Calling all Divas!

Last week, the Wall Street Journal published this article about men who enter women's road races, in some cases to finish closer to or at the front of the pack, in some cases to run with a female loved one, and in other cases to try to get a date somewhere along the course.

This coming weekend is the Divas Half Marathon on Long Island, New York, which features a half marathon and a 5K race. It is part of the Women's National Running Series that encourages women to celebrate their strengths, both on the road and in life. The Divas Half Marathon does not forbid men from entering it's events, but deeply discourages men from entering the half marathon. This day will be all about the women! Their mantra? "You know who you are: you are beautiful, strong, inspiring, and you can do anything you set your mind to do."

The Women's Running Series, and races like the Divas Half Marathon, remind me of how important programs like Girls on the Run are to the development of self-confidence, self-respect, and a sense of ambition in young girls. In fact, that mantra from the Women's National Running Series is very similar to the overarching lesson we teach the girls who participate in Girls on the Run. The fall season of GOTR starts this week, and I can't wait to start showing my girls that they are capable of meeting whatever goals they set for themselves, regardless of the pressures or obstacles they face.

As a tribute to the new GOTR coaching season, I'll be running in the Divas Half Marathon on Sunday morning wearing a race bib proclaiming that I'm a "Diva on the Run". (And as always, I'm running to support the GOTR programs through my participation in SoleMates.) There's still time to sign up, if you'd like to run with me! Or just come and cheer for me and the other 5,000 amazing women entrants as we take to the streets of Long Island to show off how proud we are to be both women and runners.

Fall is off and running - Almost!

On Monday, September 27 - one week from today - my fellow coaches and I will be kicking off the first coaching session for the Girls on the Run fall season at Harlem Village Academy of Leadership, a charter school in the Harlem neighborhood of Manhattan. We'll be meeting with the GOTR participants twice a week to coach them through running workouts and lessons on healthy lifestyles, self respect and respect for others, teamwork, and community values.

As you may know from prior posts, I'm also running on the GOTR SoleMates charity team. I've already raised nearly $1,500! But, of course, every bit helps towards ensuring that the GOTR program is able to reach as many young girls as possible without having to turn any away. If you haven't yet supported GOTR and would like to, you can do so using this link.

Here are some photos from the spring season's 5K fun run and season-ending party. Enjoy! And stay tuned for updates about our season in the coming weeks!

Guilt-free....almost

Ok, so I finished my 20 mile run, heading south on Chicago's lake front path for a bit of a change. I accidentally ended up running 20.4 because I couldn't see the street sign where I planned on turning around from the lakefront path because of the Chicago Half Marathon that was going on at the same time. Oops!

I will admit it may have not been such a great idea to run down past Solider Field since it was the Bears' opener yesterday (Bears win!) and the smell of tailgaters cooking made it really hard to not stop and beg them for a hot dog or burger. (Note to self, eat before running 3+ hours). Not to worry, though! I made up for it afterward by engaging in what many refer to as "Sunday Funday" with my roommate and friends. I did reward myself by eating some poutine fries from a place called the Rocking Horse. If you're unfamiliar with them, basically, as you can see from the photo, they are fries covered in cheese and gravy. I'm pretty sure I ended up adding back on every calorie I burned and then some. If you've ever had them, while you feel disgusting after you eat them, you know it is completely worth ever bit of food-guilt. But after working hard running those 20 miles, I ate them guilt-free. Well, almost.

Tough as Manicured Nails

Yesterday, I ran the Fitness Mind, Body + Spirit Games 4-mile women's run in Central Park. The event featured a 4-mile men's race, 4-mile women's race and kids' races for kids of all ages. We had beautiful weather in NY yesterday - sunny, but not too hot - a perfect day for a road race!

Rocco DiSpirito kicked us off with a pep talk about the importance of fitting fitness into his, and our, daily routines. Until he spoke, I had no idea that he competes in triathlons! We also got to hear great words of motivation from my friend, Queens run buddy, and Fitness Editor-in-chief Betty Wong Ortiz: no matter what our fitness goals are, we should strive to achieve them fearlessly, but we should also never forget to have fun along the way. And she also reminded us that "sweat is sexy!" Oh yeah! We were all ready to work up a sexy sweat racing through the roads of Central Park!


Rocco and Betty, left, ready to welcome us across the finish line! (This photo and others from the event are available at New York Road Runners)

Taking advantage of the fantastic conditions in the park and the energy through the crowd of women around me (the men ran their race separately an hour before us), I had an awesome run - my fastest race in years. Finishing 4 miles in 31:34, I averaged 7:53 per mile. I could barely believe it when I saw the results, but I also knew I had run a fast run. How exciting!

My next race will be October 3 in Eisenhower Park, Long Island, NY. It's the Divas Half Marathon and 5K. I'm looking forward to tackling that course for a new personal best in the half marathon. Come cheer me on! Or, show off your inner Diva by running the half marathon or 5K, too! (The half marathon is open only to women; the 5K is co-ed.)

After the Divas Half Marathon, my next race will be my official New York event for Race Within US: the ING New York City Marathon.
Me, right, proudly showing off my first-time accomplishment at the finish line of the 2009 NYC Marathon. I can't wait to take on the course as a seasoned second-timer!

At this very moment, the Timex Countdown clock on the marathon website says we're just 55 days, 18 hours, 15 minutes and 51, 50, 49... seconds away from the start line! RUSer Mark is coming in town to run, too, as is my friend Heather, who chose NYC as her first ever long distance road race. Way to go, Heather! As a Girls on the Run SoleMates team member, you'll find me on the course in support of the programs of GOTR. I'll also have already kicked off the fall season of GOTR coaching by then, so I hope to show the girls I'll be coaching that it is possible to achieve a significant fitness goal with some dedication, training and enthusiasm. The support you've all given me while I strive to reach my goals is truly appreciated! And if you would like to support GOTR's work, they would so appreciate the assistance as well!

Wendy Whiner takes on 20 miles.

Ok, it's been a while since I've posted something here on the blog, so I'm taking this urge to whine as an opportunity. : ) So I'm supposed to run 20 miles this Sunday in preparation for my next marathon in Bar Harbor, Maine on October 17, 2010. But I don't wanna! I wish I were looking forward to it more than I am, but to be honest, I'm a little bored with the scenery around here. I do love the lakefront, which covering 20 miles allows me to run through lots of neighborhoods, like Logan Square, Roscoe Village, Uptown, Ravenswood as well as hit the lakefront path for several miles. But after running 17 and 18 mile runs in the past few weeks, I just want to run somewhere different. I cannot wait to run in Maine though, where everything will be beautiful, scenic and most importantly, different! I hear the foliage is great in October. (And I will be accompanied by my favorite running partner, my dog Dean. I hope there are lots of squirrels to entertain him!)

I keep reminding myself that I'm doing this for a good cause, i.e. to raise money for Hospitals for Humanity and Don't Bully my Breed. However, I need your help in actually raising those funds! HFH is still taking monthly trips to Haiti to help those who are left without medical care due to January's earthquake. And DBMB is always in need of donations to help provide food and vet care to the sweet dogs that just can't seem to find permanent homes. Every little bit helps, even if you can only donate $5. Please check out the links to make your donation.

Thanks to everyone for your support and encouragement! Also, if anyone is interested in joining me in Indianapolis, I've registered for the Monumental Marathon in Indy on November 6th. There is also a 1/2 marathon and 5K option to suit all levels of runners. I hate to travel alone!

A Nice Long Weekend for a Good Long Run

The coming month is pretty quiet for me, race-wise. I actually don't have any races planned for the first time in perhaps this entire year!

But I do have a lot planned for October and November, including running the Divas Half Marathon in Long Island, NY on October 3, the ING New York City Marathon on November 7, and the Philadelphia Half Marathon on November 21. I also might add in the Myrtle Beach Mini Marathon in South Carolina on October 24, if my schedule allows. Fellow RUS-er Mark is coming in from Chicago to check off NY alongside me in the NYC Marathon. And my great friends from the Red Dress Run for Women in Hartford, Connecticut (read about our fun run here) are joining me at the Divas Half Marathon. They're running in the 5K event that morning, so if you'd like to join a strong, energetic group of women for 3.1 miles of fun, send us a note and meet us there... you can join us for a post-race party, too!

But with no races planned for the next 4 weeks, I'm looking forward to focusing on training, rather than racing. How refreshing! I do need to step up the miles now as I get ready for the NYC Marathon. This weekend, I'll take advantage of the three-day Labor Day weekend to fit in a 15 mile run. Anyone want to join me?

If high mileage runs aren't your way of enjoying a holiday weekend, try to do something else outside. In a few weeks as the weather turns colder, you'll be glad you took the time to enjoy some outdoor activities!

Fun, fun, fun at the MMM

Saturday was the Madison Mini Marathon in Madison, Wisconsin, and - wow! - it was such a great day. There was a half marathon and a 5K run simultaneously through the center of Madison. Nearly 5,000 people participated!

I was so excited to get to meet the amazing women and supporters of Girls on the Run of Dane County. We were able get together before the run to introduce ourselves and take a group photo. Then we ran and cheered each other on. In fact, I crossed the finish line beside a fellow SoleMates runner... we helped each other finish strong through the last half mile of the course to achieve a sub-2:00:00 finish, a PR for me! Seeing my cousins Scott, Christina and baby Sam cheering me on a few blocks from the finish line also helped me earn my PR goal. Thanks for the support!!!

My fabulous cousin Christina also ran her first 5K - in an awesome 31 minutes! Welcome to the runner community, Christina!

After the running events, there was a big post-race party at the UW Madison campus student union terrace. We were able to enjoy live music, food, drinks and a fun, laid back atmosphere alongside Lake Mendota. It was a perfect way to celebrate a great run... that and a pint of Spotted Cow beer and Wisconsin-specialty cheese curds!

Dane County GOTR - I hope you'll come visit us in NY sometime! :)

Of Bears, Beer and Cheese... and Running of Course!

I just spent the weekend in Vernon, New Jersey with some old girl friends that I grew up with. Since we were staying at a mountain resort that had several miles of low-trafficked roads, as well as peaceful trails, I was excited to pack my running gear and explore the wooded property. On Saturday, late afternoon, I laced up my sneakers, turned on my iPod Shuffle, and headed out. After about a half mile, I stopped dead in my tracks.... A big, black grizzly bear was standing in front of me across the street! My instinct was to run but I've heard somewhere that you shouldn't try to outrun a bear, even if you're a decently-fast distance runner like me. So I waited in place until a car passed by and scared it back into the woods.

The bear I saw didn't look at innocently competitive as this road running bear, right.

I was reminded of the start of the Poconos Wurst 5K. For some reason, the announcement that there had been a bear on that course earlier in the morning didn't phase me. Coming face-to-face with a bear armed only with a tiny music player this weekend made me realize that trail running perhaps requires a little more preparation and understanding of your environment. Anyone have tips about their favorite running accessory, especially for trail running?

Also, I'd like to remind everyone that this weekend is the Madison Mini Marathon. I'll be in good ol' Wisconsin from Friday to Monday. If you're a midwesterner, it's not too late to join the half marathon or the 5K event - or just come and cheer and then enjoy the post-race party! There will be beer and cheese and other Wisconsin culinary specialties, as well as local bands providing entertainment. And, I'll be there with my cousin Christina and the Girls on the Run of Dane County. We'd love your support as a cheering spectator, a GOTR volunteer with your local chapter, or with a donation though this link or through your local GOTR chapter's fundraising page.

Of course, while I love sharing my experiences running around the country in support of meaningful charities that are near to my heart, I also want to encourage all of you to actively engage within your community. Whether you go out for a road run and discover a new place in town, or you volunteer to help a local non-profit for a day, do something active - it will make you feel great! We'd love to hear from you if you have a project or charity or even a great local road run you'd like to tell us about!

The important stuff first. I've decided that my RUS charity will be Jamal Place, a group home for troubled boys and young men on Chicago's west side. Jamal Place makes positive changes in the lives of boys and young men through superior residential care, individual therapeutic programs, quality educational opportunities and extended family resources. Jamal Place helps young men become caring and responsible citizens. (I admit borrowing all that from JP's website.) Anyways, I was previously involved with Jamal Place, primarily as a donor, and got to know its founder and Executive Director, Ann Deuel. She's incredible and may be the most dogged and indefatigable person I know. She has no agenda other then to do what is in the best interests of the boys and young men at Jamal Place. She's in a constant battle to find funding to keep Jamal Place open, especially these days. My goal is to help as much as I can through the generosity of my friends, family and anyone I can harangue in to donating money. I encourage you to visit Jamal Place's website to learn more about it and make a donation.... pretty please! http://www.jamalplace.org.

On to the other stuff... last weekend I did the "Whirlpool Ironman 70.3 Steelhead Triathlon presented by Pizza Hut" in Benton Harbor, Michigan. That's the actual, official title. Guess they've got to keep the corporate sponsors happy, altho I have no idea what the "Steelhead" part means. The 70.3 part comes from 1.2 miles swim + 56 mile bike + 13.1 mile run = 70.3 miles. That means it is really a 1/2 Ironman. The real Ironman is 2.4 + 112 + 26.2 = 140.6. The company that owns the "Ironman" brand created the 70.3 series a few years back. Kind of a smart move because they can put the Ironman logo (the infamous M dot above) on races that are 1/2 the distance of a full Ironman. Why go 140.6 when you can go 70.3 and still get the same cool finisher shirt?

As for the race itself, it was great. It was well organized. The course was fast. Lots of spectators. It was my friend's first triathlon in 9 years so going slow and pacing ourselves was the theme of the day. We also didn't train too seriously, so it was just a matter of finishing. We endured a downpour for the first hour, some bike breakdowns (why do I keep getting flats!), intestinal issues that led to potty stops, and the usual unexpected issues to deal with, but we finished strong. I'm a happy camper.

Next up, the NYC marathon.

Later!

The MMM

If you can't guess from the image, my next state run will be... Wisconsin! (Yes, that is a running cheese.) I'll be running the Madison Mini Marathon (aka "the MMM") on August 21. This half marathon loops through the University of Wisconsin, Madison campus, the Henry Vilas Zoo, Wisconsin Arboretum and along Lake Mendota and University Bay.

I am really excited to share with you that I've connected with the Girls on the Run Dane County for this event. I'll be meeting a group of Dane County GOTR coaches, volunteers and supporters at the start line so we can introduce ourselves, have a photo op and encourage each other through the 13.1 mile run. Of course, we'll be wearing our GOTR and GOTR SoleMates shirts... if you spot us on the course, please cheer us on! And if you'd like to support GOTR's running programs for girls ages 8 to 13 that foster a healthy lifestyle, self-confidence and build positive relationships, you can always do so here.

If you're a Mid-Westerner (Chicagoans, I hear you're only about 2 hours away, hint, hint!), there is still time to sign up for the MMM! There is a 5K event for anyone interested in taking part in the MMM but not yet ready for a half marathon. My amazing cousin Christina, a new mommy, will be running the 5K - and then we'll celebrate our finishes at the big post-race party at Memorial Union Terrace. This being Wisconsin, there will be lots of Spotted Cow beer, Wisconsin cheese curds, brats of every kind, and fresh fruit available for post-run nourishment. If that sounds good to you, but you don't want to run, you can cheer at a spectator area and join the post-race party after cheering on the runners.

See you in Madison!

GOTR Pocono Wurst 5K Update

I hope you enjoyed reading about my recent experience in the adventurous Wurst 5K trail run with the Pocono Girls on the Run. I have a wonderful update to share... thanks to the support of the local Pocono community, the Pocono Area Runners Club and all event participants, the Pocono Wurst 5K raised more than $2,500 for the Pocono GOTR program!

Here are a couple of pictures from the event - all photos are posted on the Shawnee Mountain event photo page.


That's me about to cross the finish line with my buddy, Tori!


The whole Pocono GOTR gang... they're strong and enthusiastic runners!

Thank you to all the great supporters out there for making these programs possible!!!

Elvis Alive in Chicago

Elvis is alive and supporting pre-teen girls! Ok, that sounds bad, and I have nothing but the utmost respect for the King, but I'm running Fleet Feet's annual Elvis is Alive 5K on Thursday August 5th, and the race is benefitting Miri's favorite charity, Girls On The Run!

Elvis seems to be the only thing that will get me running these days since I've been on a run-once-a-week schedule since Seattle. I need some motivation, friends! Please, please, please make me feel guilty about not training for my next marathon in Maine by donating to Hospitals for Humanity or Don't Bully My Breed!

Thank you, thank you very much.

Tri for Charity

This weekend, RUS member Mark will be participating in a triathlon. The triathlon is the Whirlpool Ironman 70.3 Steelhead in Benton Harbor, Michigan. This race consists of a 1.2 mile swim, a 56 mile bike ride and a 13.1 mile run. Let's all cheer on Mark this weekend as he swims, bikes and runs pretty darn far to support his RUS charity, Jamal Place!

I Am the Wurst Klutz

This morning I ran the Poconos’ Wurst 5K Trail Run in support of Girls on the Run. The Pocono chapter of GOTR – girls, coaches, and parents – came out to Shawnee Mountain for the event, which benefited the activities of the Pocono GOTR chapter. It was a very hot morning and, as you might expect for a run on a mountainside, the course was hilly. I buddied up with a couple of girls from Girls on Track, the secondary GOTR program that serves older girls (6th through 8th graders) who have already surpassed the initial Girls on the Run program (for 3rd through 5th graders in most locations); we would run the trails together to make sure that we all finished the course safely and with smiles.

At the start area, one of the few parts of the course that was paved rather than grassy or gravelly, an organizer introduced the event and described the course. Then he said something you hope never to hear when trail running: “If you heard the rumor about the bear, it’s true. But we think it’s gone. Just keep your eyes open out there.” Yikes! Apparently some Shawnee Mountain caretakers went into the trails in golf carts to scare away the bear about fifteen minutes before the run started. Then the speaker continued, “The rattlesnakes are usually on the other side of the mountain at this time of year, but that’s not necessarily true of the copperheads. Plus there are ticks, so be careful out there!” Bears and snakes and ticks – oh my! But we’re Girls on the Run – we don’t let wildlife scare us away from a good 5K trail run!

The start gun sounded and we set off. Unfortunately, I got tangled up with another runner and fell as if I were a baseball player sliding into home plate. My GOTR buddies, of course, stopped and asked if I was okay. I wanted to look calm and collected despite being terribly embarrassed. I said, “Yes, it’s just a few scrapes – that’s not going to stop me from running this course with you!” So we continued on, running and walking alternately because of the heat, uneven trail grounds and hills. The girls were awesome in rising to the challenge of their first trail run.

Despite my embarrassing fall, I hope I taught them a lesson about picking yourself up, dusting off and persevering to meet the goal. GOTR has always aimed to show its young runners that they are strong, both physically and mentally, and that they can use those strengths to accomplish whatever goals they set their minds to. I am glad I had the opportunity to turn some scrapes and bruises into a reminder of one of the most important lessons of the GOTR seasonal curriculum.

That's me, pictured, showing off my event tee post-run, all cleaned up, scrapes swabbed with antibacterial gel!

And I’ll be looking forward to hearing more about the amazing accomplishments of the Pocono GOTR in upcoming seasons!

New New Jersey Run Needed

Unfortunately, I didn't make it to Hoboken, NJ in time to run the Party With Purpose 5K last night. The day got away from me somewhat. So that means I need a replacement event in New Jersey.

Anyone have any suggestions? I'd love to hear from you!
Thanks!

Nurture Your Inner Runner

The Red Dress Run for Women in Hartford, Connecticut, which supported the Go Red foundation’s initiative of empowering women to understand how to improve and maintain their heart health, was a big success! I participated with four fabulous – and fabulously determined – women. Running has had a place in each of our lives for varying lengths of time – from my 18 year history on the road and track to some who just started out recently. But we all were equally excited to share 3.1 miles of roads with 1,100 women in support of a worthy cause. The weather was hot and very humid, which makes running a road race challenging and somewhat uncomfortable. On the other hand, we were lucky that the rain held out because it POURED about an hour after we finished running – at just about the time that we were swallowing the first bites of well-deserved pancakes (yum!).

I have to give a shout out to the fact that Marisa, Jen, Melanie and Leah all ran personal bests. This was a first 5K for most of them and they did great! Leah, five months pregnant, even earned her baby-to-be a nice PB, too. And, already enthusiastically planning her next 5K, Melanie is showing her four-month-old baby Tyler, who came to cheer on mommy, how much fun it is being active, especially when you go out running, jogging or walking with a supportive group of friends.

I’ve said before that running is an activity that makes me feel great physically, mentally and emotionally. I loved this sign (pictured, right) that was posted at the park where the Red Dress Run took place. It is true that running is like a friend. Just like I know my friends will always be there for me in times of need (or whenever, really), I know I can always lace up my sneakers and hit the road wherever I am and whenever I need time for myself.

Red Dress Run for Women on Saturday!

Just a reminder for the east coast readers - Saturday morning is the Red Dress Run for Women 5K in Hartford, Ct. The event, which I've previously written about here, supports the Go Red for Women foundation, an initiative that helps women to take control of their heart health by teaching them ways to reduce their risks of heart disease and stroke.

There's still time to sign up! If you are in the area (Amtrak services Hartford if you need public transportation), and would like to run or walk with me and several friends who will join me on the course, please do!

Go To Your Happy Pace

As the July 4th holiday weekend is about to start, we mostly all have an extra day or two to relax and enjoy free time – and hit the roads for some great long runs. Given that, I thought I’d share with you a picture of something I have posted on my refrigerator. It was the back cover of a training log that Girls on the Run SoleMates sent me after I joined the SoleMates team.


Even though I am running a lot of road races as part of my RUS challenge, and I’ll be training hard to achieve some PBs along the way, I also think it’s important not to lose sight of the fact that running, for me at least, is a way of life. I feel better in every respect – physically, emotionally, mentally – when I’m running regularly during my weekly schedule. Sometimes I run fast, sometimes I run slow; sometimes I’m on the road for an hour or two, sometimes just for thirty minutes. But in any case, it’s my “Me Time”. I find my happy pace and enjoy it! I hope you will keep that in mind when you run, too!

Oh, and if you are interested in joining a charity run team, SoleMates is always welcoming new runners to the team. They'll provide you with training materials and gear, as well as entry into the marathon or half marathon event of your choice.

The "Rolling Hills" of Boston

I’ve never been a great hill runner. In high school, my track team awarded me the graduation superlative “Best Hill Runner” in jest because maintaining my pace through course inclines was my biggest weakness as a runner. I don’t think I’ll ever master the art of hill running, but I’ve certainly improved with experience. These days, I don’t bother trying too hard to maintain – it depletes too much of my energy and is usually fruitless anyway. I’m in awe of those runners that blaze past me running uphill! I just keep my legs moving as best I can and then increase my effort on downhills and flat stretches to make up any time lost on the uphills.

This past Sunday, I ran the Boston 13.1 Marathon, part of a half marathon race series being launched around the country. My friend Sue joined me for the event. It was her very first half marathon road race ever and I am so proud of her for pushing through the extremely tough, hilly course to cross the finish line with a smile on her face!


Sue showing off her well-deserved medal, right.


And this course wasn’t just hilly – it was HILLY to the extreme. There were two hills on the course that ascended for the full length of a mile (damn those rough miles 5 and 11!). Don’t believe me? Check out this elevation map of the course! I would nickname the event The Quad-Buster Half Marathon because, man, my quads are SORE! But Sue and I, as well as nearly 2,700 other runners, persevered and completed the course, many in support of charity teams like Chron’s & Colitis Foundation’s Team Challenge, the main charity affiliated with the 13.1 series (of course, I was there supporting both Girls on the Run and Hospitals for Humanity).

Sue, of course, earned herself a well-deserved Personal Best. While I didn’t run a PB, I did come relatively close. Given the tough nature of the course, I know I’m ready to blast out a PB at my next half marathon – the Madison Mini Marathon on August 21 in Madison, Wisconsin. Come out and catch me there if you can!

But if you’d like to join a shorter run before then, I’ll be running the Red Dress Run for Women in Hartford, Connecticut on July 10, the Party With Purpose in Hoboken, New Jersey on July 13, and the GOTR Poconos' Wurst 5K Trail Run on July 18 at Shawnee Mountain, Pennsylvania. All are 5Ks and perfectly suited for newbie runners. Also, fittingly for followers and supporters of The Race Within US, all are organized in support of local charities so you can cross the finish line feeling healthy and knowing that you have helped to support a good cause!

Seattle...hills and chills.

I just finished my second of 50 marathons, this one in the gorgeous city of Seattle. If you haven't been to the Pacific northwest, go there. The landscape is absolutely gorgeous, right where the mountains meet the ocean. I traveled there with my evil twin, Krystal (OK, she's not really evil and was a great supporter of me this weekend, thanks sis!) and my friend Jen, who completed her first "official" half-marathon. Great job Jen, you did awesome! We were all first-timers in Seattle, and had a great time exploring together.

First, my take on Seattle (if you wanna know). It seems no one is born and raised there. Or at least not that we met. We did end up meeting lots of people from the Midwest, or L.A. Since we all grew up in the Midwest, and Jen currently lives in L.A., we had a lot in common with the people and had some really fun and interesting conversations. Also, there is excellent shopping there (Seattle is home of the Nordstrom flagship store). However, you might not guess this by what people are wearing around town. Granted, the people I might have been were likely mostly tourists, but it seems that North Face fleeces are considered "fashion" rather than simply outerwear. But don't get me wrong, you need a fleece there even at the end of June. It was much cooler than I anticipated, since Weather.com told me the highs would be low 70s. What it didn't tell me was that the high occurs only from 5pm to 6pm and then the temperatures drop back down to the low 60s. We did not pack accordingly. Unfortunately the weather was the only source of chills for us, although we tried to get some on the Pike Place Market ghost tour. While our guide Penny was entertaining at times, we did not get as scared as we hoped. Well, not except for our fear of contracting some disease from the gum wall outside of the theater where the tour began in Post Alley. Gross is the only way to describe it. We also tried to find some ghosts on the Underworld tour, which takes you through the former streets of Seattle, which are now under the current streets. Apparently some parts of the city are higher than they were originally, and after they rebuilt the city following a big fire in the late 1890s, what used to be the old sidewalks are now tiny passageways underneath the new sidewalks. We got to learn all about the lucrative prostitution industry and our tour guide even taught us a new method of contraception (don't ask). The tour was followed by a free cocktail, and if you are ever at the Underground lounge the bartender makes a great dirty martini or cosmo.

We also took a ferry over to Bainbridge Island which is full of some cute boutiques and some wineries offering tastings. I recommend paying Charlie a visit at the Victor Alexander winery and if you're lucky you can get a taste of his Semillon. It was delicious. But if you're single, be careful. Charlie is quite the charmer!

Ok, now for the race. The first portion of the course was amazing and beautiful....and cold. After I warmed up though, I was able to enjoy the views of Lake Washington and Seward Park. There were bands at almost every mile, which is a great perk of the Rock-n-Roll series of races, so I do recommend them. Plenty of aid stations and good crowd support in the downtown area. I started off at a comfortable pace hitting the halfway mark around 2 hours 11 minutes. My sis was waiting for me at mile 14 with some energy gels, Tylenol, water and anti-bacterial hand spray. (the port-o-potties were lacking in this area). She will tell you that it was her lavender-orange hand spray that made it possible for me to run the second half at about 2 hours and 2 minutes. This is apparently what is called a negative split folks, and I have no idea how I was able to run the second half so much faster than the first. But for whatever reason, at about miles 15-16 I felt really good and strong, so I went with it. This never happens to me, and probably will never happen again. My end time was about 4 hours 12 minutes, which I am completely happy with. Not a personal best, but the negative split was a new personal accomplishment for me.

One negative thing about running a marathon in a place you've never been to before is the pain of walking around sightseeing afterward. But Jen and I toughed it out and had a great time anyway and Krystal was a good sport about our complaining. I think she was having sympathy pains. The 3 of us found out we were good travel mates and are looking forward to traveling to another race together. Where to next???