Pink, PR, and Pinot Noir

This last Sunday morning wasn't my usual "sleep in, lounge around, drink a pot of coffee and relax" kind of day, but rather a "get up at 5:00am, eat a banana, drink a cup of coffee and run the 31st annual Napa Valley Marathon" sort of Sunday.

Hoping to push through to a personal record (PR), I knew it would suit me best to wear something pink. From head to toe I wore a Vivid Pink Nike Visor , my sister surprised me with an Asics Core Long Sleeve running shirt in fuschia, I ran in my favorite Smartwool Adrenaline Light Micro socks in Orchid, then treated myself to a pedicure with La-Paz-Itively Hot pink varnish by OPI, as it is more than likely I will only have all of my toenails for another month due to continuous pounding they endure during a 26.2 mile run. Delightful.

Between the few measly hours I was able to sleep, I woke up to the sound of rain that wasn't letting up. I stumbled out of bed at 5:00am, dressed for the occasion, ate a little snack, threw on a trash bag to keep me as dry as possible before the race, and was out the door.

My good friend drove me to the start as I nervously, single-handedly carried on continuous inane banter. Looking for Sherry while hiding under my Glad Bag, I listened to one lady crack on about how many more marathons she was running this year and how the last one would be "slow, like four hours or less. Just for fun..." While others were performing high kicks and slamming power gels. One man wasn't wearing shoes, and another man was wearing briefs, tube socks and rubber sandals. Ugh, runners. So weird. Anyway, with only minutes to spare I found Sherry and before we knew it we were clipping away at mile one.

Despite the fact that the morning was cold, somewhat windy, and certainly wet, I was able to break my PR by 17 minutes! If Sherry and I hadn't been able to lie to each other during those last 8 miles, saying how great we felt and how fun it was, I may not have had the spirit to continue, but deception at its best kicked me all the way to the finish line.

Best part of the race? Our amazing support team. Our friends and families covered the entire distance, cheering us on from mile to mile in the rain. Even my 7 month old nephew toughed it out in those conditions. You're the best George!!

After slamming a cheese burger and sweet potato fries from Taylor's I took a short break before dipping in to a celebratory glass of Schramsberg Brut Rose. Hours later I was more than making up for the calories burned, thanks to my mother and sister who slaved away at the world's best Mac and Cheese from the Jimtown Store cookbook. And as determined prior to all of this, we had one of my favorite Pinot Noirs, Williams Selyem 2006 Rochioli Riverblock Vineyard. Oh my God, it was heaven.

Something to Celebrate

Last Sunday I ran the longest run my marathon training requires. My running mate, Sherry, joined me to run 21 of the 26.2 miles we will endure on March 1st for the 31st Annual Napa Valley Marathon. The most difficult running homework is now behind us. Truly something to celebrate.

Through many practice runs and a little experimentation, I have found the winning list of necessities, guaranteed to make running 26.2 miles as enjoyable as pounding the pavement for four and a half hours could possibly be.

1. Saucony Pro Grid Ride running shoes

2. SmartWool Adrenaline Light Micro Crew socks

3. CW-X Stabilyx running tights

4. Gatorade G2 Ice Punch (50% less calories and just as kicked up as original Gatorade)

5. Clif Bar Shot Blocks Black Cherry flavor

6. Bananas every 6 miles or so

7. Water

8. Sherry Hill. She is someone with whom you want to be "stuck" if you are going to be running for hours! Funny, energetic, motivating, genuine, and still looks like she just stepped out of a salon having just knocked out 21 miles.

So these are a few of my favorite things. I have yet to determine the perfect jogging bra and top. There is still time to shop with only 16 days left in the final countdown!

CW-X marks the spot

I used to believe that shin splints were the runner's equivalent to medicine's chronic fatigue syndrome. That is, it doesn't exist. You're tired. And your shins hurt because they don't move enough. Well I have changed my tune, on at least one count. I felt the twinge coming from below my knee during my last 15 mile run, and after consulting several running books and a live physical therapist, I am convinced that shin splints are real.

I have been taking the necessary steps, or rather lack thereof, by resting, icing, and have just changed running shoes and truly feel I am on the mend.

So I was very much intrigued by a review in Runner's World rating their top favorite running tights. CW-X was at the top of the list with something I knew I had to have. The Stabilyx Tights in black and gray. They have a most intricate web design which actually provides extra core support, stabilizes the knee joint (which is really where it hurts right now), improves movement efficiency, and reduces fatigue. And I am inclined to believe just about anything if it is written well, so I am now the new proud owner of a pair.

Aside from the most humbling experience of trying to squeeze into them, and I followed the size chart, I can already tell that these tights will make running more enjoyable.

Just don't do it

I'm a sucker for accessories, but fool me once...

I recently subscribed to a new magazine, Women's Running. I love it. The website is also helpful and offers articles on nutrition and fitness, tips on how to find the best running shoe for you, an online store with a great (well, mostly great) variety of products, and a monthly e-newsletter.

I'm in the market for a hair band that actually stays in place and keeps loose ends and at least a portion of the sweat out of my eyes. Nike makes some very attractive and colorful bands that were featured in the last issue. So of course I had to have them. The lady modeling them looks so fit, so happy, her hair is perfectly in place, yet she looks so sporty. Sign me up. Right?

Well I made the purchase and when the package arrived I couldn't get to the gym fast enough to sport my new look. I chose a pink and orange striped band and had it perfectly in place. I hopped on the treadmill with a new confidence, thinking this was going to be best looking run I had taken in a while. I don't think I even made it to 30 seconds when this thing shot off the back of my head and landed on the shoulder of a less optimistic gym member who was taking his shoulder presses a little too seriously. How embarrassing! I apologized, feeling like a prize idiot, then placed the band just one more time to make sure. Yeah, no. Not happening. These hair pieces DON'T WORK. Save yourself the six dollars, time, and humiliation. I'll let you know when I land on something legit.