Shannon's The Weekly Chase

I had originally planned to post this on Monday when I returned home from work but... 

so instead I am posting it today. 

Here's how last week went: 

1. Grow as a blogger. I need to work into my day a set time that I commit to blog so that I don't get behind on race recaps etc. I also want to work on an agenda to come up with daily topics to get me blogging more. I partially accomplished this... so far I have about 50% of an agenda completed for me to follow. 

2. I am going to continue with the M & M challenge...for April its Abs! Done!

3. Run 3 times this week. It's starting to get hot during my run times so I am going to have to change my run times which will be a challenge. I love to go to my 7am gym class and then run but I may have to reverse that. Well, I only got in two runs because my 3rd was supposed to be a 5K while we were in New Orleans but the race was rained out. :(

4. I gave up sugar in a challenge last week and I want to continue that challenge. Done!! I didn't even make my traditional visit to Cafe du Monde while in Nola!! (Not sure if that's good or bad though...) Nor, did we bring home pralines like we usually do... 

So...now for what I had planned for this week: 

1. Continue to work on my agenda for blogging. 

2. Continue with the M & M Challenge. 

3.  Run 3 times this week... I have signed up for a virtual race since my other race was cancelled. If not, my next race isn't until the first weekend in May. 

4.  And still...no SUGAR! 

~Shannon

Remembering and Praying for Boston

On Monday I had two blog post planned that I was going to work on when I returned from my appointments. Well...that didn't happen. I was just pulling into my subdivision when my mother called to tell me that something had just happened at the Boston Marathon. 

I pulled in the driveway, ran into the house and turned the television on to find that someone evil and cowardly had set off bombs at the finish line. I watched in horror like the rest of the nation and couldn't pull myself away from the news. 

I jumped on Facebook and Twitter to see if my friends that were running the marathon were okay. Thankfully all of them were accounted for within the hour and none of them were hurt!! They were all safe!! 

Yesterday, the running community united in either solo runs or group runs in honor of Boston. In the morning I ran with my boxer, Roxy. My plan was for us to run 4.09 miles because that was the time on the race clock when the first bomb went off. Roxy and I ran 3 miles but after 3 Roxy refused to run anymore so we walked the last 1.09 miles. During the run I prayed for Boston. 

The running community also united by wearing race shirts yesterday. I wore my race shirt from my first marathon this past February. 

Later on yesterday morning Brandi and I walked 4.09 miles on the beach path. Afterwards we went and sat on the beach just reflecting, visiting and enjoying the beautiful day. Neither one of us thought about taking a pic while we were together but it was great to get to spend some time with her. 

My oldest son's baseball team had a game last night so since their colors are green and gold I wore my green race shirt from my first half (but I failed to take a pic of that as well). 

Seeing all of the post of other runners who ran yesterday for Boston or wore race shirts makes me so proud to say that I am a runner and part of a wonderful community! 

~Shannon

Crescent City Classic 10k aka Party Run

March 30th was the 35th annual CCC 10k - one of New Orleans largest and funnest runs.  My friend and I took advantage of this and drank it instead of run it.  The fun started Good Friday at the Expo.  Bib and tshirt pick up was quick and easy.  We saw Patrick House the winner of The Biggest Loser of season 10 in 2010.  What I found amazing is that he is about to run his 3rd Boston Marathon since losing all his weight 3 years ago.

We ran into my fellow Flamingoz/Runner Shannon and Larisa who was working the Woman's Half booth at the expo. It's always I plus when I see them.  And you can not beat free beer at an expo - that is when started the fun :)  Of course we somehow ended up on Bourbon Street for a few hours and met some fun people.  Then it was home to rest for an early 5:30 am roll call at the bus.

At the blink of an eye it was race day, I mean party day, and time to get up and go.  Met the crazy run train group at the bus and started rolling at 5:45am.  The champagne (and "little embarrassments") started popping around 6:30 am.  We arrived near the start line so it was time to pack the backpack with beer and ice and head out. 

Jody and I at the start

At the start we met this girl named Whitney who was planning on running it alone but once we offered her a beer she decided to stick with us.  The crowd started moving so then we knew we were off.  It wasn't long until we stopped somewhere off Decatur for a pit stop and then not long after that for a beer stop.  So then it was the three of us fast walking stopping at beer stops, margarita stops, beer funnels....  

Who runs into a unicorn everyday???

Then almost 2 hours later we crossed the finish line.  We hung out at the after party and got some free beer then met up with the rest of the bus group.  From there we loaded up and headed back to Baton Rouge.

Jody, Whitney and Me finally finished!

Chillin' with the medals

The rest of the voodoo crew

I ran this race as a real 10k a couple years ago and this year as a party race and had a blast each time. It is definitely a do again race and a must do for those that haven't - either to run it or walk it. So mark your calenders for April 19, 2014 CCCK10k

Reveille at Oak Alley 5k (3/16/13)

I have lived in Baton Rouge my whole life, an hour away from Oak Alley plantation and never been there.  I took this opportunity to run the Oak Alley 5k to finally visit.  This was their 2nd year doing it.
So I had my dad wake up bright and early and go with me - poor thing thought it was a half marathon.  He was not aware that he would be driving 2 hours total for a 30 minute run :)
We got there early and it was chilly and foggy but still gorgeous.  Check in was a piece of cake, no hassles.

Me at the start line

The gun sounded and we were off!!!  The course was a bit tight at the beginning running through the grounds of the plantation.  Once we hit the road it was definitely more room to move around.  We went down the highway a bit and up the levee in front of the plantation...

heading to the levee

Gorgeous view on the levee

I was a bit worried once we got on the levee because at a certain mile point you turn around and head back. So you had to stay to the right and quickly go around people and watch for runners coming back toward you.  I talked to a guy from the NOLA running club and they said that the route will change some next year since the race was getting bigger.  I just hope they don't take away running the levee completely.

Then at mile 3 was the moment I had been waiting for and the reason why I ran the race - the run down the drive under the oaks!!!

I tried to get a good picture but my thumb got in the way

Could you ask for a prettier finish line?

The race was on the same day as the big Art and Craft festival.  We did not stay for it - don't think dad is not too much of a craft fan :)  But those funnels cake sure were smelling good at the end.

This is definitely a run I will do again next year.  You can not beat the scenery here.  Check out NOLA Running to see what other races they have and keep your eye on when this race starts registering for next year. I am also excited to say that I will be running the cemetery run that is put on by NOLA running.

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~Shannon's Weekly Chase~

I'm back!! Last week was Spring Break for Son #1. After returning from New Orleans where I ran The Crescent City Classic we spent Easter Sunday at home, had a busy, busy work day on Monday to make up for vacation then headed south. Son #1's high school team had a baseball tournament in Orlando for their spring break. 

Son #1 spent the week with his team so when they were not playing baseball games we took Son #2 to...

and... 

The Lego Store at Downtown Disney

On Friday night Son #1's team played in the championship game and came home CHAMPIONS!!! 

On Saturday we were able to spend the day together as a family and go back to the park. Son #2 had been missing his brother all week and I loved seeing them having so much fun at the park! 

We had a wonderful Spring Break and it was good to get away and unplug!! 

So now I am back to the Weekly Chase!! 

I'll recap my last weekly chase....

1. Continue with the M & M and finish out the month as well as the SBBC challenge. I did it!! I finished the month! 

2. Finish my post about the McGuire 5K!! I didn't get this one completed but I did post about the CCC we were running. 

3. Run twice this week along with the 10K I hope to run on Saturday! Completed! 

4. Get two more post drafted so next week while on Son #1's spring break all I have to do is hit post! :) Next week is family time! Well...I got these completed but then I had problems posting pictures so it was half complete. Please, if anyone knows how to post pics from an iphone or ipad I need help!! I could only get them to upload at the end of my post instead of throughout it. 

SO, here are my goals for this week: 

For April Mindy has included a new challenge: 

For my April Challenge I want to: 

1. Grow as a blogger. I need to work into my day a set time that I commit to blog so that I don't get behind on race recaps etc. I also want to work on an agenda to come up with daily topics to get me blogging more. 

2. I am going to continue with the M & M challenge...for April its Abs! 

3. Run 3 times this week. It's starting to get hot during my run times so I am going to have to change my run times which will be a challenge. I love to go to my 7am gym class and then run but I may have to reverse that. 

4. I gave up sugar in a challenge last week and I want to continue that challenge. 

I hope everyone's week is awesome!! 

~Shannon

Recap of the 35th Annual Crescent City Classic

I've been trying to post this recap for the past week but was having technical difficulties... I had to work late the day after the race and the next day we left on Spring Break vacation. I thought it would be easy to post from my iPhone or iPad but I couldn't get any of my pictures to post where I wanted them. So..if you have any suggestions for future post please leave me a comment. 

Anyway...on to my recap. :) 

Can I just tell you that The Crescent City Classic  was the most fun race I have run (with almost 17,000 of my closest friends lol) in a long time!! And it was the 35th Anniversary so they had medals for the finishers!!

On Friday morning Larisa, her hubby and I drove over to New Orleans. We worked the Gulf Coast Half/Woman's Half booth at the CCC expo. I was surprised at how big the expo was. There were several guest speakers and they offered free beer and free red beans and rice. One of my favorite apparel companies One More Mile was there. I also signed my hubby and myself up for A Run Through History Cemetery Run  that is this Sunday the 14th. 

Mindy, Larisa and I at the Expo

Jody, Stef and I at the Expo. 

Patrick House from The Biggest Loser

The next morning we woke up at 6am to get ready for the race. We had to walk a few blocks from our hotel to the start line. The trolleys weren't running that morning so we left the hotel around 7. A few blocks away you could hear the music coming from the start line. 

Here is what the start line looked like when we first walked up... 

Doesn't look that crowded does it?? 

These were some of the elite runners. 

And, this was the scene just past the start line... 

The start line was at the Superdome!! 

Thank goodness there were corrals this year!! We were able to locate our corral easily and get in line. I'm also thankful that they asked the walkers and strollers to start in the back. While I still had to dodge quite a few walkers and strollers I can't imagine what is has been like in the past before there were corrals for this race. 

Melanie, Larisa, and I before the start of the race. 

The race didn't start until around 8:15 due to some runners being stuck on buses in traffic. We started out in Corral F and crossed the start line around 8:27.  This is considered a party race so we saw all kinds of people...some dressed in costumes, some pulling coolers of beer on wagons. I love that we ran past the Cathedral, Cafe du Monde and the French Market.  

The race turned out to be hot and humid by mile 3 and I was thankful that there were water stations at every mile.  There was a firetruck on Esplanade that had its siren going and they were handing out jello shots. A little ways further down Esplanade I saw another group that had signs that offered "Free Beer, Water $4.95". Only in New Orleans will you find that lol. 

Along the whole route of the race there were crowds cheering for the runners! I loved that!! Once I crossed the finish line I came to a complete stop because there were so many runners lined up to receive their medals. This was the first year the CCC offered medals in honor of the 35th Anniversary.

After we picked up our medals we headed over to the Race Party! 

 

There was tons of food and beer available as well as awesome music!! 

Papa Grows Funk and Marc Broussard rocked the stage after the race!! 

Larisa had a pass to get into the VIP tent! 

The group celebrating a great race!! 

Do you see the lady behind me?? 

If you have ever thought about running in the Crescent City Classic I highly recommend it!!! Next time I hope I'm in a corral closer to the front to hopefully avoid all of the weaving... according to my Garmin Larisa and I actually ran 6.69 miles due to all of the weaving around the walkers and strollers. The course is flat and runs through the French Quarter...what could be better?? 

This race will be on my calendar every year!! 

~Shannon 

35th Annual Crescent City Classic 10K

Guess where I am going this weekend?? Back to my FAVORITE city New Orleans to run in the 35th Annual Crescent City Classic!! I am so excited to be running with my blogging friends Larisa & Mindy! This is my first time to run in this race and I can't wait!! I love running in New Orleans!! 

35th Annual Allstate Sugar Bowl

Crescent City Classic 10k

Saturday March 30th 8am

This race is described as the original "party race."  The race is always held the Saturday before Easter and attracts over 20,000 runners, walkers, and partiers each year.

The AllState Sugar Bowl is the official sponsor of the Crescent City Classic!

The official hotel of the Allstate Sugar Bowl Crescent City Classic is the Hyatt Regency New Orleans. It is situated in the heart of the sports and entertainment district and is adjacent to the newly opened Champions Square and the Louisiana Superdome which is an easy walk to the starting line. The hotel is also within walking distance to the French Quarter.

By staying there you will be right in all the action!  The free 2-day Health & Fitness Expo is located at the Hyatt hotel, where you can pick up your bib & race t-shirt. There will also be entertainment and vendors offering running apparel, shoes, nutritional products and so much more! There is a schedule of events that you can find here.

This year the CCC will feature a new 10k course thanks to the Allstate Sugar Bowl Sponsorship and will start in front of the Superdome at Champion's Square. The CCC will have corrals this year as well so this will make it much easier for the faster runners and the stroller runners won't get run over.  

I am so excited to get to run through the French Quarter, down Esplanade and into City Park!!  

This is the Race Day Schedule

5:30 a.m. Buses begin running from City Park (at Beau Bassich Cricle) to start area (Champions Square)
7:45 a.m. Final Announcements, Dignitary Welcome and the National Anthem
8:00 a.m. The Allstate Sugar Bowl Crescent City Classic Begins!
8:30 a.m. The Michelob-Ultra RaceFest begins near the finish on the Practice Track field (free for runners, $5 for public)
10:00 a.m. Complimentary Bus Transportation begins taking participants back downtown to Poydras St.
10:30 a.m. Awards Ceremony and Giveaways begin on main stage  
11:00 a.m. Marc Broussard and Papa Grows Funk resume playing
1:00 p.m. The RaceFest officially ends; complimentary bus transport back downtown ends

Once we cross the finish line we get this awesome medal to commemorate the 35th anniversary! I can't wait to get it!! After all, I run for the bling! :)  

My friend Larisa from 0to26point2 showing off the medal! 

After the race there will be the Michelob-Ultra Racefest Party to enjoy!  The music for the after race party will be provided by 

Marc Broussard

 and Papa Grows Funk "…one of THE best, one of THE hottest and most important funky bands in New Orleans." -Quint Davis, producer of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.." 

 There will also be fun for the kids. They can enjoy an obstacle courses, a rock wall and a military weapons exhibit.

I can't wait for Saturday to get here!! I hope to see you there!!

~Shannon's Weekly Chase~

~Shannon's Weekly Chase~

Here's the recap from last week:


1. (Challenge Goal) I'm continuing with the Moxie & Motivation Challenge & the SBBC as my main challenge goal for the month.  I did this almost every day. I missed one day after sleeping in from a late night ER visit. 

2. (Challenge Goal) Finish my post about my marathon as well as the McGuire's 5K. Well...I finished my post about the marathon. Hopefully I can finish the McGuire's this week. 

3. Run 3 times this week...my knee has been giving me problems since my marathon so I've been using the elliptical and going to spin class. This week I need to run if I'm going to run a 10K soon.  Completed!! And running felt great!! 

4. Start tagging Little G's clothes for the consignment sale that's in 2 weeks!  Completed and ready to drop off on Friday! 

Son #2's Spring Break ended up being a little more exciting than we bargained for. My sister in law and my twin 6 year old nieces were in town with friends staying on the beach. I got a frantic call while at son #1's baseball game on Tuesday night...one of my nieces had fallen on her elbow and needed to get to an ER. I met them and rushed them to the best  children's ER in the area where it was determined that the break was bad enough to require surgery. :( So... the surgery was scheduled for the following day around noon. Not the spring break that they had planned unfortunately. But, she is a trooper!!! The day after surgery we sat by the pool while son #2 and her twin sister swam with their friends. Here is a picture of her with her cool cast! I have to say that if you are going to have to get a cast I can't imagine a cooler cast than this to wear!! 

 My niece with her cool cast!

Spring Break 2013 #1! 

This week is a short week...no school on Good Friday and Son #1's spring break starts at noon on Holy Thursday! 

Here are my goals for this week: 

1. Continue with the M & M and finish out the month as well as the SBBC challenge. 

2. Finish my post about the McGuire 5K!! 

3. Run twice this week along with the 10K I hope to run on Saturday! 

4. Get two more post drafted so next week while on Son #1's spring break all I have to do is hit post! :) Next week is family time! 

QOTD: Do you have a scheduled time during the day that you work on your blog and nothing else? 

Rock N Roll Nola Part Two....

I have written this post several times, saved as a draft before posting because I wanted to re-read it and the draft never saved...started making me think part 2 may not be meant to post. So this time I'm just writing and will post and edit later if needed.

I left off with where the half marathoners and the marathoners split. I was feeling good and ready for the next 13.1 miles.

Around that time Debbye's foot was really hurting her to where she had to really slow down so she told me to go on and she promised she would finish.

Around mile 14 I ran into my friend Jennifer. I was so excited to see a familiar face since the amount of runners had greatly decreased.  We started running together around mile 15 and I was so glad because its around that time that you start seeing the fast marathoners coming into the home stretch. That is hard mentally knowing you have 11 more miles to go.

I had heard about the marathon course from friends who had run it in the past but this year, due to the chance of rain, the organizers had changed it a few days before and it was a straight 5 miles or so out and then back. For this ADD girl that was so hard with the same view going and coming for at least 10 miles!! Plus, the crowd has greatly diminished, there were only 2 bands...just not nearly as exciting as the first half for this girl! 

I learned I need to schedule my races better (especially a full marathon)!! Too much TMI for some but after the first 13 miles my pit stops became more & more frequent as this was the worst day of the month for me to be running a full marathon! Thank goodness the medical tents had what I needed because I had run out it was such a bad day. :( 

I am also not one to look at a course map before a race so as not to psyche myself out. So...I was surprised at the number of overpasses. I was used to the flat half marathon course since I have run that course for the past 2 years.

The turn around was almost at the top of one and I jokingly said its all down hill from here. :)
A couple of miles after the turn around Jennifer and I separated. I saw Debbye and she was still going strong! Around mile 23 I ran up on a lady and we started talking about the course. Her goal is to run a marathon in every state. How awesome is that??!! We ran together for about a mile and then I lost her. 

I could see the end in sight when I got to the final 5K. Then I saw the city park and started getting very emotional knowing that I was about to be a marathoner and had accomplished one of the toughest goals I have ever had. 

My day was made when I crossed that finish line and saw that my sorority sister Heather and her mother had stayed to watch me come in. I was so surprised and thankful to see them.

While visiting with Heather and her mom my friends Jennifer and Larisa finished and I was able to get a picture with them! 

While waiting for Debbye to finish we went over to hear the band. I loved them!! I hope they come back when I run the half so I can have more time to hear them. 

After listening to a few songs we checked to see if Debbye had finished. Her brothers were waiting on her at the finish line. She has now completed her second full marathon!! 

At the end of the race I said I was done with fulls since I could cross this off the bucket list but who knows...there are several that look very intriguing.

Stef's Weekly Chase.....

Ok, let's see how I did last week:

1.  Run at least three times again.  I really want to do some tummy exercises but I just don't think that rib and muscle will allow me yet.  I did run 3 times which included a 5k on Saturday.  No other exercises though, the muscles were still sore.

2.  Host a great baby shower on Sunday.  YES!! Done and think it was awesome, had a great time.

3.  Keep the house clean for Sunday... Maybe try to tackle spare bedroom. Did well on this except the tacle the spare bedroom part.

4.  Work on Scentsy Fundraiser  FAIL

5.  Big challenge for the month!!!  Jump start these stubborn pounds :)  Still got those same couple pounds down but just got in my Shakeology and started that today.

So now for this week - oh boy....

1.  Run at least 3 times this week.  I have foam fest this weekend but my team has fell apart so not sure I am making that or not.

2.  Drink my shakeology shake every day for the rest of the week.  Thanks to Molly!!

3.  Blog on the Oak Alley 5k from Saturday.

4.  Keep the house straight and hurt husband if he leaves messes around

5.  Keep on with the big challenge - lose these stubborn pounds!!!

That's it... Good luck to the rest of you on your goals.

Shannon's Weekly Chase

~Shannon's Weekly Chase~

Recap of last week: 

1. (Challenge)Continue with my Motivation & Moxie March Mania! Facebook group. I'm loving adding these quick little workouts to my daily gym classes and runs. Mostly completed...I missed the weekend with my parents in town & Prom. 

Son #1 & his girl

My Parents! 

2. (Challenge) Continue with the spring Bootie Buster Challenge with Run To The Finish and post my workouts on the SBBC spreadsheet. This will be my second large goal for the month. I think I'll add posting to Daily Mile here as well because it looks like this is going to be a challenge. Did the challenge but still haven't posted on the spreadsheet or Daily Mile. Why is this the hard part?? :) 

3. Finish cleaning my house! Starting this weekend we will have company for the remainder of the month so I have to finish this week! Done!! Now to keep it clean for the next two weeks with more family coming this week and next. 

4. Post Part 2 of my marathon! I have had it in draft form several times now and it always seems to disappear before I can post... Fail... no excuses

5. Post about participating the in the McGuire's 5K this past weekend. You know it's the world's largest 5k!! FAIL... :( 

6. Download all of my pictures from my camera, edit, and post them to the baseball account for the high school so I can have a clean memory card for PROM this weekend!! I usually take around 500 pictures a game so editing can be tedious... FAIL...I found another memory card instead. But I did download the Prom pics once we got the kids off. :) 


SO...Now for this week's 

1. (Challenge Goal) I'm continuing with the Moxie & Motivation Challenge & the SBBC as my main challenge goal for the month. 

2. (Challenge Goal) Finish my post about my marathon as well as the McGuire's 5K. 

3. Run 3 times this week...my knee has been giving me problems since my marathon so I've been using the elliptical and going to spin class. This week I need to run if I'm going to run a 10K soon.

4. Start tagging Little G's clothes for the consignment sale that's in 2 weeks!  

Well...it's spring break for Son #2 so my goals will be short this week because I plan on doing some fun things with him. 

Hope everyone has a great week & reaches their goals!! :) 

~S