This summer has really been full of changes. Changes that keep happening quickly. And now, finally, I feel like I've gotten things figured out. And I can tell you what the heck has been going on.
Good News: I took a lab job at the beginning of the summer. Yay for full-time employment.
Bad News: I commute 45 minutes, I work second-shift and I often have to put in extra hours. I was also supposed to be working Sundays. I put off registering for races because I didn't know when I'd switch to Sundays. I'm bummed because I really wanted to do the Danskin Tri this year, but it's on a Sunday and I didn't think I'd be able to do it. I probably could have. Oh well.
Good News: I can sign up for races now because I landed a teaching job (in NH, closer to home, making more money)! Hooray!!!!! This is truly what I wanted to do and I am so excited. I get to see my classroom on Thursday and pick up curriculum materials. I simply cannot wait.
Bad News: How could there really be bad news to this one? Except maybe the fact that I really wanted to teach chemistry and I'm teaching 9th grade physical science instead. I was offered a chemistry position too, but it was a lot less money and more of a commute so it wasn't worth. In the end, I'm really happy with my decision.
Good News: I get to go back to school so to speak. I get to shop at Staples, one of my favorite places (send gift cards now!) and I get to have school vacations again.
Bad News: I'm staying at my current job later into August than I wanted to because I'm a sucker and a nice person. But the trade-off is that we could use the money.
So now that I know what the heck is going on in my life, I feel like I can finally plan out some races for the fall. I'll update you when I make some decisions. Thank you for those of you that have stuck around and continue to read this blog. I know my posting has been rather sporadic. How are you all doing?
Showing posts with label Races. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Races. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
2011 Racing Schedule
I've been holding off on creating a racing schedule because I wanted to spend the first three months of the year focusing on losing a few pounds (8 gone so far!) and getting back into an exercise routine after a lousy few months. March is now almost half way over so I've begun to think about races I want to do. I'm not registering for them all just yet because I'll need to wait to see how money and our living situation shakes out post graduation. Anyway, here's what I've got so far.
4/20 - Healthy High 5K
This is a great run around my college campus. I did it last year and there's nothing like a home turf advantage. And it's free to register. I technically have class until 5pm that day, but I'm going to try and get out early enough for the 4:20 race start.
5/8 - The Medical Center 6K
I did this one a long time ago. Like in middle school. My time was lousy. I didn't train at all. It's on Mother's Day so it's something nice to do with my mom and I know this would be an easy PR.
6/9 - Hollis Fast 5K
I also did this one last year. And loved it. I mean, the course is practically downhill the whole way. What's not to love? And if things go accordingly, this could be my chance to PR in the 5K this year, which is one of my goals for 2011.
6/12 - Greater Nashua Y Tri
This race is another repeat offender. I really need to redeem myself from last year's race. I walked most of the run. True, the heat was a factor, but I could have been better prepared. I really liked the course (pretty flat) and I'm hoping for a better time this year.
7/24 - Danskin Women's Triathlon
This race has been on my radar since I started doing triathlons. I didn't want it to be my first race because it's a big race. And last year didn't work out because it was going to be the weekend after my wedding (turns out it ended up being in September, but I was in Maine anyway). This year should be a go. And I'm really excited about it. It's an all women race that I've heard really great things about it and I'm always up for something new.
10/10 - Tufts Health Plan 10K for Women
I did this race two years ago. It's another all women race and it's probably the biggest race I've been in. The energy was great and I really love the distance. I'd like to get my running base up so I can do this again. Plus it's fun to race in Boston!
That's it for now, although I want to do a third triathlon this season. Any suggestions? I may be considering a half-marathon for the fall depending on how this weight loss thing goes. Any good half marathons in the greater New England area you'd like to recommend?
4/20 - Healthy High 5K
This is a great run around my college campus. I did it last year and there's nothing like a home turf advantage. And it's free to register. I technically have class until 5pm that day, but I'm going to try and get out early enough for the 4:20 race start.
5/8 - The Medical Center 6K
I did this one a long time ago. Like in middle school. My time was lousy. I didn't train at all. It's on Mother's Day so it's something nice to do with my mom and I know this would be an easy PR.
6/9 - Hollis Fast 5K
I also did this one last year. And loved it. I mean, the course is practically downhill the whole way. What's not to love? And if things go accordingly, this could be my chance to PR in the 5K this year, which is one of my goals for 2011.
6/12 - Greater Nashua Y Tri
This race is another repeat offender. I really need to redeem myself from last year's race. I walked most of the run. True, the heat was a factor, but I could have been better prepared. I really liked the course (pretty flat) and I'm hoping for a better time this year.
7/24 - Danskin Women's Triathlon
This race has been on my radar since I started doing triathlons. I didn't want it to be my first race because it's a big race. And last year didn't work out because it was going to be the weekend after my wedding (turns out it ended up being in September, but I was in Maine anyway). This year should be a go. And I'm really excited about it. It's an all women race that I've heard really great things about it and I'm always up for something new.
10/10 - Tufts Health Plan 10K for Women
I did this race two years ago. It's another all women race and it's probably the biggest race I've been in. The energy was great and I really love the distance. I'd like to get my running base up so I can do this again. Plus it's fun to race in Boston!
That's it for now, although I want to do a third triathlon this season. Any suggestions? I may be considering a half-marathon for the fall depending on how this weight loss thing goes. Any good half marathons in the greater New England area you'd like to recommend?
Friday, June 18, 2010
Pre-Race Thoughts
I haven't really been talking about it on here (mostly because I've been too busy racing and giving away free stuff), but I have another triathlon on Sunday. And yes, I know Sunday is Father's Day, but my dad plays golf on Sundays so I'm in the clear until at least noon. This triathlon is being put on by the local YMCA and it's the first year they are doing it.
Things I'm looking forward to:
1. This race is probably going to be a bit smaller because it's the first year they're doing it.
2. Patrick and my mom are coming to cheer me on. Yay!
3. It starts at 8am, which is nice because I don't have to get up super early.
4. It's local and that's great for the same reason as #3; I get to sleep more.
5. Testing out my new tri outfit.
6. Being able to fuel during the race. This is a new element for me and I'm really hoping it works out for me and keeps me strong through the run.
Things I'm nervous about:
1. The organization of the race. Since it is the first year they're running this race, it's to be expected that the whole day isn't going to run smoothly.
2. I really have been in the water at all since my last tri. I know, really bad. But I just got my gym membership reinstated last week. I plan on hitting the pool for an easy swim after work today.
3. It's supposed to be really hot and humid. That doesn't exactly make for the best racing conditions. I'm keeping my fingers crossed it doesn't heat up until a little later in the day.
4. Using my new tri outfit.
5. The course is a little longer than most of the races I've done previously. It's a 1/3 mile swim, a 16 mile bike, and a 3.1 mile run. I'm just want to make it through!
6. I'm a little disappointed that they're not doing an Athena division (for women over 150 lbs.). For me, that's really the only way I can stay competitive. I usually don't have a chance in my age group, so it's nice to be able to compete by weight. We'll see how that pans out!
Wish me luck and I hope everyone has an awesome Friday! I'm hoping to hit the beach tomorrow and I'll be back with a race recap on Sunday!
Things I'm looking forward to:
1. This race is probably going to be a bit smaller because it's the first year they're doing it.
2. Patrick and my mom are coming to cheer me on. Yay!
3. It starts at 8am, which is nice because I don't have to get up super early.
4. It's local and that's great for the same reason as #3; I get to sleep more.
5. Testing out my new tri outfit.
6. Being able to fuel during the race. This is a new element for me and I'm really hoping it works out for me and keeps me strong through the run.
Things I'm nervous about:
1. The organization of the race. Since it is the first year they're running this race, it's to be expected that the whole day isn't going to run smoothly.
2. I really have been in the water at all since my last tri. I know, really bad. But I just got my gym membership reinstated last week. I plan on hitting the pool for an easy swim after work today.
3. It's supposed to be really hot and humid. That doesn't exactly make for the best racing conditions. I'm keeping my fingers crossed it doesn't heat up until a little later in the day.
4. Using my new tri outfit.
5. The course is a little longer than most of the races I've done previously. It's a 1/3 mile swim, a 16 mile bike, and a 3.1 mile run. I'm just want to make it through!
6. I'm a little disappointed that they're not doing an Athena division (for women over 150 lbs.). For me, that's really the only way I can stay competitive. I usually don't have a chance in my age group, so it's nice to be able to compete by weight. We'll see how that pans out!
Wish me luck and I hope everyone has an awesome Friday! I'm hoping to hit the beach tomorrow and I'll be back with a race recap on Sunday!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Three Things Thursday
1. Don't forget my giveaway! It ends Saturday.
2. This evening I'm running the Hollis Fast 5K. This race starts at the center of the town and is great because it is literally a gradual downhill the whole way. Everyone keeps telling my that I will PR, but my PR from last summer happened when I was 15 pounds lighter. I'm just not sure how that is going to factor into things tonight. The weather is also damp and cold and rain is a real possibility this evening. I've never raced in the rain, nor do I really want to. I mean, what do you wear to race in the rain? Either way, I plan on being there because a) I paid to be there and b) I've wanted to run this race for a long time. Here are my goals for tonight:
I Know I Can: sub 33 min
I Think I Can: sub 31 min
I Hope I Can: sub 29 min (this may be really pushing is, but we can all dream, right?)
3. Recently I mentioned the new camera we got as a shower gift in this post. This is the camera we got (I told you we got spoiled):
It's a Nikon Coolpix S4000. Personally, I'm a fan of Nikon and think they make a really great camera. My mom has a Nikon (albeit a fancier one) and she really likes that. I, however, wanted something more compact because I wanted to be able to fit it in my purse so I can always have my camera on me. Well, this thing is not only compact, but I think it takes a really great photo. We've been playing around with it a lot to figure out all the cool things it does. One of the features is that it will take continuous photos, which Patrick really likes because then he can get better action shots at races. It also has a touchscreen, which initially I thought I wouldn't like, but it turns out I love it! It makes the camera more fun to play with.
2. This evening I'm running the Hollis Fast 5K. This race starts at the center of the town and is great because it is literally a gradual downhill the whole way. Everyone keeps telling my that I will PR, but my PR from last summer happened when I was 15 pounds lighter. I'm just not sure how that is going to factor into things tonight. The weather is also damp and cold and rain is a real possibility this evening. I've never raced in the rain, nor do I really want to. I mean, what do you wear to race in the rain? Either way, I plan on being there because a) I paid to be there and b) I've wanted to run this race for a long time. Here are my goals for tonight:
I Know I Can: sub 33 min
I Think I Can: sub 31 min
I Hope I Can: sub 29 min (this may be really pushing is, but we can all dream, right?)
3. Recently I mentioned the new camera we got as a shower gift in this post. This is the camera we got (I told you we got spoiled):
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
First Race of the Season
My first race of the season is today in about an hour! Yikes! For some reason I am more nervous than I usually am about racing so I'm currently trying to do things to distract myself before the race. I thought I'd tell you a little bit about the race today and I'll give you a full recap with pictures tomorrow.
I did this race last year in a time of 35:13 min. I'm really looking forward to shattering that time. Last year's race was really the start of me running regularly and I know I've come a long way from there. I don't expect to PR today because I haven't really been training exclusively for this race, but I know I'll do better than last year. Here's what I'd like to happen:
I Know I Can: sub 34 min
I Think I Can: sub 32 min
I Hope I Can: sub 30 min (a real stretch!)Well, I'll be back tomorrow to let you know how it went! Hope everyone is having a great Tuesday!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
2010 Race Calendar
One of the other things I've been thinking about a lot is what races I would like to do this year. This list is by no means finalized. I'm sure some of these won't happen for a variety of reasons and others that I find will be added. In general though, I'm shooting for about one event per month. Here's what I've got so far:
January
Nothing here. I plan on focusing on training and getting back into shape before I start racing again.
February
2-7-2010 Mid-Winter 10 Mile Classic, Cape Elizabeth, ME:
This race is a big maybe right now. My training partner and a few other people from school want to do this race. I'm a little concerned about whether or not I'll be prepared and about the potential temperature! I'm keeping it on the list for now and deciding whether or not I'll do it when I get closer to the race.
March
3-28-2010 The Eastern Sates Run for the Border Half Marathon, NH
This is the half marathon I'm currently training for (day 4 and so far so good!). It looks like it is more of a low key race, which I'm totally ok with. I don't really want my first long distance race to be a big one. The route goes all along route 1 in NH which follows the coastline. I'm hoping that the scenery will help pass the time.
April
4-20-2010 Healthy High 5K, Orono, ME
This is a race that my college puts on every year to promote healthy alternative to using drugs, hence the name. The nice part about this race is that it is the same route I run often at school and the registration is usually free or less than $10.
May
5-16-2010 Lions Spring Sprint Triathlon, Marlboro, MA
I know that I definately want to do at least 2 triathlons this year. This one looks quite reasonable. The swim is in a pool (totally my stomping ground!) and the race is put on by F.I.R.M., the group that put on the triathlon I did last year. What I like about these triathlons is that I can compete in my weight class instead of my age group, which means I have a better chance at getting prizes!
5-19-2010 Merrimack County Savings Bank Rock N Race, Concord, NH
I don't know much about this race. It would be a nice opportunity to try out a new course! This is my back up plan if I'm not able to do the triathlon.
June
6-7-2010 Salvation Army 5K, Nashua, NH
I did this race last year with one of my coworkers and enjoyed. Again, the course goes through the neighborhood I usually run in, which has its advantages.
6-10-2010 Hollis Fast 5K, Hollis, NH
I've wanted to do this race for a long time, but have never been able to do it because of scheduling. This route is all downhill, hence the name. This would be a great chance to PR. And I think I should be able to do it this year!
July
7-4-2010 Merrimack Sparkler 5K, Merrimack, NH
This was another one of the races I did last year. I thought it was a great way to celebrate the holiday (before all the eating commences, at least). This race will also be good because it's not too close to the wedding, which I'm sure will be taking up a lot of my time!
August
8-1-2010 Wildcat Sprint Triathlon, Lowell, MA
This is the triathlon I did last year. I would like to do it again and try to improve my time. For the most part the course was flat and I thought it was a decent race.
September
9-21-2010 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5K, Bangor, ME
Again, another race that I did last year. Again, I would like to improve my time. The race starts at the waterfront in Bangor and goes through a neighborhood. The end is almost all downhill, which is really nice. I should also mention that I prefer events that are raising money for a cause. It makes me feel like the money I'm spending on the race is actually worth it.
October
10-11-2010 Tufts Health Plan 10K for Women, Boston, MA
I really loved this race. I've never done a race with this many people and it was amazing. The course is rather interesting as well. The logistics of this may not work out, but I'm going to try to fit it in.
10-17-2010 Black Bear Triathlon, Orono, ME
This is a triathlon sponsered by my school. I usually don't bring my bike to campus because I don't want it to get stolen, but since we're moving to Maine after the wedding I'm thinking that the bike will be with me. Last year Ian Crocker (an olympic swimmer) came to the kids portion to talk to the kids. Maybe they'll get someone famous again!
10-24-2010 Black Bear 5K, Orono, ME
This is my last resort October race. The course is probably the same as the Healthy High 5K, but it might be a nice way to check in with my running and see if I can improve my time.
November
11-25-2010 St. Joseph's Hospital Great Gobbler 5K Trail Run, Nashua, NH
Another race that would be good preventative maintinence before all the eating begins. It's held in Mine Fall Park in my hometown. There a lot of nice trails there for running and this sounds like a good race.
December
Nothing planned at this point in time. I'm thinking I might need a break! Plus, with finals and the holidays it makes things extra tough. We'll see how it goes.
January
Nothing here. I plan on focusing on training and getting back into shape before I start racing again.
February
2-7-2010 Mid-Winter 10 Mile Classic, Cape Elizabeth, ME:
This race is a big maybe right now. My training partner and a few other people from school want to do this race. I'm a little concerned about whether or not I'll be prepared and about the potential temperature! I'm keeping it on the list for now and deciding whether or not I'll do it when I get closer to the race.
March
3-28-2010 The Eastern Sates Run for the Border Half Marathon, NH
This is the half marathon I'm currently training for (day 4 and so far so good!). It looks like it is more of a low key race, which I'm totally ok with. I don't really want my first long distance race to be a big one. The route goes all along route 1 in NH which follows the coastline. I'm hoping that the scenery will help pass the time.
April
4-20-2010 Healthy High 5K, Orono, ME
This is a race that my college puts on every year to promote healthy alternative to using drugs, hence the name. The nice part about this race is that it is the same route I run often at school and the registration is usually free or less than $10.
May
5-16-2010 Lions Spring Sprint Triathlon, Marlboro, MA
I know that I definately want to do at least 2 triathlons this year. This one looks quite reasonable. The swim is in a pool (totally my stomping ground!) and the race is put on by F.I.R.M., the group that put on the triathlon I did last year. What I like about these triathlons is that I can compete in my weight class instead of my age group, which means I have a better chance at getting prizes!
5-19-2010 Merrimack County Savings Bank Rock N Race, Concord, NH
I don't know much about this race. It would be a nice opportunity to try out a new course! This is my back up plan if I'm not able to do the triathlon.
June
6-7-2010 Salvation Army 5K, Nashua, NH
I did this race last year with one of my coworkers and enjoyed. Again, the course goes through the neighborhood I usually run in, which has its advantages.
6-10-2010 Hollis Fast 5K, Hollis, NH
I've wanted to do this race for a long time, but have never been able to do it because of scheduling. This route is all downhill, hence the name. This would be a great chance to PR. And I think I should be able to do it this year!
July
7-4-2010 Merrimack Sparkler 5K, Merrimack, NH
This was another one of the races I did last year. I thought it was a great way to celebrate the holiday (before all the eating commences, at least). This race will also be good because it's not too close to the wedding, which I'm sure will be taking up a lot of my time!
August
8-1-2010 Wildcat Sprint Triathlon, Lowell, MA
This is the triathlon I did last year. I would like to do it again and try to improve my time. For the most part the course was flat and I thought it was a decent race.
September
9-21-2010 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5K, Bangor, ME
Again, another race that I did last year. Again, I would like to improve my time. The race starts at the waterfront in Bangor and goes through a neighborhood. The end is almost all downhill, which is really nice. I should also mention that I prefer events that are raising money for a cause. It makes me feel like the money I'm spending on the race is actually worth it.
October
10-11-2010 Tufts Health Plan 10K for Women, Boston, MA
I really loved this race. I've never done a race with this many people and it was amazing. The course is rather interesting as well. The logistics of this may not work out, but I'm going to try to fit it in.
10-17-2010 Black Bear Triathlon, Orono, ME
This is a triathlon sponsered by my school. I usually don't bring my bike to campus because I don't want it to get stolen, but since we're moving to Maine after the wedding I'm thinking that the bike will be with me. Last year Ian Crocker (an olympic swimmer) came to the kids portion to talk to the kids. Maybe they'll get someone famous again!
10-24-2010 Black Bear 5K, Orono, ME
This is my last resort October race. The course is probably the same as the Healthy High 5K, but it might be a nice way to check in with my running and see if I can improve my time.
November
11-25-2010 St. Joseph's Hospital Great Gobbler 5K Trail Run, Nashua, NH
Another race that would be good preventative maintinence before all the eating begins. It's held in Mine Fall Park in my hometown. There a lot of nice trails there for running and this sounds like a good race.
December
Nothing planned at this point in time. I'm thinking I might need a break! Plus, with finals and the holidays it makes things extra tough. We'll see how it goes.
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