Scribble & Dash: fit

Vine to Wine Half Marathon Recap

So it's been a while since I have written here. I honestly just felt a little overwhelmed with some stuff going on and just didn't have the drive to keep up with intriguing and quality content, instead of writing just to put something out I figured taking a break would be the best thing to do.

So much has happened the past couple months and I can't wait to catch everyone up and rekindle my love for writing in this space at the same time!

The last time we checked in I was in training for a half marathon, the Vine to Wine Half on September 9th! I originally was planning on a Full Marathon, however an injury occurred so I decided it best to take it a little slower and only go for the 13.1 this year!

The Vine to Wine has come and gone and I wanted to share my experience with everyone here!

My husband and I decided that we were going to stay overnight the night before in the town that the race was being held, Greenville IL (we are in the St. Louis, MO area). It was a little over an hour away and I was afraid of being super stiff the morning of had we chosen to drive in race day.

The race offered a 10% discount at a local hotel for all race runners, it was a very reasonably priced hotel and with the discount it was even better. I was quite happy with where we stayed, however I wish they had had a little bit of a nicer workout room (I had planned to run a mile or two when we showed up to the hotel before going to pick up our packets, however only one of two treadmills was working and a lady was already occupying the one, so I wasn't able to get in any run).

We checked in and hung out at the hotel for a little while. My husband attempted to nap and I went down to the pool, put on the BibRave podcast and just sat with my feet in the pool and listening to that weeks podcast!

A little before dinner time we headed over to the winery (The Family Vine), where the race was going to be held, to pick up our packets. We also sat outside, indulged in a couple beverages and ate dinner. My husbands brother and his wife were also running in the 5k and chose to join us that evening to stay the night and met us for dinner and drinks as well!

We headed back to the hotel and settled in for the night. I sat out all of my gear and took the obligatory #flatmelissa photo for Instagram.

I slept pretty well that night and was ready to get up and get going when my alarm went off on race day. I woke up, got dressed, made some coffee and headed down to the continental breakfast. I grabbed half a bagel with some cream cheese. I was struggling in the bathroom department and had hopes that I would be able to go before the race at the winery, this did not happen and had some major effects on my running.

We met up with a couple of our other friends, who were also running the half, who drove in that morning, at the winery. I will say this race was super nice because it was probably one of the smallest races I've ever run in. I liked how the starting line wasn't crowded and we were able to get right up front and not feel crowded.

Countdown commenced and we were off. The first few miles went quite well, the course was gorgeous and we were under nice shade. I was feeling quite strong at the beginning and had every intention of PRing that day.

Around mile 6 everything sort of fell apart. My bathroom issues came back to haunt me, the heat started setting in and we were no longer running under any shade. To top it off the course was quite hilly and I just hate hills and have always stunk at running them, I'm attempting to work on this so courses like this don't defeat me.

Either way I clocked in at 2:44:27 which was in no way close to my goal or my half PR.

I felt defeated about mile 10 and knew I wasn't going to be back by my predicted time so I shot a text to my husband just letting him know that other than feeling poopy everything was fine, it was just going to take me a while longer. He was extremely supportive and sweet, bringing me to tears on the course. I was sure to thank him for being so supportive and caring in that moment, because it was what helped me finish the race!

Crossing that finish line has never felt better, I was so glad it was over and also so proud of myself for completing the race!

After the race we got our wine glasses and wine tasting and hung out for a bit. We all decided to go and get some lunch at a local Mexican restaurant and then headed on back home.

All in all I would say the weekend was successful and the race was very well organized and the course was gorgeous. The only problem was with myself and my inability to get past certain elements of the race and my own body. I am very proud to have finished and to have also stuck with a training plan, hitting all of my long runs and making it a priority instead of pushing it off like I have always done in the past!

I have many more races coming up this Fall and have already began planning out my 2018 races. I'll be getting into all of that in another post!

Well I think that about sums up my Vine to Wine experience and I would highly suggest checking it out if you're in the Midwest and looking for a nicely ran and lower key half marathon to run!

(All photos credited to my husband and brother-in-law)

I hope everyone has a great Monday and hope to see you back here next time!

Cheers!

Please Follow Along with Scribble & Dash...

INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | PINTEREST | FACEBOOK

2 comments

, by Scribble-N-Dash

13.1

Why I Run.

So I talk a lot about training, about fitness and about running.

What I don't talk a lot about is they why behind it all.

Today I want to share that with you, honestly I apologize that it has taken this long.

I run for many reasons.

One being it gets me out of the house, gets me that much needed alone time.

I stay at home with my boys all day, every day.

I love this job, I love being with them every step of the way when they're this little.

However this doesn't mean that I don't need some me time squeezed in between all the hugs, cuddles and tantrums that ensue throughout the day.

I love that I have a husband that understands this, a husband who gets it and who is encouraging.

He is really great at saying, "Go, take some time, just run." When he can tell I'm about to lose my mind.

There are times where I feel extremely guilty for going out on a run, leaving my family to fend for themselves during that time I am away.

Then I step back and have to realize that what I am doing is benefiting them in ways beyond measure. Keeping myself grounded, stress free and happy is going to help me to be a better Mother and Wife to those who depend on me to be so.

Two being health.

This may seem obvious but I wasn't always a runner.

In fact I was the furthest thing from being a runner just about two years ago.

Sure I ran a couple races years ago, and did a handful of 5k's and bootcamps but nothing ever really stuck.

It wasn't until my second son was born that I really got into this lifestyle.

I knew that I needed to be healthy and that I needed to do something to get myself into shape, not only for myself but for my family as well.

Let's face it, I want to be around as long as I possible can for them.

I never planned on running, it just sort of happened and I became enthralled with the lifestyle.

I love knowing that what I am doing is not only giving me an outlet for my stress but it is also helping me stay fit and healthy at the same time.

Three being the community of runners.

This community is one that I would have never even thought of being there, however they are ever present, ever encouraging and ever helpful.

I love interacting on all social media platforms with every runner I can find.

I love listening to all the running podcasts, in particular BibRave right now.

It's incredible the resources for any question I may have, and I have never once been made to feel inadequate with anything I have inquired about.

This community supports one another so incredibly, in a sport where you may think is a one person game.

Bottom line, I love to run.

I love that this sport has taken me in and swept me up in it.

I love that it doesn't matter how old I was when I fell in love with it, running doesn't care the way many other sports do.

I love the simplicity of it, the pure raw nature of it.

The beauty of it.

This is why I run.

1 comments

, by Scribble-N-Dash

fit

Spring into Summer Workout Series with Sworkit - #1

No comments

, by Scribble-N-Dash

13.1

Training - Week 4

No comments

, by Scribble-N-Dash

13.1

Training - Week 3

No comments

, by Scribble-N-Dash

13.1

Training - Week 2

No comments

, by Scribble-N-Dash

beer

Yoga Buzz - Fitness

1 comments

, by Scribble-N-Dash

fit

My January Journey - GIVEAWAY DEADLINE

Today is the last day to enter the January Journeys ONE YEAR OF PREMIUM from Sworkit GIVEAWAY!

More about the giveaway in a moment.

Today I am going to share with you all my personal journey not only this January but also my journey over the past year and a half to get to where I am at.

My boys are 2 (3 in two weeks) and 1.5 years old. I have been working my butt off this past year and a half to make sure that I live as healthy a lifestyle as possible with two kiddos in the mix. Let me tell you, it's not easy. There are mornings where I can barely function due to lack of sleep. How easy it would be to just eat the cinnamon rolls I made for the boys, and let's be real, there were plenty of mornings I did indulge. However more times than not I have had to remind myself to be strong, that I am eating healthy for the benefit of my children, myself and my family.

Working out has been another battle in and of itself. Two kids, two dogs and a wonderful husband don't always make for the easiest workout environment. Luckily my husband supports all of me endeavors and when I want to go on a run he is there for me, he constantly tells me, "Go! Take your time, have fun!" ... I couldn't do any of this without his support, seriously he makes all the difference!

I also workout while the kids take a bath. Our bathroom is *thankfully* big enough for me to roll out my yoga mat, set up my Sworkit app and get to work while the boys play in the tub after they have bathed. They enjoy cheering me on, counting down with the app and even laugh when I do burpees (they don't get the pain LOL)

I have squeezed in as many workouts and runs as possible. I don't let a single second go to waste and I keep myself motivated by taking pictures of my progress. When I look back to where I was a year and a half ago and then look where I am at now, I almost can't believe that I was able to do it. My entire life I never thought I could have abs, seriously it was something that I just never understood how anyone had defined abs. Then once I had my kiddos I REALLY never thought I'd have abs, however with all of the work I am finally at a place where I can say that I have accomplished something I NEVER thought was possible. Let me be very clear, to get where I am at has taken a year and a half, it took me eating healthy while I was pregnant, pushing through the lack of sleep, working out every chance I got and just doing it for a year and a half now.

**July 2015 (left) - March 2016 (center) - July 2016 (right)**

It is possible, it just takes time. There is no easy fix or a painless way to get the body you want. You have to make a choice and stick to it.

With all of that being said I still have loose skin from my pregnancies and I have learned to be VERY okay with that. I have a scar where both boys came into this world through, and I love it. I have not only gotten to a place where I keep going, keep pushing and continue to accomplish my fitness goals. I have also learned to love the parts of me that aren't perfect, because in their imperfection they are perfect to me.

I'm also going to throw out there my own little PSA that positioning is everything when it comes to sharing pictures on any form of social media. The following picture was taken one after the other, one I'm standing and the other I'm sitting. Everything needs to be taken with a grain of salt, just because someone can make their bodies look one way doesn't mean it stays that way! Just be aware of this when looking at everyone's before and afters. Use these as inspiration not something to compare yourself to! We all have our own journey, our own path to take and each and every one is special and unique!

**January 2017**

So to enter our ONE YEAR OF PREMIUM for FREE giveaway go on and follow these instructions and jump start your working out to get the results you want! I personally attribute a HUGE portion of my success to the ease and customization of Sworkit so get to it yourself today!

All you have to do is...

1. Like ME & SWORKIT on Instagram

2. Comment on the MOST RECENT picture which states **GIVEAWAY POST** with what keeps you motivated to workout!
3. Like the GIVEAWAY post picture on Instagram

Yes, it's pretty simple so don't hesitate to head on over and get yourself entered! The winner will be announced tomorrow February 1st!

Printfriendly

Sworkit's OCTOBER 30 Day Workout Challenge!

Vine to Wine Half Marathon Recap

Why I Run.

Spring into Summer Workout Series with Sworkit - #1

Training - Week 4

Training - Week 3

Training - Week 2

Yoga Buzz - Fitness

My January Journey - GIVEAWAY DEADLINE

Hello!

Social Media

Follow Scribble & Dash

Pinterest

Popular Posts

Blog Archive

Like us on Facebook

Instagram @mmlarose

Printfriendly

Hello!

Social Media

Follow Scribble & Dash

Pinterest

Popular Posts

Blog Archive

Like us on Facebook

Instagram @mmlarose

Subscribe