Rock 'n' Roll Pasadena Half Marathon...Race Number 6 Race Recap

Yesterday I completed the Inaugural Rock 'n' Roll Pasadena Half Marathon which benefited CureMito!, an organization for mitochondrial disease.  Until recently I was unaware of this disease, a follower of 13 Going on Crazy contacted me regarding her 8 year old son, Kyle  who she lost due to this disease. I decided to dedicated today's race to Kyle. 

Seeing that this was the inaugural race I feel that there were a lot of kinks that need to be worked out for future races. I picked-up my bib on Saturday, took a peruse through the expo, which was fair, I still have not found an expo that topped The Disneyland and Tinkerbell Half Marathon Expo's. The Rock 'n' Roll Pasadena Expo was just okay. Maybe it is because Brooks Running is the main sponsor or maybe it is something else, it simply can't put my finger on it. At the RunDisney expo's, there is this amazing energy in the air that it is contagious. 

Sometimes you could be your own worst enemy, rather than patting yourself on the back and saying, "look at me I'm in another half marathon," you instead kick yourself and say, "look at you, remember when you used to run these?" Sunday I needed to be a walker, health issues have brought me down and truly impacted my training. I decided not to kick myself, but to be a walker and hold my head up high. Lucky for me if I was running, I would not have had the opportunity of sharing 9 memorable miles with my new friend, fellow runner, Hali. Was this course challenging? YES! Was this course way too hilly? YES!! Was this course spectator friendly? NO!!

So to coin the phrase, life is a journey, yesterday was a journey of acceptance and truly living and accepting that when life knocks you down, you need to brush yourself off and keep on going. You never know who is going to be on the other side of that hill, so you gotta keep on moving.  

Did you run this past weekend's Rock 'n' Roll Pasadena? What are your thoughts regarding this race?

Day Dreaming: Six Years Ago Today...

I never thought that I would not only be a runner, but a half marathon junkie.  Six years ago today I ran my first race, the PF Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Phoenix Half Marathon. I kind of feel like the girl in Sweet Charity minus the whole prostitute thing and I should be singing “If My Friends Could See Me Now.” I think that the jaws of my high school PE teachers would hit the floor if they knew that I was an avid runner. Considering I was the girl who would walk on the treadmill backwards in 5 inch heels! Here is a look back at the road to 13 Going on Crazy!  

Santa to the Sea Half Marathon Race Number 4 Recap

Still a kid at heart!

It's official. I am out of the double digits and down to only 9 races! Today I ran the Santa to the Sea Half Marathon in Oxnard and had a blast! I am not too sure if it was the actual race or the fact that it is the holiday season, but everyone and I mean everyone was beyond cheerful and happy. I saw more Santa's than one could count, I saw a person in a wrapped box running as a present, and even a group where two people where dressed as Reindeer with the third person dressed as Santa. What great ideas by everyone who dressed to truly embrace the holiday season. I wish that I had thought to do something, but I was more concerned about being warm today than cute. Maybe next year! Besides my stomach taking a vacation this morning without me, today was a perfect day. I even had a chance to talk to Santa and tell him what I wanted this year. The holiday season sure brought out everyone's most positive spirit!  I sure hope the beginning of this holiday season is bringing to you and yours ear to ear smiles and memories galore!!

Rock the Park Half Marathon Race Number 3

Though I am very tired from today's half marathon I am exhilarated from the experience. Today was a first for Melissa, I came in 3rd place and earned not only a medal, but a trophy! How cool is that? I was hesitant about this race as it was promoted as a low key race with a maximum number of participants. After partaking in this race I realize how stress free a low key race can be. I did not have to spend my Saturday prior to the race visiting an expo and picking up my bib, which was nice, but missed as every girl loves a Shopportunity! Anyone who lives in the LA/OC area that is not tied into a specific charity and wants a low-key atmosphere with really great people I highly recommend Charlie Alweine Racing. I can proudly say that I can now check race number 3 of my challenge off of my list!!

Favorite Running Tee

Everyone has one. You know what I talking about runners, the running tee that you simply cannot live without. I thought that I knew my favorite tee until the really cool girls at Oiselle sent me their half marathon running tee. I opened the packaged and to my surprise not only was it beyond super soft, it was my favorite color, lavender. Before even wearing it I knew that I would love it. It reminded me of my favorite worn-in tees from college, only better. This tee I could actually go for a run wearing and know that it will wick away my sweat. I took Oiselle’s half marathon out for a test run today and it will definitely be replacing my old favorite running tees. It was super soft and the most comfortable running tee I have worn in a really long time.

Oiselle’s running tee is simple with the number 13.1 displayed across the chest. If you are not a runner there are those looks of confusion as to why you would wear the unlucky number 13 across your chest, but if you are a runner or half marathon junkie like me you get it. You understand the number; all those miles logged that prepared you for race day, the sense of accomplishment when you cross the finish line. Wear it, be proud of your accomplishments, and celebrate the journey that has helped you cross the finish line. Thank you Oiselle for helping me share my journey with the world!

http://www.oiselle.com/shop/running-tees/half-marathon-tee

Long Beach International City Bank Half Marathon

The second stop on the train to crazy town was the Long Beach International City Bank Half Marathon. Since I did not stay at a hotel, I woke up at 4:40 am and left my home at 5:00 am, yes I was a fireman in my past life I am the master of getting ready in a hurry. Luckily the ride to Long Beach went smoothly and I did not hit any traffic until I switched freeways and transferred onto the 710. Regardless of the 710 traffic, I arrived with plenty of time for the 7 am start time. I had enough time to purchase a banana and go to a real bathroom which to me is really important as I was raised in the school of no soft tissue no tushie.

Living in Los Angeles I oddly enough do not explore Long Beach enough so I did not know really what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised! This is really a picturesque community! This is an ideal place to run, weather and scenery were equally gorgeous.

The first couple of miles were less scenic than the rest of the course, typical running through the streets of Long Beach. Running over a variety of bridges and turns through downtown Long Beach, but as runners turned around the bend at mile 5 the most spectacular view of The Queen Mary. I now finally understand the allure and beauty of travelling on ships of such as The Queen Mary and the Titanic, yes I know that it sank, but I would have booked passage on either liner.

After passing The Queen Mary and the Long Beach fireboat we continued on to the boardwalk before heading to bike path on the beach. To me running on such paths as the on the beach are an ideal setting for running. Beach running is a total mind clearer, easily and without much thought all troubles and problems seem to dissipate with each crashing wave. Everything in my mind always becomes clear and suddenly manageable.

Running Long Beach International City Bank Half Marathon was a great experience and I would like to thank my friends, family, supports, those reading this post, and D.K., I am unsure if she would like to have her name posted, for supporting me and assisting me with race registration. Crossing the finish line is and always will fill me with a sense of accomplishment and pride. A sense of feeling strong and that I can handle the challenges and obstacles life throws my way.