Clearwater Iron Girl-April 10, 2011

The Iron Girl series involves several triathalons across the country, with Clearwater kicking off the year long events with a half marathon and 5K. This was the first half marathon for Iron Girl. About 6,000 women came out to run, ages ranging from 3 to 83, with only 1,643 of them running the half marathon. Clearwater is a gorgeous location for this race, starting and finishing at the white sand beach. The course also held true to its name....running three bridges in 13.1 miles definitely makes you an Iron Girl!

After living in Tampa for few years, and with the race being the day after my birthday, I decided what better race for my number 2 race of the Pink Ribbon Tutu on a Mission! Dad decided to come along for support, so we made a birthday getaway out of it, staying in town and having an awesome sunset dinner at an old favorite...Crabby Bills.

The day before and morning of race day came with a few hiccups. At the Expo picking up my race bag, we decided to try a new 'all natural' fruit juice. It was super yummy....but boy, how I quickly remembered how you are never to try new foods right before race day!!...my stomach was messed up through the next day! Dinner lasted a little longer than expected and a late bedtime of 11p didnt help much for the sleepless night and then waking up at 3am! Then race morning, I received an unexpected visitor....2 weeks early, if you know what I mean! What a great way to get ready for the race! Cramps galore, I was unable to eat my breakfast. I barely was able to force myself a banana and granola bar at the starting line.

The race started right at sunrise. Boy, did we wish it would have started a bit earlier. By mile 8, the sun was high, the sky was clear, and the heat was cookin!

It had been about 2 weeks since I had done any real running....vacation to Vail got in the way...so this race was either going to make or break me. I told dad to plan on a late arrival to finish, not knowing how my stomach was going to hang in there.

For all of those 3Dayers reading this, the course went along the same exact course as our Day1....over the bridge into town, through the rich neighborhoods and golf courses, and back over a bridge to the ocean side again, past Sand Key, over the bridge into Clearwater Beach and finish at the Hyatt. It was fun to run this race, thinking about how many times I have walked the 3Day for the Cure in Clearwater along this course with some great women! ...was good to have a mental escape.

The beginning of the race was a bit congested....the officials did not get the roads completely closed, so cones kept us cramped to one half of a lane. Once we were over the first bridge we stretched out a bit. I placed myself between Pacer 2:30 and 2:45. Once the race started, I soon realized these were not Galloway Pacers who take walk breaks. I was able to keep Pacer 2:30 in my eyesight for most of the race, probably until about mile 6-7, when I started to hit a wall and walk a lot and get passed a lot. It was hot, I was tired, I could tell I was getting a blister already, my stomach hurt. I wasnt having fun. I then looked down and saw my friend Molly on my tutu. She was just diagnosed with cervical cancer a couple weeks ago. I told her I was dedicating this run to her and made a purple ribbon with her name (purple for survivor because I know she is a strong fighter!) I thought about the battle she has ahead of her....the pain, the tears, the emotional and physical strain that will come with chemo...but she has got to push through and not let the elements beat her. She is a strong woman and I know with the love and support she has around her, she will make it. I then thought of myself. How could I let these elements (cramps, blisters, heat) beat me?!...I am stronger than that! And Ive got my support waiting for me at the finish line, as well as complete strangers running along side me!

I made a shirt saying 'I run for the Cupcakes'with the cupcakes placed in 'just the right place' and then pinned on my back a sign saying "I run for more Birthdays!...13.1 for my 31st!" I always get a ton of comments on my pink ribbon tutu, but how little did I realize how many Happy Birthdays I would get too! I told myself, I could stick to my reliable run a minute walk a minute pace for the rest of the race, but then also, anytime someone would comment on the tutu or my birthday, I would kick it into high gear and run another minute longer and faster. I was able to make up time miles 8-10...I had that many comments! I had a new burst of energy!

At mile 8 was the middle bridge, and I practically sprinted up the whole thing! Almost everyone was walking up. And I was passing the people that had past me before! I wanted to keep up the pace, but realized I was quickly getting heat exhaustion. (note to self, carry my own water for upcoming summer races). My hands were starting to tingle, and my head was getting chills, but I was sweating my butt off! I had to up my fluid intakes at the remaining water stations!

Mile 11 was the last bridge. I decided it definitely took more energy to walk the bridges than run, so again, amazingly, I made up my time on the most difficult part of the race! Home stretch was my dad waiting for me with the camera! It felt like there were so few runners left, since most of the people were there for the 5K, but I was in a race against myself at this point. Another half marathon conquered! I finished 1 minute slower than the Donna race here in Jax, which only has 1 bridges, so I am quite happy with my time despite all odds.

13.1 Finish Time-2:38:44

St Pattys Run-Jacksonville FL-Mar 20, 2011

I have to say it is a little weird to dress up for a St Pattys Day race 3 days after St Pattys Day!...but I always love a good excuse to dress up! This was the second race that would add up to my 'half marathon' for March for the Pink Ribbon Tutu on a Mission since I was unable to find a half marathon in enough time since I came up with this idea. Total miles for the month...15.5 miles! (not counting trianing of course!!)

It was a beautiful day...warm morning starting in the 60s...the 'Super Moon' was just setting...was a clear day and perfect running conditions. The race was held at Evergreen Cemetary outside of downtown Jacksonville. The event consisted of 2 races...a 5k and 10k, both to start at the same time and the 10k would make two laps around the cemetary. This was a small community event in comparison to the Gate River Run...only about 600 runners or so. The course was completely shaded by huge trees drapped with spanish moss. I later learned that there is an annual cemetary tour by the Pilot Club where volunteers dress up as different centuries and discuss the great life's of those who have past.

I arrived quite a bit early, had great parking, and got use of the porty potties before the crowd arrived. As we gathered and waited I met a lady that was on a mission to run her first half marathon by January in the Disney race! It was fun to chat with her, compare running notes, and spoke about my mission and how cancer has affected both of our lives.

I set out to try to go at a slower pace for the first 3 miles so I could run without stopping. However I ended up at a 11minute pace for the first half which is about 30 sec faster than norm. At mile 4 in my run/walk pace I found a burst of energy and started doing sprints with a 9 min pace which allowed me to pass the group of people I was with for the first three miles. I then found myself right behind a mother/daughter team. The little girl was probably about 8 years old. They were on a run/walk pace as well, but I could tell the daughter was keeping the mom from running full out. There actually were a lot of kids for this race. It is good to see families get so involved in such activities!..its such a great beginning to a healthy lifestyle!

It was a great day and an easy course for a beginner race. I cant wait for next months challenge...back to a half marathon at the Clearwater Iron Girl!

6.2 mile Finish Time- 1:07

Gate River Run-Jacksonville FL-Mar 12, 2011

This was the 34th Annual Gate River Run, and also known as the largest race in the country. 20,000 runners in all were to take part in the days festivities which included a 15k, 5k, and 1mile diaper run. About 14,000 of those participated in the 15k, or 9.3 miles that starts at the Jaguar Stadium, travels over the St Johns River crossing 2 bridges of downtown Jacksonville, finishing by going over what is known as the Green Monster, and then ends back at the Stadium.

It was a beautiful race day. Temps started out cool..about 40 degrees, but quickly warmed up as the sun rised and would reach 70s. This was my first time running the Gate, and as warned, dad and I left over an hour and half before race time...what should have been plenty of time to have a relaxing morning before starting time. That was until we were stuck in traffic right at the Stadium exit for over 40 minutes...practically just sitting there. Apparently the traffic cops werent working that exit. So, I had to jump out of the truck and walk it into the starting area and leave dad to deal with the parking chaos.

I made my way straight to the porta potties....twice....and to much disappointment, both were already out of paper!...boy, this was going to be a long day if this is the way the day was starting!

I met several people getting into line up that commented on the pink ribbon tutu....one being a survivor that wanted to add a ribbon. Mental note to self...carry a marker and ribbon with the business cards...for the next races, just in case.

It was amazing how many people were there! So many, the line up even sprawled into the grass. Waiting around for a 5 minute delay, I look down, and realize I am grazing shoulders with a friend of mine Vicki! ...out of how many people and we just happened to be shoulder to shoulder! It was nice to have a quick chat, a smile, and a laugh to calm the nerves before the gun was fired.

It took about 6 minutes to make it to the actual starting line. I ran probably 50 feet past the start and I hear..."Meliiiiissssaa!!"....my dad had found his way to the start in time to see me start the race! I gave him a wave and was off to complete the Gate!

The course overall was nice. I was a bit disappointed in just how many politicians and/or supporters were out with their huge picketing signs. I am sorry, but I just do not feel that race time is a time and place for that....especially when they are taking up the space we need to run. This was the first time I ran with this many people, and being claustrophibic a bit, I found myself running on sidewalks for a majority of the run.

I was also a bit disappointed on the lack of volunteers. Is it such a huge race, are most of us running instead of volunteering? If only 1 friend or family member per runner would volunteer, then we would have enough help! I wish people would understand how important it is to volunteer for community events. I would arrive to water stations and no water would be set up. I would actually have to stop and wait for a cup to be poured! I was in about the 10-12 minute pace...I would definitely say the middle of the road, so its not like I was in the back of the pack. How could they be running out of water already? There also was only 1 gatorade station, and no Gu stations at all. I guess I am spoiled with the 26.2 with Donna marathon! =) Hopefully feedback will improve this race. I have heard its gotten larger every year, but if you cant keep up with the help as you expand, then maybe its time for a 'cut off'?

Anyways, the scenery was lovely and the roads were in good condition. The only time I had to slow was when a run/walker would suddenly stop in front of me without looking over their shoulder, or when crossing over the open grates on the bridges....scarey!

Half way through the race, I came across Beecker....yes, the same Beecker that was at the Savannah Bridge Run! Was funny to see the same costume! I introduced myself as Ms Pacman! =) There was also a Superman and Robin (Im thinking that is standard for every race). I also came across an army man carrying a huge pack. I asked him how much weight was on his back??....60lbs!! There were also several firemen out running with their tanks and full uniforms on as well!

About mile 7 or so, I was on one of my walk breaks when I was patted on the shoulder by a runner. I looked over and barely heard what this little elder lady was saying as she ran by because of my blasting 80s music in my ears... but what I did catch was she was a survivor and was glad I was doing what I was doing. Yep, that was just enough motivation to get me running again!

The Green Monster was my favorite part of the race. And is probably the part of the race I had the most energy for some reason. I think the experience with the Savannah Bridge Run (one of the toughest of the south) for the past few years, helped me sprint up a majority of the incline as most people walked. Once you got to the top, you can look down the river and see the first bridge we crossed in the far distance. It looks so far away, it feels good to realize thats how far you just ran! The exit of the bridge is a long spiral that takes a while to get down.

I finally made it to the straight away and once again I hear my name being yelled out! My dad spotted me again out of the big crowd! I got my first medal of this Pink Ribbon Tutu on a Mission race series and I cant wait for my next race...the Evergreen St Pattys 10k!

9.3mile Finish Time- 1:54