ashleyd /

2012 Rock ‘N’ Roll DC Half Marathon Recap

 

I could spend hours reviewing this weekend’s race in my head. I wasn’t expecting to run my second slowest half marathon on Saturday. In fact, as you all know, I’d trained for a PR of a sub 2:10. I could drive myself crazy analyzing all the things I did right, a few of the things I did wrong, and how frustrating it is to work towards something and not succeed. I wouldn’t be human if I didn’t admit that it’s tough to see other friends finish a half marathon faster when they admittedly didn’t train properly.  (Picture compliments of Jess)

But, last year in one of my favorite posts, I discussed the importance of not coveting another’s run. Since then I’ve learned to support my friends and cheer them to victory, knowing that one day they’ll do the same for me. At the end of the day, one of my Twitter friends said it best

Chin up! Whenever I have a bad race, I think a couple years ago, a half- even a bad one- would not have been possible.’- Anne @rileduprunner

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ashleyd /

Friday Face Time: Office Yoga

Happy Friday! I’m finishing up some work this morning before enjoying a vacation half day this afternoon. Theodora, Caitlin, and I are heading down to Washington, DC via the Bolt Bus this afternoon.

In place of my regular Friday Face Time, this week we have a special guest, yoga guru and sweetheart Kristin McGee.

I had the opportunity to interview her last month at an event and thought you all would appreciate her suggestions for easy yoga moves you can do in your office while at work.

Her face may look familiar as she has appeared in many yoga DVDs over the years including Fila’s recent YOGA TONE DVD and MTV yoga workouts from back in the day. If you’re in NYC, I highly recommend trying one of her yoga or Pilates classes. She is a ray of sunshine during any class and loves and believes in the power of adjustments.

Enjoy and have a great weekend! See you from our nation’s capital!

 

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It’s Getting Real

Happy Thursday gang!

I can’t believe that the race is less than 48 hours away. This shit is getting real folks! This morning, before heading to work, I started packing and everything started setting in. My pace bracelet is printed, my Garmin is charged, and my playlist is made. My amazing friend and run coach, Gia, not only provided me with a suggested goal time, but also studied the course before providing my pace plan.

In case you’re curious, here is my plan for Saturday:

Mile 1-4 – 9:50 pace
Mile 5-7 – 9:54 pace (when the uphill climbs begin)
Mile 7-9 – 9:45 pace
Mile 10-13.1 – 9:40 pace (If I’m feeling good, this is where I’ll let the adrenaline push my pace. Deep down I know that these 3 miles are where I lost the race last year and therefore want to have gas in the tank to push it.)

Since I can’t seem to decide what my favorite song is these days, I decided to make a 52 song playlist so I can put my iPod on random for the whole race and just rock out. I love each of these songs for different reasons and believe that the random selection will keep me from getting bored. I mean really, who can pick and choose the best of  old school Brittney, Rush, Soulja Boy, Lady Gaga, and Ludacris?

I’m planning to rock my neon pink compression sleeves and my favorite Lululemon run skirt . My fuel plan is to stick to the water stations and take Pink Lemonade Honey Stingers  early and often. I’m a little nervous about the water stations but I’m more nervous about running with my Camel Bak after not using it on any of my training runs this winter.

Hopefully I’ll be smiling like this when I see my friends along the course!

Nationalhalfmarathon

I’m not going to lie, I’m a little worried about the race and my confidence going into it. I’m feeling stronger than I ever have, leaner, faster, and more excited for this race than any race I’ve run lately. But, instead of stressing about the race I’m focusing on the fact that I have super fun running roommates this weekend (Caitlin, Laura, and Theodora) who will be perfect to pre-game with over pasta and foam rolling. When you add that to the fact that green beer day drinking will be waiting for me at the finish line, it’s hard for me to not smile from ear to ear.

I’ll see you tomorrow from the Bolt Bus!

What is your race strategy?

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