My best race yet

After my last road race, I woke up with pink eye and strep throat. Even still, my sisters and I decided to do a race together on Thanksgiving day in Madison, CT. We decided to run together, dressed in similar outfits, and make it a fun tradition that we can carry on through the years. Since I wasn't racing per say, I figured it would be okay for me to run while fighting off illness. Plus, how many chances do I get to run a race with all my sisters? It was happening, sore throat, pink eyes and all.

We went with a hawaiian theme and wore leis and hula skirts over our running clothes. It ended up being a pretty nice morning, and when the race started at 10 a.m., it was in the 50s. There were tons of people racing and it was a really fun atmosphere. We ran most of the way together, but Hannah and I ended up finishing a minute or two before Scarlet and Emily. The results show Scarlet finishing with me, Emily finishing a minute later, and Hannah finishing 20 minutes after that....Not really sure what happened there.

Regardless, I am really proud of all my sisters, especially the twins! They play soccer and swim, but don't run regularly like I do, and I know it was tough for them. We had tons of fun and everyone was cheering for the "hula girls!"

Before the races. Me on the left, then Hannah, Scarlet and Emily.

This race was really special to me. On a day when we give thanks for all we have in our life, I got to spend time doing something I love (running) with the people I love most. My mom was visiting her Mom at the hospital earlier that morning, but made it to the finish line to see us. We didn't tell her what we were wearing, and she was really surprised when she realized the crazy hula people running towards her were her daughters. It was a day I will never forget!

Jessica

Off season road race fun!

Hello!

I thought it would be a great time to do a little off season update while I am home for break and have some more time on my plate!

The past couple of weeks have been great- I have been really focusing on my stroke in the water, getting used to the pain cave (computrainer sessions) with the Apex group, enjoying some speed ladders and hill work for running, and getting back into a routine with strength training. It has been a nice change of pace, still challenging, but in a different and refreshing way. I love this time of the year, and fortunately, it has hung around for longer than usual. To say we are spoiled in Boulder is an understatement. It is hard to believe that the "winter" months are here and we have weeks of 50-60 degree, sun filled days. No complaints here.

Since I LOVE road races, I decided to do one while I was home for this Thanksgiving break. I always say I am going to, and somehow never do. Today I did the 38th Fischang Cicchetti 5 mile road race in Waterbury, CT (the town next to mine), and had a great time! I wasn't really expecting anything, but was pretty surprised with how smooth and strong I felt. Maybe it's all the squats I have been doing! Or the hill repeats! Maybe both :)

After crossing the finish line with YMCA director Jim O'Rourke. Freezing, but as happy as can be! 

Both my parents stood out in the freezing cold and watched me race. It was awesome to have them cheering and give me hugs and high fives at the finish line. They have always been my biggest fans and supporters, and it means a lot to me when they can see me race. Mostly, I just like to make them smile when they see how happy I am doing the sport(s) I love. I even won a trophy and $300 for first place female, so it was a solid day!

Here is a link to the video of my race from today. Around 500 people competed, and it was a blast! It was great seeing so many people from the town I grew up in and interacting with them.

I may do another road race on Thanksgiving day with my sisters, but I am not sure yet! I am trying to take advantage of sea level running because my oh my, it is wonderful! I have another five days at home and I plan to train a bit, spend lots of time with family, and continue to be so very thankful for all that I have in my life.

Jessica