#RnRDC Marathon, Half Marathon, 5k, Expo, Spectator & Volunteer Recaps

Freudian slip? Somehow I put Leah's name on my bib!

Unfortunately, putting Leah's name on my bib did not help me run as fast as she did at the Chicago Marathon. I know I ran my best, but I am disappointed that I failed to qualify for the Boston Marathon (BQ) on my 10th attempt on Saturday, March 12. 

Unofficial finish time: 4:00:23

A lot can change in 1/2 mile splits

Incapacitating stomach pain and nausea overwhelmed me after mile 20 and it took every bit of strength I had remaining to keep running (or walking) towards the finish line of my 20th marathon. 

While I am disappointed that I failed to reach my goal, I know that I gave it my all. My legs felt great the day after the marathon even though the unrelenting nausea continued. I'm not sure if it's my gastroparesis, a virus or something else, but I hope to find a way to run through any nausea and stomach pain next time. 

I admit that I contemplated giving up my goal to BQ, but I just can't stop chasing that unicorn. I have one last chance to BQ at the Rivanna Greenbelt Marathon on Saturday, September 10 and I will train my best so that I don't hit "the wall" again.

Won't wash this shirt touched by Greg Dulli

While I failed to reach my BQ goal, it's not too late to help me reach my fundraising goal. 

So close to reaching my fundraising goal!

Text "LEMONADE E1121983" to "85944" to donate $10 by phone.

Fighting childhood cancer one text at a time!

Or, donate $2 or more online: www.alexslemonade.org/mypage/1121983

Running in memory of GG and Michael

No donation is too small to fight childhood cancer with Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation! 

Did you run, cheer or volunteer during the Rock 'n' Roll DC Marathon, Half or 5K? Tell us about your experience (or share you link to your recap) in the comments. Comments will be posted after review. 

30 #RnRDC Recaps
(updated 4/1/2016)
Listed alphabetically by blog or website

ABC2 News - Recapping the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon in Washington DC
abc2news.com/sports/recapping-the-rock-n-roll-marathon-in-washington-dc

Be the Dog - Rock 'n' Roll Washington, D.C.: It’s a Good Life
bethedog.ninja/blog/2016/3/14/bdkz0u2i8uifnwsus81bc4zf0ak796

Bill's Running Shoes - Mental Lapse Rock 'n' Roll Washington DC Race Report
billrunningshoes.blogspot.com/2016/03/mental-lapse-rock-n-roll-washington-dc.html

The Cadence Kitchen - RnR DC Race Report
thecadencekitchen.com/blog/2016/3/15/rnr

Famous DC - Rock 'n' Roll Souls
famousdc.com/2016/03/14/rock-n-roll-dc/ 

Fannetastic Food - Rock 'n' Roll DC Half Marathon 2016 Race Recap
fannetasticfood.com/2016/03/15/rock-n-roll-dc-half-marathon-2016-race-recap/

From Dancing to Running - 2016 Rock 'n' Roll DC Half Marathon
dancingtorunning.com/2016/03/23/2016-rock-n-roll-dc-half-marathon-recap/

The Glass Slipper Catalyst - Rock 'n' Roll DC Expo Volunteer Experience
rundisneybelle14.wordpress.com/2016/03/17/rock-n-roll-d-c-expo-volunteer-experience/

The Glass Slipper Catalyst - Rock 'n' Roll DC 5k Recap
rundisneybelle14.wordpress.com/2016/03/18/rock-n-roll-5k-recap/

Hardcore Running Princess - Rock 'n' Roll DC Marathon Recap
emilygerard.com/index.php/2016/03/12/rock-n-roll-dc-marathon-recap/

Jay Knight Life - Rock 'n' Roll DC 2016 Race Recap
jayknightlife.com/2016/03/rock-n-roll-dc-2016-race-recap.html

Kat Runs DC - Race Review Recap - 2016 Rock 'n' Roll DC Half Marathon
katrunsdc.com/race-review-recap-2016-rock-n-roll-d-c-half-marathon/

Life Lists and Labels - Let's Rock, Let's Rock, Today
lifelistsandlabels.wordpress.com/2016/03/13/lets-rock-lets-rock-today/

Mar on the Run - Rock 'n' Roll DC Half Marathon Recap
marontherun.com/2016/03/14/race-recap-rock-n-roll-dc-half-marathon/

Mat Miles Medals - Rock 'n' Roll DC Half Marathon - 5 years running
matmilesmedals.com/2016/03/rock-n-roll-dc-half-marathon-2016-5-years-running/

MCM Mama Runs - 47th Lifetime Half Marathon - RnR DC 2016
mcmmamaruns.com/2016/03/16/lifetime-half-marathon-47-rnr-dc-2016/

Mile Posts - Rock n Roll DC by the Garmin Numbers
mile-posts.com/running/rock-n-roll-dc-by-the-garmin-numbers.html

Move for Hunger - Doing Good at Rock ‘n’ Roll DC – Again!
moveforhunger.org/40605-2/

Out and About - 2016 Rock 'n' Roll DC Half Marathon
emmers712.blogspot.com/2016/03/2016-rock-n-roll-dc-half-marathon-race.html

Photo Run - DC Rock 'n' Roll
photorun.net/index.php?content=photodisplay&id=3030&event=DC_Rock-n-Roll

Run the Bar - Tuesday Training - Rock 'n' Roll DC Recap
runthebarblog.wordpress.com/2016/03/22/tuesday-training-rock-n-roll-dc-recap/

Run Freckles Run - Race Recap: The Rock 'n' Roll DC Marathon - Peter's Perspective

runfrecklesrun.com/2016/03/race-recap-rock-n-roll-dc-marathon.html

Run with No Regrets - Rock 'n' Roll DC Half Marathon Recap
runwithnoregrets.com/2016/03/rock-n-roll-dc-half-marathon-recap/

Run Steff Run - Rock 'n' Roll DC Expo and We Run Social
runsteffrun.com/2016/03/rock-n-roll-dc-expo-and-we-run-social.html

Run Steff Run - Rock 'n' Roll DC Half Marathon
runsteffrun.com/2016/03/the-2016-rock-n-roll-dc-half-

Running, And Enjoying the Journey - Rock and Roll DC Half Marathon
runningandenjoying.blogspot.com/2016/03/2016-rock-and-roll-dc-half-marathon.html

She's Going the Distance - The Almost PR Rock 'n' Roll DC Recap
shesgoingthedistance.com/2016/03/17/the-almost-pr-rock-n-roll-dc-12-recap/

Sunny Stride Up - Race Weekend Rock 'n' Roll DC Half
sunnystrideup.com/2016/03/15/race-weekend-recap-rock-n-roll-dc-half/

Women's Running - Photos of Runners at Rock 'n' Roll DC

womensrunning.competitor.com/2016/03/photos/runners-at-rock-n-roll-d-c_56050

Writing, Reading, Running - Race Recap: Rock 'n' Roll DC Half Marathon

writingreadingrunning.wordpress.com/2016/03/14/race-recap-rock-n-roll-dc-half-marathon-2016/

Photo by Josh Drobnyk
Classic #ThisTown sign at the #RnRDC marathon

Masters Women's Half Marathon World Record Holder - Deena Kastor

What an amazing experience to run with the sweet and powerful Deena Kastor the day before she smashed the Masters Women's Half Marathon World Record! We chatted during the entire 5K but I just had to finish a second ahead of her. ;-)

Twin Powers Activate - 4 PRs in 23 Days

The slower 1/2 of @TwinsRun is catching up to the faster 1/2! In just 23 days, @MalindaAnnHill ran 4 personal records for the marathon, 5k, 5 mile & 10k! She is still chasing the unicorn, but @LeahCville better watch her back! ;-)

Saturday, April 5
Charlottesville Marathon
3:56:14 (PR)


Saturday, April 19
Boston Athletic Association 5K
23:11 (PR)


Saturday, April 26
Narberth Cystic Fibrosis 5 Mile Run
39:38 (PR)
 

Sunday, April 27
Run For Babies Philadelphia 10k
49:08 (PR)


Next up - the Broad Street Run on Sunday, May 4th!
Can I beat my 10 Mile PR (1:23:13)?
Or, beat my course record (1:29:02)?



Do you run with your twin?
Do you run to catch up to your twin?

runDisney's Dopey Challenge

This January 9 - 12, 2014...

Leah won't "half-a$$ it" ;-)

 (as seen in @RunnersWorld Magazine)

Twins are known to double dip together.

The faster 1/2 of will quadruple dip solo.

Ready for #runDisney's DopeyChallenge!

Running 4 races 2 fight childhood cancer!

Go @AlexsLemonade's #TeamLemon!

Text LEMONDE E1112395 to 85944

and donate $10 from your phone!

Or, go online and donate $2!

www.alexslemonade.org/mypage/1112395

No donation is 2 small 2 fight childhood cancer!

The Lemon Run

Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation's 5th Annual Lemon Run Philadelphia 5K Run/Walk and Kids’ Dash presented by Volvo will be held on Sunday, November 10 at Memorial Hall in Fairmount Park.

The Lemon Run raises funds and awareness for childhood cancer. The Lemon Run is a fun way for 2,000 runners and walkers, including several childhood cancer heroes and there families, to get involved in Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation’s quest to find better treatments and cures for all kids with cancer.

The Kids’ Dash (100 meters for children 10 and under) begins at 8am and the 5K Run/Walk (3.1 miles for runners and walkers) begins at 8:30am.

You can participate as a virtual runner if you aren't in Philadelphia on November 10. Supporters from across the country and around the world will run or walk their own 5K on the day of The Lemon Run.

Online Registration until 12pm on November 6:
$35 for 5K Runner (timed)
$25 for 5K Walker (not timed)
$15 for 100 meter Kids’ Dash (age 10 and under, not timed)
$25 for Virtual Participant (receive t-shirt by mail)

On-Site Registration beginning at 7am on November 10:
$45 for 5K Runner
$35 for 5K Walker

The Lemon Run Schedule:
7am           Check-in / On-Site Registration Opens
8am           Kids’ Dash (100 Meters for children 10 and under)
8:29am      Hero Run
8:30am      5K Begins
9:30am      Hero Speaker & Awards Ceremony

Twins Run Boston 2013

On Sunday, April 14, @TwinsRun Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) 5K together to support Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer. 

On Monday, April 15, @LeahCville will run her 1st Boston Marathon while @MalindaAnnHill cheers. 

Are you running in Boston? 

Are you cheering in Boston?

Help us choose our t-shirt design! 

Let us know your favorite option.

Thanks for your support!

Design 1

Design 2

Design 3

Back of shirt design 1

Back of shirt design 2 

Racing to the 2013 Boston Marathon

So I've been reviewing my races so far this year and trying not have a panic attack about how I might perform at the Boston Marathon.

I've been much slower and that's concerning.

Here's a breakdown (2013 vs 2012):

New Year's Day 5K

23:10 vs 23:09

(OK, this one was close.)

Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge (1/2 Marathon on Saturday & Marathon on Sunday)

(5:50:05) 1:48:17 & 4:01:49 vs (5:46:29) 1:50:22 & 3:56:07

(It was HOT this year so that probably didn't help. And, I probably ran the half too fast. Oh well!)



Princess Half Marathon

1:44:09 vs 1:40:05

(Once again, it was MUCH hotter this year than last year, so that could be part of it. The good news, Malinda and I finished 1st in sister / sister team category!)



Martha Jefferson 8K

37:58 vs 37:08

(Can't really explain this away with weather because it was nice and cool. At least I came in 2nd in AG, was 4th last year. And there was no one near me at the end. Last year I was passed by two women within feet of the finish line, ouch!)

Ten Miler (2013 Charlottesville / 2012 Cherry Blossom)

1:18:14 vs 1:12:26

(The Cville course is notoriously hilly instead of flat like Cherry Blossom so I can't really compare those two races, can I? I just wanted to run my 3rd fastest 10-mile race and I did that by nearly a minute. And, at least I came in 3rd in my AG!)



So what's my problem?!?

Last year was AMAZING and I can't really hope to have success like that consistently.

I just wonder if I should continue to panic or CHILL OUT... if there's a reason for this that I can fix or if it's just a phase?

Is it because I weigh a little more than I did last year at this time (could 5-7 lbs, could that make that a huge difference?!?) or have I been holding myself back in these races because I know the big prize - BOSTON - is just mere months or weeks away?


I definitely knew that I wasn't trying for a PR in any of these races, because it was a race for "fun" and training or because of the forecast or because within the first mile when I just wasn't feeling it. So instead, when appropriate, I did my best to run as close to my ideal marathon pace (7:55 - 8:00) and run comfortably hard rather than push it and constantly check my watch.

Some people might say I race too much, but I've actually raced LESS so far this year.

In the 5 weeks between my Princess Half Marathon PR and Cherry Blossom 10 Miler PR last year, I also ran a 4 miler, 8K, 1 mile, and 5K in between. And I PRd in those distances, too!

This year, I had 3 weeks between the Princess Half Marathon and the Charlottesville10 Miler and I only raced the Martha Jefferson 8K in between.

Oh well, at least I'm having fun while I'm running.
.
All the anxiety doesn't set in until I'm resting. :)

The Lemon Run 5K Run/Walk - Sun, Nov 11

The Lemon Run

(Info from Alex's Lemonade)

Schedule

7:15am RACE DAY REGISTRATION
8:00am Kids’ Dash Begins
8:30am Hero Run
8:31am 5K Begins!
9:30am Hero Speaker
9:40am Awards Ceremony

Parking on Race Day: On street parking is available throughout Fairmount Park. Unfortunately, we will not be able to use the Please Touch Museum parking lot.

Directions to Memorial Hall:

GPS Address: 4231 N. Concourse Drive
Philadelphia, PA 19131

From Center City

• 76 West to Montgomery Drive Exit (#341)
• Turn left at the light onto Montgomery Drive
• Continue on Montgomery to Belmont Avenue
• Make a left onto Belmont Avenue
• Follow Belmont Avenue to Avenue of the Republic
• Make a left onto Avenue of the Republic
• Follow for a short distance, Memorial Hall is on the left

From the West

• 76 East to Montgomery Drive Exit (#341)
• Make a right off the ramp onto Montgomery Drive
• Continue on Montgomery to Belmont Avenue & make a left onto Belmont Ave
• Follow Belmont Avenue to Avenue of the Republic and make a left onto Avenue of the Republic

• Follow a short distance, Memorial Hall is on the left

From I-95

• Take I-95 North/South to I-676 West
• Follow I-676 to I-76 West
• Take I-76 West to Montgomery Drive Exit (#341)
• Turn left at the light onto Montgomery Drive
• Continue on Montgomery to Belmont Avenue
• Make a left onto Belmont Avenue
• Follow Belmont Avenue to Avenue of the Republic
• Make a left onto Avenue of the Republic
• Follow for a short distance, Memorial Hall is on the left

Public Transportation (SEPTA)

Bus Information:

The bus routes that make stops within walking distance of Memorial Hall are buses 38, 40, 43 and 64.

Regional Rail:

All Regional Rail lines make stops at Suburban Station (16th Street and JFK Blvd.). From this station, the 38 bus is easily accessible (from 15th Street and JFK). Memorial Hall is about 20 minutes away from Suburban Station by bus.

To find the best SEPTA route from your exact location to Memorial Hall, visit www.SEPTA.org and enter your location information.

Leah's 5K Before Chicago Marathon

Charlottesville Catholic School All-Terrain 5K

http://www.agoodgroup.com/twins/index.html#ccs5k

Eight days out from the Chicago Marathon, I decided to run a local 5K that I've never run before. I had always been leery of any race with the words "All-Terrain" in the name because I do not perform well on trails or grass. I ran my first and only trail race back in 2007. I fell twice and nearly tripped multiple times over 6.2 anxiety-ridden miles. I ran my first cross-country race last year and, once again, I was so terrified of slipping and falling that I had a lackluster time (both in terms of finishing and enjoying the experience!). 

Since I'm going to be moving next summer, I figured this is the last time I could try the course and when I saw amazing race pictures from the previous year's event, I knew I had to give it a shot (yes, I'm obsessed with getting race photos!).

My goal for the Charlottesville Catholic School All-Terrain 5K was to NOT get injured. I knew I wasn't going to PR on a course that wasn't exclusively on pavement, so some of the pressure was off. After reviewing past race results, I knew that I could place in the top 3 overall if nobody super fast showed up or at least win my age group. 

The first mile was on the road or paved trail so I flew through that in 7:07. Then it started to get challenging and I stopped checking my watch and just tried to keep up with those around me and not get passed. I spent most of the 2nd mile behind a high school girl and a much younger boy. As soon as there was an opening, I passed both and didn't look back. With less than a mile to go, I heard a woman say, "You're the first woman! Go!" and my first thought was, "Uh oh, I'm going to blow it!" I knew I didn't have it in me to sprint to the finish line after barely making it up the last steep hill. 

When we got to a turnaround point and I could see who was behind me I got even more worried. I saw the high schooler and I was confident she wasn't going to pass me, but there was another woman on her heels and SHE was who I was worrieda about. Well, my fears were realized in the final stretch and she did fly by me. Oh well! 2nd place is nothing to be upset about. And I did beat a lot of fit looking guys! :)

After the race I congratulated her and told her I was so afraid during the trail portions because I had the marathon in a week. And she said, "Oh well now I don't feel as good about beating you!" I told her she did an amazing job! :)

My Splits

Philly Undy 5000 Race Recap

 

What a surprise to get the RT from Katie Couric during the Stand Up to Cancer (SU2C) show on Friday night! Katie is such an inspiration to me. Since Katie lost her husband to colon cancer, I was so grateful for her support of my tweet to bring awareness to the Undy 5000 and grieving families!

I'm still trying to gather my thoughts to write a post, but wanted to share a few photos in the meantime. Also, I wanted to share with you a post from another inspirational mother runner, @MamaDeak. I met Anne through our love for the Afghan Whigs. Through our tweets, I learned that she was also a single mother. I also learned that she recently lost her husband, Joe, age 36, to colon cancer.

Her blog is very touching and inspirational. I hope you will take the time to read her latest post about her experience at the Philadelphia Undy 5000: "Running the Undy 5000".

2012 Philadelphia Undy 5000

09/08/2012

Zoe Eveline Hill

Bib Number: 263

Pace: 15:58

Chip Time: 49:36

Place: 429

Division: F 01-13

Division Total: 11

Division Place: 8

Sex Total: 417

Sex Place: 269

Malinda Ann Hill

Bib Number: 262

Pace: 16:00

Chip Time: 49:41

Place: 430

Division: F 40-49

Division Total: 63

Division Place: 40

Sex Total: 417

Sex Place: 270