Portland Thanksgiving Day 4 Miler

I've done a Thanksgiving day race every year for the past 15 years, so I've experienced a lot of different weather conditions, but this was my first race in a significant amount of snow. 

Mother Nature dumped 6-12 inches of wet snow on Maine on Wednesday. Because of the storm, they moved packet pickup to earlier in the day. I went as soon as it opened, but there were still already 3 or 4 inches of snow on the ground. As I walked across the parking lot, in my parka, hat, and boots, with snow pelting my face I caught the eye of another runner. We just shook our heads at each other and smiled. To run in the winter in Maine you have to be a little crazy. 

By Thanksgiving morning the snow had stopped and we were left with a beautiful snowy landscape. It was the first time our puppy, Sushi, was in a significant amount of snow and she just loved it. I laughed so hard as I watched her go nuts in the snow. She was rolling, running, digging, and throwing snow. Eventually I had to drag the little snow monster inside so I could leave for the race. 

This was my 4th year running the Portland Thanksgiving Day 4 Miler. It is close to home, cheap, a good size (around a thousand runners), and it is neat to run through the empty streets of the city. 

lots of snow, but not a single car!

​After I parked I debated whether or not to wear my Yaktrax since the streets were plowed (kind of). That question was answered for me when I tried to get out of the car and promptly fell on my butt on the ice. Yaktrax it was!

My only complaint is that One City Center was not open this year with bathrooms. It should be illegal not to provide pre-race bathrooms! Thankfully, Starbucks came to my rescue. If any race organizers read this, please bring back the bathrooms!

I went for a 2 mile warm-up and then wandered around admiring the costumes. The race starts up on Congress street for a few hundred feet and then turns and goes down the big hill on Franklin. The top of the hill was in the sun and so it was just wet. However, halfway down we got into the shade and suddenly the road was really icy and snowy. I saw a lot of people fall and was glad I had my YakTrax. That was how the course went for the rest of the race. In the sun it was just wet, but in the shade it was still very slippery. 

My plan was to run as quickly as I could run safely. I was running this for fun and it was not worth it to get hurt and derail my marathon training. The 2 loops went by really quickly and a few times I found myself laughing out loud at the thoughts in my head. "Ok just have to pass that Pilgrim." "Boy that Turkey is really attacking that hill!" Costume races are so fun. 

I ended up finishing in 33:40, which is about a minute slower than last year. Given the the conditions, I am really happy with my time!

Happy Thanksgiving! Did you race yesterday? Did you get snow?

What This Runner Wants For Christmas

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Hi Friends! I try not to start the Christmas talk too early, but since next week is Thanksgiving, I figure it is time! Plus, I want to give Santa and his elves plenty of shopping time!

The R8 Massager

I tried this thing at a race expo two years ago and I've been wanting it ever since. It is the best self massage tool I've ever tried. It applies a lot of pressure and gets really deep (if you want it to, it's adjustable). It's just so darn expensive- I haven't been able to justify getting it for myself.

Nuun

I jumped on the Nuun bandwagon a little late because I'd never had success with drinking anything except water while running. But now I am a convert! The electrolytes really help me feel better on longer runs, and because there isn't any sugar or carbs, it doesn't upset my stomach!



Socks

All of my running socks are looking a little saggy and starting to bunch under my feet when I run. Socks make a great stocking stuffer! I like the Wrightsock Stride, which has 2 layers to reduce blisters, and the Smartwool PhD Run Ultralight Mini , which keep my feet warm and dry all winter, and don't itch even though they are wool!

Massages

I'll be marathon training this winter and nothing helps my body recover like a massage. However, I always feel bad getting them for myself, so a gift certificate is an amazing gift.

What do you want from Santa?

Duh

Like a lot of ladies out there I am on an eternal quest for a sports bra that is comfortable, supportive, and doesn't chafe. After hearing a lot of good things about Luluemon's tata tamer, I finally caved and splurged on one.

I've had it for almost 2 years and I always just thought it was okay. It was decently supportive and only chafed on really long runs. But, the shoulder straps always drove me nuts. They slid down, even when I had them tight. Plus, most of my tanks are racer back and so I couldn't wear the bra under them.

Then, this past weekend as I was taking it out of the wash, I noticed that one of the straps had become disconnected. I had never realized you could disconnect the straps and make it into a crossback.

Duh.

Now, I love this thing! It feels so much more supportive and it fits so much more nicely under my tanks!

And I feel like an idiot for taking so long to realize this!

What is your favorite sports bra? Have you ever had an aha moment about something dumb like this?

My Favorite Places for a Post Run Brunch in Portland

Earlier this week, I told you about my favorite places to run in Maine. Today is all about what happens after the run- brunch! For me there is no better way to start a weekend day than with a long run followed by brunch.

For when you just want a bagel............. Scratch Bakery

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This adorable, little bakery in South Portland has the best bagels I have ever had. They are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. I am not the only one who loves these bagels, they sell out so quickly on weekends! I love a sea salt bagel (gotta have that salt after a run), herb cream cheese, and a latte after a run. 

For when you want a big diner breakfast..............................Becky's Diner

Becky's is a Portland institution and for good reason. They serve up heaping platters of breakfast classics for cheap with a side of sassy waitresses. Their blueberry pancakes are the best I've ever had. They enormous and have tons of Maine blueberries and real Maine maple syrup. I tend to avoid Becky's though during the summer when it is swarmed with tourists. 

When you want something a little funky (or you are a vegan)...................... Silly's

Silly's is a whimsical restaurant with a huge menu. Menus and games to play are held in funky lunchboxes on the tables and the decor is bright and fun. Silly's is great after a long run because their portions are enormous. They have tons of fun of milkshake options (vegan milkshakes too!) and nearly everything on the menu can be make vegetarian or vegan. My favorite brunch is the Eggy Pop- eggs, avocado, tomato, bacon, cheddar and scallions on french fries. 

When you are feeling fancy and don't mind a wait.........................................Bintliff's

Bintliff's is a little classier, so be sure to shower before you go. There is always a line, but it is worth the wait. They have all kinds of fancy pancakes, waffles, and omelettes. I am always torn between the the Lobster Benedict and the cinnamon bun pancakes. 

When you just want a doughnut......................................................The Cookie Jar or The Holy Donut

Sometimes you just need a doughnut. I actually have 2 favorite doughnut places and I just can't choose between them. In the fall I head straight to The Cookie Jar in South Portland for a pumpkin cruller. They have a soft, rich pumpkin inside and crispy, sweet, glazed outside. The rest of the year, I can't say no to a dark chocolate sea salt doughnut at The Holy Donut. That salty, sweet combo is irresistible. 

Are you a brunch person? Do you go sweet or savory? What is your favorite brunch spot?