Boston Marathon Wrapup

Cost of Plane Ticket - $400
Registration to Run THE Boston Marathon - $110
Unlimited 7 day Subway Ticket - $15

Coming down with acute bronchitis and a sinus infection 3 days after running - PRICELESS!

Remind me to NOT kiss boys while I am running, even if they hold signs that say "Kiss me, I'm Single".

Priceless....

2 Night Hotel in Charleston : $348
Bridge Run entry fee: $35
Eating and Drinking at South End Brewery two days in a row: $115

Forgetting to take your bib number off your running shirt before washing AND drying it: PRICELESS

There are some things that money can't buy, and I am happy for all of the "priceless" moments that Running has given me.

I meant to post this on Friday, but I guess better late than never...here were my thoughts!

I am heading to Charleston today to run the Cooper River Bridge Run tomorrow morning. Here is a link to the website. http://www.bridgerun.com/ They expect to have about 38,000 race participants this year for the 10K race. I am looking forward to a nice jog because they said there is sooo many people, that you can not run fast! Oh well, I am happy about that! Here is a quick picture of Anna and me finishing the half marathon this past Sunday in Atlanta. This was Anna's first half marathon, and she has caught the running bug! Look how good she looks too! She is definitely a different person, and has come so far! She is so inspiring.... Sunday I am doing a 30 mile Bike Ride on James Island, and this will be my first official bike ride/race that I do. It should be fun, but I hope I dont fall again and then get eaten by an alligator. :-) (I have already contemplated the worst!) I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Run Fatboy Run...

I just saw the movie this evening. It opened today and I thought it was a great movie. Here is a link to an overview of the movie. Such a good underdog movie.....I hope yall enjoy it. Go out and see it!

http://www.fandango.com/run,fatboy,run_108156/movieoverview

Getting the Cobwebs out...

Well, since last Friday I am back to running now, and it has not been easy. I didn’t think taking two weeks off from running for the surgery and recovery would have affected me (OK, so I am a little overconfident), but I have definitely struggled on my runs. My left IT band has been bothering me, so I got one of those straps that is supposed to stabilize the tendon while running. It was definitely a good purchase, and has eased that pain. As for everything else, I have just been generally sore all over. I am not very good at taking days off form working out, and this past Sunday, I ran 5 miles, biked 21 miles, and then played two sets of tennis. That day, I DEFINITELY overdid it. It is hard to not be able to jump back in where you left off and feel as strong and capable as before. As my trainer at the gym says , I just need to “get the cobwebs out.” Hopefully, I can find a broom and dustpan pretty quickly, and start some house cleaning….

Sidelined by Surgery...

Well, I have had better weeks..... My new motto is "Run Away from Cancer!". I found out a week ago that I had skin cancer (melanoma) and it required surgery this past Thursday. I was instructed by the doctor to take a week off from all activities. Well, two days later, I am ITCHING to get out (ok, well the wound is starting to itch a bit).

My twin sister from Cincinnati came to visit me this weekend, or to make sure I don't do any activitiy, whichever, and she stayed on our Boston schedule and ran 19 miles this morning.

Most days, I don't always look forward to the long runs, but know that they are a part of the training. I got up at 4 AM with her this morning, to get her ready for her run. We started at Fleet Feet at 5 AM, and I sat in my car while she ran for 3 hours. I met her each hour to hand her water, gatorade, offer snacks, etc. It was tough for me to see her out there running. I can not wait until I can get back on the pavement to pound out some miles.

I read my new Runner's World magazine while my sister ran, and learned that Deena Kastor, 2004 Olympic Marathon Medalist was diagnosed with melanoma in 2001. She is quoted saying, "The sun is defininitely a job hazard for distance runners." My advice to everyone, start wearing the sunblock, and never think that you are invincible. Life might bring your some hills to climb, but there is always extra road to overcome it.

Crystal

Great Job Everyone!

I want to say Congratulations to everyone who ran the Reedy River Run today. I was very impressed with everyone's performance and so glad to see everyone out there in this beautiful weather. As a volunteer today, I was so motivated by seeing each person run their best. KEEP IT UP!

Crystal