2012 We Care Twin Cities Half Marathon – 1:41:49

Race Takeaway: I love our town!

This morning we were up at 4:45am to run an inaugural half marathon that was hosted locally. I’m SO excited we did this race because  not only did we have perfect weather in the 50s, but it was great seeing so much of the community out being healthy.

My plan for this race was to run my marathon pace or better, but not full out race. We are running Chicago Marathon next weekend and we need to make sure that we have energy in the tank for it. Both my legs and stomach were feeling amazing and it was hard to not get swept away and run too hard. I was able to have moments of chilling out by waving and talking to the crowd and other runners. So many people we know from work, running and flying were all out. The race was mostly flat and only inclines on the road heading back to the finish. It was an out and back course that allowed us to see other runners the whole way and encouraging them.

Through uptown Normal (Thank you Jeff for all of the pictures!)

I spent a few miles running in the vicinity with the race director and got to hear about the work that went into this event and their plans for next year, which include adding a full marathon.

On the constitution trail

Into the finish

I came in at 1:41:49, 1st in my Age Group. Rob got 1:34:26, which was 4th in his Age Group.

2012 We Care Twin Cities Half Marathon Finisher’s Medal

My 1st Age Group Award – Water Bottle

I’m so happy that we got to run this race and we plan to run it again!

Stats:

1:41:49

7:46 Pace

Overall: 61/477

F: 9/245

F 35-39: 1/46

A San Francisco Treat

This post may be a bit longer and all over the place because I want to share all the non-work highlights (other than the SF Giants game in previous post) that we had in San Francisco.

First the most important – running! Rob and I ran on the hotel treadmill, but one of the mornings we went for a run with our work colleagues through San Fran and across the Golden Gate Bridge. Our run was approximately 13 miles, we couldn’t get satellites in the downtown area so our Garmins showed 11.29 miles.

Us leaving our hotel to run down to wharf to meet the other runners.

The run on the bike trail was gorgeous! Such a great scenery to run to. I can’t imagine living in the homes that were right by the bay and getting to enjoy the scenery on runs everyday.

It was a hilly run, but we took it easy and really went out to enjoy the run and take lots of pictures.

Rob and also rode in bike paddy cabs for the first time, which was fun and easy way to get around the conference.

Out for sushi

At the wharf

And Rob treated me to a little memento. 🙂 Tiffany & Co. Black Onyx Bracelet

And riding on our first trolley, in San Francisco no less!

Even with the highlights it feels so good to be home!

They Might Be Giants

Rob and I traveled to San Francisco for a work event. While the days were filled with work events and trying to keep up with emails while being away, we did manage to get out and do some touristy things, including going to a San Francisco Giants game. We had club seating right by the bay. I have to say AT&T Park is really nice!

The food and drink options were great. I had to have sushi, when again will I get to have sushi at a ballpark? So I got the spicy tuna roll and it was pretty delicious.

The Giants won against the Rockies. I got a really nice Giants hoodie with a zipper and Rob got a stocking hat, both came in handy with the chilly air off the bay. It was such a fun night and definitely a trip highlight.

Fancy Pants

Rob and I had a big trip planned for work. Before we left we were getting our house spruced up for our Coco and Kitty sitter. I finally got our master bedroom repainted. The paint we used was Behr in Dark Ash, which is one shade darker than Grey Area that we put in our master bathroom and one of the guest bedrooms. I love how it looks against our Pottery Barn silk tie drapes.

Also, Rob built a desk/vanity for the guest bedroom. I’m excited to get a chair, baskets for the cubby holes, and a pretty mirror to put up on the wall.

Another chore before our trip was shopping for little things we would need to pack. This work event was corporate casual dress, so I needed to make sure to pack things that were fancy enough. Good thing I found some headband options at Ulta. 🙂

Hmm….too fancy perhaps? Such a fine line…

2012 Morton Pumpkin Festival 10K – 46:45

Race Takeaway: You don’t use it, you lose it.

I’m behind in posting so this is a catch up. Rob and I ran the Morton Pumpkin Festival 10K on Saturday, September 15th. It was perfect weather, low 60s and no breeze. The race is flat and the mile splits are well-marked.

While I was not in old race shape, it felt good to be racing. I was happy with my ability to keep the pace I did considering I’m still trying to get back into training.

Rob finished in 41:44 and I finished with 46:45, fourth in the 30-39 age group. I haven’t raced this race in four years. They have added a finish medal, which is a nice touch.

Stats:

46:45

7:32 Pace

F 30-39: 4/?

2008 Morton Pumpkin Festival – 1:00:42

2007 Morton Pumpkin Festival – 1:00:55