New Years 5k 2013

Hello 2013! This morning I ran in a pretty small race at Forest Park. I purchased some new cold weather running gear and was pretty excited to get outside and test it. We had some snow yesterday and the temps were pretty chilly this morning. The race started at 9.00 am and it was only 23°F, with a wind chill of 13°F. Brrr! 

It took me a good mile to warm up and then once I did, I was on fire! My lungs felt really good, even though there were two hills to climb. 

There was a ton of black ice on the road, so I took it pretty slow. In the end, it was an okay race. It wasn't a race to PR, but really a great kick-start for the new year.

I am still not registered for any races. I've been looking into half-marathons, and I've been pretty interested in the Louisville Mini-Marathon, especially since you get to run through Churchill Downs. I'm not certain if I'm going to sign up for any of the upcoming St. Louis races, like the Go! Half. I find that route incredibly ugly and so boring. So I am still trying to figure this all out.

I've been thinking about New Year's Resolutions and nothing too specific, but I plan to keep running, try to lose some pounds, keep eating good food, and drink more water.

I also have been toying around with the idea of taking a picture a day so I can improve on my photography. I don't want to post it on Facebook because I'm pretty sure people will get sick of it, and it really is just for me. So I guess I'll just post it here for now. 

Boring shot... I promise I'll do better in the future. January 1, 2013.

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Ok, so this wasn't a true 5k. I thought my GPS was way off, but when I looked at the route map, it was spot on. They had to alter the course due to road conditions.

RESULTS:

Rachael Pawlak         00:29:19    9:46  

Place 76/154

Female Age 30-39: 9/23

Overall Female: 36/94

Thoughts...

I'm still not signed up for a race... I've been contemplating either doing a triathlon or even another marathon. Half-marathons are getting pretty easy and I'm looking for something more challenging. My easy runs are 3-milers and I'm hoping to kick those up to 6 miles. I could easily do an hour run if I stop being so lazy.

Other thoughts... I've been pretty upset about my weight gain. I've gained a good 10 lbs since Dec 2010. I don't like this. I've been trying to cut down my food intake, but it's hard. I don't think I eat that bad to begin with; maybe I should start a food journal just to see, but I HATE those things. I hate counting calories. I just feel like I should be more fit since I'm running more, but it's just not the case. I've always worked out, either doing the elliptical, rowing, weight training. I'd do short 1-mile runs and I liked the way my body looked. Bah. Maybe it's my age?? lol.

Anyways, here is another favorite from Maui:

Three Palms.

Damn you, Nike!

I entered into the Nike Women's Inaugural Half-Marathon, DC lottery and found out yesterday that I got DECLINED. I'm pretty bummed, as I really wanted to run this race! So now I'm trying to lift my spirits and figure out another race to run. Hmmm...

Anyways, we just got back from Hawaii and it was pretty fantastic. Here are my favorite shots from the trip:

On top of Haleakala. Felt out of this world, like we were on Mars! Amazing.

Pretty palm at sunset.

Hibiscus, enjoying the afternoon sun.

Lafayette Square Park

• Shutter Speed 1/100 sec
• Aperture f/13
• ISO/Film 200
• Taken November 22nd 2012

2012 Turkey Run

What a beautiful day for a run!! Gorgeous weather, although I did dress a little too warm for this race. It's the end of November (obviously), so I expected some chill in the air.

You could sign up for two different distances, a 3- or 6-miler. I went ahead and signed up for the 6 mile since it was the same price as the 3 mile. The races didn't start at the same time, which I thought was stupid. But I guess it is a good way to control the congestion in the beginning. There were 1270 people running the 6 and approximately 3200 running the 3.

3 and 6 mile route.

I have never ran around Webster Groves, Kirkwood, or Glendale. I imagined some hills, but damn, it was a constant stream of hills. We had a really long downhill portion within the first 1/2 mile so I knew since we are going doooown, we were going to have to go back up at some point (the start and finish were at the exact same point). 

There were so many times I wanted to walk, but no one was walking around me. Finally around mile 4.8, I started to see some walkers (because of a huge hill). So after climbing that hill, I gave in and walked for 20 seconds or so. Bah.

About to hit another hill.

I finished with a time of 58:36, a pace of 9:46. I was really happy with my time, but when I looked at the overall results, I placed horrible. I think there were a lot of strong runners in this race. I mean, who else runs on a major holiday?

Placed 923/1269.

And the finish photos of me are awful. Here is one:

At the finish.

Oh well, it was a fun race. I loved all the homes around the race route, thinking maybe we should have bought around there instead of where we currently live. It's such a great community. But... I do love Soulard.

Crazy hills.

I skipped breakfast before the race and there was only one water stop (at 3 mile) on the route. I think this is why I had some struggles.

Pretty fall leaves on the walk back to the car.

We took the pups walking around Lafayette Square today and I saw the most gorgeous tree with bright yellow leaves.

Lafayette Square

Happy Thanksgiving!

Store Front

I'm still working on HDR photography... I took this same picture last year and I think there are some improvements. This shop is located right by my house and they always have such fun window displays. It makes me sad that so many Americans only shop at big box stores and eat at chain restaurants. There are so many cute shops in Soulard and really good eats. I just wish the thugs would leave it alone.

R.EGE Antiques

Also, my fall leaves picture was highlighted in the gizmodo photo challenge, yay!
Gizmodo Photo Challenge

The Skippo

I was pretty pissed off when I first started the race because just before I was leaving, I noticed some asshole smashed one of my car windows. I also paid no attention to the weather so I dressed for typical November weather. Good thing I was wearing a tank under my long sleeve. I also rolled up my pants while I was running. I know I looked special, I just had my mind on other things. The race would have been more enjoyable if I dressed for high 60 degree temps.

Just another day in Soulard.

The Skippo was my first trail race. I have been out at Castelwood State Park to run the trails before, but I always took the easier route. The first two miles were very flat, but it was awkward because the trail was narrow at places and it was hard to pass. I just stayed on pace with the girl in front of me. I did see one lady trip about a mile in and she looked pretty banged up. So from then on, I kept my eyes on the ground to watch out for tripping hazards. I think I glanced at the river only once...

The stairs just after the 2 mile mark got the best of me... all 200+ of them. Everyone was walking the stairs, so I was relieved that I wasn't holding anyone up...because I'd for sure be walking them! The downhill portion was fun, I really felt like I was flying, but that wasn't really the case. It just felt exhilarating.

The stairs

Then that bitch hill...I guess people call is Cardiac Hill or something? What a nightmare!!! It lasted about a 4th of a mile and I seriously thought I was going to die. From there on, I walked the uphills and powered down the downhills. Even though I had to walk a lot, I was still having a lot of fun.

Started having troubles after 2 miles. Woah!

My official time was 1:14:31. I'm really happy with my time; it was a challenging course at times. Some people were running the route a second or third time. I do have to say...I'm so happy I only did one lap!!

My next race is a turkey trot on Thanksgiving Day, a 6-miler. I also entered the lotto for the DC Women's Half Marathon. I really hope I get selected, but I just have this feeling I won't be. I will find out mid-December if I'm lucky. I've also been contemplating running another full marathon. We'll see.