Monday, February 26, 2018

Bringing home Medal #3 - The Festival Foods Granddad Half Marathon!

Disclaimer:  I received a race entry to Festival Foods Grandad Half Marathon as part of being a BibRave Pro.  Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave 
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WOW!  It seems like it's been forever since I last raced.  And, in actuality - it's been almost 6 months!  To me that seems crazy and up until a few weeks ago, I didn't have anything on my 2018 race calendar.  To be honest, part of me didn't care all that much.  The other part, craved the finish line.  

My last huge race was Grandma's Marathon in June.  This was my redemption race; my 2nd marathon.  Same race.  Same course.  My finish resulted in a 23 minute PR and I was over-the-moon!  But, then came the runner crash.  The elation of not having to train with countless miles and hours on the road - the ability to just enjoy my running with no goal in mind.  

Life got super busy. I took on a new business opportunity that has taken my focus away from ONLY running and focusing on other areas of my health and fitness.   But, to my core, I am a runner.  I love it.  I crave it. 

Which brings me to the Spring racing season.  I went from no races on the calendar to three within only three weeks!  Normally, that would be too much but I start with a 15K in mid-April at the Allstate Hot Chocolate 15K.   I will then be in New York on a getaway with my sister and my mom and I absolutely CANNOT, I say that in big letters, miss out on an opportunity to run a 10K race through Central Park.  It's a no-brainer right?  

I will end with my hometown race.  The Festival Foods Granddad Half Marathon.  I am SO excited for this opportunity.  This race takes place in La Crosse, WI and touches on so may nice qualities about my little town.  The race starts on the beautiful bluff that overlooks the entire city. It then meanders 1 1/2 miles down the bluff, through residential streets with the finish along the river just past the iconic blue bridges! 

The post-race celebration will be sure to include beer and bratwurst and there is always activities for the kids too!  If you'd like to check out my last race review check it out here.




The medals are amazing and I'm very excited to add a third to my collection! 




I have been really focusing on my strength training over the last 6 months and I have definitely noticed a difference in my speed.  My comfortable runs are now in the 8:50's so I hope to push myself for this race and PR this course.  My best time for this race was a 1:59:00.  My half marathon PR is 1:54:45 - I think I can do it!  

If you want to join me, reach out!  I will have a discount code SOON for you at registration!  

10 comments:

  1. This sounds like an awesome race and I love the medals - congrats!

    That's good to know that the strength training has made a difference in your running speed. After my marathon I'm hoping to focus more on strength training.

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    1. I never actually believed it until I started doing it - but really my speed has really improved!

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  2. I always can tell such a difference when I'm cross-training with my running! You can definitely get that PR girl!!

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    1. I sure how so! :) 8:30's would be so fantastic!

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  3. Cross training with running helps me so much from getting injured. nice bling and well deserved!

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  4. I'm so glad you found something to help get your mojo back! That runner's slump is no joke!

    Cross training makes a huge difference. I am much more consistent with it, lately and I can feel the improvements in my overall fitness.

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  5. Yay! Glad the spring racing season is off to such a great start!!

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  6. When is the race? I'm looking at different halfs for May.

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  7. How exciting for you!! You'll be awesome. And yes--strength training is so important! I love that it makes me faster!

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