Long Overdue Update

I have been neglecting my blog big time and the guilt has finally built up enough...so here is an update.

Most exciting news....I am running the Chicago Marathon in October and then two weeks later the Marine Corps Marathon! I won't start training for these races until July....and I know I will regret saying this...but I can't wait to get started.

I have the Virginia Wine Country Half Marathon coming up on June 1st...so I need to stay in decent condition for that race. Here is a quick recap of what I have been up to.

1st Week of April- Quick trip to Key West for the weekend with Ryan and my mom. I took the opportunity to do a short 3.5 mile run on Sunday morning and get a pic at the Southern Most point of the U.S.

2nd Week of April- 7 Mile Bridge Run! This was a great experience that I would definitely do again. I think it would be fun to do with a large group of people. I have promised Nikki that I would not blog about the details of this race....let's just say I enjoyed the race more than she did. Moral of the story = don't drink 4 margaritas the day before a race.

3rd Week of April- Nothing too exciting, but I did do a 7 mile run on Hollywood Beach. I miss living in that area. It is such a great place for running...not a good place for living though.

4th Week of April- I had my first trip for my new job to Denver. I was super excited to see the city since I had never been there before. It was not what I expected...a lot of homeless people and crazies...well I guess that it is not too different from South Florida. I had grand plans to do a run around the city on Thursday morning, but it was still dark out when I got up so I chose to run on the treadmill in the hotel fitness center. Which was probably the best for my safety anyway.

On Saturday I did an 8 mile run over the Rickenbacker Causeway to Key Biscayne. It was hot out, but still enjoyable. I probably should have gotten up a little earlier to avoid the heat..but I am getting very lazy in my old age.

Lots to Report....

My training has been very blah the past few weeks. I started my new job about 2 weeks ago and am trying to get into a routine. I love working from home so far, but am still struggling to fit training into my busy schedule. I have the 7 mile bridge run and the Virginia Wine Country Half Marathon coming up so it is about time to get my butt in gear.

I had a great trip home to Virginia. The Lucky Leprechaun 5K was short and sweet which is a good thing because it was freezing outside. Chrissy and I really wanted to do a long training run on the WO&D trail on Sunday, but it was just too cold out. I am going to stay in Virginia for an extra week after the Wine Country Half, so we will definitely have time to fit in some scenic runs.

Now for some very exciting news! I am officially running the Chicago Marathon this fall. I got into the lottery and just could not pass up the opportunity to run this race. Chicago is such a great city and one of the most popular marathons, so I am really looking forward to it. So once again I will be spending the hot summer months in Florida marathon training.

The Chicago Marathon is on October 13th and two weeks later on October 27th is the Marine Corps Marathon. Registration for the MCM opens next Wednesday and I am of course going to register. This fall will be another opportunity for me to push myself to the limit. The MCM is my favorite race and is so inspiring. I just can't imagine not running it. This might pose a problem when Ryan and I finally decide to start a family. I will have to strategically plan my pregnancy so I will still be able to run that race. OR....we could just adopt a 3 year old, which is the plan I am currently pushing for! 

The Pope and I .....

The Pope and I actually had something in common this past week. We both had our last day at work. I was sad to leave my friends at the Hard Rock, but am more than excited for this new opportunity.

I accepted the position of Event Logistics Manager at Jaymie Scotto and Associates. Check out the website below.

http://www.jaymiescotto.com 

There are a number of wonderful things about this job....

• Everyone works virtually from home
• I will have the opportunity travel to events
• AND....I will now have more flexibility to train 

I have pretty much taken the entire month of February off. I did a few short runs, but was so busy at work I could barely function. This new job could not have come at a better time. 

New month, new job, new bathroom (our master bathroom renovation starts today).....I am a happy camper! Today I am starting the month off with a South Beach run followed by a trip to H&M. I really enjoy   being nice and sweaty while trying on clothes, well... not really but I have not been to the South Beach H&M yet, so being the calculated planner that I am, it just makes sense to go while I am already down there. 

New training focus...speed work, hills and strength.

I am pretty pumped up about this fresh start! 

Spectator Sunday

I have been secretly toying with the idea of running the A1A Marathon, which was this morning. I was one click away from registering on Wednesday night. I am SO glad that I didn't. Although I have been feeling really rested and yearning for a race... I definitely made the right decision not to run.

Since I had a really low key weekend I got up early and went to watch the some of the race as a spectator this morning. For some reason I thought it would be fun to get some Starbucks, bundle up and cheer on the runners. It was in the 40's this morning and with the sea breeze it was down right freezing.

I found a spot in the sun and watched for about 30 minutes. I wanted to see the 1st place marathoner go by which I did on the walk back to my car. What a great feeling it must be to have a police escort to the finish line. I guess I better start my blood doping regimen soon if I ever want to have a police escort. I will keep you all updated on my progress. There are 3 years until the summer Olympic trials right?

Although I was a little jealous of the runners I opted to run on the treadmill this morning and spend the afternoon bundled up on the couch...with a big glass of Cabernet! Who needs hot chocolate?