Every Medal Tells a Story! 2018 Race Bling

Isn't it the truth? There's the race recap and then there's the real story. I love looking at my medals--not just for the blood, sweat, and tears that they represent but because every medal reminds me of what happened out on the course. It's amazing the flood of memories that each medal yields.

I always enjoy these year-end posts. For this post, I'm not going to recap the race. If you click on the race title, it links back to those individual posts. Instead, I want to share anecdotes from each race--something funny or odd that happened along the way. Those are the memories that stand out to me. And it's really those little things that make me line up for more.

Mercedes-Benz Half Marathon, Birmingham, Alabama

Tell me you wouldn't do this one for the bling! I did. It was hot and humid--and yes it was February, but I was with my Weekly Wrap and waterskiing partner Holly and I got to run for the bling. I got my first ever blister at this race on the back of my heel. Fortunately, I stopped at the aid station and in no time at all, was patched up and back to slogging through the swamp. I was amazed at how many people were walking towards the end. It was my personal worst half marathon finishing time ever. But definitely one of my favorite memories. 

Personal Worsting is always better with a friend!

Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle, Chicago, Illinois

The last time I ran this race was in 1995. There was a deal on registration-$39--which is unheard of for a Chicago race, so I grabbed it and signed up. I figured I'd know a lot of people running it but nope, I was there by myself. While waiting for the race to start, I was standing behind a guy with his bib pinned to his back. So.many.questions. Why? And how did that work out for him?

Did I do something wrong by wearing my bib on the front?

Sarasota Half Marathon, Sarasota, Florida

I signed up for this race on a whim. I was in Florida visiting my parents, I had the urge to jump in at the last minute, and that's what I did. I won't be able to do that again since the race has been moved to October. I can't forget about Officer McDreamy around mile 8. "How you doing?" Ummmm fine now!

Officer Friendly right behind me

Wintrust Lakefront 10 miler, Chicago Illinois

This race is a perpetual favorite of mine--I've run it 5 times. It's always cold and windy but I love the course and the competition is fierce. While I was waiting to line up, I tried to make small talk with another participant about the Boston Marathon. "Is that going on?" he asked, "after I ran it, I kind of forgot about it." Oh, ok, so you're just slumming at this 10 mile race. What a dick. Maybe that's why I ran this one so well. 

There's always Lagunitas at the finish line, which is really why I come back every year.

Humana Rock'N'Roll Half Marathon, Chicago, Illinois

Besides being an amazing blogger extravaganza, this race stands out for the weather. As soon as the starting gun went off, the skies opened up and it poured. It rained for almost the entire race and after. We were soaked. On the way home from the race, the sun came out. Of course.

Drowned rats right in the middle.
L-->R Kim, Linda, Michelle, Holly, me, Deborah, Erica, Erica's friend Melissa

ZOOMA Great Lakes Half Marathon, Delavan, Wisconsin

A wonderful girls weekend, I was completely unprepared for the hills of this race. I struggled to finish but I wanted to beat my personal worst from Mercedes. I did beat it, but sobbed at the finish line. Why? I don't know. I think I hated life at that moment in time. Then I had a beer. After that, I found out I won 2d in my age group. It really all depends on who shows up, right? Oh, and there was waterskiing with my boys that afternoon. Life is indeed good.

It's a hill. Get over it.

Schaumburg Turkey Trot Half Marathon, Schaumburg, Illinois

Run/walk intervals for the win, I kind of got annoyed at myself because I kept playing cat and mouse with the 2:10 pace group. This was my fastest half of the year. That finish time was good enough for 15th in my old lady age group. REALLY? Like I said, it all depends on who shows up. Who are these speedy old ladies? 

Free race photos for the win!
Right?

Cocoa Classic 5k, Deer Park, Illinois

I wouldn't have included this race in my recap here but I did get bling from it! Those same fast old ladies from the Turkey Trot showed up for this one, but I ran fast enough for 2d in my age group. That is one way to get bling from a 5k and I'm thrilled that I've still got some speed in these old legs!

More awesome free race photo love
And no, I don't know this kid but I beat him so really what else matters? :p

What are some stories from your races this year? Do you enjoy looking at your medals and reminiscing? How do you feel about running races with little kids?

I'm linking up with Tuesdays on the Run: Marcia, Erika, and Patti. And yes, I know this was last week's topic but better late than never, right?

Race Recap: Rock 'N' Roll Chicago Half Marathon Weekend

Disclaimer: As a Rock'N'Blog Ambassador, I received a free entry to the Rock'N'Roll Chicago Half Marathon. My experience and my opinions are my own.

To think I considered not running this one at all. My knees had been bothering me and my endurance was AWOL. With so many blogger friends heading to my hometown to participate in the Rock'N'Roll Chicago weekend, I had to make a decision. Do I drop down to the 10k? Drop out? Who me? I contacted my rheumatologist who recommended steroid injections in my knees. Following the procedure, Mother Nature gifted us with some cool, low humidity days which led to some nicely paced, pain-free runs.

It's funny how things work out, isn't it? With some success on the road and a boost in my confidence, I stuck to my original plan to run the half marathon. I knew it would be tough. I made a race plan to use my 4:1 run/walk intervals. I set a goal finish time of 2:11 but realistically figured I'd finish around 2:15.

I was ready.

Finding My Way Back

If last week was the week I found my strong, this week was all about getting back on track. You know I'm all about the music and when I sat down to write this post, the song "Find Your Way Back" by Jefferson Starship (1981) kept playing in my head. I bet it's playing in your head now too! What a blast from the past.

Anyways, I did find my way back to my running self. I continued to feel strong, my knees didn't hurt,  and the weather cooperated, which meant some good running. One bootcamp doesn't make for dramatic improvement, but crushing that grueling hour of power sure did turn my head around.

If You Bring Swag, Runners Will Come: Global Running Day 2018

When Rock 'N' Roll Marathon Series coordinator Stephanie Hoppe contacted Marcia and me to organize an event for Global Running Day, we reluctantly agreed. We had no idea how to do such a thing, but as ambassadors for the race series, we receive a lot of perks, including free race entries, so how could we not give back? I contacted the president of the Busse Woods Running Club to see if we could connect with them and he directed me to the Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA). As it turns out, CARA was organizing a bunch of local fun runs to celebrate Global Running Day. I asked if we could help out and represent RnR at the location near our homes.

Marcia and I could not have been more pleased with how the event turned out!

Race Recap: Humana Rock 'n' Roll Chicago Half Marathon

Disclaimer: As a Rock 'n' Blogger, I received complimentary entry to the Humana Rock 'n Roll Chicago Half Marathon as well as a VIP pass. All opinions are my own.

Can you believe that I've never run the Humana Rock 'n' Roll Chicago Half Marathon before? There's only one reason and that's because this half marathon takes place in July. July in Chicago can be brutal! The last half marathon I ran in July, Zooma, was a steam bath and I struggled with the heat. But as a Rock 'n' Blogger, it made sense for me to sign up for my hometown race. Once I started incorporating those 4:1 run/walk intervals into my training, I realized that I had a plan that could work in the heat. There would be no time goals (well, ok, maybe...) but the ultimate goal would be to finish.

I finished, but what a journey it was to the finish line! It was an epic 24 hours for this runner. This is a long post, so sit down, put your feet up, and pour yourself a cold one!