our 20 classes, Pure Barre - Ladue offered a special "Tuck and Glow" class that we decided not to miss. I don't have a sufficient supply of neon clothing, but I still had an amazing time sweating under the black lights. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1yME9TiAKGRKCtf2LrZLv780-T0uJlMASvr9NUWXpyP4exncv6H1q6xMbiUF572tpz_PJnmWipAv6Melsy-2T7o7DwXvyyijcQx-kgGEWI_gdUPWPcfUVpP07BRpzOnHaXYSGG0ZhzU0g/s1600/tuck+and+glow2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="423" data-original-width="594" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1yME9TiAKGRKCtf2LrZLv780-T0uJlMASvr9NUWXpyP4exncv6H1q6xMbiUF572tpz_PJnmWipAv6Melsy-2T7o7DwXvyyijcQx-kgGEWI_gdUPWPcfUVpP07BRpzOnHaXYSGG0ZhzU0g/s400/tuck+and+glow2.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
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My friend and I were able to use most of our classes together at the Ladue studio, which made it much more fun. But don't let the lack of a wing-man/woman deter you. After our package at Ladue was gone, I purchased a Groupon for five classes at the Chesterfield location. A five pack through Groupon was $39 which makes each class $7.80....what a deal! This studio is a bit out of the way for me, so I purchased the smallest package knowing that I would only attend class on the weekends.<br />
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The Chesterfield studio still had staff check you in and merchandise in the lobby, but the classroom itself was more rectangular and smaller. What I really like about their layout (having previously been a space planner at an architecture firm) is that you don't have to walk through the classroom to get to the restroom, there were more cubbies for your personal items, and the hallway was more spacious which decreased congestion before and after class. ALSO, the Chesterfield classroom has ceiling fans which is much appreciated by those of us that sweat profusely during class (I am still convinced that I am the only one that sweats buckets during class).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyz8K6oBFVAmFy8FjLgAflbcn-cZwjZe7T4Taf-5AMWvJc5SMzHxdQWAdy4v1q00Cm2LwUCZ3lkONdmY_59RuomL3hFnBSDW5G5v_I0neqNHoi2gIQhsxGWuyRnGA9ORh6AdsYC01EwnMv/s1600/studio.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="389" data-original-width="198" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyz8K6oBFVAmFy8FjLgAflbcn-cZwjZe7T4Taf-5AMWvJc5SMzHxdQWAdy4v1q00Cm2LwUCZ3lkONdmY_59RuomL3hFnBSDW5G5v_I0neqNHoi2gIQhsxGWuyRnGA9ORh6AdsYC01EwnMv/s320/studio.JPG" width="162" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvR-Y9Gdc7bFJwINzUSfN6DsKwON9krvzg03veDIKmz1ZGKz8AdU05ezl8EIH7KIWEtvcKGNPbtcwBlgYzQPns1Rc_AhuntCi0FNjn8p0G41meK_SMEZN1WVjxlUUjJUf6llxpOkSMD3bW/s1600/pbc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvR-Y9Gdc7bFJwINzUSfN6DsKwON9krvzg03veDIKmz1ZGKz8AdU05ezl8EIH7KIWEtvcKGNPbtcwBlgYzQPns1Rc_AhuntCi0FNjn8p0G41meK_SMEZN1WVjxlUUjJUf6llxpOkSMD3bW/s320/pbc.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcIAe4A82QYh95AXZROdDDI54_0yQw0iatrPjfxEobL_nB-HXMOSL4AhndBLS4NvHC8VnYZ5onURfm6bWEpJ9N6d5z_VQWUFsN9RWMsppH0biO_0S8Xc86CEgMfuxqMyuHJq962iLXgOAQ/s1600/20181103_102448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcIAe4A82QYh95AXZROdDDI54_0yQw0iatrPjfxEobL_nB-HXMOSL4AhndBLS4NvHC8VnYZ5onURfm6bWEpJ9N6d5z_VQWUFsN9RWMsppH0biO_0S8Xc86CEgMfuxqMyuHJq962iLXgOAQ/s400/20181103_102448.jpg" width="225" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHNtRVsVPt9_LcvlFppHgkDUko5i3ox8V402ycOWvZUkPbZ__CkI5i_PQ6toTtRmoQtbI9-utbQlajC8zTvORSCgF0IVkpHDIRUjEWalK_LmkdZ3J6GLji1Ol1RnbWidl6HU4A05UdQQS6/s1600/20181118_102814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHNtRVsVPt9_LcvlFppHgkDUko5i3ox8V402ycOWvZUkPbZ__CkI5i_PQ6toTtRmoQtbI9-utbQlajC8zTvORSCgF0IVkpHDIRUjEWalK_LmkdZ3J6GLji1Ol1RnbWidl6HU4A05UdQQS6/s400/20181118_102814.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
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Both studios send informative and inspiring emails to keep you motivated and explain the benefits of the workout. </div>
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Between both studios I have over 20 classes under my belt, but I always find the workouts challenging both physically and mentally. I still can't make it completely through the warm-up without stopping. I still have to stop and pause throughout class to give my shaking muscles a break. But all of that is perfectly normal! <b>Pure Barre is not easy BUT it is A LOT of fun.</b> You won't believe how your flexibility improves, how you feel after taking a class, and how your body shakes as it improves. <a href="http://purebarre.com/locations/" target="_blank">Click here</a> to find your closest studio or try <a href="https://ondemand.purebarre.com/" target="_blank">Pure Barre On Demand</a> from the comfort of your own home to see what I mean.<br />
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Breehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07247874959613676577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5673594666051007886.post-81088094452653844062018-10-14T12:55:00.000-05:002018-10-14T13:09:09.030-05:00MO' Cowbell Half Marathon RecapThe <a href="http://mocowbellmarathon.com/" target="_blank">MO' Cowbell Half Marathon</a> last weekend was my 51st half marathon and the 3rd time I have "run" the half marathon in St. Charles, MO. My 2013 time would have been the best time on this course and in 2017 and 2018, I opted to mostly walk the course. In 2017, I took a lot of pictures on the course because it was a beautiful and sunny day. So be sure to <a href="http://www.willrunforamedal.com/2017/10/mo-cowbell-half-marathon-recap.html" target="_blank">check out the 2017 race recap</a> for course pictures. The 2018 race was hot and steamy and started in foggy conditions, so I didn't take any pictures on the course.<br />
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What I did take photos of was the expo, which is always held the Friday and Saturday prior to race day at St. Charles Community College. Both days offered FREE exercise classes, packet pick-up, and lots of vendors. Even if you aren't running the race, the vendors and FREE classes would be worth your while.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Free cowbells!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP5A1ItGGoAQy9ZqVAMmH9wkGH58tO5bqQt9wV3hqVZDKpjVWp7G3NdSu5SyJTwfa_1-hpNM2-xZ5YzbN1jsUyvlTPG95Pxss6F8Btn4IXefPA0Hlg5Je5_50Ca0umg-KxVmngBcx7Bpnn/s400/20181006_092108.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="225" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bumper stickers for all distances</td></tr>
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I worked at the expo on Saturday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the shirt pick-up area. It was super busy, but I was pretty much in motion the entire time. Next year I will have to remember to wear a pedometer because I swore I got in at least 10,000 steps during my shift. </div>
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We received a lot of positive comments on the jackets this year, even though race day was too hot to wear them. This jacket is perfect for fall and winter runs!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2kyNzwzDq5g1Fhuv9h6-1Kt7qvZYsnooR1uLhAnf5DImdR_GQLD4b_0UpZg68eCo_-mNcNw5PpiRz9e-M8EE79tyqWwUCARPuOC1RXneTz_jKqVHwICR6OoUZFId-Y3UGpMAPcOby9z0V/s1600/20181006_151306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2kyNzwzDq5g1Fhuv9h6-1Kt7qvZYsnooR1uLhAnf5DImdR_GQLD4b_0UpZg68eCo_-mNcNw5PpiRz9e-M8EE79tyqWwUCARPuOC1RXneTz_jKqVHwICR6OoUZFId-Y3UGpMAPcOby9z0V/s400/20181006_151306.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The drawstring bags also come in handy year-round!</td></tr>
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On race day, I did get a few early morning photos since I arrived so early. There is plenty of parking all around Frontier Park and downtown, but you really do have to heed the race director's warning and arrive by 6:00 a.m. or you could get stuck in traffic searching for a parking spot, leaving little time to relax and warm up prior to start time. You also have to allow enough time to get parked so that you can be at the start line by 7:20 a.m. with your cowbell for <a href="https://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/more-cowbell-with-will-ferrell-on-snl-video-saturday-night-live-nbc/3506001" target="_blank">Don't Fear the Reaper</a>!!! Then at 7:30 a.m. the marathon, half marathon, and half marathon relay begin with the 5k following at 8 a.m.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5f9TPAF8PF1emZAMNeeY_NxTRXZjL65l96izV4Cq0NXS3oxe-XCRBz_fK4Vqfed_6BpQ7aOZiOwk_FQ9k6UG7BQyPNVg5NvC6RM2H6dmX49LYxXD2cPmHoNbbqgFJsdiwzZ61TKyZIYa/s1600/20181007_054528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5f9TPAF8PF1emZAMNeeY_NxTRXZjL65l96izV4Cq0NXS3oxe-XCRBz_fK4Vqfed_6BpQ7aOZiOwk_FQ9k6UG7BQyPNVg5NvC6RM2H6dmX49LYxXD2cPmHoNbbqgFJsdiwzZ61TKyZIYa/s400/20181007_054528.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Start/Finish line set up</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsnNa5x2Wu7TQL2EbzFtStLIa3xJyEE3rDaxfzBJvhPku6fi2d7ogtjQHm1R5CkSLIq9_x3F7R4hp0qWfG4_7tKickcaM4XzRahnxvumiuo9i5Qb9Orv6uprx4ZtAoyFWKOiznr5sw_RfO/s1600/20181007_054720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsnNa5x2Wu7TQL2EbzFtStLIa3xJyEE3rDaxfzBJvhPku6fi2d7ogtjQHm1R5CkSLIq9_x3F7R4hp0qWfG4_7tKickcaM4XzRahnxvumiuo9i5Qb9Orv6uprx4ZtAoyFWKOiznr5sw_RfO/s400/20181007_054720.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR4I2e6DxCGqhi61PMJfid4zwbjc_zlU2XMos7kZnbhbP0RGfRPUKh0XRId-wy_E88EiWt4RcIbEQirfyyRQxq17N5affPeqYll_ad09dfxstz2V3kVesGPumZ4DiDjO5knOxZ6jNvnfCn/s1600/20181007_055204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR4I2e6DxCGqhi61PMJfid4zwbjc_zlU2XMos7kZnbhbP0RGfRPUKh0XRId-wy_E88EiWt4RcIbEQirfyyRQxq17N5affPeqYll_ad09dfxstz2V3kVesGPumZ4DiDjO5knOxZ6jNvnfCn/s640/20181007_055204.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8dbBPNLq9garcvrErp6enuDSrcLiuZxI_Onq7jobzHJK91dYdCJN0doKO7fH37lLN4O4IeDMFcfLgFzOPPdRKZYtSKtV_jmgVBe_mrukXOT0rr5M-Sk_eLKnRUls4JOfd_jsb71m3TjZZ/s1600/20181007_055338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8dbBPNLq9garcvrErp6enuDSrcLiuZxI_Onq7jobzHJK91dYdCJN0doKO7fH37lLN4O4IeDMFcfLgFzOPPdRKZYtSKtV_jmgVBe_mrukXOT0rr5M-Sk_eLKnRUls4JOfd_jsb71m3TjZZ/s400/20181007_055338.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PR Bell!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuO7BQOdrSy-VOwDGtvQ9n6v7mmEFffHIOUUklo3lSdiVRBAQcTWZtMA8-ryYuBqhhTXzEWSaVpvfRhAjeMRkgWm0MfnjTzWYtelMQXYgQ63ypPvrnq0cARgFOYqBPc4QcA0qS-1ecb6VS/s1600/20181007_205143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuO7BQOdrSy-VOwDGtvQ9n6v7mmEFffHIOUUklo3lSdiVRBAQcTWZtMA8-ryYuBqhhTXzEWSaVpvfRhAjeMRkgWm0MfnjTzWYtelMQXYgQ63ypPvrnq0cARgFOYqBPc4QcA0qS-1ecb6VS/s640/20181007_205143.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the medal!</td></tr>
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No matter what the weather brings, I always enjoy this race. The course takes you through some scenic areas of St. Charles County, the community support is awesome, great pre-race communication, training runs during the summer, you get to shake your cowbell to Don't Fear the Reaper, nice medals for all distances, you have the opportunity to <a href="http://mocowbellmarathon.com/race-info/photo-gallery/" target="_blank">pose for photos with Chuck - the mascot</a> - who has 6-pack abs instead of udders, and the swag is always top-notch. <b><i>The 2019 date is already set for Sunday, October 6th so be sure to pen it in!!! </i></b>Breehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07247874959613676577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5673594666051007886.post-81866352573343260882018-09-27T19:40:00.001-05:002019-09-10T16:33:48.761-05:00Looking back on 50 half marathonsYou may recall from <a href="http://www.willrunforamedal.com/2013/07/the-beginning.html" target="_blank">my very first blog posts</a>, that I started running back in 2009 while living in DC. My first running shoes were purchased from <a href="https://www.runpacers.com/" target="_blank">Pacers</a>, which is a local running store that also manages many of the races in the DC area. While purchasing those shoes, I remember seeing signs for the <a href="https://www.runpacers.com/race/parkway-classic/" target="_blank">Parkway Classic race</a>, which starts at the Mount Vernon Estate (George Washington's home) and ends in a park along the Potomac River in Old Town Alexandria. It sounded like an exciting and scenic race, so I registered. I finished the race with an average 10:36 per mile pace, so I was ecstatic!!! I must have been bitten by the racing bug as soon as I crossed the finish line that day, because I remember asking myself when my next race would be. It turned out that my next race and my very first half marathon would be that fall at the <a href="http://www.thebaltimoremarathon.com/" target="_blank">Baltimore Running Festival</a>.<br />
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It seems like so long ago now, but I remember my mom flying out from Illinois to support me even though she had just met me for a girls weekend in Baltimore the month prior. I remember that my <u>only</u> goal was to finish before the sag wagon came through. The race itself was pretty much a blur now, but I do remember celebrating my first half marathon with carrot cake from <a href="http://lexingtonmarket.com/" target="_blank">Lexington Market</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOg8YcTl-44KzC7c8Ude9zP6GKqw8OQMN6TCp5CVPVoiQxRWN5_izjlAvGTeIN-6Mgj3QH9lCINJTsxfvcYIeZVGr1PuiGNSxrljjc5Lb7ITVZ5tccfnfOAYM_yeVZAjZT0N5NDl2N_mnJ/s1600/IMG_5329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOg8YcTl-44KzC7c8Ude9zP6GKqw8OQMN6TCp5CVPVoiQxRWN5_izjlAvGTeIN-6Mgj3QH9lCINJTsxfvcYIeZVGr1PuiGNSxrljjc5Lb7ITVZ5tccfnfOAYM_yeVZAjZT0N5NDl2N_mnJ/s320/IMG_5329.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was the beginning of my half marathon addiction</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLBnvvDpmtMxOeQNUKR0Prs1XlwApoih2zqgxCRFbpYnzvFzPVZGHVpkPCsv7M3sz5Vpezvg13J_bB7XkL4-6YjbwjlWEOt-bAVlpnIHMPaSa1yEuz5T-NCcgmNq8s8lXfTv_jGQotzUjZ/s320/IMG_5332.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting, waiting....</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLBnvvDpmtMxOeQNUKR0Prs1XlwApoih2zqgxCRFbpYnzvFzPVZGHVpkPCsv7M3sz5Vpezvg13J_bB7XkL4-6YjbwjlWEOt-bAVlpnIHMPaSa1yEuz5T-NCcgmNq8s8lXfTv_jGQotzUjZ/s1600/IMG_5332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLBnvvDpmtMxOeQNUKR0Prs1XlwApoih2zqgxCRFbpYnzvFzPVZGHVpkPCsv7M3sz5Vpezvg13J_bB7XkL4-6YjbwjlWEOt-bAVlpnIHMPaSa1yEuz5T-NCcgmNq8s8lXfTv_jGQotzUjZ/s1600/IMG_5332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I used this same fuel belt until it finally broke in early 2018!</td></tr>
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Fast forward to 2013, and I had moved to St. Louis. I started this blog 19 half marathons in because I was starting to forget which year I had run a particular race and the details were all starting to blur together. This blog was really created as a way for me to remember the details of each race from that point forward. My mother was my only reader for the longest time and my early reviews were pretty short and had no real format until I started networking with other bloggers. I took pieces of what I liked in their blog posts and avoided incorporating anything that just didn't fit my own blog. I also found the <a href="https://www.bibrave.com/" target="_blank">BibRave</a> website, which was designed to be like Yelp for race reviews. As I read race reviews from other runners, I learned more about what made a race review helpful for other runners and then I started replicating that.</div>
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As my blog grew, I would email local races to see if I could help promote their race or write a race recap in exchange for a free entry. To my surprise, it worked a few times! That process is how I came to be a MO' Bassador for the <a href="http://mocowbellmarathon.com/" target="_blank">MO' Cowbell races in St. Charles, MO</a>. They were seeking runners to help promote their race, so I applied and was one of their original MO' Bassadors. As more MO' Bassadors have been added over the years, I have learned more about races than I ever knew before. Some of us had run Disney races, some were trying to run a half or full marathon (sometimes both) in every state, some schedule back-to-back races, some run for swag, some run for medals, some run as an excuse to travel. Their race experiences provided a wealth of information and also fueled my desire to continue running half marathons. And that's exactly what I did - I kept running races. In April I finished my 50th half marathon in Nashville, Tennessee and in October, my 51st half marathon will be the MO' Cowbell Half Marathon.<br />
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Even after 50 half marathons I am still superstitious and NEVER wear my race shirt on race day. I force myself to earn it first. I keep things the same as much as possible race-to-race, which is why I kept using the same fuel belt for 9 years until it finally broke and the reason why I have a gps watch that is absolutely massive on my wrist. But if it ain't broke, don't fix it! I still get nervous, especially at large half marathons. Every race day I hope that my training was enough and typically wish that I would have done just a little more. Then as soon as I cross the finish line, I am already thinking about my next race.<br />
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But through plenty of injuries, some health issues, major fluctuations in weight, and paces that vary widely, I still love the thrill of completing a half marathon. My motto for this blog was that if I can do it, you can too and I still find that to be true. I am pretty sure that I am the slowest MO' Bassador by far and I could let that discourage me, but I still get out there and finish a race regardless of my pace. So get out there and try a race in your area! You never know where it may lead you (literally - I never look at the course before a race) and it may just start an addiction for you too.....<br />
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<b><u><i>Half Marathons by Year:</i></u></b><br />
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<b>2009</b><br />
Baltimore Half Marathon<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0UmjlMcrxFa_Ek52YlUVoik6Bzji-whCx3o_VMMkkmD_2O6U0RLnDqwBHJpxZfyWbGZmLsmHM6TX9QwP7ouuzR8FJpBRKweQWKBc256O8n07V4S6i1BcpHP1rrshvqRYJYuMkU1PrabUk/s1600/20180429_174317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0UmjlMcrxFa_Ek52YlUVoik6Bzji-whCx3o_VMMkkmD_2O6U0RLnDqwBHJpxZfyWbGZmLsmHM6TX9QwP7ouuzR8FJpBRKweQWKBc256O8n07V4S6i1BcpHP1rrshvqRYJYuMkU1PrabUk/s400/20180429_174317.jpg" width="225" /></a><br />
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<b>2010</b><br />
National Half Marathon (now a Rock 'n' Roll race)<br />
Frederick Half Marathon<br />
Pacers Running Festival Half Marathon (defunct)<br />
Heartland Half Marathon (defunct)<br />
Baltimore Half Marathon<br />
Rock 'n' Roll San Antonio Half Marathon<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxxYoYkTrErUib_F1VHPz0q6bCITxaspjXmQtyKZc_sZ4O2V-Ry7-J7tp3IztUb_xsY7noJ2dXhUhyN2dGYyWBUOvE7z9Jx7i8XBLkSmqgYT15pZCn-f91E5HhEY60ZroF5sEo3D_mN3j/s1600/2010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="570" data-original-width="861" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxxYoYkTrErUib_F1VHPz0q6bCITxaspjXmQtyKZc_sZ4O2V-Ry7-J7tp3IztUb_xsY7noJ2dXhUhyN2dGYyWBUOvE7z9Jx7i8XBLkSmqgYT15pZCn-f91E5HhEY60ZroF5sEo3D_mN3j/s640/2010.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>2011</b><br />
Walt Disney World Half Marathon (part of the Goofy Challenge)<br />
Illinois Half Marathon<br />
500 Festival Mini Marathon<br />
Rock 'n' Roll St. Louis<br />
U.S. Air Force Half Marathon<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh34LjaVzT4w1u8XOfZKI5kC18DpVwPUYDWTa6MuoPb_I9dn4X2qzv8pDgcSX10NwanmVu46HTJxJSY7INEBEbCHscpXtxU3fCJQpd0zIWjyNOXOSVGSSxVnY1dU7rhCModLwlwfxVlpXTA/s1600/2011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="547" data-original-width="624" height="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh34LjaVzT4w1u8XOfZKI5kC18DpVwPUYDWTa6MuoPb_I9dn4X2qzv8pDgcSX10NwanmVu46HTJxJSY7INEBEbCHscpXtxU3fCJQpd0zIWjyNOXOSVGSSxVnY1dU7rhCModLwlwfxVlpXTA/s640/2011.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>2012</b><br />
Disney Princess Half Marathon<br />
Rock 'n' Roll USA Half Marathon<br />
Lincoln Presidential Half Marathon<br />
Rock 'n' Roll St. Louis Half Marathon<br />
Monumental Half Marathon<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvtWpng7_w4kRpGzl5JlLyGc1bOgGiuHewPcDtDQh5K_YRnqBCGdonw10lNS54VX8ihM3W6EuDtfu7P_Xp2k0Dr7V1ZQ_KnyYFp7X3VmJ2vg7lfL_3IuGkHxEj-Rit-ZUN3znrC7kj98j/s1600/2012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="909" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvtWpng7_w4kRpGzl5JlLyGc1bOgGiuHewPcDtDQh5K_YRnqBCGdonw10lNS54VX8ihM3W6EuDtfu7P_Xp2k0Dr7V1ZQ_KnyYFp7X3VmJ2vg7lfL_3IuGkHxEj-Rit-ZUN3znrC7kj98j/s640/2012.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>2013</b><br />
Alton Half Marathon<br />
GO! St. Louis Half Marathon<br />
Roots, Blues, and BBQ Half Marathon<br />
MO' Cowbell Half Marathon<br />
GO! St. Louis Halloween Half Marathon<br />
Rock 'n' Roll St. Louis Half Marathon<br />
Walt Disney World Wine and Dine Half Marathon<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAhgho8PCgXSbIiDACLPoxe7gIN9OZzHiCk7DbZ4HmAs6eJhIbbdOOypWfReyXW5-IaeQIwQmnF5QUo_seJ2l7CGd2wIW7WGbPMvnWRjsZMX1i_xUU3ubT_qjD6yPtARyqJFHvRkGggW68/s1600/2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="537" data-original-width="909" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAhgho8PCgXSbIiDACLPoxe7gIN9OZzHiCk7DbZ4HmAs6eJhIbbdOOypWfReyXW5-IaeQIwQmnF5QUo_seJ2l7CGd2wIW7WGbPMvnWRjsZMX1i_xUU3ubT_qjD6yPtARyqJFHvRkGggW68/s640/2013.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>2014</b><br />
Disney World Half Marathon (Dopey Challenge)<br />
Innsbrook Adventure Max Half Marathon (defunct)<br />
Southern Illinois Spring Classic Half Marathon<br />
GO! St. Louis Half Marathon<br />
Rock the Parkway Half Marathon<br />
500 Festival Mini Marathon<br />
YMCA Schoolhouse Rockin' Half Marathon<br />
River Town Run Half Marathon<br />
Disneyland Half Marathon (Dumbo Double Dare)<br />
Roots, Blues, and BBQ Half Marathon<br />
St. Louis Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon<br />
Monumental Half Marathon<br />
Litchfield Route 66 Half Marathon (defunct)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTCp-ZFWLd_qRIPolK3FgDqjQ5_sVxG1QMPXJFokPzEMIFNaivFaP1drIfwPCMFyAVDH_xxZRo5I7GuQq9X-zUFZmUnaR5__8L11Jyut3sJQHVzNakG27GTaFlZsPssQQMn1pZ0FSqC3vP/s1600/2014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="492" data-original-width="794" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTCp-ZFWLd_qRIPolK3FgDqjQ5_sVxG1QMPXJFokPzEMIFNaivFaP1drIfwPCMFyAVDH_xxZRo5I7GuQq9X-zUFZmUnaR5__8L11Jyut3sJQHVzNakG27GTaFlZsPssQQMn1pZ0FSqC3vP/s640/2014.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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GO! St. Louis Half Marathon<br />
St. Louis Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguJMNgfukbZO_AItIoexNRrnbiFqRPu89UXLqY1NlJ_BcDBLpBnaCnv7GueFJ1E93mcu4ESR15O4l1NRC-gg0zt8eTIyrZQt_ZNwNOQz4_FMJfcBIbKMw-WeJGLcC2tWOyyMWYe8zWWu7l/s1600/2015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="414" data-original-width="503" height="526" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguJMNgfukbZO_AItIoexNRrnbiFqRPu89UXLqY1NlJ_BcDBLpBnaCnv7GueFJ1E93mcu4ESR15O4l1NRC-gg0zt8eTIyrZQt_ZNwNOQz4_FMJfcBIbKMw-WeJGLcC2tWOyyMWYe8zWWu7l/s640/2015.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>2016</b><br />
Illinois Half Marathon<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdVscIV76jE9B3BPRkCxv1oY9Elw2zoC0dNllDsmCW_WiWxr5r415Z78C-FRcnTLRsPwX9akO03DN3f52UGNVV8hnIzZpEoLneqV5svLvoSvdQO-WY0Fg-pgvGzjoJSaNF0q_IbJVrBY1A/s1600/20180429_180122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdVscIV76jE9B3BPRkCxv1oY9Elw2zoC0dNllDsmCW_WiWxr5r415Z78C-FRcnTLRsPwX9akO03DN3f52UGNVV8hnIzZpEoLneqV5svLvoSvdQO-WY0Fg-pgvGzjoJSaNF0q_IbJVrBY1A/s640/20180429_180122.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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<b>2017</b><br />
Illinois Half Marathon<br />
500 Festival Mini Marathon (part of the Mega Mini Challenge)<br />
Race 13.1 Half Marathon<br />
Vine to Wine Half Marathon<br />
MO' Cowbell Half Marathon<br />
Monumental Half Marathon<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDi1h3hG2uvugHZ4z2TNlxbF9p7dxes3Vi_TaUj4JflLlVqE3ly2KUC-zaGMRtS-VbF8En5dieoi6zSj84czYFBzEujOSMHJfDO_GRmsDnm2Oe2ft5-GZ8E9l9QtL4Hdt2pmxnbYWs_fVD/s1600/2017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="655" height="584" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDi1h3hG2uvugHZ4z2TNlxbF9p7dxes3Vi_TaUj4JflLlVqE3ly2KUC-zaGMRtS-VbF8En5dieoi6zSj84czYFBzEujOSMHJfDO_GRmsDnm2Oe2ft5-GZ8E9l9QtL4Hdt2pmxnbYWs_fVD/s640/2017.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>2018</b><br />
Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Half Marathon<br />
Rock 'n' Roll DC Half Marathon<br />
GO! St. Louis Half Marathon<br />
Rock 'n' Roll Nashville<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigLXrbexYpfNKSem1F8S6P2YUghjYZe08xHczhMghRpdDEal526u-dlkKaQI05GqmfkFuxmrGbk952RrOEzr5BpYX1qAucnqeACd3gIi_Tb-H1jfDL4n2-bQGiSl6EBnuMUKC9LsW4Nc8B/s1600/20180429_180521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigLXrbexYpfNKSem1F8S6P2YUghjYZe08xHczhMghRpdDEal526u-dlkKaQI05GqmfkFuxmrGbk952RrOEzr5BpYX1qAucnqeACd3gIi_Tb-H1jfDL4n2-bQGiSl6EBnuMUKC9LsW4Nc8B/s640/20180429_180521.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Or <a href="http://www.willrunforamedal.com/p/races-by-location.html" target="_blank">click here</a> for half marathons by location.<br />
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Stay tuned for my MO' Cowbell Half Marathon race recap in October!Breehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07247874959613676577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5673594666051007886.post-81017211082666051222018-06-11T20:49:00.001-05:002018-06-11T20:49:12.103-05:00Volunteering at Race 13.1 - St. Louis I first <a href="http://www.willrunforamedal.com/2016/05/race-131-st-louis-volunteer-experience.html" target="_blank">volunteered for Race 13.1 in 2016</a> as a course marshal. In 2017, I was a race sweeper for the half marathon with a fast runner friend of mine. In 2018, there was supposed to be four of us sweeping until I got injured the Thursday before race day.<br />
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<b>Only me!</b> It was an accident waiting to happen really. <br />
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The couple weeks prior to the race, I had noticed that my legs were just extra tight every time I would stretch after an Orangetheory class. Every time I noticed the tightness, I would think about taking a yoga class or doing some extra stretching during the week, but neither of those thoughts ever became a reality. So when I tripped on my sandal going up the stairs at work, I immediately felt a pull in my left calf. The result was a pretty significant limp which meant NO <a href="https://race131.com/races/race-13-1-st-louis-mo/details" target="_blank">Race 13.1, not even the 5k distance they offered.</a><br />
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I was completely bummed about not being able to participate in the race and I also mad at myself for not following through on my initial thoughts about extra stretching. I could have let myself be depressed about it and avoiding the race entirely, but I decided to volunteer on race day instead. I still wanted to be part of the race day action and I also wanted to see my friends take off from the start line, so volunteering at race day packet pick-up allowed me to accomplish both of those things PLUS get a free t-shirt! I guess that's what you call making lemonade out of lemons.<br />
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Back when I signed up for the race, I also signed up for the Saturday packet pick-up volunteer shift. When I got injured last week, I signed up for the exact same duties on race day too. Both packet pick-up shifts went really well. <a href="https://race131.com/races" target="_blank">Race 13.1</a> is very good at communicating with racers leading up to race day. Most participants had the email with their bib number pulled up and ready to go but if they didn't, it only took a matter of seconds to look them up. It was a very quick and easy process from the volunteer perspective and the participants seemed pleased with the quick in-and-out for packet pick-up. On race day, the line was a bit longer at times but the process still ran incredibly smoothly. My volunteer shift ended at 7:00 a.m. but as I walked back to my car, I passed the finish line and noticed that they needed more volunteers. At that point, I decided to stay and help pass out medals. It was hot and the finish line was completely in the sun, but the DJ played amazing tunes (Ice Ice Baby and Bye Bye Bye had me dancing and singing) and the time just seemed to fly by. Before I knew it, my sweeper friends crossed the finish line and the race was over!<br />
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I really enjoy volunteering at races because it not only gives you a behind-the-scenes perspective, but it also makes you appreciate all of the work and planning that goes into a race of any distance. It doesn't matter if it is a company that has races all over the country or a local run raising funds for a charity. You are guaranteed to meet some amazing people and learn something new during your volunteer experience. So go volunteer at a race near you!!!!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_5eFoa3Q3UERGAqxtN41dqWFTSaQNt6WauJO4vqUPeFiJ71t3mszewma-m7Qg-4_YqJKi8YVNY6sVR44LQMpZ4BwVK6N3oKOdfwpyy-_j6CwcbMpFTJmrQF7QhngH1tM67BYziBreFjOx/s1600/20180610_051903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_5eFoa3Q3UERGAqxtN41dqWFTSaQNt6WauJO4vqUPeFiJ71t3mszewma-m7Qg-4_YqJKi8YVNY6sVR44LQMpZ4BwVK6N3oKOdfwpyy-_j6CwcbMpFTJmrQF7QhngH1tM67BYziBreFjOx/s640/20180610_051903.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Race day packet pick-up before the rush</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFHUWvhZGgszttFNix2CdHp0pXpLh_c5oxb75wTqd4Gh_h8_Atk6zHolkY5C2AGUs2tIDkbaVHXxUDtILxzhu9CD8XmO34cQqJFM-N5ts3-ro4EzcDBSsqmULy9pM7IIJTUrJ0hlbd_Hm/s1600/20180610_071429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFHUWvhZGgszttFNix2CdHp0pXpLh_c5oxb75wTqd4Gh_h8_Atk6zHolkY5C2AGUs2tIDkbaVHXxUDtILxzhu9CD8XmO34cQqJFM-N5ts3-ro4EzcDBSsqmULy9pM7IIJTUrJ0hlbd_Hm/s640/20180610_071429.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5k runners waiting to start</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-oTaj3eMGgFxnlVh9xdV1nuOOzG4mbZsDKM00IFMRhWv9jtGQoeBKsLzwwqOHv7ASTl0yDdJ-4ZQq7WewT8Lt7qXHxpxz7VbVwJX5R3_6jcaDr5XYspW0zQy-dRfcrdrquux1UzQZ-5xE/s1600/20180610_082630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-oTaj3eMGgFxnlVh9xdV1nuOOzG4mbZsDKM00IFMRhWv9jtGQoeBKsLzwwqOHv7ASTl0yDdJ-4ZQq7WewT8Lt7qXHxpxz7VbVwJX5R3_6jcaDr5XYspW0zQy-dRfcrdrquux1UzQZ-5xE/s640/20180610_082630.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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<br />Breehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07247874959613676577noreply@blogger.com0