After three hours of sleep, I was up and ready to go at 3:45 AM. After a quick briefing with my supervisor and co-interns, I was off to the finish line! I set up a backdrop for interviews, brought over the awards and winners’ checks, and set my computer up at the finish line media center. 

Finally, after hearing the national anthem from the start line, several blocks away, the race was off! I ended up tracking the elite races! Cyclists were following the elite leaders and texting me who was in the lead and what their mile splits were. (I have no idea how they were texting and cycling at the same time!) Then, I would update a large mile-by-mile leaderboard for members of the media to use. 

Of course, when the elite race was over, I was at the finish line to see all four elite races finish! Afterwards, I just stayed around the finish line area and helped answer any questions media had. At 3:50:00 into the race, I got to see a friend cross the finish line for the full! I also got to meet Amanda cross the finish line for her half (congrats, girl!). 

After that, I was in charge of escorting the Mexican delegation to the Finish Line Festival and awards ceremony. One of them eventually gave me his card and told me to send him my resume—looks like I’m going to work in Mexico (uhmm…not). 

Following that, I helped man the media center again and helped with general clean up at the finish line. On my way to the finish line, I ran into Adrian Crouch of chasefear! It was an honor to meet her—I was a total fan girl!

I was even there to see Wayne Kurtz, an ultramarathoner, cross the finish line after ten hours on the course! Kurtz participated in the 48 Dreadmill event at our Expo. He ran/walked for 48 hours and immediately tackled the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh marathon afterwards! He ended up walking/running 173.2 miles in a course of 58 hours—we gave him 7 marathon medals when he got to the finish line!

After cleanup was done, the entire staff enjoyed a Cinco de Mayo celebration at a local Mexican restaurant (margaritas included!). 

It was a wonderful experience, and both the Race Director and the Director of Operations told me to apply for the internship again next year! This past weekend was truly one of the best weekends of my life—it’s amazing to lookup and see my contribution culminate in this wonderful race!

The Rock’n’Roll Pittsburgh Half Marathon in August was canceled. Womp.

Well…technically, it was postponed to 2014, but I’ll be graduated by then and might not even live here. Womp.

Looks like I’ll be running the Montour Trail Half Marathon in September instead!

I want to sign up for the Pittsburgh Rock’n’Roll Half Marathon. I’ll obviously ask my doctor and my physical therapist, but do you think that would be escalating too quickly?

I trained for a half last summer—that was rained out. So, I was an avid, regular runner until early December, when I tore my meniscus. If I’m cleared at my next appointment, I’ll have gone with no running for 2 months. Do you think it’s unrealistic of me to sign up for a half marathon that’s in early August. I personally don’t think so, but I know others have more experience with long-distance running and injuries. Thoughts?

I may have laid in bed all day and watched 5 episodes of The Bachelorette, but, when push came to shove, I got up and ran 5 miles—just like my training plan called for. 

 I decided to go ahead and try Gu for the first time; I want to experiment with powerfoods before my half. I tried the Strawberry Banana—disgusting. I don’t know if it was the Gu itself or the flavor, but I hated it and could only force myself to gag down 3/4 of the packet. I have a couple other flavors to try, so we’ll see what I think about those.

It was the perfect day out—not too hot or too humid, and with a slight breeze. While, I was out, I saw tons of bicyclists and even two running groups full of teenagers. It really was beautiful outside. 

During my run, I decided to try out some other powerfood: SNAP Infusion’s SUPERCANDY. I had the multi-berry gummy pack, and it was like eating Sour Patch Kids, but with B vitamins, antioxidants, and electrolytes. So good. 

Overall, it was good—although quite a bit on the slow side. I finished my 5 miles in about an hour. 13.1 here I come…

Totally random, but it’s 15 weeks away, so I have time to prepare. It’s an out-and-back course and is actually benefiting the preservation of the trail that it’s run on. Here’s a picture from last year:

While I was registering I was quite excited; now that I’ve pressed the confirmation button and paid, I’m like this:

(Did I just register for 3 races in one day? Ambitious. And now broke.)

Any advice or suggestions?