Dec
2013

Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series

categories: Rock 'n' Roll Race, Running

This year I ran a total of 14 Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathons.  I am so glad I purchased the TourPass last year.  I know it is available for next year and if you are on a mission to run a race in each state then the TourPass is for YOU!

Each race is different but special to me.  Each race gave me the opportunity to visit a new city and I enjoyed my stay in each one.  So in  a nutshell.  Arizona was my first one.  I loved the weather and the course.  St. Petersburg was a HOT one.  Too bad it is cancelled for next year.  I cried when I got to the hotel and found out my reservation had been cancelled.  Luckily they were able to accommodate me and get me a room at the last minute.  I just LOVE, LOVE Washington DC.  I swear I lived there in a previous life.  Luckily it did not rain like it was supposed to but there was one killer hill around mile 6. Brutal!  It may not have rained in DC but it was pouring in Nashville.  It rained the whole time I was running up and down those darn hills.  I was MISERABLE.  That was my least favorite race.  Portland was so much better.  Great weather and decent course.  Another trip to the west coast to San Diego. It was a humid race day but I enjoyed my time in San Diego.  And finally another trip to the west coast to Seattle.  It was a hot day and the course was hilly.  Sweet home Chicago!  I love running in my hometown.  That day I also ran my 100th race.  Oh and I was also dehydrated and did not think I was going to finish the race.  And then I went to the east coast to Virginia Beach.  What’s not to like about the beach?  The course was mostly flat but it was HOT and HUMID.  The best part was the finish line by the beach.  Back to the east coast to Philadelphia.  Perfect weather and flat course!  I also enjoyed my time in Philadelphia.  And again to the east coast to Providence.  Great running weather but hilly course.  This is another race that is cancelled for next year.  Oh Cleveland, I was not my usual self that day.  I was tired and dehydrated on race day. However, for being an inaugural race, everything went well without a glitch.  Meet me in St. Louis at The Arch.  It was a beautiful day on Saturday but on race day it was cold (28 degrees).  It did get a little warmer throughout the race.  And saving the best for last but my favorite race was in Las Vegas. It was so much fun to run along the strip at night. The expo was great and the VIP experience was amazing.

In total I received 22 medals.  My favorite is the “Rock Idol” I got for running 10 RnR races.  I got that one in Philadelphia.

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I have no regrets at all for traveling across the country to run these races.  It was worth it!  I learned a lot about myself during each trip and made the best out of each one.

Have you ran any RnR races?  If so, which one has been your least favorite and/or favorite race?


Dec
2013

Detergent for Stinky Running Clothes

categories: Running

Let’s talk about stinky running clothes.  Over the years I’ve had my share of stinky clothes.  I tried various detergents to remove the smell. When that didn’t work, I simply threw away the clothes.  I felt bad doing so but there was no way I was going to donate them and have someone else wear them. Here is what I’ve used:

  • WIN High Performance Sport Detergent
  • Penguin Sportwash Laundry Detergent
  • Tide Plus Febreze Freshness Sport
  • Arm and Hammer Liquid Laundry Detergent

My clothes were clean but after a while I would notice a faint smell that just wouldn’t go away. Maybe it was time for new clothes?  I even added vinegar and that did help a bit.  One day I was at Target and saw the Seventh Generation Laundry Packs.  They were on clearance and I decided to buy one box.  I used them to wash my running clothes and let me just say that they’re no longer stinky.  I purchased the Mandarin and Sandalwood which left a clean, light scent on my clothes.  I finally found something that cleans my clothes and makes them smell good.  Each box is about $15  for 50 pods which comes out to $.30 each.  Not a bad deal at all. 

7th generationWhat do you use to wash your running/workout clothes?


Nov
2013

November 2013 in Review

categories: Monthly Review

This month I ran 104.65  miles compared to 77.39  in October.  That’s the longest I’ve ran in a month! In July I ran 96.99 and since then I have not been able to surpass it till now.  One of my Top 40 things is to run 1,000 in one year.  To date I’ve ran 872.20 which leaves me with 123.80 miles to run in December to order to meet that goal.  Part of me tells me to go for it but then another part of me tells me to take it easy since Goofy Challenge is around the corner and I do not want to get injured.

I also ran two races:  Manchester City Half Marathon and Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon.  I enjoyed both races and would recommend everyone to run them.  My favorite one was the one in Las Vegas because it was so cool to run on the strip!  It was a different experience for me because I was not sure how to hydrate and fuel for an evening race.  But I took it easy and had a great race.

I love a great deal.  Who doesn’t?  I stocked up on my favorite pairs of Brooks shoes-Pure Flow 2 and Pure Connect 2.  I found them for $69.93 on Running Warehouse.  These shoes last about 300 miles so each pair should last me about 3-4 months.  I think I will purchase a few more pairs before someone else does.

Speaking of deals I purchased a new suitcase for my traveling trips.  This one was on sale for $65 (original price is $129.99).  I am so excited to use it but my next trip isn’t till January.

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Who doesn’t love free race pictures?  I was able to download  all of my pictures from the Manchester City Half Marathon.  Now, I did not like all of them but at least I had the option of selecting the photos I did like.

On the weekends I usually run along the lakefront and love it there.  However, I’m ready for a change of scenery.  Plus, the wind from the lakefront is not so friendly and sometimes discourages me from running there.  So someone mentioned Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve which is about 30 minutes from my house.  I went there today and enjoyed it very much.  It was a beautiful day and there were a few people along the course.  I am planning to go there again tomorrow to run 12 miles.

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I am excited and looking forward to December!  I have three more weeks of school and then I am off for two weeks.  I plan to run, rest, eat, drink, and have fun!!


Nov
2013

Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon

categories: Race all 50 states, Race Recap, Rock 'n' Roll Race, Running

Done, state #29 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

This was my last race in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series.  Last year I bought a TourPass which gave me “free” registration to their races this year.  I ran almost each one and the TourPass was the best deal ever!  I know it is being offered again for next year but now you have to pay a $7 processing fee for each race.

I got into Las Vegas after 4pm and my friend, DB, picked me up at the airport.  DB is a Swirlgear Ambassador and I met her this summer at the Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicago Half Marathon.  From the airport she dropped me off at the convention center to pick up my bib.  Her daughter was with her and since they had already been to the convention center, DB told me that she would wait for me.

Once I got to the front of the line, I was told that my packet was on the 2nd floor.  I did not but went upstairs.  Imagine my surprise when I found out I had VIP status. Apparently I’ve ran 15 or more RnR races.  I got a backpack with more goodies inside, a wristband that gave me access to the VIP lounge before and after the race, and champagne to enjoy.  Amazing!

Fast forward to race day.  The VIP lounge was amazing!  Food and more food was everywhere.  Plus, there was water, coffee, and a bunch of other stuff.  I did have to go to the bathroom and did not have to wait long.  Score!  Before I knew it, it was time to head over to the start line.

It took me 10 minutes to cross the start line.  There was so much energy and excitement around me. Everyone was pumped up for the race.  I took it easy because I had stomach issues.  The first mile was not exciting because we ran away from the strip.  But once we got to the strip everything changed.  It was already dark but the lights along the strip were just breathtaking.  There were so many supporters along the route.  It felt amazing knowing that the strip was closed to traffic but open to us runners.

Miles 7-9 took us away from the strip.  I did not like that at all because it was dark, boring, and no spectators at all.  I paid close attention to where I was running to make sure I did not trip.  It did go by fast because then we were back on the strip towards the finish line.

The last 3 miles were difficult for me.  I would run and walk.  I was not sure what was going on because I was fine up until mile 10.  Somehow I got some energy and made it to the finish line for a finish time of 2:27:16.  There were so many people cheering there and I felt so happy but sad at the same time.  Despite how I had been feeling the last three miles, I was sad because it was my last RnR for the year.  This year had been amazing with so many wonderful races.

Once I was done my next stop was the VIP lounge at Serendipity 3.  I knew it was by Caesar’s Palace but getting out of the secure zone was a hassle.  Finally I found the place and the food was ever better than what was offered before the race.  I wasn’t too hungry but ate some pizza and drank a beer.  I chatted with a few folks and left about an hour later because I was cold and tired.  The walk back to the hotel was NOT fun at all.  It was about 2 miles to the Luxor and there were so many people out there.  I received compliments on my socks and someone asked me if I had won the race. When I told him that I didn’t, he told me that maybe next time.

This is the best RnR race I’ve ever ran and would definitely run it again!!  This race should be on everyone’s list.  A few things I would do different:

  • Arrive early to take advantage of the expo
  • Check into hotel early to avoid risk of hotel not having non-smoking rooms available
  • Do better job to hydrate and eat properly prior to race
  • Stay at a hotel halfway between start and finish line
  • Go see a Cirque du Soleil show

Again, every runner MUST do this race.  I promise you will have a wonderful time!!

This race was my 49th half marathon.  Now I am on a mission to run a race possibly next month in Chicago for my 50th half marathon.  If I don’t, then my next half marathon will be in January for the Goofy Challenge.


Nov
2013

Manchester City Half Marathon

categories: Race all 50 states, Race Recap, Running

Done with state #28 in NH!

I will admit that the course description scared me.  It is described as “hilly, challenging, and scenic”.  I almost backed out but am glad that I did in fact run this race.

The expo was really small.  The highlight of it was meeting Kathrine Switzer.  She is so friendly and down to earth.  She hugged me and I felt like we’ve known each other for years.  I bought one of her books and can’t wait to read it.

The race began at 8:50am.  I woke up at my normal time of 6am.  I tried going back to sleep but couldn’t.  I went downstairs to get coffee and began getting ready.  The weather was  41 degrees and I was not sure whether to wear pants or a skirt.  I decided to go with the skirt and my ProCompression socks.

It was windy and cold and I almost regretted not wearing pants.  I got in line to use the bathroom and made it to the start line with one minute to go.

The course is exactly as mentioned on the website: hilly, challenging and scenic.  Beautiful course!  I love running during the fall because of all of the colors.  There were plenty of water stations and they were not crowded at all.  There were some places with a lot of crowd support.  There were houses in which families were gathered outside having their own little gathering and cheering for the runners.  And yes it was hilly and challenging!  My legs were screaming at me to stop!  I took some walk breaks, especially during the hills.  There was just no way I could run up all of them.

My finish time is 2:25:57.  I am very happy with it because the course was not easy.  The weather helped too.

Next race is Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas which will be by 29th state.  Plus, it will be my 49th half marathon.  After Las Vegas my next race is the Goofy Challenge in FL.  But you know for sure I will be planning a 50th half marathon in my hometown, Chicago.