Walking on Sunshine

There are precisely four "major" pieces of news in my life or of family and friends.  Three positives, and one slight downer (but less significant than the rest, so overall it's pretty darn good).  As I sip on a delicious venti soy mocha frappuccino from Starbucks, I'll start with the most obvious thing that is on the forefront of my mind that I've been training for since July!

Walking on Sunshine - Newport, RI Half-Marathon

Since July 21, I have been training for my second half-marathon in Newport, Rhode Island.  As you all know, I'm not a runner.  But I do push some mean brisk speed walking that has gradually improved since May.  I started out in May walking at about a 14:30 min/mile pace, and now I tend to walk at a 13:45 (or faster) min/mile pace.  I've adjusted my walking method by shortening my stride and speeding up my steps.  That's done wonders in reducing injuries.

Today's half marathon (a full marathon and relay race also took place), sponsored by Amica and United Health Care, began at 8:00am on a chilly, breezy, but sunny morning along the water in Newport, RI.  At the start of the race, it was about 48 degrees, though it warmed up to about 58 degrees or so by the end of race.  I wore shorts with a long-sleeve bright orange Saucony shirt and my relatively new Nike shoes.

Saturday afternoon I had picked up my race packet and bib (#2138) and stayed overnight at the Royal Plaza Hotel in Middletown, RI.  I had chicken parmigiana for dinner at the hotel restaurant.  My stomach sadly was bothering me (what's new, though, huh?), and so some Pepto Bismol came in handy that night and on the morning of the half-marathon.  I had my clothes laid out for the morning, and for breakfast I had an oatmeal bar and half of a banana.  I drove the three miles to the Newport Grand casino parking lot which took about 30 minutes due to all the traffic, and I then took one of the shuttle buses which got me to the starting area at 7:45am.  Lines for the porta-potties at the starting area were absurd, but I wasn't about to deny my body's needs, so I actually didn't start the race until 8:10am (along with about 500 other late-starters).

And now we get to the race!  Initially, everyone was darting past me as the other walkers already started, and the late runners were kicking into high-gear right off the bat.  I decided I wasn't going to take things slow, and I immediately started at my usual 13:30-14:00 min/mile pace.  Thankful to get blood rushing through my limbs after standing around for so long in the chilly air, I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly I reached the first mile mark.  And the second mile mark.  Before I knew it, I was at mile 5 and feeling terrific.  Around mile 6.5, I reached Ocean Drive for the gorgeous ocean views (this was the stretch that I practiced walking the Sunday a week prior).  I found I was finally passing some slower joggers and walkers now, which strangely motivated me to walk even faster.  Some tiredness kicked in around mile 8, but nothing too bad.  At mile 9, I "ate" a GU gel pack, which boosted my energy levels.  Seeing the mile 10 post was a rewarding signal that I was getting closer to the finish line, and it also coincided with a beautiful walk through the historic mansion district - extravagant multi-million dollar mansions with tall iron gates.  Mile 12 was a blessing - the rest of the course was truly downhill, which was a joy compared to my last half-marathon in June when we were unfairly burdened with a steep uphill final climb.  Some subtle tears starting welling up in my eyes, and for the last 100 yards, I jogged the rest of the way.

Final Time: 2:57:27 at a 13:33 pace!  My goal was to beat the three hour mark, and I was thrilled to have succeeded in meeting that goal.  In fact, it was my third best pace for any of my walks, and I felt great about that!  I had walked my June half-marathon in 3:15:07 at a 14:53 pace, so the combination of a flatter course and an improved walking style definitely made a big impact.  During today's race, everything seemed to work out perfectly for me - I couldn't have asked for better results, honestly.  I don't have any photos of me yet as I did this race on my own, but I'll likely purchase the professional finish line photo of me, though, when it comes out.

I sure do feel sore in my legs and ankles, but thankfully this time around, I appear to have avoided any significant blisters or black toenails.  Well fitting shoes and a good walking style make a difference!

Today, like 2,505 other half-marathoners and 1,006 full marathoners in Newport, I truly felt like I accomplished something.

Provided marathon long-sleeve shirt, race bib, and finisher's medal

Oh, and here's a taste of some of the music new to my playlist that kept me motivated during the race:

"Alive" by Pearl Jam
"Firestarter" by The Prodigy
"King of Anything" by Sara Bareilles
"My Sharona" by The Knack
"Defeat You" by Smashmouth
"Peaches" by Presidents of the United States
"Time Bomb" by Rancid
"Pas de Cheval" by Panic at the Disco
and of course...
"Walking on Sunshine" by Katrina and the Waves

A Congratulations Announcement to My Best Friend

My best friend Marcus, a great guy who I met in college during the very first day of classes my freshman year, is now a father!  He and his wife just had a baby (their first) last night at 10pm, and I am so excited for them!  I can't wait to visit them - and my new "niece" Sunny Marie - hopefully in November!  I really wish I was there in Virginia right now to see them!  Congrats Marcus and Kathy!

A House in the Outer Banks?!

My parents informed me tonight that they've put an offer on a house in Kill Devil Hills of the Outer Banks in North Carolina.  As you might know, my parents, uncle, and I have stayed at different rental condos every year in the Outer Banks since I was much younger.  Recently my parents decided they wanted to scope out houses down there so that we could have a "holiday" place to stay at that we own.  It appears they've made a big step toward doing so!  I looked up everything about the place, and it seems amazing!  I hope the offer is accepted - although regardless my parents said if it doesn't, there are a few other houses they have their eyes set on.  Gone would be the standard September vacations that tend to stress me out since they're always just after we open the residence halls at work.  Fingers crossed, pretty soon we'll be able to go down there any time we choose at our very own place!

And the Sad News... Farewell to Sergeant Pepper

I bought three molly fish in late August - Champ, Wiseguy, and Sergeant Pepper.  Sgt. Pepper was a dalmation molly fish who has probably had about 50 babies since I bought her.  In fact, just a week ago, she gave birth to another batch of fish fry - and they appear to all be black mollies, which surprised me, considering all the other babies have all been dalmations, too.  Well, over the last few days, Sgt. Pepper hadn't been looking too good.  I went to the pet store on Friday afternoon to see if there was anything I could do for her, but there really wasn't.  I think her last pregnancy (her fourth since August, the frequency of which is very common for mollies) was just too much for her.  When I came back from Newport this afternoon, she was no longer alive.  She brought a lot of new life into the world, though!  I know it sounds silly to be sad for a fish, but hey... a life is a life.  Farewell, Sergeant Pepper!


Rest in peace, Sergeant Pepper!