My Quest to 50 +1, 2015 Race Year!

MY RACE YEAR 2015

2015 was a great running year for me, although I didn’t do all the races I planned due to financial reasons I did complete most of my races I had on my list. I completed 2 marathons (North Carolina and NYC Marathon) and 3 states (North Carolina, Massachusetts, and Maine) toward my quest to 50. I completed my first trail run in Bear Mountain which I love, my First Ultramarathon, first indoor Triathlon and my first fun Underwear Run a lot of first for me this year. I also ran smaller races in between 4 milers, 5ks, and a 10 miler; overall it was a great running season.

My running family has expanded this year meeting new runners from (LIM, Runners United, InstaRunners, Harlem Run, RunJunkees Club) and having the support from the running community especially the Latinas in Motion. I don’t run with my sole sisters often but we always support each other every day no matter what. The support from my family and non-running friends, my salsa community has also been great throughout the year.

Training for the North Carolina Marathon this year required, willpower and dedication and determination. I had to train throughout the winter even when people said I was crazy for going out when it was 15 degrees or colder. Winter training actually became enjoyable after doing it for 16 weeks and I can say I’m actually looking forward to running this winter again.

NYC Marathon what can I say it’s New York, the city that never sleeps. There were about 50,000 runners and triple that in spectators maybe more. It was so amazing to run through the 5 boroughs. Although I’m bummed I didn’t meet my goal time but at least I finished and that’s what matters.

The highlight of my race year was my 60k my first Ultramarathon in Central Park. I have been wanting to do this race for a few years now, although my training for it wasn’t ultra-training, I basically decided I can do NYC Marathon (26.2 miles) on November 1 and then hey what’s 11 more miles ha-ha. Running this race was so awesome to push your body to run that far, I had people cheering me on and running laps with me which definitely helped a lot to have that support. As I’m writing this blog 2 days later my legs actually feel pretty good. I am looking forward to running another ultra and actually training for it.  

Here are some pictures from 2015 training, racing and having fun. Had to put some in collages to fit them all in J

 

Looking forward to a couple of weeks off from running and focus on my 2016 goals. Stay Tuned…

My Quest to 50 +1, 14 Down 36 More to Go (Maine)

My Quest to 50 + 1 (PR)

14 Down 36 More to Go

Maine (Mount Desert Island Half) 13.1 Miles

October 18, 2015

This weekend I completed my 14^th state on my quest to 50 and my 22^nd Half Marathon.  I visited Bar Harbor, Maine this weekend and so far one of my favorite states that I have visited. My race itself wasn’t so great due to fighting a cold all week and my immune system wacky but this trip was so worth it. The town of Bar Harbor was super cute and I got to visit Acadia National Park which was on my bucket list of National Parks to visit and it was absolutely breathtaking. I also got to meet some really cool people with Operation Jack for Autism and Sam. I will try and keep pics to a minimum in this blog but everything was so pretty have to share a little of it all.

A FEW DAYS BEFORE THE RACE

It was an 8 hour drive to Bar Harbor, Maine from my home and I’m so glad for my best friend Enrique to make the drive.  We arrived in Maine late afternoon Thursday night and in time to watch the sunset by the water which was a beauty and then of course we had to have some Lobster or how they say in New England Lobstah. The next day on Friday despite the rain and my cold we still decided to stick to the plan and visit Acadia National Park. We couldn’t do one of the hikes but we were able to do one that was still beautiful.

Sunset at Bar Harbor

LOBSTER ROLL

CADILLAC MOUNTAIN

Lunch by Jordan's Pond

Jordan's Pond in Acadia National Park

Trail around the Pond

Top of Cadillac Mountain

DAY BEFORE THE RACE

On Saturday the day before the race we drove the course which started about 13 miles 

from town, the course was quite hilly and the way the race was set up we had to run on the side of the road with traffic still flowing in some parts which was a bit crazy and a first for me.  Since we still had some time before dinner we decided to go back to Acadia Park and visit to places Thunder hole and Sand Beach which was also beautiful and worth the trip.

Thunder Hole at Acadia

Thunder Hole at Acadia 

Sand Beach 

PASTA PARTY NIGHT BEFORE

Saturday evening we had plans to attend a pasta party and I got to meet Sam who I raised money for his charity Operation Jack for Autism, such a cool guy and super nice. He even gave us a little painting to everyone who raised money as a token of his appreciation which was really awesome.  The painting was even more special because it was painted by adults who have special needs. I also got to meet the rest of the folks who were also part of Operation Jack and also ran the race.

Dinner with Sam and Operation Jack for Autism Folks

RACE DAY

Race day is finally here, Woke up still feeling a bit sick and the temps were really cold 31 degrees with wind gust at 18mph.  I’ve ran in colder weather than this before in freezing temps but guess since I was still fighting a cold it wasn’t as fun. I actually went into the race feeling I would have a good race just pace myself but at the start of the race my toes felt like they were frozen, I ran the first couple of miles and warmed up but toes still felt good, at mile 3 I felt dizzy and hot and thought I was going to faint, this was a first for me during a race and the fact that it was so early on in the race was a bit scary. I took ammonia inhaler, not sure what it’s called exactly but it’s a little stick you pop and take a whiff and then I took a power gel which has electrolytes, walked a bit until I felt ok and continued my race. I definitely took it easy though, no racing for me so I ran when I felt good and walk a bit when I felt bad.

My friend Farah was also running this race with no training at all but this was her birthday race so she came out.

Overall the road trip/weekend was fun with Enrique and Farah. Maine was so beautiful and Acadia National Park is a must see if you ever go visit. Race itself wasn’t my best and was a bit tough may have to go back for revenge haha and I got to meet some cool people.

Race course

Post Race

Post Race with the Birthday Girl

UPCOMING RACES

In a couple of weeks I will be tackling the TCS NYC Marathon for the second time, feeling excited.  

My Quest to 50 +1, 13 Down 37 More to Go (Maine)

My Quest to 50+ 1

13 Down 37 More to Go

Maine (Mount Desert Island Half) 13.1 Miles

In just 5 days I will be running my 14^th State on my Quest to 50, and this will be my 22^nd Half Marathon.  Doesn’t seem like much for a lot of runners out there but I try to pace myself in doing long races to prevent injury.  I will be running in Maine, the Mount Desert Island Half Marathon.  I will be running for the charity group Operation Jack which is a charity group for Autism, their mission is to encourage parents, relatives and friends of those struggling with autism to find a positive outlet by leading an active lifestyle that promotes awareness and raises funds for autism-related charities. I am looking forward to meeting the group that is part of this charity.

I will be heading to Maine a few days before the race so I can go hike at Acadia National Park which is on my bucket list of one of the national parks to visit so I’m excited about that.

I hear this race is a hilly course from those who have ran it before, I’m hoping to set a PR for this half if the hills aren’t too bad and if I’m feeling healthy, feeling a cold coming on (achoo).I’ve been training for the NYC Marathon which is just a couple of weeks away so distance won’t be an issue just have to worry about speed and hills. This past weekend I completed a half marathon in Brooklyn and then ran 3 miles afterwards which totaled 16 miles and the next day went hiking which included some rock climbing and I recovered pretty well.

Here are some pictures from this weekend’s activities.

My Quest to 50 +1, 13 Down 37 More to Go (Maine)

My Quest to 50 + 1 (PR)

13 Down 37 More to Go

Maine (Mount Desert Island Half) 13.1 Miles

In 38 Days I will be running my 21^st half marathons in Mount Desert Island Maine.  I will also be celebrating my friend Farah’s birthday which is on race day and she is also running the half. This race will be one of the most scenic races I will run, I hear that the views are breathtaking and so are the hills haha. 

I have also been training for the NYC Marathon in November so I'm prepared for this half and looking forward to completing my 14^th State. I can always hope to set a personal record but sometimes you never know until race day how are going to feel.  My training has been good so far and I’m going up to 18 miles this weekend. I have had one or 2 runs that I didn’t feel my best but I think a lot of it is mental for me more than physical, I need to work on that.

For this race I am running for a charity Operation Jack which is a foundation to encourage parents, relatives and friends of those struggling with autism to find a positive outlet by leading an active lifestyle that promotes awareness and raises funds for autism-related charities.

I will be traveling a few days before the race so I can take advantage of Maine and go for a hike in Acadia National Park which has been on my bucket list for a couple of years now.    

Along with my running I like to cross train with weight training and boxing. I need to get back into my spinning routine also, it helps when I’m marathon training and need to work on incorporating it back into my schedule. Ahh not enough days to all the workouts I want to do haha.  

Well until next time Happy Running!!

My Quest to 50, 37 more to go! 120 Days Until TCS NYC Marathon 2015

120 DAYS TIL NYC MARATHON 2015

NOVEMBER 1, 2015

It's been a few months since I've written, my last state I ran was Massachusetts Memorial Day weekend, which was my 13th state. My quest to 50 has been put on hold for a few months but hoping to complete 2 more states by the end of the year.

My focus now is on the TCS NYC Marathon 120 day from now and working towards beating my time back in 2013 where I finished 4 hours and 10 minutes. I can say that year was an amazing year and I felt awesome during the race and to see my cheer zone at Mile 18 & 22 was awesome. I am looking forward to my training and see how far I can push myself without injury. I have to stay focused on getting my runs in and staying consistent and also cross train which is just as important as the runs.

This will be my 4th full marathon (26.2) and my second time running NYC. I can say NYC is one of the best places to run, the streets are full of spectators and you can't help but smile the whole way, when you're feeling tired you have their spirit pushing you along with your fellow runners.

I added a few photos from my 2013 Marathon to see the look on my face and how amazing I felt.

 

Let the Training Begin!!

My Quest to 50- Massachusetts 13 Down 37 to Go +1

MY QUEST TO 50

13 DOWN 37 TO GO +1 (PR)

BOSTON RUN TO REMEMBER HALF MARATHON

13.1 Miles

May 24, 2015

This Memorial Day weekend I ran my 20^th Half Marathon (13.1 Miles) fulfilling my 13^th state on my quest to 50. I ran the Boston to Remember Half Marathon honoring fallen heroes both in law enforcement and the military. 

This race didn’t do so great, I started off by forgetting my music so this was a first for me running that many miles with no music to zone me out, my Garmin watch was wacky and I usually have a hard time pacing so I was pretty much all over the place without relying on my watch. All I can hear is the breathing of other runners and their feet hitting the pavement. I can say that running through Boston was very scenic running by the river and the financial district and other neighborhoods which I thought were so pretty, of course NY is still better haha. I didn’t feel as if I trained for this half and haven’t been consistent since my last big race the North Carolina marathon in April, guess I just needed a break. This break I actually felt it, by mile 10 I felt that I was done, guess I needed that music to motivate me more but was just thinking NO MAS (No More). I finished at a decent time but definitely need to get back out there and get into training mode.

I had a great time in Boston the one night I was there and saw some familiar faces that I’ve met through other races that were representing the NYPD and some other friends I made overnight. Also my friend Keysha who I know from HS that I’ve grown closer within the past year and we only reconnected just last summer when running brought us together.

 

So what’s a trip to Boston without checking out our rivals the Boston Red Sux stadium? Before heading back home after the race we decided to do a drive by to Fenway Park and take a picture by the stadium which was fun. 

I’m hoping to complete at least 2 more states by end of year, traveling to other states and signing up for races can get costly overtime so have to try and keep it to a minimum. Hoping to stay within the New England area and race in New Hampshire and Maine.

Until next time Happy Running!!!