Galveston Marathon Recap.

Well I am finally getting around to writing this review. The past couple of days have been reserved for much needed R & R after a whirlwind adventure in Galveston! Thank you for your kind words and support and encouragement…all of the tweets, blog comments and Facebook notes. I appreciated them all.

Eric and I decided to road trip it out to Galveston on Saturday afternoon. We rented a car and left Dallas close to 1 pm. Traffic wasn’t too bad since it was the weekend…it’s a straight shot down 45 to Houston so time seemed to just fly by. We made it to Galveston in record time, close to 5:30 pm. As I expected, it was dark and cloudy when we got there. I took photos anyways because that’s what I do.

We went by the Fit to Run store to grab my race packet before they closed, then put our bags down at our hotel, the Beachcomber Inn. Basically it’s like the Super 8 of Galveston. All good, wasn’t complaining…can’t really beat $70 for a one night stay. The rooms were super nice and cozy.

Once we settled in I had to take pics of the race packet swag. I got a super cute Brooks technical shirt, backpack and even a hat…love when races give you lots of loot.

My dad and his girlfriend stayed at the Hotel Galvez & Spa down the street…aka the Ritz Carlton of the island. It’s pretty much amazing..the hotel has been there forever and it is beautiful. We were going to eat at the hotel but decided to go next door and have dinner at Miller’s Seawall Grill. I had grilled shrimp, mashed potatoes, green beans and 2 ginormous buttered rolls the size of my head. Carbo loading at its finest.

After dinner I set out my clothes and was out like a light by 10pm.

I woke up around 5 am to get ready and have breakfast. Of course, it was raining. I was prepared since I had been watching the forecast the past few days, but still a little disappointed. We set out and met up with my buddy Gerardo who came down from Houston to run the half marathon. We took some pre race photos and headed to the start.

I lined up and put my headphones on. I was feeling mentally there and ready to go. I had a windbreaker jacket since I had forgotten to get a poncho. By then the rain had slowed a bit but was still coming down and it was super windy. The race started right at 7:30. I started off maintaining about an 8:30 pace. I felt really good and it was nice to run on the Seawall right by the water. The course is super flat, almost no elevation at all which definitely helped with the wind. The wind was pushing against me almost a majority of the time. My favorite part of the course was the East Beach, which kind of sits away from the town. The beachfront property there was just beautiful.

The race circles back and starts over at the half marathon point. I finished the half around 1:54, pretty good considering the conditions. At the half point I caught up with the 3:50 pacer and stuck with her for a few miles. It was nice having someone to run with and talk to. She started the race at the half marathon point so she was running super strong. Around mile 18 or so, I had to let her go. The winds were picking up and it started raining a little harder. I just kept telling myself to KEEP GOING, no matter if I slowed down. I never felt like I really “hit a wall” which was rare, but the wind was so unbearable I physically didn’t feel like I could run faster. I kept going and circled back around into town. Around mile 25 I saw the 4 hour pacer pass me. My heart sunk in disappointment. I had stopped looking at my watch and figured oh well, at least I’m finishing this thing.

Then I looked ahead, and saw the finish line. The clock still had a 3 in it. I really didn’t think I was going to finish in under 4 hours but I made it. 3:56. Not a PR, but my goal was to knock out another sub 4 and I DID IT. I was ecstatic. I fought the entire way. Wind, rain. Overcame all of the obstacles.

Placed 3rd in my age group. Not bad.

After the race I took a couple of photos and went back to the hotel to shower and get in some warm clothes. The nice part is that the island is so small so basically anywhere you stay is close to the race site. After I got dressed we had brunch at the Hotel Galvez. Their brunch was amazing, fresh shrimp, crab, omelet and waffle bar…post marathon paradise.

definitely staying there next time.

We didn’t stay around long after brunch. We took some silly photos and got back on the road to catch the tail end of the Super Bowl.

So that was it in a nutshell. Overall it is a great course, super flat, great amenities and such a fun themed mardi gras race. This was their 2nd year putting on this race and it was very organized. I would definitely do it again. With great weather this would be an ideal course to set a PR. Plus, fresh seafood, beautiful places to stay in the area and running on the beach. Doesn’t get any better that that.

My new bestie and a virtual race.

Okay so those of you that know me…know that I have been needing a new phone for YEARS now. Me and my discontinued T-moblie Dash phone have been besties for quite some time now. Yes, it was like a Zack Morris style phone. I am embarrassed to show you what it looked like so we will just move on.

Finally, we went our separate ways last night. I said farewell and now I have a new BFF. Behold the Samsung Exhibit.

Yes, my first touch screen phone. So why didn’t anyone tell me that having nails and having a touch screen phone does not work. If you text message me expect to wait at least an hour for a response.

I feel so high tech. I even have Words with Friends now. I even have these things called applications! Wow! I have been missing out on life.

This morning was a rest morning for me in terms of running. Since I’ll be teaching Danceaton this evening I figured I can use that as my cross training for the week and take it easy. I am excited about my playlist tonite – I have a new warm up track, the new Afrojack song “Take Over Control” which is a very fast paced fun song so it should be a good time.

The Danceaton boss lady Gaby also makes us promo posters for Facebook which I think is pretty cool. Look at all of those hotties teaching tonite!

I also have been peeping the weather forecast for my marathon this weekend in Galveston.  Hey rain, make sure you keep your activity to a minimum. Thank you.

In other news…what are you doing February 11th? No plans? Well I plan on running in honor of Sherry Arnold, a woman who came up missing January 7th after she left her home in Montana to go for a run. For days volunteers searched for Sherry. Finally the FBI found the man that admitted to abducting Sherry one mile from her home and then killing her. This story has affected the running community in a huge way, and definitely serves as a wake up call for everyone about awareness and safety.

Sherry’s cousin, Beth, of Shut Up and Run is holding the virtual run which takes place on the 11th. Wherever you are, I encourage you to set out for a run, no matter how far you go, in honor of Sherry.

The virtual race will begin at 9 am. You can get more info on the race here.

Pizza date and a BIC bands review.

OK so before I go into any of the two above mentioned topics I must comment on how much I am loving the new Starbucks LOVE cup.

I vote for Starbucks to switch it up around every holiday. Like a cup for mardi gras…wouldn’t that be fancy?

Oh and speaking of mardi gras…how cool are the Galveston Mardi Gras Marathon race shirts? Bright neon green…such a hot color. Can’t wait to get mine in a few short days.

So last night E decided he wanted to surprise me and take me somewhere to eat for a little date nite, but he wouldn’t tell me where. I really had no idea where we were going since we pretty much go all of the same spots in the Irving area to eat. So we pulled up and I got excited because this was in fact one of the only new places we hadn’t been yet. It was a place called Pie Five, which is a fairly new pizza joint in Las Colinas. Carb loading on a Monday? Score!

The place was a custom, make your own personalized pizza. Of course I am boring and unoriginal so I ordered what I always get, a margherita pizza, with fresh tomatoes and basil.

Eric customized his own, and got sausage, canadian bacon, pepperoni, and chicken. Like a true man. I tried to take a photo of him but he wouldn’t look at the camera. Understandable because we were both hungry.

Overall the place was great, ingredients were super fresh, and I love that they give you your own little pizza. The only child mentality in me can appreciate that.

This morning I set out for a quick 4 mile run. This week I am working on keeping my runs short and easy since I’m tapering for Sunday’s marathon. I was so excited to get my BIC bands and Skinny Runner shirt in the mail. It’s like Christmas time all over again.

So this morning I had to put on the pink BIC band and give it a whirl. They are so sparkly and fun.

It was windy and humid outside, temps right at about 60 degrees. I thought for sure that my BIC band would have fallen off by the time I was done with my sweaty run but it definitely stayed on! That is something I worry about since most headbands I’ve tried before slide right out especially when I start running and sweating. But this one stuck like glue! I can’t wait to try the purple one out.

I have another headband on in the pic below, but I think the purple one will look great with my outfit for the marathon…what do you think?

Do you have a headband or favorite accessory that you like to wear during a run?

What is your favorite kind of pizza? Mine is margherita fo sho. 

Like a kid in a candy store.

TGIF! So happy this week is coming to a close. That means I’m just that much closer to this…

1 WEEK AWAY! I am like a giddy kid in a candy store. I can hardly contain my energy.

Last night was a good time as usual. I got to run with some super fun Luke’s Locker peeps. Afterwards we had some adult beverages then went over to the Village Burger Bar. I split one of their turkey burgers and awesome sweet potato fries with my homegirl Ann.

I am really enjoying the Thursday Night Social Runs. It is a nice break from the monotony of the work week and I get to see some of my favorite people while running! Does it get any better than that? No it does not.

just another fun Thursday nite with the crew

runners just wanna have FUN!

This weekend is the Luke’s Locker Beat Goes On Kickoff event. All of the runners from the different Luke’s stores in the DFW Metroplex will be linking up to run 5K and 10K races. Since I’m coaching the half marathon group, we will be running the 10K as part of our training. There will be post race breakfast and games afterwards and it’s always some crazy fun.

That is pretty much what is on tap for me this weekend! Well, that and a 9 mile taper run I will need to knock out tomorrow. Today…I rest. Legs up, compression sleeves on = happy Chels.

I know, I’m a wild woman right? 

What is on tap for you this weekend? 

Taper & Taco Soup.

Rain rain, go away. Well, actually I don’t mind you that much…you can stick around for a little bit. Just give me my sunshine back sometime soon…deal? Deal.

It’s been storming here…we have been getting much needed rain. Okay by me. Last night since I had gone for a run in the a.m., I went home and made some turkey taco soup for me and the boo. I love making this soup on cold rainy nights. It is so easy to make and very filling.

Add your crushed tortilla chips, cheese, & serve! It also is great for the next day…so I plan on having some this evening for dinner.

yay for leftovers!

This morning it was still storming. There’s no way I play in lightning, so I knew it would be a treadmill run day. I got ready to head to the apartment gym and knock out a 6 miler. I like the treadmills at my gym, they have the TVs on them so I watched music videos on MTV and went to town. Eric decided to join me and lift weights and run by my side. So romantic.

he didn't know I took this photo. action shots are the best.

finito!

Tonight I will be taking it easy – cutting back a little on doing a hundred things since I’m tapering. Yes, the dreaded taper. So this week and the next I will be focusing on my running and resting my legs in the evenings. I’ve got a 9 miler this wknd then it’s downhill from there. I may teach a dance class or two in the meantime but that’s it. Bodypump…we’ll reconvene after the marathon, I promise.

I’ll be road tripping it down to Galveston for the marathon (it’s about a 5 hour drive from Dallas) with the boyfriend and both my dad and uncle will be meeting us down there. So it should be fun, I will have all my boys with me.

How do you cope with tapering? Do you love it/hate it? DO you taper before the marathon? 

Manic Monday / Wknd Recap.

Just another manic Monday! Well, not really…it’s actually a pretty chill Monday. I am happy for that!

Ran 4 miles this morning – 8:17 pace – humid but nice & breezy. Tonite, spin class! Looking forward to that.

Breakfast was yummy! Blood Orange Chobani greek yogurt topped with chia seeds and honey.

This weekend was comprised of running, dancing, getting a massage from my favorite therapist (YES), and a little productivity with just a sprinkle of laziness!

Yeah pretty much a typical weekend.

Saturday morning I was up bright and early for an 18 mile training run. My plan was to run 12 solo and then the remaining 6 miles with my running group at 7 am. So…guess what time I was up and ready to go? Yup, you guessed it…4 am. Nice.

But, it got done! All 18.55 miles of fun!

18 miles...worth smiling about? Sure, I guess so.

After the run, I took a small chai tea latte break and booked it over to teach Danceaton at noon over at the 24 hour fitness in Irving. The class was energetic and lively. Typically they just look at me like I’m nuts but everyone was having a good time! We did a lot of dropping down low and crazy stuff…I don’t know how I did it but I had a little bit left in the tank and felt good. It could have had something to do with the carb loading dinner from the night before…

turkey meatballs, whole wheat pasta, feta cheese...YUM!!

 My recovery beverage definitely helped as well…

Saturday night, I was a vegetable. I stayed in and did some reading, watched the last little bit of the Olympic Trials. So emotional. I loved watching Shalene Flannagin, Desiree Davila and Kara Goucher crush it and make the Olympic Team! It really made me proud. These women worked so hard and are going to represent the U.S. in an awesome way.

Sunday Funday I went to Gaby’s Danceaton class at 24 Hr Fitness In Carrollton. After dance was church, then brunch with my mama at Houston’s Restaurant in Addison. They have this amazing ahi tuna salad that is to die for! This might quite possibly be my last meal on earth. Okay, maybe not, but it really does come close.

On Sunday I also tracked some of my pals that were running the Houston Marathon! I loved the live results page where I got to view them all at the same time. So cool.

It looked like everyone had a great race. I have this thing where when my friends are running in a marathon I get up extra early…like without my alarm clock all concerned, because they are the first thing on my mind. I can’t help it. It’s the running mother hen in me.

Sunday night I got some of my race medals together and finally hung up my medal rack in my apt! It looks great in my bedroom. I have a few more to add to this collection (5 more half marathon medals in my old bedroom at mom’s house) so they’ll be added to the rack soon. I know – it’s a little crooked, I’ll work on that later.

I also bought a purple tutu this weekend for the Galveston race! What do you think, purple tutu…tye dye shirt…winner?

Countdown til the Galveston Marathon – 20 days and counting! Thus the taper begins!

Have a great week! 

Runspiration.

Happy Hump Day! I hope you being all kinds of productive today. It’s my Thursday so I’m looking forward to the long 4 day weekend for sure! I will probably not be doing too much blogging as I’ll likely be eating, drinking, RUNNING, and being merry. Because really, isn’t that what Christmas is all about? I am looking forward to spending the Christmas holiday with some good friends, my sweet family, and my hottie of a boyfriend.

Hey Santa, I promise I've been good this year...for the most part.

I am also looking fwd to lots of fun runs this weekend with my running buddies. Starting with tonight…it’s Jingle Bell Run 5K night! I’ll be running and getting my jingle jangle on with the Luke’s Locker crew.

I'll more than likely be busting out the legwarmers again. It's a must.

Then, this weekend I’ll be doing a long marathon training run on Christmas Eve morning with my friend Lori & a few other buddies. (Oh yeah, who has another marathon coming up in less than 2 months? Yeah, that would be me.) Lori is an awesome marathon buddy of mine who is also a Luke’s Locker coach. She will be running the Houston marathon in January, and I’m doing the Galveston marathon in February. We’ll be running say 18 to 20 miles this weekend. It should be a good time! I’m looking fwd to the miles flying by while I catch up with her & some of our friends.

Me & Lori at the Rock N Roll New Orleans Marathon 2011

So since I haven’t done anything particularly Pinteresting lately, I figured I had better catch you up on what I’ve been pinning. I love Pinterest because not only does it give you amazing ideas about what to cook, how to decorate your home, or what fun silly crafts to start on, it also has really inspiring, motivating words to get you up and moving. And frankly, since it’s the holidays and all and since I don’t plan on eating clean and healthy all weekend (just keepin’ it real) I wanted to give you some words of RUNSPIRATION. Because I love me some sweets…but guess what…I also LOVE to MOVE and SWEAT, thus combating the naughty holiday eating! Can I get an amen?!

 

And on that note, I’ll leave you with a random photo of my Daystar work family from our Christmas potluck yesterday! Can you find me?

What are some words of RUNspiration that inspire you? 

Run Streak & Upcoming Races.

Ok. So I’ve decided to embark on the Runner’s World Holiday Run Streak from now until New Year’s Day. It started on Thanksgiving, so I’m starting late, but no time like the present, right?

Go Santa, GO!

This shouldn’t be too tough, right? Even if I just bang out a slow mile on the treadmill on my off day…

Game ON!

Besides, it only makes sense because I’ve got so many holiday races planned from now up until the beginning of January.

Check it:

*Jog’r Egg Nog’r 15K tomorrow morning – READY. Bring it!

*Jingle Bell 5K Run Dec 21st

(A long marathon training run w/ friend may be squeezed in here somewhere…stay tuned)

*The New Year’s Double…which consists of the following:

-New Year’s Eve Half Marathon

-New Year’s Day Half Marathon

So, lots of fun ahead!

Today, I got paid and went crazy made a couple of worthy purchases.

1. My hotel for the Galveston Marathon! It’s a small little place right on the beach and a block away from the start.

such a quaint little beachy hotel room!

2. An entry into the Dallas Rock N Roll Half Marathon in March! This will be my third year running this race. It will be a good time, since I’ll be running it with the Luke’s crew.

Me & my girl Laurie at R & R Dallas 2010

With the Luke's ladies at the Rock n Roll Dallas 2011

Off to get my nails done (and then run a mile, run streak starts TODAY!)

Have a good weekend, friends!