Final Countdown

As the final seconds of 2013 tick away this New Year's Eve, I will celebrate more than the incoming year. For the first time ever, I actually kept a New Years resolution. You may remember from a previous post, that I resolved to participate in one athletic event each month. My January through July events are reviewed here, but now I will update you on the latter part of the year.

August
When I last updated on my endeavor, I was preparing for my first-ever duathalon. It just so happened that my brother and dad were visiting the weekend of the event (the Steelers were playing the Chiefs in the pre-season, and they couldn't pass that opportunity up). However, John had gotten passes to participate in batting practice at PNC Park that same morning. So he took my brother, and my dad was stuck watching me race. This explains the lack of pictures from the event. In fact, this is the only picture I took:

The race was a 5k run, 400 meter swim and then 2.8k run. I probably did not prepare as much as I should have (I say that a lot) and the last 2.8k was awfully hard. There were a few times I thought I might actually be passing people, but they turned out to be just regular runners enjoying a jog in the park. So it was always depressing when I figured that out. And because they weren't competitors, I was convinced I finished dead last in the race. That all changed when I later looked at the race results:

THAT'S RIGHT! I WON MY AGE GROUP! Only I didn't. Cause as it turns out, I am not 24 years old. I am 26. So technically I would have finished 2nd in my real age group. And technically I ended up 36th out of 44 finishers.

Still, I had a blast at this race, and I plan on doing it again next year. Maybe I'll at least get my age right this time.

SEPTEMBER
Things got a little wild in September. Abby and I decided to do the Wild Rumpus obstacle course race in Pittsburgh (thanks Living Social for the coupon!). It was based on the book "Where the Wild Things Are," so naturally Abby and I decided to dress up as Max. Our costumes were a real hit, especially because NOBODY ELSE DRESSED UP!

"Max"ines

We didn't expect the race to be too challenging. And seeing as how the first few "obstacles" were us stepping through tires while volunteers shot us with squirt guns, it seemed we were right. But then we entered into the trails section. You know how when you run trails there's always a very steep embankment on one side? Well at one point, we had to run UP that super steep, not often tread upon embankment. Halfway up, they provided a rope to help you pull yourself up. Problem was, it had rained all day the day before, so the first half of the embankment was super slick and there was no rope. That little bit completely shocked my legs.

Reenactment.

Not actual embankment.

What really sold me on the race was the fact that one of the obstacles was shooting a bow and arrow. Since reading The Hunger Games, I've felt extra empowered as a female and felt shooting a bow and arrow would prove my worth. I knew I could do it. I sprinted up to the station with confidence and my arrow went approximately two feet. I asked the volunteer if I had to actually hit the target before advancing. He told me no, but that I might have a better chance at hitting the target if I didn't hold the bow upside down (as I was) and pulled back all three strings (which I wasn't). My second attempt was better, but I still did not hit the target. We decided to just move on.

This race was incredibly trying and fun (one of the last obstacles was a big water slide!!). I will not take it lightly next time.

October
My October race was an easy choice. The Mario Lemieux foundation was putting on a 6.6k. Lemieux is a former Penguins player (one of the greatest) and now current owner of the team. He literally saved the team and kept them in Pittsburgh, so he's kind of a legend around town. His number was 66, hence the 6.6k. Not only did I think it was a unique distance, I was hoping the connection to the Penguins would convince John to participate with me.
Buuuuuuut, John was still a little on the fence. His parents were visiting that weekend, so I suggested they do it with us! In addition to the 6.6k, there was also a family fun, 1 mile walk. John still wasn't sure if he wanted to do it, but then I found out that participants got to go to an open Pens practice! That did the trick. His parents were on board as well, so it was an exciting family affair!

The course was nice and easy, there was a great medal and finishers t-shirt, nice selection of post-race food, and then I found out it was the first year of the race! I was blown away. I couldn't believe how well organized the whole affair was. But the best part was Mario Lemieux himself was at the race! I snapped a picture as I ran by, but John actually got to shake his hand as he finished. It was such a neat experience for John! That man is his hero!

Mario Lemieux at the starting line!

After the race, we got to go to the open practice. John and I have been to a few games before, but this time we got to sit down close to the ice! It was neat to see all the players up close and get a glimpse of their personalities.

Crosby, Fleury, Bennett (BABY FACE BEAU!), and Coach Bylsma

November
When I saw there was a 5k run at the zoo, I knew I had to do it. Luckily, Abby agreed to do it with me, and we were excited at the idea of getting half-off, possibly free (it was never made clear) admission to the zoo after the run. We decided at the last minute to dress up, and settled on masking tape-striped zebras. This time, we were 1 of maybe 10 people dressed up (COM'ON PITTSBURGH!).
We learned the hard way that the zoo is located at the top of the hill. So the course kinda kicked my ass. Very few (real) animals were out, and it was actually really cold. When the race was over, we stood around for awhile not really sure if/how/when we could go into the zoo. We decided it was too cold and unclear to stick around, so we went for brunch instead. We made the right choice. And I won't be doing this one again.

Zebras!!

Abby think this picture is so hilarious.
The course was all uphill!!

December
We truly saved the best race for last! Abby and I traveled to Cleveland for "The Christmas Story" 10k run. As you may or may not know, the house that was used in The Christmas Story movie is actually located in Cleveland, OH. So the race started in the public square (where the old Higbee's Department store was located) and went to The Christmas Story house. For the 5k runners, it ended there, but for us 10k runners we ran back to the square. Upon arriving at the finish line, we were given awesome leg lamp medals and a fresh cup of hot Olvaltine!
Abby and I decided to dress up as leg lamps for the race, and we were pleasantly surprise to find that EVERYONE else dressed up too! Finally! Not only that, but people were so creative with their costumes! You know how you've probably never seen the movie from start to finish, bust just in parts? That's what it was like when we were running the race. You'd see a new costume, remember that part of the movie and then see another costume that would trigger a different part. There were robbers and dogs, moms and dads, pink nightmares and leg lamps, a blind Ralphie! It was great! The only slight downfall was that it was miserably cold! I'm talking 28 degrees people!

After the race, we were granted free admission to the house and museum with our race bibs. While Abby and I did plan to dress alike during the race, we did not plan the gray sweater, yellow scarf, black jacket ensemble for after… SISTERS!!

Of course I have plenty more pictures of the house and the remainder of our adventure in Cleveland. But since John wasn't able to join us for this trip, he and I traveled back to Cleveland (and the house) a week later. So I will recap the visits in a later post.
This was the first year for The Christmas Story race (celebrating the movie's 30th release anniversary). It may have been the best race of the year, and if they do it again, I'll definitely be participating.

So there it is, New Year's resolution complete!

Abby and I decided that our next goal is to compete in a race in every state by the time we're 50. So, if there's a good race in your state that you recommend, or a time of year that's best for us to visit, let me know!