2016 Chicago Marathon Race Recap

I completed my second marathon last Sunday as part of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. I finished in 3:56! Even though I PR-ed by 17 minutes and had my first sub 4 hour marathon, I haven't had many positive thoughts since I crossed the starting line.

Someone once told me that finishing a race is how an athlete expresses themselves. That a strong finish is an expression and reflection of the time and effort you put in to your training. This race did not reflect how hard I worked all summer. My quadriceps were in charlie horse level pain from about mile 10 to mile 26.2. I knew it was a physiological problem, and planned to get a blood work up as soon as I got back home. What the heck happened????

Thought Progressions on an 18 mile run...

My thought progression during my run today; feeling tight➡️ you can't take five miles to warm up during the marathon ➡️ panic - can't hit my paces ➡️ text P to come pick me up.....

Roasted Banana Caramel Swirl Vegan Ice Cream

I have been lactose intolerant since before it was a 'thing'. The older I get, the more sensitive I am to even the smallest amounts of dairy. That being said, I don't even want to eat ice cream anymore because it makes me feel so terrible. One of my goals for the summer was to perfect a recipe for vegan ice cream. After many trials and tribulations, I realized there were four major problems. SPOILER ALERT. I SOLVED THEM ALL and Roasted Banana Salted Date Caramel Swirl was born! I think this is one of the best recipes I've ever developed!

Snakes on a Trail/on my leg . . .

After climbing rocks, descending on gravel, running through sand, and climbing under and over trees, the only painful part of my body after running 20 miles at the Cumberland Plateau Stage Race was where I got stung. The pain of the sting/bite completely stopped me in my tracks out there on the trails. I screamed and yelled bad words. After the race packet suggested learning to identify poisonous and non-poisonous snakes and their bites, I looked around for snakes and checked to see if I had been stabbed by a stick or something, that is how painful it was. When the swelling and pain got worse 72+ hours after the race, I thought I better get things checked out by a doctor!

Cumberland Plateau Stage Race

This weekend I ran in the Cumberland Plateau Stage Race! My very first long trail race! I participated in Stage 2, which was 20 miles. I had a 20 mile run on my training schedule, so I thought this was a more enjoyable alternative to road running! I was excited about the shade while running in the woods, soft trails, and a brand new course!

Chasing Waterfalls #1: Harpeth River State Park - Hidden Lake

One of my goals for this year is to visit as many State Parks/Wilderness Areas/Waterfalls as possible. Tennessee is so beautiful and there are so many places within reasonable driving distance to explore! Harpeth River State Park was first on my list, I couldn't believe how close it was, only 15 minutes away! (Review includes a handy pros and cons list!)