13.1 Highlights From My 1st Half

May 18, 2014 - a little past 9am, I crossed the finish line of the Marine Corps Historic Half in Fredericksburg, Va.

My Stats

• My official time was 2:05:32 with an average pace of 9:34 per mile. 
• I placed 2,139th out of the 6,023 competitors who ran the 13.1 miles of the Historic Half
• I placed 697th out of the 3,041 female competitors .
• I placed 71st out of the 236 competitors in my female, age 20-24 category.

The whole weekend was perfect, from my first sight of the finish line structure to the post race ice cream cone at Carl's (a must try in Fredericksburg, Va.)

Here are 13.1 highlights from the weekend of my first half marathon: Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon 2014!

2 Marines, who did not know each other prior
to meeting at the Expo. They never noticed
they matched. 

1) FIRST GLIMPSE AT THE FINISH LINE. It's quite a feeling to see the Finish Line all decked out, especially as a rookie racer/runner. You can't help but anticipate how amazing it will be to cross it at the end of the race, and just what that will signify to you. 

2) HEALTH/EXPO EVENTS ARE COOLER THAN THEY SEEM. The expo the day before the race had everything from event apparel, running gear and physical therapy to fitness performances, a great speaker series and adorable pups from Dog's on Deployment. Also, I met an Olympian. 

3) SO MUCH CAMOUFLAGE. I expected this on race day since the Marines put on the event, but I found that it's not uncommon to see this print sported by Marines outside of their uniform. Also, it seems to be best worn with black. Additionally, Marines look GREAT in Camo - but that is not something I found out this weekend. OORAH!

4) CARB LOADING & REST IS THE BEST RACE PREP. The week prior to the race, I resisted doing crunch time training (that I really wanted to do). I went easy on the workouts and hard on the eating (good carbs),hydration and lots of rest, it was kind of heaven. Race morning, I felt ready and rearing to go, I'd even go as far to say; physically perfect.

5) MANTRAS DO HELP. Nick had suggested coming up with a Mantra that I could repeat while running to remind me of various things with form and to keep me focused and motivated. I kept trying to put things together "Hips, elbows, chest, breathe" etc., and would forget them quickly. One Mantra for running form finally stuck, and Nick put it on one side of his sign to remind me, "Stride, Wrists, Chest, Relax". Another Mantra for running up the hill he gave me was "Pull the rope" which helped me think of literally pulling myself up the hill. I actually said "Pull" to myself out loud a few times when nearing the top of the hill along with "I'm not stopping".

6) EAT DRINK & BE MERRY. Throughout the course, there were official spots for water and gatorade. Additionally, there were many unofficial points created by spectators with liquor, specifically tequila and even some other yummy snacks. I didn't indulge but some runners did, and in my next half, I certainly plan too. Given how happy I was with the Sports Beans at mile 8, I can only imagine how this would enhance my race experience. 

7) SIGNS ARE AWESOME. Signs are fantastic for helping runners spot their spectators and for additional encouragement and entertainment along the course. Some that gave me a smirk throughout the race read; "Sweat=liquid awesome", "Smile if you're not wearing underwear" (I was), "Smile if you peed a little" (I didn't) and "If running were easy, it would be called your Mom". 

8) RUNNERS FELT SIMILARLY ABOUT HOSPITAL HILL. While this was certainly the most dreaded part of the course, myself and many other runners took this climb as a personal feat. I got pumped for it and told myself I was going to make Hospital Hill my...Well, you get it.

Me stomping on the Hospital Hill
point on the course map.

9) THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. The Marine Corps Historic Half is certainly very special race. It is put on by those whom dedicate their lives to serving our country, so that such events can exist. I did not miss a single "OORAH" or a chance to thank a Marine for his service as they handed me a cup of water along the course. In particular, I was sure to shake the hand of the Marine who placed my medal around my neck.

10) NOW THATS ENTERTAINMENT. I had a "keep running" playlist ready to go, and I actually kept it turned down way for the majority of the race. It felt like everywhere I turned there was entertainment, of all sorts too, and I didn't want to miss a thing. A wide variety of live music lined the course: live bands, radio stations, big pipers, drums, and other various instruments rocked the run. I even saw some 1800s style dancing in downtown and loved seeing how spectators got creative with their ways of supporting.

Visiting the Battlefield in Fredericksburg.
Storming the storm wall just as the Irish
Brigade did in 1862. 

11) FAMILY TIES. Fredericksburg in rich in our country's history, one of the most major battles of the Civil War took place there in 1862 (Battle of Fredericksburg Info). A relative of mine, Timothy Donoghue of the 69th New York Infantry Regiment, the Irish Brigade, fought in that battle. While wounded himself, he carried an injured officer off of the field in between the lines. For this heroic act, Donoghue was the first Irish born Civil War soldier to receive the Medal of Honor. The course brought us runners near the battlefield, I had chills. To think that the ground I was running on once held my ancestor and thousands of soldiers fighting for the future of our country was incredible.


12) FINISH STRONG. After Hospital Hill at mile 10, followed by another good hill at mile 11, the course had given me a run for my money. I was tired, but did everything I could to pick up my pace for the last 1.5miles of the race, and I did. When the finish line came into sight, I "dropped the hammer" and sprinted as hard and as fast as I could to cross the finish line. I'm not exactly sure how/where this burst came from as I certainly didn't feel like I had any stored energy. Adrenaline and excitement played a part I'm sure, but I think it was more my determination to give this thing EVERYTHING I had. That last bit of everything I had made my finish, and it was a rush to finish strong.

13) POST FINISH STRETCH, HUGS & BEER. I crossed the finish line and immediately bent over to catch my breath, which I never do after running. (I also had never ran 13.1 miles before with a big sprint push at the end so that explains it.) I composed myself and met up with Nick for one of my favorite hugs of all time. The kind of hug someone gives you when they're REALLY proud of you, nothing better. I was definitely feeling the love, but my legs needed it too. Stretching had never felt so good. Additionally, each runner was given a complimentary post finish beer. Let me tell you, at 9:30 in the morning after running 13.1 miles, that Mic Ultra tasted like HEAVEN!

AND FINALLY THE, .1). My first half marathon was a blast, that really is the best way I can describe it. I truly enjoyed every minute of it. For a few, brief moments, I even caught myself thinking "Maybe I'm up for a marathon?". However, there is a reason this is only the .1 guys, so let's not get excited. It is pretty interesting to see what your mind can come up with once it gets going!

Thank you, thank you, thank you, to those who sent kind words of encouragement, support and congratulations throughout the weekend! I was truly touched and inspired by everyone! 

It was an amazing & truly memorable experience! Proud to say I have #runwiththeMarines!

First half marathon - done! Who is in with me for my 2nd!

Fit Fashion Friday: And I quote...

The worlds of fitness and fashion collide again this week...

The Too Fit favorite fashion blogger and newly established rookie runner wrote the following this week in her "stripes and florals and coffee talk" post this week...

"I've actually fallen in love with running. I've wanted to be a runner so bad for so long but never stuck with it. I could never get past that first 10 minutes but now I've really enjoyed the challenge of running, pushing myself to commit to something and the feeling of accomplishment afterwards. An added bonus is finding new motivating music. When Rather Be comes on, I imagine I look a bit like Phoebe."

This diva is sticking to her fitness challenge, subbing out her heels (and other adorable shoes), for running kicks to train for her first 10k. My heart smiled so big when I read this in the midst of a dose of fashion and fun on a Dash of Gold. 

I am pretty sure no one "likes" running initially, but the more you do it, the more you find yourself finding ways to love it. Whether it is an awesome playlist, pretty views along your course, or just getting lost in your own thoughts, you CAN fall in love with running. 

This goes for any fitness activity that doesn't exactly tickle your fancy right away. Ditch jumping the gun with statements that are excuses for simple not taking the adequate time to warm up to something. "I hate spin", "I'm not a runner/swimmer", "Yoga isn't for me", "I can't do weights, I have no upper body strength" - Shut. Your. Mouth. Just because you have never done something before, or tried it once and didn't like it, does NOT mean you "can't". It means you're going to have stick with that fitness activity little longer to find out how you can like it and even grow to love it. 

I am so, so happy Nicole has done this and found a love for running. Such an accomplishment is as rewarding as it is challenging! 

Also, I cannot wait to see her race day outfit!

The Countdown & Race Details - 2 Days & a Wake Up To My 1st Half!

Counting down to the Marine Corps Historic Half, Fredericksburg, Va.

At this point, I am a whole bunch of feelings scrambled together and squeezed into 5 feet, 4 inches and 137 pounds of a rookie runner.

Nervous, pumped, a bit intimidated, inspired, anxious, proud, antsy, hopeful, ecstatic - just to name a few. 

In the midst of the mumbo jumbo of anticipation I have leading up to Sunday, there is one fact in particular that I'm clinging too. That fact is; I AM READY.

Repeat. I am ready! Repeat. I am ready! One more time. I am ready.

I can have all the butterflies in the world leading up to my race day, but those butterflies don't change that fact. I have trained for, prepared to, and am going to run a half marathon on Sunday. 

I sound pretty level headed, don't I? 

Talk to me 4 days ago, after a not so successful go at running hospital hill. I had psyched myself out pretty good, and I was being a baby. It was hot, I had a headache and all of my nerves kicked in at once. It wasn't pretty,but I'm glad I got it out of my system. It just took a few minutes of Nick "chewing me out" with a pep talk, a little watery eyes and a couple deep breaths for me to recoup. 

After that, we did another go at hospital hill and continued on to the following hill at mile 11 (which I'm glad to have discovered before race day). By the time we finished, we had banged out a 5k on that last go. It was what I needed to snap out of it, "get mad" and to instantly kick this "pissed off hangover". 

Training for this race has been eye-opening and my own little journey to do something I hadn't ever done before. When I cross the finish line on Sunday, it will be the first time I have ever run 13.1 miles and I expect the race to be a journey within itself.

I'm looking forward to everything that this weekend holds for me, even Hospital Hill! 

Details for Race Day

• Race - Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon
• Date/Time - May 18, 2014. Start - 7am
• Location - Fredericksburg, Va. 
• BIB # - 4818 
• Course Map - Click Here
• Track Me - Click Here for Instructions
• Expo & Event Program - Click Here to Check it Out
• Event Hashtag - #runwiththeMarines
• Course Entertainment - Click Here to See What Will Keep Me Going! 
• Support Crew - Nick. (Whom I cannot thank enough for his help with my training, specifically for introducing me to Sports Jelly Beans!)
• Outfit - TBD. Either a yellow sports top or a green sports bra. Crazy running shoes are a definite.

Fit Fashion Friday: Hot Race Day: Shirt On? Shirt Off?

This is the scandalous dilemma I am facing 10 days out from my first half marathon.

Training is basically in the bag at this point, and if it's not, I'm screwed. I am pretty positive it is though, based off of everything I've read and other runners I've been chatting with.

I've been keeping up with all of the Marine Corps Historic Half updates; downloaded the app, printed my Bib # and read the event program. It's all making me really excited and anxious for this thing, and of course am deliberating on what to wear!

If it isn't enough to think of looking cute for your post race photo you take on your iPhone, there will be actual photographers taking photos throughout the course. I can see this being awesome, or well, not so awesome. I have NO idea how I look running, but I imagine at mile 10 - hospital hill, it will not be pretty - so I at least need a good outfit.

I have many "options" and the weather on race day will of course be a factor in my decision. Nick & I went out to Fredericksburg last weekend to run the infamous hospital hill to wrap my mind and body around actually doing it. It went really well; my legs didn't fall off getting up the hill and I was able to tweak some of my mechanics. It was a beautiful mid 70 degree afternoon and after 2 runs up the hill, I was SO sweaty! I took off my tank and did the hill 2 more times in my sports bra and shorts which was much more comfortable!  I'm toying with entertaining this as a possibility for race day and heres how I'm weighing both sides of the argument.

Shirt On 

CONS -

• Sweating through. It's understood that I'm going to sweat, I'd rather it not be displayed.
• Getting too warm

PROS - 

• I won't be thinking about "sucking it in" or my tummy jiggling - I'm in good shape, but I can't flex my abs for 13.1 miles.
• I won't be a rookie posing as a "real runner"

Shirt Off

CONS -

• I can't flex my abs for 13.1 miles
• I look tougher than I am

PROS -

• Dressing the part always boosts confidence, even if I'm a rookie runner - posing like a "real runner" might up my mental game.
• I am in shape, so I can dress like it. It's me after all, and I'm not hiding anything.
• Less likely to overheat.

What do you guys think? Can this rookie runner pull off going without a shirt? Suns out guns out? Stay dressed? Or do both?

(This post is written with optimism that race day will be beautiful, sunny and a bit warm. Play along and maybe we can influence mother nature)

TooFitSpot: Dance Trance D.C.

Too Fit Spot: these will highlight various classes, exercises and fun fitness activities I've checked out. A little background on the activity and then a recap of my experience!

I am a "gym freak" with a passion for dancing.

I danced as a peanut, through middle school, high school and college. Any opportunity that has come up to get in a class, or perform I jump to. So jump I did upon discovering Dance Trance D.C.

My experience:

Cinco de mayo was on a Monday this year and I was excited to shake it in celebration with DTDC. (I had chips, guac and margs on Sunday, don't worry.)  Even better was that I got to team up with my fav D.C. Fitness Blogger - D.C Fit Crasher. 

The class we took powered through about 17 choreographed songs to AWESOME music, even a song by Shaggy. I'm not sure if it was my favorite, but it's definitely up there. There was no break down of choreography and I think I looked a little silly trying to catch on but that was part of the fun of it! Don't get me wrong, I still got down with my bad, sassy self and I broke a good sweat! 

Also part of the fun, was watching the class crush the choreography, which was really good (I've found some dance fitness classes to have "ehh" choreography). While this class was more of a "follow the leader" and didn't break anything down, DTDC does have break down classes where they go over each song move by move.

I loved feeding off of the buzz of energy, funky lights and smiles that filled the studio. Definitely a "feel good" fitness experience. It exemplifies the "Too Fit" philosophy by empowering participants to let loose and just enjoy their fitness! 

There is certainly a huge sense of family, community and support amongst the DTDC group. The instructor hosted a little party after class with chips and dip and Mexican beers for Cinco de Mayo and we all got to laugh, munch and enjoy meeting each other. It was so fun, comfortable, encouraging and a really great time. Events and things like this add an extra boost to making fitness fun, and DTDC does this frequently!

This was a fantastic first Too Fit Spot and a HUGE thank you to DT for hosting me! I will definitely be back! Dance Trance D.C. is Too Fit!

More on Dance Trance D.C

Prior to the class, I had the privilege of chatting with the leading lady at DTDC to get a little more background on the whole program. Check it out!

What is it?

DTDC is a high-energy, highly-positive, cardio dance fitness class for women and men (who are brave/smart enough- lots of pretty gals in this class) looking for both a great workout and a great time. The program itself features beautifully choreographed dance routines to today's most popular music and club-like beats. Every class is hosted by an accomplished instructor who will lead the class through a high-energy, high-cardio dance-club-like set of 15-17 songs/hour. 

Classes are held in Washington, D.C. at  Balance Gym – Thomas Circle (1111 14^th ST NW, WDC 20005).

Not in D.C and want to try it out? Never fear, Dance Trance has over 50 locations across the U.S!

Where did it come from?

DTDC was established by Sarah Spear Sands, and her story with it is pretty awesome. Before Dance Trance, she worked as a tax attorney and lobbyist on Capitol Hill. After she met and married her husband Ben, who was also in the corporate world they both decided to shift their priorities and improve their quality of life. In my book, that is hugely admirable and certainly a Too Fit move. I believe that if you love what you do, you never "work" a day in your life, and seeing people take risks and leaps to do what they love is inspiring. Sarah had discovered Dance Trance when she was in law school and wanted to share what it did for her with others. DTDC has now become a community of men and women supporting each other on and off the dance floor. With her team of instructors, Sarah creates a club environment with loud music, dance hits and DJ lights. 

What is the Goal/Mission of DTDC?

At DTDC we strive to give everyone a PEAK EXPERIENCE every time they walk into our classroom. While it takes a little bit of magic, there are a few KEY INGREDIENTS that we can follow to set the stage for an UNFORGETTABLE class.

ENERGY + EXCITEMENT + EMPOWERMENT = PEAK EXPERIENCE

How many calories can be burned during one class?

It’s not uncommon for attendees to burn between 500 and 900 calories per hour of a high-cardio Dance Trance class. DTDC is a full-body aerobic workout. 

Fitness/Wellness Challenges or Activities?

We are hosting a special 60-Day Summer Slim Down from May 15^th thru July 14^th. Contestants can enter to win a free month unlimited to Dance Trance DC; we’ll have a high attendance award and a slim down award.  In conjunction with the contest, we are offering a new student promotion of $99 for 60-days of unlimited Dance Trance. New members can purchase the sales promotion between now and May 15^th.

What is the best part of Dance Trance?

Dance Trance is all about making fitness fun – so we regularly do special events to keep the spice in our life! To stay abreast of what we are doing please sign up for our weekly newsletter because it includes information on specialty classes, happy hours, parties, and community events.

For more information check out their website! And if any Too fit followers want to check out a class, I will be more than happy to join! 

Too Fit Tunes: Tooms

Too Fit Tunes will highlight some of the tunes and music with which I connect, for working out, winding down and everything in between. Here's the first one, and it's extra special.

I have a younger brother, and he is a rock star. His name is Michael, but we call him Tooms.

Tooms authentically creates his music, and the tunes rock. Yes, I'm a biased sister, but I would dig these songs even if the bro didn't create them. Everything that goes into each one is done by Tooms -down to playing every instrument and syncing it with his own original lyrics and vocals. Hearing his song creations and seeing him perform is beyond amazing. For those close to Tooms, both experiences have revealed a side that no one knew existed - but a side with which all have fallen in love..

The first time he performed, we all held our breath as the quiet, introverted kid we knew stepped on stage in front of a large crowd. He grabbed the mic and told the audience, "You all look beautiful!" Then he jammed into his first track. As Tooms rocked his gig and fed off the crowd, I jumped around in the front row in a state of dazed shock and awe at my brother. 

"Who is this kid?" was the common question from those of us who knew him well (or so we thought). We had been completely blown away. The high he felt was radiant and was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen in my brother. This happens every time he plays at both large and small venues, and even when I'd have him pull out his guitar for my friends and me. As a proud sister, when I lived at home, I fan-girled it out at many of his shows, as often as I could. 

Living a couple hundred miles away makes that stuff a little more difficult now, so you can imagine that something such as a new track release gets me very excited. Today, Tooms released a new and improved version of my FAVORITE song of his - also his first song ever.

The original version of this song was the first of my brother’s that I'd ever heard. I remember putting on the headphones and saying, "Hey, bud, I think this is just the radio." Tooms took the headphones, listened and said, "Nope, that’s me." My jaw dropped, and I had tears as I took in a side of my brother I had never known before. Since then, it has been my favorite Tooms tune!

I'm not sure it is possible for you all to enjoy it as much as I do, but give it a try :-)

Mike Toomey Music Facebook Page

#TooFitTunes

Know a rockstar? Send their stuff my way so I can check them out!