Fueled by Pixie Dust

It's been a minute since there's been any talk of my journey as a runner (it's still so weird to consider myself a runner, I'm not sure I'll ever feel comfortable with the term). But, the last race I ran was November of 2014! 

Eight months ago I decided it was due time to pull up my boot straps and get to work really pounding the pavement. 

I'd been longing for a finish line, as well as some motivation to push me past my typical three to four mile runs to which I'd become complacent. The Disneyland Pixie Dust Challenge sounded like a swell idea. A 10k (6.2 miles) on Saturday morning, followed by a half marathon (13.1 miles) the Sunday after. Before I knew what I was doing, I was all signed up.

When it was time to train I stuck to my running schedule like it was my only ticket to heaven. I didn't miss a single run. Most of the time I was pushing one, if not both kids, in the jogging strollers. Thankfully due to friends and family, my long runs were spent solo. I cannot fathom pushing a double jogger for anything over four miles. 

Race weekend came and my nerves, per the usual, we shot to hell. I will never understand why I get this way. It's not like I'm going to win the damn race, and it's not like I'm planning to break any records. But, alas, my stomach was still a ball of knots. 

Saturday - 10k

My alarm went off at precisely 4:25am. I was out the door by 4:40, and in the F Corral (the. very. last. corral) by 5:10. Thanks to the lack of races I've run in the last three years I had no official race times to get me in a better corral. Whomp whomp. Lesson learned. 

The start gun went off at exactly 5:30, and it wasn't until 6:00am that Corral F finally made its way over the start line. 

I took my pace nice and easy, yet still spent what felt like most of the time ducking and dodging around walkers. 

Instead of running for time I spent the 6.2 miles looking for the course photogs. If you can't PR you might as well get some good pictures out of those miles!

I tried to keep a few mental notes while running the 10k:

1) I could not believe just how many people were actually participating. Though it was kind of annoying trying to get around people just to have space to move, it was pretty awe-inspiring to see so many showed up to log 6.2 miles before breakfast. 

2) Never, ever, in any race I've ever run have I experienced more mindful runners, particularly at water stations. Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE threw their water cups in the trash cans. Usually water stations are littered with empty cups.

3) People were stopping to take pictures with characters. There were LONG lines of people waiting to get pics with Peter Pan, Tinkerbell, Hook, and several of the Lost Boys. It blew my mind, and I just kept on running.

4) The costumes! Of course there were guys dressed as Pan - tights and all -, about six million fairy wings that were reminiscent of Tinkerbell, Lost Boys at every turn, so many Mr. Smee's, a Rufio or two, and even a handful of people in full crocodile suits. But, the one costume that took the cake (or should I say churro)? A SPARKLY CHURRO COSTUME. It was worn a lot like those giant banana costumes, and it. was. amazing. I hope that chick, whoever she is, won some sort of costume award. 

Finally, after a pace which I'm almost too embarrassed to even mention - 1:05:07 (9:57/mile pace [I don't even run that slow when I'm pushing BOTH kids!]) - I crossed the finish line and completed the first portion of the Pixie Dust Challenge. 

Sunday - Half Marathon

More of the same Sunday morning. 4:30am alarm, out the door by 4:40. In Corral F by 5:20. I was completely blown away by the number of people participating in the half. This was, by far, the largest half marathon I've ever participated in. It was a sea of people for as far as the eye could see.

I should mention, that not a race has gone by where I haven't been completely overwhelmed with emotion as I'm waiting for the start. There is something about the sun rising over so many people all joined together with a common goal. Those moments alone also leave me with a lot of time to reflect on how grateful I am for my family for supporting me, my friends who've helped care for my kids when I just couldn't push a jogger one more mile, as well as my body for allowing me to run.

Again, a 5:30 gun start, but Corral F didn't get to the start line until 6:05. After the 10k I knew I should run for the experience, the atmosphere, and not the time. But, I just couldn't help myself. For a solid 6 miles I spent ducking, dodging, and just trying to break out of the heard and find some space to open up my stride.

 I noted more of the same from the morning before. People were so courteous with their water cups, and the lines to take photos with characters was insane.

I just kept an eye out for those race photogs.

I also apparently only have one race face/pose: arms up, jazz hands, mouth wide open... But really, what else is a runner supposed to do? I made one pathetic attempt at jumping up in the air, but quickly nixed that idea and decided to just leave my legs to running.

After the first frustrating six miles, miles 7, 8, 9, and 10 were pretty smooth sailing. It was the dreaded last 5k that played mind games, as is the norm with me and the half marathon distance. But, the mind won over the legs, and like a beacon of light, the finish line appeared just when I didn't think I could go another tenth of a mile.

I spotted Scott, Marcus and Julia at the finish and the tears immediately welled up in my eyes. Seeing my favorite people in the world, at one of my favorite places in the world, doing one of my favorite things in the world, at the end made the finish oh-so sweet. 

Crossing a finish line never, ever gets old, no matter how many times it's been done. 

And while this is certainly not my best time - 2:04:09 (9:08/mile pace, I was REALLY hoping for a sub-2 time) - there wasn't a single regret in completing the Pixie Dust Challenge. 

This week I've spent allowing my body to rest a bit. I think it's deserving of a few days off and a few easy recovery runs. And then it's back to work. I like the idea of another half or two before the year is over. I wouldn't mind running this particular race again next year, but in a better corral assignment. But, really? Truly? I'm seriously toying with the idea of a full marathon, I think I need to go ahead and get that out of my system already...

Until I decide which race is next I'll be over here admiring the Pixie Dust Hardware.

The Long Distance Edition

Phew. This week was something, let me tell you. Marcus is dealing with a major growth spurt where he eats like a 15-year old and sleeps like an infant. And, Julia nailed down a cold and has slightly regressed in the sleep department. Survival has come in the form of coffee by day and hard apple cider by night.

That's not to say the last couple of weeks haven't lacked in awesome. Because, there's been a lot of good to celebrate. Let's get to it.

Best Friends For Life

(as 7th grade Desirée would have written it: BFF4L)

My life long best friend came for a brief visit. We haven't seen each other in about two years, and the reunion was much needed for us.

We snuck away for a little girls evening of good food, stellar views, and even better conversation.

We were able to pick up like time and distance don't separate you. I hope it isn't two more years before we have another get together.

The Disney Pixie Dust Challenge

In keeping with things that are long distance... I finally did it. I pulled the trigger and signed up for a half marathon! Actually, the challenge is a 10k on Saturday followed up with the half marathon on Sunday. I mean, why not?! I've wanted to run a Disney race for some time now and I decided it was now or never. 

These were last year's medals. Just looking at them has me all sorts of pumped!

And, I'm going to need to hunt this down once the races are complete. I'm totally the running nerd who has this kind of magnet on her right bumper. 

The race isn't until May, but this is just the push and motivation I need to run farther than three miles at a time. Plus, I think I might just have to sneak in another half before the Pixie Dust. 

Mug Love

I know this is supposed to be linked up on Monday, but I got the ok to sneak in my reveal a little early (thanks, Stephanie!). 

I was partnered with Stefanie over at Lexie Lou, Lily, Liam and Dylan Too, who lives on the other side of the country (how's that for long distance!?). Just how perfect are these mugs?? Guys, I cannot tell you how excited I am for the return of Gilmore Girls on November 25. Seriously, I'm positively giddy. I fully intend to get cozy on the couch with these sweet mugs and get lost in the goodness that only happens in Stars Hallow. Who's going to join me so I can share my mug love?!

That's a wrap for this week!

Have a great weekend!

The Work Out Edition

This week has been kind of crazy, and the weekend has never looked more beautiful. We have a pretty great weekend lined up, and I'm ready to spend some quality time with my little family.

That said, the crazy has lately been my excuse to skip workouts and runs. I have no races lined up, and I can't find the drive to run more than two to three miles at a time. I NEED a finish line to motivate me to really get out there. I also NEED to stop making excuses and get off my butt. So, today's highlights are workout inspired. I'm also hoping this post will help keep me more accountable to get out and get moving.

1. SWORKIT!

Scott introduced this app to me some time ago, but this week was the first time I really used it. And, I absolutely love it. Bonus for it being FREE.

The structure of SWORKIT workouts are reminiscent of Insanity workouts, but I can select the workouts I want to do, as well as how long I want the workout to last. 

It's also so convenient to be able to just pull out my phone and pull up a workout quick. If you're in the market for an app that makes you sweat this one is totally it. Did I mention it was free?

*This isn't an ad or sponsorship, I just love the app and wanted to share it!

2. NEW SHOES!
Is there anything more satisfying than getting a new pair of running shoes? I seriously think not.

 They also help want to get out and add some miles to my day. I strayed away from my beloved Saucony Guides for a while, but I'm back in them, and I'm pretty sure they're here to stay.

3. RACES!

So, 13.1 miles PLUS beer? Yes.

And isn't that Craft Classic finisher's medal (the beer glass on the left side of the graphic) just the sweetest medal you ever did see? That's about enough to push me to hit the "Register now" button right this very minute.

I've been begging Scott for years to run a half with me. He's agreed to run with me IF I do a triathlon with him.

I'd love give the Spring Sprint Tri a shot... If I didn't have to bike. So, there's that.

4. THE KELTY!

Julia is finally big enough to fit in the Kelty! I foresee some family hikes in the near future.

5. THAT'S A WRAP!

Have a fabulous weekend!

Easy No Bake Energy Bites

The hunt has been on for awhile to find a quick and easy snack to grab when the dreaded pregnancy hunger - or regular old hunger - strikes.

I stumbled upon these little nuggets and my life has been forever changed. These squash my sweet-tooth cravings, tide me over till the next meal (or snack, let's be real), are so much better than any pre-packaged snack, and are perfectly bite-sized.

May I also add that Marcus loves these. He devours them like they're going out of style. He also loves to help me make these. All we have to do is measure, pour, and stir. It's seriously THAT easy!

Easy No Bake Energy Bites
Yields approximately 28-30 bites

Here's what you'll need:
1 cup old fashioned oats
2/3 cup coconut flakes
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup ground flax seed
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/3 cup honey
1 Tbsp chia seeds
1 tsp vanilla extract

How they come together:
Pour all ingredients into a bowl and throughly combine.
Use a small ice cream scoop to create small, bite-size nuggets.
Place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
Refrigerate for one hour.

The only hard part about this (for me) was locating the flax seed and chia seeds. For those of you who are like me and haven't the slightest clue, check the baking goods aisle.

Enjoy!!

Source

The Hardest Half

Saturday morning I woke before the sun, slipped on the running gear I'd set out the night before, sipped a piping hot cup of coffee, and acknowledged the pre-race jitters that greet me every morning before a race. 

I arrived at the event an hour before start time. The ocean air was cool and crisp, and the sun was lazily coming up over the water. 

That sunrise, though.

Along with the gorgeous sky opening up before me everything else surrounding me was pretty picturesque as well. 

The seconds ticked away to minutes, and before I knew it I was lining up with the rest of the participants in the chute and the National Anthem was sung.

We were off, and right away at mile 1 the sky gave us the most incredible race-start "welcome" in the history of race starts.

Unbelievable. 

I knew the course was going to be challenging (I looked at the course elevation map a whopping hour before race start), running the coastal cliffs is never easy (thankfully I run/train hills almost every day)… But, with all the hills and elevation changes the first 7 miles seemed to slip by.

The route was beautiful. 

We ran through some pretty spectacular neighborhoods where homes towered on the cliffs and stood as sentinel to the ocean. 

Forgive the blur. Quality is kind of hard to achieve while trying to maintain pace.
I want to know what these people do. 

Seeing the ocean during the entire run was a pretty cush bonus.

Then miles 7.5 to 9.5 happened. The steady two-mile uphill battle was brutal. 

I wish the pictures did the hills, both up and down, justice. They don't. At all.

What goes up must come down was my mantra for the ENTIRE run. 

Somehow by mile 10 I felt good. Really, really good. And mile 10 is usually where the mind game begins for me. 

Mile 10 felt so good I was compelled to snap a picture of the mile marker. This is usually where I want to keel over and die.

It wasn't until mile 12 when a ridiculous hill reared its hideous head. The hill was so steep, and my body was so spent, that I did something I haven't done in five years. On two occasions I had to walk a few steps, give myself a mental pep talk, and resume running. I kept thinking, "This is such a cruel place to put such a difficult hill."

By the grace of God I didn't die, I made it up the hill, and the rest of the race was relatively down hill from that point. 

The last downhill portion - half mile from the finish line. 

A look at the course elevation changes:

The first arrow is the downhill I knew would eventually become the most horrible uphill (decline of 100+ feet in less than .25 miles).
The second blue arrow is miles 7.5-9.5. The longest two-mile hill, ever (incline of 300+ feet in 2 miles).
The red arrow is mile 12 (the reverse of the first blue arrow). The incline felt as if I were trying to run straight up a ladder. It was also the mile where I thought my legs would give out and I would fall over and die (incline of 100+ feet in less than .25 miles).

Crossing the finish line I knew I wasn't even close to a PR. But, I'd done it. THE hardest 13.1 miles I've ever run was complete (this half was, hands down, more difficult than the Kansas City Hospital Hill Half - I never thought I'd find a race more challenging). The best part of all, my two of my favorite people in the whole world, my two biggest supporters and cheerleaders were cheering me to the finish. 

The biggest thank you to Scott and Marcus for all the support and encouragement.

A few people have asked if I'll run the Lexus Lace Up Palos Verdes Half. My knee-jerk response was, "No way! It's too hard. I'm one and done with that one." But, the most time passes I kind of feel as if I need to get out and run it again, to prove to that 12-mile hill that I can beat it, that I can beat my time, that I can come in stronger and faster.

At first I was pretty disappointed with the 1:56 finish (my PR is 1:51:16)  but when I took a look at the numbers, and breakdown of other runners it hit me just how difficult the course really was. I'll take 98th overall, 21 in my gender division, and 6th in my age group. 

So the hunt begins to find the next half to push me along on this journey of pavement pounding…