My Marathon of a Journey | Peaches Prattlings

{October 2, 2017} Hot Chocolate 15k!

What a day!

So, you know my goals when I participate in a race: Start the race…check! Finish the race… check! Have people behind you… check!

That last one was touch and go! I totally admit, I had not trained, totally on me and I don’t know if it has anything to do with it, but fasting the day before, probably not the best thing for a race. As we’ve talked about before, I’ve done all different race lengths, from 5k to half marathon and only once, when everyone else was a runner did I come in last and didn’t like it.

So… along the route, I kept with people and then I was behind and then more behind and more behind. But I was doing it. I was tired by mile 7, ok, by mile 6, but that was a 10k, I’m doing this. Mile 7, I can’t quit now! It’s on my 2.3 miles left!

But… just before mile 7, the sweeper van was right there! The cop behind me, the end of the race, I ignored, he can’t do anything, but the sweeper van! I’ve told you about getting swept before, not a great feeling! I heard that door open and I ran for it! Just beat him!!!

Then I was with the other 6-10 stragglers. We were all motivating each other! It’s only 2 miles to go! Do you see the 8 mile? The 9 mile marker? One girl, this was her first and she said she was going to cry! I said go for it! My first 5k, I cried! And the first one I ran the whole thing, you bet your bippy!

We were so close! I was not giving up! I put my sweatshirt back on so they could see my bib number when I crossed the finish. Here are some of the advantages of finishing towards the end. Serious cheering! They can look up your bib number and say your name and where you’re from!

Now, when you look at my stats, feel free to laugh, I couldn’t stop! Overall, out of 2831 participants, I was 2827! Out of 2140 females, I was 2136! Now, in my age group, saved the best for last! I saw that and could not stop laughing!

So… Start… check. Finish.. check. People behind me… check! Get medal… check!

I’m a happy girl!

{August 26, 2017} Saturday… what did we do?

More like… what didn’t we do?!

I got in late last night, no non- stops from St Louis to Denver in the evening. PSM got out yesterday morning, non-stop and was at the hotel bar relaxing when I landed in Chicago.

I was originally flying through Houston, but with Hurricane Harvey causing trouble, United called and re- booked me through Chicago, nice. I also promoted to gold status on United last week, so first class on both flight, wahoo!

I got in about midnight, got my bag and car, headed to the hotel and very quietly snuck into bed about 130am, talked to you, then crashed a while later.

The alarm…yup… went off about 630am, ugh. I snoozed a bit, then got up, dressed and walked out the door towards Coors Field, I was meeting LJ for The Color Run, you know, “The Happiest 5k on Earth!”

And you know what, it is! You can’t be unhappy participating in this race. You get to run through clouds of color and become a rainbow! This was LJ’s first 5k, let alone Color Run. We had a great time! We ran the start and finish, well, if anyone asks, yup, we ran!

I walked/ ran to meet her so I was pumped! After, we walked to get some food near my hotel, it was only about 1.5 miles, so by the time I got back to the hotel, 6 miles under my feet!

I don’t know if you remember how many races I used to do, about 2-3 a month for a few years. This is the first this year and it reminded me how much I enjoyed, not so much the running, but the excitement, the energy, the sense of accomplishment! I have one more scheduled this year, in Denver and I’m hoping to get back on track next year!

Denver is such a beautiful, interesting and eclectic city! While we were having lunch, we saw a class of service dogs and their trainers, learning… walking through crowds, sitting under tables, meeting other dogs, it was great!

We parted company, we’ll meet again later. I went to the hotel, showered, rested a little, then we headed out to True Foods for lunch with PSM’s cousin, D and her husband P, I don’t know if you remember me telling you about our last visit. They live in Denver and were fabulous to squeeze us into their schedule!

I have ordered food from True Foods in Chicago, but only their pizza, I believe I shared it with you, oing my, it would have been nice to actually share! It is a vegetarian and vegan friendly restaurant, so something for everyone.

I had an amazing sandwich on 7 grain bread with a fried egg, tomatoes, almond ricotta, fried seitan and crisp lettuce. Oh my, my, my! Yeah, that’s all I have to say!

After lunch, we drove out to Longmont to visit my stuff, take care of storage business and get key for my new unit. A few months ago someone had driven off the highway and into two units, one being mine. My stuff is ok, some things crushed, but nothing horrible. I’m sorry the picture didn’t take, I was amazed!

Back to the hotel for a minute and then… Denver Broncos vs Greenbay Packers, pre-season game! LJ had texted last month and asked if we were interested in going to the game, you bet! PSM was in his best behavior, being a Pats fan, thank you.

We were in the nosebleed seats, almost to the top, remember when CKM went to the Bears game last year?! The stadium was packed! Mostly Denver fans, but Cheeseheads were out in force! I had seen a lot of them throughout the day in Denver.

There were some great jerseys out there, my favorite was a serious house divided. Mom and toddler number one in green, dad and toddler number two in orange! The halftime show was the junior Broncos cheerleaders and about 600 even more junior, cheerleaders! So cute! As the announcer said “this demo displays that girls rock!”

Greenbay was winning when we left, hope the home team wins!

After the game, we grabbed an Uber to City O’ City, a vegetarian/ vegan restaurant and oh my! We sat in the back cocktail area, full service at the bar. The restaurant was packed, eclectic, like the city and still cozy.

We started with a pretzel with cheese to dip in, one vegan and one straight up. Then LJ had a ‘chicken wrap’, PSM had a pastrami sandwich, basically a rueben and omg! It had pastrami, sauerkraut, cheese and thousand island dressing.

Me, I had a to’fish sandwich and wow! It was like a giant piece of fried fish! It didn’t taste exactly like fried fish, but wow, it was fabulous! Lettuce, tomatoe, ricotta goat cheese, pickles with a side of vegan mac-n- cheese. Happy vegan alert!!!

After, we were done! Took our leftovers with us, can’t wait to eat the other half of my sandwich tomorrow! Back to the hotel, talk to you, chill and crash, flying out tomorrow.

Was that really just one day?

{July 28, 2016} A nice end to a busy day

Shouldn’t they all be like that?

The day started early with some time on the treadmill, the elliptical machines were both busy. It’s been a while since I’ve been on a treadmill, let the sweat pour!

Of to the office for a very busy day, good lunch company, more busy and work, problem solved, whew! then a good bi-weekly check-in with my manager.

After work, I went with one of my co-workers, who I have become good friends with, LJ, to get much needed pedicures and then we ordered food while we walked back to get apartment. IWe ate, talked and watched the Wednesday night fireworks at Navy Pier. I also got to meet and play with her sweet cat, Max, sigh.

Then back to the hotel, a prior work and now I’m talking to you.

Pretty good day, huh?

{April 17, 2016} It started with an explosion and ended flat

Cut off again? What’s with you Disney?

The Star Wars Dark Side Half Marathon was scheduled to start at 5am. Up at 3:15am, uck…at 10pm last night I was trying to [using the] force myself to sleep, you know me, it was hard! So, up at 3:15am, out by 3:30am and at Epcot by 4am, took some pictures and then head to corral K.

At the start of each corral, there were fireworks. By the time corral K started, it was about 5:45.

And we were off. The thing about Disney runs and something people don’t realize, there are so many people participating that it gets bottlenecked in so many places and they have characters along the way everyone wants to take pictures.

We started at Epcot, through the park, then The Boardwalk, on to Hollywood Studios, out onto the highway.

Now…here’s where the flat comes in. At mile 5, there were a bunch of us just behind the 16 minute mile pacers and they cut us off and loaded us into the bus. The only other place I have been cut off was last year at Disneyland, but that was at the 9 mile point. At least there I got in more than half, this wasn’t even fully half of the half. What’s with that?

If you don’t want us to stop and take pictures, don’t have the characters throughout the park. And maybe control the bottleneck issues.

Now, I’m not saying I wasn’t slower, I’m not saying I was better than anyone, but seriously…what was it that they had to cut off the rest of us at 730am.

I did make a friend, a fellow “cut-offer”, we rode the bus together back to the parking lot and get this..she lives around the corner from my house in Georgia! She was disappointed that she didn’t finish, this was her first race ever, she was more disappointed in the swag!

Now, we did find the bright sides…we got our medals, we were done in time to go back to our hotels and have free breakfast, take a shower and make my flight, see bright side.

I’m still kind of miffed, I’ll be fine tomorrow, maybe the next day, I’m just disappointed. I know there will be a next time and I need to train for it, something I really want to do and let’s see what comes next. Onward and upward!

A week with the family will help, don’t you think?

[I tried to post more pics, keeps failing, I’ll keep trying]

{April 15, 2016} Goodbye Atlanta…hello Orlando…packet pickup!

It’s travel day, lots to do!

The alarm went off, so I could tell after I woke up, snoozing is amazing! JCT made me breakfast, yes, I’m spoiled! I got some work done, took a shower, repacked and headed to the airport. I did get to say goodbye to her mom and daughter, love them all.

At the airport, got thru security easily, boarded and settled in, started watching The Wedding Singer, I love when they have movies in the seat backs…then I can play games on my phone, tee hee hee.

I got my rental car, ready for it…a convertible beetle! In Atlanta a red beetle, here, a silver convertible! And I rented an economy, get this…they can’t give them away! Apparently, not a family friendly car with a week’s worth of luggage. Works for me!

I decided to head to the Expo at Walt Disney World’s Wide World of Sports to pick up my race packet for the Dark Side Half Marathon.

The shoes match the character’s outfit, fitting!

I was good…they gave us the Darkside shirt and Active Advantage gave all its members a free t-shirt. I bought a running belt, hopefully it will hold everything and not pooch, so to speak. There wasn’t a lot I couldn’t live without.

My other purchase was a new running skirt with a matching headband, isn’t it fabulous! Perfect for Hawaii, wouldn’t you say? There was a woman there who said it was perfect for Hawaii, she lives there! Go figure!

I got my knees and back taped with Rock Tape, hopefully it will help my knees and back on Sunday. I’m set.

On the way to the expo I had the top dropped on the car, stereo cranked and dancing my heart out, it felt SO good to be in a convertible, I can’t wait to see Annie again!

Then it was time to go, drop the top, crank the tunes, head back towards the airport to check into my hotel, order some food and relax.

Tomorrow is another adventure! Time to dream about Mickey, Minnie and Winnie the Pooh!

{January 25, 2016} A race, a brunch, a movie, dinner and visit

A typical day for me, right?

I signed up to do the Hot Chocolate 15k, my second 15k and fifth or sixth Hot Chocolate Race, “The Sweetest Race in America”. I picked up the packet yesterday, as I mentioned and there was my bib and an embroidered jacket. Embroidered? Did I sign up for that? Nope, it was a perk of registering early! I like it! All the jackets had the name of the race, the special ones say Atlanta 2016, pretty cool! The women had blue trim and the men, orange. They also coordinated the bags this year, only orange or blue.

The only things I bought at the expo were throw away gloves, a hat and a neck scarf, kind of like the ones I wear to ski, but this has the Hot Chocolate logo and it matched my jacket!

I didn’t even realize I had paid for parking, but I had and I’m glad I did, I didn’t have to search for a place to park or take a shuttle, bad part…the lots closed by 6:30am, so I had to be there before they closed and my corral didn’t start until 7:40am! I was staying with RJS, so much fun, as always. My alarm went off at 5:30, then I snoozed and about 10 minutes later I heard “JJ, time to get up!’

I got dressed, got in the car and was out the door by 5:50am, in the parking lot by 6:20 and I could not fall asleep, so I hung out until about 7:30 and then braved the cold to head to the start.

When I say cold and Georgia, no one believes me. It was TWENTY FOUR degrees and with the wind chill, it felt like 15! By the time I crossed the finish line it was 29, ooh, heat wave! I had hand warmers that I had gotten when I was in NYC, but I didn’t think about food warmers, I wish I had!

My corral didn’t start until about 8am, I wasn’t going to run at all, because I haven’t trained or run since the half marathon in Lisbon October 18th, but…it was so cold I said f-it! Sorry for those of you who are sensitive, I know that was harsh! Just to warn you, there might be more!

When we started, I ran because I couldn’t feel my toes, so perfect thing to do to get the circulation going. I ran about half a mile, then walked, then ran. I ended up walking most of the way and I’m ok with that. About mile two they said you could split off and do the 5k, especially with the weather being so cold. I was thinking about it and I said, nah, f-it! I want my medal, so march on! Look, it was really cold, a little harsh language was called for!

Let’s just say that in the end I was pleased with my decision to keep going, but about mile 6 and 7, I was thinking, this is f-ing nuts! Then it was mile 8, then 9 and there was the finish line. There were times I was tricking myself, just like everyone else “It’s just three 5ks” or “We just did a 5k, let’s do another” “I just finished the 5k, only 6.1 miles left” “Less than 2 miles, you can do it!’

I crossed that finish line and I was so happy, I got my medal and headed towards the after party. As I was passing a police officer, I joked, because I had the scarf around my face “We could go from the finish line to roving a bank”, he laughed. I said on not going to, he thanked me.

Speaking of thanking, I made sure to thank a bunch of volunteers and police for being there today, awesome people.

I went to RJS’ to shower and head out. If I had more time, I would have taken an ice bath, I really need that relief right about now. I never would have believed it before I tried it!

I visited with RJS a little while longer, then headed to Decatur to meet some friends for brunch. It was C & J C and their adorable son, M, doll baby!

M had even made me a card and put some candy in a bag for me, I loved it! You know me, anything hand made!

We had a really nice lunch and caught up, then after I stopped in a store and bought something for PSM, I think he’ll like, then I went to meet TS at the movies. We had decided on Hotel Transylvania, but Goosebumps was there, so we saw that instead, it was great! And I am not a Jack Black fan, so I must have really liked it!

We got into the theater and there was no one in there until about five/ten minutes before the movie, we sat in the theater and talked until everyone else showed up, then it was quite packed.

From there, I went up to see L&AK and their three girls, K, J and K. Whenever I am here, it’s like no times has passed, like we had just seen each other or spoken last week. One of my favorite things, all three girls call me Aunt J…they were the first and I love them so! L is like a sister to me, we’ve known each other forever, I love this family!

L had picked up a salad for me at “Whole Paycheck” otherwise known as Whole Foods and she and I sat and ate, everyone else had eaten earlier. We talked about everything and no one, we were all caught up. I talked to her husband A, during the commercials, he was watching football and I love spending time, just being around my girls.

L and I talked until about 11:30 and then shuffled off to bed. Here I sit writing to you ready to crash out when I finish this post.

So, we covered a race, a brunch, the movies, dinner and a visit.

I’m sure your day was just as fabulous, what did you do?

{January 23, 2016} There’s a kid under there!

Today was another great and busy day. I’m in Atlanta, what else would it be?

I got in yesterday about 545pm, just as the snow started to fall. I picked up my rental car and headed to JCT’s house for the night.

I picked up food on the way and got to catch up with JCT and “mom” when I got there, just the three of us, it was great. We talked about her trip to China, family, the works. JCT’s daughter, ST, had her wisdom teeth pulled earlier that day, so she was in bed, get dad was up there taking care of her.

We talked even after mom went to bed, we both fell asleep in the big comfy chairs, it was awesome.

This morning, we got up, had breakfast, hung out with the rest of the family. As I was leaning, JCT’s mom almost made me cry. She said she loved me and she had two daughters, I love that! I don’t call her mom a just a term of endearment!

Then JCT and I left to meet RJS for lunch. Such a treat! The three of us met in October of 2009 when we worked together, with ST as well and the wonderful, we’ve all stayed friends and when we can, we all get together, doesn’t happen as often as we’d like, but when we do, even sweeter.

We caught up, laughed, reminisced, laughed, goofed around, swapped stories about work, life, relationships, laughed. Have you noticed there is a theme with my friends?

After a nice long leisurely lunch, we went our separate ways, promises to do this again, can’t wait!

Then I went to the Georgia World Congress Center where the expo for the Hot Chocolate race is, I had to pick up my race packet, toys is my fifth time participatingin the Hot Chocolate, America’s Sweetest Race, second time for the 15k. It’s going to be c-c-c-cold! 29 degrees, feel of 15! Oh my!

After picking up my packet, a warm hat and gloves for running, I was set. I’ll show you the swag tomorrow!

And in fine JJ tradition, I kept going! Off to see LGR and her family, husband MR and their adorable six year old, CGR, what a cutie! Oh and their newest addition, a Ridgeback named Belle. I can’t believe I don’t have pictures of her, I’m sorry!

I do, however, have pictures of CGR whether we were playing in her room, she has a stuffed animal collection that rivals FAO Schwartz!

We had some fun, LGR and I burying her under the animals then trying to get her to stay under until she could surprise daddy, apparently a much harder concept to convey! But third time is the charm, right!

Dinner and great conversation. We talked travel, families, travel, laughed, caught up, work, laughed, travel, the usual.

Then back to the house, a rousing game of hide-and-go-seek. I love that most kids are the same, you how, they find you, they hide next in the same place! Still fun! Oh, and having a dog who stares at where you are hiding, really funny!

Such a good time! But it was time for bed, not sure who needed or wanted it more, CGR or mommy and daddy!

Then off to RJS, a visit with her, her fiance, KS and the furry babies, Maddie and Max, then off to bed, I have to get up at 5:30am, parking closes at 6:30am! Race starts at 7:40am, oh my! Then brunch with friends.

Sweet dreams! Hot chocolate…

{October 10, 2015} 13.1 miles, nailed it!

This morning, I participated in my 4th half marathon [it could be my 5th, but I’m not sure!]!

Wow, did I really just do that this morning? Yes, yes I did! I ended up getting a room near the train station that would take all of us to the start this morning. I got up about 5:30, out the door by 6am, down in the subway by 6:15am. Then I ran into FCD and two of her sisters and a niece.

FCD and I went to high school together and we’ve stayed in touch here and there, through Facebook and saw each other two years ago at our friend, CGS’ son’s bar mitzvah and we’ll see each other again at her daughter’s bat mitzvah in January!

She is the one who talked me into participating, reaching out because she knows I do a few runs here and there and thought I might be interested. You bet! This is my second Rock-n-Roll Marathon series half marathon. I don’t know if you remember me telling you about the half marathon in Las Vegas, same promoters. This happened to be the inaugural Brooklyn half marathon, how cool is that!

We got to the start and had to go through metal detectors, well not in that order. Made it to the corral and waited and waited, the run started about 30 minutes late, the police were delaying things a bit. We finally got started about 7:30am and we were off. We stuck together for a while, then her sisters and niece moved ahead and eventually we were all running solo.

I have to tell you, the first 6 miles were not that bad, it was after about 8, I was kid of done, but not quitting!

There was music along the route, not enough we decided, but it was fun. There were water and Gatorade stations every few miles, which helped keep us hydrated. I did not go to the medical tent because I didn’t!

I actually made pretty good time, considering I haven’t trained for this like I should have and was planning to. 3.29.22, that’s what my watch said and it was actually 13.54 miles, so considering that…

I took my beer ticket into the beer garden and as I was walking back to my friends, I admired a woman’s rose bouquet and after they allowed me to sniff the roses. I offered him my beer, as I had feeling the others would not want more than one.

After the run, we went back to the hotels, the other girls went to their cars and headed home. I took a very cold bath, then a nice hot shower and eventually back to dad’s house where everyone was waiting.

I am a little sore, not horribly, and I think that is due to working out with CG, my personal trainer and some of the physical therapy, which she also puts into our workouts. Let’s see how I feel tomorrow.

Check out my swag, I’m pretty happy.

Ready for the next one!

{October 9, 2015} Carbo loaded…check!

First…my sincerest apologies! I got back to Boston and the hotel and fell asleep mid blog. I can’t promise it won’t happen again, but I’ll do my best!

Second…tonight I carbo-loaded, with gluten free pasta!

I’m in NYC to participate in the Brooklyn Half Marathon tomorrow morning and what do you do before a race of a longer length, you eat pasta baby!

So, dad, La la and I went to Bruno’s Italian restaurant for dinner. I wasn’t sure if they would have gluten free pasta and since I gave up wheat and don’t feel any differently, I thought what the hey, but they had gluten free, it was pretty good.

So, now I’m settled in at the hotel, belly full, clothes ready for tomorrow, snuggled in the bed, electronics charging, alarm set, writing to you.

I’ll keep you posted tomorrow on my progress.

Good night!

{October 5, 2015} I’m doing what at THREE AM?!

We all know that I’m a little off, right? Kind of kooky, do some crazy things that make you go huh?

Well…my alarm is set for 2:45AM! Why? You ask? A very valid question my friends. The reason I am waking before the sun thinks about shining…a Disney run, of course! What?

Yup, you read that right! I’m registering for a Disney run…in PARIS! (Insert squeal here!).

You know I’ve run a few Disney races, well, a few months ago, they announced their inaugural race weekend at Disneyland Paris! It’s been on my calendar to register! And guess when! Right near my birthday next year! As soon as I saw the posting, I called PSM and said “I don’t know what you’re doing for my birthday next year, but I know what I’m doing!” OMG! I’m going to spend at least my birthday weekend in Paris and Disney Paris at that and yes…running a half marathon!

Yes, I am coo-coo for coco puffs! But why not! Just think of how awesome it will be! To be in one of my favorite cities and for my birthday! Go me!

But, JJ, why are you getting up at 2:45am? Well, I called today because I wanted to see if I would be in the air when registration opens. Nope, I’ll be sleeping…it opens at 9am Paris time, huh? I guess I’m getting up at 2:45am so I can register for a Disney Run!

Does that make me crazy? Probably. But am I excited? You bet your sweet “bibbity, boppity, boo!”

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