Remember how I promised Melissa I’d run the New York City Marathon with her? Well, I’ve been quite worried about being able to follow through with it. My build up for this marathon has been less than conventional, but I’m finally starting to feel slightly more fit and totally believe I can run this thing with her after completing the Runner’s World Hat Trick this past weekend.
The hat trick consists of three races in two days. The 5k and 10k were Saturday morning, while the half marathon was Sunday. This race was penciled in on my calendar as soon as the race dates were posted, so when Runner’s World invited me to participate in the events of the weekend I was quick to say yes. I’m a fortunate soul and honored to have gotten to participate in the events this weekend as a guest of Runner’s World.
The Hills
I love running hills, truly I do. I don’t miss much about living in Nashville, but I miss the way running hills make me feel strong. This race was not lacking in hills and if you live in a relatively flat area, this is a great race to do some hill running.
During the half marathon I was desperately trying to keep up with Jocelyn. After running six miles to the start of the race I was legitimately scared I might not be able to finish the race because my legs were trashed from all the up and downs.
Running these three races made me realize just how little hill work I’ve done in the past ten years and reminded me how much I love it!
The Watch
I’ve only worn my garmin once or twice since running the San Diego Marathon in June (click here to read the recap). I’ve been running for time during my long runs instead of for distance so I don’t have any splits for any of these races. The only time I timed my run this weekend was on Sunday because I wanted to run for a specific amount of time as my last long run before the marathon.
The Races
Let’s be honest, these races were put on by Runner’s World so they were organized beautifully. The races started on time so there wasn’t a lot of standing around in your corral like there is sometimes in New York City races. There were plenty of water stops and the undulating course was far from boring.
I haven’t done speedwork in what feels like a lifetime so my goal for each race was just to run and have fun. I believe that having a period of time when you run for fun is essential for having a life long love affair with running.
If you live near PA put this race on your calendar for next year. I promise the races will challenge you, but you’ll love it so much you’ll want to do it year after year.
I owe Runner’s World a huge thank you for inviting me to be a part of this amazing weekend of running!
Disclosure: Runner’s World provided me with travel, accommodations and complimentary race entries.
I live in PA and have already thought about running this next year! The hills scare me but it looks AMAZING!
I’ve come away from this weekend motivated about a lot of things, and your post hits on one of the things I’m ready to commit to more of — hills. I love hills, but have avoided them too much. My legs have been quite sore despite not “racing” the course.
So have my legs! I hope they finally feel better today!
Hey Jess!
I’m catching up on the blog world and love your new {well not so new anymore} blog!
Good luck with your training! I’m sure you’ll rock the marathon!
Thank you!
This looks like so much fun! Any suggestions for starting to run hills… how much, how fast, etc?
Take them at regular effort level initially and start with four repeats.