Broad Street Run, Part One

In 2013, Andy asked me to be part of his DetermiNation team and run the Philadelphia Broad Street Run.  I can't remember why,  but I couldn't make that happen. I told him I would be there the following year. His team that year consisted of three people.

When 2014 rolled around, I had signed up for the RI Triple Crown without checking any dates.  The first race of the triple crown, fell on the same weekend as Broad Street.  I was disappointed and so was Andy.  I promised, nothing will keep me away in 2015. His team that year consisted of fifteen people.

As soon as Andy started to put his 2015 team together, I was ready and registered right away.  I had to raise $500 for the American Cancer Society and I started fundraising on day one.  This years team name was, The Low and Slow Team, which spelled out LAST.  Fun name.

He recruited friends and family, but a big chuck of our team came from the Sub 30 Club.  This year's team consisted of fifty two people!

Together, we raised more than $31,000 dollars for the American Cancer Society.  I am very proud of what we have done as a team and hope that I can make this an annual event.

Ok, so on to the weekend!

I took the train from Rhode Island to Philadelphia on Friday. Just me. No kids, no Mr. RWM. The train was was peaceful.  I read almost the whole time. It was glorious!

Once in Philly, it was a quick ride to the hotel and an easy check in.  I was sharing the room but my roommate was not coming until Saturday.  A hotel room all to myself for one night.  Seriously, this is a mother's dream!

Really high up!

Only a few of us came in on Friday. We met in the hotel bar for a couple drinks then headed to the Marathon Grill for Dinner.  We had a really nice night.

Having a drink with my friends who wanted to be there but couldn't make it.

Fun group for diner at the Marathon Grill.

(photo courtesy of LSJ)

(photo courtesy of LSJ)

Saturday morning, I met a small group for a little shake out run.  This was super fun! We ran to the Rocky steps and statue, then to Love park.  From there one of my teammates and I had heard about a doughnut place that we had to try. One of two actually, so we headed there, ate a pretty fantastic doughnut, and then ran back to the hotel.

Because Rocky!

Love Park

Check out my big brain!

At Federal Doughnuts.  I swear, the Flatties ate it...

I had a little down time, ALL BY MYSELF before I had to meet the group for lunch.  We met in the lobby and two of our teammates, that said they couldn't make it, showed up.  It was fantastic to meet them in person.

Mr. Neon in the flesh!

Lunch was at the Reading Terminal Market. Seriously, if you are in Philadelphia you must go there.  I really had a struggle in my head about what I should eat and what I wanted to eat.  I decided it was worth the risk and went to DiNic's for a pork sandwich with roasted peppers and the best provolone cheese, ever!  Yeah, I ate the whole thing.  Then, well, I had to taste the "other" donut.  The line for Bieler's was crazy long. When I looked at the cabinet I got confused.  I chose one of their simpler donuts, Coconut Frosted.  Guys, when I bit into it, my eyes rolled back into my head and I got hot flashes.  BEST DONUT EVER! I was so sad when it was gone.  I know I shouldn't feel that way about food, and I usually don't, but it will be one of my first stops next time I am in the city.

Seriously, go there!

I'll just leave this here.

The expo was our next stop.  We got our numbers, looked around a bit and my only purchase was a Stick.  I have been looking at those for awhile and when I was at Sarah's house after Middletown, I used hers and knew I needed to have one.  Very happy with my purchase so far, and my kids think they have a new toy. I am currently looking for a hiding place for it...

Hurts so good.

I stopped back in the room for a bit to get off my feet and unwind and look at the stuff I got from the expo. Some of the group headed to the bar but I had to pace myself and I knew the donuts were bad enough.  Again, I enjoyed my quiet time and then met friends in the lobby to head over to the Determination Team Dinner.

They had a cocktail hour first, but I spent most of that time putting the In Memory and In Honor names on my shirt. Way too many.

Dinner was very nice. The speakers and the presentation was motivating and heartwarming.  About a month ago, we were asked why we run. I had emailed D-Nation and told them a little about Haley.  The first time I ran for Charity, it was to remember and celebrate her life.  I never heard back from them and didn't think anything about it after that.  I know they were getting way to many stories.

Money is still coming in! Pretty fantastic!

The first picture was of our teammate Linda and her family surrounding her dad who is battling cancer as I type.  Immediately, tears were in my eyes. I looked over to her to see her crying and I was done.  I knew the video was going to push me over the edge.  I had to stay strong.

About half way in, Haley's face popped up.  I had no idea it was coming. I never even talked to Shawna (Haley's mom)  about it.  I was crying so much, I couldn't read what was with her picture. I was really taken off guard.  A teammate who was still hugging Linda, came over and hugged me. She sat with me till the end of the video.  I have emailed D-Nation to try and get a copy so I can see it again and share it with Shawna. Still waiting but think they will come through for me.

When you run for charity, it is so much more than the race.  We raised over $31,000  in hopes that every person, adult and child, will celebrate their next birthday.  No parent, ever, should have to lose their son or daughter.  I hope what we did this weekend makes a difference.  And, I will continue to be part of this team to make sure that it does.

Most of the team met at a pub across the street from our hotel after the dinner. It was nice to just sit and talk to everyone. There were 52 of us and it was hard to really get to know everyone.  I knew I was getting to bed later than I normally would before a race, but it was worth it.

Love this one of Andy and I!

Some of the group.

Another one of my favorites with Therese, Andy, Jeremy and Laurie.

With Laurie and Jim.

(courtesy of JV)

(courtesy of JV)

(courtesy of JV)

Back at the room, I laid everything out for the morning. I was getting a 5 am wake up.  I actually slept really well, which was good with the later bed time.  I woke up happy and ready to go!

Run Strong, Think Big! ~ Nicole

Boston Marathon Expo Fun

The day before the Boston Marathon, I got to work the Skirt Sports booth at the expo.  This had me more excited than I have been in a long time. I was so happy when Emily of Runs with Hope became an ambassador because that meant we could go together.

My alarm went of super early, but I had slept well and felt good.  I met Emily and she drove to the bus station which took us to the T.  Figuring the T out was a little confusing but once we got on the right one, going in the right direction, it was easy.

On the bus heading to Boston.

Ready to work!

As soon as we were off the T, we saw Boston marathon runners everywhere. It was easy to find the Convention Center and the Skirt Sports booth. We changed into the newest Skirt Sports Products and soon after the doors opened for all the runners.

There is nothing like a marathon expo. It is exciting and fun. Heartwarming and motivating. But the Boston expo took it to the next level.  I was so happy to be there. It was amazing to hear everyones story.  Stories about the struggle to qualify or the reasons they were running for charity. The charity stories get me every time.

I was thrilled to meet Noelle of Skirt Sports in person. She was so nice and super cute.  I did miss meeting the founder of Skirt Sports, Nicole DeBoom because she was at an awards ceremony.  Her husband is now part of the USA Triathlon Hall of Fame!  A big congratulations to him!

I also got to meet Laura of Mommy, Run Fast. We have been friends on the computer since 2012. She was running her first Boston and I was so happy to be able to wish her a good race in person.  And a good race was what she had!

Elizabeth Comeau of Runner's World and Zelle, came by to say hi to me. It was great to meet her in person too.  It is so nice when your computer friends become your real friends.

The biggest thrill of the weekend though, was meeting Kathrine Switzer.  She was so kind and cute.  She was genuinely interested in what you had to say. She took photos, signed books, race bibs and shirts.  She even made a video for one gentlemen's daughter.  We had to cut the line off and that was really hard to do.  I think we were able to accommodate almost everyone.  If you haven't looked at the 261 Fearless line yet, just click on the Skirt Sports link to the right and use the discount under it.  You can also get Kathrine's book there and I highly recommend it.

Kathrine signing my book and me looking like I am in love.  Well, I kind of am...

Katrine speaking to the crowd of runners.

Giving a little history. I am holding up the sign.

The whole group!

My favs so far are the the Switzer Skirt and the Kathrine Tank and the Courage Capri.

Once Emily and I were finished working the booth, we took some time to walk around the expo. So many great vendors!  We had fun but it was so very crowded.  I was getting tired and hungry, so we said our goodbyes to the Skirt ladies and went on our way.  We found a great little sandwich place and then we headed home to Rhode Island.

It was an exhausting day but so much fun. I hope I get the chance to do it again.

Marathon Monday, we stayed home and watched the race. I knew a few people running so I was tracking them. Such a challenging day to run with the wind and rain, but they all finished and I am so happy for each of them.

Have you ever worked an expo before? Did you run Boston? How was your race?

I am just a few days out from running the Philadelphia Broad Street run and I have really been looking forward to this race.  I know it will be an amazing weekend and I can't wait to tell you all about it.

Run Strong, Think Big! ~ Nicole

#261Fearless

Monday is the 119th Boston Marathon.

I have friends running, some for the first time. They are all women.  

I wonder where we would be if Kathrine Switzer never donned her bib, number 261, and challenged the "men only" rule of the Boston Marathon.

That was 1967 and the race directors tried to pull her off the course. She still finished in 4:20.  

Fearless.

Kathrine Switzer toed the starting line fearless and did what she knew she had to do. We can all learn from that.

As part of being a Skirt Sports Ambassador, I get to run in the #261fearless Virtual Race this Saturday, April 18.

By doing so, we are celebrating everything it means to be a runner but more importantly a woman.  Many incredible women paved the way for us and it is our duty to keep the truth alive and raise our little girls to be strong, independent and fearless women.

I plan to run this one with my my daughter and my son if he wants to.  I will make it fun and not worry about how fast we go or if we take a break to smell the flowers. We will be outside with one another living the life I know we were meant to live.  Happy, healthy, strong and fearless.

Will you be running with me? 

As I said in my last post, I will actually get to meet Kathrine Switzer on Sunday at the Boston Expo. I can't wait to tell all of you about the experience which, I am sure, I will never forget.

So tell me, what does fearless mean to you?

Run Strong, Think Big! ~ Nicole

Middletown Half Marathon Recap

The Middletown Half Marathon is the first race in the HMF Triple Challenge. It was also my first race of the year.

BRF#1 and I trained all through the winter, outside, and I felt ready for this race. One of the highlights was that Middletown is where Sarah, aka Professor Badass lives and I was going to spend the day with her.

My last run before the race the temperature hit 40.  The day of my race it was going to be 70. I knew this would bother me, but it is what it is.

The race was at 11:30, so no super early wake up which is nice.  I didn't have to leave my house until 8:00 and I was at Sarah's by 9:30 am.

We were just a few minutes away from the race and we got primo parking.  We got our numbers and shirts and watched the kids races.  It was very cool to see the littles have such a good time. They were given capes instead of shirts and a good bit of the kids raced in them. It was super cute.

Sarah was running the four miler and her friend Snarky Girl, (Sarah's name for her) was running the half and said she would run with me.  Both races started at the same time and I was thrilled to hear that because it meant I would run those first few miles with Sarah.

Sarah and I with a picture of our good friend Chris.

Both, Sarah and Snarky Girl are speedy runners but are coming off an injury. I wanted to maintain a 10:30 pace and they said they were good with that.  I know they both could of gone faster but appreciate the company.

The race start was crowded but spaced out quickly and nicely.  We hit a hill right away.  The beauty of running with locals is they know every inch of the road. They told me what was coming up and I also saw their town with two lovely tour guides.

My first six miles I felt ok but was a little over my goal pace.  Mile seven I hit a 12:07 pace, not good.

Snarky Girl and I are running and chatting when just before mile eight she saw a friend standing on the side of the road and then realized another one of her friends was sitting down.  She was crying and in pain complaining of stomach cramps.  We stayed with her until her husband came to pick her up.  She is ok and we got to see her later that day.

The break of standing was good and bad.  It was nice to have a break but hard to get going again.  Mile eight was 12:09.

Most of mile ten was a dirt road that was very rocky. Little rocks that you felt with every step. I couldn't wait to get off that stretch and feel the ground again.

My pace stayed in the low 11's here until I picked it up in the final mile.  It was hot and the sun was beating down on us.  My only goal was keep going forward. I was happy to have Snarky Girl with me. She kept talking and kept me focused. I was not my normal talkative self and I feel bad about that.

When we turned onto Main Street, it wasn't long until Snarky Girl saw her husband and kids. Her kids ran out to run in with her and I gave them space.  Right before the finish line, I saw Sarah and she snapped a picture.  I was so very happy to stop running.  My official time was 2:32:32 but my Garmin time was 2:27. I was hoping for a 2:25 or better so I guess I was not too far off. And, of course, we stopped for 5 minutes to help a friend.

I am in the purple waving coming into the finish.  SG is right behind with her two cuties.

The post race food was fantastic, and the medal was really nice.  We hung out just a bit to eat and then we went back to Sarah's house for a little get together.

It was nice to just sit and talk with Sarah's friends who were all so very nice.  I had a great time and would do it again.

I love, love this shirt! Which is better than just one love.

BRF#1 also ran a half on Sunday.  She had a fantastic race with a new PR, 2:00:43. There is a sub 2 half marathon in her future for sure. Way to go Jenn!

I have a  pretty exciting weekend coming up. I will be running the #261Fearless Virtual race and also working the Skirt Sports booth at the Boston Marathon Expo.

The virtual race is inspired by Katherine Switzer who was the first woman to run the Boston Marathon.  I am thrilled that on Sunday, I will get to meet her at the Skirt Sports booth.

Are you running Boston?  I will be working the expo on Sunday from 9 to 2.  Please come on by and say hello!

So there we go. First race of the year and half marathon number nine complete.  And still, so much cool stuff to come.  Glad you are here with me.

Run Strong, Think Big! ~ Nicole

Bye Bye, Bia

I am guessing most of you know by now, that Bia Sport is going out of business.  As of April 1, my watch will no longer work.

I have been with them from the beginning. Backing them on Kickstarter and then patiently waiting for the watch to be delivered to me. Since the day it has arrived, I have used it for every single run.  My Garmin, has not even been charged since it's arrival.

My heart is broken. It was easy to use and tracked my runs, bike rides and open water swims.  It never died on me or froze up. The main reason why I chose a Bia was for the SOS feature.  Thankfully, I never had to use it but felt comfort knowing it was there.

I was worried about the GPS being right, but it was always right on with the girls I ran with who use a Garmin or other product.

And the customer service! These women were wonderful. I had two small issues and they fixed them right away. And lets not forget the messages that would appear on the screen to celebrate each and every workout.

Reading their email made me so sad. I know how hard they worked to get this product up and running. Plenty of hours, sweat and tears. This was their baby.  Just trying to keep it going, people have worked without a pay check. Now that is dedication!

Who really knows what the further holds for Bia? Maybe a bigger company will pick them up.  Either way, I wish nothing but the best for Cheryl Kellond and her team.  And maybe, just maybe, this isn't goodbye.

So, tell me, what is your go to watch?  I plan to take my time so that I get the watch that is right for me. I will mostly be running but there are more tri's in my future, including a second half iron man.  What would you recommend?

Thanks everyone!

Run Strong, Think Big! ~ Nicole