MM 70.3 Blooper Reel

As promised in yesterday's Musselman 70.3 recap, 

a few photos for your viewing pleasure.

Most of these are bloopers 

but I did throw in a few decent ones as well.

I don't really have any swim bloopers, at least ones that were documented on film. 

Onto the bike.

Trying to wave, not fall, and prepare for 56 miles.

And this was coming in after almost 56 miles...

with the last few riding on flat tire. Epic Fail.

& then there was the run.

At least my nephew looked cute.

As mentioned in the recap, I stopped and kissed him on the run.

That is my hand holding his on the right.

About 12 miles later...

I remembered to get rid of the sponges I was hoarding

Oh the finish chute...

at least I managed one good one.

Here's a good one of my sister and myself.

Note that I had ice cream in my hand within 5 minutes of finish.

Would have been less, but I spent that 5 minutes sitting in a kiddie pool full of cold water.

Worth the wait.

And of course, my #1 Fan :) Rocking his volunteer stuff :)

 Not only did I get a fabulous medal, 

but permanent tan lines

and a knot that took me as much time to get untangled

 as it did to navigate the 70.3 miles.

Some random blooper moments not caught on film:

Getting tangled in seaweed and spazzing for 10 seconds trying to get it off.

Slipping and almost falling hard getting out of the water.

 (again, thank you to the young man volunteer who caught me)

Getting caught eating PB&J on the bike, and trying to figure out how I was gonna get the sticky PB&J off my hands while riding.

Getting caught singing on the bike, multiple times (one dude started singing along though! Folks I was singing T.Swift, he held a tune better than I!)

in T2 I unscrewed my water bottle top to dump the remaining little bit on my head...unscrewed but forgot to remove the top...dumping water and the lid on my head. DOH!

Do you have any race bloopers?

What is you "tired running" quirk? 

T-rex arm? tilted head? Bow legged?

Good, Bad & Yummy 6/28-6/30 & June Favs

Business as usual here in my life: going a million miles an hour. This week is going to be super busy but it will be a good one for sure with lots of positive things happening.

Going to do a little mix here and some usual Good, Bad, and Yummy moments from the weekend as well as some highlights from the month of June (seriously, did this past month fly as fast for everyone else as it did for me?)

As for the weekend....
The Good:
John's sister had her baby Thursday night, adorable little Charlie John! Yay for another nephew!

Saturday I got my longest ride to date in...61 miles, I was really happy with it especially considering the elements were not in my favor for most of it!

I'm feeling really comfortable clipping in now, and am starting to utilize the power of it more (when clipped in you get power on the upstroke as well, which can make you more efficient of a rider). I do have to remind myself not to pull up too hard though, it can create lower back pain and tightness in the hip.

I managed to take off my shoes while still riding (thank goodness for fabulous Bontrager Triathlon Cycling Shoes). If I can practice this more, it will make me more efficient in T2 on race day, and get my running shoes on me quicker. BUT I won't do it race day unless I feel 100% ready (it could turn bad quickly).

Dress rehearsal run yesterday went great! I wore my +Saucony Triathlon top and shorts, as well as my Kinvara's (these are the only things that might NOT be with me on race day, I ordered Saucony Flats, but they are not in yet). I even started the run after 11 AM in the heat of the day because that is when I will be running on race day, gotta practice these things!

I was so hot after said long run in the heat, that I didn't even have to be forced into the ice bath. I jumped in without even thinking, and remained there for 25 minutes! My legs feel great today!

Got to spend a little time with John, his sister and her man and the baby last night:)

The Bad:
It was torrential downpour the first half of my long ride Saturday, but in all honesty it really wasn't all bad because it was good prep in case it rains on race day.

The new baby had some respiratory issues over the weekend and had to stay a few extra days giving us a worry(but all is good now, as I said they left hospital yesterday happy and healthy).

Friday night I was worked up about doing my long ride on Saturday. I was tired and cranky and letting the anxiousness of upcoming 70.3 get to me. A good long chat with my man definitely made me feel better.

My Garmin is definitely fading, and quickly. Battery power is lasting less and less and the strap (which partially broke last weekend) is getting even more worn now that it has added strain on one side. I really need to decide what I want to do. Looking at the Garmin 310XT, 910XT and the Timex run trainer 1.0 GPS watch....any thoughts?

The Yummy
After my long ride on Saturday I treated myself to my 2 favorite things from Panera.

All day Sunday John was cooking up a storm in the kitchen. We wanted to make food for his sister since she just had the baby and also has a 4 year old (she's gonna have her hands full!). He made a ton of super yummy (and healthy) recipes, the majority of which were vegan from Scott Jurek's Book Eat & Run. I wish I had taken photos of all of it, it was seriously fabulous and I couldn't even tell that most of them were Vegan!

My contribution was definitely NOT vegan, but it was what his sister wanted: my homemade baked raspberry cheesecake....I love making it, super yummy!

5 Things about the month of June
1. 413 miles between running/biking/swimming! Should actually be a little more but I am really happy with this. I've been consistently training smarter and that has made me able to do more.

2. I tackled my first triathlon this month, and feel really good about that!

3. Although I definitely had my days where it was a struggle to get out the door, I feel like my confidence and motivation is getting back to where I want and NEED it to be.

4. Favorite fitness related moment of the month: there are a few that stick out, but honestly I think it was 2 weeks ago I had a really good long swim where things just "clicked" and it seriously just gave me a big confidence booster.

5. Least favorite fitness related moment of the month: my 40 mile ride where I had a million meltdowns and just mentally felt down and defeated (this made this past weekends 60 miler that much sweeter though).

How was your weekend?

Have you read Eat & Run by Scott Jurek?

Garmin vs. Timex GPS watch thoughts?

What were your favorite/least favorite moments from June?

Why Bother Tri-ing?

You're doing what? That's the usual response I get to training for running races, marathons etc.

Why? I thought you were a runner? Is a response when bringing up anything triathlon related.

Are you a Triathlete? Erm. Um. Trying to Tri. Is the best I can usually muster up right now. 

You don't like running anymore? Very common response when I say I am sipping the triathlon kool-aid

Oh, your Fiance is a triathlete, that explains it: No, actually I wanted to do this before we even met. But yes it has influenced me by being with him. 

I've had a lot of these, especially in the last few months as training for Triathlons has become a bigger part of my life.

Yesterday alone, I was asked 3 times. "Are you a triathlete?"

At the bike store, buying shoes so I can clip in (eeek). I ended up choosing tri-shoes over road shoes after 15 minutes of banter between myself and the guy regarding what would be best for me. 

At the pool, after asking to share a lane with someone. I said I swim slow but I stay to my side, he asked if I was a swimmer and I said "not really", which brings the "are you a triathlete?"

I ran from the JCC(where I swim) on the Canal Path last night, when getting back to my car someone said "didn't I see you swimming inside before, and now running, are you a triathlete or something?"

I mentioned after my first triathlon, that I didn't feel comfortable calling myself a triathlete yet. I still don't, but the more I train for them the closer I get to feeling like one. I'm on the journey to being a triathlete, a runner in disguise if you will. 

So WHY did I decide to make this "transition"?

A little back tracking here, the idea was first planted in my head 2 summers ago. I'm not really sure what it was, but I said "I'm going to do a 70.3", regardless of the fact that I didn't own a road bike, I had never raced a swim or bike, and I had NO background whatsoever to do this stuff. Back then I was in an unhealthy relationship, I used running and training as an escape. The worse the relationship got, the more I ran and worked out. Needless to say when I looked into a 70.3 I picked one out of state. Exercise was my escape, and I knew triathlon training would take up even more time so it seemed like the right thing for me. Thanks to life in general I never did that triathlon, but I did get out of that relationship and found myself in a much better place in life. But putting myself in better life scenarios, I found healthy reasons to run more, and to considering Tri-ing (Not just to use it as an escape).

A New Challenge

Besides using training as an escape, the thought of 70.3 was that it was a new challenge for me. After my first marathon, I didn't feel connected to distance running and wasn't sure it was for me. I struggled with pushing myself. I did my first marathon in the spring, and then that summer I hit my 5k goal of going under 20. The goals were being met faster than I was setting them. So I had to think bigger. I've always loved challenging myself, pushing my limits, and setting goals so this was a good way to really push myself. After getting my BQ this past fall, I knew that I needed to push myself further and that meant taking on something bigger. So in December, I registered for Musselman. I registered without owning a real road bike yet, without ever doing a shorter tri, without a ton of swim or serious cycling experience. The funny thing is though, I wasn't scared, I was excited for a new goal and something big to work for. 

A Couple Thing

My Fiance IS a triathlete (countless Sprint/Oly's, a few 70.3 and even IMLP[which he did with a separated shoulder]), and YES that has fueled my desire to Tri but it isn't the reasoning it all began. His experience and his support has been more than I could have ever asked for. So yes, he has been a driving force behind my running AND my attempts to tri. He supports me in anything I do, and I know that would be the case even if I wasn't tri-ing.

John and I have tossed the idea around a lot that for our honeymoon next year we would like to do IM Cozumel. Training for Tri's is something that we can do together, although that is not the reason I chose to do one, it definitely provides added benefit. When we started dating we ran together a lot, and it honestly helped our relationship grow as fast as it did. Now we can ride our bikes together, go to the pool, and just generally get more time with each other while doing things we love. We both hold pretty busy schedules, so if we can spend time together AND get our workouts in I call that multi-tasking in it's best form. 

I'm Still a Runner

Wanting to Tri has NOTHING to do with not loving running anymore, or not wanting to do strictly running races. If anything my love and passion for running has strengthened through tri-training. By spreading my training out among the different disciplines it makes me enjoy my time running more. Now more than ever I look forward to lacing up my Saucony's and hitting the road with nothing but myself (no bike, no gear). I am learning to appreciate the other disciplines more, but by the time the last few miles on the bike are approaching, I can't help but smiling knowing that shortly I get to do MY thing. 

There are less than 4 weeks until my first 70.3, and with each passing day I feel better about it. Some days I feel stronger than others but most days I feel comfortable knowing that I am going to get through it. I've dealt with a lot in my life, mainly at the fault of myself. I got myself into this by signing myself up and I will get myself through this by working hard and not giving up. I'm NOT a strong swimmer by any means. I don't have the ability to push my limits on the bike yet, but you get me to that run and I can be me and that's a pretty cool feeling. I could let my fear consume me, or I can use it as fuel- just like you can let things make you bitter or better. It's all choice.

I can only imagine how this will all change next year when preparing for a wedding AND 140.6. I'm not scared, I am excited for an adventure, the big life ones I get to take with my best friend by my side.

What about you...

What got you started in your sport?

Do you like to challenge yourself?

If you could pick one crazy thing to do, what would it be?

Keuka Lake Sprint Tri (My first!)

Now that I have had time to sit down and really think about this race, holy cow I did my first triathlon! EEK! The race was held at Keuka College on Keuka Lake in PennYan, NY. This is particularly special to me because John and I will be getting married right down the road from here in 457 days (who's counting?). We stayed at John's parents house on Seneca Lake the night before, which made for a 15 minute morning commute instead of over an hour.

Warning this is long, but has lots of goofy photos...

I woke up around 4:45 to the sound of rain pounding on the house and the lake. I had 2 fears, 1.) that the weather would be crappy and make for a really hard first tri, and 2.)That if the weather was so bad that they would cancel all together (which I didn't want either..I needed the experience).

I made myself breakfast and ate it on the road, the weather was clearing up but I was still...ummm nervous? We parked and made our way to body marking outside of transition, and then I went in to set all of my stuff up. I met a girl named Kim who was right next to me in transition and we chatted for a bit which actually helped calm my nerves.

We made our way down to the shore for the long wait, my wave wasn't going off until 8:30. We hung out with friends and tried to pass the time, and keep me from freaking out.

Cheeseeeee

That's closer to how I was feeling. And John was standing on a slope, why I look like a munchkin.

ermmm, so I'm supposed to do what?

Swim
22:53
First open water swim 'race'. Placed myself in the back and just tried to go steady. Luckily never truly panicked, just a little. On straightaway back to shore going into the current I lost it. I probably swam a TON extra, I kept swimming into center and not to shore. I lost a few minutes here, at the very least! I got out of the water and was tired, it was a good thing I didn't wear a watch, because I was much slower than I even expected and mentally that would have been hard to see. I have so much respect for strong swimmers, even more so now than before...holy cow.

T1
2:50
Wetsuit came off pretty quick, I swam in my sports bra and tri shorts underneath and getting my tri top on was hard it kept sticking because I was wet. Note to self: just wear it underneath next time.

John even said after, that he thought I was taking my time and didn't seem in a hurry during transition. My reaction: "I was...that swim had me out of breath and I wanted to nap"...no nap for me but I did want to take a minute to collect myself. Took my time getting my shoes on and catching my breath and collecting my thoughts for the bike and the run.

I believe this is my literal "Suck it up buttercup" face. Deep breath, the "bad part" was over.

making my way to the mount line

Bike
47:23 (17.6 mph)
First few miles I felt super slow, but had no gauge on how slow since I went watch-less. I knew that the turnaround was going to be sharp to mentally I prepared myself for that, and the hill which follows it. The rain started, and it actually helped cool me off. I had a woman who would pass me and then slow down and block left instead of getting to the right, it was annoying and she did it multiple times. Finally I made it through the turnaround and decided to just hammer up the hill past her and NOT let her get me again...she didn't. I was really proud of how I handled the hill and definitely cruised back much faster than I started. Two things I noticed on the bike, I've gotten more confident and stronger on the bike since the Du in April, and I didn't spend the whole time going "just get me to the run" which was awesome. I had 34th fastest bike time for women and 3rd fastest for my AG, I was making up plenty of ground after the swim!

Aparently I am SUPER intense on the bike. ha!

Making one of the last turns, this might be the first point in the bike when I WAS actually thinking, just get me to the run. I was ready to be on my feet! But it wasn't because I was tired or hated the bike, I was actually really excited at this point, because I knew I just had to get off my bike, and do my favorite thing (run) and then I would have survived my first tri!

Thanks Joe for this shot! I was just lifting my right leg up to do a rolling dismount.

T2
46 seconds
Since I don't clip yet, T2 was easy. Rack the bike, drop the helmet, grab my race belt with bib and go. No need to collect myself during T2, I was more than ready to run! I had the fastest T2 split for all women (it really helps not changing shoes, and the fact that running is my favorite so I want to start it sooner!) I did forget to take my bike gloves off before running out of transition, so I took them off while running and stuffed them in my shorts, true story. haha!

Off the bike and ready to rack it and run!

Run
21:13 (6:51)
Again, this was hard because I never knew at any point how fast I was going or how far I had gone. It felt smooth and easy though on my legs. I slowly picked people off and found myself passing more and more as time went. It was clear that running was my element (not that I doubted that). I really like that my favorite and strongest event is last, it really helps me mentally knowing I can finish strong. I ran the 2nd fastest 5k time for all women and I was pleased by that.

gloves in hand...about to be hidden in my shorts.  :)

Joe got me running through right before the final chute! :) Thanks for coming out and cheering!

1:35:05
The finish chute was fun, I was smiling ear to ear and I even did a little jump in the air when I saw John and his friends cheering for me. Hearing my name called across the line by Mary Eggers was amazing, talk about a true inspiration. I did it, my first triathlon and in a decent time (by my standards).

Time on clock is not mine, my time was 1:35:05

Oh...19th female and....1st in AG.:)

I don't know why it doesn't show up here, but there was a straight line of mud spray down my back from the rainy bike portion! And for the record, I was totally in love with my body marking. I'm like a child, give me a permanent marker and I am happy. It's the little things.

Fueling for the day: PB&J on bagel thin for breakfast. No coffee, yep you heard me right. (this wasn't planned, but it worked out). Handful of EnergyBits before heading down to the swim. A few swigs of gatorade during T1, water and 1/2 Clif Shot Gel on bike (gels are really only option on bike), and nothing on the run. Lots of post race ice cream though.

My Gear for the day: Wetsuit, TYR goggles, Saucony Triathlon shorts, Zoot Tri-top (was too big, but good news is that I treated myself on Monday and ordered the Saucony fitted tri-top that I have had my eye on!), Felt ZW100 road bike, Bontrager Helmet, Saucony Kinvara Socks, My old racing flats (which are being replaced with Saucony A5's within next few weeks), Road ID, Saucony Speed run Visor (didn't end up needing, but it was in trans. just in case), Bike gloves, Sunglasses.

Thoughts:
Had I swam what I thought I was going to, I would have been top 10, but I don't want to play the what-if game, it's pointless. So instead I'm going to play the "I will be in the water at least 3-4 times a week for the next 6 weeks before Musselman 70.3 Game" (much more fun of a game, don't you think?)

I would definitely do this race again, beautiful area and it is even more sentimental to me because John and I are getting married on Keuka Lake next September!

Do I have the tri-bug (everyone told me I would after this)....maybe a little...but I can't decide if it's the tri-bug or just the "I know I can do better bug".

Every race (including running) should have your AG marker on your calf, totally awesome knowing when I pass someone if they are in my AG or not. Although the whole USAT "age" thing is odd. For those of you who don't know, in the tri-world your age on race day is not necessarily the age you go by. Your age is determined by what your age will be at the end of the year. Therefore because I turn 26 in a few months, I was considered 26 and not 25 on race day. USAT: making athletes everywhere feel older than they are. 

I'm a little on the fence about calling myself a triathlete after this. Yes I did a tri, but I guess I just don't feel like one yet, maybe once a do a few more. I felt the same way after I did my first marathon a few years ago. I didn't necessarily call myself a marathoner right away, I ran one but was that enough for ME? That's a personal thing though, it has nothing to do with any thoughts of "doing one doesn't make you one" that is not the case at all. Its a personal and emotional thing, I'll know when I feel comfortable calling myself one, because I will feel like one. And right now I feel like a runner "trying to tri" and not a runner and a triathlete.

I'm so lucky to have had John there with me and supporting me. His support of me and knowledge about triathlons made me feel so much more comfortable as I took a new step. Also made me feel less bad about the fact that I left my engagement ring at home (for fear of forcing the state to drain the lake had I lost it in the water).

Okay, I know that was long and most of you probably aren't reading this. But good news is I can look back at this down the road and see EXACTLY how my first tri went :)

When did you first call yourself a runner/triathlete/marathoner etc? 

After one, or did it take you time to feel like that?

And in my true nature of diving in head first...this was my first tri..and 6 weeks (from that date) (a little over 5 weeks from now) I have my first 70.3 at Musselman! I signed up for it back in December, it's becoming much more real now! I know I can do it, going to get my swim time down too!

My First Duathlon

I'd been talking about it for weeks,

I knew this weekend was going to be an experience.

Saturday was my first ever multi-sport event, followed by a tough half-marathon Sunday.

So Saturday...
Flower City River Challenge Duathlon
(5k run-20 mile bike-5k run)
My first duathlon......

I was up around 5 AM,

drove down the road to Dunkin Donuts to get coffee and a bagel,

it was good to get some fresh air and check out the weather.

I had gotten my stuff all ready the night before:

Sticker # on helmet

number attached to bike & bib belt

gear in my bag

multiple outfits laid out (depending on weather)

tires checked and full of air. 

But I still felt like the biggest hot mess.

Nervous doesn't begin to describe it.

John was my support, and thank goodness for that.

I knew he was going but I told him to sleep in and come a little later.

Nope, he came with me bright and early & 

stood outside transition talking to me as I got my gear set up.

Pre-race transition setup
Let's play I-spy...where's Laura's coffee

John kept me pretty calm before the race,
just talking to me, being supportive,
and reassuring me I wasn't going to die(I was sure I was going to).
We also got to chat with Jamie and her hubby Mike
before the race, which was a nice treat.
They are doing many of the same races as I am this year,
seeing as we have the same goal race (Musselman 70.3) in July.
They were much more calm than I prior to the race,
unlike me, this wasn't their first rodeo.
(Note: they both did awesome!!!
It was a first race using clips for them and they were both successful!)

After a short jog around to warm up,
John and I headed over to the start line.
I was more nervous going into this race, than any of the marathons I have done.

I was going into the race with 3 goals:
DONT FALL
DONT FLAT (tire)
& DONT BE LAST.

At 7:36 we were off (men followed at 7:39)
I knew going into the race I had to bank some time on my first run,
because I knew I was going to get passed A LOT on the bike.
I went sub-20 for my first 5k.
I didn't realize this until after.
I didn't look at my watch at all, I just focused on getting to transition.
I was 3rd female coming off of the first run.
(believe me when I say, I knew that wasn't going to last)

Transition 1 (Run-bike)
Threw on my helmet, grabbed my bike and I was ready to go.
I rode in my running shoes
(I don't clip yet)
This was nice, because I had a 39 second transition.
No flying mount, but I didn't fall so I'll take it.

The bike course (20 miles)
I was extremely nervous for this, first time racing on a bike.
I knew I was going to get passed a lot,
and I knew I was going to struggle on the hills.
My expectations for the bike were low, which was a good thing.

It took me a while to find a groove.
I finally started to get in one and the hills came.
I went slow and steady and stood up when I needed to.
I was actually somewhat impressed with myself on the hills,
people were passing me, but I was also passing people.
Around mile 10ish(?)
I got the worst calf cramp I have EVER had.
I made a turn and was holding back tears from the pain.
I held steady riding with one arm, rubbing my calf with the other.
Then grabbed my water bottle and took a few huge sips of Gatorade.
I started feeling a little better, 
when I went to put my water bottle back in the cage....it fell.
I can't describe the expletives coming out of my mouth at this point.
I kept going, knowing I wouldn't have hydration the rest of the race.
Oddly enough I started feeling better shortly after this, 
my calf stayed calm, 
and I started picking up speed.

 In the last little bit of the ride before transition I saw John,
which made me unbelievably happy.
He was cheering and yelling and I needed it.
All I could think is:
"Just get me off the bike, I want to run"

I took a deep breath and blew out a huge sigh of relief.
I had survived the bike.
(this photo was right as I was blowing out the deep breath,
even though it looks like I am about to lose my breakfast.)

Transition # 2 (bike to run)
I was really happy with this transition.
I did a flying dismount (YAY!!!!)
and came in quick.
I knew I lost about 10-12 places on the course of the bike.
So I needed a fast transition and a fast 2nd run to make up some ground.
(I didn't go into the race planning on placing [at all], 
but I also wasn't going to stop trying if I had a chance)

Helmet off,gloves off, pull down belt, rip off top
and RUN! 37.1 seconds.

Run #2 was rough, but that's to be expected.
My legs felt drunk, tired and wobbly. 
I kept staring at my watch, 
I couldn't figure out how fast I was going.
I was convinced my watch was lying.
I passed quite a few people at this point.
It was one of those "thank goodness I'm a runner" moments.
I caught a few girls which gave me a boost 
(the same ones that FLEW past me on the bike).
Coming around the last corner seemed to take forever.
I crossed the finish line, I DID IT.

My final time was 1:54:45 (I had a secret goal of sub-2)
Run #1- 19:47 (6:22 pace)
T1- 39.33 seconds
Bike -1:11:01 (16.9 avg mph)
T2 -37.1 seconds
Run#2 -22:40 (7:17 pace)
I finished 11th female and 4th in my AG. 

 My transition area post-race

 Transition Post-race

 My baby:) She served me well!

First Duathlon DONE!


Thoughts
* I can't wait to do it again, I will feel so much less nervous and enjoy it a million times more.

*I don't regret being so focused that I didn't smile as much or have a ton of fun, it was important for me to focus on what I needed to do, stay safe, and make it through my first duathlon. 

*The bike course was the kick in the ass that I needed to remind me to ride more hills, and just get my bike out more in general.

*I am a runner, it is my strength and it makes me happy. 

*I was humbled by this race, but I think it was good for me. Being a newbie again makes you appreciate the hard work and dedication we put into these things.

*I was (and still am) extremely emotional about this race. I legitimately almost cried while walking back to transition to get my things. John told me not to worry if I cried though, because people were only going to notice the fact that I was wearing tall compression socks with flip flops (I changed into these right after finishing), it may have looked odd but oh well.

*I'm very happy with my time, and I did better than I thought I would (by a few minutes!), but I will say...it was hard being passed a lot. I have grown into a pretty strong runner and although I am far from the best I have a lot of confidence in my abilities, I cannot say the same about my cycling.

*I need to find my "beast mode" for cycling. I have it for running, that ability to dig deep, run without fear and just push my limits. I don't have that on the bike, I held back a lot due to inexperience, and to fear (falling etc.). 

* 2 burgers, some fries and a frosty are the best post-duathlon foods ever. I'd show you a picture, but I inhaled it so fast there wasn't time for it.

*I do want to take a moment to thank everyone for encouraging me and putting up with my nervous whiney self the last few weeks. I was in shock to finish the race and grab my phone to see a TON of messages. Between Facebook messages, email, twitter, and text messages my inbox was overflowing with "good luck", "I was tracking you and saw you finished! Great job" etc. (There was a part of me hoping that people wouldn't see you could track the race, just in case I DNF'd or something). 

*I know there is so much more I am forgetting...like I said though, this race was a lot to process and I'm still trying to figure it all out!

This was Day 1 of a long race weekend....
tomorrow I will recap the Flower City Half Marathon(Day 2).


Have you ever been really emotional after a race (regardless of it being a first, or best, or worst)??

How do you deal with nerves before a race?