Ready for cooler temps?

Summer never seems to end once it really starts up, but there is a way to run in cooler temperatures. This is where traveling for races comes into play. We just returned from Tennessee for the Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon and I was astonished to be feeling temps as cool as 50 degrees. During the race, we didn't get out of the 60s. It was phenomenal. Our next destination trip is coming up in late October in Essex CT for the Steam Train Half Marathon, where I am sure we'll experience more beautiful fall weather.  

Proof is in our picture, this was taken on Sept 9 just before the start of our race. Check out our jackets! I kept mine on until around mile 2. 50's-60's is really ideal running weather for me anyways ;-)

If you are staying here and want to cool off, Lynn has gotten us hooked on ice water stops throughout our long runs. If you plan ahead this is a great way to keep cool for distance running. Lynn suggests putting your water jugs into the freezer around 8:30 or 9 pm the night before. If possible have ice water available every 3 miles or so. We like to pour it down our backs or on our heads. Yes you may shriek because its freezing, but it's really the best & fastest way to cool the core temperature down. Here's to hoping cooler temps are on the way for us sooner rather than later!

They say to dream BIG....

Well I did and now it's real. I am officially registered for the Big Sur International Marathon, which takes place on April 29, 2018. This will be my first full marathon. Maybe I have officially lost my mind or I've simply drank the Koolaid, either way, this is really happening. I will partake in my first full, while Lynn looks to complete her 100th marathon. Hey, we all have to start somewhere; don't we?! Why Big Sur you ask? Well, it is simply one of the most breathtaking places I've ever had the pleasure of visiting. Coincidentally, next year will be the 10 year anniversary of our first time there. We did the Hwy 1 drive up from LA to Monterey Bay. If you've never been, this is an absolute must trip. This was the trip that convinced me that California is my ultimate dream state.  It is by far and away one of our all time favorite vacations ever. So much beauty, wildlife and we got to visit my husband's brother who is no longer with us. Needless to say, Big Sur holds a special place in my heart. 

The mountains are calling and I must go...

The races that always stand out in my mind involve some sort of mountain scenery. As you now know, my first half was in the Rockies, CO in 2015. Last year Lynn joined me and we did a half in Grand Tetons, WY. Both races are run by the same organization - Vacation Races. All they do are races focused around our national parks. Bar none, they are a stellar race company. You cannot beat the swag, from the amazing shirts, medals, race bibs and of course the races themselves. This company takes care of it's runners. It is so much more clear to me now how important this is having come off of a sub par experience with some aspects of our recent Virginia Wine Country Half, which was run by Destination Races - a very different organization.

I said early on, my goal is to run every race VR has on their list. The list is still growing, so it may take me a while to complete, but if I do one a year I think I can get there. It's such a great way to experience the beauty of our national parks. The races often take place just outside the park perimeters. VR also does a lot to encourage runners to participate in hikes in the area. 

Smoky Mountains Half Marathon is one that I've looked at a number of times. It's coming up on September 9, 2017. This could be an easy road trip up. I've also scoped out a number of great rental cabins in the area starting at $99 a night. If you've never done a Vacation Races race, this would be a great intro. On Raceraves.com, this race has a score of 4.8 out of 5 from 30 reviews. If I haven't sold you yet, be sure to check out this video from the VR team. It's from a few years ago, but still great. This year will be it's 6th year in the Smokies.

If you join me, you can add one of these beauties to your medal collection. Let me know if you are interested! 

Where is your dream race destination?

It all started with a simple Facebook ad about an upcoming half marathon through Rocky Mountain National Park. That is when my running journey began (again). RMNP is simply one of the most breathtaking parks I've ever had the pleasure of visiting. I thought to myself what an awesome way to experience it from a whole new perspective on foot!

I met Lynn Gray in January of 2015 and the rest is history. She helped me train for my first half marathon that would take place in August of 2015 in the Rockies. Prior to meeting Lynn I was coming off a long hiatus of running from a stress fracture injury and my longest run was a 5K, so I was essentially starting over from square one. Needless to say Lynn stood by me and helped me to discover how to push myself further than I could have ever imagined was possible. I completed that half marathon, which many say is likely one of the hardest races anyone could choose (especially for their first & for being from Florida).

Ever since, I've continued to seek out new destinations to continue the journey. There is no better way to truly experience a destination than to run through it. Little did I know when this all started it would become one of the greatest joys of my life.

I am excited to now have the opportunity to share this passion with you, my fellow TTFS club members. I plan to keep this site updated with monthly activities for half marathons that are destination oriented. Some may be far, far away and others might be right here in Florida. Don't forget we are fortunate to live in a place many travel to as their destination of choice!