Seaside

REACHED THE BEACH!

Despite the big smiles, this was also a very challenging (and sometimes grueling) experience.

My body was definitely hating me when I started out on my 4:45 am 7-miler, head lamp and all! Like most of the Dames, I definitely had some painful moments in this 2-day bonanza...

The DAME crew was amazing. Nothing like time with girls to bond, share and laugh. I only knew 2 of them upon arriving at the Waterbury park and ride on Thursday, and by Saturday, yes - we were all real friends. Pretty cool. Stress, challenges and a unified goal (reach the beach!!) is always a good recipe for friendship...

And like in most things in life, experience is a huge asset. Here are some of the big learnings that I will remind myself of next year (if I am deemed worthy of a 'Dashing Dame' again):

Drink more water, and when you think you've had enough, drink more water
Bring a water bottle with a spout (not one those with the big opening so water pours all over you)
Gatorade tasted better than anything - bring some
Eat - sounds simple, it isn't. You want to barf, but got to eat!
Bring Starbucks instant coffee - hello?
Stretch after your run - again so obvious, but SO didn't happen
Bring 2 pairs of running sneakers (if possible)
Pack a pillow (and a sleeping bag)
Train before the event, faster + fitter = happier
And... pack lots of pink... I think I excelled at this one ; )

Until next year - there ain't nothing like a (Dashing) Dame.

It's on!

Dozen Dashing Dames!

Reach the Beach

200 Miles.
24 Hours.
12 Girls.
2 Vans.
LOTS of PINK!

Yep, that's 'Reach the Beach' relay which starts a week from tomorrow. 12 ladies running 200 miles (3 legs each that average a total of about 16 miles per person) over a 24 hour period. We are called the "dozen dashing dames" and our unofficial uniform is lots of hot pink.
I am runner 12 - which means I am also runner 24 and 36... which happens to be the finishing leg - so fun, SO SCARY! At least we finish on a beach, literally... where there will be tasty food (anything will be tasty by this point) and cold beer!
I have been training for a week, which as anyone that runs knows, is ridiculous - because you need more than a few weeks to train for these things... but I will do my best and troop it out!

Stay tuned.

This weekend in Stowe...

It was a pretty eventful weekend here in Stowe - glad I stuck around to enjoy it! The weather was pretty much perfect, aside from a few thunder crackers here and there - Highs in the 80s!
It was 'balloonfest' at Stoweflake Resort and Spa, which is basically in our backyard. That meant all weekend you could walk out the front door to see these HUGE balloons - sometimes they seemed so close you could touch them!! I was thinking how much Ellie and Henry would get a kick out it. Very magical. Very Wizard of Oz.
Last night was a 'concert in the meadow' at Trapps Family Lodge. Pretty awesome. Meike packed a picnic that would knock your socks off - lobster rolls and delicious lemon cake (my absolute favorite).... The music was a bit 'big band' for orchestra, but I still really enjoyed it, but it is really all about the picnic and the vistas and the company - all which were unbeatable! The fireworks at finale were a nice surprise too!!