Spacecoast Half Marathon 2015

I signed up for this race for the first time a few years ago. A friend posted the 5-year galactic challenge and I wanted to do it. Why not? Extra medals? Big medals? So ... the first year, I hemmed and hawed and waited as I watched the half fill to 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, Full. Figured I would sign up for the full and transfer to the half. Nope. If you signed up for the full after the half filled, no transfers. So I trained. I was ready. This was going to be amazing. I felt great going into it. I had my Beverly Crusher costume. It wasn't. The course is a figure-of-8 of out-and-back along the James River. It's beautiful. The support is amazing. The road is cambered. My hyperflexibility (can't help that) combined with weak hips (my fault) and by mile 19, I was hurting. By mile 26 I was being drug by a volunteer. I collapsed in the chute. It was slow and ugly. After all the evaluations, I did not have a stress fracture of the hip. But, piriformis and glute medius tendon are not back to normal. 2015 was a year of prolotherapy and physical therapy and injections with limited relief. But, I wanted the extra medals. Signed up for year 2. Military sent me to Alaska. The folks at Running Zone don't do waivers or refunds, but they were quite sympathetic to military duties. Let me do a virtual ...in Alaska, around a 1/10 indoor track in winter. UGH!!! Sent me my shirt and medal. Don't ask them to do it for you, they don't do virtuals. Just a way to support the military. So ... this year was the Milky Way Challenge medal ... year 3. Hell yeah, I'm gonna do it. Oh yeah, I haven't really gotten back into any decent running form since the full 2 years ago. If you've read my blog, you know what I mean. Mostly walking and slower every time. But, I set my clock for registration in February and was signed up before the race sold out in minutes.

So ... Thanksgiving rolled around and the Musician and I boarded a plane to Orlando where we picked up our rental car. Next stop, Whole Foods for some vegan Thanksgiving Day grub. Then drive to Cocoa Beach for condo on the beach. Yep, rentalsbyowner.com did us a solid. This place was great. We were second floor. Nice view. Just on the other side of a parking lot from a bar with music. Good for Musician. Didn't do much for me. 

Friday morning, I dressed in INKnBURN shirt that couldn't be named. Headed to  for packet pickup. Easy peasy. Got distracted in the store, but made it out successfully without spending pennies. Got a lot of compliments on my shirt. Took some silly pics with "astronauts."

Gave my Moon Pie to a kid. Back to the condo. There was an art show in town, so we looked at art and was soooo tempted by some cool finds, but resisted again. Wheh. How would we get things home?  Walked on the beach. Music at the bar. And then in for the night as the rain poured down hard. Even a little silly television. Yep ... Flash ahah, saviour of the universe!!!

 Saturday morning it was lazy, but we headed to expo to meet up with DocketRocket and Miss Disney. We have talked for months on-line as the administrators for a fan page for INKnBURN on Facebook. It was awesome to finally meet them in person. Just as nice in person as on-line. Quick pics and a round of shopping. Didn't get out without spending, but did manage not to spend too much. :)

 We found an organic grocer and picked up a few things for vegan picnic and found our way to a state park to watch for manatees. No manatees, but  lovely relaxing seat at the river. No complaints. Drove to the finish line area to check things out so the Musician have his gameplan for meeting me post-race. Early to bed for me, but the music was loud.

Woke up at 330 to catch the 430 shuttle (Musician had to wake up too, to drive me to a nearby hotel with shuttle service) to the start line. The usual, people are chatty, and quiet, and nervous. The shuttle filled and off we went. We were early, so I found a park bench and decided to have some quiet time to think. And, maybe a few opportunities to find the porta-potties. Met a few other INKnBURNers for some pictures. Headed to the start line.  I guess I didn't pay as much attention to the start before. I loved the big screen and the space themed videos ... music and shuttles. Then it was blast-off. Well, for some, for me, it was slow. I wasn't planning on doing much, just finish. 

The community support for this race is absolutely amazing. It's a 2-lane road with homes and we take it over for the day. Instead of being cranky, they come out and set up impromptu aid stations. They cheer us on. As the sun came up, it was absolutely beautiful and inspiring. Before I knew it, I was turning around. I wasn't going fast, I was just having fun. I paid attention this year for the lavender house with the "lady of the river." Yes, there she was. Kinda creepy? But, also pretty cool?

I did start slowing down. My 1 minute walk/1 minute run was just getting kinda boring, so it turned into more walk. Chatted with some folks and met up with an incredible woman running with Team in Training. I can't remember how many half and full marathons she has done and how much she has raised, but is has been A LOT!!! And, she can barely run. She was bent almost 90-degrees. Her knees have both been replaced. She has had multiple back and neck surgeries. She hurts. But, she said that she does this to herself because others can't do it. She is doing it for them. It was kind of inspiring. She talked my ear off. Eventually, she had to stop to stretch and take a break. I enjoyed the company, but really was feeling ready to be done. I saw DocketRocket as she was on the "out" stretch of the second half of her full. Yeah, she's faster than me ... by a lot, but she runs almost daily and I run, well, sometimes. I stopped at the community aid station for a Bloody Mary. Yep, can we just fill my water bottle for the rest of the run? I did not stop to sit on the couch. I might not have made it back up. And, I started just wanting to be done already.

Came upon the area where I think the random stranger slung me over her shoulder 2 years before to drag me in and I almost cried. I looked for her, but I knew I wouldn't recognize her even if she was out there again this year. I was too bleary-eyed last time. I was happy not to be dragging a leg this time. The chute was visible and I saw the Musician. He didn't have to pick me up to get me across this time. This time, I also did not stop at half the porta potties on the course. I didn't even have to pick up water at each of the aid stations every mile. Overall, not as bad as it could be.

And, done!!! Thanks for the medal. Oh, and the other medal. Thanks for the towel. Thanks for the pancakes. No thanks to the eggs and pizza. Had to get the leaping pics. Then home!!! Didn't have the energy to wait for DocketRocket. Found out that Miss Disney fell in the first block and broke her ankle. She thought about hobbling the 13 miles, but made the smart decision. And, she says she is relieved. Not doing the 3, she has no desire to push for the 5 year medal. 

Little beach time and then massages for both of us. I'm not sure why the Musician needed a massage, he didn't just walk/run 13 miles. And, then it was time for lounging and packing. It's an early morning to drive to the airport and drop off the care and then a flight home. Will I be back next year? Heck yeah!!! Because I qualify for the Intergalactic Challenge, I get early sign-up!! Woot!!

PopSugar MustHave November 2015

 PopSugar MustHave is a monthly lifestyle subscription box. I call it a Christmas stocking in a box and I look forward to it every month.  It's filled with items that I might not purchase for myself, but that I will use and love. Just a bit of luxury.

The usual subscription box is $39.99/month plus tax ($42.65), but if you purchase 3 or 6 month subscriptions, there is a little discount. And, they have discounts every month if you find the codes. The current discount code is REFER5 for $5 off your subscription. I bought a 6 month subscription last month and had a discount for Black Friday. I totally forgot to change my subscription when the 6 months ran out and do another 6 months. Right now, I'm holding out to see if they have another Black Friday deal. If so ... I'm doing a 6 month and cancelling my month to month.

November's inspiration was Friends& Family, Gratitude, Giftings and Festivities. Seems appropriate for the time of year. As usual, I was scoping the mailbox for my box and was happy when it arrived. First thing I noticed was that it was big and it was heavy. Hmmm?

Deepa Gurnani Katie Crystal Headband: In a Limited Edition Box, I  received a Deepa Gurnani Crystal necklace. I really love it, so no surprise I love the detailing of this headband. Retail $56. I'm wearing it now as I write.






Tarte Cosmetics Beauty & the Box Eye Shadow: Such cute packaging. And it was a candy theme. The colors are Lollipop, Bubblegum, Jellybean, and Taffy. The combination is great. Matte and creamy with a hint of shimmer. Supposed to be formulated to last 12 hours. From my research, it looks like vegan also. Since I don't see a lot of red, I believe it may be. Other Beauty & the Box eyeshadows on the website are listed as vegan, but I couldn't find this one. Retail $22

West Emory Bingo Set: OK, I admit, I was a little iffy. This is what made the box big, and heavy. It is not just cheap paper. The boxed set has large cardboard playing cards, a tracker, and push-out circles for placeholders and for the number system. It could be a fun and simple game with family and friends over the holidays. Retail $20





Capri Blue Mercury Jewel Box in Rain. Candle has a very floral fragrance and the hand-blown recycled glass jewel box is really pretty. I have to use the candle a lot because I think it will be fun to use the box on my dresser. Retail $18.95

Gramr Gratitude Co Exclusive Thanksgiving Postcard Pack. What a nice reminder to thank people for doing something nice over the holidays, or just thank them for being themselves and being present in your life. A simple postcard is a quick reminder that they are appreciated. Retail $10. Also included a code for $15 off a subscription. 


Terrapin Ridge Farms Pecan Honey Mustard: HMMM ... I'm interested in giving this a try. Haven't sampled yet, but the combination sounds interesting. And it seems festive, and a little decadent, for holiday meals. Retail $6

Special Extra Inkdot Gift Card: This $20 gift card can be used for turning digital pictures into something longer lasting ... prints, coasters, etc. I am usually not a fan of gift cards, but since this can be used without requiring extra money added, I find it a winner. Retail $20. 

So, what do I think? I think PopSugar is really doing a great job with curations. Interesting combinations of products. Things I wouldn't necessarily purchase for myself, but really enjoy. Things I can use for gifts that my friends will love. And, fitting a theme without being too bound by the theme. Retail $132.90-$152.95 if you count the gift card, which I do since it can be used as is. Even at the regular monthly price of the subscription, it has great value. 

Beat the Blerch Sacramento 2015

We had so much fun last year in Seattle, that we had to make a girl's weekend of it again. I love races with themes, and this one really speaks to me. A LOT!!!  I was in Africa, so we couldn't do Sacramento, but CurleyKate had business in Northern California that timed perfectly. UltraGirl is doing ultra stuff, but Power Broker and I were up for travel.

So, off we were to the airport and we had to celebrate our travels early.

We arrived late Thursday and picked up our rental car and then off to the hotel for a good night's sleep. Next morning, it was breakfast and early packet pick-up at REI. We thought we would get there before packet pick-up opened to beat the line. We were wrong. I guess they set up early and people were lined up early. So, we waited ... and shopped.

We were told we had to have our registration code with us, but once we were at the desk, they were looking up codes for everyone. Packet pick-up was quick and smooth and goodies. I bought another book because I needed another Oatmeal autograph. And yeah, he's still cute.

We did a little driving around town and found lunch and did a little shopping and met CurleyKate and Latin Heat for dinner at Ten22. This place is amazing. I wish I had pictures of the food, but alas. I can't remember what I ate, but they had a nice vegan option and it was divine.

Then, back to the hotel. Set up for morning. And sleep.

We awoke early, but because it is a blerchy race, it doesn't start too early. Marathon at 8. Half at 830.

 We sat on the couch and reconsidered our decision to run.

We saw a quick passing Yeti, but not fast enough for pictures. Yetis are sneaky and fast. Blerches were passing out bacon and maple syrup marshmallows. I passed. Latin Heat had to partake. I wore INKnBURN muscles because it was the least blerchy thing I could think of. I had to beat the Blerch. I also got A LOT of attention in that. From racers, volunteers, and random strangers.

 
The race organizers sent us off in waves. We didn't really pay attention. CurleyKate and Latin Heat were doing 10K, but they started with us.

At the start, Blerches tried to convince us to turn around.

My run these days is 1 minute run: 1 minute walk. Power Broker is a sub-10 minute miler now. She stuck with me for a mile, but it was too slow and I told her to head on out. She did and she looked strong and had great form, as usual.  I felt heavy and slow. As the turn-off came for the 5K, I considered it. Glad I didn't. We had a beautiful run past the Capitol area and tree-lined streets and tree-lined paved trails along the river.

But, the 10K turn-off came up. Again, I considered turning left. I turned right and decided it was too late, I had to go the full distance. Aid stations were plentiful with cake and Nutella sandwiches. Volunteers were super supportive and cheerful. I didn't stop for couches this year. I had to keep moving forward.

As we got into more trails and I hit 7 miles, I was deliriously happy. I thought to myself, I can do this. I am so motivated to keep on running and do better with my training. This is awesome. That lasted about a mile and a half. Then I thought, how much longer until this is over. Thank goodness the trail was beautiful. We came up to the turn-off for the full onto packed dirt trails and I was very careful not to make the mistake of turning right.

I turned left towards "home." Eventually, I was just plodding and felt like a zombie. It's been a hard year. Every run has felt worse than the one before. Around mile 11, we came to a section of boardwalk made of railroad ties. I walked. I didn't think I could pick up my feet enough not to stumble and land on my face. Then, back to some road and a fellow INKnBURN ambassador passed me. She had done the full and she looked amazing and strong. As she passed, I asked if she was who I thought she was. We said brief hellos while we kept moving forward. And, finally, the track to the finish line. I was DONE. Somewhere in mile 12, PowerBroker texted me she was finished. After picking up my medal, I climbed the cruelly placed stadium stairs and found PowerBroker. CurleyKate and Latin Heat had already headed out for lunch. We did a few quick pics and back to the car to the hotel for a bite to eat, a shower, and then a lovely afternoon of relaxing spa treatments. Lazy dinner around the corner and back to bed.

 

 Next morning, we did a quick run to the running store and I picked up some shoes and a few other items. Yep, I need new running shoes ... believe it or not. Then we met CurleyKate and Latin Heat for lunch. Because it was so good before, we went to Ten22 again. Service and food were just as spectacular. Beet salad was amazing with 3 different kinds of beets. I was pretty much in heaven. Then it was a race to the airport and home again and back to reality.

Yes, we will do it again next year.