Run Through Redlands 2013 {Recap}

On Sunday morning bright and early Susie got our gear on and hit downtown Redlands to run the Run through Redlands Half Marathon for the third time (well fourth if you count the one time I was bandit). Megan was so sweet and hooked us up with these awesome shirts to show our Boston Love!

After a weekend of fun in the sun, wine and dancing I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was going to give it my all.

#prayforboston #runnersunite #lululemonskirt

The best thing about local races is that you get to see friendly faces/clients everywhere you go!

I decided to give my Saucony Kinvara 4’s!!! OH MY these are by far my new favorite shoe! They are soooooo light and I felt like I was running on air! I love how they slip on super easy and love the color! I am now a Sucony believer! Not one blister and no pain at all in my feet!

This race starts pretty late. The gun didn’t go off till about 7:45am and it was already in the 70’s!

Now for a little recap on this race…..

This race is about 7 miles up HILL! I know crazy right? So I was mentally prepared to take my time up the hills and pick up any time lost on the downhill. Well as soon as the gun went off I got in RACE MODE, I just can’t help it. I kept my pace between 7 minute miles and 7:30 pretty much the first 3 miles. As soon as the steep hills hit I still tried to keep my pace of 7:30, but didn’t look at my watch once. I listened to my body, shortened my stride, lowered my arms and ran with my heart. As soon as I hit that last hill, I WAS SO READY TO PICK IT UP!!!! I blasted some Eminem (yep he’s my go to running music mix) and took off! I kept between a 6:30 and 7:20 the whole way down. I passed about two girls and I knew I was up there, because someone yelled at me and told me I was girl #3. I saw girl #2 and I just followed her steps. I knew that this was MY RACE and if I couldn’t pas her, it would be ok….I was running for me. The last three miles I turned my music off and just started praying. Praying for Boston, praying for every runner around me, for all of my family and thanking God for all that he has given me! IT WAS AMAZING! I passed girl #2 and really started moving!!! I FELT SOOOOO GOOD! Nothing hurt and my stride was so open. Normally I feel like my legs get so heavy, but not this time. I saw the finish line and I sprinted my heart out!

I opened up my stride even wider and got my final KICK in!!! Nothing like almost passing out at the finish line!!! I WAS FINISHED!!! I knew I was one of the first girls up, but I wasn’t sure how close I was to the first girl.

I was shooting for a 1:45!! So I would say I WAS presently surprised to see a 1;39!! Guess all that speed work is working!!

Susie did awesome too!!! She was well under 2 hours!!

Megan rocked her first 5k!

and guess who beat me???? I came in second to my cross country coach from HIGH SCHOOL!! I only hope to be this fast when I am her age!! She rocked it!

The swag, finisher metal, first in my age division, and second female overall. Some pretty awesome birthday presents!

RUN THROUGH REDLANDS RECAPS

Run through Redlands: 4/18/10 -1:38:19. Was the first woman to cross the FINISH LINE!

April 24, 2012: 1:43:03

April 21, 2013: 1:39:55—> 2nd Overall,1st in my age division

WHAT AN AMAZING RACE! I am ready for the Ojai marathon and who knows, maybe I will even Boston Qualify…maybe!