I'm a Queen Bee! (October 8, 2016)

When I started running almost four years ago, I just wanted to complete a 5K.  After that I had no expectation to ever do a half marathon but I had great respect for those who did them.

Then after watching friends in the Flying Pig Half and Marathon, I thought "why not me?"

So I signed up for the Queen Bee Half.  I joined a running group for Saturday long runs.  And I did it!

Thanks to all the people who supported me before, during and after this day.  And all the work training was totally worth it!

Before the race I met up with the girls I had been training with at Mojo Running.

With the finish line in view, I saw Jody, Pam and Monica were cheering me on.

After running with Nicki for the entire race, I got a second wind and ran ahead for the last mile.

As I finished I ran through two rows of service men and women high fiving the finishers.  I was so overcome with emotion I started to cry.

Nicki and I met at the finish line for our victory hug!

Jody (my biggest fan) and her friends Pam and Monica also ran in the race and have been great supporters of my running.  Here they are with me and Nicki.

I wasn't too disappointed with my time.  I had thought I would average a 15 minute mile.  As I neared the finish my Runkeeper app was tracking me at under 14.  Unfortunately I didn't calculate the potty break I took near the halfway point.  But 14.12/mile is not too shappy!

Results

Joining the MoJo Running Group

I have wanted to be part of the MoJo running group for a long time.  Recently I spoke to Cassie from Miami's Health and Wellness program and she encouraged me to try it once and see how I liked it.

I decided to try it on the weekend of July 2nd.  I posted an inquiry about the location on their Facebook group page and someone responded that it would be at Voice of America Park.  She also told me that she would run with me.

I made up my mind to get up at 6 a.m. on Saturday and drive there.  And it wasn't so bad.  I actually loved it.

Brew Hogs, again!

This was my fourth Hudy 7K.  I considered doing the 14K but decided to just enjoy it.  There was a threat of rain but ended up being very nice weather although a little hot still.

I got lazy and walked which I'm not proud of but my time wasn't too bad and as soon as I finish the half marathon next month, I will go back to 5K and 10K training.

Every time I do this race, I look around at the after party and remember that it really is "the race that thinks its a party."  It is actually "the race I think is a party!"  They always have a good band, "Just Add Beer" and the beer, pretzels and skyline are plentiful with Oktoberfest Zinzinnati happening the same weekend.

Training for the Queen Bee

I have decided that with my involvement with the running group, I will sign up for the Queen Bee Half Marathon in Cincinnati on October 8th.  I know it will be a walk/run distance for me but I want to try it.  I'm trying to increase by a mile a week for my long runs.

Nicki and I are running once or twice a week around Oxford.  That distance is usually around three miles.

And I'm going every Saturday to run with Mojo.  Getting up early and driving there is growing on me.  I regret that I can't take part in Saturday morning yoga in the park or visit the Oxford Farmers Market but here was my beautiful view this morning as I drove to West Chester.

RedLegs Run 2016

It's hard to believe this is the fourth year I have done the RedLegs Run.  I  missed Matty but Jody ran with me which always means success for me.  We ran into Andrea and Roni before the race.  And despite the early morning rain, the race was dry but cold.

 

My time was not too bad and I was 6/66 in my age group.  If I could shave off a minute per mile I may be able to be in the top 3 next  year.

I was pretty excited about the shirt and the medal, especially the medal.

Afterward we skipped the usual Cincinnati food (goetta, Skyline, LaRosas) andwent to OTR to have brunch at Taste of Belgium.  Then we ventured to Findlay Market before heading home.

 

Little Kings Mile 2016

So, this is the second leg of the 2nd beer series for Matt and me.

We didn't plan to be Brew Hogs this year but it will probably happen.  Actually we are pretty committed since we wore the Brew Hog bibs in the race last night.

It was fun and my time was good.  I tried to keep a faster pace than usual because it was a short race.  I turned it on at the end.  Not quite as fast as last year but 10:33 isn't bad.

 

Another Shamrock Shuffle in the books!

For the second year in a row it rained for the race.  The days leading up to and day after were sunny but the morning of the racing it poured!

 

 

This year Heather joined us.  Vic was back to join us.  Andrea missed it because of a planned vacation.

The rain let up a little during the race and we suffered the chilly weather for a while so we could enjoy the food and beer.

My time wasn't as good as last year but I did run the entire race.

306	SUZANNE	CLARK	58
OXFORD	OH	34:56	11:16

Results

2016 Bockfest 5K

I really love the race.  I almost didn't sign up but made my decision hours before the price increase.  And it was a sold out race so I was glad I did!

The course is tough but I love that it goes through a different part of the city than most other races we have done.  Check out the elevation!

Not sure that we will do the beer series again, but it is great that is has a medal!

And here are the pictures...

 

And cheers to Monica, the birthday girl!

And our Snapchat recap...