Destination Half Marathons

Traveling and running are two of my favorite things to do, so I figured I’d combine my love for the two and allow running to take me to new places. For my first half marathon I headed south to Orlando for palm trees, sunshine, and the Disney Princess Half Marathon. My second half marathon, the More/Fitness Women’s Half, took me across New York Harbor from Staten Island to Manhattan’s Upper Westside for a beautiful Sunday run around Central Park with some amazing women. The next one on my list, the Fueled By Wine Half, will take me across the country to Oregon’s beautiful wine country.

Fueled by Fine Wine, in collaboration with the Dundee Hills AVA, will be holding its fourth annual Fueled by Fine Wine Half-Marathon on Sunday July 14, 2013. I plan to start implementing my training plan May 1st, which will include running the hills of the Coast Guard base and the hills of Central Park to help build my endurance because I know the course will be challenging, especially running on unpaved trails. I don’t really train to win, I train to finish. I simply love to run and I enjoy the experience of running with others, running for my health, and seeing new places…and in this case, I run for wine :)

I’ve had a trip to Oregon in the works every since one of my best friends got stationed in North Bend, and when she called me up to tell me about the half  I didn’t hesitate to say yes and make the trip official. The chance to see explore a new city, hang with my bestie, to run unpaved vineyard trails as they wind through rows of grapes and under branches of Oregon’s prized hazelnut trees, another half marathon to check off the list, more race bling for my collection, and an after-party of winetasting …Yes Please :)

Check out some of the other awesome destination half marathons I’ve recently added to my race list:

1. Great Wall Half Marathon  http://great-wall-marathon.com/
2. OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon  http://www.500festival.com/mini-marathon
3. Miami Beach Half Marathon http://www.131marathon.com/miamibeach/NYC Half Marathon
4. Oasis Rock ‘n’ Roll Montreal Half Marathon http://ca.competitor.com/en/montreal
5. Rock ‘n’ Roll Oslo Half Marathon http://no.competitor.com/oslo/
6. Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Half Marathon http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/san-diego
7. Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/las-vegas
8. Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville Half Marathon http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/nashville
9. Big Sur International Marathon http://www.bsim.org
10. New Jersey Marathon and Long Branch Half Marathon http://www.njmarathon.org/events/long_branch_half_marathon.aspx
11. Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon http://www.rundisney.com/wine-and-dine-half-marathon/
12. Tinker Bell Half Marathon http://www.rundisney.com/tinker-bell-half-marathon/
13. Napa-to-Sonoma Wine County Half Marathon http://destinationraces.com/runn2s/
14. Atlantic City Half Marathon http://www.acmarathon.org
15. Charleston Half Marathon http://charlestonmarathon.com

Right now I just have a list, the timeline of when I’ll finish them all is still in the works. Goals start by first putting them in writing right? So, I’m at least of quarter of the way there :) I’m pretty sure the New Jersey Half, the Tinker Bell Half, and the Atlantic City Half will be the first three I complete.

Running is a great way to meet new people and see new places! From China to Norway, Montreal to Miami, and NYC to San Diego I can’t wait to explore new places, try new food, meet new people, and run through some amazing cities!  How awesome would it be to run the Great Wall of China instead of simply walking it and taking pictures? To run the famous Vegas Strip at night under the neon lights? To run the longest boardwalk in the Unites States? Or to run the Indianapolis Motor Speedway? Memories of your travels last longer and hold an even deeper meaning when you really experience your trip. Have you ever run a half marathon? Which one was your favorite?

Until next time -xo AGT

 

More/Fitness Magazine Presents: Women Run the World

“Who run the world? Girls!”

Sunday, April 14th 7,550 women gathered in Central Park to run the More Magazine/Fitness Magazine Women’s 10th Anniversary Half Marathon.

I had the pleasure of running with 9 amazing women on HMC Ally Chiang’s Military team, which consisted of members of the Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps. HMC Ally Chiang is a hard-charging, PT-machine of a Navy Chief who was selected to represent the military at the half marathon.

This was my second half marathon and by far the toughest. I completely underestimated the hills of Central Park, and around mile 7 I seriously considered having my boyfriend drive around and pick me up. I didn’t give up though, slowly but surely I finished my last loop around Central Park and made my way up the last hill toward the finish line.

It was an amazing feeling to not only finish another half marathon, but also to run with some many amazing women, each with their own empowering and motivating story. Deena Kastor, a bronze medalist in the marathon from the 2004 Summer Olympic games, won the race in 1 hour, 13 minutes and 25 seconds. Go Deena!

My thoughts are with those were impacted by the bombings during the Boston Marathon. Its saddens me to know that the even while watching a race and supporting your loved ones that you need to be on your guard and cautious of things going on around you. I suppose that’s apart of life though. You never know what will happen, so each moment that you have should never be taken for granted. I’m thankful to have the opportunity to run and live another day and I’m thankful for those that come out to support me during my races.

Central Park is a must see when visiting New York City, no matter the season, and it you’re a runner don’t forget to pack your running shoes to hit the trails and hills at least once during your trip. The outside loop is 6 miles around and the inside loop is 3 miles around.

Until next time! – xo AGT

Happy Turkey Day!

In the world of retail, Thanksgiving is often overshadowed by Christmas even though it is the start of the holiday season. Christmas decorations and products are available in stores just days after Halloween, and Christmas tunes fill the shopping malls. I don’t know about you, but to me that’s just way too soon. Retail, however is a money making business, and I’m sure they wouldn’t put Christmas products out so early if no one was buying them.

In NYC the celebration begins on Thanksgiving Eve, when New Yorkers and tourists gather on the streets near the American Museum of Natural History to sip hot chocolate and watch the character ballons being brought to life. The enormous balloons take up two city blocks and nets and sand bags are used to keep them from floating away during the night. Then the amazing Macy’s Day Parade kicks off bright and early Thanksgiving Day. Check out some of my pictures from the parade 2 years ago.

Growing up we used to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade every year on TV. I’ve been twice since I’ve lived in NYC and I love it! I love watching the characters float down the streets of NYC amongst the tall buildings, and my favorite part is at the end when Santa Claus rides into town to mark the beginning of the holiday season. You have to get there really early is you want to get a spot up front if you aren’t able to snag tickets to sit in the viewing stands.

This year marks the 86th anniversary. The parade begins at 77th Street and Central Park West, and ends at Macy’s Herald Square, where Santa takes his place in Santaland. Have you ever been to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade or watched it on TV?

I’ll be watching the parade from the comfort and warmth of my house this year, then having dinner with friends. My favorite part of Thanksgiving dinner is the sides and yummy pies for dessert. Last year I discovered a new love, cherry pie :)

What is your favorite thing to eat during Thanksgiving? Does your family have any traditions on Thanksgiving?

Best wishes to you and your family during the holiday season!

Love AGT :)