BRF 2013

This year has been my busiest year for running yet! On track to meet my goal of completing my first full marathon next month!

Yesterday, I completed the half in the Baltimore Running Festival. The BRF (as it's known to locals) is a huge event with 30,000 participants. I have ran in 3 other BRF's and it's always the most challenging course packed with hills. I met my goal yesterday and PR  which was under 2 hours at 1:59!! I feel great today and am looking forward to the full!

 

I purchased the Garmin Forerunner 10 GPS watch and was excited to use it for the first time! I was shocked to find how dead accurate it was! Previously I had been using apps on my phone such as Map My Run, which I found to be off by a half mile at times.

Pre-race

 

 

Post Race! And yes, Jon (a former Ravens cheerleader and current trainer) wore that Reno 911 costume, complete with glasses, stash, and baton the entire 13.1 miles!
 

Priceless.
 

 

Run farther than your mascara

A few months back, I posted about signing up for what has been called the most popular race in the country, the Nike Women's Series. For the first time the race was held right in DC, instead of it's usual location San Fran! I jumped on the chance for this race and you may remember I blogged about it (New City Same Blue Box)

 

Well today was race day and I have to say I have never run in a more fun, high energy, positive race!

People were excited and the race was organized so well, from packet pick up to post-race. The route was great, along most of DC's popular sights and waterfront. Here are some pics from this weekend.

Wall of all the runner's names outside of Nike Store in Georgetown

Finisher's "medal" Tiffany & Co. Necklace

Finished!!

Had to buy these! Limited edition Nike Free shoes, with ribbon laces, race date, and DC on back.

Saying Sunday

True story. Don't make excuses, just make results.

 

After being sick with bronchitis all week, I went against my doctors better judgement and ran in in the DC Rock and Roll Half Marathon. Luckily for me and the other 30,000+ runners the rain held off and it turned out to be a great day for a run. Since I was sick I wasn't able to get any running in the week prior and definitely coughed a little throughout and did not have my best time (offical end time was 2:11), but all in all I did it and finished. My for 6 miles I had a good pace, but my body began to slow shortly after and for the remainder of the run. I'm glad I did it and got my first race completed for 2013 and it was nice to see some familar faces of officers I worked with along miles 6-7 and hearing their cheers!

 

I will be running my next in about 5 weeks :)

 

Early morning start! Constution Ave. filled with runners ready to go!

 

Saying Sunday

 

Don't use the excuse it's too cold to run outside in the winter.

 

Under Armour is by far the best apparel for running outside in the cold.

Below is a pic I took before I headed out for a run Friday night at dusk. It was a windy 37 degrees.

This gear will keep you warm without a bunch of bulky clothing. Most importantly you will dry quickly, keeping you from being wet and cold.

 

Here's how I stayed warm:

 

Under Armour ColdGear Catalyst Hoodie, $75 at Dick's Sporting Goods

The material is light, stays dry, and the hood is stretchy and stays put when running. I absolutely love the color of this hoodie!

 

Under Armour ColdGear Compression Mockneck Long Sleeve Shirt, $50 at Dick's Sporting Goods

Another great light weight shirt, tight fit, and a great base layer.

 

Under Armour Women's Blustery Headband, $18 at Under Armour

This headband is awesome and covers all of your ears. It's made of a soft fleece material and is snug enough that it doesn't slip out of place. I also liked that it kept my headphones in place.

 

Under Armour GoldGear Liner Gloves, $25 at Under Armour

These gloves kept my hands warm and were long enough to keep my wrists covered as well.

 

Since I was running at night, I wore a pair of my black running tight pants, which have a design made of reflectors on the calfs.

13.1

I have decided that I am ready to do my first half marathon...yikes! I signed up today and there's no backing out now :) I signed up for the Baltimore Running Festival and it is this October 15th.

When I was in the police academy I realized my love hate relationship with running. I LOVE the feeling I get when I'm done, I LOVE listening to my ipod, I LOVE the scenery and fresh air and I LOVE the results it's had on my body :) However, I HATE the way my knees ache and I HATE the regret feeling I have from a few drunk cigs. So since there are more LOVES then HATES, I guess I will continue running.

I did my first 5k in DC for the police memorial last year. It was great to run with co-workers and other officers from agencies from all over the country for such a great cause. I signed up again this year :)

After the ease of the 5k, I decided to sign up with 3 of my girls for the Baltimore Running Festival last fall for the Relay. As team FAB 4- we rocked it!

It seems only reasonable that the natural progression would be the half- double what I ran in the relay.

So wish me luck, I'm gonna need it!!