Charleston Marathon and Half Marathon

Last weekend my husband and I ran the Charleston Marathon and Half Marathon in South Carolina.  It was my fifth Half Marathon and his first Marathon.  It was also the first race we didn't run the same distance and also the first race I didn't have any of my other training friends with me.  Because it was a smaller race we were able to run over the start line together.  Right there I knew it was going to be a good race.  The weather was perfect, sunny and in the 40's to start.  I usually run and talk with friends the first few miles of the race while we all get warmed up and set a pace, before we go our separate ways.  Since I was running alone I immediately looked at my watch to set the pace at mile 2.  I felt good and the sights around me were beautiful. I simply got lost enjoying the views and staying upbeat by the enthusiastic spectators.  In my mind I took the race two miles at a time and before I knew it I was at mile 11.  The last two miles took us through  a cute residential neighborhood, waterfront park and then into the high school to finish. There were times the wind got to me but in the end it was a blessing not to overheat. I didn't PR but I did finish within a minute of my last race so just being consistent made me happy.  Once I finished I had to wait for my husband to finish full marathon.  He came in about 1 hour  and 45 minutes later.  Fortunately his pace is faster then mine and is good at estimating his time.  He was within 5 minutes of the time he thought he would finish I was proud he accomplished his first marathon but to finish at his goal time was exceptional.  What a great way to start off the year.  - P

Happy New Year - 2013

I hope this new year finds everyone healthy and happy with goals to accomplish this year. The past week or two I, like most other people, was in Holiday mode. Some work, some play, some relaxing, some food. Here are just some of the more photogenic highlights from the past few days. They include some outdoor snowy running, and visits the Columbus Art Museum. -A

Thankful for Leftovers

It is the season for giving thanks. After a weekend full of things I am thankful for like friends, family, relaxing, productivity, and the annual turkey trot it was time to do something different with the left overs still in my refrigerator. Making up stuff like this is part of a family tradition called making-too-much-food or Pilgrim Surprise. In this case it is leftover squash with ravioli, kale and pesto and stuffing crust pizza. Now I just have to finish off the pumpkin pie!

Towpath Marathon

The Towpath Marathon was held in Peninsula, Ohio a couple of weeks ago.   The weather was a concern as they predicted 40 F and a possible chance of rain.  We were pleasantly surprised that it didn’t end up raining and the cool weather kept us from overheating.  Our previous race routes have all been in major cities, which proved to be interesting as well as entertaining having crowds of people cheering us on.  We weren't sure how we would feel racing on a trail without all of the people and city life.  It turned out to be one of our favorite races.  The route was flat, not overcrowded and the race was well organized.  The volunteers were great at the fuel stations.  I never felt like I was tripping over people to get water.  There were also pockets of people cheering on the runners at various points on the trail.   Aside from feeling well prepared for the race all these factors added up to PR times for the four of us.   We went away from this race smiling and positive thoughts about doing it again.   - P

Colors of Fall

The best thing about Fall is its leaves. The worst thing about Fall is it leaves. I have taken the time to take some pictures of the colorful displays from nature this year while I've been out and about. The peak leaf changing season seems extended this year. No matter a bright blue sky background or a dismal gray, the oranges and yellows and reds seem to pop. -A

Yellow Leaves

Fall is really here.  It's now October and so many of the leaves aren't green any longer.  I really love the beautiful yellow leaves of this tree.  It is almost perfectly shaped (aside from the dead branch hanging off the side) but I try to enjoy the bright color of the leaves while they last.  The tree is just as lovely when it's green all summer, but it truly is stunning in its current state.  - P

  

Akron Marathon

The Akron Marathon celebrated 10 years this past weekend.  It was also the first race I attended but was not a participant.  My husband had a last minute call to enter as a relay participant.  We knew several other people racing so I didn't hesitate to get up at 4:30 am and to enjoy it as a spectator. A's sister was also running her first full marathon.  The weather was perfect running weather, so great to watch and cheer on as well as run 5 miles around the University of Akron Campus.  It was my first time there so running and walking was a perfect way to find my way around.  Both my husband as well as A's sister did well in their events which topped the morning off.  It was a lot of fun to cheer other people on and see the other side of things.  It was also very motivating and I can't wait to run my next race! - P