First Mid-Distance Race in my Comeback, Finishers Medallion Sneak Peak

I received an incredible opportunity thanks to Meranda over at Fairytales and Fitness to run the Utah Valley Half Marathon and I was happy to take it, thanks friend!!

Truth be told, I didn't actually train for this Half Marathon, not like I should have.
I had been training for hiking the Grand Canyon and put most of my focus on that. (Which I did and will talk about soon!) But since I had been running a few shorter runs 3-5 miles 4 days a week and a couple of weeks ago I went out for a 12.5-mile run and it felt pretty good. I figured since I trained to hike 54 miles, I should be able to knock off a half marathon with less than adequate training. In theory, LOL

Due to a few circumstances on my hiking trip, my feet were very blistered, I had 4 blisters half the size of golf balls and 3 the size of quarters and zero skin left on the bottoms of my feet in addition to 3 other smaller blisters.
Thankfully, my dad is a medical genius with patching up blisters to the point you can hardly feel them, it took him over 30 minutes to patch mine up the night before. Then I just hoped for the best the next morning!

I met up with a few blogger friends before the start, it was fun to get to know them from virtual into reality! Leave it to me, to not take a single picture of us.. I am terrible at this I know!

I had two goals for this race: Have fun and not walk LOL (Yeah I wasn't aiming too high!). So I settled into my "I can run nearly forever at this pace, " and went for it. I possibly had my worst ever Half Marathon time, but I didn't train so I was happy with any fun finish! I did complete the goal of having a great time and not walking. But then again my "I can run forever pace" is pretty slow and called that for a reason, because well yeah I can nearly run forever at that pace LOL.

This race I never had run before, I traveled up north for it, stayed with my parents about an hour away and drove down for the race last Saturday morning!  Beautiful course, very easy rolling hills, nearly as flat as a Utah race can get really. I have to say, I'd do it again possibly in the future, but I think I'd like to run the full marathon and run the entire canyon next time!

On a side note, a funny fact: this is actually only the second different half marathon I've ever run. Sure I've run the Canyonlands Half Marathon in Utah many times, but none other halfs. I'd been a marathon gal for so many years I only had 26.2 on my mind. So yeah, the half marathon race on different courses is all new to me!

Second side note, at this race, they gave us the cutest and best race jacket I've seen in a race yet, I love mine!!!

LAKE TIME

My trip up north to run the race ended up with me catching a summer cold. I stayed a few days longer just to heal up a little before the long drive back home.
I've kinda laid around not doing much, by Saturday I was bored and I needed to get out even if I didn't have the energy to do much of anything.

I did stop at the library on my way out to the lake and thankfully they had the book I wanted to read checked in! Very relaxing way to spend the tail end of a summer cold!

Additionally, since it was 110 degree's outside Saturday, I took a like a little higher up so it was a bit cooler, only 105 LOL. (In case your wondering, temps like this make a lake bathwater warm. But it's still a good place to cool off!)

If you think 110 is hot, Sunday it was 112 and this week we are supposed to hit 115 nearly every day, possibly even warmer than that. (Heat wave coming) Oddly, I love the heat and my body loves the heat so don't think for a second that means this week I'll be indoors under the air conditioner. In fact, if you follow me on Instagram, you'll be in for some visual eye candy, I've got some great hikes planned. Better yet, some are ones I've never been on.
So I am staying fully hydrated and ready for a week of outdoor summertime hotter than hades fun, LOL

ADDITIONALLY

The Virtual Race that I am putting on for my Thesis Project this summer for college is up and running and accepting entries. You can check it out: Runseatoshiningsea.com

I'm doing my best to keep the prices as low and reasonable as possible and still offer higher quality items as far as the shirt and finishers medallion go.

Above, I've finished the first DRAFT of the finishers medallion, it will look similar to this, though you will have to use your imagination as it will be in Metallic and only a Blue Accent highlight. Feel free to tell me what you think! I worked hard on it because I know the medal is the only reason for someone to enter a virtual race.
However, I can take criticism, so if you think it is horrible let me know.
FYI, it will be a normal size medal, 3.5 inches wide and 3 inches tall. With a satin ribbon (design still in creation.)

I'll be reaching out to some of you soon who expressed interest in helping me spread the word about this race. There is an Influencer factor in this thesis project, one of the main experiments is I can only advertise this recreational event through influencers.

I cannot pay, as I have no funds, but I can comp entries for some or allow influencers to earn free entries by getting at least 5 people to sign up under discount codes I will give them to share the message with. If you haven't already told me and you might be interested let me know and I'll be sure to reach out to you soon! (I'm just waiting until I have the medal design and t-shirt designs finished.)

LAST

Grand Canyon was amazing, but the story has been hard for me to write to do it justice, which is my way of saying I'm still working on it LOL.
I'm almost done with it, and I can't wait to share with you the experience and story behind it all.
My goal is to get it up before an entire month passes, LOL I'm terrible right now. Busy working on my thesis project!


Okay, so what do you think of the finishers medallion I am creating? 

Is it hot where you are? Do you love the heat too, or do you sit under the cool air all summer?

Marathons Worth Traveling For; Freedom's Run Marathon

I love life, adventure and being active. I love to see the beautiful places this world has for us. Which is why Tuesday's are Travel Tuesdays on my blog. Each week I showcase a different fun adventure to take, incredible place to see or do. You can view all my previous travel posts HERE.

This year I am doing a series to showcase Marathons in America worth traveling for. Today is the 3rd race in the series. If you'd like to check out the previous marathons worth traveling for, you can visit this page HERE.

While there are many different distances, for this series I am focusing specifically on the Marathon, 26.2. Because for myself that is the only distance I travel around to run and it's easier to write on what you know!

This week I'd like to take you on a marathon adventure that is not only scenic and stunning, but also historically amazing.

Freedom's Run Marathon in West Virginia

I really enjoyed this marathon, I can't say enough good things about it. It was the perfect combination of tough and enjoyable. Definitely a marathon for a runner who trains well and enjoys a great diverse and beautiful course.
This is one race that I hope to make it back to again one day, let me tell you a few reasons why I consider it a race worth traveling for:

It's a point to point course.  You'll start and end in West Virginia cross over into for part of it Maryland. It's also very well organized. I actually felt this race was put on by organizers who know exactly what runners want.

You'll feel like this marathon is their main event.  While they also do have a half marathon, 10K and 5K for those who prefer shorter distances. If you know me and my blog, you know I love races that host marathons and make the runners feel like the 26.2 is their main event.

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Freedom’s Run A marathon definitely worth traveling for; @freedomsrunorg @runwybridlplanr #runchat http://goo.gl/ewbTVZ

Each of their races run different courses, even if they may overlap a little, I actually didn't see any of the runners in the other distances myself so it did not overcrowd the trails at all. (Although I am sure they make each distance feel equally important.)

Small town race and hospitality feel. They only allow up to 1,000 runners to run the full marathon. So you get to enjoy less crowds and a more peaceful times while you are out on the trails and country roads. One of the best parts, your either running in National Parks, trails or country roads so for most the race you are away from traffic and crowds.

This race is full on American History, you can learn something new just about everywhere you go. You can visit more American history in the 26.2 miles of this marathon than most people do in a lifetime.

I highly recommend you learn a little about the area so when you go you can enjoy the different parts of history you pass through as well as take some time and visit and tour the National Parks either before or after the race.  It's well worth the time to do so!

It's run in the fall, the temps are perfect and cooler, the area is just stunning. You'll have breathtaking views of the Shenandoah River. As well as amazing views of the Potomac from the country roads and trails you'll be running along.

The entire race is run on National Park land - In fact 4 National Parks and 3 Civil War Towns to be exact. A few of which are; Harpers Ferry, C&O Canal, Antietam, Historic Sharpsburg and Shepardstown.

On a side note, if your lucky (I was) as I was running through Antietam near Bloody Lane allowing my mind to wander and think about the history. If you listen carefully you might even hear the gunshots. Yes, the Visitors Center up above does a few gunshot shows and you may get a chance to hear the shots ring out as you are passing along this historic section.

Definitely a race for hill lovers. In fact most all the major hills are in the second half of the race. You'll love it, because not only are you running through Antietam hills of history, but the scenery is just beautiful. However, if you allow your mind to recollect the historic battles that took place in this part of the country, you'll be able to direct your mind away from the hills remembering that many died.

You can take a ghost tour before or after the race. The ghosts of civil war pasts they say haunt the area. It's a fun way to add a little spook into your trip and try something new. Who knows you might actually see a ghost...

It was the only race I have found yet where you actually get to run down a spiral staircase as you run across next to the B&O railroad and cross the bridge that goes over where the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers merge together.

Last, it's about half a trail run and half road race. However, the trails (except when raining) nicely hard packed and very easy to run on.

Interested or want to learn more? You can learn more from their website HERE.

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Freedom’s Run A marathon definitely worth traveling for; @freedomsrunorg @runwybridlplanr #runchat http://goo.gl/ewbTVZ

Note: For my Marathons Worth Traveling For Series. All pictures are my own. None were taken during the actual race itself, they are usually taken in and around the area before or after race day. Also, I was not asked to promote any of these races.  The races chosen for this series this year are ones I enjoyed more over other marathons, and found the area's they are held in amazing places to visit.

Lots of Work and a Dietbet Game

I wasn't able to get back to running last week.  A few things led to another few things and lets just say in the "pain" area, I wasn't feeling going out running/walking was going to help much.  So I just kept off it.  Over the weekend, the pains started feeling quite a bit more normal again, so I am hoping that I'll be able to gradually get back into it all this week.


LOTS OF WORK, 
BUT WORTH IT!

I finished the Grow Your Blog Hop, and I have to say I really enjoyed hosting it.  We had a lot of great blogs participating.  I asked them to fill out an anonymous survey so I could get their true opinions and suggestions.  Some were brutally honest, which was good I wanted to hear the good and the bad reviews on it.
Overall, seems like most enjoyed it and those who participated fully ended up having the best results.
Many have asked me to do this again.
It was so much work I can't tell you how many nights I was up late keeping caught up, I figured I couldn't very well ask others to do it, if I wasn't:)
I am just so thankful, I had blogged ahead, and wrote all but my Monday posts over a month before it all started.  I don't think I would have had the time to write posts and maintain everything else.
So, will I do another again?
Yes, but I am in the process of looking over the last one, the suggestions and I am going to re-work a few idea's.  Before announcing when it will be.

For March, I'll be running the Spring Into Fitness Giveaway Hop, I am excited for it.  I haven't run a giveaway in several months.  If you'd like to join, you can visit the Giveaway Tab up on the top and look over the rules and see if its the right fit for you.


Join a Dietbet Game

Katie over at From Ice Cream to Marathon and I are hosting Katie & Kristy's Dietbet.  If you are looking to lose a few pounds, this a a great way to motivate yourself to lose weight, as well as the opportunity to earn a little cash on the side.  The Dietbet buy in is $20.  How it works is everyone who participates but their bet in.  Everyone who loses 4% of their body weight in 4 weeks, splits the pot at the end.
We hope that you'll consider joining us!  You can learn more and join us HERE.

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This is so guests in groups can stand
behind this backdrop and take fun
Photo's in the different frames.

I am getting into the crazy part of wedding and event season.  I have events pretty much every week which is exciting.  But also a lot of work.  I have a great crew who work for me, thankfully I can count on them even if I am babying an injury flare up right now.

Last weekend was actually a baby shower.  Different cultures celebrate this quite differently.  In fact in the Indian culture they celebrate their first born and decorate and have a ceremony that is pretty elaborate.  So much so at times, I'd say they even over shine most weddings.

I will be honest, usually when I do this my tables are more
fun cute props.  But the client brought in a bunch of signs
So I had to include them with mine into the bunch.

This last weekend one part of the event, was my photo frame prop area.  I am not sure if I have ever shown this to you all, so I thought I'd show a little preview of what it looks like before use.  Basically it's lots of frames and props so people visiting your event can have a lot of fun with picture taking, and then the event party can have a fun photo book of all their guests who attended.



I have two weddings on the same day later this week, I have my work cut out for me.  So here is to a great week for me, and all of you!!!



So tell me some of your plans this week?  

Race Day Rituals

Today I am linking up again with the DC Trifecta Friday Five.

Thanks to EatPrayRunDC, YouSignedUpForWhat? & MarontheRun for hosting this link-up. 

When I saw this topic, it made me smile.  But as I started thinking about it, I realized I don't really have many.  But decided I wanted to join in on the link up regardless.  So I admit ahead of time, my list is a little on the boring side.

1. I only wake up 2 hours before I have to be at a race start line (unless it's a big one that I have to take a bus or something.) I flip the T.V. on and it takes me a good 20 minutes to get the energy to climb out of bed.  I usually hit the snooze on the alarm a few times too.

2.  I visit the bathroom often:)  You gotta get that morning bowl movement before you get to the starting line, ha ha (distance runners will know exactly what I mean with this one:)

3.  I eat a bagel with cream cheese.  I will have a bottle of water that I sip on gradually as I get ready. About half the time I may also eat a banana.  I am really picky about what I eat before the race, I am a pretty simple girl, you won't find me throwing down pancakes or putting anything too heavy into my stomach ever.  If in the rare instance I can't get a bagel and cream cheese, I will substitute a muffin.  But nothing else!

4. I always Vaseline up the piggies, really good:)  I rarely if ever get blisters because of this.  I also put a bunch anywhere I am prone to getting hot spots/chaffing.  This is probably the most important thing for me!

5. Last thing I do is get dressed.  I always lay everything out the night before, I don't leave anything to "thought" the morning of a race, otherwise I'd probably forget something:)
Oh, I have a pair of "race underwear"  ha ha yes, I just admitted that.  It started about 30 marathons ago, and I ran in them once and said these are the best, and now it's become a thing and I only wear them when I run a marathon.  Eventually they will wear out, I have no idea what I will do then, I don't even want to think about it, LOL


Yup, that's it I am super boring, but that is exactly what I do each race day morning!
I don't have any weird superstitions or crazy stretch routines.  I don't meditate (I just have my dreams of running my best race, the night before:)
I am weird, I don't think the morning of the race is for anything new, or different.  I think all mental, physical prep is done prior so I just relax, sleep in as long as I can and don't let the butterflies hit my stomach until about 10 minutes or so before the gun is going to go off:)