tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70787794108603500862024-03-15T20:10:08.599-05:00Run with JessLoving life on the RUN (and BIKE) while trying to find my happy weight. www.runwithjess.comRun with Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051037584723266364noreply@blogger.comBlogger533125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7078779410860350086.post-38603342909440714692016-01-15T17:05:00.001-06:002016-02-17T10:01:36.730-06:00Hot Valentine 5K Virtual Race<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Who do you LOVE to RUN with?</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Gather up your friends for a sweet virtual race!</span></b><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YGvYq9ifhtM/VplzSsnkfcI/AAAAAAAAKOM/rCiWetII1LY/s1600/Hot%2BValentine%2Bbanner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YGvYq9ifhtM/VplzSsnkfcI/AAAAAAAAKOM/rCiWetII1LY/s640/Hot%2BValentine%2Bbanner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>HOT VALENTINE 5K VIRTUAL RACE</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Proceeds benefit the St. Jude Children's Hospital</i></b></span></div>
<b style="color: #222222; font-family: Arimo; font-size: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Arimo; font-size: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What's a virtual race? <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">A virtual race is </span></span></b><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Arimo; font-size: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">running a specified distance (timed) </span></span></b><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Arimo; font-size: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">without being present in the actual race location. <a href="http://goo.gl/forms/Dva3plP3st" target="_blank">Report back your finish time</a> & you'll be entered in the PRIZE DRAWING!</span></span></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: "arimo"; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">DATE: </span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arimo"; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"> </span><span style="color: red;">February 12-14, 2016 - Valentine's Day Weekend!</span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: "arimo"; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">LOCATION: </span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: "arimo"; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Pick your favorite local route or hop on a treadmill.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: "arimo"; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: "arimo"; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">DISTANCE: </span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: "arimo"; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Arimo; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">5K (3.1 miles)</span></span></b><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arimo";"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: "arimo"; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">PRINTABLE RACE BIB: </span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: "arimo"; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> D</span></span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Arimo; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">ownload <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5BJwpA6X6UrOXJaYjZPN0RXQU0/view?usp=sharing">HERE</a></span></span></b></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pvalNUG7leg/Vplz1jBBx4I/AAAAAAAAKOU/ig3Arx10ryM/s1600/Hot%2BValentine%2Bgraphic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="586" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pvalNUG7leg/Vplz1jBBx4I/AAAAAAAAKOU/ig3Arx10ryM/s640/Hot%2BValentine%2Bgraphic.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">FINISHER'S MEDAL:</span></b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span><span style="color: #222222;"> $10.00 (pictured above) </span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">U.S. shipping* is a flat $3 so you SAVE when ordering multiple medals in one order. (You can edit the quantity once you add to cart.) Proceeds are donated to the St. Jude Children's Hospital. All orders have shipped.</span><br />
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">SORRY, MEDALS ARE SOLD OUT.</span></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">SHIRT:</span></b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span><span style="color: #222222;">$20.00 (pictured above) This RED hot shirt is 100% polyester wicking knit that wicks moisture away from the body when running to keep you cool. It is a Ladies Fit <b>S-2XL</b>. See size chart </span><a href="http://www.augustasportswear.com/pages/sizes-and-fits"><span style="color: #990000;">here</span></a><span style="color: #222222;"> to find the right size for you. <i>(Personal note: I do feel like I need to 'go up a size' on this ladies cut.)</i> </span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">U.S. shipping* is $3. </span><i style="color: #222222; font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"> </i><br />
<i style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><u style="font-style: normal;">First batch of shirts shipped on Feb. 1. </u></span></span></i><br />
<i style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><u style="font-style: normal;">Second batch shipped Feb. 10</u><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: normal;">. </span></span></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">SORRY, SHIRTS ARE SOLD OUT.</span></b></form>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: "times"; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>RESULTS:</b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: "times"; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;"><b> </b> After you've finished your Virtual Valentine Run, report your race time(s)</span><span style="font-size: 15px;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: "times"; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">before </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: "times"; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><u style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tuesday, Feb. 16 at 2:00pm CST</u></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: "times"; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. This is a fun race; no Garmin/treadmill photo required to verify your time. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: "times"; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You will earn one entry into the prize drawing. Limit one entry per runner. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>PRIZES:</b> After February 16, prizes will be </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">randomly</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> drawn from finishers who reported results. Winners will be announced before 2/19/16. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">(2) Live Love Run writing journals</span><br /><i><span style="color: #999999;">Winners: </span></i></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"><i><span style="color: #999999;">Simone Gehner & Julie Albers</span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">(2) BondiBand heart headbands</span></div>
<i><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">Winners: </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">Walisa Dickson & Jody Krumwiede</span></span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">(1) $25 gift card to Starbucks</span></div>
<i><span style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Winner: </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">Lynne Day</span></span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">(1) $5 gift card to Subway</span></div>
<i><span style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Winner: </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">Kate Green</span></span></i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a-B04qWCBTw/Vq0s4D64voI/AAAAAAAAKOo/05iqvZXee7E/s1600/LOVE%2BRUN%2BPRIZES.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a-B04qWCBTw/Vq0s4D64voI/AAAAAAAAKOo/05iqvZXee7E/s640/LOVE%2BRUN%2BPRIZES.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><i>THANK YOU! </i></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><i style="font-size: 15px;">By participating in this virtual race, you helped raise $600 </i></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><i style="font-size: 15px;">for children with cancer at St. Jude Children's Hospital. </i></span><br />
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Run with Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051037584723266364noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7078779410860350086.post-28842869929664072022015-03-03T12:27:00.001-06:002015-04-02T06:51:51.052-05:005th annual Jelly Bean race<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Celebrate Spring by participating in the </span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5th annual Jelly Bean virtual race!</span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">~FREE TO PARTICIPATE~</span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">#JellyBeanV</span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What's a virtual race? <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">A virtual race is </span></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">running a specified distance (timed) </span></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">without being present in the actual race location.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">DATES: </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Race begins Friday, March 27. <br />Ends on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2015.</span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">LOCATION: </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Pick your favorite local route or just hop on a treadmill.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">EVENTS:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Choose the event that works best for your current fitness level. You will earn one entry into the prize drawing for each of the four events that you complete in the 10-day time window March 27-April 5. Max of 4 entries per person; each race distance may only be counted once.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Bike 21K (13 miles)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>RESULTS:</b> Report your race time(s) <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1-8qF-hQoLpU8TcqCGTvqu1u4qM7WvA8AQ0WrMzaYxW8/viewform?usp=send_form"><b><span style="font-size: large;">HERE</span></b></a> before <u>Tuesday, April 7 at 8:00pm CST</u>. This is a fun race; no Garmin/treadmill photo required to verify your time.<i> </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>PRIZES:</b> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When the Jelly Bean results window closes, there will be a random prize drawing from all finishers. <b>Grand Prize is a <a href="https://rem-fit.com/">REM-Fit <u>Activity & Sleep Tracker</u></a> for your wrist! </b> Other prizes include: <a href="http://endorphinwarrior.com/">Endorphin Warrior bracelet</a> of your choice, Starbucks gift card, BondiBand headband, Bicycle necklace and notepad, and Limited Edition Jelly Bean gum... </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eWgymy0Gd4w/VQiYXC3YiRI/AAAAAAAAKIo/RGm2sStK7kA/s1600/Jelly%2BBean%2Bprizes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eWgymy0Gd4w/VQiYXC3YiRI/AAAAAAAAKIo/RGm2sStK7kA/s1600/Jelly%2BBean%2Bprizes.jpg" height="640" width="632" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Follow me on Facebook for race updates...</b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.fb.com/runwjess">www.FB.com/runwjess</a></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>STEP-BY-STEP HOW THE JELLY BEAN WORKS:</b></span></span></div>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>No need to pre-register.</b> Just mark your calendar, tell your friends, and organize a local group run in your area. This makes a great family event to get the kids active! Bookmark this webpage so that you can come back for updated information until raceday. <b>Join the Facebook event <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1622442827987137">here</a> </b>to socialize with other participants.</span></li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Order an Jelly Bean finisher's medal below (optional). Proceeds from these medals will be donated to the <i><u>St. Jude Children's Hospital</u></i> as part of my fundraising for the <a href="http://peoriaruns.stjude.org/runwjess" target="_blank">Bartonville-to-Peoria St. Jude run</a>. If you don't want a medal, but would still like to participate in the Jelly Bean, a donation of any amount to <i>St. Jude Children's Hospital</i> is much appreciated <a href="http://peoriaruns.stjude.org/runwjess" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On race week, <b><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5BJwpA6X6UrRkpsNnVXZURBZms/view?usp=sharing">PRINT A RACE BIB</a></b> for each person participating. </span></li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally, complete your Jelly Bean events... Run, Bike and have FUN!! Take pictures and please share them on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RUNwJESS">Facebook wall</a>. Hint, hint... I always award one prize to my favorite picture. Share them on social media using hashtag #JellyBeanV</span></li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>REPORT RACE RESULTS</b> <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1-8qF-hQoLpU8TcqCGTvqu1u4qM7WvA8AQ0WrMzaYxW8/viewform?usp=send_form"><b>HERE</b></a> for each participant before 8pm on April 7. You will earn one entry into the prize drawing for each event that you finish (4 max per person). Each event may only be counted once. </span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To commemorate the 5 Year Anniversary of this virtual race, the 2015 finisher's medal is <b>JUMBO SIZED at 3.5 inches around! </b>Proceeds from these medals will be donated to <i>St. Jude Children's Hospital</i> as part of my fundraising for the <a href="http://peoriaruns.stjude.org/runwjess" target="_blank">Bartonville-to-Peoria St. Jude Run</a> on August 1. </span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">$15.00 each + </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">$3 U.S. shipping* </span></span></b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shipping is a flat rate, so no matter how many you order, the shipping is just $3! That's my discount for bulk orders. </span><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">* Shipping rate is for the U.S. Any international orders will be invoiced an additional $7 charge to cover international charges. </i></div>
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<b><span style="color: magenta;">With this event, $1000 was donated to St Jude Children's Hospital.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: magenta;">THANK YOU!</span></b></div>
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Run with Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051037584723266364noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7078779410860350086.post-18468593640991454862014-12-16T14:15:00.000-06:002014-12-16T14:21:10.564-06:00Giveaway: Chicago F^3 Lake Half MarathonOne of the best ways to stay motivated as a runner is having a race firmly planted on your calendar. This especially holds true over the winter months. As soon as I finished my last race, I realized my upcoming calendar was oddly empty of running events. For a variety of reasons, I've tried to avoid "filling the weekends", but it quickly became obvious that I needed a new goal to cling to. My running shoes (and waistline) were depending on it.<br />
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Thus, the <a href="http://www.f3running.com/" target="_blank"><b>F^3 Lake Half Marathon,</b> presented by REM-Fit</a> appeared on my radar.<br />
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The timing was just right, and it came well-recommended by a friend in Chicago. Now you might question my idea of "timing"... January 24 in Chicago? Mid-winter in the Windy City? 13.1 miles of snow and cold? To me, that sounds like the <u>perfect challenge</u> to keep my booty moving thru the holidays and well into the New Year! <em> (If you're not up to 13.1 yet, there is also a 5K option.)</em><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M0QkVbiNKlc/VJB9zrV2shI/AAAAAAAAKD0/IDN0yNiYxaw/s1600/F3%2Bgoodie%2Bbag.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M0QkVbiNKlc/VJB9zrV2shI/AAAAAAAAKD0/IDN0yNiYxaw/s1600/F3%2Bgoodie%2Bbag.png" height="400" width="357" /></a>If you're not sold on the challenge, how about the perks!? Check out what's included in your entry...<br />
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<li>Beanie Hat with pom</li>
<li>Tech Gloves <i>(my personal favorite!)</i></li>
<li>Finisher's Medal with built-in bottle opener</li>
<li>Free Photo Downloads</li>
<li>Pre and Post-Party at the Union Club inside Soldier Field. </li>
<li>First Pint of Beer courtesy of Goose Island Brewing Co.</li>
<li>Hot Cocoa and other treats provided by sponsors</li>
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But most importantly, the <b>bragging rights</b> that come with running in the dead of winter along the shoreline of Lake Michigan. </div>
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#Boom. </div>
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Instant Bada$$ Runner.</div>
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I invite you to come "Run With Jess" on January 24th along the Chicago Lakeshore. Enter below for a chance to <b>WIN a free race entry</b> + a bonus gift (the new <b><a href="http://www.rem-fit.com/" target="_blank">REM-Fit </a>Active</b>, a sleep and activity tracker). Or register now -<a href="http://www.f3running.com/" target="_blank">HERE</a>- utilizing discount code <u>CAEB15</u> for $10 off your entry.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;">ENTER TO WIN A FREE RACE ENTRY</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;">Plus a BONUS GIFT from <a href="http://www.rem-fit.com/" target="_blank">REM-Fit</a>!</span></b><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-small;">Enter via <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RUNwJESS/app_228910107186452" target="_blank">Rafflecopter app</a> below...</span></div>
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<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="bc984ed850" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/bc984ed850/" id="rcwidget_j0uhptv6" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>Run with Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051037584723266364noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7078779410860350086.post-40385584730554718532014-11-06T16:51:00.000-06:002014-12-05T06:39:04.160-06:00The #ElfRun - Virtual Race<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Gather up your friends for a holiday-themed virtual race... </span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">The ELF RUN!</span></span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b>Proceeds benefit the St. Jude Children's Hospital.</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b>We RUN to fight childhood cancer!</b></span></div>
<b style="color: #222222; font-family: Arimo; font-size: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Arimo; font-size: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What's a virtual race? <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">A virtual race is </span></span></b><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Arimo; font-size: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">running a specified distance (timed) </span></span></b><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Arimo; font-size: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">without being present in the actual race location.</span></span></b></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arimo; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arimo; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">DATE: </span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arimo; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Saturday, Dec. 6 - Sunday, Dec. 21 </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"> (two-week window)</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">The race begins on the same day as the St. Jude Marathon, which I will be running as a member of the <a href="http://heroes.stjude.org/runwithjess" target="_blank">St. Jude Heroes</a> team. Proceeds from this virtual run will be donated to the St. Jude Children's Hospital.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arimo; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">LOCATION: </span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arimo; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Pick your favorite local route or hop on a treadmill.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arimo; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arimo; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arimo; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arimo; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">THREE EVENTS!</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arimo; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Choose the event that works best for your current fitness level. You may participate in more than one event. Earn 1 entry into the prize drawing for each event that you complete (3 max entries).</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arimo; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">- Run/Walk 5K (3.1 miles)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Run 10K (6.2 miles)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Run Half-Marathon (13.1 miles)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><b style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b><br /></b></span></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><b style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b>PRINT YOUR RACE BIB <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5BJwpA6X6UrMWl2VDE3MEdTYWs/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">HERE</a> </b></span></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is a great opportunity to organize a holiday fun run amongst your running friends. My local run group enjoys hot cocoa, coffee and Christmas cookies after our run. If you live near Peoria, IL, please join us on <u>Sunday, December 20 at 8:00am</u> for either the 5K or 10K distance. We will start/finish at <a href="http://runningcentral.com/" target="_blank">Running Central</a> and run along the riverfront trail. </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bY8WzPHzBD4/VFvzy59ag5I/AAAAAAAAKCk/HcqzTsI3A8U/s1600/Elf%2BRun%2Bvirtual%2Brace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bY8WzPHzBD4/VFvzy59ag5I/AAAAAAAAKCk/HcqzTsI3A8U/s1600/Elf%2BRun%2Bvirtual%2Brace.jpg" height="582" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b>FINISHER'S MEDAL:</b> $11.00 (pictured above) <u>Orders will ship out on or before December 1st. </u>U.S. shipping is a flat $3 rate per order. <i>(International orders, I will send you an invoice for $7 extra.)</i> You save when ordering multiple medals in one order. So rally up your friends for a fun holiday run, order together and save!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">SORRY, SOLD OUT 12/1.</span></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Follow me for race updates...</b></span></div>
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<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/likebox.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpages%2FRun-with-Jess%2F153902151335417&width=292&colorscheme=light&show_faces=false&stream=false&header=true&height=62" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; height: 62px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; width: 292px;"></iframe></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Connect with other #ElfRun-ners in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/317173268485589/" target="_blank">Facebook Event</a>.</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">RESULTS:</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;"> After you've finished your #ElfRun, report your race time(s) </span><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1AwEh2XI7co3ehzXvYAmJkQSvl3pbQJavDG6KFOrR6aU/viewform?usp=send_form" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">HERE</span></a><span style="font-size: 15px;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">before </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><u style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tuesday, Dec. 23 at 12:00 noon CST</u></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. This is a fun race; no Garmin/treadmill photo required to verify your time. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You will earn one entry into the prize drawing for each event (5K, 10K and/or Half) that you finish. Each event may only be completed once. For example, a 5K only counts as one entry, regardless of how many times you run it. Maximum of 3 entries per person.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>PRIZES:</b> When the #ElfRun results window closes, prizes will be </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">randomly</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> drawn from finishers who reported results. Winners will be announced before 12/24/14. List of prizes...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (1) Tough Chik "Run Like You're Being Chased" t-shirt</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (1) Tough Chik hat</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (3) BondiBand headbands</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (1) Canister of CLICK protein drink</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (2) Holiday knee-high socks</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (1) Package of GU Energy Gels</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (1) $20 Amazon gift card </span></div>
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Run with Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051037584723266364noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7078779410860350086.post-73163712444562559412014-06-26T15:54:00.000-05:002014-08-26T07:41:40.584-05:00Summer Run ChallengeIf you're like me, the thought of running a fall race sounded delightful... cool morning air with colorful scenery as the leaves changes colors. It sucked me in and I registered for the "perfect course" in a flash. Months have ticked away since that fateful registration day and now it's time to train. <b>Summer has officially started!</b> I am now reminded that all the training for that dreamy fall marathon will take place in the hot humidity of summer. <i>Oh dear, what was I thinking?</i><br />
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Perhaps you're also training for a big fall race? or just need a little extra motivation to keep up your daily runs? or just like to win prizes? Whatever your situation, I invite you to join me in the<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Summer Run Challenge</span></b>! My <a href="http://www.runwithjess.com/2013/12/winter-miles-challenge-2014.html" target="_blank">Winter Miles Challenge</a> was such a huge success and motivator for people that I wanted to offer the same encouragement over the trying summer months. The Summer Run Challenge is <b><u>FREE to participate</u></b>, and you receive...</div>
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<li>Accountability: weekly reporting of your mileage</li>
<li>Helpful tips and advice via a weekly e-newsletter</li>
<li>Weekly chances to win prizes!</li>
<li>Encouragement and support from others</li>
<li>A fun virtual race to test your speed</li>
<li>Templates for tracking your progress and training tools </li>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">June 30 - August 10, 2014</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">FREE Participation!</span></span></b></div>
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The <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Summer Run Challenge</span></b></span> </span></b>is about keeping yourself accountable to your weekly goals and overall training. At the end of every week, you will report back your completed mileage. If you hit your weekly goal, you will be entered into the weekly prize drawing. It's that simple! This is about keeping youself motivated - saying <i>"YES, I DID IT!"</i> at the end of every week.</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">HOW IT WORKS</span></b></div>
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The <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Summer Run Challenge</span></b> is six weeks long. Participants accumulate miles (run or walk) Monday through Sunday, and <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1REhtYgXIchfwQSBO_NT605swyNyi3uVIpJuULaIs8Kk/viewform" target="_blank">report back</a> their completed miles each week. <b>Every week you hit your goal, you receive one entry into the weekly prize drawing...</b></div>
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{1} June 30-July 6 - <a href="http://www.2toms.com/" target="_blank">2 Toms</a> Prize Pack for blister, chafing & odor prevention</div>
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{2} July 7-13 - <a href="http://www.blockislandorganics.com/" target="_blank">Block Island Organics</a> Prize Pack for skincare in the summer sun</div>
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{3} July 14-20 - <a href="http://procompression.com/" target="_blank">ProCompression</a> marathon socks for ultimate muscle recovery</div>
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{4} July 21-27 - <a href="https://guenergy.com/" target="_blank">GU Energy</a> Prize Pack for fueling and hydration on the run</div>
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{5} July 28-Aug. 3 - Workout DVDs for the cross-training and "it's just too hot" days</div>
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{6} August 4-10 - NINE different prizes in combination with the WatermelonRun</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">READY TO START?</span></b></div>
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• Follow <b>RunWithJess <a href="http://www.fb.com/runwjess" target="_blank">HERE</a> on Facebook</b> for challenge updates, prize winners and daily motivation.</div>
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• Join the <b>SRC Facebook Event</b> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/667928303285184" target="_blank">here</a> to meet and motivate other participants. I encourage you to post pictures and success stories within the event. Invite your friends to join in the fun!<br />
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• <b>Set your weekly goal</b>... 10, 20, 35, 50... as far as your legs will take you! The number will no doubt vary each week based on your training plan and racing schedule. You don't have to tell me your individual goal; however, I encourage you to make it public on social media or your blog <i>"My goal this week is to run xx miles in training for the XXX Marathon."</i> Putting it out there will give you added encouragement to get it done.<br />
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• <b>RUN! </b> Track your mileage <u>Monday through Sunday</u>. Use a notebook, Daily Mile or my weekly tracking template. I highly encourage you to journal your pre-run meals, what you use for you on-the-run fuel, and how you felt. This is essential for successful training - to ensure a foolproof plan on race day.<br />
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• <b>Report back your weekly miles</b> <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1REhtYgXIchfwQSBO_NT605swyNyi3uVIpJuULaIs8Kk/viewform" target="_blank">HERE</a> once your final run of the week is done. In order to earn an entry into the weekly prize drawing, you must report in each <u>Monday before 12:00noon</u>. Weekly prize winners will be announced every Monday evening, starting July 7th.<br />
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<b>That's it... SIMPLE. Now repeat for six weeks! </b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">SPECIAL EDITION </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">SUMMER TRAINING TANK</span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZaYNkR7sA-g/U6x9PwG0kkI/AAAAAAAAJlk/-aecna7z_lU/s1600/Tanks.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZaYNkR7sA-g/U6x9PwG0kkI/AAAAAAAAJlk/-aecna7z_lU/s1600/Tanks.png" height="640" width="292" /></a>This special edition tank is 100% polyester Xtreme Tek moisture-management fabric that is breathable in the summer heat. UV protection built-in with anti-bacterial treatment. Racerback Style.<br />
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Limited SIZES still available... Please check the size charts before ordering: <a href="http://www.bawonline.com/Tabbie/Spec/zknits/MS21.htm" target="_blank">Ladies size chart</a> | <a href="http://www.bawonline.com/Tabbie/Spec/zknits/MS20.htm" target="_blank">Mens size chart</a>. For whatever reason, the gold seems be a more relaxed fit and the black runs a bit smaller.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">The Summer Tank features the popular African saying: </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">“Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up. It knows it must outrun the fastest lion or it will be killed. Every morning in Africa, a lion wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the slowest gazelle, or it will starve. It doesn't matter whether you're the lion or a gazelle... </span></span></i><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">when the sun comes up, you better be running.</span></span></i></b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">”</span></span></i></span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></span></i></span></span></b>
<b>Choice of colors: </b><br />
GOLD/ORANGE<br />
<i>Fabric is gold; design printed in dark orange.</i><br />
BLACK/YELLOW<br />
<i>Fabric is black; design printed in yellow. </i><br />
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<b>See <a href="http://www.runwithjess.com/p/shop.html" target="_blank">shop</a> for available sizes.</b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">** VIRTUAL RACE **</span></span></b></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eEbDPDAlVro/U6xK8SmpyCI/AAAAAAAAJkw/TSB6SF0-98g/s1600/Picture+5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eEbDPDAlVro/U6xK8SmpyCI/AAAAAAAAJkw/TSB6SF0-98g/s1600/Picture+5.png" height="210" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">One of my favorite things about summer is WATERMELON. The fruit itself is so refreshing after a hot summer run... and unlike my other post-run cravings, it's healthy! </span>National Watermelon Day is August 3 in 2014.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"> Let's celebrate the </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">final week</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"> of the Summer Run Challenge (SRC) with a virtual race! See what your training has done so far and test your speed. Plus, you will earn bonus entries into the SRC weekly prize drawing. We're ending SRC with a bang - there will be a bunch of ADDITIONAL PRIZES in week six!</span></div>
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">How The Watermelon Run works...</span></span></i></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Invite your friends for a run/walk. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Buy a big ripe watermelon. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Run/walk a 5K (3.1 miles) in your favorite location (Aug. 3-10) </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">At the finish line, reward yourself with </span><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Watermelon Bling</span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"> </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">(order below</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">)</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Cut up that watermelon in big chunks and enjoy the juicy fruit of summer! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Don't forget to take pictures!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><a href="http://www.runwithjess.com/p/virtual-race.html" target="_blank">Report back</a> your finish time for a chance to WIN PRIZES!</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HUpltxpYmNE/U6xpErw-QgI/AAAAAAAAJlU/ylqrN9nw0MA/s1600/Watermelon+Bling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HUpltxpYmNE/U6xpErw-QgI/AAAAAAAAJlU/ylqrN9nw0MA/s1600/Watermelon+Bling.jpg" height="443" width="640" /></a></div>
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Crown yourself with BLING after your Watermelon Run. This 2 1/4" finisher's medal has a gold finish and red ribbon. Limited quantities, so order quickly!</div>
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<b>SOLD OUT</b></div>
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Please invite your running friends to join the challenge!</div>
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It's going to be a great summer, and I'm delighted to have you along </div>
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as a virtual training buddy. Good luck on your summer goals! </div>
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Many happy miles... ~Jess</div>
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Run with Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051037584723266364noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7078779410860350086.post-65124484651780809592014-05-20T16:28:00.000-05:002014-05-20T16:28:51.387-05:00Race Recap: Peoria Marathon RelayThere are some races that you just can't pass up. No matter where you live, your hometown race is probably one of them. It's like <u>one big family reunion</u>... because running friends <i>are</i> the family you pick for yourself. There is magic in those shared miles and trials.<br />
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The <a href="http://www.runrivercity.com/" target="_blank">Peoria Marathon</a> <i>(also known as Run River City) </i>is quickly becoming that 'can't miss' race in my city of Peoria, IL. I had so much fun participating in the <a href="http://www.runwithjess.com/2013/05/race-recap-river-city-marathon-relay.html" target="_blank">2013 inaugural race</a> that I vowed to return. For the second year, I put together a women's relay team to cover the 26.2 distance. I'm typically not a fan of relay races, but in this particular race, I enjoy moving around the course and seeing my runner friends of all speeds at different mile markers. It's the best of both worlds - I get to cheer <u>and</u> run!<br />
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This year, I created a team with three other ladies from our <a href="http://www.peoriasolesisters.com/" target="_blank">Sole Sisters</a> running club. The hardest part was coming up with an outfit idea and team name before we could register. Finally, we agreed on <b><i>Rainbow Racers</i></b> - a name built soley around these rainbow-colored checkered flag skirts.<br />
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AWHAjVBa21o/U3us7D2AQtI/AAAAAAAAJiE/TXuO9dER2TA/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-05-20+at+2.24.25+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AWHAjVBa21o/U3us7D2AQtI/AAAAAAAAJiE/TXuO9dER2TA/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-05-20+at+2.24.25+PM.png" height="490" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The skirts were ordered from <a href="http://sparkleathletic.com/" target="_blank">Sparkle Athletic</a>.<br />I designed the logo and <a href="http://runnerdecals.com/" target="_blank">Runner Decals</a> made an iron-on for our shirts.</span></i></td></tr>
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This past Sunday, May 18th was finally race day! There was so much excitement and nerves in the air leading up to the <a href="http://www.runrivercity.com/" target="_blank">Peoria Marathon</a>. When you're part of a team, there's just something inside that makes you want to perform your best - not just for you, but for the whole team. Going in, I knew I was the slowest on the team, but just hoped to give it an honest effort.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s2MLfU_k004/U3uzaO1qqVI/AAAAAAAAJiM/3YBFyT00mh0/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-05-20+at+2.52.01+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s2MLfU_k004/U3uzaO1qqVI/AAAAAAAAJiM/3YBFyT00mh0/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-05-20+at+2.52.01+PM.png" height="348" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.peoriasolesisters.com/" target="_blank">Sole Sisters</a> group photo before the race.</span></i></td></tr>
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The <a href="http://www.runrivercity.com/" target="_blank">Peoria Marathon</a>, relay and half all started together at 7:00am. The 5K would start 30 minutes later and the kids mini marathon kicked off at 12noon. A lot of races in one day! It was ideal race weather - in the 50's and beautiful sunshine. Crystal lined up at the starting line for our team and set us up nicely from the beginning. She ran leg 1 in 52:39 <i>(8:08 pace)</i>, and then handed off to Missy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q9LC5RVdCWQ/U3u1RN3smAI/AAAAAAAAJiU/WISYk9584kw/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-05-20+at+2.57.48+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q9LC5RVdCWQ/U3u1RN3smAI/AAAAAAAAJiU/WISYk9584kw/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-05-20+at+2.57.48+PM.png" height="378" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Crystal handing off to Missy</span></i></td></tr>
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At the first exchange zone, we got a peak at our competition by watching the batons run by. Competing in the open women's division, we were counting how many female-to-female exchanges came before us... one... with a second right by our side. Missy took over to run leg 2. She had the big Main Street hill to climb, but killed it in 53:25 <i>(8:18 pace)</i>.<br />
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At the second exchange zone, Missy handed it off to me. We were officially halfway done at mile marker 13. There's something about a baton that makes me sprint - perhaps a little leftover gear from the high school track? By time I was a couple blocks down, it felt like my heart was going to explode. With a quick glance at my Garmin, I realized I was indeed sprinting... a 6:40 pace my Garmin said! Holy smokes, I didn't even know I could do that! <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Mile 1 - 8:50</span></i><br />
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The first half of my 10K leg was flat and very enjoyable. At first, there was a quiet stretch through neighborhoods and then entering into the pretty shaded Bradley University area. I run these streets often and felt right at home. We zigzagged back and forth, making it easy for my hubby and kids to catch me at three different spots. Little Girl jumped out to run a block with me every time I saw them.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SdizcH8L5to/U3u6P3JJYgI/AAAAAAAAJig/Jb24ogQvzcg/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-05-20+at+3.21.22+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SdizcH8L5to/U3u6P3JJYgI/AAAAAAAAJig/Jb24ogQvzcg/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-05-20+at+3.21.22+PM.png" height="344" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I love that we are perfectly in stride here...</span></i></td></tr>
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The marathon course reconnected with the half marathoners by Bradley Park. For the next 2 miles, it was real fun passing people and seeing a lot of my friends in the final portion of their 13.1. By far, this was my favorite part of my leg.<br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Mile 2 - 9:01 </span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Mile 3 - 9:12</span></i><br />
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At mile 17, the full marathon turned off and headed up North Street. I drove this portion of the course the day before, so I knew it would not be heavily spectated nor would it be easy. There was a gradual climb up North Street that lasted about a half mile. It wore on me and I plugged in my music for some push. My mantra was "just keep working". I just wanted to give my best, knowing my team was waiting for me.<br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Mile 4 - 9:36</span></i><br />
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The course was pretty sparse at this point, but every once in a while, someone would pass me. We turned onto Loucks Ave and there was another climb up to reach the Sheridan intersection... again, not an awesome part of town so very sparse on spectators through this section. But halfway up the hill, I heard my hubby's voice. There he was at the top of the hill yelling at me with a bullhorn in one hand and a camera in the other. Gotta love that guy!<br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Mile 5 - 9:35</span></i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1W1Xs3v41zI/U3u-j3SNqXI/AAAAAAAAJio/S3wH_M7yaBA/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-05-20+at+3.39.39+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1W1Xs3v41zI/U3u-j3SNqXI/AAAAAAAAJio/S3wH_M7yaBA/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-05-20+at+3.39.39+PM.png" height="396" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Little Girl out to run with me once again... and again, we are perfectly in stride!</span></i></td></tr>
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It seemed like I reached the final turn onto Isabell Ave all too sudden. I knew this section well, as it's part of my running route from the gym. I knew I didn't have much mileage left until the exchange zone. I putzed with my ipod and found my "bring it in" song. Powering up the final stretch of my leg, there were a bunch of cheering spectators through this nice neighborhoods. <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Mile 6 - 9:30 </span></i>I tried to give a finishing sprint before handing the baton off to Karen.<br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><b>My Leg 3 - 56:56 (9:19 pace)</b></span></i><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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1CIm-algc6A/U3vBchLaMVI/AAAAAAAAJiw/8MxgOhG-IYE/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-05-20+at+3.27.35+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1CIm-algc6A/U3vBchLaMVI/AAAAAAAAJiw/8MxgOhG-IYE/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-05-20+at+3.27.35+PM.png" height="396" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So relieved to hand that baton off. Go Karen Go!</span></i></td></tr>
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Karen killed the last (and longest) leg of the marathon in 53:47 <i>(7:36 pace)</i>. We met her downtown for the last 1/4 mile of the route. The course narrowed and we got caught up behind a shirtless male relay team.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0oQBlHnC4vg/U3vDy87rKII/AAAAAAAAJjA/9l6tuDCUaTE/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-05-20+at+4.01.55+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0oQBlHnC4vg/U3vDy87rKII/AAAAAAAAJjA/9l6tuDCUaTE/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-05-20+at+4.01.55+PM.png" height="282" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>Excuse us fellas... get out of our way!</i></span></td></tr>
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I guess there are worse problems than being trapped by half naked men... but hubby was trying to get a picture of our whole team running. We slowed down to get the money shot...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UfZTz9npC8g/U3vDeBzsgvI/AAAAAAAAJi4/MWbCpF_5NJg/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-05-20+at+4.00.34+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UfZTz9npC8g/U3vDeBzsgvI/AAAAAAAAJi4/MWbCpF_5NJg/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-05-20+at+4.00.34+PM.png" height="352" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;"> Official Chip Time 3:36:50</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>8:17 avg pace</i></span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>2nd place Open Womens Division (out of 25)</i></span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>12th place Overall Relay (out of 85 teams)</i></span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JPHwKkjAnRk/U3vFL2hvhWI/AAAAAAAAJjI/HNKgn7R5e9w/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-05-20+at+4.08.01+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JPHwKkjAnRk/U3vFL2hvhWI/AAAAAAAAJjI/HNKgn7R5e9w/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-05-20+at+4.08.01+PM.png" height="504" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I had so much FUN running with these incredible (fast) ladies!</span></i></td></tr>
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We hung out cheering in fellow runners for hours after our relay finish. The kids mini marathon didn't start until 12noon and you know I couldn't miss that! My kids had trained for 8 weeks, compiling their 25 miles before race day. On Sunday, they ran the final 1.2 miles to complete their marathon!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EuxIp6p-fiM/U3vGDVha3VI/AAAAAAAAJjQ/Gb8mzwdwr-8/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-05-20+at+4.11.09+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EuxIp6p-fiM/U3vGDVha3VI/AAAAAAAAJjQ/Gb8mzwdwr-8/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-05-20+at+4.11.09+PM.png" height="422" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Big Girl and Little Girl kickin' it down the finishing stretch!</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eQrjELW4nII/U3vGUuwfryI/AAAAAAAAJjY/wbO8S3gvRMw/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-05-20+at+4.12.53+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eQrjELW4nII/U3vGUuwfryI/AAAAAAAAJjY/wbO8S3gvRMw/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-05-20+at+4.12.53+PM.png" height="438" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Look - Their medals are BIGGER than mine!</span></i></td></tr>
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The 2nd annual Peoria Marathon was a blast! Yes, I will be back again next year. I hope you will join me in MY town for this great race. I was delighted to see several Marathon Maniacs and 50 Staters on the course. This marathon will easily become a destination race, and continue to grow every year.<br />
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<br />Run with Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051037584723266364noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7078779410860350086.post-11950240076949969752014-05-14T17:04:00.002-05:002014-05-14T17:12:39.292-05:00Double the TrainingThis week begins a new phase in my training... preparation for my June <i>Western Double</i>. The challenge is simple - <b>two half marathons, two days, two different states</b>. It's efficient in both time and travel finances; but without doubt, also exhausting. I've done this "Double Half" challenge twice before along my quest to <a href="http://www.runwithjess.com/p/race-all-50.html" target="_blank">#RaceAll50</a>...<br />
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March 2013 <i>Southern Double</i> - <a href="http://www.runwithjess.com/2013/03/race-recap-centerpoint-half-marathon.html" target="_blank">Alabama</a> + <a href="http://www.runwithjess.com/2013/03/race-recap-georgia-half-marathon.html" target="_blank">Georgia</a></div>
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October 2013 <i>New England Double</i> - <a href="http://www.runwithjess.com/2013/10/race-recap-ing-hartford-half-marathon.html" target="_blank">Connecticut</a> + <a href="http://www.runwithjess.com/2013/10/race-recap-uhc-newport-half-marathon.html" target="_blank">Rhode Island</a></div>
Honestly, a Double is a fun adventure. I enjoy planning the logistics and the drive between races. I really get to see a vast area of the country I'm visiting.<br />
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This year's <i>Western Double</i> will comprise of the <a href="http://bearlakemonsterevents.com/marathon/" target="_blank">Bear Lake Half</a> in Idaho (Fri, June 13) and the <a href="http://jhhalf.com/" target="_blank">Jackson Hole Half</a> in Wyoming (Sat, June 14). I'm really looking forward to a western race for a change in scenery. I've completed the majority of my state races in the middle of country. The Idaho course is fairly flat, followed by mixed course in Wyoming. My biggest challenge will be the change in elevation, as I've never run at high elevation (over 6000 feet). I have no time goal on either race except to finish and arrive home in time for Father's Day on Sunday.<br />
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When I ran the <i>Southern and New England Doubles</i>, I trained like I would for a normal half marathon. Let's just say the second half was not nearly as enjoyable as the first one. This time around, I've decided to change up the training in hopes that day two won't feel so <strike>shitty</strike> tough. I'm currently trained to finish a single half marathon (just did two weeks ago in <a href="http://www.runwithjess.com/2014/05/race-recap-lincoln-national-guard-half.html" target="_blank">Nebraska</a>). So mileage is not necessarily my concern. What I want to improve is "running on tired legs," so instead of just one long run, I'm running back-to-back long runs each week. Back in January, I planned out my <a href="http://www.runwithjess.com/p/in-training.html" target="_blank">training</a> long runs for the entire year. <i>(No OCD here. Nope!) </i><br />
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In the month leading up to my <i>Western Double</i>, here's how my long runs look...<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arimo; line-height: 18px;">Week one - 7 + 8 mile runs on consecutive days <i>(this week)</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arimo; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arimo; line-height: 18px;">Week two</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arimo; line-height: 18px;"> - 8 + 10 </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arimo; line-height: 18px;">mile runs on</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arimo; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arimo; line-height: 18px;">consecutive days</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arimo; line-height: 18px;">Week three</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arimo; line-height: 18px;"> - 10 + 12 </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arimo; line-height: 18px;">mile runs on</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arimo; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arimo; line-height: 18px;">consecutive days</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arimo; line-height: 18px;">Week four</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arimo; line-height: 18px;"> - 10 miler (taper)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arimo; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arimo; line-height: 18px;">Race week -</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arimo; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arimo; line-height: 18px;"><b>Idaho/Wyoming <i>Western Double</i> 13.1 + 13.1</b></span></span><br />
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Since I'm running as part of a relay team this weekend for the <a href="http://www.runrivercity.com/" target="_blank">Peoria Marathon</a>, I moved my long runs to the early part of this week. I'm delighted to say that I got week one in the bag!<br />
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Yesterday, I met up with a local group to start my miles. It was a fun run organized by my buddy <a href="http://annaruns13.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Anna</a>, who was celebrating her <u>one year cancer-free </u>anniversary. She is a cervical cancer survivor! Being the awesome person she is, she used this special occasion to raise money for <a href="http://www.peoriaruns.stjude.org/akinkade" target="_blank">St Jude Children's Hospital</a>... $750 in one day!<br />
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I ran four miles as part of <a href="http://annaruns13.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Anna</a>'s fun run, gave a quick hug and snapped a few pictures. Then I was off to finish my first long(er) run of the week. I ended with 7.4 miles at a 9:51 average pace.<br />
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Today I procrastinated all morning. I just didn't feel like running 8 miles after yesterday's run (plus Spinning class in the evening). It came upon the time of day that I HAD to get out there if I wanted to beat the school bus. As I started off, I could feel tiredness in my legs (that's what I wanted, right?). As the miles ticked off, I felt better and better though. I finished 8.1 miles at a 10:07 average pace. With that, week one's long runs in prep for the <i>Western Double</i> are complete. Whew! Made it!<br />
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Now I can rest up before my race this Sunday. I'm the slowest runner on our relay team, so I want to bring my best!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><i><b>Have you ever run back-to-back races before? How did you train for it?</b></i></span><br />
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<img src="http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr303/wucki22/blogsignature_zps1f57df9a.png" height="98" width="200" />Run with Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051037584723266364noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7078779410860350086.post-9155676404326530792014-05-13T14:23:00.001-05:002014-05-13T21:31:51.414-05:00Race Recap: Race for the Cure 5KThis past weekend, I spent a lot of time offline - enjoying the summer weather with my family. My hubby and kids spoiled me for Mother's Day, and I couldn't help but relish every moment. <br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">"My cup runneth over" Psalm 23:5</span></i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d5pHpDen-Ps/U3JsbY_SUSI/AAAAAAAAJgg/4-7Dlh6dAa8/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-05-13+at+2.02.21+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d5pHpDen-Ps/U3JsbY_SUSI/AAAAAAAAJgg/4-7Dlh6dAa8/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-05-13+at+2.02.21+PM.png" height="320" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-size: small;">I ran this race as a member of the<br /> Peoria Air National Guard team.</span></i></td></tr>
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Saturday was particularly perfect. I started off the day at one of my favorite races ever, the <i>Susan G. Komen</i> <a href="http://memorial.info-komen.org/site/TR/RacefortheCure/PIA_MemorialAffiliate?pg=entry&fr_id=3976" target="_blank">Race for the Cure 5K</a>. This event has special meaning since it was my very first race (2001). It's also our community's biggest fundraiser for breast cancer, the disease that took my grandmother when I was just a toddler. Always the Saturday on Mother's Day weekend, it's heart-warming to see the crowds that gather for this occasion - grandmothers, mothers, daughters, sisters, and each year more men participate too. By far, the largest hoopla you'll ever see surrounding a 5k run/walk. <br />
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I arrived about 45 minutes before the start, for the mere purpose that I wanted a good getaway parking spot. The race started a 8:00am and I had to teach Spinning at 9:00am. Talk about an incentive to run fast! My plan was to finish the 5K in under 30 minutes, run through the finish line straight to my car, and then jet off to the gym.<br />
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I purposely didn't plan to "meet up" with anyone pre-race. It was a nice change of pace to just show up and run. I relaxed on a curb pre-race, soaking in the beautiful morning sun while listening to the pre-race ceremonies from the stage. I love watching the huge group of survivors and big crane up in the sky that takes their group photo each year. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uqBiJy3Pu-Y/U3JoO6m3ewI/AAAAAAAAJgU/tq5c2_lvsbQ/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-05-13+at+1.44.04+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uqBiJy3Pu-Y/U3JoO6m3ewI/AAAAAAAAJgU/tq5c2_lvsbQ/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-05-13+at+1.44.04+PM.png" height="214" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Survivors. Photo from the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/komenpeoria" target="_blank">Susan G. Komen FB page</a></i></td></tr>
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After a quick jog around the parking lot to warmup, I bumped into some friends near the starting line and waiting there for the official start. I haven't run the <a href="http://memorial.info-komen.org/site/TR/RacefortheCure/PIA_MemorialAffiliate?pg=entry&fr_id=3976" target="_blank">Race for the Cure</a> in a couple years, so I was surprised to see all the men lining up in front. The race has evolved through the years. The first year I ran, there were no male runners - only a "mile of men". Then it had a waved start - women first and then the men 10 minutes later. We ran the same course, but it guaranteed a woman winner. I always used it as an incentive... my goal being to reach the 2 mile marker before the lead male came zooming past me. Now it's all merged together as one - probably for the best - but personally, I liked the wave start best.<br />
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I haven't run a 5K in a long time, and certainly had not trained for the speed that these shorter races require. My only goal was to finish in time to make my 9am Spinning class! It was a silent flag start, and just like that, we were off. I knew the course well, but hadn't given it much thought when I registered. I completely forgot how hill-challenging the course is. In the first mile, we did a gradual climb up University Avenue. There's a clock at the top of the hill to mark the end of the first mile, and I sadly noted that I was a full minute off the last time I ran this one. Sigh...<br />
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The latter miles circle through pretty neighborhoods, adding in several more hills. I always like to see residents sitting out in their yards, cheering runners on. What I wouldn't give to live on a race course! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lFMz9Vf--oI/U3JtkfKD6mI/AAAAAAAAJgs/F2f023PgIU8/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-05-12+at+11.03.01+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lFMz9Vf--oI/U3JtkfKD6mI/AAAAAAAAJgs/F2f023PgIU8/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-05-12+at+11.03.01+AM.png" height="240" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">My friend Cassie was out cheering along the course and caught me as I ran by...</span></i></span></td></tr>
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I hauled it in for the final mile and finished with an official chip time of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">28:44.7</span><span class="Apple-style-span">. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span">That averages out to a 9:15 pace. For now, I'm okay with that!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span">I hurried off to the gym and continued the Pink Celebration with my <i>For The Cure</i> ride in Spinning class. It's an inspiring but tough ride. I left the gym with a big smile on my face, happy to have squeezed in both a race and a Spin class - all before 10am. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span">My hubby and kids had been busy too. They spent the morning cleaning the house from top to bottom and doing laundry. I walked in the door and my kiddos yelled out, "Happy Mother's Day!" We spent the rest of the day shopping for and planting flowers. It was truly the best day ever.</span><br />
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<img src="http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr303/wucki22/blogsignature_zps1f57df9a.png" height="98" width="200" />Run with Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051037584723266364noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7078779410860350086.post-74114395640841729102014-05-07T22:18:00.001-05:002014-05-07T22:44:35.826-05:00Race Recap: Lincoln National Guard Half Marathon<table 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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cDBVBjHu2bc/U2qYHMKgsnI/AAAAAAAAJd8/S2Y9a7vMW58/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-05-07+at+3.30.43+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cDBVBjHu2bc/U2qYHMKgsnI/AAAAAAAAJd8/S2Y9a7vMW58/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-05-07+at+3.30.43+PM.png" height="320" width="249" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: small;">State #21 is done!</span></i></td></tr>
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On Sunday, I made Nebraska state #21 on my quest to <a href="http://www.runwithjess.com/p/race-all-50.html" target="_blank">Race All 50</a> during the <a href="http://www.lincolnmarathon.org/" target="_blank">Lincoln National Guard Half Marathon</a>. This is an event that sells out fast <i>(less than a day!)</i>, so you gotta decide quickly if you're in. Registration opened at midnight on New Year's Eve. So while everyone else was raising a toast and playing kissy face, I was at my computer trying to get into Lincoln. With such demand over a race, I assumed it was 'thee one' to run in Nebraska.<br />
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On Friday afternoon, my friend <a href="http://annaruns13.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Anna</a> and I began the 7 hour drive across Illinois and Iowa to reach the eastern edge of Nebraska. Ugh - Iowa is one long and boring state to drive. It was nice to have someone to travel with - especially someone whose BFF lived in the race city. Thanks for hosting us Bry!<br />
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We had a nice leisurely Saturday morning <i>(coffee and a magazine on a warm sunny deck)</i> and finally got motivated to hit the race expo around lunch. It was a busy moderate-sized expo. Easy in; easy out for the most part. I tried not to shop much, but I did snag an autographed <a href="http://www.amazon.com/138-336-Feet-Pure-Bliss/dp/1493556355/" target="_blank">book</a> from <a href="http://danerunsalot.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Dane Rauschenberg</a> after chatting with him.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VAdiBzVH1Hk/U2qcV48fczI/AAAAAAAAJeI/2WFq6cpOtrw/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-05-07+at+3.43.50+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VAdiBzVH1Hk/U2qcV48fczI/AAAAAAAAJeI/2WFq6cpOtrw/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-05-07+at+3.43.50+PM.png" height="338" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: small;">Most important part of the race expo is THE BIB of course!</span></i></td></tr>
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Saturday evening, Bry brought us to the <a href="http://www.run4projectpurple.org/" target="_blank">Project Purple</a> pre-race dinner. I felt a little out of place and awkward at first - since I wasn't "on" the team, but everyone made us feel welcome. <i>(And I sure was thankful I had preciously donated.) </i> I met some truly amazing people that night. Their stories touched me more than they'll ever know. I left the party wishing I had joined the Lincoln <a href="http://www.run4projectpurple.org/" target="_blank">Project Purple</a> team - running to beat pancreatic cancer.<br />
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Race morning came and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">**TMI Alert**</span> I was constipated. Some people have problems with going too much and have to take immodium. I have just the opposite problem, but thankfully just when I travel. So my body was not feeling light and quick like I want it to on race morning. All I could think about was... well, you know. The first place I headed when we arrived to the starting line was the the bathrooms. Unlike most races, there were no outdoor porta-potties. The only restrooms were inside the Coliseum, which was packed. As we entered, someone told us, <i>"Go downstairs to the locker rooms."</i> It was better down there, but still a jumbled mess. Men had no line while the womens wound down the hallway. And oh dear, hold your nose once you got <i>inside</i> the locker room, where everyone was pooping... Not a pleasant start to race morning. All that and I still couldn't go.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rOAWnS5ruAI/U2qlsWNcyGI/AAAAAAAAJes/aOxcTbIp9u4/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-05-07+at+4.28.43+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rOAWnS5ruAI/U2qlsWNcyGI/AAAAAAAAJes/aOxcTbIp9u4/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-05-07+at+4.28.43+PM.png" height="400" width="380" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: small;"><i>We all wore purple to support Bry's run for <a href="http://www.run4projectpurple.org/" target="_blank">Project Purple</a>.</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cNHhOoaPU0E/U2qlhsn5MMI/AAAAAAAAJek/ph3mthqr_QY/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-05-07+at+4.27.39+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cNHhOoaPU0E/U2qlhsn5MMI/AAAAAAAAJek/ph3mthqr_QY/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-05-07+at+4.27.39+PM.png" height="246" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: small;">Anna and I waiting for the start</span></i></td></tr>
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The race began with a staggered start to accommodate the 13,000 runners. It was the kind of start where everyone picked their finish time and basically hopped in wherever they wanted. I was waiting on the sidelines for the 2:05 pacer, but after nearly 27 minutes of watching people start before me (whom I knew I would pass later), I finally jumped in.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LOoGG-uWUMo/U2qmXqXSofI/AAAAAAAAJe0/KfmKNq1qVpw/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-05-07+at+4.28.04+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LOoGG-uWUMo/U2qmXqXSofI/AAAAAAAAJe0/KfmKNq1qVpw/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-05-07+at+4.28.04+PM.png" height="364" width="640" /></a></div>
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The race started smoothly and we had the full road to run. I tried to find a comfortable pace and just settle in. Once the first couple splits ticked off, I'd have a better idea how this race was going to unfold. I had originally selected this race for a sub-2 run. Training had not gone as planned (at all). I knew a sub-2 was <u>not</u> going to happen today, but I wondered how close I could get. After all, <i>someone</i> had told me this was a flat fast course. <i>(P.S. It's not.) </i>At mile 1, we passed the Nebraska State Capitol building. Other than that, the sights along the early part of the course were basic city streets.<br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Mile 1 - 9:27</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Mile 2 - 9:27</span></i><br />
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Inside the third mile, we hit a long gradual climb, which my Garmin stats say was the largest elevation gain on the 13.1 course. We entered some nice neighborhoods and the spectators through this area were in plenty and very supportive. The course continued to roll...<br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Mile 3 - 9:41</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Mile 4 - 9:29</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Mile 5 - 9:35</span></i><br />
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The course suddenly crunched and became congested. I could feel the slow down all around me. I found myself wondering what was going on... Is there something up ahead? or are they just getting tired as we near the halfway point? I pushed onward trying to hold my pace and weaved around people. And then we hit the trail... a paved bike trail that is not big enough for a race of this size. The next several miles were finally flat, but oh so frustrating... weaving around walkers and the side-by-side friends that create a wall. One of my biggest pet peeves is people who block the course for others. <br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Mile 6 - 9:20</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Mile 7 - 9:13</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Mile 8 - 9:35</span></i><br />
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Finally, we turned off the trail. I'm pretty sure a "Thank God" slipped out of my mouth as we spread back out on the street. And then I looked up to see another climb in front of me. Aw shoot! The sun was out in full force all morning and the temps were on the rise. Combined with the unexpected hills and congestion and I was turning into one crabby runner. I realized that I hadn't taken an energy gel yet, so halfway up the mile 9 hill, I walked to eat my Caramel GU, that squirted out all over my hand. Seriously, can I catch a break? I wanted to quit. But as I crested the hill, I came upon the highlight of the race - ORANGES!! Everyone knows how much I love oranges when I run! I dodged across the road and grabbed me a big ole fist full. I tried to pace myself as I popped piece after glorious piece into my mouth.<br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Mile 9 - 10:04</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Mile 10 - 9:34</span></i><br />
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I don't recall much of the last part of the race... except desperately looking for the finishline. At one point, I thought I might have passed the half/full split. The final miles were quite boring as we made our way back towards Memorial Stadium. I wish I had my normal finishing kick, but it was missing today. We had to make a little climb to get up to the stadium entrance and I'm pretty sure I cursed out loud. As we entered the football field, the grass felt squishy under my feet (unlike the other fields I've run across at Illinois and Marshall). Instead of a sprint, I slowed and concentrated on my stepping... <i>Oh please don't let me trip and fall. </i>My feet were like dragging bricks across the finish.<br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Mile 11 - 9:59</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Mile 12 - 9:56</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Mile 13 - 9:41</span></i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5WWpQ1e6c6o/U2qxkznXe0I/AAAAAAAAJfM/wlfCJ094c4Q/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-05-07+at+3.25.55+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5WWpQ1e6c6o/U2qxkznXe0I/AAAAAAAAJfM/wlfCJ094c4Q/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-05-07+at+3.25.55+PM.png" height="215" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The finish pictures show National Guardsman along the finish. <br />Funny, I never noticed while I was running.<br />Wish I hadn't been so worn down at that point.</span></i></td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kcc1tdSiunY/U2rywJDU8tI/AAAAAAAAJfc/4Q-6-ATCw9k/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-05-07+at+5.23.05+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kcc1tdSiunY/U2rywJDU8tI/AAAAAAAAJfc/4Q-6-ATCw9k/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-05-07+at+5.23.05+PM.png" height="400" width="280" /></a><br />
I crossed the finish and collected my medal. It was pretty crowded in the finish chute and we were being pushed off the field quickly. Despite volunteers constantly telling me to "keep moving", I paused to take a photo on the field and collect a space blanket.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><b>Half #26 </b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><b>State #21 - Nebraska</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><b>Official Chip Time 2:06:27</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><b><i>average pace 9:39 </i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><b>overall #3299 out of 7175</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><b>females #1582 out of 4347</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><b>F35-39 #300 out of 817</b></span></div>
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So Lincoln wasn't my best feeling race, but it was my best time so far in 2014. I can't lie; I was disappointed in my run. It just proves that you can't fake it without putting in the training, which I clearly did not.<br />
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It was crammed quarters trying to find my way out of the stadium, but I finally found Bry and <a href="http://annaruns13.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Anna</a> (who crushed her PR by over 4 minutes!) for a post-race celebration.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fS10o7fFc7w/U2r1SODBOxI/AAAAAAAAJfo/JufiJvZGry8/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-05-07+at+10.08.15+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fS10o7fFc7w/U2r1SODBOxI/AAAAAAAAJfo/JufiJvZGry8/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-05-07+at+10.08.15+PM.png" height="341" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Thanks Bry for your hospitality, and Anna for the great road trip!</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CBpdTmFCqdc/U2r1k1AcNLI/AAAAAAAAJfw/RYclxE4aXxg/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-05-07+at+10.09.28+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CBpdTmFCqdc/U2r1k1AcNLI/AAAAAAAAJfw/RYclxE4aXxg/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-05-07+at+10.09.28+PM.png" height="449" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Rumor has it this was the best Lincoln medal in years. Score!</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WybRu1-6zKE/U2r1llmeqJI/AAAAAAAAJf0/pSAj6-8dgv0/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-05-07+at+10.09.34+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WybRu1-6zKE/U2r1llmeqJI/AAAAAAAAJf0/pSAj6-8dgv0/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-05-07+at+10.09.34+PM.png" height="378" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The official race shirt. I kinda liked it, but not everyone did...</span></i></td></tr>
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<br />Run with Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051037584723266364noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7078779410860350086.post-74156174622842590592014-04-30T10:51:00.001-05:002014-05-05T09:54:31.258-05:00Building My Race Outfit **GIVEAWAY**On Friday, I'm leaving on a seven hour road trip with my run buddy <a href="http://annaruns13.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Anna</a>. The destination is Lincoln, Nebraska, where we will be running the <a href="http://www.lincolnmarathon.org/" target="_blank">Lincoln National Guard Half Marathon</a>. It also represents state #21 in my quest to <a href="http://www.runwithjess.com/p/race-all-50.html" target="_blank">Race All 50</a>. As race week ticks away, I have gradually began my packing... aka throwing stuff on a pile on my bedroom floor. When traveling to run, the 'race outfit' is most important.<br />
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At this point, I know I'm wearing <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">PURPLE</span>. Odds are likely you already know it's my favorite color. <i>(I fondly call it PR Purple!)</i> This weekend, the color <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">purple</span> has more meaning. My friend Bry is running the Lincoln Half as a member of <a href="https://www.crowdrise.com/projectpurpleinc" target="_blank">Project Purple</a> - a charity team running to beat <u>pancreatic cancer</u>. <i>If you feel inclined to help out her fundraising, click <a href="https://www.crowdrise.com/ProjectPurpleLincoln2014/fundraiser/bryanneschulz" target="_blank">here</a>.</i> This Sunday, I will lace up my <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">purple</span> Asics and run to support her.<br />
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In preparation for Sunday's half marathon, I pulled out my <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">purple</span><span class="Apple-style-span"> <a href="http://procompression.com/" target="_blank">ProCompression</a> socks. I'm still weather-stalking, so undecided yet on the low trainers or the knee-high marathon socks. Lucky me, I have them both!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E4EZySpk_t8/U2EPR9F1OFI/AAAAAAAAJcg/t7yQlntfKxg/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-04-30+at+9.34.13+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E4EZySpk_t8/U2EPR9F1OFI/AAAAAAAAJcg/t7yQlntfKxg/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-04-30+at+9.34.13+AM.png" height="282" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><i>ProCompression socks - in PURPLE!</i></span></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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ydWu3F6QEro/U2EUeqIJkMI/AAAAAAAAJcw/alhrQipBbPY/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-04-30+at+10.18.26+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ydWu3F6QEro/U2EUeqIJkMI/AAAAAAAAJcw/alhrQipBbPY/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-04-30+at+10.18.26+AM.png" height="274" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-size: small;">ProCompression socks are both functional - and fashionable! I have nearly every color!</span></i></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d7ORorHqQHc/U2EVyw6ynEI/AAAAAAAAJc8/CdGUTisEz4U/s1600/PC+made+in+the+USA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d7ORorHqQHc/U2EVyw6ynEI/AAAAAAAAJc8/CdGUTisEz4U/s1600/PC+made+in+the+USA.jpg" height="172" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span">I wear <a href="http://procompression.com/" target="_blank">ProCompression</a> socks for nearly every important run. Whether I'm running long or racing hard, my feet and calves love the added squeeze that compression socks provide. I've been a long-standing fan of this particular brand because of their fit and weight. I have short legs and other brands tend to bunch up behind my knee, which causes extra sweat and chaffing. The <a href="http://procompression.com/" target="_blank">ProCompression</a> marathon socks in XS size have proven to be the perfect fit for my size 9 feet and short thick calves. Plus, I like how lightweight these socks feel on my legs. </span>I'm also a big fan that they are made in the USA. That always makes me happy to support a brand.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: large;">Sock of the Month</span></b><br />
Low and behold, the purple marathon sock is part of April's <a href="http://www.procompression.com/som/" target="_blank">Sock of the Month</a>. Each month, ProCompression features a different sock design. Some styles are limited and only available that month (like the Shamrock socks). In April, ProCompression offered their purple and powder blue socks on sale - with a portion of the SOM sales benefitting charities <a href="https://www.teamintraining.org/" target="_blank">Team In Training</a> (purple) and <a href="http://www.train4autism.org/" target="_blank">Train 4 Autism</a> (powder blue). You can sign up on the <a href="http://procompression.com/" target="_blank">ProCompression</a> website to receive monthly e-mails on their SOM special.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><br /></span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">As a </span><a href="http://procompression.com/" target="_blank">ProCompression</a><span class="Apple-style-span"> Ambassador, I'm pleased to offer you an every day discount...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: large;">Use code </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><b>BLG14</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: large;"> for 40% Off </span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: large;">Marathon Socks and Arm Sleeves</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: large;">at <a href="http://ProCompression.com/">www.ProCompression.com</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;">**GIVEAWAY**</span></div>
Now let's have some giveaway fun! Here's your chance to WIN a pair of ProCompression <b>Marathon Socks</b> or <b>Arm Sleeves</b> (your choice!). <u>Enter before 6:00am on May 4</u> via the Rafflecopter app below.<br />
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In addition to the ProCompression socks/sleeves, I'm adding a second (just for fun) prize - one of my <a href="http://www.runwithjess.com/p/shop.html" target="_blank">RunHappy bracelets</a> - to the person who comes closest to guessing my finish time in the Lincoln Half Marathon this Sunday. To give you some guidance in your guessing...<br />
• My slowest half-marathon time was <a href="http://www.runwithjess.com/2013/05/my-first-half-marathon.html" target="_blank">2:33:46</a> four years ago.<br />
• My fastest PR time was <a href="http://www.runwithjess.com/2012/05/race-recap-bayshore-half-marathon.html" target="_blank">1:56:44</a> two years ago.<br />
• My most recent times are <a href="http://www.runwithjess.com/2014/03/race-recap-shamrock-half-marathon.html" target="_blank">2:07:40</a> and <a href="http://www.runwithjess.com/2014/04/race-recap-lincoln-presidential-half.html" target="_blank">2:09:46</a> in the past two months<br />
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GOOD LUCK!</div>
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/bc984e48/" id="rc-bc984e48" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script><br />
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Congratulations to Kathryn, who came the closest </div>
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in guessing my race time (2:06:27). She was just one second off!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mnpZBjfZXdg/U2el9WeWL0I/AAAAAAAAJdM/Xy44tY_1FDQ/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-05-05+at+6.52.44+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mnpZBjfZXdg/U2el9WeWL0I/AAAAAAAAJdM/Xy44tY_1FDQ/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-05-05+at+6.52.44+AM.png" height="68" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Run with Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051037584723266364noreply@blogger.com101tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7078779410860350086.post-44509081179658337652014-04-24T08:21:00.001-05:002014-04-24T08:21:31.703-05:00#JellyBean Race Wrap-Up<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q8OeukWDijM/U1kMSqk8KKI/AAAAAAAAJcE/AOGZMvu2Siw/s1600/Jelly+Bean+circle+button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q8OeukWDijM/U1kMSqk8KKI/AAAAAAAAJcE/AOGZMvu2Siw/s1600/Jelly+Bean+circle+button.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a>Last week was the fourth annual running of the <a href="http://www.runwithjess.com/2014/03/4th-annual-jelly-bean-race.html" target="_blank">Jelly Bean Virtual Race</a>. Like every other year, there was amazing participation from all over the <strike>country</strike> world! As always, my virtual races are free to participate in... with the opportunity to win cool prizes. My hope is that my virtual races are a push out the door and extra incentive for your friends and family to gather together, combining fitness and fun.<br />
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This year, there was an optional finisher's medal, which proceeds benefitted the <i><a href="http://www.peoriaruns.stjude.org/runwjess" target="_blank">St Jude Children's Hospital</a></i>. Because of you, St Jude received a whopping <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">$500</span></b> donation - just from this virtual race. Thank you! If you missed out on the medals, it's not too late to make a donation (<a href="http://www.peoriaruns.stjude.org/runwjess" target="_blank">here</a>).<br />
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On Opening Day of the <a href="http://www.runwithjess.com/2014/03/4th-annual-jelly-bean-race.html" target="_blank">Jelly Bean Race</a> (April 13), I ran the 5K with this fine looking group above. Sporting my bunny ears, I ran the first mile with my two girls, who are racking up the miles for the <a href="http://www.runrivercity.com/?q=kids" target="_blank">Peoria Kids Marathon</a>. Then I headed back out for the remaining mileage. The best part... my last mile split was an 8:49! That's what happens when you get dumped on...<br />
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You see, Mother Nature tricked us again. With storms forecasted for the afternoon, we moved our run up a couple hours earlier to avoid the rain. Well, halfway through our run, the clouds opened up on us. We all got very wet. Of course, it was dry the rest of the afternoon. Sigh. I've had really bad weather luck with my fun runs lately.<br />
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Now for the important news... the PRIZE WINNERS from the virtual race! </div>
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I have your mailing address and will get the goodies in the mail to you next week.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><b>Beth Peralta (IL) </b>- Advocare pack</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><b>Heidi Sebastian (IN)</b> - water bottle with phone compartment</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><b>Genevieve Roestel (CA) </b>- Subway gift card</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><b>Diane Rock (IL)</b> - Swiftwick socks</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><b>Terri Brown (TX)</b> - tube of Nuun hydration tablets</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><b>Laura Pyne (PA)</b> - Headsweats beanie</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><b>Lisa Elder (IN)</b> - <i>You Just Got Chicked</i> headband</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><b>Sarah Blissett (IL)</b> - GU Energy variety pack</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><b>Stacey Kirk (NC)</b> - 2pk of LockLaces</span></div>
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There were so so many great photos submitted from your virtual races. They made me SMILE all week long. My favorite was from <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: large;">Kimberly Merrifield</span></b>. They dressed up as a bunch of jelly beans and ran their 10K this way! I just love the enthusiasm and silliness of it. Congrats Kimberly, you've won a <a href="http://www.runwithjess.com/p/shop.html" target="_blank"><i>Run & Eat Cupcakes</i> shirt</a> from me. Please <a href="mailto:runwithjess@comcast.net" target="_blank">e-mail me</a> with your shirt size and mailing address.<br />
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THANK YOU and CONGRATS </div>
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to everyone who ran and/or walked </div>
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in the 4th annual Jelly Bean virtual race! </div>
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That's a wrap... Come on back next year!</div>
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Run with Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051037584723266364noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7078779410860350086.post-23194214505400824042014-04-07T11:22:00.000-05:002014-04-07T14:28:08.144-05:00Race Recap: Lincoln Presidential Half MarathonThis Saturday, I ran a half marathon as a training run. I did the <a href="http://runabe.srrc.net/">Lincoln Presidential Half</a> two years ago to get their famous giant penny medal <i>(<a href="http://www.runwithjess.com/2012/04/race-recap-lincoln-presidential-half.html" target="_blank">here</a>)</i>, so I really had no intention of repeating it. I'm trying to focus my race dollars on the expensive mission of <a href="http://www.runwithjess.com/p/race-all-50.html" target="_blank">#RaceAll50</a>. But then, they announced a 50th anniversary edition bling... a $5 bill as the finisher's medal! As soon as I saw it, I registered within hours. <i>(The $45 entry fee is right where I think a half should be, even as little as two months out.)</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vJtZULo4Nqo/U0K2R9sW7vI/AAAAAAAAJYc/xxMxYF8u4Sg/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-04-07+at+9.28.49+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vJtZULo4Nqo/U0K2R9sW7vI/AAAAAAAAJYc/xxMxYF8u4Sg/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-04-07+at+9.28.49+AM.png" height="601" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-size: small;"><i>The $5 bling featuring Abe Lincoln of course!<br />The navy blue shirt was kinda goofy with the big Lincoln head, but I actually adore it.<br />It's a women's Gilden performance shirt that fits me perfect and is super comfortable.</i></span></td></tr>
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My friend Cassie and I got up early to make the 1:20 drive into Springfield. Arriving just a 1/2 hour before the start, we nabbed a great parking spot one block from the start/finish. Another reason I love these smaller marathons - no fuss, easy in, easy out. There simply wasn't enough time pre-race. I knew so many people running this race (which made it fun), but I still didn't get a chance to talk with everyone. Sorry if I missed you! Lots of pre-race photos and meet 'n greets with readers <i>(thanks for snagging me when you saw me!)</i>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3CId3IcIx3o/U0K6WAmkKyI/AAAAAAAAJYo/yNstZ0Bo-Mk/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-04-07+at+9.41.42+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3CId3IcIx3o/U0K6WAmkKyI/AAAAAAAAJYo/yNstZ0Bo-Mk/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-04-07+at+9.41.42+AM.png" height="420" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-size: small;">My Peoria running group (left), Marcia from <a href="http://www.marciashealthyslice.com/"><i>Marcia's Healthy Slice</i></a> (top right) and Carmen from <a href="http://sherunseverywhere.blogspot.com/"><i>She Runs Everywhere</i></a> (bottom right). Carmen went on to run a killer race - new PR and grabbed 3rd place in her division with a 1:37!</span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RG9dtLJ0dLM/U0K-UO5WMLI/AAAAAAAAJY0/Y4IUvvOHmVw/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-04-07+at+9.57.11+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RG9dtLJ0dLM/U0K-UO5WMLI/AAAAAAAAJY0/Y4IUvvOHmVw/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-04-07+at+9.57.11+AM.png" height="330" width="640" /></a></div>
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The race started in front of the Old State Capitol, a one-block change from previous years. I was pretty relaxed at the start and chatty with my pals. I wanted a good run, but had no illusions of anything spectacular. I've had achey muscles this past week and was actually slightly worried how painful 13.1 might be. <a href="http://www.runwithjess.com/2012/04/race-recap-lincoln-presidential-half.html" target="_blank">I smoked this course</a> with a sub-2 a couple years ago. I felt a bit sad to know I am no where near that speed or shape right now. Sigh.<br />
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Since this race is all about President Abraham Lincoln, the course winds through the Illinois Capitol to give you a full running tour of all the Lincoln sights. In the first couple miles, we ran through the section of historic building, including Lincoln's home. Then we veered back downtown and past the current State Capitol building...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wJRLZ-rrTKQ/U0K_tvox8pI/AAAAAAAAJY8/dsYA4cNqHsM/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-04-07+at+10.09.00+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wJRLZ-rrTKQ/U0K_tvox8pI/AAAAAAAAJY8/dsYA4cNqHsM/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-04-07+at+10.09.00+AM.png" height="390" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q88io0lRn9A/U0LHlM9kVQI/AAAAAAAAJZo/St2xGy1tgdc/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-04-06+at+8.44.08+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q88io0lRn9A/U0LHlM9kVQI/AAAAAAAAJZo/St2xGy1tgdc/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-04-06+at+8.44.08+PM.png" height="400" width="303" /></a>By time the first few miles are under my belt, I usually have a good feeling for how the race is going to go. Today, I was <b>not</b> feeling it. My legs didn't feel any better once I started running, and our pace felt taxing to me. I was super glad to be running with my pals Cassie and Heather. I kinda tucked behind them and let them pull me along.<br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Mile 1 - 9:43</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Mile 2 - 9:38</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Mile 3 - 9:31</span></i><br />
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We ran through some pretty neighborhoods with houses I can only dream of living in. The temperatures were in the mid-30's. Perfect for (me) running, but understandably chilly for cheerleaders. I remembered there being a lot more spectators last time (on a warmer day). We ran a scenic stretch through Washington Park and the rolling hills began. The first part of this course is fairly flat, but the second half is definitely a challenge.<br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Mile 4 - 9:46</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Mile 5 - 9:47</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Mile 6 - 9:36</span></i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-size: small;">Washington Park</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FIuFOAlp1ng/U0LHsmftK2I/AAAAAAAAJZs/cnYXHDOJ_D8/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-04-05+at+1.36.49+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FIuFOAlp1ng/U0LHsmftK2I/AAAAAAAAJZs/cnYXHDOJ_D8/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-04-05+at+1.36.49+PM.png" height="393" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
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As we exited the park, there was a steep hill to climb. I tried to glide up it smooth and quick. I pulled away from my friends at this point. I knew there were challenging hills ahead and wanted to find my zone. Consistent mile splits are kinda my thing...<br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Mile 7 - 9:54</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Mile 8 - 9:50</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Mile 9 - 9:53</span></i><br />
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Shortly after the mile 9 marker, we entered into Oak Ridge Cemetery. There's a nice downhill to pass by Lincoln's Tomb... but it's easy to miss that landmark when there's a huge UPhill looming to get back out of the cemetery. This is the hill that kind of killed me. It felt like knives stabbing into my glute muscles. Although I powered up it, not giving in to my desire to walk, I knew I was fading... fast.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2m39bbr1TrQ/U0LGCw2477I/AAAAAAAAJZU/NYDCWwbLkhw/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-04-07+at+10.34.33+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2m39bbr1TrQ/U0LGCw2477I/AAAAAAAAJZU/NYDCWwbLkhw/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-04-07+at+10.34.33+AM.png" height="334" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-size: small;">coming into Lincoln Park</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EjDN6WwEAW4/U0LG_70PjsI/AAAAAAAAJZc/AKchxY26iGw/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-04-07+at+7.44.05+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EjDN6WwEAW4/U0LG_70PjsI/AAAAAAAAJZc/AKchxY26iGw/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-04-07+at+7.44.05+AM.png" height="320" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">Anna giving the photographer some love<br />while I turned to head up the final hill.<br />Ha! Love this!</span></i></td></tr>
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We made a few turns and quickly found ourselves in Lincoln Park. There's a nice big downhill, but this time I knew what was coming around the corner... another uphill. I was not amused. I slowed to a walk halfway up... which conveniently is right when my friend <a href="http://annaruns13.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Anna</a> caught me. We chatted our way through the rest of the park, which was a nice distraction from the pain in my ass. Literally.<br />
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I completely forgot about the final hill that we climb to get out of Lincoln Park. But there it was, waiting to torture me. <a href="http://annaruns13.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Anna</a> sailed up it and I was struggling on my own again.<br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Mile 10 - 10:01</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Mile 11 - 10:07</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Mile 12 - 10:30</span></i><br />
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I was about to reach into my shirt and pull out an earbud for music when Cassie caught up to me. We chatted a bit, but she had gas left and moved ahead as well. I tried to hang with her in the last mile, but just couldn't find the motivation. Ugh, I can't remember a race where I felt so worn-down in the last mile.<br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Mile 13 - 9:46</span></i><br />
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The finish line was different this year too. There were suddenly a lot of people but I had a hard time seeing ahead where the finish was. I must have looked confused because some guy yelled out, "Turn left at the light and you'll finish." Whew, thanks. Done.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GmhsctvkQ4o/U0LNqtUz66I/AAAAAAAAJZ8/7Vsc2L-bzrQ/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-04-07+at+11.01.52+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GmhsctvkQ4o/U0LNqtUz66I/AAAAAAAAJZ8/7Vsc2L-bzrQ/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-04-07+at+11.01.52+AM.png" height="400" width="318" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;"><b>Official Chip Time 2:09:46</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;"><b>average pace 9:54</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><b>Overall #905 out of 2???</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><b>Female #378 out of 1134</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><b>Div F35-39 #68 out of 209</b></span></div>
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I didn't have the best-feeling run, but it sure was a fun event. The course is very pretty, albeit not-easy. The entry fee is perfect and it's a close getaway from home. I would highly suggest this event - especially if you don't already have their famous giant penny medal. <i>(There were complaints of people wanting the penny versus the $5 bill this year. I thought it was cool that the race actually offered the penny option at the finish line.)</i> All around GREAT RACE!<br />
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Of course, we took a boatload of fun photos after the race...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jjs3KLgXpF0/U0LNqlGGp3I/AAAAAAAAJaA/z3gru7zrMI8/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-04-07+at+11.01.40+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jjs3KLgXpF0/U0LNqlGGp3I/AAAAAAAAJaA/z3gru7zrMI8/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-04-07+at+11.01.40+AM.png" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-size: small;"><i>Wearing a Badgers outfit (in honor of Saturday's Final Four game) was a blast. I got so many cheers along the course from Big Ten fans. At the post-party, I bumped into a fun Kentucky fan. We were both wearing the sparkle skirts too!</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fRHA_tPzEeA/U0LNsGBTwBI/AAAAAAAAJaY/PHURHJK0CjQ/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-04-07+at+11.02.27+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fRHA_tPzEeA/U0LNsGBTwBI/AAAAAAAAJaY/PHURHJK0CjQ/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-04-07+at+11.02.27+AM.png" height="534" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mHJsLk-_knE/U0LNsNllnSI/AAAAAAAAJaU/IUdzGQSUdBs/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-04-07+at+11.02.38+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mHJsLk-_knE/U0LNsNllnSI/AAAAAAAAJaU/IUdzGQSUdBs/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-04-07+at+11.02.38+AM.png" height="396" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-size: small;">How about just one more hill Mr. Lincoln?</span></td></tr>
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Run with Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051037584723266364noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7078779410860350086.post-43603148526567107812014-04-02T12:58:00.005-05:002014-04-02T12:58:48.356-05:00First Quarter ReviewIn January, I created a year-long training plan <a href="http://www.runwithjess.com/p/in-training.html"><i>here</i></a> to make all my races work together... and ultimately land me a substantial marathon PR in the fall. The plan was broken into phases to keep my focus in line <i>(and keep myself from doing anything stupid)</i>. And just like that, the first quarter of 2014 is gone. It's time to check in...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KwzhlfDNGus/UzxNHTgit7I/AAAAAAAAJXo/GS5R1dxHDzk/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-04-02+at+12.45.30+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KwzhlfDNGus/UzxNHTgit7I/AAAAAAAAJXo/GS5R1dxHDzk/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-04-02+at+12.45.30+PM.png" height="188" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><b>RUN MILES </b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">January 94</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">February 105</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><u>March 113 </u></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Q1 Total 312</span><br />
For the most part, I was successful at slowly building my mileage and keeping plantar fasciitis (PF) at bay. It pops up from time to time again. As long as I roll and stretch the foot after every run, it's good. As I started 2014, fresh off pneumonia, three miles was a tough workout. I felt like I was starting this running thing all over again, from scratch. There were days I cried over my evaporated endurance. But slowly, I trudged through one of the toughest winters (since I started running). I refused to let the constant snow and bitter cold temperatures stop me. The 'quick 3' began to feel short and easy once again. I'm happy to say now (three months later) that I feel like I'm back to where I was last fall.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><b>RACES</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">January 11 - <a href="http://www.runwithjess.com/2014/01/race-recap-chicago-polar-dash-14-miles.html">Chicago Polar Dash (14 miles)</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">March 15 - <a href="http://www.runwithjess.com/2014/03/race-recap-shamrock-8k.html">Shamrock 8K</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">March 16 - <a href="http://www.runwithjess.com/2014/03/race-recap-shamrock-half-marathon.html">Shamrock Half Marathon</a></span><br />
<i>(click on the race names for full recaps)</i><br />
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I was a wee-bit worried about finishing the Chicago race, based off my simple lack of training. Could I even run 14 miles? I took it slow and consistent, but ran the total 14 miles in wet cold conditions. In March, I was thrilled to be back on my <a href="http://www.runwithjess.com/p/race-all-50.html">#RaceAll50</a> journey... checking off state #20 in Virginia. Both the 8K and 13.1 were a test of control and pacing for me, and I was happy with the results. Keeping my pace under 10min/miles for both races, with a nice kick to finish each.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: large;">CHALLENGES</span></b><br />
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For eight weeks, I hosted the <a href="http://www.runwithjess.com/2013/12/winter-miles-challenge-2014.html">#WinterMiles Challenge</a>. Over 1400 people started the New Year with this challenge! The concept was basic - an accountability to encourage participants to run their miles each week - without giving in to winter excuses. There were prize giveaways each week, as well as a mid-challenge virtual race. I received so much positive feedback on the challenge, that we'll definitely repeat next winter.<br />
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The ZOOMA contest engulfed me at the end of January and all of February. Everyday, I begged my friends, family and readers to vote for me. It consumed so much of my thoughts - trying to come up with new ideas each day and obsessed with following the votes. It was a close race, but in the end, I won the trip to run <a href="http://zoomarun.com/napa-valley/">ZOOMA Napa Valley (June 28)</a>... and then got the joy of giving away a second trip! I will never be able to thank you enough for this! California will now be state #24 on my <a href="http://www.runwithjess.com/p/race-all-50.html">#RaceAll50</a> quest.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><b>CROSS TRAINING</b></span><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zB7bKlrTd10/UzxHKcKgubI/AAAAAAAAJW8/hpQZjvy5hCw/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-04-02+at+12.19.49+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zB7bKlrTd10/UzxHKcKgubI/AAAAAAAAJW8/hpQZjvy5hCw/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-04-02+at+12.19.49+PM.png" height="320" width="318" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Spinning - 43 classes</span><br />
That's an average of 3.6 classes per week, most of which I was the instructor. No matter how you look at it, getting paid to workout is a bonus! My classes have been full as of lately which gives me a energy boost. By far, Spinning is my favorite cross-train and the numbers prove it.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Swimming - 5 workouts</span><br />
Total fail here. I started the year with a pledge to get back into the pool. It does wonders to widdle my middle and lose weight - without the extra pounding on my runner legs. All five swims I've done have gone well, and yet like strength work, my heart is just not in it. If I have any hope of <strike>not drowning</strike> doing well in my July Olympic Triathlon, I best get myself focused and in the pool. This is a must-change for the second quarter.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Strength - 9 sessions</span><br />
All but one of these classes, I was the instructor. <i>(Every Mon night, I teach a 1/2 hour Strength class at the gym - 10 minutes each of arms, legs, core.) </i>Simply put, I need to do more strength work on my own. I have a huge assortment of weights at home and should utilize it more. Working 10-15 minute sessions into my day would payoff big for my running. I somehow just gotta <i>will myself</i> to do it, even when I don't want to.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: large;">HONORS</span></b><br />
In the past few months, I was named an Ambassador for both <a href="http://www.procompression.com/">ProCompression</a> and <a href="http://www.goneforarun.com/">Gone For A Run</a>. These are two companies whom I highly regard their products <i>(as in I buy them and use them)</i>. I'm excited to share more opportunities with these brands (giveaways! discounts!) for you.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">Use code <strong>BLG14 </strong>for</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"> 40% off Marathon Socks & Arm Sleeves at <a href="http://www.procompression.com/">ProCompression</a>!</span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: large;">WEIGHT</span></b><br />
I'm disappointed that I haven't lost a single pound in the first quarter. After a roller coaster of up/down 5 pounds, I stand exactly where I was on New Years. In order to hit my marathon run goals this year, I have GOT to get a good 20 lbs off. I'm not overly obsessed with the scale, but a lower number certainly makes running easier, faster and less pounding on my joints. What's my problem? I like the sweets, carbs and beer. To win, I've gotta get it under control.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Here's to new quarter... April thru June! </span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">More miles, more swim, more strength, better food.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Check out my upcoming race schedule <a href="http://www.runwithjess.com/p/race-calendar.html">here</a>.</span></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">How was the start of YOUR year?</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">What are your goals for the 2nd quarter?</span></i></div>
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<img src="http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr303/wucki22/blogsignature_zps1f57df9a.png" height="98" width="200" />Run with Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051037584723266364noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7078779410860350086.post-26927738877320875622014-03-28T09:16:00.000-05:002014-04-08T08:02:53.404-05:00Tiger Trot 5K - Race Entry Giveaway!When it comes to 5K races, I love small town events. Maybe it's because I grew up in a small community, but there is such a cozy feeling about running amongst friends... and groups of kids darting around the course to cheer you on. It's pure fun without all the whoopla of big city races. No parking concerns, no crowds, no fuss... just run. <i>Oh, and <a href="http://www.runwithjess.com/2012/08/race-recap-hanna-city-hustle-5k.html">my standing 5k PR</a> is from one of those itty bitty small town races.</i><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cFWOYRB5j24/UzV65-c1IsI/AAAAAAAAJWs/dMj35QKUZ5U/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-03-28+at+8.35.18+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cFWOYRB5j24/UzV65-c1IsI/AAAAAAAAJWs/dMj35QKUZ5U/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-03-28+at+8.35.18+AM.png" height="400" width="307" /></a>The <a href="http://www.tiger-trot.com/">Tiger Trot 5K</a> is one of those small-town races that I highly recommend. Last year, my husband and I switched roles for a day... he ran the race and I cheered with the kids. The chip-timed race course starts at Marquette Elementary School, circles the small town, and ends in pretty Independence Park. Once all the 5K racers finish, there is a short children's race, free for the little ones. Last year, they even got a finisher's ribbon!<br />
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After the race, participants gather in the school cafeteria for food, drinks, door prizes, and award age-group awards - 1st, 2nd and 3rd overall, plus 1st & 2nd in each 5-yr age group. That's a lot of awards for a small race... which means you have a greater chance to winning something, if you're on that cusp like me.<br />
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Instead of the average 5k cotten tee, the <a href="http://www.tiger-trot.com/">Tiger Trot</a> boosts a tech-style run shirt as part of your registration. If you are a member of the local running club in Peoria, this is also an <i><a href="http://www.ivs.org/">Illinois Valley Striders</a></i> Grand Prix Series Race.<br />
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Proceeds from the <a href="http://www.tiger-trot.com/">Tiger Trot 5K</a> benefit the three local schools - Marquette Elementary, Rogers Elementary and Georgetown Middle School. I can't think of a better way to raise much-needed funds for our schools... while encouraging our children to take up a healthy activity like running <i>(versus video game playing)</i>. Personally, I get so tired of the kids coming home with popcorn and junk catalog sales.<br />
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What's better than a family race outing on a beautiful spring morning?! We had such a wonderful time last year. I hope you can join in for the 2014 race on Saturday, April 26. Register <a href="http://www.tiger-trot.com/">here</a> before April 12 for the early bird pricing ($25). There is also a spaghetti dinner the evening before at packet pickup, that helps the local Cub Scout pack... 5-7pm at the Real Life Church.<br />
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Find the Tiger Trot on Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/215615751974794/">here</a>.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138; font-size: x-large;">• </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138; font-size: x-large;">•</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138; font-size: x-large;"> • RACE ENTRY GIVEAWAY • • </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138; font-size: x-large;">•</span></div>
A good friend is the race director for the <a href="http://www.tiger-trot.com/">Tiger Trot 5K</a> and has graciously offered me a race entry to giveaway to one of my readers! It's so easy to enter...<br />
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<li><b>Comment* below - With so many 5K races these days, how do you determine which one you run? What is the determining factor?</b></li>
<li><b>Share this post on Facebook and/or Twitter to spread the word about this great race! Include hashtag #TigerTrot</b></li>
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Good Luck! Winner will be announced Monday, April 7, 2014.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-size: large;">THE WINNER IS .... LAUREN SIEMERS!</span></b></div>
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<i>* To enter by making a comment below, you need an online profile. To do so quickly, select the <b>OpenID</b> option in the "Comment As" dropdown. Enter the web address to your Facebook profile... www.fb.com/yourname</i></div>
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Run with Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051037584723266364noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7078779410860350086.post-69854741764556350672014-03-27T09:44:00.002-05:002014-03-27T11:46:35.616-05:00I'm a Runner... What's your problem?<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TFPuyvjzWRI/UzQ2yX-KkGI/AAAAAAAAJWM/7aPloXx4NgA/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-03-27+at+9.32.47+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TFPuyvjzWRI/UzQ2yX-KkGI/AAAAAAAAJWM/7aPloXx4NgA/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-03-27+at+9.32.47+AM.png" height="400" width="262" /></a>Running makes me happy. When crap (for lack of a better word) is piled up in my head, running breaks it up and sets my priorities straight. Stress and worry disappear as the sweat beads across my forehead and drips off my elbows.<br />
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Running makes me appreciative. I thank God every single time I run for the ability to breathe hard and put one foot in front of the other. There will come a day that I won't be able to do this... I'm thankful today is not that day.<br />
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Running helps me to dream. It teaches me that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible. My parents taught me that I could be President someday, but MARATHONER <i>(times five)</i> was never even a thought! As my feet grace across the pavement, future hopes and plans unfold in my head like a blueprint. Often I return home with big ideas that never materialize, but I keep dreaming anyway.<br />
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Running makes me strong. Physically, my body is stronger than six years ago - when a flight of steps left me panting for air. I've lost a bunch of weight since lacing up the running shoes. My daily runs help me to keep my weight in check, despite my love for food and beer. But even more important, running gives me mental strength I never thought was in me. I feel like I can conquer anything... if I take it one step at a time.<br />
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Running is important in my life. Can you tell?<br />
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So when I read these pretentious attacks about running, it quite frankly pisses me off. Several people sent me links to articles this week... <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><i>Running hurts your knees. Running has no purpose. Runners wear silly clothes</i>. <i>Marathons make you fat. Running is waste of time. Running tears down your muscles.</i>.. </span>blah, blah, blah. There are some interesting reads. Other times, it's just a writer looking to stir up a reaction and get pageviews. I too wrote college research papers and am fully aware that you can find a research study out there to support any claim you want to promote. Been there; done that. <br />
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So here's my answer to all those articles who'd like to talk negatively about running... You clearly don't understand the euphoria that a simple run can bring. Truly, I'm sorry for that. I would love for everyone to catch a runner's high once a day. It would be a better world, for that I am certain. So here's an idea... stop pretending you know what running is about and save those judgements and ridicules for yourself. <i>(Yes, <a href="http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/Magazine-Makes-Fun-of-Cancer-Survivors-Tutu-252560451.html" target="_blank">running with a tutu</a> just might make us faster... or at least happier. So what's it to you?) </i><br />
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I realize that running is not everyone's passion... maybe you like weight lifting, zumba, gardening, or a combination of it all. Whatever your interest is, DO IT and enjoy it with every fiber of your being. But stop the debate of which activity is better. <b>Whatever activity excites you on the inside and keeps you active is the BEST... for you.</b> Let it be at that. In fact, you should be <i>happy</i> when your neighbor finds an activity that makes them a better person - even if it's running. Who knows, they may be the person that "runs for help" someday when you need it...<br />
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<img src="http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr303/wucki22/blogsignature_zps1f57df9a.png" height="98" width="200" />Run with Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051037584723266364noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7078779410860350086.post-8287835150124356952014-03-24T12:05:00.001-05:002014-04-14T07:57:05.187-05:004th annual Jelly Bean race<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UcEvR7i9tNA/UzBaFa03AAI/AAAAAAAAJVo/FpPJqkDbdDI/s1600/JB2014+logo+green.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UcEvR7i9tNA/UzBaFa03AAI/AAAAAAAAJVo/FpPJqkDbdDI/s1600/JB2014+logo+green.jpg" height="384" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Celebrate Spring by running with me in the </span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4th annual Jelly Bean virtual race!</span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">~FREE TO PARTICIPATE~</span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What's a virtual race? <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">A virtual race is </span></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">running a specified distance (timed) </span></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">without being present in the actual race location.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">DATE: </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> April 13-20, 2014</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The race begins on Palm Sunday and ends on <i><u>Easter Sunday</u>,</i> 8 days<i>.</i></span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">LOCATION: </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Pick your favorite local route or just hop on a treadmill.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">EVENTS:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Choose the event that works best for your current fitness level. If you complete both the 5k and 10k distances within the 8-day time frame, you will earn an extra point into the prize drawing (2 entries max per person).</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Run 5K (3.1 miles)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Run 10K (6.2 miles)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>RESULTS:</b> Report your race time(s) <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1FlujL3BGTHejNeb4oppKQ0HmsT9NM44Ct7Cu5R3gYTE/viewform" target="_blank">HERE</a> before <u>Tuesday, April 22 at 12:00 noon CST</u>. This is a fun race; no Garmin/treadmill photo required to verify your time. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>PRIZES:</b> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When the Jelly Bean results window closes, there will be a random prize drawing from all finishers. Prizes include: GU Energy assortment pack, Subway gift card, Headsweats beanie, tube of Nuun hydration tabs, Swiftwick socks, <i>You Just Got Chicked</i> headband, 2pk of LockLaces, Advocare fuel pack, water bottle with phone pouch, and a <i>Run & Eat Cupcakes</i> shirt. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Follow me for race updates...</b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>STEP-BY-STEP HOW THE JELLY BEAN WORKS:</b></span></span></div>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>No need to pre-register.</b> Just mark your calendar, tell your friends, and organize a local group run in your area. This makes a great family event to get the kids active! Bookmark this webpage so that you can come back for updated information until raceday. Join the FB event <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/304865909666859" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Order an Jelly Bean finisher's medal below (optional). Proceeds from these medals will be donated to the <i>St. Jude Children's Hospital</i> as part of my fundraising for the <a href="http://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR?px=2516992&fr_id=17588&pg=personal" target="_blank">Bartonville-to-Peoria St. Jude run</a>. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On race week, <b><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5BJwpA6X6Urc1YwTGVDUEZFUkE/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">PRINT A RACE BIB</a></b> for each person participating. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally, RUN the Jelly Bean... and have FUN!! Take pictures and please share them on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RUNwJESS">Facebook wall</a>. Hint, hint... I always award one prize to my favorite picture.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1FlujL3BGTHejNeb4oppKQ0HmsT9NM44Ct7Cu5R3gYTE/viewform" target="_blank">REPORT RACE RESULTS</a></b> for each participant before 12noon on April 22. You will earn one entry into the prize drawing for each event that you finish (2 max). Each event may only be completed once.</span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">- FINISHER'S MEDAL -</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Celebrate your Jelly Bean finish with a finisher's medal, an optional add-on to the virtual race. <b>New for 2014, every medal purchase includes a snack-size bag of <u>Starburst Jelly Beans</u>!! </b>Proceeds from these medals will be donated to <i>St. Jude Children's Hospital</i> as part of my fundraising for the <a href="http://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR?px=2516992&fr_id=17588&pg=personal" target="_blank">Bartonville-to-Peoria St. Jude Run</a> on August 4. <i>(Later added)</i> Thanks to you - St Jude received a $500 donation from the sale of these medals!!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Sorry, Finisher's Medals are SOLD OUT.</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">• • • • •</span></div>
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Join me in-person for a local fun run to complete the Jelly Bean race!</div>
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Bring out the kids to make it a family run! I will supply the jelly beans. </div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sunday, April 13 at 11:00am</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">East Peoria Trail</span></b></div>
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Park and meet by "the train"</div>
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Fon du Lac Park Admin Building</div>
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201 Veterans Drive, East Peoria, IL</div>
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Run with Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051037584723266364noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7078779410860350086.post-89504332587975572262014-03-22T13:33:00.001-05:002014-03-24T07:48:42.886-05:00Race Recap: Shamrock Half Marathon<table 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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wgMlEULrU2g/Uy3P7RVq7dI/AAAAAAAAJUg/6nJ1L6wO8fw/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-03-22+at+12.59.30+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wgMlEULrU2g/Uy3P7RVq7dI/AAAAAAAAJUg/6nJ1L6wO8fw/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-03-22+at+12.59.30+PM.png" height="265" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: small;">My Shamrock Bling collection!</span></i></td></tr>
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Finally wrapping up my Virginia Beach race weekend... If you missed part one, <a href="http://www.runwithjess.com/2014/03/race-recap-shamrock-8k.html" target="_blank">click here</a> to read about the race expo and the 8K run last Saturday.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><i>Sunday, March 16...</i></span><br />
My morning alarm went off too quickly. I didn't feel well rested, and a quick glance out the window told me the wind had not eased up. The half marathon started early at 7am <i>(the full marathon was later at 8:30am)</i>. I grabbed my ClifBar for breakfast, only to realize it had chocolate in it <i>(I gave that up for Lent!)</i>. Ah! Thankfully, I had a sample-size granola bar from the race expo.<br />
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Temps were in the low 40's (which is my favorite race temp), but that wind had a chilling effect on me all weekend. So I grabbed a long sleeve tech shirt that I just bought at the expo. Hubby drove me to the start line - about 15 blocks down. I had originally picked my hotel based on the starting line for the full marathon, which was a different location than the half, also a different time. We arrived a 1/2 hour early to meet up for the <a href="http://www.halffanatics.com/" target="_blank">Half Fanatics</a> and <a href="http://www.toughchik.com/teamtoughchik" target="_blank">Tough Chik</a> pictures. While hanging out in front of the Cavilier, I found a bunch of other online friends too!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vmWqFCuJJ54/Uy3BMTmjzjI/AAAAAAAAJTc/XffBg7O5R6I/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-03-22+at+11.56.23+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vmWqFCuJJ54/Uy3BMTmjzjI/AAAAAAAAJTc/XffBg7O5R6I/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-03-22+at+11.56.23+AM.png" height="246" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: small;">Team Tough Chik!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xfY9JC6nsVY/Uy3BMXEC9gI/AAAAAAAAJTY/_3RYSdz3eaI/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-03-22+at+11.56.42+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xfY9JC6nsVY/Uy3BMXEC9gI/AAAAAAAAJTY/_3RYSdz3eaI/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-03-22+at+11.56.42+AM.png" height="243" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: small;">Online friends finally meeting in person!</span></td></tr>
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I was having so much fun chatting with my new friends that I almost forgot the time on the clock. By time I walked to the portapotties, it was less than 5 minutes to the start. When the gun sounded and the first corral set off down the street, I was literally inside the toilet. First time for that. I found my way to corral 4 in the nick of time.<br />
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My goal for the <a href="http://www.shamrockmarathon.com/" target="_blank">Shamrock Half Marathon</a> was to maintain a 10 min/mile pace for the first 10 miles and then see what I had left. It was essentially a long training run and a little test to see where my endurance was at. My legs weren't exactly rested and didn't feel as fresh as the <a href="http://www.runwithjess.com/2014/03/race-recap-shamrock-8k.html" target="_blank">prior day's 8K</a>, but I felt good.<br />
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Hubby found me first near mile 2. Once running, I warmed up quickly and was second-guessing my choice of long-sleeve. The wind just didn't feel so bad once we were running in mass.<br />
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Hubby jumped in the car and caught me again at mile 3. He typically catches me a 6-7 times during a half marathon. But being a cheerleader in a car proved to be a difficult task at the <a href="http://www.shamrockmarathon.com/" target="_blank">Shamrock Half Marathon</a>. The north side of Virginia Beach is a narrow area and most the roads were closed off for the race. There just wasn't a way around unless you were on bike.<br />
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I skipped the first water stop because it was a cluster, but then quickly reminded myself, <i>"Don't be stupid. The majority of my hydration yesterday was beer. Take the damn water."</i> From that point on, I snagged a water cup at every water station and drank on the run.<br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Mile 1 - 9:54</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Mile 2 - 9:54</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Mile 3 - 9:49</span></i><br />
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After mile 3, we veered off on on the heavily wooded area along <i>First Landing State Park</i>. I loved this stretch, probably my favorite of the whole race. Three miles of quiet woods with a wide road to spread the runners out.<br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Mile 4 - 9:49</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Mile 5 - 9:58</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Mile 6 - 9:54</span></i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VyPdwAv2EqM/Uy3HKMhnFBI/AAAAAAAAJT8/yPA8Qx-AQZw/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-03-22+at+12.22.04+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VyPdwAv2EqM/Uy3HKMhnFBI/AAAAAAAAJT8/yPA8Qx-AQZw/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-03-22+at+12.22.04+PM.png" height="185" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>bad photo on-the-run, but you get the idea...</i></td></tr>
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I was unglued from my watch most of the race - just trying to maintain a comfortable pace. Every once in a while, I'd look down to check a mile split and always happy with what I saw... nice and even. After mile 6, we entered Fort Story, a joint Army/Navy base. As we broke out of the wooded area and approached the Atlantic Ocean (large sand dunes blocked any views), the wind gusts slapped me in the face. For the most part, the miles through the base were rather boring, except for when we passed between the old and new Cape Henry Lighthouses.<br />
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I was feeling really good and took my first and only energy gel to make sure that feeling would last. As we rounded the coastline and headed south again, I started to itch for the finish.<br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Mile 7 - 9:53</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Mile 8 - 9:57</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Mile 9 - 9:53</span></i><br />
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Coming out of the base, I grabbed a cup from one of several 'beer stops' along the course. Hmmm, it tasted good; a sneak of what was to come at the post-party. I was trying to hold myself on-pace until the mile 10 marker; but once that beer went down, my patience wore thin. I slowly stepped up my pace, plugged in my music for the first time... and the fun began. <br />
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As tired runners slowed down, I picked it up and began passing people non-stop. It takes control and patience to hold a slower pace early in the race... but <b>this</b> is the reward. It is so wonderful to feel strong and in-control at the end of 13.1 miles. I found my tempo pace and picked people off one by one. I even dropped the hubby a couple texts to let him know where I was. He had grown weary of the traffic rat-race and just took the car back to the hotel. I got a good laugh when he texted me (at mile 5), <i>"Hurry up! I'm at the finish!"</i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><br /></span></i>I felt taxed in the last mile, but was determined to make it my best split of the weekend. The course zigzagged back towards the beach. We rounded the last corner onto the boardwalk and got our first oceanview of the half marathon. The strong wind put a damper on any kind of finishing kick. The flags waved us in for the finish, but that final stretch seemed to stretch on and on.<br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Mile 10 - 9:31</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Mile 11 - 9:18</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Mile 12 - 9:31</span></i><br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Mile 13 - 8:58</span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;"><b>VIRGINIA - State #20</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;"><b>Official Chip Time 2:07:40</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;"><b>average pace 9:44</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><b>overall #3443 of 8936</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><b>F35-39 #300 of 921</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><b>Female #1594 of 5510</b></span></div>
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This is nowhere near a PR for me (1:56), but I was really happy with my run at the <a href="http://www.shamrockmarathon.com/" target="_blank">Shamrock Half Marathon</a>. I've been slow coming back from plantar fasciitis - building endurance and my speed again. A 9:44 pace for this distance is good for me right now... so I was all smiles with the results. I should mention if you are pushing for a PR, this is a great course. Seriously, the FLATTEST 13.1 I've ever run!<br />
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The race was fun... but the post-party was awesome! We immediately went to the big warm tent on the beach. What a set-up inside! Hot soup, cold beer and a complete concert setup with four great bands throughout the day.<br />
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One of the best things I did the day before was buy a cheap sweatshirt. Sweaty and now cold, it felt awesome to put that sweatshirt on. We hung out for an hour before walking back to the hotel to change and try to catch my friend Patty in the midst of her full marathon. After a change of clothes, we returned to the post-party, waited for Patty to finish, and drank Yuengling beer until the band played their last song - 4:00 in the afternoon!! I loved one of the Irish bands so much that we followed them to <i>Murphy's</i> and celebrated our Shamrock runs well into the evening.<br />
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I had such a fabulous time at the <a href="http://www.shamrockmarathon.com/" target="_blank">Shamrock Marathon</a> events. It lived up to its well-deserved reputation and I was extremely pleased that I chose this event to fulfill state #20 Virginia on my journey to <a href="http://www.runwithjess.com/p/race-all-50.html" target="_blank">Race All 50</a>. Not only was event execution flawless, but the swag involved with these races was stellar!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Thank You Virginia!</span></div>
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<br />Run with Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051037584723266364noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7078779410860350086.post-57554879539292607092014-03-19T10:32:00.001-05:002014-03-19T16:11:31.238-05:00Race Recap: Shamrock 8KTime to recap the awesome weekend I had in Virginia Beach for the <a href="http://www.shamrockmarathon.com/" target="_blank">Shamrock Marathon</a> events! I went into this trip with the mere goal of knocking off another state (#20!) and a much-needed getaway with my husband. I tried really hard <i>not</i> to take the races seriously. What?! My running is not fast right now; I'm no where near <a href="http://www.runwithjess.com/2012/05/race-recap-bayshore-half-marathon.html" target="_blank">my standing PR</a>. I'm okay with that, but sometimes the time on the clock can overshadow the experience for me. Honestly, I felt like Virginia Beach was the first time that I was able to release myself from performance expectations and just be happy with where I was at.<br />
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We arrived in Virginia Thursday evening. <i>(All four of our flights there and back were either delayed or cancelled. Travel was <b>not</b> the fun part of this trip.)</i> Arriving in Richmond, we drove down to <u>Williamsburg</u> for the first night. It was such a cute historic town. In the morning, we walked around the downtown and university area. There were so many runners - since a large part of the roads were closed to vehicles. It seemed like a runner's paradise and my feet were itching to run there.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7cn4Ulohwq8/UymisSmX40I/AAAAAAAAJRc/UYMdM3pL2AM/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-03-19+at+8.57.22+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7cn4Ulohwq8/UymisSmX40I/AAAAAAAAJRc/UYMdM3pL2AM/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-03-19+at+8.57.22+AM.png" height="320" width="236" /></a>We took our time traveling the final leg into Virginia Beach, adventuring along some smaller roads. This is my favorite part of the <a href="http://www.runwithjess.com/p/race-all-50.html" target="_blank">#RaceAll50</a> quest... I enjoy getting outside the bustling cities and off the interstates to see the different countrysides and get a real feel for the area. We came into Virginia Beach from the north side, stopping at Fort Story to see the <a href="http://www.virginia.org/Listings/HistoricSites/CapeHenryLighthouses/" target="_blank">Cape Henry lighthouses</a>.<br />
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We arrived at the <u>race expo</u> shortly after it had opened on Friday. Traffic and parking around the convention center was crazy, but I tried to remind hubby that we were on vacation; no hurries. Indeed, we took our time in the expo - nearly 2 hours! I'm usually in/out of expos because of the kids, but today we stopped and visited with everyone. Several of the races that I have earmarked for eastern states were there, so we talked with each of them in detail. I didn't plan on buying any clothing while I was there, but found some sweet deals and ended up with bags of goodies! We also happened to be the first people in line when they announced Yuengling beer samples...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Samples at the race expo was just the start. Beer became a popular theme for us on vacation...</i></td></tr>
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After checking in at the <a href="http://www.lq.com/lq/properties/propertyProfile.do?ident=LQ2055&propId=2055" target="_blank">LaQuinta</a> hotel, we went in search of food since we had skipped lunch. We found an amazing seafood buffet... Not the best pre-race food, but it was perfect for two hungry travelers on a Lenten Friday!<br />
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I was having problems determining what to wear for the races. The temps were mild, but the wind was vicious (all weekend) and cold. I just couldn't shake the chilly feeling. On Saturday morning, I immediately grabbed the one and only long sleeve run shirt I had brought along. Our hotel was right by the 8K start, so I didn't leave my warm room until 15 minutes before race time. The sun was on its way up and I hurried over to the oceanfront to snap a few pictures of the gorgeous sunrise before jumping into my race corral.<br />
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I've run a lot of races - many who attempt to do corrals and fail miserably. J&A Racing, who hosts the Shamrock Marathon events, did an impressive job with their corrals and movement. The start was so smooth!! I had planned on running the 8K with my husband, but he was unable due to a knee injury <i>(He had surgery the day we got home)</i>. I lined up at the front of corral 7, which worked well for a nice start. My legs felt fresh and it was so good to run!<br />
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My goal for the 8K was to keep my pace around the 10 min/mile mark... in order to save something for Sunday's half marathon. I knew within a few blocks that I started too fast and reeled it back. For the first two miles, we ran south along Atlantic Ave, mostly hotels and tourist businesses.<br />
<span style="color: purple;"><i>Mile 1 - 9:34</i></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><i>Mile 2 - 10:00</i></span><br />
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At the end of Rudee Inlet, we looped around onto the oceanfront boardwalk. Oh-yeah! THIS is what I came for! It was a gorgeous sunny morning (and I wasn't cold anymore). This was exactly where I wanted to be!<br />
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It got a little congested along the boardwalk as people were stopping to walk. I don't mind walkers as long as they <i>move to the side</i> before they come to a stop. I weaved my way through and managed only one collision. I tried to relax, enjoy the ocean view, and soak in the sun. Shortly before mile 4, we zig-zagged back onto Atlantic Ave. The spectator crowds were big through this area so it was kind of fun. My posse of cheerleaders was waiting there for me there too...<br />
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They had planned out the best race photo ever... photo-bombed by my own spectators! Ha!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-STYBRD2FQoE/UymuZdkM0WI/AAAAAAAAJSs/T5MBz4yR7_k/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-03-19+at+9.47.37+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-STYBRD2FQoE/UymuZdkM0WI/AAAAAAAAJSs/T5MBz4yR7_k/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-03-19+at+9.47.37+AM.png" height="320" width="317" /></a>The last mile was oddly the most congested of the run, as I was catching the slower folks of early corrals. <i>"What the heck, let's pick up the pace."</i> It's my own little quirk, but I love making the last mile of every run the fastest.<br />
<span style="color: purple;"><i>Mile 3 - 9:56<br />Mile 4 - 9:52</i></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><i>Mile 5 - 9:12</i></span><br />
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We turned the corner onto the boardwalk again, this time heading south - smack into the wind. The finishing stretch was pretty cool, lined with waving flags, spectators and the statue of King Neptune looking over us.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: purple;">Official Chip Time 48:38</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>average pace 9:43</b></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">overall #2230 out of 8310</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">F35-39 #151 out of 783</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">Females #935 out of 5157</span></div>
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The first race of Shamrock weekend was done. I went a wee bit faster
than my 10min/mile goal, but I felt good and happy. Somehow, I totally
forgot about the post-party on the beach until after we were back at the hotel (Duh!). Oh-well, I was able to use those beer tickets the next day.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VArPDjVdfko/UymvQkEnV6I/AAAAAAAAJS0/WNhWqZvv04I/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-03-19+at+9.50.45+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VArPDjVdfko/UymvQkEnV6I/AAAAAAAAJS0/WNhWqZvv04I/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-03-19+at+9.50.45+AM.png" height="400" width="297" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VkU4NBhFFDA/UymxEyeHTZI/AAAAAAAAJTE/VHNL7LfKdpw/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-03-19+at+9.56.42+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VkU4NBhFFDA/UymxEyeHTZI/AAAAAAAAJTE/VHNL7LfKdpw/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-03-19+at+9.56.42+AM.png" height="320" width="262" /></a>If I were seriously <b>racing</b> this weekend, I would have relaxed the rest of the day to recover, hydrate and prepare for Sunday's half marathon. Instead, the hubs and I enjoyed our vacation time together. We rented bikes and tooled up and down the beach, stopping for drinks (the non-hydrating kind) and ice cream along the way.<br />
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After a fun afternoon, I was exhausted and ready for a nap. But there was no time for that! We hit up the pizza joint next to our hotel - sitting on the outdoor patio, listening to live music, drinking (more) beer and visiting with my dearly missed running pal. It was perfect. Eventually, I grew tired and logic told me to go to bed.<br />
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The Shamrock half marathon was the next morning... <br />
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<img src="http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr303/wucki22/blogsignature_zps1f57df9a.png" height="98" width="200" />Run with Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051037584723266364noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7078779410860350086.post-77188416624039196812014-03-11T09:40:00.001-05:002014-03-11T09:40:34.599-05:00Shamrock Prep & Giveaway!After a long winter, I am excited to once again toe the line of a race. This weekend, I'm heading to Virginia Beach to run the <i>Dolphin Challenge</i> (8K on Saturday; Half on Sunday) at the much-hyped <a href="http://www.shamrockmarathon.com/" target="_blank">Shamrock Marathon</a>. I've heard so many good things about this event and its organizers that I can't help but have high expectations for a fun weekend. It's been almost four months since I've colored in a new state, so I'm pumped to make Virginia #20 in my quest to <a href="http://www.runwithjess.com/p/race-all-50.html" target="_blank">RaceAll50</a>.<br />
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If you remember, I was registered for the full marathon and had to downgrade after pneumonia and plantar fasciitis derailed my training. It's still a disappointment in my heart, but I know it was the right thing to do. I'm nowhere near ready for 26.2 right now. My goal this weekend is to finish, but also to run consistent splits and then test what I have left in the last mile - just to see where I'm at. I want it to feel like a tough training run, but not an all-out race. With 18.1 miles on tap for Sat/Sun, the Shamrock weekend will wrap up Phase 1 (base building) of my yearlong training plan for <a href="http://www.milwaukeelakefrontmarathon.org/lfm" target="_blank">Milwaukee</a>. After Shamrock, I'll reincorporate speedwork into my weekly repertoire.<br />
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There was no taper for Shamrock. In fact, I hit a peak last week when most people would taper... 35 miles! That was my highest mileage week since last October. Combine the miles with yoga, swimming and Spinning, and I was pleased with how my body handled it all with relative ease. Oddly enough, I also had two complete rest days. Unplanned, of course. I hate rest days. But it has me rethinking my training plan going forward...<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E6718wVXVhE/Ux8WNjSMLiI/AAAAAAAAJQw/cWpQdrNqXX8/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-03-11+at+8.56.22+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E6718wVXVhE/Ux8WNjSMLiI/AAAAAAAAJQw/cWpQdrNqXX8/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-03-11+at+8.56.22+AM.png" height="200" width="161" /></a>So now the details of our Virginia trip begin... weather stalking and the packing. Of course, the weather forecast keeps changing, but safe to say we'll have temps in the 40's for race time on both days... that is my favorite run temperature! Now I just hope we can avoid rain... especially since I'm looking forward to Shamock's grandoise post-party! Weather determines a large part of raceday clothing, so I will be packing a variety of options... layers, layers, layers. With hubby there as a spectator, it'll be easy for me to drop as I run if need be. <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">(Note: My hubby was registered to run the 8K, but he now has a torn meniscus in his knee. So instead he's looking at surgery the day we return from Virginia. Serious Boo.)</span></i><br />
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With the help of <a href="http://runnerdecals.com/" target="_blank">Runner Decals</a>, I created this <b>Boston Strong</b> emblem to make a festive green outfit for one of the Shamrock races...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-htjYS4JOs9A/Ux8U3htzREI/AAAAAAAAJQk/NwgIhCu5pCo/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-03-11+at+8.50.39+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-htjYS4JOs9A/Ux8U3htzREI/AAAAAAAAJQk/NwgIhCu5pCo/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-03-11+at+8.50.39+AM.png" height="400" width="322" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boston Strong iron-on from <a href="http://runnerdecals.com/" target="_blank">Runner Decals</a><br />
Compression Socks from <a href="http://www.procompression.com/" target="_blank">ProCompression</a><br />
Sparkle Skirt from <a href="http://sparkleathletic.com/" target="_blank">Sparkle Athletic</a></td></tr>
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I've worked with <a href="http://runnerdecals.com/" target="_blank">Runner Decals</a> on a number of projects now and always love the result! While some view the "run outfits" as tacky, it's the fun part of pre-race for me. I enjoy creating outfits that are festive, but yet I also want them to be comfortable on the run. By using <a href="http://runnerdecals.com/" target="_blank">Runner Decals</a>, I'm able to pick the perfect-fit shirt for me and then iron-on the design. I've washed the shirts multiple times and never had a problem with it peeling off.<br />
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Look - My pal Patty and I used custom iron-on decals from <a href="http://runnerdecals.com/" target="_blank">Runner Decals</a> last year too!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HSpoxDxkMuE/Ux8Yu8wD97I/AAAAAAAAJQ8/vlfWWYwiXlQ/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-03-11+at+9.06.08+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HSpoxDxkMuE/Ux8Yu8wD97I/AAAAAAAAJQ8/vlfWWYwiXlQ/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-03-11+at+9.06.08+AM.png" height="265" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So excited that Patty is meeting me in Virginia Beach this weekend.<br />
She moved to the East Coast last year and I miss my run buddy so much!</td></tr>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;">GIVEAWAY!</span></b></div>
<a href="http://runnerdecals.com/" target="_blank">Runner Decals</a> was nice enough to send me some extra BOSTON STRONG iron-on decals. So let's have a quick fire GIVEAWAY!! The randomly-drawn winner will receive their choice of...<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KOZ9nw2IJSc/Ux8bqGz5IPI/AAAAAAAAJRI/D3DytZWx6lU/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-03-11+at+9.19.42+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KOZ9nw2IJSc/Ux8bqGz5IPI/AAAAAAAAJRI/D3DytZWx6lU/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-03-11+at+9.19.42+AM.png" height="382" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><u>WINNER MAY CHOOSE FROM....</u></b></div>
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Lime green short-sleeve moisture-wicking shirt (size Large) </div>
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dark green BOSTON STRONG on front; RunWithJess.com on back</div>
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<b>- or -</b></div>
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Black long-sleeve moisture-wicking shirt (your choice on size)</div>
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white BOSTON STRONG on front; RunWithJess.com on back</div>
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<b>- or -</b></div>
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Your choice of white or green BOSTON STRONG decal </div>
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and you can iron it on a shirt you already have at home</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;">You have 24 hours to enter!! </span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;">Winner will be drawn via the Rafflecopter app below </span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;">at 12noon on Wednesday, March 12. Good Luck!!</span></b></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
This BOSTON STRONG iron-on decal is also available to purchase at <a href="http://runnerdecals.com/" target="_blank">Runner Decals</a>.com</div>
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/bc984e47/" id="rc-bc984e47" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>Run with Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051037584723266364noreply@blogger.com78tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7078779410860350086.post-1993817489570625632014-03-05T10:31:00.001-06:002014-03-05T11:26:12.972-06:00Giveaway Contest: Race-cation to ZOOMA Napa ValleyI'm extremely lucky to have so many supportive friends in my life - both in person and virtually from the blog. For five weeks in Jan/Feb, I begged, pestered and pleaded for everyone to vote daily in the <a href="http://zoomarun.com/">ZOOMA</a> Run-to-Napa contest. Because of your faithful voting, I won the grand prize - a race vacation to <a href="http://zoomarun.com/napa-valley/">Napa Valley</a>!! Truly a dream come true!! California will now be state #24 on my quest to <a href="http://www.runwithjess.com/p/race-all-50.html">Race All 50</a>.<br />
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Part of my prize was a second trip - the opportunity to reward one of my readers (YOU!) with a <a href="http://zoomarun.com/">ZOOMA</a> race vacation. <b>How would you like to join me in Napa Valley</b>... for a run, wine and weekend of relaxation?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JYeS8QqZ1EE/UxdLOuxthfI/AAAAAAAAJQU/hMK1ix0fdlk/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-03-05+at+10.04.14+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JYeS8QqZ1EE/UxdLOuxthfI/AAAAAAAAJQU/hMK1ix0fdlk/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-03-05+at+10.04.14+AM.png" height="320" width="204" /></a><a href="http://zoomarun.com/">ZOOMA</a> is a women's race series that hosts specialty events like none other. Race weekend is more than just a run. It's a mini-vacation with your BRF's <i>(Best Running Friends) </i>at a destination locale. Two years ago, five of us girls drove four hours north to attend in our first <a href="http://zoomarun.com/">ZOOMA</a>. We had such a great weekend celebrating fitness and friendship. There were mocktail parties, informative presentations, yoga sessions, spa treatments, expo shopping and samples, cool goody bags, chocolate, wine, delicious food, laughs, hugs and smiles... capped off by one heck of a run! Plus, I had the chance to meet Sarah and Dimity from <a href="http://anothermotherrunner.com/"><i>Another Mother Runner</i></a>! To bring it all home, ZOOMA's finisher's medals are truly unique with an attached charm that you can later use on a necklace. Trust me, you'll enjoy any ZOOMA event you attend. They currently have six upcoming events...<br />
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<a href="http://zoomarun.com/texas/">Austin, TX</a> April 12</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://zoomarun.com/annapolis/">Annapolis, MD</a> May 31</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="http://zoomarun.com/napa-valley/">Napa, CA</a> June 28</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://zoomarun.com/chicago/">Chicago, IL</a> August 9</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://zoomarun.com/capecod/">Cape Cod, MA</a> September 27</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://zoomarun.com/florida/">Amelia Island, FL</a> January 17, 2015</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8helLAgRzjU/UxZL5yN9P0I/AAAAAAAAJP4/0YFnlLPo6qc/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-03-04+at+3.54.59+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8helLAgRzjU/UxZL5yN9P0I/AAAAAAAAJP4/0YFnlLPo6qc/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-03-04+at+3.54.59+PM.png" height="640" width="574" /></a></div>
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<br />
There are <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">FIFTEEN (15) entry options</span></b> for this contest - making the giveaway accessible to anyone - no matter what social media you use (or don't). Be sure to check off everything you've done on the Rafflecopter app below. The winner will be verified and chosen via Rafflecopter.<br />
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<li>Get your first entry into the <b><i>ZOOMA Run-to-Napa Contest</i></b> by simply leaving a comment below... <i style="font-weight: bold;">What's your favorite way to celebrate a race?!?</i> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.facebook.com/">Facebook</a> - Earn a bonus entry for following RunWithJess, ZOOMA and all the great sponsors who make this giveaway possible: Honest Tea, Oiselle, Marriott Napa Valley, Another Mother Runner and Napa Valley. Share the link to this contest with your friends for a bonus entry.</li>
<li><a href="https://twitter.com/">Twitter</a> - Earn entries for following RunWithJess and ZOOMA - plus a bonus entry every day for tweeting about this contest (must include the link back to this page).</li>
<li><a href="http://instagram.com/">Instagram</a> - Rack up more entries by following RunWithJess and ZOOMA - plus a fun creative entry by posting a photo of your "lucky charm". <i><b>What gives you luck on race day?</b></i> Is it a special person, the perfect shoes, special socks, a necklace... Whatever it is, post an IG photo using tags @runwjess @zoomarun #Run2Napa #LuckyCharm</li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>GOOD LUCK! </b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Contest closes March 18, 2014 at 12:00am.</b></span></div>
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/bc984e46/" id="rc-bc984e46" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Contest closes 12:00am on March 18, 2014. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN THIS CONTEST. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">1. Contest is open to residents of the continental U.S. only. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">2. Prize includes: roundtrip airfare to ZOOMA Napa Valley, 2 night stay at Marriott Napa Valley, and race entry into ZOOMA Napa Valley. Prizes are provided by ZOOMA Women's Race Series and their participating sponsors. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">3. Winner is picked through a random selection through Rafflecopter app. Entries will be verified upon selection. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">4. Winner will be announced on www.RUNwithJESS.com on Tues, March 18. Winner must claim prize within 48 hours of notification or forfeit the prize, in which case an alternate winner will be selected.</span></div>
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Run with Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051037584723266364noreply@blogger.com264tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7078779410860350086.post-80900973542675618672014-02-27T16:30:00.000-06:002014-02-27T16:30:04.860-06:00Three Things Thursday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yfkjAeYs51I/UurXaNi7tYI/AAAAAAAAJGg/4odcwsNV3Fs/s1600/3TThurs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yfkjAeYs51I/UurXaNi7tYI/AAAAAAAAJGg/4odcwsNV3Fs/s1600/3TThurs.jpg" height="186" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: large;">ONE</span></b><br />
In case you haven't heard yet, I WON the<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arimo; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arimo; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://zoomarun.com/" style="color: #9832bb; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><i>ZOOMA</i></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arimo; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b><i> Run-to-Napa</i></b></span> contest! I am beyond thrilled and appreciative... seriously, so many people to thank for this opportunity! I hope to have the reader <b><i>Run-to-Napa</i></b> contest<i> for you</i> up live on the blog next week. I know many of you are excited for a chance to win a trip as well! My flight to California is booked and I'm officially registered for the <a href="http://zoomarun.com/napa-valley/" target="_blank">ZOOMA half marathon</a> in Napa Valley on June 28. California will become state #24 in my quest to <a href="http://www.runwithjess.com/p/race-all-50.html" target="_blank">Race All 50</a>. I added a flight for my hubby to extend it into a couples vacation. You can never have too many of those, right?! <b><i>Have you ever visited the San Francisco area?</i></b> I would love your suggestions on things to do and see while we're there.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3nBKFzmQW-A/Uw-7IL4VZ1I/AAAAAAAAJPQ/Ue2OvW1E8ek/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-02-27+at+4.24.13+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3nBKFzmQW-A/Uw-7IL4VZ1I/AAAAAAAAJPQ/Ue2OvW1E8ek/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-02-27+at+4.24.13+PM.png" height="236" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><b>TWO</b></span><br />
Cold weather has returned to Illinois this week (and a snowstorm forecast for the weekend). It is still technically winter, so I will not complain... but come March 20, the first day of spring, these sub-10 degree temperatures had better be gone. Until then, I will keep layering up and running against the cold wind. As long as the roads are clear, you'll find me outside.<br />
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In less than two weeks, I head to Virginia (my state #20) for the <a href="http://www.shamrockmarathon.com/" target="_blank">Shamrock</a> Dolphin Challenge (8K + Half Marathon). I'm training to "finish it", which I admit is a modest goal for me. I'm trying my hardest <u>not</u> to attach any time expectations on it. Once <a href="http://www.shamrockmarathon.com/" target="_blank">Shamrock</a> is behind me, I will ramp up my spring training in preparation for the <a href="http://www.lincolnmarathon.org/" target="_blank">Lincoln Half</a> (Nebraska), where I'm hoping to nail that sub-2 once again.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>THREE</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">This is the final week of the <a href="http://www.runwithjess.com/2013/12/winter-miles-challenge-2014.html" target="_blank">#WinterMiles Challenge</a>. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">Week 8 report-backs are due Monday (March 3) before midnight </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Atyqhm1liaqbxyATt5TzGW9liMKtZNAST4D7YPTtAfM/viewform" style="color: #9832bb; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">here</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">. Final prize is from my friends at <a href="https://guenergy.com/" target="_blank">GU Energy</a> and <a href="http://www.hydrapak.com/" target="_blank">Hydrapak</a>...</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HhF8T-JHUO4/Uw-7R8fwNYI/AAAAAAAAJPY/69C50ccP-uM/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-02-27+at+4.24.04+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HhF8T-JHUO4/Uw-7R8fwNYI/AAAAAAAAJPY/69C50ccP-uM/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-02-27+at+4.24.04+PM.png" height="320" width="298" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: inherit;"><b>The Run and Eat Cupcakes shirt are back in stock! </b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: inherit;"><b>Order yours <a href="http://www.runwithjess.com/p/shop.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</b></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2nubWpuGQ2k/Uw-51Gx7PII/AAAAAAAAJPE/pIV--9gfKDA/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-02-27+at+4.17.57+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2nubWpuGQ2k/Uw-51Gx7PII/AAAAAAAAJPE/pIV--9gfKDA/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-02-27+at+4.17.57+PM.png" height="228" width="400" /></a></div>
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Run with Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051037584723266364noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7078779410860350086.post-39405755962230781382014-02-24T14:34:00.001-06:002014-02-24T15:12:57.171-06:00The Good, the Great and the Ugly<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">THE GOOD</span></b><br />
Last week I got back in the 30's for my weekly mileage. I've been building my miles slowly and then backing off again whenever I feel the slightest twinge in my foot's plantar. Following the plan of "listen to your body", it's taken me nearly two months to get back to where I think is my norm.<br />
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LIB7Gj4FJco/UwukP4s00hI/AAAAAAAAJNg/RqME8QwzxZk/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-02-24+at+1.52.11+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LIB7Gj4FJco/UwukP4s00hI/AAAAAAAAJNg/RqME8QwzxZk/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-02-24+at+1.52.11+PM.png" height="136" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jan. 17-23 - 4 runs and 3 Spinning classes</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v1swq8Gn8Lo/UwumGSPMZQI/AAAAAAAAJNs/SS_ymbCBf24/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-02-24+at+2.05.21+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v1swq8Gn8Lo/UwumGSPMZQI/AAAAAAAAJNs/SS_ymbCBf24/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-02-24+at+2.05.21+PM.png" height="200" width="181" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">14 miler done! </td></tr>
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I'm happy to feel the endurance return. A 5 miler is beginning to feel average again, and my mile splits started to dip back into the 9's. I was most proud of Saturday's 14 miler. The distance has been toughest for me to build with 10 being my breaking point the past few weeks. However, this weekend I reached 14 on a solo afternoon run doing loops around my neighborhood. Boring but sufficient (and clear roads).<br />
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Where I failed this week... My Spin/Strength classes were cancelled due to a snowstorm on Monday, so I never got my strength training done this week. Then I skipped my swim. I am the worst at scheduling a lane time, and then of course, remembering it. Thankfully, today starts a new week.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">THE GREAT</span></b><br />
Thank you to all my faithful friends who voted continuously in the <a href="http://zoomarun.com/" target="_blank"><i>ZOOMA</i></a><b><i> Run-to-Napa</i></b> contest. The support was overwhelming and I will never be able to thank you enough. In all honesty, the daily self-promotion was getting uncomfortable. <i>This is why people hire campaign managers in real life elections... it's a lot of work! </i>Like anything in life, I'm either all in or out. So I bugged the crap out of peeps for the past 5 weeks, begging for your daily votes. Some unliked, unfriended, unfollowed and blocked me, but the majority hung with me for the duration. Seriously, thank you so much for that. It means a lot. The contest ended at midnight last night. I was up by over 1700 votes, so now I wait for the official announcement from <a href="http://zoomarun.com/" target="_blank">ZOOMA</a> on the winner. Every time my email dings, I come running to the computer... Ahhhh!<br />
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P.S. As part of my final push, I promised to do one crunch for each vote that I received on Sunday. I have now completed 200 crunches today... with only 201 more to go!<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">THE UGLY</span></b><br />
On a personal note, it was a rough few days... Both kids took turns being sick. I've never done so much laundry in one week before! I've been sucking down the Emergen-C, hoping not to be the next flu victim. Today everyone returned to health, school and work, thank God!<br />
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After a couple days of relief, our temperatures have dropped again. The 10-day forecast indicates only one thing... winter is back. It's been a long cold season, but don't give up! The official first day of Spring is only 24 days away. I sure hope someone gives Mother Nature a reminder on that. Geesh!<br />
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This is the final week of the <a href="http://www.runwithjess.com/2013/12/winter-miles-challenge-2014.html" target="_blank">#WinterMiles Challenge!</a> Good Luck!</div>
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Week 7 report-backs due today before midnight <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Atyqhm1liaqbxyATt5TzGW9liMKtZNAST4D7YPTtAfM/viewform" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
<br />Run with Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051037584723266364noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7078779410860350086.post-51576507073886236432014-02-17T21:40:00.002-06:002014-02-17T21:40:26.402-06:00New Shoe Review: Reebok ZQuick<div style="text-align: right;">
<i>The following post is sponsored by FitFluential LLC on behalf of Reebok.</i></div>
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Earlier this month, a pair of <a href="http://shop.reebok.com/us/content/zquick#features" target="_blank">Reebok ZQuick</a> arrived on my door. I'm always delighted to try out a new pair of running shoes... especially with the promise of "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">These shoes will make you UNNATURALLY QUICK!"</span> The <a href="http://youtu.be/Owq4457dtXE" target="_blank">television commercials</a> for <a href="http://shop.reebok.com/us/content/zquick#features" target="_blank">ZQuick</a> had already grabbed my family's attention with great entertainment. Unlike ever before, the <a href="http://shop.reebok.com/us/content/zquick#features" target="_blank">ZQuick</a>'s arrived in a cool reusable bag instead of a box. Genius!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1agzmsQ5QcU/UwLHY7Ww_yI/AAAAAAAAJMY/FdJajuiIUQI/s1600/Reebok1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1agzmsQ5QcU/UwLHY7Ww_yI/AAAAAAAAJMY/FdJajuiIUQI/s1600/Reebok1.jpg" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
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The <a href="http://shop.reebok.com/us/content/zquick#features" target="_blank">ZQuick</a>s are sharp looking, with a genuine race feel to them. In fact, the running shoes were inspired by the high-performance Z-Rated tires they are named after. The Z-Rated outsole provides superior handling and control with every turns. The grooves in the rubber outsole give unbelievable flexibility and ground-gripping performance to power over any terrain. The CRTek High Abrasion Rubber adds a protective boost to high-wear areas for shoes that last. Combined quickness, agility and comfort, you'll cruise through your run like a winning sportscar.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XinbofTeA6M/UwLL1CX5CnI/AAAAAAAAJMk/7jAyVNGEEW4/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-02-17+at+8.54.49+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XinbofTeA6M/UwLL1CX5CnI/AAAAAAAAJMk/7jAyVNGEEW4/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-02-17+at+8.54.49+PM.png" height="418" width="640" /></a></div>
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The upper portion of the <a href="http://shop.reebok.com/us/content/zquick#features" target="_blank">ZQuick</a> running shoe features a no-sew NanoWeb for ultimate breathability. The mesh fabric wrapped around my foot with incredible comfortable. The featherlike weight of the shoe is the first thing I noticed on my foot... my size 9 weighed just 8.3 ounces! The support platform under my forefront felt wide and my foot has plenty of space to spread as the upper was extremely flexible. g<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qlXJ8ybtSOw/UwLPEglRdYI/AAAAAAAAJMw/TaM6JZ3LpjA/s1600/Reebok2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qlXJ8ybtSOw/UwLPEglRdYI/AAAAAAAAJMw/TaM6JZ3LpjA/s1600/Reebok2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Unlike any shoe I've ever had, the inside of the <a href="http://shop.reebok.com/us/content/zquick#features" target="_blank">ZQuick</a> features an inner bootie that snuggled my ankle and locked my foot in. There is no pesty tongue that moves around during your run.<br />
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After first walking around with them for a couple hours, I took the <a href="http://shop.reebok.com/us/content/zquick#features" target="_blank">Reebok ZQuick</a>s for a test run on the treadmill. I loved how light they felt... this is where Reebok promises the UNNATURAL QUICKNESS. Who doesn't love extra speed that comes easy? <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5GApiPTwhe4/UwLRElj3MxI/AAAAAAAAJM8/4diwGADPtkM/s1600/Reebok3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5GApiPTwhe4/UwLRElj3MxI/AAAAAAAAJM8/4diwGADPtkM/s1600/Reebok3.jpg" height="322" width="640" /></a>The EVA foam midso<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">le is designed with a radical new geometry for smooth handling. </span>Your foot changes in dimension at the bottom of your stride as you put weight on it. Your foot spreads out on impact to distribute force over a broader base. <i> (It’s about 5mm wider than when it’s in the air.)</i> To accommodate for your body's natural handling, the ZQuick has built-in slashes along the bottom so that the shoe spreads with you. These underfoot grooves allow midsoles to flex and expand, increasing ground contact for a smooth quiet ride.<br />
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I really liked how the <a href="http://shop.reebok.com/us/content/zquick#features" target="_blank">ZQuick</a> felt on my feet. After a few miles of my test run, however, it became evident that my feet needed more arch support and stability. As you know I've been battling plantar fasciitis <i>(currently at-bay, but I'm fearful on a return)</i>. The <a href="http://shop.reebok.com/us/content/zquick#features" target="_blank">ZQuick</a>'s are a comfy lightweight running shoe for quick short distance, but I think I will need to stick with my heavier stability shoes for long distance.<br />
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Check out the wide variety of <a href="http://shop.reebok.com/us/content/zquick#features" target="_blank">ZQuick</a> color choices <a href="http://shop.reebok.com/us/shoes-running/_/N-svZ1z11lj3Z1z13y9l?SSAID=826439&cm_mmc=Rbkaffiliates_SAS-_-all_affiliates-_-all_campaigns-_-all_links&cm_mmca1=US" target="_blank">here</a>. These QUICK running shoes retail for under $85, so definitely worth checking out at your local <a href="http://www.finishline.com/" target="_blank">Finish Line</a> store.<br />
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<img src="http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr303/wucki22/blogsignature_zps1f57df9a.png" height="98" width="200" />Run with Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051037584723266364noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7078779410860350086.post-71995186645022054962014-02-17T11:04:00.000-06:002016-02-03T10:11:14.006-06:00Winter ROCKS My RunWinter can be tough. I'm not necessarily a fan of constant snow (and crappy road conditions), but I am pretty dedicated to winter running. The cold season drags on longer than anyone wants... and this year is proving no exception to that. But as we all know, running is more mental than physical sometimes. I try to stay <b>positive</b> in order to keep my run intact. So instead of complaining about the current "wintery mix", here is my top 10 reasons to run in the snow...<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1. It's pretty.</span></b><br />
Seriously, you can't deny the raw beauty of a landscape covered in white. The snow adds a silence to the air, giving extra serenity and peace to any run. Make winter runs an enjoyable activity by taking in new sights and sensations.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2. Improve your stride.</span></b><br />
Slow down during snow runs. In fact, leave your Garmin at home and reconnect with your run mojo. Focus on your stride, rather than speed. The snow practically forces you to shorten your stride, thus maintaining a good center of mass. Stay on the balls of your feet, rather than driving in with your heels.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">3. Hide the winter bulge.</span></b><br />
Let's face it, you gained a few pounds over the holidays. With cold temps in the air, bundle up to cover those extra rolls... and run it off. You can always add layers in winter; but come summer, there's only so many clothes you can shed before you bare your birthday suit.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">4. Hydration on the go.</span></b><br />
Winter is an easy time to slack on proper hydration, but it's still important. Forget your water bottle on a long run? Easy solution... Look for fresh snow and throw a handful in your mouth! <i>Steer clear of yellow snow...</i><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">5. New shoes please.</span></b><br />
Every runner I know loves to buy new shoes. Winter may be the perfect excuse. Trail shoes have more traction on the bottom than typical running shoes. This may be a good time to invest in a pair to make snow running easier. If you're running in deeper snow, just add <a href="https://yaktrax.com/product/run" target="_blank">YakTrax</a> to your current pair of shoes.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">6. Less chaffing.</span></b><br />
As long as you don't overdress <i>(a common winter mistake)</i>, chaffing is much less of an issue in during the cold months of the year. During summer, I have to lube up before every run to prevent the nasty painful act of chaffing... underarms, inner thighs, under the boobs. Winter is a time to give the <a href="http://www.bodyglide.com/" target="_blank">BodyGlide</a> a break!<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">7. Strengthen muscles.</span></b><br />
Running in snow will cause you to work muscles in different ways. Snow offers more resistance, making your legs work harder, resulting in a better workout in less time. In addition to creating a forward motion, a runner's body is also working to maintain stability <i>(and preferably, the upright position)</i>. To do so, our leg muscles get a more intense kind of strength workout. Your quads, hamstrings, glutes and calf muscles are all responsible for propeling your run forward, but the gluteus medius (the muscle on the side of your hip) activates to control your side-to-side balance. As you pile up winter miles, you will feel those hip muscles more than ever before.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">8. Cool new accessories!</span></b><br />
Who doesn't like shopping for running gear? Winter is a new season - which means there is a whole new basket of gear to shop... traction aids, hand/toe warmers, stocking hats, gloves, warm socks, face masks, jackets, insulated leggings and more! I love knee-high socks, but summer is often too warm to sport the running accesory. During winter, knee-high socks are multi-purpose - fashionable and functional for warmth!<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">9. Less impact.</span></b><br />
Cold temps don't necessarily mean harder surfaces. With a layer of snow on the ground, the impact is actually minimized. The white stuff offers a softer, more forgiving running surface that your joints will appreciate.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">10. Mental strength.</span></b><br />
Most often, getting out the door is the hardest part of winter running. But once you get outside, snow running brings about a certain kid-like attitude, a playfulness. Pushing through poor conditions will test your mental strength... How bad do you want it? And when your miles are finished, you have bragging rights the rest of the day as <u>one badass runner</u>.<br />
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Running outdoors in winter can be an invigorating experience. As always, your safety comes first. (See my <i><b>Safety Tips for Winter Running</b></i> <a href="http://www.runwithjess.com/2014/01/safety-tips-for-winter-running.html" target="_blank">here</a>.) Respect your comfort zone and trust your gut feelings... but I also encourage you to try new run experiences. I spent my first winter as a runner on the treadmill and doing circles around an indoor track. With each calendar flip, I'm called to the great outdoors more and more. It is where I feel free and happy. And that is ultimately what's important... The happier you are with your run, the more likely you are to stay consistent with your miles.<br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">How often do you run in snow?</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Do you enjoy winter... or struggle to make it through?</span></i><br />
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<img src="http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr303/wucki22/blogsignature_zps1f57df9a.png" height="98" width="200" />Run with Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051037584723266364noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7078779410860350086.post-32530633136756787842014-02-12T20:37:00.001-06:002014-02-12T22:16:31.113-06:00Winter Run and a GIVEAWAY!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q5-YESsISO8/UvwndsmlskI/AAAAAAAAJKs/088FrOLp-uM/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-02-12+at+6.22.49+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q5-YESsISO8/UvwndsmlskI/AAAAAAAAJKs/088FrOLp-uM/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-02-12+at+6.22.49+PM.png" height="276" width="320" /></a>Today was a good day.<br />
I got outside to run.<br />
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It is afterall, a heat wave when you reach over 20 degrees in the heart of February<i> (for Illinois at least). </i> It was overcast all morning, but the moment I stepped out the front door, the sun popped out and stayed with me for 7 miles.<br />
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I wore my Garmin for the first time in months... to my displeasure. I need to start paying attention to my pace again, but it somewhat strips the joy away from my run. With each mile, the watch beeps and almost always tells me, <i>"Not fast enough</i>". I'm trudging right now, like I'm running in snowboots. I miss that floating feeling in my stride. But the only way to get it back is to get serious about my training. <i>(My next 'A' race is May 4 at Lincoln, NE) </i> I need to get back to intervals and tempo runs, but it's depressing to actually face the Garmin and see the proof.<br />
The time is now.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My slow feet</td></tr>
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A highlight to my week was when I tried out some new sweatbands from <a href="http://www.suddora.com/" target="_blank">Suddora</a>. I received a collection of the their basic sweatbands and wristbands. There are a rainbow of colors to choose from - my favorite of course is purple! Made with ultra high quality material, the <a href="http://www.suddora.com/" target="_blank">Suddora</a> sweatband doesn't irritate your head and soaks up hours of sweat. Fabric is 80% cotton, 12% spandex and 8% nylon. Starting at only $2.99 with big discounts for group orders - ideal for schools!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vu3sx1rgHK0/UvwoeSHQf3I/AAAAAAAAJLE/RApGEMvMOGQ/s1600/suddora+headbands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vu3sx1rgHK0/UvwoeSHQf3I/AAAAAAAAJLE/RApGEMvMOGQ/s1600/suddora+headbands.jpg" height="323" width="400" /> </a></div>
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In addition to the sweatbands, Suddora also has <a href="http://www.suddora.com/collections/tennis-headbands-sweatbands/products/non-slip-sports-headbands-with-comfy-velvet-lining" target="_blank">Non-Slip Velvet-Lined Headbands</a> ($7.99 ea.) and the <a href="http://www.suddora.com/collections/tennis-headbands-sweatbands/products/non-slip-sports-headbands-with-comfy-velvet-lining" target="_blank">Thin Elastic Headbands</a> (4pk for $9.99) that my kids like so much...<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XScnrIba7lI/UvwsgIPi_qI/AAAAAAAAJLQ/rOhMwfJzIz8/s1600/suddora+headbands2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XScnrIba7lI/UvwsgIPi_qI/AAAAAAAAJLQ/rOhMwfJzIz8/s1600/suddora+headbands2.jpg" height="208" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you like the <i>Non-Slip Velvet-Lined Headbands</i>, get 50% off by using code SUDDORA5 on their Amazon listing <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I49CNHW" target="_blank">here</a>. Code expires 2/28/14.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>*** GIVEAWAY ***</b></span></div>
The best of news is that I have a couple to giveaway to you!! Enter via the Rafflecopter app below or on Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RUNwJESS?sk=app_228910107186452" target="_blank">here</a>. FOUR Winners (3 sweatbands and 1 zipper wristband) will be announced next Thursday, 2/20/14. Good Luck!<br />
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/bc984e45/" id="rc-bc984e45" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>Run with Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051037584723266364noreply@blogger.com45