Ugh, I have been so neglectful with this blog lately. Work has been very busy and I’ve been running in between.

Since I’m so horrible at race recaps this might actually work better. I can give you a brief synopsis of each race I have done with out going into all the details that I never seem to write about very well.

Philly Broad Street Run — This was the big one I was training for. I felt that if I could get close to what I did last year where this race sort of began my downward spiral that I could use it has by springboard into getting back into running/racing somewhat regularly. The week before the race I was thinking that I could even improve my time but then the weather decided to play a role.

From the moment I left my hotel for the race to the moment I got back it nothing but rain and rain, and rain even more. My corral started an hour after the first one so by the time I crossed the start line my feet were soaked and I was just cold. I ran with the plastic garbage bag on me the whole way. Mind you, not because of the rain but just because I was cold.

While I was waiting to start I eased back up on my plans and was happy to finish just a wee bit slower than last year. I ran well in the sections that I wanted to and knew what areas needed improvement going forward.

I think all races should start near the water with this sunrise. (c) Stacey Cooper

Ragnar Cape Cod Relay — 12 women, 2 vans, 192 miles. What an amazing experience! Seriously, if you ever get a chance to do this type of relay please do.

I was so worried that I would be too slow and that I would let my team down but I didn’t need to worry. Everyone was so supportive of each other and it was so much fun.

I say this even though all of my legs had hills near the end and that it pure crazy heavy rain during my nighttime run on my second leg.

Retro 4 Miler — This was my first NYRR race since last year’s Pride Run and I was very nervous about this one. Even though I had been running with the beginners group I was co-leading for my running club, I still hadn’t run the four mile loop in Central park until the day before the race. Yeah, good timing on my part.

So it rained during this race too. I swear, mother nature does not like me. But at least this rain was the type I like. Nothing too hard but still made me feel a little hardcore.

I was bit slower than I wanted to be but for a first race back in Central Park I thought I did ok. Again, I know what I need to work on going forward and actually got to do some of that today during my run.

My next race is the Front Runner’s New York LGBT Pride Run on June 25. My favorite race of the year. It also just happens to be my first “long run” for my NYC Marathon training. For the first time I am going to do a 20 week training plan instead of the usual 18 week plan. I figured the two extra weeks will help me ease into he plan and get some extra base miles in so that I can really focus on the marathon.

This has to be one of my favorite times of year and Im so happy that running is a part of it again!