Baltimore Women's Classic 2014

The Baltimore Women's Classic was my first ever race in 2012, so it has a special place in my heart. It has remained my favorite local race since then. It's a women's only race that benefits Cancerve, a women's cancer charity.  The race takes place in the beautiful Inner Harbor of Baltimore. This year, two of my sisters did the race with me.

The BWC has the best "race village" of any race I have ever been to.  There are lots of vendors to check out and lots of free stuff--before and after the race. This year I won a t-shirt from City Sports, a cool water bottle with infuser, and a beach towel from our local SUP rental company.  We tested tea, sports drinks, energy gum and lots of offer fun stuff.  We shopped, and shopped.  So much fun!






Our little group of family and friends got to the start line and took lots of pictures.  Once the race started, we separated so everyone could run their own best race.  Since this was my fourth time doing this race, I know the course well.  I was prepared for the massive hill at around the .5 mile mark. The race runs through south Baltimore, around the Federal Hill area.  The last .5 mile of the race is so beautiful--right along the harbor.  Crowd support at this race is great.  So many families sit on their front steps and cheer the runners on.






My sister and her friend finished the race before me.  They stayed at the finish to cheer me on.  After I got my water, cold towel, medal, finisher rose and some snacks I joined them while we
waited for the rest of the group.  It's always fun to hang out at the finish line and cheer on the other runners.  My other sister finished with a 7 minute PR!  We cheered my cousin on as she crossed her first finish line.









After one more loop around race village, it was time to head home.  The race volunteers were packing up and they had a bunch of roses left over.  They told us to take a bouquet home!  My rose bouquet looks so pretty on my kitchen table. My sisters and I got some pictures along the water before we left. I can't wait to do the BWC again next year.

A dream is a wish...

--Amy

Baltimore Women's Classic 2013

This morning I ran my third Baltimore Women's Classic. This is my favorite local race of the year.  This year, it was extra special.  My parents came to cheer my sister and I on at the finish line!

My Sister Sam, me and Jackie

Like most races, the day started very, very early.  I met my running buddy Jackie at the local McDonald's for Egg Muffins and Iced coffees before the hour drive down in to Baltimore.  We parked at Camden Yards and walked that halfish mile to Rash Field--to race village and packet pickup.  Race village is always pumping when everyone arrives.  There are local TV celebs, pumped up music, vendors, food--so much fun!

My friend Jackie and I met my sister and her fiance and we all got out packets.  Like always, the BWC has the best goody bags.  I love this shirts this year!  Light blue with hot pink print.  So cute!  We took a quick trip to the porta potties and

This years goody bag and shirt! 

headed to the start.  The start was strange this year...because there really was not one.   All of the sudden the people in front of me were running, so we were off..

So now to my sob story...on Friday, I had to have a root canal gone bad removed.  It was drilled out down to the bone, gums filleted...ugg, I won't give you all the dirty details...but I am in so much pain!  I stopped the pain meds Saturday night so I was safe for the drive into the city and during the race.  Going into the race, I did not put any pressure or exceptions on myself.  Since this is my favorite local race, I just wanted to have fun and spend some time with my friends. I wore my Nike watch, but did not push myself really hard.  I crossed the finish line and looked at the clock.  It had just hit 38 minutes.  My official result was 37:28--a new PR!  

Sam, momma and me

The start time was humid and warm, but overall the weather was perfect.  The first half mile of the race is flat and fast, but then there is about a quarter mile up hill.  That is the toughest part of the race!  The next mile or so through the city if fairly flat.  The last half mile of the race is by far my favorite--along the beautiful Baltimore Inner Harbor.  The finish line and race village are right on the water.  It's the perfect way to finish a
race.  The BWC knows how to treat finishers--after crossing the finish line, runners are handed a bottle of water, then an ice cold BWC logo towel, a rose and a extra special treat.  New this year--all finishers got a medal!

Today, I realized I have so many people in my life who support me and my running.  This was the first race my parents were at.  I had so many running friends to meet up with, I simply could not get to meet up with all of them!  Today I got to catch up with some friends I talk to alot, but only see at races--Jackie, Christina, Jenn, DeAnn, Rebecca...It was so good to catch up with your girls!  I am so thankful to have my friends and my family at the finish line to celebrate with.

What is your favorite race of the year?  Why?

A dream is a wish...

--Amy

Two Year Runiversary!

Tomorrow morning I will run my THIRD Baltimore Women's Classic 5k.  I did this race as my very first race on June 26th, 2011.  A few months before that, I had committed myself to running the 2012 runDisney Princess Half Marathon.  I started out running slowly, and I was ready to step up to a start line.

After crossing my very first finish line!

I chose the BWC because I heard it was such a great race.  This race is known for having an awesome shirt and the best goody bag around.  The entry fee is reasonable at around $30-$35, with most of that going to gynecological cancer research.  The biggest draw for me was that is this an all women race--no boys allowed!  That made me feel so much less intimidated.

When the light bulb went off in my head, the idea that I was going to become a runner--the thought included one race.  My reason for becoming a runner had one singular goal--the Princess Half.  I sort of thought that the Princess Half would be my one and only, my main event.  I did a few smaller races to get over any prerace jitters, but I never thought they would be something I was doing year after year.

The BWC was my favorite training race.  It's women centered, its run along the beautiful Baltimore Inner Harbor, the swag is unbeatable--and it was my first.  It will always have a special place in my heart.  I can't wait to run the race for many, many years to come.  That is not something I would have said two years ago.

What was your first race? How did you choose it?   Does it hold a special place in your heart?

A dream is a wish...

--Amy

Baltimore Women's Classic 2012

Yesterday morning, I trekked out very early for my second Baltimore Women's Classic.  This was my favorite 5k of 2011, and they again delivered a great race.

I rode with my sister and her boyfriend into the city bright and early.  We got there extra early to be sure we had enough time to park and pick up our packets.  Last year, the BWC goody bag was amazing!  Since it was my first race, I did not know it then, but the goody bag really was way better than any other.  This years goody bag was bright purple with lime writing.  It content's were really great, but not as good as last year.  We got some really cool stuff this year--including olive oil, Luna Bar, sun glasses, chap stick, Emergen-C, and lots of coupons/fliers.  We also picked up our race shirts.  This year's race shirt is lime with purple writing.  I love it!

The BWC organizers really know how to get the crowd pumped!  An hour before the race, they had a DJ pumping the tunes.  A half hour before the, a local fitness celebrity lead a warm up of Zumba and dancing.  I made a quick trick to the bathroom, and then it was time to hit the starting line.  After a year of racing, I have learned that people do not really honor the suggested starting place based on pace.  I started in the ten minute mile pace group and that suited me well.  By no means was I in the front of the pack, but I did avoid that bottle neck at the beginning and I did keep up with the crowd.

What I love most about this race is the course!  It highlights all of the most beautiful parts of the city.  You run past the art museum, Federal Hill, lots of cute city neighborhoods, then end running right along Baltimore's famous and beautiful inner harbor.

The heat was on yesterday for the race! By 8 am, it was 87 degrees and very humid.  I was hoping to get a PR for this race, but once I felt the heat and humidity, I gave myself some slack.  Heat and humidity really affect me, making me nauseous and dizzy.  I did not want to experience this at my favorite local race, so I really took it easy and enjoyed the race.

The Baltimore Women's Classic makes each runner feel special.  By around mile 2.5, spectators line up and start cheering the runners on.  After crossing the finish line, each runner is handed an ice cold BWC logo towel, a bottle of water and a rose.  After you get out of the shoot, there was tons of food!  There was Pinera Bread  bagels, water melon, chips, oranges, Cabot cheeses, bananas and more.  After getting something to eat and drink, I hung out with my sister and my friend Jen for a while.  We watched the awards assembly and then headed home.

I am so glad I did the Baltimore Women's Classic for a second time.  It is still my favorite 5k.  Do you have any races you do year after year?

A dream is a wish...

--Amy

My One Year Runiversary

After the Baltimore Women's Classic last year

A year ago from Sunday will be my one year runiversary!  It has been one year since I ran my first official race.  I ran the Baltimore Women's Classic last year as my first official race. It has been my favorite local race so far.  I am not sure why.  Maybe because it was my first race?  Maybe it was the wonderful course along the Baltimore Harbor?  Maybe it was the support I felt because this was an all women's race?  I don't know, but I am really looking forward to this being the first race I do for a second time.  

  

When I started a year and a half ago, I was not sure where this running thing would take me.  I had faith in myself that I could finish the Disney Princess Half Marathon, but beyond that I was not sure.  I am so thankful for where this past year has taken me.  I have met so many friends running.  I found my teammates.  For these things I am so thankful.  

I am so excited to run my first race for a second time.  I still remember my finish time from last year--41:44.  It's the only race I remember my exact time finish time from.  I can't wait to see what my time this year is.  I can't wait to see home much I improved.  I am hoping for shave five minutes off that time.  


I am also excited to have my second BWC shirt and goody bag.  If you remember, the shirt and goody bag were pretty awesome!  The shirt was a royal blue New Balance.  The race goody bag was to this day the best goody bag I have ever seen.  


Please wish me luck!  I can't wait to tell you all about it!


A dream is a wish...


--Amy

My Goals for 2012

2011 is the year I become a runner.  2012 will be the year I become a distance runner. Yesterday I did a year in review, so now it is fitting that I tell you about my goals for next year.  My New Year’s goal for 2012 is to run five half marathons.  I had considered the goal of doing a half marathon each month, but that might be a bit much for my first year as a distance runner—maybe in 2013.  So, what half marathons do I have planned for 2012?  I’ll tell you!

1)       TheDisney Princess Half Marathon on February 26.  I can’t believe this has been my goal for almost a year.  This is the goal that got me started with running.   I am a girlie girl and love all things princesses.  This goal brought me so many new friends and a reason to get fit.  I can’t wait to tell you all about it!

2    2)    The Movie Madness Half Marathon on April 7.  This race looks like so much fun!  The volunteers will be dressed as movie stars.  The race starts on a red carpet with the words “lights, camera, action!”  The course is along the picturesque Susquehanna River.

        3)  Myrtle Beach Diva Half Marathon on May 20.  This will be a family event!  My three sisters and I will travel from Pennsylvania to South Carolina and all run in this race together.  We will spend the rest of the week celebrating on the beach.

       4)     Disneyland Half Marathon on September 2.  I love Disneyland even more than I love Disney World—and that is saying a lot!  My plan is to do TNT for this one.  It’s a lot of money to raise, but it’s such a good cause.  It will be my first trip across the country alone. 

     5)    The Baltimore Half Marathon on October 5.  I have lived, worked and went to school in Maryland for a large part of my life, plus it’s only an hour away from my house.  Knowing the route might give me a slight advantage. 

What a year I have planned!  Besides these half marathons, I have lots of shorter races planned too, like the Baltimore Women’s Classic.  I am so excited about what 2012 will bring me!  What do you have planned for 2012? 

A dream is a wish…

--Amy

***Let’s connect of Facebook and Twitter too!  Find the links on the upper right. 

2011 Year in Review

What a year!  2011 is the year I became a runner!  If you told me a year ago that I would be typing this, I would have laughed at you!  The idea of running in the Disney Princess Half Marathon just came to me one day in mid-January.  I knew that I need a big goal to get me moving to lose weight.  Since I love all things Disney, the Princess Half was a perfect fit for me.  From the day I made this my goal I put myself on this path.  I started running at the gym the next day…and, as they say, the rest is history.

Running has given me a confidence I never knew before.  I have witnessed my body do things that I never thought I was capable of.   I have made some the wonderful and supportive friends, some I know I will be friends with forever.  I have found a new way to bond with my sisters.  I can never thank running enough for all of the things it has given me.

I have done several races this year, in length from 5ks to 10 milers.  My very first race every was in June.  It was the Baltimore Women’s Classic.  I had no idea what to expect, but had a great time.  From that time on, I was hooked!  I decided then that I would try to do one race each month for the rest of the year.  I am happy to report that I accomplished that goal.  In July I did the Full Moon Run, then in August I did the York Rail Trail 10 miler.  This was my most difficult race to date, but I did it!  Finishing gave me so much confidence in my abilities as a runner.  I knew that if I could finish the 10 miler in the August heat, I would be fine to finish the Princess Half—my ultimate goal.  I finished out the fall with the 9/11 run, the Wrightsville Bridge Run and the Turkey Trot.  As long as weather permits, I will do doing a New Year’s Eve run to finish out the year, and get 2012 started on the right foot.

Looking back on all of these accomplishments, I am truly amazed where this year has taken me.  To celebrate, I registered today for the 2012 Baltimore Women’s Classic.  It was my first race ever, any my favorite (the swag bag was amazing!).  My ultimate goal—finishing the Disney Princess Half Marathon will be accomplished in just eight weeks!  All of this hard work over the past year has been very worth it!

Where did 2011 take you?  Was this expected or unexpected?  What would you change if you could?

A dream is a wish…

--Amy

9/11--Baltimore Run to Remember

This past Sunday, I ran in my second official 5k, the 9/11 Run to Remember.  I did the run with my two sisters, Katie and Samantha.  It was an early morning, with a six am wake up call.  I did my normal race routine of coffee, McDonalds Egg McMuffin, and Cliff Bloks.  My sisters and I hit the highway around 6:30 am and got to Baltimore around 7:30. 

Once we parked and walked out of the garage, we got our first glimpse of the festivities.  The Baltimore Fire Department and Police Depart did an excellent job remembering their fallen brothers and sister.  At the start of the race, there were two fire trucks with their ladders raised to meet each other.  The flags flow an American flag.  The announcers told the 9/11 story and recognized all fireman, policeman and military present.  Then a local singer sang the National Anthem.  Being the day it was, half the crowd was crying by the time the song was over.  Then it was time to race! 

It was a great feeling to cross the starting line, running under the crossed ladder and American flag.  The race organizers planned a great course.  We started in front of the Baltimore City hall and police headquarters.  We ran down Lafayette Street, made two right turns, and then ran all the way around Baltimore’s beautiful inner harbor.  I ran the whole first mile.  I set my RunKeeper to 1/1 intervals to complete the race.  By the time we hit the 1.5 mile mark, we were past the inner harbor and had a straightaway down Key Highway.  Once we turned onto Fort Street, we had to run up the steepest hill I had ever run up.  Good thing this was my walk minute!  We made a few more turns and had another hill to run up and I was there!  The finish line at Federal Hill Park!  I ran over the finish line and checked the time clock. 

The clock time said just over forty minutes.  I knew then that I had beaten the time of my first 5k!  I graded a water and a banana, meet up with my sisters and waited for our official chip times to be posted.  My official chip time was 38:40.  According to my Runkeeper, I ran 3.29 miles, at 11:40 per mile.  During my first 5k, the Baltimore Women’s Classic, my time was 41:44.  I beat my time by over three minutes. Even though this was my forth race, the feeling of crossing a finish line never gets old!  It makes all the training worth it. 

This was a great race to be a part of.  The weather was perfect, at about 75 degrees.  There were firemen running the race is full gear.  The Baltimore City Police Department had new their new recruits running the race, chanting all the way.  At each twist and turn on the course, there were police and firemen cheering on the runners. The firemen had the trucks out with lights and sirens on.  I made sure to thank as many of them as I could. 

The finish line party had a Baltimore classic—Natty Boh beer.  They also had Panera Bread bagels, Utz chips and some great music.  My sisters and I took the opportunity to take some great pictures with the Baltimore Inner Harbor as our backdrop and we headed back on the long walk back to my car.  On the way back, we walked past the Baltimore World Trade Center.  They were dedicating the Baltimore World Trade Center 9/11 memorial, with a large piece of steel from the twin towers.  It was very nice to see.  I am honored to be a part of such a great race for a great reason. 

Don’t Compare Your Times to Other Runners—Only Yourself

In my ten mile race this past weekend, I was not last…but very close to it!  While no one ever wants to be last, I have to keep reminding myself that I am not racing everyone else, I am racing myself!  I am racing the old me…and the new me is winning. 

When I start to feel insecure about my times—I look at where I started and where I am now.  When I first started, I could run only a few minutes of my 2 mile runs.  These two mile runs were hard work for me and it took me over thirty minutes.  I would average about 16 minutes a mile.  Now, I can run an 11 minute mile.  My “easy” run days are 3 milers and I can finish in about 35 minutes.  While 35 minutes for a three mile run may be terrible for some, for me it’s awesome! 

I have been thinking a lot about my 9/11 Run to Remember 5k coming up.  My sisters and a few friends will be doing it also.  My goal is not to beat any of them, but to beat my time from my June 5k.  I did the Baltimore Women’s Classic on June 26^th and came in at 41:44.  I have done lots of 5k practice runs since then, coming in at around 36-38 minutes.  So, that is what my goal will be:  to finish the 5k in less than 38 minutes.  If I achieve my goal, I will cut my 5k PR by almost 4 minutes.  Not bad for less than three months of a time difference. 

Do you compare yourself to other runners?  Do you find it helps or hurts you?  How to you make yourself stop?

A dream is a wish…

--Amy

***Blogorama starts next week!  I have an AMAZING prize for you to win!  It is by far my favorite giveaway to date and from a company I really believe in.  I can’t wait for you all to see it! 

BWC Goody Bag

The Baltimore Women’s Classic was a great run.  I am SO glad I did it.  Not only was the atmosphere of the race spectacular, but the rewards were stellar!   When I signed up for the race I knew I would get a t-shirt and a goody bag, but wow! 

The shirt is New Balance brand and made of technical material.  It is great quality and has a nice cut.  I really like it!  The yellow goody bag is the cloth grocery carrier type.  There were tons of samples stuffed into the bag, like:

 A full size box of Success brown rice

Three packets of True Lime

A two pack of full size Blistex

A pack of Totally Light 2 Go Energy Rush

A pack of Totally Light Tea 2 Go half and half

A packet of Emergen-C

A mini Luna Bar is White Chocolate Macadamia

A Rev Raw 100 Bar

A bottle of Tend Skin

A packet of Blister Shield (I used it on race day are really like it!)

A Goody Mosaic comb

A lanyard

A few magnets

My race bib (number 2088)

Safety pins

Timing chip

Several coupons for local and on-line run related businesses

Flyers for upcoming races

I was amazed by all the stuff in the bag!  A runner friend of mine told me not to expect this good of a goody bag from every race and that the BWC goody bags are always the best.  Thanks everyone at the BWC for arranging all of these great perks for running! 

A dream is a wish your heart makes......

--Amy

****I have been working hard to set up some more GREAT giveaways for you!  Keep an eye on my blog to find out what they are!

My First Race!

I did my first 5k today!  It was the Baltimore Women’s Classic in Baltimore, MD.  What a day!

My day started bright and early at 5:30 am.  The kids, Mike and I all piled into the car and were on the road by 6am.  After a trip through the McDonalds drive thru, we were cruising down 83 into the city.  We parked and were on the race field by 7:30.  The festivities were well underway when we got there.  They had the music pumping and the crowd was already getting pumped.  Lynn Brick, a local fitness celebrity, did a quick warm up with the racers and we were off to line up! 

The start of the race was lined with bright yellow signs that have minutes per mile printed on them, and then walker/stroller.  I joined the crowd at the 13 minutes per mile sign.  In no time, the gun went off and the race started!  The beginning of the race was slow.  It took me about 3 minutes to actually cross the starting line.  Very quickly, I learned that I put myself to far back in the line up. Most of the first mile I spend weaving in and out of walkers, jogging stroller and slower runners.

 Once the crowd thinned out some, I hit my stride.  I tried to run about 3 minutes and then walk about 1.  The course had some slight hills, but was nothing too difficult.  This being my first run, I was pleasantly surprised by the number of spectators all along the course cheer one everyone, not just their loved ones.  I really appreciated that and it kept me going.  The first water station came at about the 1.5 mile mark.  That brought another first run surprise.  The wonderful volunteers handed out water in small plastic cups.  There were plenty of trash can to dispose of the empty cups in, but there were many women who chose to just drop their cup—right there on the course!  I found this very rude, and it really slowed me down.  I could not run though all the trash right on the course. 

The final quarter mile was by far my favorite.  I was getting tried and could feel myself loosing stream. Then we turned our final corner and ran right along Baltimore’s inner harbor.  The water is so beautiful and inspiring in the morning.  I got my second wind and finished strong.  As I was running down the finish line, I glanced at the official clock.  It read just at 44 minutes.  Crossing the finish line was a great feeling!  I actually did it! 

Once I was though the shoot, volunteers on both sides of me started handed me things.  Not knowing what to expect, it was a bit overwhelming.  I was very tired and excited at the same time.  I was first handed an ice cold BWC logo towel.  It felt great to cool down and wipe off some sweat.  Then another volunteer handed me a bottle of water—another very welcome finishers gift!  I was so thirsty!  I was then handed a beautiful pink rose, and then a bottle of Muscle Milk.  Once I was out of the finish line, I stopped, looked around and just enjoyed the moment! 

Now the hard part was over and it was time to reunite with my family.  We got some snacks and took some pictures.  They had a lot of snacks to choose from—like bagels, apples, oranges, and watermelon.  After a whole bottle of water and some water melon, I met up with some new friends.  We then hit the race expo (I got some new Bondi Bands!)  After that, it was time for lunch with the family. 

I was very happy with how I did in my first race. The BWC was a good choice.  The other runners were very supportive, and it was nice to run in a women only race to get the hang of it.  It was a good learning experience of where to start, how to deal with crowds and how to pass other runners. The race goody bag and shirt are awesome!  I will post about that tomorrow!

My official chip time was 41:55. 

A dream is a wish your heart makes......

--Amy

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****I have been working hard to set up some more GREAT giveaways for you!  Keep an eye on my blog to find out what they are!