I only mean that I love to shop at Anthropologie. There is one located directly on my drive home from work. At least once a week, I swing by just to see what's new...or better, yet, what's on sale. (I can often find some great items on the clearance racks that really fit the bill!)
During my stop this week, I was throwing a fit for all the ADORABLE new fall dresses. I could barely resist these items:
The Pleated Pointe Dress retails for $158 (check it out here). I love the vibrant color, combined with the simple, classic cut.
The Oxidized Medallions Dress retails for $148 (buy it here). I love the pairing of this dress with the funky brown necklace, as well as the combination of maroon and navy, perfect for fall.
The Sunblaze Lace Dress really caught my eye, but with the $328 price tag, I could only throw a fit for this one. (Buy it here)
My favorite was definitely the Honeycomb Lace Dress, retailing at $288. (Find it here) Mustard is such a wonderful fall color, and this shift dress was gorgeous.
Without any fall weddings or events, I wasn't able to justify any new cocktail dresses at this time. I'll continue to throw a fit for these wonderful dresses.
Fingers crossed that in a few weeks, one of these dresses will find its way to the sale rack, where I can snatch it up at a price that fits the bill!
By: LL
In case you didn't pick up on this from the blog photos, I'm shorter - 5'3" to be exact. You also might have picked up from this blog that I am athletic and I have the athletic build when it comes to my thighs and calves. Put these facts together, for the longest time I felt that skinny jeans just were not for me. But after some persistence and multiple returns, I finally found a few different types of skinny jeans, at different price points, that work out nicely for my body type.
Here are my recommendations:
In premium denim (price point from $150+)
Paige Jeans Skyline Skinnies in Dusk
With a mid rise, this pair of jeans already fits better than most skinnies, which you will find have too much crack. In addition, this style is a darker wash and has no whiskering. A darker color is more forgiving and whiskering draws too much attention to the thighs and hips. Paige jeans can be purchased at many department stores, such as Nordstroms and Saks, as well as other online retailers (ShopBop or Amazon).
Joe's Jeans Honey Curvy in Dark Indigo
Again, the dark wash and no whiskering is ideal. This part of jeans is cut for a curvier body type, which means that there will also be more room in the rear. One nice thing about the curvy cut is that you will also avoid the ripples in the denim under the booty and on the upper thigh. Like Paige denim, Joe's Jeans can be purchased at some of the major department stores and online retailers as well as their own website.
In mid-range jeans ($60-$120)
Not Your Daughter's Jeans - Sheri Skinny Jeans
With this brand, you have to be careful that the style that you get are not "mom jeans" - you know the high flat ass look. Some of the NYDJ border on this look by having too high of a rise. A plus to this brand is that they are fuller in the thigh and calf, which is more flattering on an athletic build. These jeans can be purchased at Dillards and other mid-range department stores and online retailers.
Gap Always Skinny
These jeans have been a continuing presence at Gap since about 4 years ago. I have two pairs currently and have gone through about 4 total. These jeans are very figure flattering. A plus is that they also come in ankle length, which helps to avoid the cost of getting them hemmed and the awkward look of a pair of skinny jeans hemmed (which sometimes means that they are not really skinny at the ankle once they are hemmed up). These jeans can only be purchased at Gap or Gap.com.
In the bargain price range (<$50)
Old Navy Diva Skinny Jeans
The Diva has a little higher rise and fuller thigh than the Rockstar (which is the super skinny cut that Old Navy has been touting for the last year). The Divas also come in short and long, which is nice for those of us without the regular 30-32 leg length. If you are between two sizes, size down as the Divas stretch out after a day of wearing. These jeans can be purchased at Old Navy stores and online.
Old Navy Sweetheart Skinny Jeans
This style is Old Navy's curviest cut. As with all Old Navy jeans, they come in a variety of styles (bootcut, flare, trouser and skinny). They are perfect for wider hips and a larger booty and thighs. These jeans can be a little large around the crotch, with some wrinkling. They also stretch as you wear them, so if you are not one for washing your jeans everyday, then I would size down one size. These jeans can be purchased at Old Navy stores and online.
I have never tried Levi's Curve ID, but I also have heard and read good things about the options in that brand line for well fitting skinny jeans for athletic builds. I would definitely recommend anything that says cigarette or matchstick - they are normally very narrowly cut in the hips, thighs and calves. Also, try to pick styles that have cotton, spandex and polyester in them. That provides them with more give and stretch.
I hope that this helps those of you who are like me and do not look good in the majority of skinny jeans. But seriously, do not shy away from the style just because you haven't liked the way you look in some of the key brands. Try a few of these and DO NOT be ashamed to size up in this style. There is nothing wrong with that and it is normal. And always know that alterations are a solid option.
No more long runs: Your final long run should be no less than 14 days before the marathon. If you’ve missed some of your scheduled long runs, it’s too late to make up for it now. Anything above 15 miles now will most likely hurt your performance on race day.
Cut back the mileage: Decrease your total weekly mileage by about 40 percent starting two weeks out. During race week, reduce your overall mileage by at least 60 percent. For example, a runner whose weekly training mileage peaked at 60 miles should run 36 miles the week before race week, and no more than 25 in race week. During the last four days before the marathon, don’t do any runs of more than three miles. If you’d rather take the last two days completely off, that’s OK too. Don’t worry about mileage during race week—you’ll get your fill on Sunday morning.
Maintain the intensity: Even though you are cutting back on your mileage, it’s important to maintain the intensity of these workouts. Run at close to marathon pace, so your body is accustomed to the effort level you will demand during the race.
Avoid the hills: Don’t run any hills during race week—it helps your legs recover more quickly. It’s just like with the mileage: you’ll get plenty of hills on race day.
Choose your weapons: Decide what clothes you will wear on race day. Pick comfortable shoes, socks, and running clothes that you’ve already worn on a long training run. DON’T wear anything new on marathon day, unless you want to have a graphic chafing story to tell your family about afterwards.
Gain a few—but not a lot: Since you are running less, pay close attention to your diet. It’s normal to gain a few pounds as your muscles stockpile the glycogen they will need during the race. But gaining more than five pounds will make you feel heavy and sluggish. Eat a bit less than usual, with well-balanced meals, and don’t start any fad diets.
Remember, carbo loading doesn’t mean overloading. The night before the race, just eat a regular sized meal with a higher percentage of carbohydrates than usual. On race morning, eat a small portion of a bagel, banana, or oatmeal to top off your tank—but don’t load your stomach to the brim. Twenty-six miles is a long way to run with a stomach cramp.
Wake up early: If you’re not accustomed to running in the morning, try a couple of morning runs, so your body gets a taste of exercising at that time of day. Marathon start times are frequently at 7 a.m.—and if you’ve never run at that hour, it can be a bit of a shock. You might as well get it over with prior to race morning.
Eliminate extra activities: If you do any cross training activities, don’t do them during race week. Don’t do any unusual activities that might cause muscle soreness afterwards. This isn’t the time to catch up on housework or repair projects. If you have extra time on your hands, just get more rest or take a nap instead.
Cut your toe nails: Do it five or six days before the race. Trust me on this one.
Be paranoid: It’s fairly common for runners to get minor illnesses while tapering, so stay away from sick people. Wash your hands after touching anybody. Just make like Howard Hughes for a couple of weeks, and you’ll be assured of staying healthy.
Visualize success: The mental side of marathon running is extremely important. Beginning today, picture yourself running relaxed and strong, and having a great race. Repeat this scenario each day. Be confident in your ability to succeed!
Enjoy yourself: Yes, you should take the precautions above, but don’t get so overwhelmed with worry that you forget to enjoy the experience. Think of how far you’ve come in your training, and resolve to have a great time on race day.
If you have run with me, you have probably heard me complain about the sports bra chafing that I deal with on a regular basis. And I know that I am not alone in this struggle. Several of my run club girlfriends have expressed similar complaints, and have similar battle scars to show for it!
Honestly, it's very common to have the issue right in the front, under the bra, as displayed in the below picture. (And this picture isn't even as gruesome as it gets!)
{This is not me, but this is exactly where I get it!}
{I also get it on the back, under the seam and under the fatty upper arm/armpit.}
I've tried the regular suggestions, such as Body Glide.
Body Glide helps, but what you really need is a fantastic fit for a sports bra.
I completely understand that everyone's body is different. Our ta-tas come in different shapes and sizes! What has worked for me may not work for you. Yet all I can do is share my personal experience, and maybe it will help someone! After all, I have tried A LOT of different sport bras, so I do have a little bit of insight.
And unfortunately, out of all the sports bras I have tried, many did not make it into my running rotation for more than one run. I have started many inaugural runs in a new bra, hopeful and excited that maybe this is the one, only to quickly discover that the new item was just another Failed Fit.
First of all, Nike sports brasare a huge failed fit. They come in great colors, and I so wish they fit. But they don't. They are the worst for me for chafing.
Champion's seamless braswork okay for a few runs, but they quickly lose their elasticity and need to be tossed. Unfortunately, there is a reason they are so much easier on the pocket book.
Many of my runner friends have referred me to Moving Comfort. This brand is carried at Athleta stores, as well as most running stores and general sports sports (like Dick's Sporting Goodsin the Twin Cities area). They are a brand that designs apparel just for women, and most people feel that it shows in the quality of their products.
First, I tried the Juno Sports Braby Moving Comfort. It was a little pricey (nearly $60) but from the reviews, it sounded like it should work- high-impact support, designed for no-chafing, etc.
But the back closure was really uncomfortable and chafed me really badly on my first 8 miler. I tried it again for a short 4 miler, and it was just as bad. Failed Fit.
So then I tried the Vixen Bra, also by Moving Comfort.
This bra doesn't have a back closure, but has a dotted lining. Let's just say that rather than a line of chafing, (like in the first picture from above), I ended up with a dotted pattern of chafing. Not pretty. Failed Fit.
{Dotted lining- stay away from it!}
I have had pretty good luck with Lululemon and Athleta. I wrote about the Athleta sports bra last November in this post.
{Bra-na-na by Athleta}
Their bra-na-na fits well, but it's not for high-impact activities like running 50+ miles a week. I felt like it was good for layering under other tighter running clothes in the winter, but in the summer, there was just a little too much bouncing, if you get my drift.
So....am I just going to complain about bras that don't work or only work for awhile, or are only so-so?
Nope!
I believe I have found a bra that is my fantastic fit! This bra is...
No back closures, no dotted lining. Seamless. Secure.
Tight enough along the edges that it doesn't chafe.
(and fun colors!)
The Moving Comfort Women's Serena Bra is a Fantastic Fit for me!
I highly recommend this bra, and recently purchased a few more for the rotation.
It retails around $38, though I did find it here for much cheaper.
Definitely a price that Fits the Bill!
And for advice on how to care for your moving comfort sports bra? Watch this video!
By: LL
Jess and I have a BIL (brother-in-law) with a Saturday uniform. He wears suits to work every week day and so it is understandable that on the weekends, he wants to wear nothing but track pants and his favorite college sweatshirt. Guys can pull this off a bit better than women can.
For women, a Saturday uniform requires the perfect combination of comfortable, classic and trendy pieces. In the summer, this can translate to a pair of khaki shorts, a favorite v-neck tee and a spattering of cute accessories (sandals, satchels and bracelets). For the fall, this requires more pieces (i.e., cardigans, scarves) and the right pair of jeans. Here are some suggested pieces for you to think about adding to your Saturday uniform. Whether you have them in your closet or need to pick up a few, this will make the perfect statement as you are running your Saturday errands or playing in the yard with your kids.
White tee: Gap Favorite
Skinnies: Old Navy Rockstar (Steal of a price at $19!)
Infiniti scarf: Target
Gold bangels: J. Crew
Watch: Michael Kors
Flats: Loeffler Randall Quinnie
Handbag: Kate Spade (also a pretty responsible price for KS at $189)
Contrary to what I have heard some people say, for fall, cheetah print serves as a neutral that allows you play around with other colors in your wardrobe. Besides adding in royal blue, I also like reds/purples and rich greens. What is also great, is that they compliment browns and blacks as well. And even though some people might cringe at the thought of comfort in a pointy toe, as long as you invest in better quality, you shouldn't have any issues.
By: LL
I'm pretty sure that all runners can relate to these. Thanks to E for sharing and to TheRuniverse for the borrow.
Murphy's Law for RUNNERS
If the road you are running on becomes narrow, that is the point where two cars coming from opposite directions will appear.
When running hills on a windy day, you will always encounter a headwind while running uphill and a tail wind as you are running downhill.
When running a loop, the weather will change the moment you change directions so that you have a headwind the entire run.
You will accidentally step in muddy puddle during the first run in bright, shiny new shoes.
An out-and-back with rolling hills always seems to be uphill both ways.
The rain will start to fall about 5 minutes into your run and stop about 5 minutes before you finish.
The sudden, desperate urge too poop will always strike at the point at which you are the farthest from a toilet.
A flickering streetlight will always go completely out when you run underneath it.
The moment that you start feeling confident about your training and excited to race, you will get injured.
One week before your goal race, you will wake up with a stuffed up nose.
On a bad run when you have to take a walk break, someone you know will drive past you.
Your best race picture will always be marred by an old or out-of-shape person walking the 5k that shares a course with your race.
The flavor of gatorade served at your key race will be the one kind that you cannot stand.
I would like to add these:
The first time that you run with a new partner, you be plagued with a bad case of gas.
While on your longest solo run of the season, one of the earbuds for your iPod goes out midway through and you are stuck listening to bass and little treble.
For a woman, the big race will always fall during the same weekend as your period.
As runners, we subject ourselves to some embarrassing, horrible situations. But we love it and it all makes for some hilarious stories.
At the end of each official marathon training season, the Calhoun Beach Running Club organizes a "Capitol Run."
{the Twin Cities Marathon finishes here!}
What's a Capitol Run???
A Capitol Run is an awesome, well-organized CBRC training run to the state capitol building! This run involves 20-22 miles of the Twin Cities Marathon course; FYI- the Twin Cities marathon ends at the capitol in St. Paul. It's one of my favorite marathon finishes so far! For the training run, runners are given the option to run 20 or 22, depending on their individual training.
The CBRC capitol run starts at the Calhoun Beach Club of course! The club's location around mile 4 of the course is truly ideal. From there, 30+ of us headed out around 7:15 am, on a beautiful, clear September morning. The temperature was in the mid-50's, the sun was shining, and excitement was in the air!
My husband has recently taken on a "leadership" role in the club, and he did a lot of the organization for this event. I think he did a great job, and I'm not just saying that because he is my husband! Runners had to sign up ahead of time on a google doc online. Volunteers dropped their vehicles off at the capitol around 6:15 am that day, and rides were coordinated back to the club so that everyone would have a ride home AFTER the run as well. Planning such an event required a lot of time and logistical savviness! Yet thanks to the good people at the CBRC, everything went smoothly.
As for the run-
Support stops were located at miles 6.5, 12.5, and 17.5. They were manned by other CBRC members who weren't training this season (or this particular weekend). For example, Amber and her husband manned the first stop. She just ran the Sioux Falls Marathon last weekend (as you can read about HERE) and didn't need to do another 20 miler so soon! The second stop was managed by the wife of a run club member, and the 3rd by another Sioux Falls marathoner. Powerade, ice, water, fruit, jolly ranchers- each stop had plenty of goodies to keep you going. Some stops had music and/or canine friends for a tail-wagging vote of confidence for the runners!
{This handsome fella attended one of the support stops with some woofs of cheer!}
For TCM runners, especially first-timers, this capitol run provides an opportunity to become familiar with the marathon course, and to experience the hills leading up to Summit Avenue (they can be tough!) as well as the glory of the capitol finish. Knowing what to expect on marathon day can really help to ease any nerves before the big day.
At the end of the run, each runner has to run UP the capitol steps and touch the doors; otherwise it doesn't count!
{Kelly and Susie make their finish COUNT!}
This year, there were other run clubs doing similar capitol runs, so there was a lot of energy out on the trails. The weather was great, the support was well-spaced, and it was a great culmination of the training season. Side note: The other club that had a big presence that day was the Lifetime Fitness running club. Their version of the capitol run was an out-and-back run from the capitol. It was open to the public (for a fee), with segregated pace groups, and busses from their facilities. Our capitol run is only open to members, is a point-to-point event, and is included in the membership dues.
No matter which club you ran with that day, it was great to have the other clubs out there, and I have to admit I appreciated the Lifetime signs pointing us in the right direction at a few points on the course!
{Here come the ladies- the finish line is steps away!}
By: LL
Since my husband and I will be in La Crosse, Wisconsin for the city's annual Oktoberfest celebration (rolling of the Golden Keg anyone??), I decided that it would be fun to run the Maple Leaf Half Marathon that coincides with the event.
In doing some research of the race, it appears that it is a fairly small race - only 1400 total in the four races offered in 2011 (13.1, 5, 5k and a 1 mile fun run). However, knowing La Crosse fairly well, I believe that this will be one of the most scenic races that I have run - comparable to the Twin Cities Marathon.
The "website" lacks good details (not sure when the expo might be or if there is a gear check), but at least I found some information through www.halfmarathons.net, which says that the route "takes runners along some of the city's most scenic streets, as the half marathon starts and finishes in Riverside Park overlooking the mighty Mississippi River, and also takes runners over a bridge that crosses the Black River, and features views of Lake Onalaska in the middle portion of the race's 13.1-mile course [...] Runners in the half marathon start their race at 7:00 a.m. at the park, and follow what is basically a long, out-and-back route." The bluff city of Wisconsin is normally very beautiful and this time of year will likely make this route, even though I will see it all twice, the perfect fall race.
Here is one of the only photos that I could find of the race from previous years:
{Gotten love the dude in his high school singlet [Logan] out front}
Due to the annual Oktoberfest Maple Leaf parade that is also held that day, runners must finish in less than 2 hours and 45 minutes, which seems pretty standard, maybe a tad quicker than other half marathons. And, unfortunately it appears that there is no medal and that the shirts will be lacking (cotton perhaps).
Either way, I think that it will be a fun race and definitely a good start to a weekend of good ol' German "merrymaking" in a town that has been doing it right since 1961!
By: LL
It is finally fall! Okay, maybe not officially until next week, but it finally feels like fall, which means that it is totally appropriate for me to start wearing some of my favorite fall fits - scarves, cardigans and suedes. And I am throwing a fit for suedes ... feeling sueded if you will. Seriously, I might have an addiction. But, with the prices that I found - prices that fit the bill - it isn't an addiction that will be thwarted by my husband. Here is a quick peek at the suedes that I picked up this weekend at a few of my favorite discount shoe shops.
As you might remember, one of the F2012 looks that I was throwing a fit over were colored suede pumps. Imagine my excitement when I came across the Franco Sartos! And the Cole Haan booties are comfortable and adorable. You might not believe it, but each of these were less than $50 a pair! Seriously, even though these types of discount stores might be hit or miss, it is worth the effort because you can find cute fits that fit the bill. You, too, can afford to be sueded this fall!
There’s a time and a place for everything, right?Sometimes South Dakota calls.If your running journey is leaving you looking for a logistically easy, inexpensive race on a flat course, worry your pretty head no longer.Look no further than the Sioux Falls Marathon held in none other than Sioux Falls, South Dakota on the second weekend in September.
This year was the third annual running of the full marathon.There is also a half marathon and 5k option if you have family/pals eager to support you and run a bit, but not eager to join your grueling 26.2 mile slog through the South Dakota countryside.There were 263 marathon finishers and a reported 2,200 total runners in all three events – a select and special group.
The bottom line: you probably cannot go wrong with this race unless you are looking for big crowds.The name of the game was easy – well, as “easy” as running a marathon can be.
The expo is held in the parking lot of a Scheel’s Sporting Goods store.
{Scheels parking lot}
Though I did not consult Merriam Webster for a definition on race expos, I wouldn’t actually call this an expo.Rather, it was a few tables manned by friendly volunteers.
{Easy packet pickup!}
There weren’t any frills, but all of the essentials were there: pins, course maps and nice technical t-shirts.It was truly a no hassle expo.There was plenty of GU at the expo and also at the bag drop the next morning.
The race start is one of the easiest that I’ve ever experienced.The race started at 6:45 a.m.The Sheraton, the hotel closest to the start, is within easy walking distance (.4 miles).We waited in the warmth of the hotel until close to 6:15 and then walked over.The race starts in a stadium so there are plenty of potties that were actual flush toilets with sinks outside – that’s a win.
{Gear bags ready to go!}
Bag drop was again just a couple of tables with friendly volunteers and lots of free GU.
{Race Start!}
The race itself is well organized and run on a flat, fast course.There were plenty of water stops and volunteers were not only smiling, but also yelled out which side the water was on and which side the Powerade was on.This skillfully avoided runner-on-runner collisions.Although the course was relatively flat, there were a few drawbacks.First, there were quite a few hard turns between miles 16 and 23 – a tough point in the race to deal with hard turns, if one ever really likes dealing with hard turns.Second, although the course was relatively well-marked, there were a few areas in the city parks (towards the end of the race between miles 17 and 23) where there weren’t markers.It seemed to be assumed that runners would follow the sidewalk, but because this isn’t a heavily populated race, you’d better hope there are other runners around to make sure you’re headed in the right direction!
(Sidebar: There actually was a man this year who got lost on the marathon route, and finished several hours early. Read about it here . From Amber's review, it sounds like it really could have been an honest mistake!)
Where there were spectators, they were grand.They were friendly and active.My particular favorite was the college rodeo kids with their buckles, boots, and cowboy hats at mile 19.Nothing puts a little pep in your step, pride in your stride, or hussle in the muscle like seeing a cowboy (or gal). But, alas, this was Sioux Falls and there were significant portions of the course that uninhabited.Ipods are permitted on the course so I would strongly recommend a playlist of your most inspiring favorites.You won’t be sorry unless silence is your thing.
This year, the race fell on September 9 so it was the last Boston qualifier (Boston registration opened on September 10) in the area.If you’re looking for a race to BQ at this could be the one.Be mindful of the weather.We got lucky and had perfect race day weather.It was in the low ‘50’s at the start and reached the mid ‘60’s by the time we finished.Although September 9 was stellar weather, the day before and the day after were both hot and windy.An early September marathon in South Dakota is not guaranteed great weather – but it can happen!
{Congrats Boston Qualifiers!}
The goodies at the end were delicious, plentiful and spot on.My personal favorite, chocolate milk, was readily available as were protein shakes.Seconds and thirds were encouraged.
The usual post-race fare of bagels, bananas, etc. was also on hand.The only thing missing was beer. LWhat can I say?I was raised in Wisconsin, we’re always on to the hunt for beer!
The race finish was uncrowded and it is easy to locate your party and catch buses back to the start.
This race most certainly gets my endorsement!
Congrats Amber on an amazing finish at the Sioux Falls, South Dakota marathon, and thanks for the great review! I think Dusters and I will definitely put this race on our calendar for the future!
By: LL
As I previewed here, I ran the Chicago 1/2 Marathon for the 4th time this past weekend. I ran with my two sisters - E and CJ. E was running for a PR under 2 hours and CJ was running to finish her first half. I ran to accompany CJ on her first race. Here is our compiled review of the race.
The expo was held on Navy Pier - a great tourist attraction, but not so much for the expo. Car and foot traffic was horrendous on Saturday. It was so hard to navigate the building to get to the right hall and then the expo exhibits were sparse.
{E and me at the Expo}
Since we stayed downtown off of Michigan Avenue, we paid for the bus shuttle from Millennium Park. This was one of three different locations available to runners. We arrived at 5:20 a.m. to a long line waiting for multiple school buses. It was cold, dark and early, but the lines went fairly quickly. I thought that at this location, they managed the shuttles very well.
{CJ and E ready to board the shuttles}
Unfortunately, closer to the start line, there were some major logistical issues with traffic. It was backed very far back and, after listening to the radio chatter from the bus drivers, the shuttles had to unload in a different location due to the back up. But we made it and only had to trudge a little longer distance to the staging area. At the staging area, they had adequate porta-potties, but only had a hand washing/sanitizing station in one area, and there was a long line for that! Instead of water and soap, they would have been more efficient with hand sanitizers in the facilities.
The start was well managed and there were not any issues with the corrals. Every runner had a letter on his/her bib designating a wave and I didn't notice too many issues with runners disobeying this. So the race was fairly smooth, with the usual congestion at the start and at most water stations, of which there were plenty and they were well staffed.
{With CJ at the start}
{Start line}
As for the course, it was better than I remember. Yes, there was the out and back on Lakeshore Drive that I complained about in my preview, but I realized how great the scenery is on this course. Lake Michigan, Jackson Park, the skyline ... The course was smooth and quick. A great course for a first timer. It was my first and CJ's, and for both of us, it instilled the desire to run more!! Here are a few photos of the course.
{A little blurry, but the Chicago skyline off of Lakeshore}
{CJ loved this one for her friend LB}
{Another sign perfect to inspire CJ, a mother of 3}
{Look at CJ go!! On her way to beating the goal she set for herself}
Finally, the race finish was alright. It was a little disorganized and the snacks were primarily sweet. And the shuttles for the ride back were SO disorganized. The race even posted an apology for this on its Facebook page. Horrible to find the right shuttle.
