Shamrock 8k and Half Marathon

Alrighty folks, I may be insane.  As you know, I'm signed up to run the Philadelphia Half Marathon in November.  Hubby has run the half the past two years and decided this year to go for the full.  Well, since I've now completed a half marathon, I figured what the heck?  I'll run Philly too!

Well, shortly after hubby completed the Shamrock Marathon this past March, he decided he was going to run it again in 2012.  He wanted revenge.  Totally understandable.  And when he said he would go back to do the full, I decided to do the half.  Why not?  The race is flat, has great swag (technical shirt, finisher hat, finisher t-shirt, and a finisher's medal [and we all know that's all I'll ever qualify for!]), plus a kick-ass after party with a live band, all the Yuengling you can drink, and beef stew (you can have mine).  Apparently, the after-party has been voted best post-race party and I will say, it was pretty sweet.

Now, I knew about this part of the race when hubby did it last year, but when I made the decision to run the half, I decided this was for me:

Dolphin Challenge

Not running the full marathon this year [or ever?]?  Then you might want to consider the Dolphin Challenge instead.  Dolphin Challenge participants still run the TowneBank 8k on Saturday, March 17 (St. Patrick's Day!), but then run the Shamrock Anthem Half Marathon on Sunday, March 18.  Dolphin Challenge finishers will also be mailed a commemorative pin after the event to recognize their Dolphin Challenge achievement.  Go for the extra bling--take the challenge!

So, yea, I might be insane.  I'm running an 8k (4.97 miles) the day before the half marathon (13.1 miles).  Or am I insane because I'm kinda looking forward to it?  I failed miserably at my duathlon, but for some reason I feel like I can rock this.  Will I set a PR on the half?  Uhhhh...no.  Will I let myself have a good time?  Heck yea!  Will I be excited to have TWO medals and the pin?  Heehee, yea.  :-)  I'm such a dork. 

So, I'm asking Neptune now to send me some positive vibes.  He knows the score.  He's there at the finish line welcoming the conquering heroes as they cross the finish line.  Thanks Neptune!  I know I can count on you!

Great Running News (a day late)

I am running in Al's Run 8k on October 8th in Milwaukee, WI. We are on vacation then, but since we are visiting friends who were already running it, we decided to join them. In order to do so, I would have to train to run it, since my furthest run had only been 3.25 miles. I have been working hard the last few weeks to get to 5 miles. This past Sunday I did it! I ran 5 miles at the park!! I was so excited! I had a plan and while I fell a little behind last week, I was still able to stay on track this week and do 4.5 laps = to 5 miles. Woohoo! I can run Al's Run! Now it's a matter of getting that 1:17:52 time down. :-)