12 in 12: December

 

12 in 12: November

If you're new here, Start with The Plan then come back to this post 🏃‍♀️

Gobble Wobble 5k

Week of Race 

To be honest, I wasn't sure if I would be running this race. WIth me being sick and in the hospital earlier in the month, I was a little nervous. I didn't run at all since August but I had been going to the gym in the morning to walk. I figured that would account for something. 

Night before Race 

As always, I looked at the weather and decided what I was going to wear. I did have grand ideas about making/ purchasing a turkey tee but that fell to the way side. LOL 

I went on a hunt for a map of the course and found out there was over 1,000 runners registered. WHATTTT?! ONE THOUSAND?! Yikes!

Morning of Race 

We got up bright and early and made our way to Manahawkin. 

Packet pick up with nice and easy and super duper organized. I was laughing when I saw my bib number was 3! It was my lowest bib number of the year. I dropped off our toy donation for the PBA of Manahawkin too! 

THIS race was one of the most organized and  spectator friendly races I've ever seen. They had a HUGE spread of food- bagels, donuts, muffins, granola bars and fruit. They had water and coffee too! After a few selfies, It was already time to line up and run run run! 

Right before Race

I gave myself a little pep talk- "Gab, you will do your best right now. Your best might look like you walk most of this race AND that is okay! you were in the hospital 2 weeks ago! You do you, boo!" (paraphrased of course) The gun went off, I cued my music up and we were off!

As I passed the start line, I clicked my fitbit on and I was on my way!

During the Race 

Slow and steady Gab! I ended up staying in pace with a girl in front of me wearing a NY 1/2 marathon shirt on. I thought to myself, if she runs a half marathon, she knows what she is doing. The views on the one part of the race were so pretty! 

I got a little ahead of myself thinking I saw the finish line at one point based on the traffic light; I didn't realize that there were MULTIPLE lights on this one stretch of road. HA 

After the Race 

YAY! I did it! I ran 2 miles without stopping! 

Stuffing my face... what else would I be doing HAHA

Results 

Gun time  37.33.4

Chip time 36:55.0

fitbit time 37:00

Age group 46/70

Overall 479/615

Music 

As you can pretty much expect, I make a new playlist for each 5K I've been running. This one is full of  favorites from my previous 5k playlists to keep me motivated. You can list to it Here 

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Well, that's month 11 of 12 5k's I want to run this year! One more month to go!

October 2023 | September 2023 | August 2023 | July 2023 | June 2023 | May 2023 |April 2023| March 2023 | February 2023 | January 2023 | December  2022 | August 2022 | August 2017 

[[IF we all did things we are capable of, we would astound ourselves- Thomas Edison]]

12 in 12: October

SOO.... 

This month's race- the Monster Dash 5K did NOT happen for me.

I ended up being really sick and I listened to my body and did not run it. 

I was really bummed about this and I felt like the whole month leading up to this race, something was off. I was delaying making my costume (lady bug wings) and I was not looking forward to this at all which was really unusual.

It ended up being an unseasonably warm day and even though I didn't race, I was happy to have my entry fee go to the Point Pleasant  First Aid & Emergency Squad.

SO....catch me next month at the Gobble Wobble 5k in Manahawkin! I am hoping to be better by then!

Did you miss last month's race? 

Find all my previous races below:

September 2023 | August 2023 | July 2023 | June 2023 | May 2023 |April 2023| March 2023 | February 2023 | January 2023 | December  2022 | August 2022 | August 2017 

 [[We win some, we lose some and some we just finish]]

 

12 in 12: September

  If you're new here, Start with The Plan then come back to this post 🏃‍♀️

9/11 Stair Climb

 I really wanted to a memorial run for 9/11; I couldn't find a race that was local. I decided to do the next best thing- A stair climb in honor of the 343 FDNY fighters who climbed 110 stories in the World Trade Center on the morning of September 11th, 2001. I have been wanting to do this for a long time and I felt like this is the perfect time to do it. 

This article from the National Fallen Firefighters Association talks about how you can participate and coordinate a stair climb for 9/11. 

This was a little different than a race. I wasn't racing against anyone; I was doing this in honor of those fallen firefighters who gave the ultimate sacrifice. 

I completed this on Friday September 29, 2023. On September 11, 2023, Retro Fitness in Bayville held their own stair climb in honor of those firefighters. I was so proud to see that! 

Right before Climb

Okay Gab, we are doing this! 

During the Climb 

Omg! I give these firefighters A LOT of credit- I had yoga pants and a tank on, I was dripping sweat half way through. I couldn't imagine how these firefighters climbed those stairs, crowded with people trying to get out AND in their full turnout gear. 

After the Climb 

God bless those who are no longer with us. 

Results 

41:12; almost 2,000 steps; 111 floors.

Music 

For this climb, I chose all patriotic songs; you can listen to my AMERICA playlist here 🔴⚪🔵

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Well, that's #9 of 12 5k's I'm running this year!

Next Month is the Monster Dash in Point Pleasant....

August 2023 | July 2023 | June 2023 | May 2023 |April 2023| March 2023 | February 2023 | January 2023 | December  2022 | August 2022 | August 2017 

[[Proud to be an American, today, tomorrow and always]]

12 in 12: August

If you're new here, Start with The Plan then come back to this post 🏃‍♀️

Week of Race 

I didn't train for this race. I did have a nice long walk around a carnival so that counts right?!

Night before Race 

What I did do to prepare for this race was watch the weather like a hawk and pick out my outfit. #priorities 

Morning of Race 

We got to Gille Park nice and early. This is my favorite race I run. Its a hometown race and so much fun. 

Right before Race

Compared to last month's race, this race was much bigger.  We lined up and before I knew it, we were off and running. 

During the Race 

I kept saying to myself "slow and steady gab!" "you got this" "hiiiiii! (Waving to a friend!)" "oh hes cute!" "how much longer" 

After the Race 

Phew! I did it and YAY!

Results 

Chip time: 38:29.6 

Gun time: 38:44.3 

fitbit time:  39:00 

Age group  22/25

Overall   277/398

Music 

As you can pretty much expect, I make a new playlist for each 5K I've been running. This one is full of old favorites to keep me motivated. You can list to it HERE. 

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Well, that's #8 of 12 5k's I'm running this year! Wahooo!

Next month, it's.... not sure what Race I am running quite yet.... so it will be a surprise :) 

Find all the previous races below:

July 2023 | June 2023 | May 2023 |April 2023| March 2023 | February 2023 | January 2023 | December  2022 | August 2022 | August 2017 

[[The days are long but the years are short.]]

 

12 in 12: July

 If you're new here, Start with The Plan then come back to this post 🏃‍♀️

Week of Race 

This race snuck up on me. I know it's been on my calendar since forever BUT it didn't seem so close especially since I ran the Red Bank Classic just TWO weeks prior!  I seriously thought I had more time. I didn't do that much besides taking a long walk the day before. 

Night before Race 

What I did do to prepare for this race was watch the weather like a hawk and pick out my outfit. 

Morning of Race 

We drove to Ocean Gate  and we found parking!! 

Packet pick up with nice and easy it was at the municpal(?) building. It was so tiny! . Went back to the car to ditch goodie bag and put number on. I also warmed up- stretching and hydrating.  Mom and Dad met us here and since its was 4th of July Weekend, everyone seemed to get the memo to wear patriotic colors. 

We were in a part of Ocean Gate that I am pretty sure I never saw/been to before. I really loved it. 

Right before Race

Compared to last month's race, this race was TINY! We lined up and before I knew it, we were off and running. 

During the Race 

I had NO idea what the course was so I was trying my hardest to stay with some people. This race reminded me of the Island Heights Race where we ran through different neighborhoods. I was happy that most of the main roads were closed. 

I was so excited to see the water at one point. Rosie's provided the water station half way through the race and at that point, I was ready to be done. It ended up being a hot morning. 

After the Race 

Phew! I did it. 

Results 

Chip time 36:08.24

fitbit time 35:59

Age group  16/24

Overall   88/119

Music 

As you can pretty much expect, I make a new playlist for each 5K I've been running. This one is full of old favorites to keep me motivated. You can list to it HERE. 

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Well, that's #7 of 12 5k's I'm running this year! Wahooo!

Next month, it's the Lacey MAC 5K. I am looking forward to this one, its the one I've run the most (year 3 for me!)

Find all the previous races below:

June 2023 | May 2023 |April 2023| March 2023 | February 2023 | January 2023 | December  2022 | August 2022 | August 2017 

[[It'll break your heart, leave you stuck tryin' to hold it together (walk that easy) ]]

12 in 12: June

 If you're new here, Start with The Plan then come back to this post 🏃‍♀️

The Red Bank Classic 5K 
06/17/2023

Week of Race 

This race snuck up on me. I know it's been on my calendar since forever BUT it didn't seem so close. I seriously thought I had more time. I didn't do that much besides taking a long walk the day before. What I did do to prepare for this race was watch the weather like a hawk and pick out my outfit. 

Night before Race 

I wasn't really nervous, I think I was distracted. I was thinking more about my outfit than the actual race. HA HA 

Morning of Race 

We drove to red bank and we found parking!! (my biggest fear )

Packet pick up with nice and easy. Went back to the car to ditch goodie bag and put number on. I also warmed up- stretching and hydrating. 

Send in the Dancing Lobsters!

PUPPY!

LOTS of runners

Lets do this gab

Right before Race

Went to broad st. For 8 am to get pre race photos and to see what was going on before the race. Lots of people hanging around. Everyone esteemed to know someone. 

Lots of energy. I wasn't nervous I was anxious to start. 1116 runners !!! So many puppy's. Have to look into Hokas. So many people were wearing them. 

During the Race 

Omg! What did I do? Why is this hill so big? Oh no another kid? Yay, first place winner! Oh my gosh another hill! Yay, spectators!

After the Race 

Phew! I did it. Yikes that was rough!

Results 

Gun time: 34:58.6

Chip time: 37.59.3

fitbit time: 39:00

Age group 54/77

Overall  809/1125

Rough race!

Music 

As you can pretty much expect, I make a new playlist for each 5K I've been running. This one is full of old favorites to keep me motivated. You can list to it HERE. 

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Well, that's #6 of 12 5k's I'm running this year! That means I'm half way done! Wahooo!

Next month, eh, in 2 weeks, it's the Ocean Gate 5K. I am looking forward to this one and a post Race dip in the bay. Perhaps pizza from Anchor Inn.

Did you miss last month's 5K? Check out May and the other races I've run previously: 

April 2023| March 2023 | February 2023 | January 2023 | December  2022 | August 2022 | August 2017 

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[[Are you ready to RUN?!]]