RVA Runner

Ladies and gentlemen, I finally did it. I ran my very first half marathon! And let me tell you, it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done both mentally, physically, and spiritually. Forget childbirth, algebra tests, or assembling IKEA furniture without instructions. This? This was next-level torture wrapped in a shiny medal at the end.

Let’s start at the beginning because, for the first few miles, I was unstoppable. The weather was perfect – cool, crisp, and cloudless – and I was in the zone. The crowd at the Richmond Marathon was unbeatable. We had signs, we had bands, we had every carb you could imagine! For people to come out this early on a Saturday just to cheer us insane runners on brought tears to my eyes. Add to that, my playlist was fire, my legs felt fresh, and I thought, Wow, maybe I’m actually good at this running thing! Spoiler alert: I was not.

Around Mile 5, we entered Bryan Park. Oh, what a lovely park, I thought, naïvely. Little did I know, Bryan Park is basically a series of hills stacked on top of more hills, with a side order of hills. I swear, I heard one of the other runners mutter, “Who put a rollercoaster in here?” My pace slowed, my calves started burning, and I began having existential thoughts like, Why do humans even run? The only thing got me through those excruciating in-between miles was seeing my amazing husband, adorable kiddos, and a really good friend show up with signs and much-needed encouragement. Seriously – people who support runners are the real MVPs.

By Mile 8, the wheels fully came off the bus. I hit the wall. Not a literal wall, but the metaphorical one where your legs turn to Jell-O, your brain tells you to quit, and your soul tries to ghost you. My knee felt like someone had swapped it for a bag of rocks, and I was officially deep in the pain cave. I looked around hoping to find a secret escape tunnel, but nope – it was just me, the pavement, and my increasingly bad decisions.

At Mile 10, things got… messy. My stomach was a horrifying cocktail of water, sports drinks, and those heinous little gel packs they call “nutrition.” GU? More like ew (hehe) I started doing run-walk intervals because walking made me nauseous, but running made me even more nauseous. At one point, I had a serious conversation with myself: If I throw up in front of these strangers, will they cheer me on anyway? I couldn’t even smile anymore. I wanted to give up so badly. The idea of doing one more mile, let alone 3.1 more miles made me want to cry. I actually do think I cried – there were definitely strong emotions. A coach ran side-by-side with me for the last few minutes. She could see I needed it. At that point, it wasn’t even my body rebelling as much as it was my stomach. I was just praying I wouldn’t puke.

But then, somehow, someway, I saw the finish line. It felt like a mirage at first, but no, it was real. I mustered every ounce of energy left in my battered body, crossed that glorious line, and collapsed into the nearest patch of grass. I didn’t throw up immediately – because I’m classy like that. No, I waited a full 30 minutes before my stomach filed its official protest. By that point, though, it didn’t matter. I was a half marathoner.

I was shaking, crying, cold, shivering, and feeling all of the emotions as my husband and kids greeted me with hugs, flowers, and congratulations. I had done it. I had run a half marathon and I felt like I was on top of the world.

Was it hard? Oh my GOD yes. Was it worth it? The early runs, the late runs, the miserable runs, the rainy runs? All that training? A RESOUNDING ABSOLUTELY. I’m so proud of myself for sticking it out – hills, GU, puke, and all. I proved to myself that I can do hard, very hard things. That I can set my mind to something and once I am determined, there is nothing that can stand in my way. Though my race time was shit, I honestly don’t even care because how many people can go from couch to half marathon in less than four months? THIS GIRL, RIGHT HERE.

And because I am a glutton for punishment, I’ve already signed up for a spring marathon. Training starts in December and once my knees go back to their original pre-race position, I can get excited about running again.

So here’s to 13.1 miles of sweat, tears, and a little puke. Onward to 26.2 – because apparently, I’ve lost my mind entirely. Cheers to every runner out there who knows the struggle. We’re all insane, and I love it.

The big day is almost here. I’m talking four days away, people! The half marathon is practically knocking on my door, holding a medal in one hand and a questionable energy gel in the other.

This past Sunday, I did my last long run with the Half Marathon Training Team. It was 6 miles of pure, easy-breezy running, with the kind of weather that makes you feel like the universe actually likes you. Birds were chirping, there was a slight breeze, and my legs were feeling fresher than they have any right to after months of training. It’s like they knew they were about to go on their final pre-race vacation and decided to cooperate.

The Mood? Oh, It’s Real

Right now, I’m somewhere between “I’m ready to crush this race” and “Did I really sign up to willingly run 13.1 miles?!” But hey, I’m feeling good. The confidence is there, the mileage is logged, and my training team’s group chats have gone from “Is it normal that my feet make squishy sounds?” to “See you at the finish line, medal in hand!”

Countdown Checklist:

• Hydration? Currently drinking water like it’s the elixir of life.
• Carb-loading? Debating if “carb-loading” means a responsible amount of pasta or an entire loaf of garlic bread. (Hint: It’s the garlic bread.)
• Race gear? Triple-checked. Am I the person who tests their outfit and bib attachment like it’s a NASA mission? Yes, yes I am.
• Mental preparation? Constant internal pep talks alternating with “Oh, this is going to be so fun!” and “Why didn’t I pick a hobby like knitting?”

What’s Next?

Now, it’s just a few easy runs and pretending to “rest” while my legs vibrate with nervous energy. I honestly can’t believe I’m here. I’ve been training for four months and now it’s only four days away. At this point, any additional training I do will only hurt me. There’s nothing left to do but show up, put one foot in front of the other, and pretend the race day photographers don’t catch me mid-grimace. Oh, and there’s the promise of that beautiful medal, which is really what it’s all about, right?

Wish me luck, friends. 🏃‍♂️💨

Current mood

Oh…and I may or may not have signed up for the half marathon in March and am also thinking of doing the full marathon next year.

Who. The. Actual. F. Am. I?

So, little did I know but keeping up with a running blog is tough when you’re actually out there running (and doing life things) 24/7. Throw in Halloween, a broken wrist (not mine – my husband’s), and an impressive candy stash that I swear has some sort of gravitational pull… and here we are! Here’s a quick rundown of why I’ve been MIA:

1. Training, Training, and More Training: Somehow, I blinked, and now I’m only 10 days away from my half marathon. I’ve been piling on the miles and recently ran 12 for the first time. I survived the distance, and my legs are still attached, so I’ll call that a win.
2. The Great Halloween Candy Massacre: Training makes you hungry. Halloween makes you… snacky. I may have eaten all the fun-size Snickers and Reese’s because apparently, there’s no better way to refuel than with pure sugar and nostalgia. Trick-or-treaters? I did them a favor by taking all the “good” candy off their hands.
3. The Time Change Struggle: As if running wasn’t hard enough, daylight savings time decided to swoop in right after Halloween candy-induced sugar highs. Now I’m running in complete darkness and freezing temps, wondering why I thought this was a good idea.
4. Joined the Winter Running Team: Yep, I signed up to train through the winter because I’m just that committed (or maybe stubborn?). I’ll be running through icy sidewalks, frigid mornings, and all the festive treats that come with the season. Bring on the frostbite – and maybe some holiday cookies for good measure.
5. Marathon 2024—What Could Go Wrong?: That’s right – next year, I’m going for a full marathon. If I can handle 12 miles (and survive on Halloween candy), then 26.2 is just the logical next step, right? (That’s what I’ll keep telling myself.)

Anyway, as much as I’d love to keep you updated on every mile marker, my hands have mostly been occupied unwrapping peanut butter cups and refueling after training. Ten days until race day – SHIT. JUST. GOT. REAL.

Today, I ran 10 miles as part of my half marathon training team, and I’m not exaggerating when I say – it was probably my best run ever. I don’t know what magic clicked today – maybe I was inspired by watching the Chicago Marathon, maybe it was the crisp fall weather, or perhaps it was the fact that I finally cracked the code on how to fuel properly. Yes, folks, it only took me months of running, but I think I’ve got it down. I started the morning with a half of a blueberry bagel with peanut butter and downed 4 glasses of water + 8oz of electrolytes. That got me started. The weather was definitely on my side this morning too. Cool but not cold, and thankfully, no humidity! I kept reminding myself to stick to the fueling plan: a gel every 45 minutes, water and electrolytes at each SAG stop, and oh, did I mention there were five SAG stations? Yes, FIVE glorious snack-filled stops. I approached each one like a runner with no shame, grabbing gels, cups of water, and electrolyte drinks like I was stocking up for winter. By the end, my pockets were so stuffed with pretzels I’m surprised I wasn’t clinking with every step. HUGE shoutout to the SAG volunteers – especially the ones who dressed up in celebration of our longest run so far! You all are the real MVPs.

Around mile six, I had the best mid-run surprise: I met a cat. A friendly neighborhood cat just chilling on the sidewalk like, “Oh hey, you look like you could use some encouragement.” Obviously, I had to stop for a quick pet and maybe a conversation about how we both should’ve stayed in bed that morning. Honestly, it might have been the highlight of my run. I considered adopting him and skipping the rest of the miles, but then I remembered my training team might notice if I showed up next week with a cat instead of an 11-mile run under my belt. I also have three other cats who would also be none-too-please. So I settled for a picture instead.

The route itself was a scenic dream, taking me through the Museum District and Jackson Ward where I was treated to a full Halloween extravaganza. The decorations were out in force – skeletons lounging on porches, giant spiders crawling up houses, and witches flying from trees. It was like running through a spooky theme park! SO COOL. Some of these folks are quite talented.

The fueling strategy really worked! By mile eight, I still felt strong (and dare I say, like a real runner?!). No walls, no cramps, and my brain wasn’t playing its usual “why are we doing this?” playlist. I think having the SAG stations as mini checkpoints helped too – every time I stopped for a water break, I felt like I’d just unlocked a power-up. By the last SAG stop, I had so many snacks that I probably could’ve opened my own aid station.

The last two miles flew by, and for the first time ever, I didn’t feel like death in the final stretch. I even felt like I could keep going – which was a weird and wonderful feeling. But I stuck to the plan, finished the 10 miles, and felt proud and excited for what’s next.

Next week, it’s 11 miles – bring it on! I know not every run will feel this great (because, trust me, I’ve had my fair share of tough ones), but I’m holding on to the joy and pride from today. The journey continues, and I can’t wait to see how I’ll feel when I cross that finish line in November.

Let’s go! 💪 #10MilesDown #HalfMarathonTraining #ProudRunner

So apparently, I’m at the point in life where I run races to celebrate key events. Yes, you read that right. My 12th wedding anniversary weekend with my husband, Jason, involved waking up at 7am, putting on running shoes, and running a 5K together. What happened to romantic brunches and leisurely strolls, you ask? Apparently, we’re into sweating it out on the trails now!

The Cary Greenways Tour 5k was… well, let’s just say it was “nature’s obstacle course.” Picture narrow paths with tree branches and rocky terrain that had me dodging like I was playing a real-life game of Mario Kart. Not to mention the hills – oh, the hills. And because the universe likes to keep things spicy, it was humid, of course. I have officially accepted that humidity will be my life-long running partner as I have yet to run any race without sweat absolutely pouring down my body.

I didn’t get my best time, but hey, I adjusted my pace (because not falling on my face seemed more important than a personal record). Jason and I finished together, which was actually kind of a perfect way to celebrate: struggling through the course but crossing the finish line hand in hand – because that’s basically marriage, right?

After the race, we got our well-earned medals, pounded some water, and rewarded ourselves with all the good stuff North Carolina has to offer. We absolutely crushed a brunch at Press Coffee, Crepes, and Cocktails which is so appropriately named for all the delicious things it offers. If you are in the Durham area and looking for an amazing breakfast, I HIGHLY recommend this place. Post brunch both of us hit a wall and crashed for a guilt-free (aka childfree) 3-hour nap.

The rest of the weekend was spent walking around the lovely cities of Durham and Raleigh – shopping, eating, drinking, more shopping, more eating…you get the gist.

Back to the reality of the real world. Now, with only 40 days left until my half marathon, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little nervous. If a 5K on a tricky trail can wear me out, the thought of 13.1 miles in November is daunting. Time to kick my training into overdrive so I can cross that next finish line without needing life support. Admittedly my training has taken a bit of a back seat with the busy schedules that come with Fall. Events, soccer games, weekend festivals, etc. As the weather turns a bit cooler and the days get shorter, it’s also more and more challenging to get out there at 5am and 6am in the pitch dark to run any number of miles. BUT, if I am successfully going to run the Half Marathon, I need to give my training everything I’ve got. I don’t want to get to race day and regret not having put in the time on feet I needed to finish the race or have any doubts in my mind that I am prepared because I put in the work.

Anyway, anniversaries are starting to look a lot different these days, but honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way. A very happy anniversary to my best friend who has been by my side for over 15 years and has provided the most amazing support as I learn the ins and outs of becoming a runner. This support includes a lot of early mornings, driving me to races, waiting at the finish line, buying me lots of running gear, listening to me complain about how hungry I am, and always, always lending a supportive ear and advice when I begin to doubt myself

I couldn’t do it without you, love! <3

Something magical happened on my latest long run. No, I didn’t summon a broomstick or cast a spell (although that would have been very on-theme). I did, however, run my first 8 miles, and it felt… gasp… easy?! Like, what?

Let’s back up. As part of my half marathon training, I signed up for the Hocus Pocus 10k through I Run 4 Movement, which is a virtual race you can run anywhere. This means you get to run in your neighborhood, park, or, in my case, while questioning if I looked like a loon running around with a race bib without any context. Either way, I slapped on my spooky race bib and set out to run 6.2 miles with a “just two extra miles” mentality. You know, no big deal.

Somewhere around mile 2, something clicked. Instead of the usual thoughts like, “How much longer?” or “Why am I doing this?” I was having fun. My legs were moving, the weather was perfect, and I wasn’t dying of thirst or feeling like my lungs were staging a protest. I actually felt good. It was weird. I did try some new gels on this run and now I’m wondering if I’ve been depriving myself of all this “fueling” people keep going on about.

As I powered through the 10k portion of my run, I started thinking, Wait, is this what people mean when they say running is fun? I mean, no hallucinations or delusions, just the pure joy of moving forward, feeling strong, and actually enjoying it. Then, I realized: I was well past the 6.2 miles of the Hocus Pocus race, and I could totally keep going. So, I did. Because why stop at a 10k when you’re being powered by the Sanderson Sisters.

That’s when it hit me – maybe this whole half marathon thing is actually possible? If I can breeze through 8 miles, surely I can handle a couple more on race day, right? I mean, my body didn’t fall apart, my brain didn’t revolt, and I wasn’t praying for the sweet release of a finish line. I just…kept running.

Of course, once I hit mile 8, it was time to celebrate! Not only had I completed my longest run to date, but I also got to proudly display my pretty sick Hocus Pocus 10k medal, which made the whole experience even sweeter.

So here I am, feeling like I’ve unlocked some next-level running achievement. I can run 8 miles without feeling like a zombie, I’ve got a medal to prove it, and for the first time, the idea of a half marathon doesn’t sound impossible.

Maybe I am becoming a real runner after all? I’ll get back to you on that.

With just 7 weeks left until race day, things are getting real! This week is all about building strength and keeping those miles steady as I prepare for the big day. Here’s the plan:

• Monday: Strength training for the lower body, followed by a quick 1-mile run to shake out the legs
• Tuesday: A 3-mile internal run on track with the Midlothian Mafia crew for some pace work
• Wednesday: Upper body strength training + a 2-mile run for some cross-training balance
• Thursday: A solid 4-mile run to keep my endurance up
• Friday: Rest day! (Much needed!)
• Saturday: Running a 5K in Raleigh, North Carolina with my husband for our 12 year wedding anniversary (WHO AM I??)
• Sunday: A 5-mile taper long run to round out the week without overdoing it

Total for the week: 18 miles.

I’ll also be tightening up my nutrition this week and focusing on getting a balance of carbs, protein, fat, and greens at a majority of my meals. Candidly, I haven’t been great about fueling appropriately for my runs and I’m definitely feeling it. Learning the hard way that a run fueled by pizza and cake is maybe noooottt the best for results.

ANYWAY, overall I’m feeling strong, excited, and ready to tackle these final weeks!

If you’ve been around the running world for five minutes, you’ve probably heard someone obsessing about their pace. “What’s your pace?” “I PR’d my pace!” “Oh, you ran that pace?” I get it. Pace sounds important. But here’s the thing – it’s totally overrated. Yup, I said it. I’m officially starting the “Who Cares About Pace?” club, and we’ll meet weekly to not talk about how fast (or slow) we run.

Here’s the truth: pace doesn’t actually matter when your goal is to build endurance and stamina for long runs. It’s about being able to keep going, not how quickly you can sprint to the nearest water station. And yet, people are obsessed with pace. Why? Because it’s a number. And people love numbers! I, too, love numbers. It gives you something tangible to measure, to post on social media, to feel proud about – or, in my case, something to avoid looking at so I don’t dismiss my effort.

The reality is that focusing too much on pace can be a huge mistake, especially for newbie runners like me who are just trying to survive 13.1 miles without needing an ambulance at mile 9. If you’re constantly worrying about how fast you’re running, you end up pushing yourself too hard, too soon, and that’s how you end up on the couch with an injury instead of out there crushing your long runs.

Why Not Focusing on Pace is Actually Smarter

According to Runner’s World, the most important thing for endurance running is… drumroll please… endurance! And you don’t build that by trying to sprint your way through every workout. Instead, focusing on slow, steady runs allows you to build aerobic capacity, which is fancy talk for “you’ll actually be able to keep going for more than a mile without dying” .

Meanwhile, Women’s Running explains that too much emphasis on pace can mess with your form and make you prone to injuries . When you’re worried about your pace, you’re more likely to change the way you run – lengthen your stride, overexert yourself, and basically do all the things your body doesn’t want you to do. Not ideal if you’re hoping to keep all your joints in working order.

And let’s not forget Trail Runner Magazine’s wisdom that pace varies based on a million factors – terrain, weather, how much pizza you ate the night before – so it’s ridiculous to use it as the ultimate measure of success . One day you’re flying, the next you’re trudging through the world’s longest mile, and both are totally fine.

Why Endurance Is the Real MVP

If you’re training for a long race (like, say, a half marathon in November – hypothetically), the goal is to build stamina. You want to be able to go the distance and not collapse in a heap of misery at mile 8. The secret to that? Slow runs. Long, slow runs. These bad boys build up your body’s ability to keep going when you’re tired, which is way more important than shaving 15 seconds off your pace. Plus, running slow is just more fun. You can chat with your running buddies, enjoy the scenery, and not feel like your lungs are going to explode.

So, next time someone asks about your pace, feel free to smile and say, “Oh, I’m just focused on building endurance.” Trust me, it sounds impressive – and you’ll still be the one feeling strong at the end of your run while the pace-obsessed crowd is limping to the finish line.

“Forward is a pace”

Long live slow, steady miles!

There’s something oddly exciting about getting new running stuff – especially when it involves snacks and drinks. I recently treated myself to a stash of goodies, and I have to say, it’s the weirdest mix of lame and thrilling. I mean, who else gets excited about tiny packets of goo and powdered drinks? Oh, right… runners.

First up: my new Honey Stinger sample pack. These little packets of energy gel, chews, and bars are basically the adult version of candy for “serious athletes” (or at least, people like me who are trying very hard to be serious). They’re made with honey, which sounds so wholesome, right? Like something you’d give Winnie the Pooh after a long run. The idea is simple – squeeze one of these down mid-run, and boom! You’ve got instant energy to keep going. It’s a bit like mainlining sugar but with the justification of “this is for my performance.”

Then there’s LMNT electrolyte drinks. I’ve been hearing about these, so naturally, I had to try them out and see how they compare to Liquid IV, my go-to hydration buddy. LMNT promises to be packed with electrolytes (and salt – so much salt), but without the sugar, which means you’re left with this weird sense of being healthy and virtuous while drinking something that tastes like ocean water. Meanwhile, Liquid IV is like sipping on a tropical vacation – a much sweeter, more sugar-forward experience. So now, I get to decide: do I want to feel like I just licked a salt shaker or took a sip of a sugary island cocktail? Decisions, decisions.

I know it’s totally lame to get this excited over running fuel and hydration powder, but hey, when you’re out there running miles on end, these little things make all the difference. Plus, it’s a great excuse to experiment with “nutrition” while convincing myself that trying new flavors is a productive use of my time.

So, here’s to my new stash of running goodies—keeping me energized, hydrated, and ridiculously excited over things most people would never think twice about. Because nothing says “I’m a runner” like geeking out over sports gels and salty drinks!

Ah, the sweet sound of a 3:45 a.m. alarm. No, that’s not sarcasm – you get used to it eventually. Kind of. This morning was another episode of “Why do I do this to myself?” as I joined the Midlothian Mafia for a 5 a.m. track workout. Because what else says “I love running” like being half-awake, covered in mist, and facing the daunting expanse of a middle school track?

It was one of those mornings where the air wasn’t just misty; it was more like nature had turned on a very aggressive humidifier. Everything was sticky – my shirt, my hair, my soul. The track was surrounded by that mysterious morning fog that makes you feel like you’re about to star in some epic sports movie montage. Spoiler: no one is watching you crush 400-meter repeats in a Rocky-style moment of glory. But it’s nice to dream.

As we warmed up, a part of me was questioning every life decision I’d ever made. Why not choose a sport like chess? Or knitting? No one sweats through their shirt doing that at 5 a.m. But there I was, running circles around a track like it was the meaning of life. The Midlothian Mafia, a running group I am growing to like more and more with each run, looked equally enthused. By “enthused,” I mean we all grumbled incoherently at each other while trying to stretch without falling over.

Now, track workouts are supposedly great for improving speed and endurance. The idea is that repeatedly running laps on a track at varying speeds somehow convinces your body to become a more efficient running machine. Science, right? If you’re like me, though, it feels more like an experiment in how quickly you can transform from “Oh, I’m feeling pretty good!” to “Why does my entire existence hurt?”

We started with the classic: 400-meter intervals. It’s a nice way to break up the monotony of long runs. Plus, it’s amazing how the same distance can feel so much longer when you’re trying to run it faster than your usual pace. The first interval was… okay. By the second, I started to realize that I was sweating so much, it looked like I had fallen into the mist. By the third, I was pretty sure the track was mocking me. Overall, I crushed roughly 3ish miles with decent time.

But despite the torture, track workouts are a weird kind of fun. There’s something about the rhythm of running around in circles with a bunch of other half-crazy people that makes you feel like part of an exclusive club – like we’re in on some big secret. And the secret is that, yes, this does eventually make you a better runner, even if right now you feel like a sweaty mess.

As we wrapped up, with a final lap that felt more like a victory slog than a sprint, the mist was starting to lift. I’d survived another track workout, bonded with my fellow Midlothian Mafia members in shared suffering, and convinced myself (yet again) that running at ungodly hours of the morning is a great idea.

Track workouts, man. They hurt. They make you question your life choices. But when you’re done, and you’ve sweated out what feels like half your body weight, you’re left with that weird, smug satisfaction that comes from knowing you put in the work. So, here’s to more sweaty, misty mornings on the track, and to getting just a little bit faster – one grueling lap at a time.

Look at these distinguished group of runners!