guest post by Hungry in Cleveland: Foodie on the Run: My Rite Aid Cleveland Half Marathon Experience

A MEMO FROM THE CEO OF PIP: When I planned the January Ohio Blogging Association meet up, I had no clue how many bloggers would show up or who would come out of the woodwork of Cleveland. A few of the bloggers I met that evening have become some of my new closest blends. One of those bloggers is Stephanie from Hungry in Cleveland.

Most of you know Steph’s passion for checking out fabulous foodie finds in the NEO region, but she’s here to share the story of one of her other passions: running. Time for another fabulous post in my 2011 Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon series – run, Steph, run! 

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When Alicia asked for guest bloggers for the month of May, I was more then happy to help out one of my favorite “blends”. Those of you who follow me on Twitter or know me in person also know I am a runner. Since I was training for my third half-marathon, I thought it would be a fun change to try something different for my PIP guest post, a recap of the half marathon. Here’s what was going through my mind (and a little sample of my random diverse running playlist) as I took on 13.1 miles of our beautiful city.

Sunday Morning: The drive and line up

Usually when my alarm goes off at 5:00 a.m. I want to roll over and his snooze. This was not the case on Sunday. I got ready rather quickly in my awesome race day outfit and ate a small breakfast (a chocolate banana VitaTop, a Larabar, and half of a Clif bar) in the car.

While driving along the Shoreway excitement came over me when I saw the Mile 2 marker hiding under a bridge and volunteers setting up the first water stop. I was also happy with the weather. Yes, it was a bit chilly but I personally like a cooler day with light drizzle for running. After checking my bag, I headed to the starting line and found a nice spot between the 4:00 and 4:15 pace groups. I knew I wanted to finish somewhere around 2:10 and ideally close to 2:00. While getting the iPod set with a good starting song, I ran into two of my friends. Each time Jim Donovan counted down the minutes to the start, my excitement grew and I felt more and more adrenalin pumping through my body. As the starting line became closer and closer, I pushed play and started my watch as soon as my foot crossed the line. It’s GO TIME!!

Miles 1-4: The Shoreway “So you wanna be a rock superstar…” Cypress Hill

After studying the course over and over knowing it was just the reverse of last year with slight changes in the start and finish, the first few miles I knew were going to be the most tough. I knew I was going to need a song that was kind of tough sounding for the beginning of the race and “Rock Superstar” was the first to show up on my playlist. Running up the hill on West 3rd by Browns Stadium, I was reminded of my very first 5K, Race for the Cure back in 2009. I remember how steep that hill felt after running a mile and a half and how I felt like quitting. It was a great reminder of how far I have come with not only running but also, how strong my relationship with my boyfriend has become. We just met back in August 2009 when I ran that race and he ended up running it with me. Today, we run half marathons together and keep encouraging each other to go for our goals. When we turned onto the Shoreway, I had one thought going through my mind, “I’ve got this!” While admiring Lake Erie and trying to see the skyline through the fog, I noticed I was keeping up with the 4:00 pacers. Before I knew it, Edgewater Park was to my right and the Mile 4 marker was straight ahead!

Miles 4-7: Lake Ave and the Detroit Shoreway “I’m living in fast forward, but I still got some miles to go!” Kenny Chesney

After forcing myself to get water at the second water stop, I looked down at my watch and noticed I was right on pace. I felt if I stopped it would cost time but I also cannot run and drink at the same time. I managed to quickly chug the water and picked it back up to enjoy the beautiful houses along Edgewater Drive. Upon making the turn onto Lake Avenue, “Living in Fast Forward” came on my iPod. As I looked around, I noticed the 4:00 group was behind me. It was almost as if I were running in fast forward. Also as I turned onto Lake I reminded myself of something important, “You’re almost to Happy Dog!” During our training runs down Lake and Detroit, Happy Dog became one of my landmarks. I felt as long as I can make it through my runs and improve, I earned a hot dog and beer at Happy Dog or something sweet from Sweet Moses. I kept up with the 4:00 group for most of the way and told the team leader as long as I kept him in sight, I knew I was doing well. After high-fiving a hot dog, gorilla, and other spectators, we were making the turn onto West 38th and into Ohio City.

Miles 7-10: Ohio City and Tremont “Come on feel the noize, we’ll get wild wild WILD!!” Quiet Riot

As soon as I made the turn onto West 38th, this song came on the iPod and it could not have come at a better time. Typically, I start to drag a bit around miles 7 and 8, however I was feeling great. The crowds that lined the streets of Ohio City and Tremont showed so much love and support for the runners and their cheering was a great example of how these historic neighborhoods come together for events like the race. Signs like “OHC loves runners” and “Welcome to Tremont” expressed how much pride these residents have for their neighborhood. The Gu station was right across from the Tremont Taphouse. I grabbed one and loved the fact I was refueling in my favorite food neighborhood. Running past Lincoln Park made me think of C-Town Chowdown and the weekly farmer’s market. Before I knew it, I ran past Parallax and Sokolowski’s. It was time to head back Downtown. At this point, I don’t know where the 4:00 group was, but according to my watch, I was well on my way to a PR!

Miles 10-13.1: Lorain Carnegie Bridge through Downtown “Baby you’re a firework!” Katy Perry

After taking a millisecond to cheese it up for a photographer at the Mile 10 marker, the second most motivating landmark was waiting for me on the other side of the bridge, Jacobs Field!! (The first being the finish line) I knew the bridge was almost one mile long and I was not going to give up. According to my watch, there was also still a chance I could get it done closer to two hours. I was so excited I wanted to high-five the Guardians who watch over the bridge. Shortly after Mile 12, we said “good bye and good luck” to the marathoners who headed east. At that point, as Katy Perry come on the iPod, I felt like someone lit a firework behind me. Nothing was stopping me now! (side note, this is one of the three Katy Perry songs I actually like). For me, the race was all downhill now. Turning onto East 9th I really kicked it into high gear noticing the 1:50something on my watch. Crossing over the RTA tracks, I could hear the sound of a familiar “BOOM BOOM BOOM!” which made me go even faster. At the corner of 9th and Erieside, John Adams was beating his beloved drum as runners made the turn towards home! As I crossed the finish line and stopped my watch, I saw it read 2:02.37!!!! I came closer to my 2 hour goal then I expected. Officially, my time was 2:02.34 with a 9:20.9 minute/mile pace! I knew two friendly familiar faces were handing out medals and greeted Alicia and Katie with a huge smile and hugs as they placed my hard earned medal around my neck!

Post race, we headed to Melt where I enjoyed the Parmageddon and almost finished the whole thing.

(Melt Bar & Grilled’s Parmageddon is on the left, the Prime Time Prime Rib is on the right)

To rehydrate, I went with the Breckenridge Agave Wheat and a Rogue Double Mocha Porter. One of my friends also attempted the Melt Challenge too!

He was a bit more successful with his half marathon though.

I already have at least two more half marathons this year with hopes of running sub 2 hours and getting my pace under 9 minutes/mile. I also already registered to take on the full 26.2 in Cleveland on May 20, 2012!! It just may be the end of the world as we know it! Until next time…follow your heart, fulfill your hunger!

Steph shares her foodie adventures around the CLE at her blog (http://hungryinclevelandohio.blogspot.com/) and on Twitter (@HungryinCLE). With all this running, she’ll be even HUNGRIER in Cleveland!