Doing a triathlon has been a very long-term goal of mine, and I completed my first one April 30 at Lake Anna. I chose Rumpus in Bumpass (Olympic distance) because it fit into my schedule, mainly, and because the name of the triathlon is amazing. I mean, check out these finisher medals?

First, Rumpus in Bumpass is a pretty good drive from DC…Lake Anna is pretty much in the middle of nowhere. And given how unpredictable/terrible traffic on I-95 south can be, going down the morning of just seemed like a bad idea. Not to mention that the race didn’t start until around 9 or so I think (wonderful April weather), and I hate getting up early if I don’t have to.

So we made the quick trip down to Fredericksburg the day before, leaving just about 1pm. It was a good drive, just before it started to get super busy. Princess chops (the dog) came along for the ride–because I need her emotional support (kidding…sort of), and because DH also likes to have Toasty tag along to keep him company for my athletic endeavors. I’m lucky to have such a sweet support team!

We stayed at the TownePlace suites in Fredericksburg, which was close to the interstate and, wait for it, had its very own cute dog space where Toasty could run off leash.  Very, very dog friendly. With a kitchen, fridge, and microwave, it was perfect for filling up water bottles in the morning and enjoying an early pizza dinner. It took me about 35 minutes to get to the marina where the tri started from, door to door. Not too shabby. Particularly when I paid for it using Marriott points.

Lake Anna is really pretty. I hate lakes (swimming in them), and it was pretty clear, very clean, and I was all warm in my new wetsuit. So here is the quick rundown on the course.

Swim: Wetsuit legal and just fine. First time I’ve swam in open water, first time I’ve swam in a wetsuit (eh, give or take that…keeps me warm but don’t think it speeds me up much as my technique is pretty good as is). Kids, don’t do that if you aren’t a really confident swimmer, I know lots of people cringe when I tell them those things. Practice beforehand. I swam for over a decade, so swimming is my strongest leg–I was #6 out of the water of about 120 women at 26:59 (about 1:38/100y). I spent a lot of time swerving, since I didn’t ‘get’ the whole sighting thing till about half way through. But if only the swim were longer and the bike was shorter.

Bike: Um, this ride was characterized as “flat” which was blatant BS. It was not “flat” by any characterization of the word, and certainly not by someone who hates hills. Seeing your speed get down to 8mph is demoralizing. Nonetheless, I averaged just under 18 mph and finished in 1:21. For my very first competitive bike leg, again–ever–I can’t complain too much. Did I say I hate hills?

Run: Again. Not. Flat. If there is anything I hate more than biking up hills, it’s running up them. Fortunately, while these hills were steep they were also short. And I proudly held my bad attitude in check to finish in 54:51, or 8:50/mile. Considering I’m not a fast runner, I was pretty happy with this given that this was my first time, and well, hills are pretty much my nemesis.

The race was so well run, well organized, well signed, and just “easy”. Everyone was incredibly nice and very helpful. I’m doing another race in the VTSMTS series in July! Super excited about that, even though I don’t do well in heat, it is purportedly flat. Yes, I choose races based on lack of hills, no shame in that.

Overall, I ended up with a very surprisingly 3rd place finish in my age group and was 25th overall of about 120. Moral of the story: I think I’m switching from just running to triathlons. I’m really working on my biking, my speedwork when running, and keeping my swimming strong to make up as much time as possible.

I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this race, particularly to first-timers/novice triathletes. It’s a beautiful location, not too big, not too small, and well executed. On to Colonial Beach in July and I think my real goal, a half-ironman distance race in September.

Biking photo purchased from Joe Schrader Photography.

We had snow here last Friday, and I think that may be the last of it for the winter (though I’m always up for a late March snow). It also marks the start of a few super busy months with lots of traveling!

We are heading to the Ecuador and the Galapagos, and I’m excited about that (as I’ve already mentioned more times that necessary). I’m only concerned that there may not be enough time to sleep…and I really need to get back to my 10-12 hours a night. I don’t know whether it’s more work, more exercise, or more naughty dog wake ups, but I’m exhausted lately. Our dog may be almost ten years old, but she still terrorizes us from time to time to let us know who is boss. Guess what? It’s not us.

On the other hand, there is no internet on the boat in the Galapagos. Gasp. Stutter. Gulp. No internet? When is the last time I haven’t had internet for more than a single day? I honestly cannot remember. We had internet daily in Bhutan, Kenya, and Peru. But this really forces me to not check email, hope for updates from the dogsitter extraordinaire about Toasty’s antics, or read useless rambles about the presidential election (I mean, really, the United States has reached a very new low there).

I’ve downloaded two new books to enjoy–first up, City of Thorns (I had already read another book on Dabaab, and my mom recommended this one), and Flames in the Field (about women spies in World War II). I really would like to read another new fiction book, but so much of fiction is just…so….bad.  I have no patience for books that don’t immediately grab my attention.

I’ve also started my triathlon training, and even though I ran a lot before this (with the once a week bike and swim), the quantity and intensity of the 8-week program is tiring. Three to four days a week are >90 minutes. I guess I get about ten days off during our vacation, though we will be doing lots of hiking, paddling, and snorkeling. When we get back, we have about 2 weeks before the Cherry Blossom 10-Miler, an annual favorite! And then two weeks before my very first metric century ride in Delaware. And then two weeks to my very first triathlon in Virginia. Named Rumpass in Bumpass. Which is an awesome name for a triathlon. No of course that is not why I signed up for this race.

It will be a lot of firsts in April. Plus, we are headed to Virginia Beach for the dog’s annual vacation (like 2014 and 2015)! The dog needs her vacation (and we love spoiling her).

Can’t wait to share pictures of Ecuador and the Galapagos in a few weeks!

First, and most importantly, I really want to thank the Marines who run the marathon. Period. No ifs, ands, or buts. It’s a tremendous effort to manage that many people and much appreciated.

I think about 35,000 people get entries for the Marine Corps Marathon (MCM), about 30,000 start and about 25,000 finish–give or take every year.  That’s an insane amount of people, and when you count in the spectators, well, wow.

So I realize that things can’t always go as planned. And go as planned they did not.

I don’t talk that much about running, here, except in passing, seeing as this is primarily a travel blog. But, seeing how many people travel for marathons, I don’t think there is any harm…plus, I’m on my post-race induced endless running chatter. Which dear husband endures but has had enough of…so this should be a good outlet.

First, let’s talk about what went well.

I held it together and ran over that stupid, stupid bridge from mile 20-22 that I hate so dearly. I h.a.t.e. that bridge. But, you know what? I sucked it up and kept running. I’m proud that I didn’t have another mental “I can’t do this” fest.

While I felt sick (was sick) most of the day, I held it together while running. Shocking, I know, considering 2 years ago I still couldn’t figure out why I was vomiting like a crazy person after every run. Apparently I’m super sensitive when I get low on electrolytes. Thanks to those wonderful Honey Stingers that I can somehow choke down when I can’t eat anything else, I held it together the entire course. And Gatorade. I never was big on sports drinks until I realized my body liked them. And I like not throwing up.

Finally, while I wasn’t happy with my time, it was a significant PR, even though it was significantly slower than I’d been training. I need to remember that. Four years ago, when I started running in 2011, I couldn’t run 5 miles in <10:10 pace. I am NOT a natural runner, which pains me greatly because I don’t usually take to things I’m not naturally at least reasonably good at. So to run 26.2 (actually 26.65, with all the ridiculous zig zagging I had to do), at 9:51 pace…really at 9:42 if you take into account my extra mileage) is definite improvement.

Oh, and my knees/joints/IT bands did NOT hurt at the end. That alone is SO exciting.

Now, let’s talk about the disaster that was the start.

We got to the start (I mean the line for the start) at just about 6:35, which is exactly 1:20 before the start. No problem, right?

Utter, utter disaster. The security line was SO backed up (and I had a bag to check) that I was still in line when the race started. This is the third time I’ve run the MCM, and while the line was slow last year, we got in with about 15 minutes to spare. Not sure what happened this year, but it was a mess.

It’s not that I was worried I wouldn’t get to start, but I started with the 6:00 hour pacer (and 20 minutes late). Everyone was walking up the hills, even at mile .5. And I spent a tremendous amount of energy running around people, on wet grass (it was raining), and avoiding the walkers who stopped in the middle of the road to look around for their friends. I get it. Not everyone has a time goal. But why, oh why, can’t the rules of the highway apply? Slower cars to the right…faster cars to the left. I was pretty frustrated by the time I got to mile 5. And my legs were way more spent than they should have been.

I also got elbowed in the head by a tall guy who was speed walking, which pretty much sucked and added to my frustration. I had some choice words for him–you can NOT swing your elbows like that in a crowd of 30,000! (No, that’s obviously not what I said to him. Cough.)

Oh, and they were out of water and struggling to find jugs and fill cups at one of the early water stations. I waiting for exactly 45 seconds for someone to find water. Cause I was thirsty. And had avoided the earlier aid stations so I could try to get ahead of some of the crowd. Sigh…as I watched my watch tick away.

Will I run the MCM again?

I will definitely be running another marathon, because I’m determined to do better. And I guess I should admit I like to run. But will it be the MCM?

There are a lot of really wonderful things about the MCM. The Marines and the atmosphere are fantastic. But this year’s fiasco at the start + the move of packet pick up to National Harbor next year makes me dread the process of actually getting to the start line. National Harbor has no parking. Traffic to get there is bad on a great day. And there is absolutely no public transportation.  I don’t know anyone happy about this decision (just look at their Facebook page), and I think it could make local runners really think twice before entering. Including me.

Plus, it would be fun to run a destination marathon, right? I haven’t traveled just to race before…but…why not?

Have you done a destination marathon? Where did you go? Any suggestions for flat, fun, well-run courses?

Hug a human? Well, if it’s a social situation where it is otherwise inappropriate not to do so…but can I have a beer first? Yea, I’d say I’m kidding but I’m really not.

A big part of “me” is my obsession with horses. Before I traveled I rode, and I still had a horse that moved from Wyoming to New Hampshire about a year and a half ago. I’m happy to say said horse–Sterly (aka her official name is Almost Sterling)–arrived in Virginia! And I can now visit/ride when I please, in a beautiful area near Shenandoah and an easy drive if I time it right with the traffic. She’ll have a life of semi-retired luxury, pampered, with little responsibility except to eat, drink, and learn how to use a shed again. Yes, someone thinks there are monsters in sheds (after previously believing that raindrops were going to kill her), and would rather stand outside and shiver. Sigh.

While riding in the past prevented me from wanting to travel very much, Sterly won’t be in consistent work or competed anymore, so there will be none of the pressure to keep her in shape.  I’m excited to go feed her wheat-thins (her favorite), and maybe get dear husband to get on her (as long as she’s well behaved, otherwise she’s all mine to deal with). I know Toasty will be a little jealous, but I think her and DH secretly like their hours of snuggle time while I’m out at the barn.

A huge thanks to Equine Express for delivering her safe and sound–I’ve used them twice and if I have a choice, would never ship with anyone else. They are SO nice and Sterly has traveled so well with them.

She’s already settled in well, and annoyed that I was disrupting her eating for photos. Monday, I hopped on her for a quick ride, and she was perfect and excited to get brushed. Most horses come running for a grain bucket, Sterly comes over when she hears the plastic wheat thin bag rustle.

Spoiled? Yes. Happy? Definitely.

The MCM is really quite the event–hotels are booked, and nearly all of the race course (yes, all 26 miles of it) is lined with people. This is one of those times where crowds of people are actually nice…gets a little dull running 26 miles without something to look at! Plus, they are great about encouraging you (and handing out candy).  Yes, the MCM desperately snarls traffic for a bit, but with 25,000 or so runners, it is quite the sight and the Marines and volunteers do such an amazing, amazing job putting the race on, staffing the aid stations, and cheering.

MCM 2013

 If you are a runner, you’ll be putting things together–DH and I went to Thailand and Bhutan over what would have been two very long runs in our marathon training. And we were gone for two weeks. And…here it comes…we didn’t run at all. Last year I went to Uganda and Rwanda and nearly the same time of year, and made a huge effort to run while I was there. I ran on the treadmill when available (can’t just go running in Queen Elizabeth National Park on your own), and also on the roads near Bwindi (which was so much fun). I thought I had stayed in shape–I mean, I ran at 6000 feet and figured I would be good to go!What I didn’t factor in was the sitting and flexibility issues that come with travel. Yea…not so big on yoga in my room in the morning. And when I returned last year, I had major, major ITB problems. I think–in part–I tried to do too much too soon when I returned, and was a bit neglectful in my stretching and rolling.

So with a new plan in hand, this year I decided to front load my training so I was way ahead of schedule before we left. Then I decided to really ease back into it when we returned. Finally, I’ve been better about stretching and rolling and ensuring my core strength compensates for my lack of running so at least I didn’t get injured.

So DH and I finished the marathon. DH did awesome, though he continues to swear it’s his ONLY one ever. I came off happy to improve on my time but cursing the world, and swearing I’d never do another. But already the hatred has worn off a bit (and it’s only been 24 hours). Do I think my not running for 2 weeks made a difference? Probably, but that mental break might have done some good, too. I’m not an elite runner so I’m the only one who cares, seriously, about my marathon time.

If I was a great runner, I probably would feel differently about all of this, but I refuse (for now) to put marathon training ahead of travel plans. And I have refused (for the most part) to feel guilty about not running on vacation, despite the availability of perfectly nice gyms or roads to run on. It was a vacation, and I absolutely wasn’t into it after sweating all day in the heat (sorry Chaing Mai, I still hate your weather).

Are you good about running or keeping up with race training on vacation? Or did you come to DC for the marathon? 

Anyway, I went to Richmond on Saturday to visit a good friend.  I was really impressed by the food and drink scene–not so much by the impossibly horrible traffic getting down there from DC on a Saturday. I mean, yea I know I live in a major metropolitan area known for terrible-horrible-no-good-very-bad traffic, but I really don’t sit in traffic that much. Well, I got my full yearly dose yesterday.  I had no idea that 90 miles could take 4 hours, but guess what, it can!

Sigh.  But I have to say that the company and the beer (and the tacos) really made up for it.  Let’s first start with the three breweries.

I really wanted to go to Isley Brewing Company to try a peanut butter chocolate porter, but alas, it was no longer on the menu.  Instead, there was a Hefeweizen, a Blueberry Hefeweizen, a Farmhouse Ale, an IPA, a Red Ale, and a Oatmeal Porter. I’m such a fan of both porter and hefeweizen, I decided to get a flight to try them all out.

Let’s go from best to worst.  The Oatmeal Porter, dark and delicious, was my favorite (it’s the one on the far right in the picture…oh wait, it’s already gone!). There was no weird porter aftertaste.  It did seem to have just a bit of an almost coffee taste, but it was really subtle (6.6% alcohol). Then we had the Blueberry Hefeweizen, which was delightfully fruity smelling, but very down-to-earth to drink.  No super sweetness, just a light blueberry note along with the Hefeweizen (5.2%). The regular Hefeweizen was my third favorite–it was good, but without the blueberry, it was just a little bit too light and boring for me (5.2%). I did drink it before the blueberry though, just to ensure that it wasn’t overshadowed. It was anyway.  As for the other three: the Red Ale (5%) was eh, fine, but I don’t know if I would order it again. There was nothing wrong with it, and it was tasty, but it wasn’t nearly up to par with the hefe’s or porter.  And the IPA (7.5%) and the Farmhouse Ale (4.75%)? Ugh. I dislike IPA’s generally across the board, so this one did not impress. Same with the Farmhouse…bitter, weirdly like too many orange peels and not enough anything else. But 3/6 isn’t bad, particularly as I had no expectations to love the ales in the first place.

Ardent Craft Ales