[56] Boom Boom Powerful

Race: Boomer’s Cystic Fibrosis Run to Breathe [ 01 | 02 ]
Distance: 10K (6.2 Mi) [ Course ]
Date/Time: Saturday, July 9, 2011 at 08:00 AM
Weather: 68 degrees, Fog/Mist, 93% Humidity, 5 mph

Bib#: 7562
Corral: Purple
     
[Times]
Clock Time: 1:24:35
Chip Time: 1:15:11 (12’08” Pace)
Nike+ Time/Splits: 1:15:02 (Pace: 11'48"; 726 Cal)
    •    Mile 1: 11:01 (11'01")
    •    Mile 2: 23:30 (12'29")
    •    Mile 3: 36:25 (12'55")
    •    Mile 4: 48:28 (12'03")
    •    Mile 5: 59:55 (11'27")
    •    Mile 6: 1:11:21 (11'26") + 0.21Mi 3:40 (10’16”)

[Places]
Overall: 4661/5004
Gender: 2155 / 2406
Age: F 30-34
AG (Age Graded) Stats
    •    Time: 1:15:06
    •    Place:  852 / 940
    •    Percentage:  40.3%

[Event Atmosphere/Race Packet Pickup]
This time around, my race buddy, Jen, picked up my packet,  as she was in the City and I was trapped behind my desk. It was the first time someone else picked up my packet for me, but it according to her, it was a very painless process.

[Fashion Choice]  Baltimore 5K Tech Shirt (dark gray), Nike Tempo Shorts (purple/neon yellow), and lululemon athletica visor.

[Race]
This was my first 10K race, and as I expected, I was unprepared for it. Prior to the race, training was minimal in the days after returning from my European vacation. My current PB for this distance was 1:10:20, but most likely it comes from one of my two half-marathon attempts.  I pushed hard, but with the heat and humidity (and a lack of training), I wasn't able to shake it up enough.

Jen and I started out in the corral together, but shortly after we cleared the first 1/2 mile, I waved her off. Though I was thrilled to run a race with a friend, Jen's been running for a much longer time (including marathons), so I was under no illusions that I'd be able to pace her. From the get go we had the standing agreement to start together, split up when necessary and meet up in the Finishers' Area.

The Run to Breathe is very aptly named. The race benefits the Boomer Esiason Foundation, but with the heat and humidity of July, everyone's struggling to breathe in the sauna that Central Park becomes. It was my first time to run the entire length ("the big loop") of CP, and all things considered, it wasn't as bad as I thought. It wasn't great, but it was much easier than I originally thought. I just need to take it easy.

Though our time in the race together was relatively short, I really enjoyed our train ride, our stroll through the park, and going to victory breakfast and window shopping after the race. 

I made it into the NYRR event gallery!!

[Playlist]
I did this on my race in Ireland, and I really liked the outcome. Using my iPhone, I just picked a track I like and used the Genius function to generate a playlist. I did learn that I need to update my iTunes library as with incomplete data, it limits selection greatly.

Genius-ed Track: “Feedback (Remix)” by Janet Jackson feat. Ciara

• “Magic” by the Pussycat Dolls
• “One In a Million” by Ne-Yo
• “Run the Show” by Kat de Luna
• “Livin’ a Lie” by The Dream feat. Rihanna
• “Pretty Girl Rock” by Keri Hilson
• “One Night Only” by Jennifer Hudson
• “Love Don’t Cost a Thing” by Jennifer Lopez
• “Big Girl Now” by New Kids On The Block feat. Lady GaGa
• “Real Love” by Mary J. Blige
• “Pray (Acoustic)” by Justin Bieber
• “Breakin’ Dishes” by Rihanna
• “This Is How We Do It” by Montell Jordan
• “The Time (Dirty Bit)” by the Black Eyed Peas
• “Ex-Factor” by Lauryn Hill
• “Say My Name” by Destiny’s Child
• “Lights, Camera, Action” by The Pussycat Dolls & NKOTB
• “Afraid” by Nelly Furtado

[Video Pick]

“Say My Name” by Destiny's Child

[2012 NYC Marathon 9+1 Progress]
A third of the way there! Next up is the Central Park Conservancy’s Run for Central Park next Saturday. The city’s heating up, so I have to remember not to push so hard and realize that times will just be slower in the summer time.

[43] Shalom, Schmoopie

Race: Celebrate Israel Run [Gallery]
Distance: 4 Miles (6.4KM) [ Course ]
Date/Time: Sunday June 5, 2011 at 9:00 AM

Location: Central Park, NYC

Weather: 59 Degrees, 72% Humidity, Wind 5MPH, Mostly Cloudy.

Bib#: 7407

Corral: Purple (Last, again)

[Times]
Clock Time: 
Chip Time: 43:00 (Pace: 10'45")
Nike+ Time/Splits: 43:08 (Pace: 10'34"; 436 Cal)

• Mile 1: 10:09 (10'09")
• Mile 2: 20:15 (10'06")
• Mile 3: 31:50 (11'35")
• Mile 4: 42:26 (10'35")

[Places]

Overall: 4189
Gender: 1729
Age: F 30-34
AG (Age Graded) Stats

• Time: 42:57
• Place:  1870
• Percentage: 44.78%

[Race Packet Pick-up] 

I am not a big fan of crowds, but thankfully, NYRR has the pick-up system down pat. They make the system simple, fast, and most importantly painless. Granted, I dropped by at 1:45PM on Thursday, and pick-up only started 45 minutes prior. Same format as the Japan Run, in the doors, up the stairs, get the bib (with pins and B-tag clip), and then back down stairs for the freebie t-shirt and back out side. Luckily, there was no crowd and I was in and out in less than five minutes.

I was excited to see my placement in the purple corral (remembering it was the one before mine in the last race), but I would later find out that it was the last corral as the race didn't sell out this time.

[Fashion Choice] Asics GEL-Cumulus 13, Mizuno "Inspired 2 Run" Graphic T-shirt (blue atoll), Mizuno Mustang Running Shorts (black/blue atoll), lululemon athletica Reflection Run Visor

I'm going to take a time out here and rave about two items: the shorts and the visor. I've been running and primarily using my Nike Tempo shorts since SF in 2010. This was the first race I ran with the Mustang short, and I loved it. The crepe material was light and airy, and the zippered side pocket was great for my ID (had I brought it), cash, and my iPhone. It comes with a built-in panty which breathes really well.

As for the visor, it is made of the same 'swift' material that is used for their running shorts and skirts. It is super lightweight, breathes really well, and the brim of the visor has a built-in reflective strip. Why this item is on 'FINAL SALE', I honestly don't understand. It is a practical, technical piece which is easy to maintain (hand wash, air dry) and has a simple design. The colored version have a ruching design for the band, but I am not really a fan of those (plus, black is more versatile with my wardrobe). I wish they would bring it out in white, gray, or colors which aren't tie-dyed.  

[Race]

I was better rested, hydrated, and felt great. It was a cooler morning, so I left the house with a couple of extra layers on, but shed them at the park. The bag drop was opposite the band shell this time (I really need to become better acquainted with the layout of CP), so I dropped of my bag, and snacked on a LaraBar while I moseyed around prior to the race. Stopped by the start line and snapped a few photos before heading to my corral.

There were lots of teens, 'tweens, and kids this time around. There was no scheduled kids race, so I am guessing volunteers with the Team for Kids groups partnered up to mentor young runners (which is awesome). My concerns with children running in a race dominated by adults is their safety as well as that of other runners. Some of the pacers for the children would job ahead and expect the kids to catch up, while others would maintain their pace and let the kids run ahead. They may be smaller, but if they are unaware of certain courtesies such as stepping to the side if they are tired, not turning around to look for their pacer/teammates, or annoucing their passing when they're trying to squeeze  by a larger group, many may see them as a nuisance. Personally, I had a young girl running in front of me, but then she abruptly stopped to turn around and call to her friend. I almost body checked her, and she looked at me as if I were crazy. No Dear, you need to be aware of what you are doing so as not to injure yourself or other runners. It's not the other way around.

I took off my headphones midrun because I wanted to take in the sights and sounds of Central Park. The morning cool  burned off as the sun cleared the buildings, but all that leafy goodness in the park provided tons of shade to run under. For some reason, without the distraction of music and slipping into my own little world, I was spotting running peeves left and right.

[Japan Run Revisited]
Second Verse. Same as the First. I was hoping that my splits and overall time would improve over the last month, but being slack in training certainly shot that horse. The course was a mirror image of the Japan Run, and overall, I think I shaved off seven seconds. I felt better, but looking at my times, it felt rather anti-climatic. My next shot at this course will be the Central Park Conservancy Run for Central Park on July 16th. With three races between Celebrate Israel and Run for CP, I am hoping that my speed, stamina, and endurance will improve a bit.

[2012 NYC Marathon 9+1 Progress]

Race 2/9 is officially in the books. Tuesday night, my NYRR race history will be updated. The rest of this month is about focusing on my runs in Scotland and Ireland, but this challenge will resume in July with three races on the menu: Boomer's Cystic Fibrosis Run to Breathe 10K, the CP Conservancy Run, and the Queens Half-Marathon. 

[41] National Running Daze

Happy National Running Day! Still relatively new to running, I didn't know such an event existed until I added NYRR to my FB feed. Call me a geek. It's okay. I am perfectly comfortable with that label. It was founded in 2009, so this is the third running, and from what I can tell, it is expanding every year. This year's theme is "I RUN... (fill in the blank)." My 2011 NRD Theme:

"I RUN to achieve FOXINESS MAXIMUS!"

Since I started running, I've lost 35 pounds (and I feel great), but those last fifteen to twenty pounds just don't seem to want to leave me. My goal was to hit 130 by June, but alas, it is June first, and I am still hovering in the upper 140s. With a full menu of summer running (and traveling), I need to make sure I am adequately training, eating healthy, and making smart choices about my 'cheat foods'. My NRD shirt arrived in the mail, and all that is left is the inking of my theme (I'm such a slacker!)

In honor of this glorious occasion, I took the night off and I headed to NYC for a run in Central Park (and happy hour afterwards) with the NYRR Young Professional Committee. Run from 6:30PM (3 or 5 miles) and Fun afterwards at The Gin Mill on the Upper West Side (442 Amsterdam Ave; til 9:30PM). I have been on the hunt for runners in my local area and in the City, so I feel this was a great social and professional networking opportunity. Additionally, the YPC does volunteer work with kids in the community, so that opportunity to give something back may very well crop up from running. 

I started out in group #2: 3.5 Miles (one and a half loops of the reservoir), but due to my lack of training and forgetting that even at 6PM in the summer heat and humidity are a beast, I cut it short after the first loop. I met some great folks before and after the run, and later over drinks. Cramming a bunch of sweaty runners into a basement lounge without proper ventilation is a curious thing. Everyone was sweaty and gross, but every just enjoyed their beers, conversation, and the raffle (didn't win anything). I hope to chase up some of the people I chatted with, including the two awesome ladies I had dinner with afterward. 

Before (Left): Getting ready to make a loop of the Central Park Reservior.
After (Right): Heat and Humidity had me beat.

[Charity Work]

The charity which will benefit from NRD is Shoes That Fit, an organization which helps give shoes to children. Within NYC and the boros, there are several check points, and for every point visited, the NRD partners will donate $1. As this non-profit organization relies upon community donations, and no governmental funding, my goal is to visit at least three prior to the rendez vous at CP West. I was really excited about this giving money check-in system, but I was a bit disappointed about its execution.

1. RUN by Foot Locker (Union Station; 34 East 14th Street; 10a-9p): They also had a fun run scheduled with Bart Yasso (from Runners' World) and several other elite athletes. The guy I spoke to at the shop looked at me like I was crazy for wanting a sticker and annoyed that I didn't go to the shop to buy something. I will not step foot in that store again.
2. NYRR HQ (9 E 89th St & 5th; 10a-8p): With bib pick up for the Celebrate Israel Run on Sunday, things were hectic when I arrived. They were unloading boxes and setting up stuff, so I felt bad disturbing the rhythm of things to ask for a silly sticker. The receptionist was nice and peeled one off a fresh roll for me.
3. Central Park Water Station (Engineer's Gate; E 90th & 5th; 4p-7p): Due to the possibility of sudden thunderstorms, I think this station inside the park was nixed. I wandered around the Engineer's Gate area for a little while and came up empty handed, but two out of three isn't bad, right?

I had cash ready to hand over for donations, but I couldn't seem to find a donation jar to drop it in. Maybe I'll just chase up their online system and make a donation that way. 

[40] Volunteering at Wall Street

Volunteering? I thought someone said "Volun-BEER-ing"?! All kidding aside, I earned my Plus One this evening by hustling down to the Financial District to work as a Start/Finish Marshal at the American Heart Association's Start! Wall Street Run/Walk. After a couple of cooler, rainy days, I was a bit worried about having to stand in the rain for several hours without much movement. Thankfully, by the time I got to the World Financial Center's Winter Garden, I was greeting with a warm, cloudy sunset, a bright orange volunteering vest, emergency card, and free NYC Marathon Poncho (just in case)!

[Start/Finish Marshal]
If I fail professionally (and manage to finish my body transformation), I could always get a job as a ring girl for boxing. I was assigned to hold the sign at the base of the Runner's Corral, and direct people to the correct staging areas (walk or run), the bag drop, check-in (for the stragglers), and the porta-johns (which were blocked from view by a stupid Escalade). The wind gave my arms quite the workout, but I did my best to greet and direct. Commenting post-race on FB, I met someone who recognized me (largely due to my green Yankees cap and almost going airborne with the large sign)! I wish I could have found the person who actually took a picture of me. I didn't want to skimp on my duties by asking someone to take my photo.

My good deed for the evening was helping a distraught runner get her D-Tag onto her sneakers after the safety clip locked into place. It required creative lacing, but my rescue mission was a success. If I volunteer for the same position next time, I may take a baggie full of safety pins because a couple handfuls of runners left theirs at home (or managed to lose them in the two block walk to the staging area).

After the race started, we packed it in and headed to the finish line. I never realized how frustrating it can be to keep people moving through the finishing area. Even if you cheer them on and ask nicely, few people smiled, said thank you, or even did as they were instructed. Some random, out-of-towners who participated in the race asked to take a picture with me. I think it was the vest. Something about Safety Orange is rather sexy.

[Extra Credit?]
The following night, my volunteering confirmation popped up in my inbox. It's printed out and ready for the ole running file!

[2012 NYC Marathon 9+1 Progress]

One Race? Done!
One Volunteering? Done.
Run through September. Filed under "Unfinished Business".
Next up? Celebrate Israel Run on Sunday, June 5th in Central Park. Japan Run for Hope's revenge challenge.

[39] Japan Run for Hope

Race: NYRR's Japan Run for Hope [ Gallery]

Distance: 04.0 Miles, 06.4 Kilometers

Date/Time: May 8, 2011, 8:30 AM
Location: Central Park, NYC [Course]
Weather: 53 Degrees, 72% Humidity, Wind 3 MPH, Fair.

Bib#: 8526

Corral: Silver (8000-8999)

[Times]
Clock Time: 50:23
Chip Time: 43:08 (Pace: 10'47”)
Nike+ Time/Splits: 44;20” (Pace: 10'58”; 425.49 Cal)

• Mile 1: 10:56 (10'56”)
• Mile 2: 20:57 (10'01”) *Fastest
• Mile 3: 32:59 (12'01”) *Slowest
• Mile 4: 43:53 (10'55”)

[Places]

Overall: 4,258/5,079
Gender: 1805/2,385
Age: 436/1,074
AG (Age Graded) Stats

• Time: 43:05
• Place: 1978
• Percentage: 44.66%

[Race Packet Pick-up]

This was my first time to go to NYRR HQ and check out their facilties. The process they have in place is quiet efficient and quick (plus, going mid-day on a Thursday helps, too). Within five minutes, I had my bib, tag, pins, and free t-shirt, and I was on my way out the door. I wanted to drop by the shop and finally pick up that blasted Sponge Bob Square Pants Bikini Bottom Track Club T-shirt, but they were closed. :( This will be one of my homework assignments for National Running Day on June 1st (also coordinated by NYRR).

[Race]

May was a lazy month for me. Minimal training, but lots of walking. I should have known better. Turns out, working a job and a half greatly minimizes my training time, especially with a busted treadmill and May showers all over the place. On top of that, a serious work related matter kept me up half the night before, so I was far from well rested, but I dragged myself out of bed and showed up anyway. 

Like many races, this one was a wave start, but before I even crossed the State gates, I knew I was no where I needed to be. The first mile was my warm up, mile two made my feel good, but when I hit mile three, I felt like an albatross was thrown around my neck. I pushed through and finished, but I was disappointed with my time. I stopped for a photograph at the "Finishers' Circle" before stocking up on free goodies, watching the raffle, and meeting the two guest Japanese Olympic Marathoners! Best quote from the finish refeuling station: "Sexy Green Tea for the Sexy People!" Yes, ma'am, I'll take a six pack, please!

Looking at the photos, I learned two things: 1) I must run outside more often and develop some sort of tan base before the Queens & Bronx halves this summer or I will die, 2) I should not wear white t-shirts with my severe lack of tan.


With Reiko Tosa (left) and Yoko Shibui (right)

[Meeting Japanese Olympic Marathoners!]

Due to the Tohoku Earthquake in March, Japanese marathoners, Reiko Tosa & Yoko Shibui, were unable to compete in upcoming races in Japan. They were invited to compete as ambassadors of Japan, and both finished in the top four (Shibui 1st; Tosa 4th). After the awards ceremony, many Japanese participants and supports went over to take a photo with Toda & Shibui. I screwed up my courage, ran into one of my students (and her parents), and managed to get my picture taken with them! Both women were surprised when I asked in Japanese. I suspect they were bracing themselves to speak in English!

During the awards ceremony, they were also holding a raffle. The grand prize being a trip for two to Japan! I nearly died when they called out "Silver... Eighty-five... twe----lve." So close and yet, so darned far! Thankfully, the prize when to a young twenty-something who had never been to Japan, so bittersweet as it may be, I am happy the prize will go to someone who may fall in love with Japan like myself!

[Second Verse, Same as the First]
My second attempt at this route will be the Celebrate Israel Run by NYRR & the JCRCNY on Sunday, June 5th. They are using the exact same route, counterclockwise from the band shell, up the east drive, across at the 102nd Street transverse, down the west drive and finishing on the 72nd Street transverse near the band shell. I need to amp up the training, especially outside on changing elevations.

[2012 NYC Marathon 9+1 Progress]

One down. Eight to go. Next up? Volunteering at the American Heart Association's Start! Wall Street Run on Tuesday, May 17th.

[26] Six Halves Equal Three Fulls

Last night while thumbing through Running Competitor Magazine, I saw the projected dates for the NYC Half Marathon Series, even though the NYRR site has yet to reflect all the data on their homepage. I would love to complete a half-marathon in each of the five boroughs prior to 2012 NYC Marathon. There is still time for the three remaining halves over the summer and in the fall, so there is still time to knock a few out this year, so I can travel more in 2012.

Goal: Run the equivalent of three  full-marathons by my thirty-third birthday (September 7, 2012)

Remaining Halves in 2011

1. July 30: Queens Half*  near Citi Field and USTA National Tennis Center
2. August 28: Bronx Half*  near Bedford Park
3. October: Staten Island Half* near NY/SI Ferry

The 2011 Race Info* for these events has not been updated on the NYRR homepage, but the dates have been announced. I am keeping my eyes peeled for the registration dates, especially since I will be able to accommodate these three races! Originally, I intended on participating in the Nike Women's Half-Marathon (San Francisco, CA) for the second time, and then I was leaning toward the Disney Wine & Dine Half-Marathon (Orlando, FL) for my October race. However, if I am planning on making my two trips the summer, plus another over winter vacation, I need to run as many local races as possible between now and the close of 2011, if I want to be eligible for the 9+1 for the 2012 NYC Marathon.

Halves in 2012

1. January: Manhattan Two Loops of Central Park (Sold Out for 2011)
2. March: NYC Half from Central Park to Battery Park (Sold Out for 2011 )
3. May: Brooklyn Half near Prospect Park (Sold Out for 2011)

All three of these races are sold out, and the opportunity to volunteer for them is no longer available. Darn!

[18] ING-sane Entry

While working on my health goal on Lululemon's goaltender, in the 5 Year Health Goal, I indicated that I would run the NYC Marathon by November 2015. I haven't got the slightest idea what possessed me to write that, but it just came out. Last year, I never thought I would even dream about running a half-marathon, but as of last week, I logged my second one with a time better than I originally expected.

Before you get all huffy, I know. Although I've run the equivalent of a full marathon by completing two halves, it is not the same as running a full marathon in one go. The New York Road Runners have paired up with ING New York City Marathon to provide an incentive program to run and volunteer for races. Their 9+1 Program is quite appealing. Run nine NYRR races and volunteer for one within a calendar race year, and one is guaranteed entry in the 2012 NYC Marathon.

After registering for the Japan Run in May over the weekend, I starting going over the 2011 race calendar. In a perfect world, where I can find people willing to trade weekend shifts with me, I would like to register and run the following races to meet my 9 race requirement:

1. 05/08: Japan Run (@9AM; 4Mi; Central Park) *Registered 3/5
2. 06/25: Front Runner's Pride Run (@9AM; 5 Mi; Central Park)
3. 06/26: Achilles Hope Possibility (@8:30AM; 5Mi; Central Park)
4. 07/16: Central Park Conservatory (@9AM; 4Mi; Central Park)
5. 08/27: Harlem 5K (@8:30AM; 5K; St. Nicholas Park, Harlem)
6. 09/17: Fitness Magazine (@9AM; 4Mi; Central Park) or 09.24: Fifth Ave Museum Mile (Various)
7. 10/30: Poland Springs Marathon Kick Off (@8:30AM; 5Mi; Van Cortlandt Park)
8. 11/20: Race to Deliver (@8:30AM; 4Mi; Central Park)
9. 12/10: NYRR Jingle Bell Jog (@9AM; 4Mi; Prospect Park, Brooklyn)
10. 12/31: Emerald Nuts Midnight Run (@12AM; 4Mi; Central Park)

I would love to sign up for the Queens Half or the Bronx Half, but I am not too sure about my endurance during the summer time for such a long distance. Queens falls right smack in the middle of Summer Program, so I am 99.9% sure it is out of the question, but there is a possibility for the Bronx Half. I have to be back at work by 4PM on 8/28 anyway, so I think I may be able to squeeze this one in. I would prefer avoiding the Midnight Run in Central Park unless I can find someone to run it with me, but most of my friends in the area go home for the holidays, so it might be a tad lonely. Plus, I need to volunteer for one of these races as well.

I guess it will really boil down to how well I can manage my time. I may have to make some sacrifices if I am serious about getting into the 2012 NYC Marathon. Also, I am planning on registering for the Disney Wine & Dine Half on October 1, 2011, so I am going to have to be rather crafty with my schedule changes. Looks like I am going to have to work on my negotiation skills. ;) It seems I have found a creative outlet for dealing with my rejection from grad school and my failure of the JLPT. It will be a ton of work, but it will be a very healthy lifestyle in 2011!

[17] Spring Race Schedule

Race: Credit Union Cherry Blossom 5K
Date: Sunday, April 3, 2011 @8:40AM
Location: Washington, DC

Distance: 5K [ Map ]
Gear: iPhone/ Nike+GPS (No Headphones)
Fashion: Disney Princess 1/2 Tech Shirt

Notes: Currently searching for a hotel along one of the subway lines, so I don't have to pay an arm & leg for something in the downtown area. Mom is coming to hang out with me and see the cherry blossoms, so I have to find something for Friday afternoon until Monday morning. The Health and Fitness Expo is only on Saturday, so if I can manage to get into town on Friday by lunch time, then we'll have time to explore and rest up before and after pick up on Saturday. Currently, trying to see what events will be held that weekend, so we can maximize the time together.

Initially, I intended on running the 10 Mile, but I was unsure of meeting the pacing requirement. My 15K split from the Disney Princess 1/2 was 2:05:00, but I would need to fit in another kilometer and hope I can finish it in under two hours twenty minutes. If I can improve my pacing over the next year, perhaps I will try it next year.

Race: Japan Run @Central Park [ Details ]
Date: Sunday, May 8, 2011 @8:00AM

Location: Central Park, NYC

Distance: 4Mi
Gear: Nike+ SportBand & Polar WearLink+
Fashion: Cherry Blossom 5K Tech Shirt

Notes: Last year, this event was scheduled on the same day as the Japan Day Festival in Central Park, this year, both events are pushed up to May, but are held on separate days. I'll finally be able to put my NYRR membership to use and start working toward getting into the NYC Marathon for 2012. I may need to run more short races between now and then, so I can meet their requirement. I will need to either sort out accommodation for the night before or brace myself for a very early start on Sunday morning. If I can stay over the night before, I can pick up my race packet without making a second trip to the city.

Either way, I will need to sort out public transport and parking, so I don't have to stress out at the last minute. Hopefully, the weather will be gorgeous by then!