[46] British Invasion

Summer vacation is so close, I can taste it! What does that mean precisely? My trip to the UK & Ireland has finally arrived! Although my racing wish list took a hit or two, I am still really excited about being able to experience racing, not only in a different country, but in a completely different part of the world! Granted, the UK is another English speaking country (the Queen's English to be precise, as opposed to Queens Boro English which is a completely different story ;) ). In the last three months, my destination running plans have chagned a big, but I believe for the better.

[Revised Race Rundown]

• England: Marston Forest 5K: Scrapped from the travel list. I never received a reply from the race director which was disappointing, as I wanted to take a stab at trail racing.
• Scotland: Jog Scotty -> Race for Life Edinburgh (Holyrood Park; June 19th @ Noon): I grew antsy waiting for JS to update their summer schedule, so I sought out another avenue for racing. It worked out for the best because 1) I found a race date within my travel dates, and more importantly 2) I am running it with one of gal pals from when I lived in Japan. One of our colleagues, Nicole, lost her battle to cancer last year, so we are running the race together in her memory. I love that I can share running with another one of my long time friends, especially one who ran before I took it up! I already have my racing number (#16574), so now I just have to pack accordingly.
• Ireland: Strawberry Festival 5 Mile Road Race (Riverside Park Hotel Promenade; June 26th @11AM): This race I am a little nervous about as my Couch Surfing requests have not been answered as of yet. I am keeping my fingers crossed, but worst case scenario, I'll hope some racers will take pity upon the pitiful, lost American girl.
• No headphones: Will need to use Nike+ SportBand & HRM.
• Only 1 water station at 2 mile mark: Hmm... may need to invest in running bottle
• Timed race with running chip
• All Finishers receive: a finisher's medal, technical t-shirt, and free tea and sandwiches at the HQ hotel!
• In conjunction with the Strawberry Festival, so there will be things to do before and after the race!

[o7] Winter Traincation

Come Monday, I'll be getting outta Dodge, and flying down south for the holidays. Looking at my suitcase, my running gear appears to have taken over my every day clothes. Having no big plans scheduled, I haven't given much thought to my casual wardrobe.

Preliminary packing has resulted in the following:

• Two Pairs of Nike Sneakers (Free Run+ & Zoom Vomero+ 5)
• One Pair of Nike Benassi JDI Sandals
• 2010 NWM Storm-FIT Jacket
• Two Pairs of Nike Tempo Shorts
• Two Technical Running Shirts: NW1/2M Finisher & Asics ING NYC Marathon
• Women's Impulse 1/4 Zip Shirt (Orchid Purple) by The North Face
• UnderArmour Long-Sleeved HeatGear Base Layer & HeatGear Capri Tights
• Two sports bras, socks, 
• Oakley Polarized Sunglasses
• Speedo Bathing suit, goggles, swim cap, and HydroTowel
• iPod, Nike SportBand+, Headphones, and Polar WearLink+ Heart Rate Monitor

Although, I am running a 5K on the 26th, I am not too concerned with packing all the additional necessities like fuel, snack and such. Those can be picked up when I arrive at home. I am hesitant to avoid packing my muscle balms in case I over train, and need to treat myself to a little extra TLC (and rest). Towel, water bottles, yoga mat, and fitness DVDs are also getting left behind as they are readily available at home. My goal is to travel as lightly, yet prepared for weather shifts, as possible. I want to avoid any unnecessary shopping or borrowing of clothes.

With the start of my training for the Disney Princess Half-Marathon on Sunday, I am quickly realizing that it was much easier to pluck items out of my closet for running than for socializing. I think perhaps the lack of access to a vehicle while I am home is putting a damper on my creativity. Additionally, I am more focused on relaxing and exercising than anything else. Thinking ahead toward summer, I also want to travel to Japan again, so saving money from here on out is priority number one.