HELLLLOOOO March!

Ah, March is one of my favorite months :)  It means spring is on the way among other things.  This year, March makes me a little nervous, because after March comes April...and well that means race day!!!  I am super excited that I don't have to bundle up in so many layers of clothes that I can't even hear my watch beep for my runs- but I am going to have to start acclimatizing a little to this "heat."
It has been a busy few weeks, and this week was no exception!  Steph and I ran the Umstead Trail Marathon yesterday....although we only ran the first 1.5 miles together.  Let's just say that this TRAIL marathon kicked my booty!  I wasn't racing, so ran it accordingly, but that course is tough.  I actually thought to myself in the middle of the run, "Well, check this one off my list!"  I am sure I will forget I ever even thought that when it is time to sign up again next year.  The race was very well organized and the volunteers were awesome!  I have never had volunteers ride the course on their bikes and ask if we wanted water or fuel between aid stations :)  Nothing like a double latte gel for the sawtooth portion of the race course!   The first 8 miles of the course were mostly single track, and this is a totally different skill (or as I like to say, a completely different beast).  I couldn't take my eyes off the ground, and had no idea how to judge my effort....I think this may have been the first factor in my difficult day.  Hmmm, may want to do some more trail running before next year :)  I knew that the bridle trail and ATT weren't real "trails" but boy was I unprepared for this!  After the single track, it was up Gralyn and then we headed for a double take of Turkey Creek....yikes!  I think the worst part of the run for me was Cedar Ridge...well, except for the minor GI issues around mile 17!  I highly recommend avoiding Cedar Ridge with the "Wheels Fell off Hill!"  I was able to muster up enough strength and determination to finish strong with a smile :)  Steph finished with a smile with her new friend (who had an hour PR.....wow!).  So for now, the score is Umstead 1, Val 0.....but i'll be back :)  Plus, I got to meet a lot of great local runners...and many who will be at Umstead on April 2 and 3!!!!!
Another tough week with a long double run.....gearing up before the taper down :)  Hoping for a nice "peak" this week.  I have started the packing list and organizing for race day!  Still trying out some new foods and fuel.....gotta get that figured out soon :)

High-fiving a great finish line cheerleader at the end of the race!  Happy to be done!  (Photo courtesy of Jim Wei)

Recovering at the Laudates post-race (and shower) while the kids enjoy the WARM weather!

Our rock star babysitter and Ella....yes, it was 6:30 AM on a Saturday :)