Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Reflections

Here we are on the final day of 2014 and I am feeling very thoughtful of the year that has passed, and equally as excited for the new year ahead.  On my run this morning I had the coolest experience, a group of 5 deer ran across the road in front of me and I was the only one around to see it.  I got chills when I saw them do this and I found myself being so incredibly grateful that I made the choice to re-discover my passion for running this year.  When you spend time running out on the open road in the early mornings with barely a sole around you get the chance to experience some great moments.  So, that got me thinking then - what are my top moments of 2014?  I spent the rest of the run figuring that part out and wanted to share.



1.  Birth of Landon Travis McCurry on May 28th - we welcomed our second child into this world on May 28th of this year and what a great day that was.  The pregnancy was relatively easy, as was the delivery and we were so ready to meet our little man.  He came out with a head full of dark hair and looking just like his Daddy.  At 7 months old now, he is already pulling up and standing, crawling everywhere, smiling and laughing and desperately trying to keep up with his big brother.  



2.  Preston's 2nd Birthday - this boy has such an amazing smile, laugh and personality.  He was born on Halloween in 2012 and he really embraces the fun of that holiday into his personality.  Not only does he get to enjoy a birthday, but one on Halloween with candy and costumes!  At 2 years old he is a trip!  The things that come out of his mouth have Chad and I constantly laughing and sometimes puzzled at where he gets them.  


3.  Thunder Road Half Marathon - this day was special to me because it marked my return to the sport of running.  I had previously done this race 2x before in 2010 and 2011 and loved the course and the challenge of all the hills on it.  Haven taken a 3 year hiatus from running (to have our babies), I was thrilled to train and run in this race again and I set my sites high on bettering my previous PR from 2011.  I was able to do that by an over 10 minute PR and the feeling of that accomplishment was something I will never forget.  I look forward to many more races in my future.  I am working on finalizing my 2015 race calendar and will share soon.  


4.  Deciding to become an Online Fitness Coach - I made this life changing decision in July and am so grateful that I did because it has seriously brought me so much joy to help others reach their health and fitness goals.  I first decided to do it because I liked the idea of others joining me on my own personal journey back to health and fitness, and now I see the potential is so much greater than that.  It feels like this is what I was meant to do in my life in someway and I can't begin to express the joy I get when I hear from some of my challengers on their own victories.  Its an honor and a privilege to be able to do this and I look forward to helping many more.  

5.  Playing alongside my husband as he played his best round ever of golf - this summer I was able to play with Chad at Edgewater Country Club in Lancaster, SC one day where he played an amazing round of golf.  If you know Chad, you know how much he loves the game and how hard he was worked to improve at the sport in a very short time.  I admire his dedication and drive to improve and it has paid off in a big way for him.  It brought me great joy and pride to see him play so well that day and enjoy the fruits of his hard work.  I predict big things to come for him in the future with golf.

The year was filled with many more special moments, but these are the ones that rise to the top for me.  I would be remiss to say that while 2014 was a good year for our family, we also suffered an incredible loss with the passing of my father-in-law Fred McCurry Jr..  Fred lost his battle with lung cancer in late June and his loss is one that we feel daily.  I only got to know him for a few short years, but in that time I learned a lot about honor, loyalty and love for family.  I thank him every day for the example he was as a father to Chad because I know it has a lot to do with what an amazing father Chad is to our 2 boys. We love you and miss you daily Fred.

That's a wrap of 2014!  I look forward to what 2015 will bring and I wish you all a very Happy New Year!  Be blessed.







Wednesday, December 17, 2014

5 Favorite Foods for Runners


This week I’m sharing the 5 foods that I cannot do without.  I literally have each of these just about every day.   All of these are known to increase performance and are great for runners when trying to optimize their fuel intake. 


1.      Bananas are among the best pre-workout and pre-race foods for runners. Bananas are almost all carbohydrate. A large banana contains more than 30 grams of carbohydrate, just 1 gram of protein, and no fat whatsoever. Bananas are also extremely high in potassium (400 mg), which is lost in sweat during exercise. Their texture and taste make them easy to consume, and their natural outer layer make them easy and portable as a snack.  They are high in Potassium, B6, Magnesium and pack lots of energy. 



2.      Sweet Potatoes supply fuel for the body during a run, and can replace important minerals that are lost through sweat. The potassium and magnesium help prevent muscle cramps, and they are loaded with anti-inflammatory nutrients which greatly help runners avoid injuries.  They are a great source of Vitamin A, Beta-Carotene, Carbohydrates, Vitamin C and Manganese




3.      Chicken is one of the leanest protein sources.  A single skinless chicken breast supplies 28 grams of protein with a mere 2.5 grams of fat. Chicken breasts are also easy to prepare in various ways.  I often prepare a batch of them on the weekends to keep on hand during the week for easy meal prep.



4.      Almond Butter has about the same amount of fat as peanut butter, but twice the monounsaturated fat which helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels.  It also packs more calcium and magnesium, which is a mineral that is important for muscle contraction.  Furthermore, it has three times more Vitamin E than peanut butter.




5.      Shakeology packs up to 18 grams of protein and vital complex carbs in every serving. Plus it delivers whole-food nutrition from some of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet that are stocked with essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals and more than 20 different antioxidants, enzymes and phytonutrients. A few ingredients in Shakeology that can help boost energy include:
a.      Chia meal (seed): Supports energy endurance with omega-3 and -6 fats, protein, fiber, and essential trace minerals. It helps support high-energy endurance.
b.      Maca Powder (root): Known for its ability to help increase stamina and energy levels.
c.       Holy Basil Powder (leaf): May act as a powerful promoter of energy and athletic performance.





Monday, December 8, 2014

GOTR 5K Race Recap

This past Saturday was a race day.  The Girls on the Run 5K in Huntersville, NC was not set up to be a competitive race (i.e. no chip timing) and it was all about the awesome organization that involves so many young girls who are just starting out running.  When we arrived, I was amazed to see just how many girls ages 8-13 were there for the event.  What a great opportunity to get girls interested in the sport at a young age.  

Saturday morning was misty and rainy and the forecast called for 50 degrees and 60%.  Not the ideal conditions but no need to let that stop us.  So the hubby and I made the trek up to Huntersville for the race where we met up with one of his co-workers and his wife.  The gun went off for the start of the race at 9:00am and I was stuck behind a bunch of people who were just about walking, so after doing some quick bobbing and weaving I swung out to the left side of the group and worked my way forward.  

Now...I know I said it was not supposed to be a competitive race...100% honesty here...I don't know how to run a race and not be competitive so I was going to give it my all.  My plan was to ease into the first mile at a targeted 8:00/mile pace and then after the big hill climb at the end of mile 1 start to let go on the downhill and get under 8:00/mile.  My ultimate goal was to finish under 25 minutes and prove to myself I could hold a less than 8:00/mile pace.  


There were some big hills on this course, the first of which came at the end of mile 1.  Once I crested the top of that hill, I started to let it go on the downhill and felt my speed kick in.  It was at about mile 1.5 that I realized I was in the lead pack and could potentially finish near the top...that was an exhilarating feeling.  No elite runners at this race to contend with, but the winners end up being some middle school track runners.  Mile 2 was great, and then came the big hill on mile 3 that took everything I had to keep moving and dig deep.  It was at least .50 mile steady climb and steep.  I kept moving though and ended up rounding the final turn and sprinted to the finish in 6th place.  After looking at my Garmin I quickly realized the course measured shorter (2.93 miles) so not a full 5K, which means I won't count it as a new PR but I was on pace to set one and that right there is my victory from the day.  Mile splits below.

Mile 1  8:01
Mile 2  7:51
Mile 3  7:35



Next goal is to run a 5K with a 7:45/mile pace average.  Ultimately, I want to break 20 minutes someday for this distance.  Shaun T says that Insanity Max 30 will make a 19 minute 5K possible - today was Day 1 of that program for me so we will test that theory :).  



Have a great week!





Friday, December 5, 2014

Top 10 Running Songs

It's race day tomorrow, so I've been doing a little fine tuning on my playlist.  Thought I would share my top running songs...I narrowed it down to my current Top 10 (knowing full well that will change by the next race).  



Fair Warning - my music taste spans across pop music to hip hop to hardcore rock music.  


  1. Lose Yourself by Enimen - best song to start a race to in my opinion.  I like to start it playing while I'm waiting for the gun to go off, the intro is perfect for that time
  2. Animals by Maroon 5 - very new song and one that I am seriously digging
  3. Stronger by Kanye West - love the song, not necessarily the artist though :)
  4. Black by Sevendust - ok, here is where my inner rocker chick starts to show...Sevendust is my favorite hard rock band ever (I've seen them live 4 times and they never disappoint)
  5. Awake & Alive by Skillet - came across this band by accident 5 years ago and have adored them since
  6. Dangerous (feat. Sam Martin) by David Guetta - great new song on the radio and awesome to run to
  7. Turn Down for What by DJ Snake & Lil John - this song cracks me up because Preston used to bob his head whenever it came on...good song to keep you charged up during a run
  8. Riot by Three Days Grace - love this band (seen them live 2x) and this by far is my favorite song.  The intro riff is unreal
  9. Undressed by Kim Cesarion - another new song that is killer to run to, it came on at the right time during Thunder Road and helped me push at the end
  10. All I Do is Win (feat. T-Pain) by DJ Khaled - great song to finish a race on

Happy Friday everyone!  Have a great weekend.



Monday, December 1, 2014

Recap & Preview, as well as 4 Random Things in Life

New week, new month...here we go!  

November Recap

This month flew by!  It seems like Halloween just happened, and then blink here went Thanksgiving.  All in all, it was a great month. I logged 99 miles running this past month and completed my 6th half marathon.  Thunder Road half was amazing and the culmination of all the hard work I had done leading into it really paid off.  You can read the full Race Recap here.  

December Preview

Here we are on the 1st day of a new month and its also a Monday, which I love.  Time to attack the monthly goals, which are:

  1. Complete an un-assisted pull-up by Christmas
  2. Finish my next 5k Race on Saturday, December 6th in under 25 minutes
  3. Start Insanity Max 30 on December 8th - so excited for this journey to begin

"Four Things" Survey

This little survey is making its way around the blog world.  Enjoy!  :)


Four names that people call me other than my real name: 
1. Jibbles (this one started in elementary school when a classmate used to sing "Jibbles & Bits & Bits" to me and its stuck with my mom)
2. Allie (my maiden name, and a name I am still referred to often at work)
3. Mommy (no better name to be called in my opinion)
4. Baby (from my hubby..awww)
Four jobs I’ve had: 
1. Golf Cart & Club Cleaner (first job in high school working at a local country club cleaning members golf clubs)
2. Customer Service Associate (first job out of college working at a lighting supply company)
3. Marketing Manager (at my current company before I took the position in sales)
4. Business Development Manager (current job)
Four movies I’ve watched more than once: 
1. Grease
2. Dirty Dancing
3. Pretty Woman
4. Fast & Furious (all of them!)
Four books I’d recommend: 
1. The Secret
2. Good to Great
3. The Compound Effect
4. Failing Forward
Four places I’ve lived: 
1. Richton Park, Illinois
2. Brea, California
3. Farmington, Michigan
4. Charlotte, North Carolina
Four places I’ve visited: 
1. Toronto, Canada
2. St. Thomas, Virgin Islands (on a cruise in high school)
3. The Big Island of Hawaii (my aunt & uncle live there)
4. Cabo San Lucas
Four places I’d rather be right now: 
1. With my husband on a golf course (that should bring a smile to his face)
2. Running a race (yes I'm addicted to running)
3. New York City to see the city dressed up for the holidays
4. On a beach with the family watching my boys experience the ocean
Four things I prefer not to eat: 
1. Cilantro 
2. Beets (I know they are a super food, but I just can't do it)
3. Liver
4. Greasy cheesey pizza (can't handle pizza with a puddle of grease on it)
Four of my favorite foods: 
1. Almond Butter (Justin's Vanilla flavored almond butter is the bomb!)
2. Sweet Potatoes (I am literally obsessed with all things sweet potatoes)
3. Greek Yogurt
4. Peanut Butter
Four TV shows I watch: 
1. Scandal
2. Grey's Anatomy
3. Revenge
4. Master Chef
Four things I’m looking forward to this year: 
1. Seeing my boys faces on Christmas morning
2. Starting Insanity Max 30 to cross train
3. Seeing my husband graduate with his Graduate school degree (proud wife over here!)
4. Setting a new 10K PR and a new Half PR
Four things I’m always saying: 
1. Awesomesauce
2. Dig Deeper (especially on my speedwork and long runs)
3. Nice Touches (Preston sometimes needs this reminder when dealing with Landon or the dog)
4. I Love You (to my boys and my hubby - you can seriously never say it too much :))
Four people I tag to answer these questions: 
1. Chad from Flog McGolf
2. Jessica from Mustard & Bananas
3. Jennie-Laurie from Hopeful Fitness
4. Amanda from Some Maintenance Required





Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Holiday Gift Ideas for Runners

With the holiday season in full swing and the madness of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, I thought I would share some gift giving ideas for the runners in your life.

#1 Headphones - now I have tried a lot of different brands of headphones over the years.  My husband will be the first to tell you that I have headphone addiction (similar to a shoe addiction :)).  I am super picky when it comes to the right headphones.  They have to fit snugly in my ears and be able to stay there when doing some hardcore speed work and not fall out due to sweat.  I have tried Yurbuds Ironman Headphones and they were ok, but the wrap around the ear didn't fit the best for me.  I've been using the Polk Audio Ultrafit 3000 Headphones and they do stay in place and work well.  My only downside on those is the foam ear piece tends to fall off.  Now, I am coveting the Jabra Sport Pulse Bluetooth Headphones big time.  These bad boys act as a in ear heart rate monitor, are wireless, and offer real-time voice coaching during your workouts.  A little on the pricey side...but a girl can dream, right?



#2 Running Jacket - with the winter weather in effect lately (even in North Carolina), a good running jacket is a must.  Especially one that can help block the wind and is water resistant.  I have my eye on the Frontrunner Jacket from Athleta...hoping to see some Black Friday deals on it.

#3 Marathon Stick - this is an absolute must for any serious runner.  I actually prefer the Marathon Stick over a foam roller because it is portable and because of the design you can tailor the pressure to whatever you need.  I use it religiously on my IT bands and it works!  



#4 GPS Watch - there are a lot of options in this category and the technology continues to change so do your research here and get one that meets your specific needs.  I have been loyal to Garmin during my running career - I started with a Forerunner 305 and now I use a Garmin Forerunner 10 and I love it.  In doing my research on some of the latest and greatest ones out there I came across a review Comparaboo did of the 10 best running watches - some great information there.

Some other gift ideas for the runner in your life:
#6 Runner's Plaque
#7 Balega Socks
#8 Bodyglide Anti-Chaffing Cream
#9 Hydration Gear
#10 Headbands

Hope you all have a great Turkey Day!  





Sunday, November 23, 2014

Setting an Example

Sometimes I get asked why I started running, and I always answer the same way.  I was reading an article in magazine one day while laying out at the pool in my apartment complex in Ohio.  It was a Couch to 5K article and I came across at a time when I was looking for something to inspire me.  I decided right then after reading it that I was going to do it and I registered for my first 5K.  Its been 8 years since that first race and since then I have done countless 5K's, 10k's and half marathons and I never tire of this sport.  It has taught me so much about myself and has given me so much to be thankful for.  

On my run this morning I started thinking about how even though I started running only 8 years ago, the actual sport of running has been a part of my life for much longer.  My mom was a runner and as a kid I used to ride my bike with her while she would go for a run when we lived in Brea, California.  I loved that time, riding alongside her - it was great bonding time and it obviously set a great example for me.  My mom was a physical education teacher for 30 years and was always active.  She instilled the value of staying active and healthy in me at a young age and I truly am very grateful for that.  


I am working now on passing that same positive example down to my boys.  When I get back from a run now (like I did this morning), Preston comes running to the door and greats me.  I am amazed at how much he is paying attention to already and retains, he will look at my running watch or running gloves and say "mommy run".  Or, when I am stretching after a run he will imitate what I am doing.  My heart smiles when I hear or see these things.  Its a great reminder that our kids our watching us and we have such an amazing opportunity to set a positive example for them.  




Preston wearing Daddy's running watch this morning, such a ham!



Preston's first 5K race (Landon's too because we had just found out we were expecting him)





Preston and I on a morning run















  

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Goal Setting

Ok, so today's message is inspired in large part from our conversation I had yesterday from a very dear friend of mine.  We talked about the importance of goal setting and the need to consistently do it in all areas of life.  





Just keeping it real for you all...I have always been a very goal driven person.  I credit my mom for instilling it in me because it started in school with me.  My mom was a teacher and so she put a lot of emphasis on how important it was to do well in school and the value of education.  Consequently, I was the student who loved getting the syllabus sheet at the beginning of a semester and seeing everything laid out for me on what it was going to take to get an "A" in the class.  Yes, I am one of those nutty-nut people who even liked homework and tests.  


Fast forward into adulthood, and my inspiration for goal setting morphed into something so much more.  My sister sent me a book as a birthday gift in my early 20s - it was called The Secret and it truly changed my way of thinking about life, goal setting and the power of positive thinking.  If you've read the book you know what I mean here, it truly can revolutionize the way you approach life.  

In a nutshell its summed up in 3 steps:
1.  Ask the universe for what you want in life
2.  Believe with every ounce of your being that its possible
3.  Receive what it is that you want

Talk about the power of visualization here...this system of Ask, Receive, Believe when truly used is no joke!  It has worked for me so many times in life.  Whether it was when I was in my mid 20s and in some serious debt and visualized what it would feel like to finally pay off all of that debt, to when I ran my first 5K and the feeling of completing a race, to my first year in sales and how it felt to exceed my quota.  I personally have used this approach so many times and it never fails so long as you do it 100% and stay committed to what you are putting out there in the universe.  



The motivation behind setting a goal is unique to each of us.  We are all driven by various things.  In sales we always use the analolgy that "salespeople are coin operated" meaning that we will focus on selling that which is going to put the most money in our pocket.  That is a  pretty strong motivator for a lot of people.  Whereas, others find motivation in the acknowledgement or recognition of they get when they achieve a goal.  But the real secret here is this...the real value of setting goals is not about the recognition or the reward you get, its about the person you become by finding the discipline, courage and commitment to achieve your goals.  That is the absolute 100% truth!  There is so much character building that happens along the way of goal setting.  As Henry David Thoreau says, "What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals."  After all every great accomplishment in life came from the decision to try.

So, get out there and set some new goals and visualize yourself accomplishing them.  Even write them out as if they have already happened and focus on how that will feel when it happens.  I promise you it will be worth it!






Sunday, November 16, 2014

Race Recap

The alarm sounded at 4:45am and I shot out of bed...it's here...Race day is finally here!  The day I've trained for solidly for the past 4 months is here!  Let the pre-race rituals begin.  

First things first, get in my 24 oz of water that I do before anything else every day.  Then my 1 cup of black coffee with Stevia.  A little pre-race stretching and then time to get dressed because the babysitter was scheduled to arrive at 5:45am so we could leave early.  Blended up my Shakeology (unsweetened almond milk, crushed ice, frozen banana, 1 Tbsp of Chia Seeds and Chocolate Shakeology) and we are out the door!  

Racing Day Gear detailed below for those interested:
  • Athleta Chaturanga Capri Pant
  • Nike Women's Pro Hyperwarm Hoodie
  • Nike Pro Rival Sports Bra (ladies...check this one out!)
  • Balga Socks
  • Under Armour Women's Get Set Go Running Gloves
  • Saucony Hurricane 16 Shoes (these babies have been awesome this season)


We arrived in Uptown with over an hour to spare so I hit up the restrooms a couple times and we walked around trying to keep ourselves somewhat warm.  At 7:00 am it was a bitterly cold 28 degrees.  All I kept thinking was thank goodness my husband had a VIP pass so he could get inside and warm during the race.  A big thank you to the organizers of the race for having that option this year, it was very much appreciated by both of us. 

At the starting line getting ready to run!


At about 7:15, the hubby and I went our separate ways.  For me it was time to warm up with some light jogging and stretching and for him it was time to go get inside and warm up.  After a final stop at the porta jon (with the obligatory long lines of a race day), I had to jog to the starting line just in time for the gun to go off.  Took me about 2 minutes of patiently waiting to get across the starting line and then I was off.  The typical ebb and weaving you do at the start of a race was amplified on this day due to how large of a race it is.  I dumped my throw-away sweatshirt within the first few minutes and worked on trying to get around the crowds so I could try to ease into the first couple miles.  My plan was to get into a steady rhythym in the first 2 miles and then try to hold a 8:50 - 9:00 pace thru mile 11, at which time I would assess how much I had left in the tank and decide if I had the extra kick to push extra on the way home or hold steady.  

My goals for this race were A) Come in around 1:58 something (which would be 10 minutes better than my previous PR); B) Come in under 2:00; C) Set a new PR (which would be anything under 2:08:31 from 2011).

They changed up the course this year so the new beginning was actually a lot of fun taking us right in front of Bank of America Stadium and up Tryon thru the heart of Uptown and out 4th street.  That part went very quick and based on my splits below for the first 7 miles you can tell I was feeling the endorphins big time.

Mile 1  8:48
Mile 2  8:22
Mile 3  8:48
Mile 4  8:27
Mile 5  8:44
Mile 6  8:29
Mile 7  8:55

I had trained a lot on mile 3 - 9 on the course, so I felt very comfortable and knew when to expect the hills and when to plan for the recovery down hills.  I did my best to not pay attention to my pace and only used my watch to see where I was at distance and overall time.  At this point I was on cruise control...

Then came mile 8, which is up a big hill on Morehead street heading into Dilworth and my first side stitch hit me...yikes!  A mix of thoughts started going thru my head...this isn't good...I still have 5 miles left...I have to slow down and recover...  Then I thought back to what my coach has told me to do when this happens, relax your upper body, pull your shoulders back, pull up out of your hips and stand tall, and focus on your breathing.  So I did and I fought thru it...they didn't completely go away and lingered with me thru mile 11.  

That stretch of 8 - 11 miles was by far the toughest mentally...lots of big hills, some of the new course that I am less familiar with and the side stitches.  But here is the thing...I knew without a doubt I could do it and execute.  I had to trust my training at this point and focus on my inspiration.  So when the pain of the side stitch started, I would think about little Landon's baby giggles from the night before or Preston's laughter and the way he says everything is "fun-nee", or how it was going to feel to cross the finish line and collapse into my husband's arms.  Those 3 visions are what carried me thru the toughest moments of this race.  I am so beyond blessed to have these 3 in my life!  

Here are my splits from mile 8 - 11

Mile 8  9:02
Mile 9  9:16
Mile 10 9:25
Mile 11 9:25

When I hit mile 11, the side stitches were gone and we were now in Southend and it was at this point that I encountered a comical experience I won't soon forget.  There was a guy (we will just call him Mr. Spandexter) who was up in front of me trotting along listening to Push-It my Salt N Peppa without headphones.  That means we all heard it!  And he was doing the sprint and walk game like it was his job...I'll admit those games drive me nuts during races.  I mean pick a pace and stick with it, or walk if you need to.  Its similar to the people who don't know how to use cruise control on the freeway.  Grrr..  Anyhow, he proved to be the spark I needed to push hard in the final 2 miles because let's be real here...no way was Mr. Spandexter going to beat me!  

The final leg of the race comes up Mint Street past Stonewall, under the overpass, past Bank of America Stadium and finishes at BB&T ballpark.  I got in a zone here...I literally couldn't even see anything in front of me.  My vision was blurry and I knew there were other runners around me, but it was like I was in my own zone.  I started talking to myself (outloud too...so no doubt people hear me).  My favorite song came back on (Lose Yourself by Eminem) in the final 1/2 mile and after a final taunt to myself of "Come on Jill" I felt that final kick came on strong and I sprinted to the finish line.  I even managed to remember to throw my hands up at the finish in the hopes that I get a good picture out of it.  I clicked off my watch and looked down and was elated...1:58:06!  A new PR by over 10 minutes!  

GPS watch read that the course was longer than the 13.1...I'll take it either way!


Final splits

Mile 12  9:02
Mile 13  9:18

After shuffling thru the medal pickup and grabbing a bottle of water and a banana, I made it out of the gates and found my husband and collapsed into his arms.  At this time, the emotion hit my in a wave and I cried tears of joy while wrapped in his arms.  Its an amazing feeling to accomplish something you have worked so hard for and trained for, and then to be able to do it and have your support system right there waiting on you at the end...so amazing.  

So...Thunder Road thank you!  You were everything I wanted and more.  Until we meet again next year.  









Friday, November 14, 2014

Even Numbers


Went to the Race Expo this am to pick up my bib.  As I walked into the Charlotte Convention Center I could feel the excitement in the air and my adrenaline started pumping.  There was a long line for the half marathon participants and a very short line for the full marathoners...  I'll admit that the full still intimidates me, but someday I will conquer it!




I have this weird thing about the bib # I am given and I found myself thinking about it as I waited.  I prefer even numbers over odd numbers any day and so I was really hoping for an even number...and I got it!  Score!

Bib #2544

Track me using the link below :)

https://register.chronotrack.com/event/tracking/eventID/8104

Looks to be a very chilly start tomorrow with the temperature expected at 24 degrees...brr.  Reminds me of my days running in Ohio.  Cold weather gear ready to go, GPS watch is charging, iPod is charging and playlist is set!

Good luck to all the runners tomorrow!