Ice Cream + Burgers = Success

I dont need to tell you that today was a hot one. The past few weeks we've had some great running weather but today, came the heat. While I was running I saw a perfectly good ice cream still in the wrapper just melting away on the side walk. I am not going to lie, part of me really wanted to eat it (gross I know, but I love ice cream) part of me was pissed ( who would waste a perfectly good ice cream?) and part of me started thinking about how much faster I would run if I was behind an ice cream truck. As I ran, I visualized myself behind an ice cream truck and how glorious it would be to actually catch up to it and get some sweet treats. I know its mildly delusional but while your running in 90 degree heat you have to have some sort of inspiration, mine happens to be fatty dairy products.  When I turned the street corner, sweat was dripping down my face and there was a little league game that distracted me long enough to forget about the imaginary ice cream truck. Luckily, there were a few people grilling near by so I was able to breathe in deep enough to get a good BBQ high to keep me going for the rest of my run. Needless to say, tonight Hans and I made burgers. I guess you could say it was the run that inspired me. 

Getting ready to grill after a toasty run.

Break Open The Piggy Bank

Recently, I invited all of my close friends to join me in the Midnight Madness race to celebrate my birthday. My good friend Jackie mentioned that all these races must be costing me a lot of money. Its true that running can indeed be costly, with all the gadgets and new clothing you think you need. But aside from that is the costs that you pay to actually run in organized races. In my opinion, its worth it to pay to run because its a change of pace from running alone. Its also nice to run new trails and meet new people. Theres nothing better then waking up on a sunday and hitting up a race with my cousin or Hans. Its fun, it makes you feel accomplished and perhaps most importantly, the money almost always is going to a cause. For Instance, the 5 miler I did this past sunday was for THON and all proceeds from registration went to Penn State to help cure childhood cancer. In June, my family will be running the Gary Papa run for your life which is for prostate cancer. If you find a good cause, theres no better way to give back and have fun then running! In my limited experience, I would say most 5k races range from $15.00-$25.00. 10k races are about $25.00-$35.00 a half marathon will run you about $65.00-$75.00 and a full marathon is about $150.00. Before you think about all the money you are shelling out, think about the cause you are helping and the great shape you are getting in while logging all those miles! Run and help out a cause near and dear to you :)

Sunday, Muddy Sunday

Hans placed 3rd for his age group!

After the 5 miler

This does absolutely no justice to the amount of mud we ran through.

This morning I woke up crabby and in no mood to run 5 miles with obstacles along the way. But, I got ready and ate some waffles before heading over to Windlestrae Park. The race started off with all runners together for the first 2 miles. At mile 2 you got to decide if you wanted to run the 5k or the 5 miler. Hans and I previously decided to run on the 5 mile path. As soon as we got into the woods I felt my feet sinking into mud. I naturally started screaming and trying to shelter my white sneakers. That lasted for all of 2 seconds. Mud was splashing everywhere I was fighting to move and then it happened. I lost my shoe. It literally got stuck in the mud and I kept running. I went back for it and the photographer who was camped out near the mud pit thought it was hilarious. He snapped a bunch of pictures of the screaming girl trying to get her shoe out of a mud pit, back on her foot all the while balancing on her one good leg. After the mud things got better. Hans and I went through the other obstacles with no problem and made it to the finish. We were able to finish in under an hour which was great all things considered. With mud ridden shoes and wet socks we made it. I made Hans stay for the awards, since I always aim to win a door prize :) He was shocked when they called his name, he won 3rd place in his age group. He totally could have one 1st place, but he stayed with me to keep me company (and make sure I didn't cheat). Next time, he's going for 1st!  I will post the professional photos as soon as they are up! 

Midnight Madness

Recently, a friend of mine posted a link on Facebook about a race she wanted to do this summer. The race is apart of the 20 in 24 series. There are several races during the entire weekend of July 15th including distance runs for 24 straight hours and relays for teams to participate in. This particular race involves running 8.4 miles at midnight along Boathouse row and beyond in Philadelphia. All race participants are required to wear some sort of reflective gear, glow in the dark body paint or glow sticks. The loop is said to be well lit and there will be people patrolling the loop all night for any distance runners participating in the 24 hour run.This year the Midnight Madness race will allow 525 participants. I signed up and encouraged all my friends to do it too. I tried to guilt Becky and Amanda into signing up stating that it would be for my birthday, since the race is July 16th, just a few days after my actual birthday. I am fairly certain they will cave. Like a true champ Becky will be doing the mud run in Philly the next morning. Pro? I think so! Races that have a fun spin are always a good time. I cant wait to add midnight runner to my running repertoire. Check out the website below for more info.


Midnight Madness Race in Philadelphia 


Midnight Madness

Running > Sleep

This morning with a lot of convincing,  I woke up at 5am to squeeze in my run. I put on my neon yellow tank top and headband and hit the streets. When all was said and done, I made it home right before it started to pour. It was a nice change of pace running in the morning, but I am not so sure I will be able to swing it on a regular basis. The highlight clearly being the flock of geese almost attacking me for getting too close to their babies. I survived ( thank goodness). Until tomorrow...

Rain Run With My Brother

Today the weather was less then desirable. Luckily, after the sky opened up and it poured for hours, it stopped long enough to get in a quick run. Today was special because I brought my brother along with me. He rode his bike while I ran, and together we maneuvered my 3.0 mile route around the neighborhood and local landmarks. It was nice to run outdoors, especially since I couldn't bear to run inside on the treadmill again. Surprisingly, we passed about four other runners while we were dodging puddles and mud spots. Seems like everyone was dying to get out there today. I still feel like I am easing back into running. When all was said and done, I was able to run an easy 2.50 miles but I was disappointed to see that my time was a little slower then it used to be. Tomorrow, I am going to try to mix it up and run before work, lets pray I can actually wake up in time to squeeze in 3 miles :)

Searching For My Runners High, Hell I Will Even Take a Buzz

Runners High : feeling of euphoria that is experienced by some individuals engaged in strenuous running and that is held to be associated with a release of endorphins by the brain.


Since I started running, I've been hoping to experience my runners high. I have had great runs where I've felt like I was really in the zone, experiencing a jolt of energy, but nothing as momentous as a runners high. In recent years, there has been a lot of research regarding runners highs and if they truly exist. Some runners swear that there is indeed a runners high, and that they are addicted to the feeling they get when those endorphins are released. Others claim that they have experienced it perhaps only once, but it did occur. Scientifically, there is no evidence that it really exists proving that the runners high is legitimate. Even so, I still believe. Like all good things I believe in (unicorns, Tupac and leprechauns) its out there, I just need to find it. If you have experienced it, leave me a comment. I would love to hear about it. 


Below is a link from an interesting New York Times article discussing the scientific elements of the runners high.


Runners High Article New York TImes