this and that.

Photo

Thu, 16 May 2013 13:05:45 -0400

On Recent Events in Boston.

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:33:05 -0400

I was watching the race live online. Then I stepped out of my office for an hour to grab lunch.

My friend Kerri ran Boston for her third year in a row, and I spent part of my morning tracking her status online until I left the office. When I got back to my office and got news of what happened, I immediately thought of Kerri. I checked her status and saw that she had crossed the finish, and then checked her Facebook page. She hadn’t updated, but a friend had posted on her account. She didn’t have her phone with her, but she was safe. I was relieved. Later, as she posted a status update (as did her boyfriend), I learned that had she run a mere 10 minutes slower, she likely would’ve been crossing the finish around that time.

When I learned she was okay, my thoughts then turned to all of my other friends in Boston, all of whom are fortunately safe.

Then, my thoughts turned to the rest of the runners at yesterday’s marathon, particularly when I saw a video of the finish line as the bombs went off.

I began thinking about how those runners felt to be approaching the finish line of the Boston Marathon. Of all the races, <em>this</em> is the race.

I thought back to how I felt when I approached the finish line of the marathon I did in Las Vegas. Throughout the second half of that marathon, I was physically and mentally struggling to finish. So many times, I wanted it to be over. My hips and knees screamed at me. My mind told me I couldn’t finish. But with each mile marker that I passed, came new hope and a strong realization that I would finish. So when I crossed the 26-mile marker, I was ecstatic. I was emotionally drained from the race and hitting walls. I was in a fog. I was relieved and excited and in awe of myself. And as I crossed the finish line, those feelings all disappeared. The cheering crowd took over, my feet shuffled over the finish line and all that was left was the realization that I had just run 26.2 miles. I finished a marathon.

So thinking back on all of this, I just imagined all of those feelings coupled with the confusion, disorientation, and panic that any runner (or spectator) felt yesterday. I imagined how it would feel to be approaching that finish line, with all the positive feelings of knowing you were about to finish, but the feeling of being so exhausted that you simply just wanted—no, <em>needed</em>—to finish, only to hear explosions going off around you, screams piercing the air, and the steps of spectators running away from the finish line, which just moments before represented the months of training, the miles logged, the anxiety leading up to the race, the fatigue and mental breakdowns, and the reward for getting through all of it.

And that’s just it. I can’t think about it or clearly imagine it, because all I can do is associate the completion of a race to something positive, especially when it comes to races like Boston.

It’s unreal. And though I’ve tried to put my feelings and thoughts into words, I can’t. Once again, there are no words. I don’t know what to think or what to say. And I hate that the Boston Marathon will forever be marred by what happened, and that yesterday, which should’ve been a day to celebrate achievements and money raised for charities and PRs, will instead be a day of tragedy.

I can't help that I'm so interesting.

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 10:50:00 -0400

The ABC’s of Me.

Addictions: My dog. Adam playing guitar. Peanut butter.

Bed size: Had a full all my life (excluding when I lived in a dorm), but bought a queen bed when I moved in November.

Chore you hate: Putting away my clothes after doing the laundry. I fold them out of the dryer but sometimes don’t put them away for weeks.

Dogs or cats: I like them both, but I love dogs. Especially Maeby.

Essential start of your day: Coffee. Imperative.

Favorite color: I’m a big fan of dark purple.

Gold or silver: Silver.

Height: My goal when I was younger was to be 5’6” but you can’t set goals revolving around your height, because you either are or you’re not. Sadly, I’m 5’4”.

Instruments you play (or have played): I played the flute from 4-8 grade. I was pretty good at it.

Jobs titles you’ve had: Babysitter. Cashier. Waitress. Intramural Referee. Assisted Living server. Assistant to the Senior Writer. Assistant Coach at a college. Assistant Coach at a high school. Business Analyst. Marketing Assistant.

Kids: Depends on the kids…I love my niece and nephew. They’re pretty great. One day I do hope to have my own.

Live: Connecticut. Massachusetts for five years.

Mom’s name: Sue. My brother and I call her Crazy Sue.

Nickname: There’s a million of them. I won’t even begin.

Overnight hospital stays: None.

Pet peeve: Anything involving people not being able to drive. When people leave the sponge in the sink.

Quote from a movie: One of my favorites is from Wedding Crashers. “We have no way of knowing what lays ahead for us in the future. All we can do it use the information at hand to make the best decision possible. It’s gonna be fine. Your whole life is gonna be fine.” Christopher Walken is so wise.

Right or left handed: Righty.

Siblings: Aaron.

Time you wake up: Usually between 6:30 and 7:30. I have a hard time sleeping in and Maeby usually wakes me up by then anyway.

Underwear: My favorite pairs came from this wonderful store in London called New Look. There was one like half a mile away from me and I’d go shopping there all the time.

Vegetables you dislike: I can’t think of any. I pretty much love everything.

What makes you run late: Forgetting something. I have to go back.

X-rays you’ve had done: Broke my thumb playing field hockey in high school, got hit below the eye with a field hockey ball in college, and got into a car accident in March 2011. I got x-rays for all of those.

Yummy food you make: Everything I make is good. But I am a big fan of taco salads, which involves this chicken chili I make. Adam can attest to this. It’s kind of sad because I eat one everyday and will never tire of them.

Zoo animal: Polar bears. Always. Also, this gazelle that Adam and I saw at the San Diego Zoo.

I might've just signed up for this.

Sat, 30 Mar 2013 21:35:03 -0400

First half marathon of the year.

This race will take place on June 2.

I’m kind of excited, actually.

Another Week Gone By, Another Week Closer to California.

Sat, 16 Feb 2013 21:01:00 -0500

Monday.

Left Maeby at my mom’s house so I could run some errands before and after work.

Off to the post office I went, to send out the brownies I made on Sunday, along with some other handmade things. Sometimes I get creative. This was one of those times.

After work, I stopped by my mom’s house and picked Maeby up. She was wiped out the rest of the night.

Tuesday.

Tuesday started off with an early-morning run before work, while watching the latest episode of How I Met Your Mother…

Then I caught the beginnings of a beautiful sunset on my way out of work…

Came home to find a package sitting in front of my bedroom door. The roommate had picked it up and put it there. I knew it was an early Valentine’s Day gift from Adam, and I was so unbelievably happy about what it was, because I have wanted this print for awhile now…

Then Maeby cuddled up to me…

And cuddled up to me even more because she is definitely the most cuddly dog ever…

And then my roommate took this ridiculous picture of us. My dog looks jacked, by the way. I swear she’s not that muscular at all. She’s also not a big dog…

Wednesday.

Worked.

Caught another beautiful sunset.

Went to Crossfit.

14 minutes AMRAP:

5 push press 135/95 (scaled)
10 goblet squats 53/35 (scaled)
15 kettlebell swings 53/35 (scaled)

=7 rounds plus 6 kettlebell swings

Then Skyped with Adam, because he got his gift in the mail.

Thursday.

Valentine’s Day.

Morning time with Maeby.

Adam sent me flowers. I feel terrible because they didn’t get to me and when he contacted the company, even though he ordered them to arrive at my work before 5:00 pm, they told him they wouldn’t be able to get to me on time and they’d bring them on Friday. I’m not upset, I just feel terrible, because I know he put was really excited about it. To be honest, I’m just thrilled by the fact that he thought to do it.

Oh well.

Came home and ate some leftover Indian food. Chicken saag? Yes please.

Then Skyped with Adam for awhile.

Friday.

Early morning walk with Maeby, caught the sun rising…

Got some good news regarding Adam’s birthday present. I won’t post about it since he sometimes reads here, but…great news. Great, great news.

Flowers from Adam! They made it. I got into work, and just as I was putting my lunch away, I noticed the delivery guy dropping off the flowers I was supposed to get yesterday, but didn’t. They were absolutely perfect and I couldn’t wait to get them home and put on my windowsill.

Work.Work.Work.

Maeby got one of her Christmas presents…finally.

Made chevre and fig preserve-stuffed chicken breasts.

I took Maeby for a walk and experienced something pretty scary. The good news is that I’m okay and Maeby is okay. And all is well.

Saturday.

Morning errands. A couple inches of snow fell overnight and everything looked beautiful.

Visit with my grandma. She’s 96 years old, by the way.

Treadmill workout while watching ”Tiny Furniture“…ran a total of 4 miles, walked a couple, and did abs.

And now just hanging out with the roommate and enjoying the weekend.

California in less than a week!

Reese's Brownies.

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 17:20:00 -0500

I made these for someone special for Valentine’s Day. Speaking of which…hope yours is off to a great start. I know mine has been perfect so far.

I don’t think I can call this a recipe.

Maybe I can? Nah, I don’t think so.

It’s the easiest thing in the world, and it never fails to impress people and their taste buds.

Lucky for me, I didn’t have any vegetable oil on hand so I used canned pumpkin in its place, meaning these brownies are not only delicious, but they are incredibly healthy and so that justifies me taste-testing four brownies. I still recommend using the oil because if you’re gonna make Reese’s brownies, go big or go home.

Reese’s Brownies

Ingredients:
- Box of brownie mix and the things it requires to make them (eggs, oil, water)
- A bag of Reese’s peanut butter cups

Directions:
1. Follow preparation instructions on back of brownie mix box (preheat oven, mix together ingredients).

2. Chop up Reese’s peanut butter cups (or if you’re lazy like me, break them apart with your hands).

3. While chopping the Reese’s peanut butter cups, eat a few.

4. Add chopped Reese’s to brownie mix.

5. Stir in chopped Reese’s. Batter will be very thick.

7. Pour into brownie pan. Bake for suggested amount of time, but be prepared to leave the brownies in longer because they’re very dense.

8. Realize there is no step 6.

9. Check with toothpick to make sure the brownies are done.

10. When they are finished, remove them from the oven and allow to cool before cutting.

11. Eat some of them. Preferably with chocolate, peanut butter, or moose tracks (!!!) ice cream.

12. Maybe share.

Sunday Things.

Sun, 10 Feb 2013 17:20:00 -0500

Best way to spend Sunday morning?

Arrested Development and an early morning run…

Driving over to my mom’s house, throwing Maeby in the backyard and shoveling for a few hours…

Taking Maeby for a walk on sidewalks lined with three feet of snow on each side…

And baking brownies for someone special.

Easiest recipe (if you can call it a recipe) in the world to come later this week.

An Update on the Blizzard.

Sat, 09 Feb 2013 20:35:00 -0500

It's Snowing Outside.

Sat, 09 Feb 2013 16:35:00 -0500

As much as I hoped I wouldn’t have to drive into work on Friday, I did, but only for a few hours. I headed into work for 9 a.m., at which point, it had just begun snowing.

Three hours later, at 12:30 p.m., we closed, and I headed to my mom’s house to pick up Maeby.

The roads were bad, but I survived.

I let Maeby out to run around…

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUu10WT-JQ0]

Then let her back inside, and her and Mickey begged for food.

Then drove back to my apartment…

I did some cooking and fed and walked Maeby before it got bad out. We came back inside and she kept an eye on the storm…

…and then grabbed a toy and grabbed a seat under the table, as I drank a Reese’s Martini (based off of the deliciousness I experienced at the Sugar Factory in Vegas when I was there for the half marathon in December), and watched New Girl.

The rest of the evening was filled with more martinis, Skyping with Adam, oven fried chicken, and more New Girl.

This morning, Maeby woke me up bright and early to go outside. When we got to the back door though…

So then we tried the front door. Maeby didn’t want to go out, so I walked through the 2+ feet of snow to clear a path for her.

When she finally went out, she was less than thrilled.

And…

It’s still snowing. And still windy.

So…

It’s looking like I will be stuck here for awhile.

Wednesday.

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 21:00:00 -0500

Wednesday was good. Except that I got my first ticket while driving. Let’s not talk about that though and instead focus on the rest of the evening.

Didn’t feel like doing much once I got home (especially since I went to a group exercise class at work before starting the day) but since it was in the 30s outside, I felt compelled to go for a run.

Needless to say, it was a good run. 6 miles, not too shabby.

Saw this on my way back in the house…

Then I picked Maeby up from daycare. She’s been super whiny lately, especially in the middle of the night. That’s my fault though, since us running sporadically together is not the same as playing with other dogs for 8 straight hours. And literally 30 seconds into our car ride home, that was evident.

And even more evident once we got home.

Then I got a ticket while driving to trivia…but anyway.

Trivia. The first round was about James Bond. I didn’t know any of them, good thing we had manly men with us who know those things. Sangria. Then some vanilla ice cream, which was delicious by the way.

———

And just like that it’s Thursday.

This ridiculous storm is coming tomorrow, or something. Says the Weather Channel. I opened up weather.com and saw this lovely little map:

But then I can’t be completely upset about it. Because the storm name? Winter Storm Nemo? It just makes me think of this guy.

And then I ain’t even mad.

It was a good week.

Sun, 03 Feb 2013 18:04:00 -0500

This week was good.

Sunday.

3-mile run in the morning with Maeby.
Photographing an event at work.
An afternoon at my mom’s with the dogs.

Skype.Skype.Skype.

Monday.

3-mile run with Maeby.
Work.Work.Work.
Leftover coconut fried chicken for dinner.

Maeby time.

Skype. Again.

Tuesday.

Work.Work.Work.
Crossfit. 20 mins to work up to 5 RM Deadlift - 190#
Row with a partner, 500m, 400m, 300m, 200m, 100m. Each completing the distance before the next person can do it. For time.
Dinner with Rob and Zach. Braised short rib. Yes please.

Skype.Skype.

Wednesday.

Nice drive into work. Fog and snow is a beautiful combination.

Work.
Lunchtime workout. I love my job and I love that we have an amazing fitness center on-site where I can work out whenever I want.

Work.Work.
More Maeby time.
Skype. Obviously.

Thursday.

Walked out of work to see this.

Friday.

In the morning…

CXWorx class with my boss and a quick two-mile run during our lunch break.

Came home and snacked on one of my favorites.

Skyped with Adam. And he showed me this line from something he’s writing up. I love it.

“They both smile, life is good, if only for the moment.”

Saturday.

Woke up.
Laid around.
Started watching Downton Abbey.
Skyped with Adam for hours.
Played fetch with Maeby. Then she was wiped out.

And then it was Sunday. Today.

Worked an event this morning and loved the easy and beautiful commute in.

Took Maeby for a ride.

And then we made it official.

Only a few more weeks and I will be out there.

Saw this on Reddit and had to post it here.

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 18:02:00 -0500

It's been two days...

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 18:10:00 -0500

…since I did that awful WOD on Sunday.

And I still can’t walk normally. My arms/shoulders/abs are fine. My quads are destroyed. Damn medicine ball cleans.

People at work are making fun of me because I can’t get out of my chair or walk normally.

Help.

Sunday Sunday Sunday

Sun, 20 Jan 2013 16:54:00 -0500

This morning, after convincing myself I had flu-like symptoms (when in reality I am likely suffering adverse effects of the construction and painting that’s been going on in my office the past few weeks), I told myself to suck it up and go to crossfit.

So I did.

For time:

- 100 medicine ball cleans (20/14)
- 100 pull-ups
- 100 sit-ups
- 100 push-ups

=30:31

Medicine ball cleans took me about 8 minutes. That was hard…definitely harder than I expected.

Pull-ups took me probably—no joke—12-13 minutes. Had to scale these with bands.

Sit-ups took me probably—no joke—2-3 minutes. I was (not surprisingly) the last one to finish the pull-ups but I knew once I got to the sit-ups, I’d beat almost everyone, including the people who’d gotten a 5-minute jump start on me. And..I did.

With basic math, it is then obvious that the push-ups took me 6-8 minutes.

Crossfit was followed by breakfast at my friend’s house.

WHAT UP (unpictured) FRENCH TOAST CASSEROLE? That was said in my best Barney Stinson voice. Anyway, I couldn’t stop eating it. Oh well.

Followed by a visit with my mom and a trip to the dog park.

And those panoramic pictures (thanks iPhone 5) may not do it justice, but it was packed and Maeby was pleased.

Followed by a Skype session with Adam while I made myself dinner (turkey burgers, bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and bacon balsamic Brussels sprouts), which was great because I was able to trick him into thinking I could cook.

I love weekends.

Friday Things Part 4

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 14:59:00 -0500

- I hop on a flight to California in 35 days, 8 hours, and 40 minutes. I don’t have a running countdown on my computer or anything. My brother lives in Pasadena and I will be visiting for a few days. I’m trying to convince him to run the Firecracker 5k/10k with me in Chinatown in L.A. I read there’s a beer garden after and he said he is interested in that…but not in the race. There’s still time to convince him! I have never run a 10k, so that’s the plan. We shall see. After a few days in Pasadena, I am hopping on a train down to San Diego to see Adam, who I haven’t seen since high school. There’s a lot to say here, but I will keep it brief. I really can’t wait to see him.

- 2013 is off to a great start. I’m really happy so far.

- I had my first “long run” of 2013. 7.5 miles and I felt great. Muscle memory is an amazing thing.

- CrossFit is also going well. I PR’d on my deadlift 1 rep max, at 240. Then a couple days ago, we did 1 rep max thrusters and I ran out of time but managed to hit 100, which I was really happy with. To be honest, I haven’t been going nearly as often as I’d like or as I was. I can’t seem to find the motivation to go more than 3 times a week, which is bad, because I’m paying so much money to go and when I’m there, I really do love it. It’s just getting myself out the door, and I think a lot of it has to do with the cold and winter…but I’m going to have to get over that at some point because again, it’s a waste of money if I’m not going more than a couple times a week.

- Maeby is great, as always.

- It’s Friday. And I woke up with a very specific version of “Friday” stuck in my head. So I revisited the video. Then I made my roommate watch it with me.

First WOD of 2013

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 14:59:00 -0500

“Victoria” (named after the hero, Victoria Soto, who saved her students’ lives in Newtown)

5 rounds for time:

- 10 thrusters (95/65)

- 14 box jumps (24”/20”)

- 12 sumo deadlift high pulls

- 12 burpees

- 27 kettlebell swings (53/35)

…scaled to 55# thrusters and SDHP, and 26# kb swings

35:14.

So exhausted. Not sure how I’m still awake. And so “hell week” at the box I go to has begun.

2012.

Mon, 31 Dec 2012 12:54:00 -0500

Looking back on my photo-a-day blog, I realized that there were so many little moments I forgot about. So, here are some bits and pieces from this year. I brought in 2012 with Oscar. I tried Bikram Yoga. I said goodbye to Pete’s cat, Hobbes. She was amazing. I bought an iPad. I ate Chipotle for the first time. I interviewed for jobs in New York City, and locked down an apartment and roommates. I went to Key West. I left my first job out of college. I left my college coaching job. I decided not to move to NYC. I was truly unemployed for the first time ever. I got into a new relationship. I PR’d in a half marathon. I saw the biggest spider ever on my windshield. I PR’d in another half marathon and got sub-2:00 for the first time. I celebrated the life of my brother-in-law. I officially started Crossfit. I learned that just because someone seems like an adult, it doesn’t necessarily mean that person is or knows how to handle uncomfortable situations like one. I said goodbye to my best friend, Oscar. I said goodbye to my half sister, Karen, who passed away after dealing with complications from Lyme Disease for half of her life. I escaped to New York City, and then Boston, and was able to feel like myself again for the first time in months, thanks to good times with good friends. I got a new job that was everything I wanted. I said, “See you later,” to my brother, who moved across country to California. I convinced one of my best friends that Taylor Swift’s real name is Maya Marcus. I picked up Maeby from the rescue that pulled her for me. I was summoned for jury duty. I ran another half marathon, and for the first time ever, didn’t care that I didn’t PR. I took Maeby on my friend’s boat, and took her swimming for the first time. I started coaching again, only this time, it was at the high school level. I carved a pumpkin for the first time. Stop judging me. I signed a lease and moved into a new apartment, after living at home for a little over a year. I celebrated my 24th birthday. I ran a race on Thanksgiving for the sixth consecutive year, and got a PR. I ran another half marathon in Las Vegas, my fourth this year, and had a lot of fun. I went to California for the first time. I celebrated Hanukkah at my grandma’s house, had family over for a holiday dinner at my apartment the following weekend, and then celebrated Christmas at my mom’s. I am closing out 2012 with my half sister, my niece and my nephew. This past year was a year of change. A year of growth. It was a big one for me. Here’s to hoping that 2013 is… I hope someone out there got the reference.

From me to you.

Tue, 25 Dec 2012 12:54:00 -0500

There are no words.

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 12:05:00 -0500

I don’t write on here as often as I should, and I haven’t written about Sandy Hook because the words wouldn’t come.

As a resident of Connecticut, the past week has been difficult, as it has undoubtedly been for the rest of the nation. On Friday, as I went to submit a press release to a local news site, I learned of the tragedy and immediately became consumed by it. I checked every major news site and refreshed these pages non-stop, learning more of what was happening in Newtown with each passing minute. I left work early and headed to my mom’s house to watch live coverage of the news. I woke up Saturday morning with a knot in my stomach. I couldn’t comprehend how the news from the day before had happened.

I’ll admit I’m fortunate, in that I don’t live in Newtown and I didn’t know anyone who passed away, but everyone around me is affected, with some having friends who lost their kids and some trying to understand the events after growing up in Newtown. I’ve been somewhat disconnected from the tragedy, being that I don’t have television at home. But I still hear about it on the radio on my drive into work (all the local stations are still talking about it) and still see the updates on websites, because I want to know. I want to know why someone would do something like this and why they would seek out kindergarteners, let alone commit any sort of act like this.

Today, on my drive into work, as I listened to a local station talk about the latest news and the latest ways that we can help, I broke down. I stopped and waited in the parking lot for a few minutes before going into work.

Tomorrow at work, since we are a community-based non-profit, we are joining the rest of the country in a Moment of Silence, and we are lighting candles and saying a prayer for them as well. In an effort to help those in attendance, I was given the task of putting together a list of resources, including where one can get help if they are having trouble coping, and how one can reach out to help those in Newtown. In my efforts to put together a comprehensive list of ways to help, I began finding more and more scholarships set up in memory of victims, and a list of organizations to which I could donate in memory of a victim. With most, there was a link to the website for these memorial funds, and on each of those sites, a photo. Or several photos.

The photos.

The stories. I re-read stories of how one teacher who passed away was found cradling a student that had passed away, or how another teacher lost her life in an effort to save her students, or how a child lost his life trying to lead his peers to safety.

I broke down at work.

I don’t know how to end this, but I needed to get the words out.

But there are no words.

Rock 'n Roll Las Vegas: Round Two

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 06:45:00 -0500

I signed up for the Rock ‘n Roll Las Vegas Marathon back when registration first opened. It was the same price for the full and the half, since I ran the marathon last year and Competitor really messed up with last year’s race. I really wanted to do the full, but when it came down to it, with working a full-time job, coaching on the side, a number of busy weekends full of family commitments and games I had to coach, and time spent with Maeby, I didn’t have time to train and I didn’t make time for it. It wasn’t a priority for me.

That being said, I had already signed up and the flights and hotel were booked, so on Friday, off I went to Vegas. Up until the morning of the race, I debated whether I’d do the full or the half. Ultimately, I realized how incredibly dumb it would be for me to run the full without training. To be honest, I thought I’d be able to do it, but I knew I would be in a lot of pain, didn’t want to get injured and was genuinely concerned I’d have a heart attack…and since I didn’t feel like the Las Vegas Strip would be an ideal place to collapse/experience any of the above, I chose to do the half.

I got to the start area around 4:00 p.m. The half was supposed to begin by 4:30, and after waiting in line to use the bathroom, I got to a corral just in time for the first wave of runners to start. I ended up in corral 15; since I had chosen to do the half, I just had to hop into any corral since my seeding had initially been set up for the full marathon.

Overall, the race was great. We don’t need to talk about how difficult it was running against the wind more often than experiencing a tailwind. That was tough, and obviously made maintaining any sort of normal pace that much more difficult. Instead, I think it is worth mentioning that there was more than enough water (and no stations had run out of water and been abandoned like last year, when I experienced this at mile 20), there was way more course support than last year (both with volunteers and spectators), and it really was a lot of fun. A very special shout out goes to the police officer around mile 7.35, who was blowing his whistle and cheering everyone on. I felt good pretty much the entire time, even though my splits were slower and slower as the race went on. But honestly? I don’t really care. I ran faster than I did in Providence back in August and I managed to run the whole thing. The human body never ceases to amaze me.

The finish line was full of water, Snickers Marathon Bars, tons of apples, chocolate milk, Gatorade, bagels, and pretzels. Oh, and there were also mini smoothies from Jamba Juice.

My only complaints?

I didn’t see medical staff until around mile 7. Around mile 4, I started to experience serious chub rub since I had chosen to skip the capris and wear awful women’s shorts that I tend to avoid for that very reason. But I figured that’d be worth it since it was around 70 degrees and I didn’t want to overheat with capris, which knowing me, I would have. So that was frustrating. Maybe I missed the medical staff earlier on, but there needs to be an actual tent or some sort of sign. I actually almost completely missed the staff around mile 7, because there was no tent and it was dark so I couldn’t really see their shirts. Again, it’s possible that I completely missed the medical staff earlier in the race, but the signage needs to be better or something if that’s the case.

And then there is this complaint, and this one is big.

There was no family gathering area at the finish. With a race of tens of thousands of runners, this is an absolute must, and I wasn’t the only one who thought so. I had planned to meet my mom at a specific letter, but there was no area to meet after. So she went back to the hotel and I borrowed people’s cell phones to try to get in touch with her. And a lot of people I talked to were going through the same thing and were just as frustrated. It took over an hour for me to finally meet up with my mom. So there was that. Again, with a race of this size in a city this size, I cannot understand why Competitor chose not to do this, especially since they have done it at every other one of their races I’ve done (including Providence, which had only a few thousand people).

One of these days, I feel Competitor will get it right. I honestly feel like they were so close this time, with the tremendous improvements compared to last year’s fiasco. But the finish line and its lack of a meetup area was really frustrating.

My night concluded with a really delicious (and huge) slice of pizza and a cinnamon sugar pretzel from New York New York. I’m happy I ran the race, and very pleased with how good I felt. As for my next race? I’m considering Rock ‘n Roll Pasadena in February, but we’ll see. It would be good incentive to keep running through winter though, that’s for sure. And based on the afternoon I spent out there on Monday visiting my brother, it seems like it would offer a beautiful course.