Pinterest Challenge: First and Last Pins

One of the biggest problems with have a bazillion ideas pinned on Pinterest (1,904 pins to be precise) that I have never done is deciding on where to start now that I am ready to get to Pinteresting. So this week, my challenge that I am issuing for myself is my First and Last pins.  

So I sorted my Pinterest by date and pulled up All Pins. After lots and lots of scrolling, I determined the first and last as follows: 

First Pin: Mom's Baked Chicken & Spinach Pasta - https://www.bitchincamero.com/2010/02/moms-baked-chicken-spinach-pasta/ 

Last Pin: Mediterranean Quesadillas - https://tastyoven.com/mediterranean-quesadillas-recipe-with-spinach-feta-mozzarella-red-onion/ 

Both of these, funny enough, are food pins. Not all my pins are. Both seem simple enough and despite my first pin being saved about 12 years ago when I started my Pinterest Board, it looks like something I would still love to try. Funny enough in the blog post that accompanies the Mom's Baked Chicken & Spinach Past recipe, the author says that this meal was for carbo-loading before a Half Marathon. When I pinned this, I wasn't a runner yet! So that was kind of neat. 

Okay, so I have my recipes all printed out and ready to go. I'll check back in once they are completed. 

Are you a Pinterest User? If so, how many pins do you have saved? Have you actually done you're oldest one? Let me know in the comments below.

*the pictures are from the respective blogs that are linked for the pins. 

Run Stronger with Strength Training: aka Training Hard doesn't have to be Hard

This past week I talked to 3 different runners at different places, who all said basically the same thing - I know I should be doing Strength Training, but just don't quite know where to start. 

I get it. I've been there. When I started running just over a decade ago, I only ran. I was just starting out, and that in itself was overwhelming. The thought of adding in other exercises when I could barely jog for 60 seconds without stopping was not something I could think of at the time. But when you only run, you are using the same set of muscles and only those on repeat. Eventually, you either get to a place where you are not making any improvement, or worse, injuring yourself. 

So eventually, when I was finally able to get the running thing into a place where I felt more  confident, I was ready to add on. Especially because I found myself plateauing. Running alone can only take you so far. 

It can be confusing what to do, especially when starting out. Before I get to that, let's look at some of the benefits of Strength Training in case you are still on the fence yourself:

Injury Prevention: One of the primary benefits of incorporating strength training into a running regimen is injury prevention. Running, especially over long distances, puts a significant amount of stress on joints, muscles, and ligaments. Strength training helps fortify these structures, reducing the risk of common running injuries such as shin splints, stress fractures, and tendonitis.

Muscle Endurance: Running requires more than just cardiovascular endurance; it demands muscle endurance as well. Strength training targets specific muscle groups, improving their stamina and resistance to fatigue. This, in turn, allows runners to maintain good form and sustain their pace over extended distances.

Power and Speed Boost: Contrary to popular belief, strength training doesn't necessarily equate to bulk. Instead, it enhances power and speed by improving muscle coordination and recruitment. A well-rounded strength training routine can help runners generate more force with each stride, translating to increased speed and efficiency.

Core Stability: A strong core is the linchpin of effective running. It stabilizes the body, ensuring proper posture and balance. Strength training exercises targeting the core muscles, such as planks and Russian twists, contribute significantly to better running form and reduced energy wastage.

Improved Running Economy: Running economy refers to the energy cost of running at a particular pace. Studies have shown that incorporating strength training into a running routine can enhance running economy by promoting better biomechanics and reducing excessive energy expenditure. This means that runners can cover more distance with the same amount of energy.

Enhanced Mental Toughness: Endurance athletes often face mental challenges during races or long runs. Strength training, with its focus on discipline and perseverance, can contribute to mental toughness. The resilience built through strength training can be a valuable asset when facing the mental hurdles that often accompany distance running.

 

Ok, so now you know WHY you need to Strength Train, here's a place to start. 

Full disclosure, while I am a certified RCAA Running Coach, I am NOT a trained PT or Personal Training. I have consulted tons and tons of both live and online resources and these are my recommendations on 10 very basic moves that pretty much will serve you well for a solid, full body strength routine. 

1. Squats
2. Deadlifts
3. Push Ups
4. Lunge (forward and rear)
5. Plank
6. Elevated Split Squat
7. Glute Bridge
8. Lateral Lunge
9. Rows
10. Shoulder Press
11. Supermans
12. Calf Raises

I do this circuit 2 days a week, each exercise for 60 seconds with 15 seconds rest in between, for 3 rounds. You can do them either a true circuit (each exercise once and then repeat them 3 times) or a super circuit (each exercise 3 times before moving to the next). The order does not matter. Feel 

Don't like the looks of this routine? That is ok, do you own research and find what works for you. There are numerous resources out there. Try out some things, see what you like. My biggest recommendation would be to not over complicate things. Basic is good. 

PS: Stretching is also important, but that is a topic for another day... 

First Week of 2024 Rundown

Goals Update

Well we are a week into the New Year and the whole New Me thing, so I thought I would do a quick check in to how it is going. Long story short... Mixed.

I had a long, and I mean LONG list of goals for the New Year that I wanted to work on to get myself back to feeling good about myself. I have posted a few of those goals on the blog already and will be posting more, but here's how Week 1 went...

I started off the New Year the same way I always do... The New Years Trail Gnome 5K in Baxter Village. I only lost 25 seconds off my last year's time and still finished 2nd in my age group, so overall, I was okay with that. The running goal for this year is to start chipping back seconds instead of losing them like I have been. My running performance has really suffered along with my attitude decline. It is a kind of chicken and the egg scenario. Is my attitude affecting my running or my running my attitude. Both probably. But I am working on getting both better. 

For my Positive Affirmations goal, I have been pretty good about remembering to say and write my January Affirmation - I will change for the better - every day. Only time will tell how this helps my outlook. For now, I am still cautiously confident.

I have been good about following my Many Happy Miles workouts, even if I have modified the days a bit. For example, I have switched run and strength days depending on the weather and convivence, but I have done all of the workouts on my calendar so far. I do wish that the strength circuit for the first month wasn't the same thing over and over again twice a week, but I get it, the first month's theme is Reset and we are working on the basics. The exercises are all very doable and it has gotten into the gym more consistently than I was prior to new year, which I needed. Strength workouts are VITAL for running and I had gotten pretty lax since my last gym, iRock closed in September. 

For my Pinterest Project, this weekend I made 2 Pinterest recipes, one successful, the other, not as much. 

I had some crescent roll dough left over from Christmas that I didn't make up, so I did a quick search for an easy recipe I had saved and came across some Pepperoni Cheese Stick Roll Ups. There were super easy and came out very yummy! My little asked for me to make them again! Here is the recipe: https://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/pepperoni-cheese-stick-roll-ups/ 

Next up was a French Onion Soup recipe. I love nothing more than making a big ol' batch of soup on the weekend and then eating that during the week. I followed the recipe exactly and well, it was fine, but not great. I've only had 1 bowl and I am not sure I will have another, though probably will just to not waste food. First off, I think the onions I used were too big maybe (more large instead of the medium that the recipe called for) so there were A LOT of onions. Second, though I cooked the onions an hour like the recipe called for, I do not think they were caramelized enough. Could be the size, could be that my crockpot no longer seals completely. I might try draining the onions out a cook longer and add back and see how that goes. But following the recipe exact, I wasn't impressed. Here is the recipe if you want to give it a go: https://www.howsweeteats.com/2011/09/crockpot-french-onion-soup/ 

Other Goals Not Expressly Mentioned on the Blog:

Success:

I didn't eat lunch out any day last week, so that was a win. This goal is to help both my wallet and my waistline. 2 days lunch was provided for us at work, but the other days I packed food the night before. I did so again today as well. I still need to work on reducing sugar, too many goodies left over from the holidays and there were a ton of cookies brought in to the office (our GM likes to bake). I need to be better about walking past things like that.

I've been working to cut down my alcohol consumption and while not participating in a fully Dry January, I have cut down a lot. Hanging out with friends in bars after a run having a few beers is for sure my weakness. I am limiting myself to just 1 beer when out and was good about that all week with the exception of yesterday. Legal Remedy Brewing is closing for a few weeks to rebrand and me and a few others swung by for 1 last (or in my case 2 last) beers. It was a fun afternoon and I am okay I broke my 1 drink limit but I am not planning it to be a regular occurrence. 

My goal was to run 20 miles and I ran 21. I am thinking of upping that goal to 24 miles per week which would get me to the "run the year in kilometers" goal I usually have but missed in 2023. I am still averaging just above 12,000 steps per day, so yay there. 

I've continued my daily reading goal, even though I've not finished a full book yet. I have started 4 books, 2 of which I am well into and should finish both this week. I have a goal of 36 books for 2024, though I read 54 in 2023, so I plan to surpass that and change as I meet the initial goal. 

Failures:

No blog posts the first week of January, but I am writing one now (this one) and plan to do another this week to make up for lack of one last week. 

I have not really done much with my new plan for organizing my house (Habit Nest) with the exception for reading the introduction to the book. I was setting a daily goal to use Habit Nest, but I think I will be more realistic and set a weekly goal. And well, I didn't even really do that last week. Getting my house in order and purging a lot of stuff that is just laying around unused is a HUGE goal for 2024. I'm pretty upset with myself for not really starting on this when I had the chance this weekend more. 

I've not made any strides yet in my income goals, but with the holidays just over and my little having a birthday in January that has been a challenge right now. I have to dig out of that hole first. On a not so unrelated note, I spent a good chunk of money this week on my little's primary birthday gift - the newest member of the family, Lunchbox. It's a Strawberry Albino Pacman Frog and according to the little "a precious little angel baby that I love with all my heart". (I admit, it is pretty dang cute). I keep telling myself that these are one time expenses, but I've been having these kind of one time expenses for like 2 months now and really need to tamp down my spending.

Going to bed earlier so I can wake up earlier. Ummm... yeah, not so good. That will be a focus this week. 

I can already find myself sliding back into some bad habits that I told myself I would leave in 2023. Like I said previous, I know a new year isn't necessarily a magical do-over where you instantly become better. It takes work. I am doing this recap to put into perspective the things I have accomplished so I don't let myself slide backwards into despair over the things I didn't improve. Because there is some improvement, and that is all I can hope for, to be better than yesterday. In other words: I will change for the better.  

Keeping 2024 Pinteresting

I love Pinterest. The organization, the ideas, the creativity. Most of all, I want to be the kind of person that uses Pinterest to make awesome and amazing things that make my life better and inspire others. And since this year is all about becoming the person that I want to be, part of that will be to focus on tackling some of those Pinterest Pins that I have collected over the years. 

Each week I plan to choose at least one pin to attempt. I have a wide variety of boards, just chock full of amazing ideas for crafts, meals, gifts and so much more. I also plan to make more of my own pins. I have create a board for RunNerdGirl and have posted a few pins here and there, but I need to be more consistent with promoting my own things. Like this blog!

I have already completed Step 1 - Cleaning out my Boards and Pins. I removed any dead links and removed any projects that are outdated for my current life. For example, I had a whole board of Toddler Fun ideas. Not sure that any of those ideas would be suitable for my now almost 14 year old. 

A few of my Pinterest Boards

The plan is to post some, if not all of the things that I try out here on the blog to let you know how it went. Both the good and the bad. I know there will be a few candidates for Pinstrosities and I plan to show it all. 

If you are interested in checking out my Pinterest, you can find it here: https://www.pinterest.com/lissayn And if you see anything on there in particular that you would like to see me attempt, drop me a suggestion in the comments. I haven't picked my first project quite yet, but my guess is it will be either a meal, or something from my Best Life board. After all, finding my best life is what this is all about. 

Are you on Pinterest? Drop my your links in the comments. I would love to check out your boards for ideas as well. 

Finding Joy to the Run

As a part of my new year's initiative to get myself back to a me that I like again, I have been in search of a plan or program that is both sustainable and with some support. I know if I do this all on my own in secret, as I have in the past, I will fail, as I have in the past. So to the internet I went, in search of, well, I wasn't sure what. 

The answer ended up coming for, of all places, Facebook. There is an account that I have followed for years called Another Mother Runner. Not even sure how they got on my radar, but as a runner who is a mother, I must have hit follow somewhere along the way. I saw their posts here and there, blog links, motivational things, your typical supportive runner group. But then, just when I needed to see it, I saw a post asking if I had yet joined their Joy to the Run program. Curious, I clicked. 

I learned that Joy to the Run is an annual free program that is hosted by Another Mother Runner each year. It consists of a calendar for the month of December that features suggested workouts 6 days of week plus a rest day. There is also a Facebook group for those registered for the program. Each workout has a cute wintery themed twist (2 strength workouts, yoga on Fridays, and several runs/walks). The strength workouts have live Zoom options, plus recordings available after, and the yoga has a video to follow along. The strength also has detailed written instructions, in case you cannot join the videos and one of the runs has a suggested speed workout with instructions. Every Saturday is a contest day where you post a picture of a specific thing in the Facebook group. Sundays are a rest day. 

The registration was completely free, but there was an option to order some fun merchandise themed for the program. Since I wanted this to be something that I actually put my heart into, to help myself be more "all-in" I did order a long sleeve tech shirt, again, completely optional. I love it. It's cute and comfy and I am glad I bought it. There was also a headband, which I did not get.

Super cute Joy to the Run shirt

I am not going to post the calendar here, because that is their content, but here is the link to their website where you can find more information: https://anothermotherrunner.com/product/joy-to-the-run-2023/?fbclid=IwAR1-vYmOZbho00Sx12OcePUn3gf4yYEseTxiKq4txVGAOlkleFnxueQsjQU 

Don't be intimidated by the the detailed (seriously detailed) calendar, however. There is wiggle room, so it is not an all or nothing kind of thing. If you miss a specific workout, they do not want you to feel like a failure. In fact, it is emphasized in several places on the calendar, site and in the supportive Facebook group, they just are asking you do do what you can. The number one guideline on the calendar states:

"We’re looking for 20-30 minutes of movement most days of December. We’ve provided workouts for you, but they’re just ideas, not mandates. If a 20-minute walk at lunch is going to be best for you that day, eat your lunch, lace up, and head out." - Joy to the Run pdf

To me, this sounded like a great way to get myself back into the habit of regularly working out. It provided a road map of what to do, had support of others via the Facebook group, and was fun. I like having a plan, especially for the strength workouts. Every day in the group, which has just under 700 members, there is a check in post where you can chime in with what you did, or you can make your own post if you like. Everyone in the group has been super supportive and encouraging. It has been fun posting my workouts and seeing what the others are doing. And I even won the first Saturday contest day by posting my bingo card where you marked off cool things you saw and did during a run. I think I got extra points by finding a "real" Buddy the Elf when the bingo card was looking for a Buddy the Elf decoration. I receive some really cool AMR stickers in the mail as my prize. I've really enjoyed this program over the last month.

Turns out that in addition to the Joy to the Run program, that spans just the month of December, Another Mother Runner has a Many Happy Miles program that lasts the whole year. Like JTTR it has a monthly calendar of workouts, but so much more with all of this:

• Calendar: A downloadable version of all Many Happy Miles happenings
• Discount: Discount on training programs available exclusively to Many Happy Miles members
• Expert Workshop: Expert workshop information (dates, worksheets, video + podcast after the workshop)
• Physical Therapy: Move of the Month + Ask the PT Sessions
• Workout Materials: Monthly workout + challenge + strength circuit, including video(s)
• Workout Videos: A library of workout, yoga and foam rolling videos for easy access
• Many Happy Miles Facebook Group
• SWAG item of choice 
• Workouts in the Final Surge App

Basically, it is like Joy to the Run on steroids. The program costs $235 for the year. And while i had originally set out to find something online that was free, after as much as I enjoyed JTTR, I decided to register. I am already in the Facebook group, which has again been super supportive, like the JTTR one, and am anxiously awaiting to get started in January. Each month has a different focus, and January is Press Refresh, exactly what I need. 

For more information on Many Happy Miles, you can check out the AMR website here: https://anothermotherrunner.com/many-happy-miles-2024/ The registration goes until mid-January if you want to join me. I am sure I will be posting more here and of course on my social media pages (Instagram: runnerdgirl and Twitter: runnerdgirl) about how the program is going. 

(Please note: I am not advertising for Another Mother Runner in anyway, or receiving any form of benefit for mentioning their program, just writing about my own personal experiences.) 

Warm Hands at the Flip of a Turtle

 Disclaimer: I received a pair of Turtle Gloves Weather Protect Heavyweight Warm Mittens to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews!

Look, I'm just going to come right out and say it - This time of the year really sucks for the outdoor runner part of me. I am a girl who loves her weather warm, sunny and well above the temperature most runners prefer. I just hate, hate HATE being cold!!! (No really, I've said it before: https://runnerdgirl.blogspot.com/2017/12/the-winter-running-blahs.html)

But Lissa, don't you live in SC? Isn't it like 40-50 degrees most mornings in the winter? Usually, but not this year for some reason. We are riding into week like 3 or it being below freaking freezing in the morning!! Seriously, it was 24 degrees this morning!! And this is a girl whose preferred running temperature is above 80 degrees. Saying I am have not been thrilled is an understatement!

So what's a cold-natured girl to do? Why layer up of course.

But... I will even be the first to admit that sometimes, just sometimes, I tend to get carried away in the layering. Because of this, I love me some items that can transition as needed, like my Turtle Gloves Flip Mittens 🐢.

I've had both pairs of Lightweight and Midweight Turtle Gloves for awhile now and they are amazing. Just recently, Turtle Gloves developed a new, Weather Protect Heavyweight Flip Mitten made with Polartec® WindBloc® Fabric that is 100% windproof, water repellent, moisture wicking, breathable and fast drying. They are perfect for outdoor sports in cold and below freezing conditions. 

So how do they work? I'll let Turtle Gloves tell you themselves:

WEATHER PROTECT HEAVYWEIGHT Mittens are perfect for very cold hands, extreme cold Winter running, outdoor sports and activities such as dog walking, X-C skiing, ice-fishing or just shoveling snow. Easy access to fingers when needed. For HEAVY FABRICS, slide mitten slightly off fingers and lightly curl fingers inside mitten before flipping elastic trim edge over all fingers and thumb, push and pull mitten as needed to expose fingers. Similar method to flip back into the mitten. - from: https://turtlegloves.com/product/convertible-mittens-warm/

Basically, they go from being full mittens, to fingerless gloves with a quick flip. So when I start out my run and am cold AF, I can have them in full mitten mode. Then a few miles in when (if) I warm up, I can flip them easily into fingerless mode without even breaking stride. And, when I start to get chilly, I can can flip them back just as easily. And I do, near constantly. Flip/Filp/Flip - easy peasy. Perfect for a girl like me who's temperature sensitive.

My favorite things about them are that they are easily convertible, and they come in smaller sizes, including XS, for people like me with small hands than most "sport" gloves I've worn in the past. It also doesn't hurt that they are cute! Mine are Heavy Gray/Silver. I just love the cute silver stitching on them. Functional and sparkly! What is not to love?

Interested in trying them out for yourself? You can order online at the Turtle Gloves website: https://turtlegloves.com/ They also have lightweight, midweight and fleece convertible mittens as well. 

Journey to Positivity: Exploring Affirmations

AKA: If I Say It, I Might Think/Feel It

So in my previous post here: https://runnerdgirl.blogspot.com/2023/12/ending-year-low-but-im-gonna-start-next.html I talked about how I am in desperate need of complete overhaul in my life. Doing the same things that I've done before will not cut it. It's time to shake things up and try out some concepts and strategies that past me would never consider, or even scoff at. Things like Daily Affirmations.

Affirmations are positive statements or phrases repeated consistently with the for aim of cultivating positivity and achieving goals. The are thought to hold within them an incredible force to shape thoughts, beliefs, and actions. From bolstering self-esteem to fostering a positive mindset, the practice of using Affirmations are said to lead to profound personal growth and empowerment.

Note: I had no idea what images to put in this post,
so I just went with some nice pics I took recently

Understanding Affirmations

The general thinking behind Affirmations is that our thoughts have a direct impact on our reality. By consistently repeating these positive beliefs and intentions, you can rewire your subconscious mind, influencing attitudes and behaviors and guide you towards a more constructive and optimistic outlook on life. And that is precisely what I am needing these days.

Harnessing the Power of Affirmations

According to those who believe in the power of Affirmations, their magic lies in simplicity and accessibility. Anyone can utilize affirmations to bring about transformative changes. If you dream it, you can do it. Here’s how my research has shown that they best work:

1. Define Clear and Positive Affirmations:

Crafting affirmations involves creating concise and affirmative statements that reflect a goal, desire, or quality you hope to embody. Affirmations work best when you focus on what you want rather than what you lack.

2. Consistent Repetition:

Repetition is key to embedding Affirmations into the subconscious mind. By consistently repeating affirmations daily—whether through verbal recitation, written notes, or visualization—you reinforce these positive messages within yourself.

3. Belief and Emotional Connection:

Belief in the affirmations is crucial. It’s not merely about reciting words; it’s about truly feeling and believing in their truth. When coupled with emotional involvement, affirmations become more potent in reshaping thoughts and behaviors.

4. Integration into Daily Routine:

Integrating affirmations into daily routines, such as reciting them during morning rituals or before bedtime, helps anchor them firmly into one's subconscious mind.

5. Adapting Affirmations to Evolving Goals:

As you progress or goals change, updating or refining affirmations ensures alignment with their current aspirations, maintaining relevance and efficacy.

 

The Impact of Affirmations on Personal Growth

The effects of incorporating affirmations into one's life can be profound and far-reaching:

1. Enhanced Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem:

Affirmations can instill a sense of confidence and self-worth, helping individuals overcome self-doubt and negative self-perceptions.

2. Positive Mindset and Resilience:

By fostering a positive outlook, affirmations empower individuals to navigate challenges with resilience and optimism, reframing setbacks as opportunities for growth.

3. Goal Achievement and Manifestation:

Consistent affirmation practices align the subconscious mind with one's goals, enhancing focus and determination, and ultimately aiding in their manifestation.

4. Stress Reduction and Mental Well-being:

Affirmations can alleviate stress, anxiety, and negativity by promoting a more relaxed and positive mental state.

So this year, I as a part of my whole life reset, I am going to try to embrace the power of affirmations. I decided to pick one statement per month to focus on. I will spend that month focusing on just one Affirmation. I will start each day both saying the month's Affirmation and writing it in my Self Care App, Finch.

My 2024 Affirmations (one per month)

1. I will get better every day.
2. I am getting better every day.
3. I have more strength than I think.
4. I know I can achieve anything I focus on.
5. Life is meant to be lived fully and deeply.
6. I am proud of myself and of who I am becoming.
7. There is power within me.
8. I am in control of my life.
9. My happiness depends on me and me alone.
10. I am taking steps to make my dreams a reality.
11. I am taking steps to make my dreams a reality.
12. I deserve to be happy, and I choose to be happy.

And while I am waiting until January to officially start this list of Affirmations, I am already starting off now with another until then: I AM READY FOR CHANGE. 

Have you ever used Affirmations? If so, what was yours? If not, what would yours be?

Ending the Year Low, But I'm Gonna Start the Next High

So it is again that time of year, the end of the year to be specific, where I look back on how the year went and wow, was this one not fantastic. I mean, that is a bit harsh, I do have a lot to be thankful for, I have a home, food to eat, friends and family and all that jazz, I accomplished some things and have some really great memories here and there, but if I am being truly honest, I just was not into 2023 mentally. 

Yes, it is so cliche to start a NEW YEAR, NEW ME kind of mentality, but for me, I need this. My self esteem has been rock bottom. My fitness is lower than it has been in years. My motivation has been non-existent. I've barely done any blogging this year because I just haven't been compelled to talk much about the life I've been living these days. In fact I feel like that I have not been really living this year, just kind of going through the motions and waiting for the next thing to happen. 

But you know what, it's not going to just happen. Not unless I make it. So this month, I've been planning. I've come up with what I think is a good, solid list of goals for 2024 to start digging my way out of this hole that I've gotten myself into. I really really need this to work for me, so I am trying to do this the right way, to not overwhelm myself and do too much at once thus ensuring that I fail at one thing and just give up. So I am breaking down the year into areas of focus, a different one for each month, along with an Affirmation, a kind of Mantra to guide that month. I will be posting some blog posts this month with some more concrete details on what some of my 2024 goals and focus area will be, but for now, I just needed to put out there into the universe that I NEED TO CHANGE. I am not happy and I need to take charge of well being, both physical and emotional in order to do better, feel better. I don't like me right now. I used to. And I want to again. 

And Yet Here We Are...

Trotting with 10,000 Turkeys

Despite living in the area for 25 years, this is the first year I have ever run the largest Charlotte area Turkey Trot, the CPI Security Charlotte Turkey Trot. As I have mentioned a number of times here and on social media, I coach with the local Fleet Feet Sports here in Fort Mill, SC and this Fall, I trained the Turkey Trot group. This was a crazy fun group of about 20 runners, half training for the 8K distance, the other half for the 5K. So, as any good coach would, I had to of course be there on race day, so this was the year. 

While not the largest race I've ever run (that honor was the Cooper River Bridge Run) it was one of the largest, especially for this area that I have run. The race caps at 10,000 and sold out this year, but don't let that scare you, it was crazy well organized and it honestly didn't feel any bigger than other area races. Well, I can't say that completely, but well, I'll get there. 

Less than beautiful day to
pick up a packet outside

First of all, you get not just 1 or 2 days to pick up your packet, but WEEKS! Packet pickups can be done well in advance at a variety of locations all over Charlotte, which I will say, is awesome for the convenience, but does make it so that there is not really an Expo style pre-race event. You can even pay for day of event pick up for a bit more money when you register. I picked up my packet at one of the last pick up options which was at Symphony Park, where the race was held. It was raining that day, but the pick up was covered and I walked right up to the table, gave my info and was issued my bib, given a post-race beer ticket and my shirt. The shirts were long sleeve cotton T-shirts, not my favorite race shirts, but still a nice shirt. I wore it after I was showered post-race, but will probably not keep long term. I get so many race shirts each year, I typically on keep either really cute ones and/or tech shirts. 

How cute are my ladies here?!!

There are 2 distances for the Charlotte Turkey Trot, the 8K and the 5K. I was registered for the 8K. The 8K started at 8:10 am and before the race, there were lots of tents set up and vendors with coffee. There were also LOADS of potties. The 8K had the fewer participants and was an hour earlier than the 5K, so when I arrived there was plenty of places to park (race was next to South Park Mall and all their decks were open since the mall was closed for Thanksgiving). I found the Fleet Feet tent and took some pre-race pictures with the ladies who were running the 8K also. There was a costume contest and these ladies were dressed to impress. Me, I was cold which always makes me less festive. I was able to walk around a bit, go to the potty and get into a corral with plenty of time. There were 2 corrals, one for walkers and one for runners. When the race started, they let the whole runner side go first, then the walker side. This was repeated for the 5K and hour later.

Fred got him a shiny new PR!!

The course was a good one, fairly standardly hilly for a Charlotte race. While this was my first Charlotte Turkey Trot, I had run another race at this location (Charlotte Racefest) before so I knew what to expect. My only complaint was that there was no aid station on the 8K course until almost mile 4, and just the 1. Had I known, I would have carried water. The aid station seemed to be a bit past the halfway point for the 5K, which would have been fine, but for the 8K, it made for a long almost 4 miles. Also, right before the water station, was a Apple Pie Shots station, but I don't know if that was organized by the race, or just some kind souls who wanted to spread some cheer. I don't usually partake during a race, but this time, I did! I ran most of the race with a friend of mine who had told me what his PR for this course was and I realized pretty quickly that he would be shattering that number, so that was awesome to see. I was pleased with my time (9:10 pace) even if it wasn't a PR for me. My running has been a bit off this year for a number of reasons and I was just glad to have fun at a race.

I was able to run the 8K and get back over to the start before the 5K started. So here is where I kinda went back and forth on what I should be writing here as what I did next was technically not something allowed. Full disclosure, reader, I did something I have never done before... Y'all I bandited a race. 

I even took a pic the 2nd
time through!

The original plan was for me to pace my sole 5K runner that was running the race but with so dang many people I couldn't find her! I resigned myself to just watching and cheering at the start, but then a friend of mine was texting me his location and when he was gonna cross the start and I made the choice to hop in and pace him. I did not cross the start, and I exited the course before the finish. I did not take a water cup at the aid station (I still had the bottle I was given when I finished) and did my best to not interfere with anyone else's race, (okay, so yeah, I did take another Apple Pie Shot when the opportunity arose, but they were WELL stocked. And I'll admit it, I loved running with Gavin, even if he did complain like 80% of the run (it's who he is). I was talking to other runners and since I just ran the course, pointing out where the hills were, when they ended and what was coming next. It was a few degrees warmer (I shed some layers) and I was running a slower pace and the course was a bit less challenging so I was just chatting and laughing and running and it was honestly so fun. Though I will say, with WAY more runners running the 5K, the course never really opened up. Maybe it is because we started a ways in the back of the runners, but the course just seemed pretty full the entire 3.1 miles. Lots of people were walking right in the middle of the road and in large groups blocking the road. Not a lot of runner etiquette going on, but as someone who was full on banditing, I really couldn't say much. 

After the race, we met up with another friend and picked up our free beer from Suffolk Punch Brewing. You could order whatever you wanted, and while I cannot remember the name, I got a nice Hazy IPA that I would totally recommend to anyone. I'd never been to Suffolk Punch before, and would recommend. Had I not had my family at home waiting for me, I might have stuck around longer to hang out and had another (I had been given several free beer cards from other runners, but I just passed them along to some guys). The post-race was super festive and all smiles. There were lots of fun photo opps and everyone was cheerful.

Overall, the race was fun, lots of people cheering and I had a blast. After, there were loads of vendors and lots of free beer opportunities. I would for sure recommend this race, and happily run it again.