{"id":2555,"date":"2010-03-21T21:42:04","date_gmt":"2010-03-22T01:42:04","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.glutenfreeislife.com\/?p=2555"},"modified":"2010-03-21T21:42:04","modified_gmt":"2010-03-22T01:42:04","slug":"ing-georgia-half-marathon-recap","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.glutenfreeislife.com\/?p=2555","title":{"rendered":"ING Georgia Half Marathon Recap"},"content":{"rendered":"

On Sunday, March 21, 2010, I ran my 2nd half marathon in Atlanta, Georgia. The weather was looking sketchy, but the rain held off and it only sprinkled during the race. I was expecting the race to be harder than it was because of the hills I kept hearing about. I made sure to constantly alter my incline on the treadmill back in flat Columbus, Ohio and I think that really helped. I felt strong the entire race. I helped a good friend, Ashley, finish under her goal time of 2:30. We did the half in 2:23 – which included stopping once for the rest room & to hug family & stretch. We also walked through the water stations, which was a first for me.<\/p>\n

I learned & experienced things in this race that I never had or thought that I would enjoy. First one was running with no ipod. I always run with music, unless I am on a long run with friends, which I do 25 – 50% of my long runs. It was so exhilarating to run & hear all the excitement going on around me – to hear all the cheers of encouragement & experience all of the emotion. Truly amazing! <\/p>\n

Next, walking through water stations. I had heard this was a great idea – but this was my first time putting the plan into action. Loved it. Plenty of water & hydration & I think this really helped conserve energy. <\/p>\n

The volunteers were amazing! To stand out in the chilly weather & rain and cheer on all the runners – so selfless. Thank you to all those who were out there. <\/p>\n

KT Tape<\/a>. Runners if you have not tried this stuff, you are missing out. I stopped by the booth at the Expo yesterday and had them tape my right leg in the area of my IT Band. The difference was night & day. It wasn’t super painful or bothersome before, but just there. The support the tape gave me was unbelievable. I looked like a big dork, but who cares!! LOL! The roll of tape was worth it’s weight in gold at $13 for the roll. I would absolutely buy more. I followed these instructions<\/a> when I had to re-tape my leg. <\/p>\n

I had such a great time at the Expo yesterday. I got to meet Jeff Galloway<\/a> – he was a member of the 1972 Olympic team. He has written many books on running – I have his half marathon book & read his book on women & fat burning, too. He was such a nice guy and so knowledgeable! Here is the pic I was able to get taken with him:<\/p>\n

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I still swear by my Zensah running sleeves – hands down best $40 I have ever spent. The really helped with the hills today. You can read more about them here<\/a>. <\/p>\n

And last, but certainly not least, the reason we ran today – to raise awareness for Micro Preemies. Micro Preemies are babies born way too early. My nephews, Wyatt & Jack were born at 25 weeks 3 days and sadly did not survive. You can read more about the March of Dimes & what they do here<\/a>. Our team was called “Baby Steps”. <\/p>\n

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