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August 5, 2013

Beach to Beacon 10k

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Hello my friends! I’m back in DC after a great weekend up in Portland, Maine with Cabot as part of their Cabot Fit Team. I have a lot of fun adventures to share from the weekend but first I wanted to start with the #1 reason why we were there: to run the famous Beach to Beacon 10k on Saturday morning!

Beach to Beach 10k

Cabot hooked us up with bibs for the race as part of the weekend experience with them to share the love for health and wellness. Beach to Beacon is a crazy popular race (they let 6,000 people in and this year it sold out in 4 minutes), so I was extremely excited to have the chance to run it!

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In addition to boasting a gorgeous finish line area (more on that later), this race is also really cool because it’s full of elite runners! About 30 elite runners from around the world were in attendance, including quite a few Olympians. This was the 16th annual race; it was founded by Joan Benoit Samuelson, who is also an Olympian/elite runner.

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The other Cabot Fit Team members and I attended the race press conference the day before the race and were all lucky enough to meet some of the inspiring athletes in attendance. Here I am with Ryan Hall, Meb Keflezighi, and Deena Kastor!

beach to beacon elite runners

As a runner, it was a BIG honor to meet such inspiring athletes from the running world. I can’t even fathom how fast these people run. They were all really nice, too!

Our team was up bright and early on Saturday morning and at the race start with plenty of time to spare. Clearly, we used that time to take photos. 🙂

IMG_0094Clock wise from top left: Monica, Gina, me, Robin, Katie, Kristina, Carrie, Carolyn 

Being silly:

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After a couple trips to the porta potties (told you we had plenty of time! although the race would have benefitted from a LOT more porta potties – the lines were insane), we all lined up and got ready to go. Everyone split up and headed to the pace area of their choice; I settled in just before the 8:00 minute mile area.

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Shortly after and we were off!

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My previous 10k PR (personal record) of 49:43 (8:00 min/mile pace) was set last fall at the Clarendon Day 10k that I ran the morning of my bachelorette. Given that I just did a 7:54 minute/mile pace half marathon in April (the Nike Women’s Half Marathon), I was hoping that I’d be able to set a new PR in Maine. I settled in to a speedy but comfortable pace, knowing that there would be some hills later on in the race and that I might want a little time in the bank to spare.

  • Mile 1: 7:50
  • Mile 2: 7:59
  • Mile 3: 7:52

I haven’t been working much on speed lately given that it’s been so hot and I’m marathon training and doing slower, longer runs, so I was happy that I was able to maintain that pace. It felt hard but not totally insane. I made it my mission to keep it up!

Unfortunately it was pretty cloudy and rainy during the race so I didn’t get as many photos as usual, but I loved this American flag arch that we ran under – it was held up by two fire truck ladders!

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We learned at the press conference that the race director for Beach to Beacon is also the Boston Marathon race director. He said some very moving words about what happened in Boston this year, and on Saturday the race start announcement was given by a woman who was injured at the starting line in Boston. As a result, there was a lot of Boston love out on the race course, too, which was great to see.

beach to beacon 10kPhoto taken by Cabot Fit Team member & farmer Becky

The race went by REALLY quickly. Around the halfway point, it started raining, so I put away my camera, but by the time we neared the end of the course the skies cleared a little and the crowds along the sidelines cheering thickened, which was great.

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It’s amazing how much of a difference crowd support and music make for me in races. I was so appreciative of everyone who came out to cheer us on in the rain! Any time we ran past a group cheering, or even better, someone blasting music outside their house, I felt myself pick up the pace and smile. What’s your favorite music to hear while running? I love rap and anything upbeat – a few favorites of mine are the Rocky theme song, the Fall Out Boy Song "Light Em Up," "Black and Yellow" by Wiz Khalifa, and "Stronger" by Kanye West is great, too.

  • Mile 4: 7:47
  • Mile 5: 7:40
  • Mile 6: 8:02

I was pleased I was able to keep up my pace for the hilly final mile! I just kept telling myself to keep it up, and before I knew it, we were approaching the finish area.

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Blurry action shot of my sprint to the finish! My pace for the last 0.2 miles was 6:27 – sweet!

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I was really excited to see a shiny new PR on my watch. 🙂

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My official time was 48:54, for an average pace of 7:53. Yay!

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Go Cabot Fit Team!

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The race finished right by the beautiful Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth, which was completed in 1791 and is the oldest lighthouse in all of Maine. Beautiful!

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After finishing, Monica, Gina, and I headed closer to the lighthouse to do a little  sightseeing. 🙂

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Guess who ran by doing his cool down run while we were taking photos? Meb, one of the elite runners/Olympians at the race! I can’t even say enough about how nice of a guy he was. He was really friendly when we met him at the press conference, chatting away and saying he’d love to talk to us more later when he was pulled away, and this time he actually stopped running and was like “Hey again, ladies! Want to get another picture?” I was already inspired by him before I met him, but after seeing how nice he was I’m now pretty much his #1 fan. 🙂

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What a great race! Thanks again to Cabot for having me, and a big congrats to all my fellow Cabot Fit Team members for rocking the race, too. I was really proud of all of us! 🙂 In addition to the group of bloggers I listed in the photo above, we were also joined by Sara from Cabot (bottom left) and Becky and Leah (and her boyfriend Michael) who are part of one of Cabot’s family farms. We toured their farm on Friday – more on that to come!

cabot fit team

I’ll be back tomorrow to share the rest of our adventures. Until then, my friends – have a great night!

Did anyone else race over the weekend? How’d it go?

- anne
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Clarendon Day 10k Race Recap

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52 comments
  • Hillary | Nutrition Nut on the Run
    August 5, 2013 · 5:15PM:
    nice run! & what a beautiful course. p.s. i like the rounded-edged pics :)
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 5, 2013 · 5:23PM:
      Thanks! I decided to mix it up with the shapes. :)
      Reply
  • Dori
    August 5, 2013 · 5:22PM:
    You are really fast! That race looks really awesome and fun. Very exciting you got to meet Meb! What a nice guy.
    Reply
  • Kristina @ Love & Zest
    August 5, 2013 · 5:38PM:
    Great to finally meet you!! Had so much fun in Maine!
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 5, 2013 · 5:48PM:
      Likewise! :)
      Reply
    • Jackie @ MomJovi
      August 5, 2013 · 9:15PM:
      So funny that you two met! Kristina and I live in the same 'hood in Orlando and well, I feel like I know you, Anne, after reading you all these years. (creepy sounding, I know) What a beautiful race! As I told Kristina, one of my best friends from college got married in Cape Elizabeth about 8 years ago. It was such an amazing weekend and I've been dying to get back ever since. Your pictures make me want to go back soon. Adding this race to my racing bucket list (which is basically like 2 other races! Ha!). So cool to hear how great Meb was.
      Reply
      • Anne
        August 6, 2013 · 8:43AM:
        That's totally not creepy! Thank you so much for reading. :) It was great meeting Kristina - she's really sweet! And Cape Elizabeth is gorgeous. What other two races are on your bucket list? :)
        Reply
  • Aurora@Fitness is Sweet
    August 5, 2013 · 5:43PM:
    I ran my first half marathon yesterday and it was awesome! Congrats on your PR!
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 5, 2013 · 5:48PM:
      Woohoo! Congrats on your first half!
      Reply
  • Alaina
    August 5, 2013 · 5:46PM:
    Congratulations on the PR! I've heard it's a great course, albeit a tough one. :-) I love running to the new Fall Out Boy song too!
    Reply
  • Megan (The Lyons' Share)
    August 5, 2013 · 5:48PM:
    First of all, CONGRATS on the PR! Second of all, I am SO, SO, SO jealous of you meeting Meb, Ryan, and Deena! They are three of my very favorites (plus Kara Goucher!) and I absolutely love reading their blogs/ articles about them. Would be a dream to meet them! Glad you had fun -
    Reply
  • Katie | Healthy Seasonal Recipes
    August 5, 2013 · 5:53PM:
    Great run down Anne! I love your photos from racing. How did you manage to take them while keeping up that pace??? Amazing:) Congrats on your time. It was so great to get to know you over the weekend and I can't wait to keep up with you online now.
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 5, 2013 · 5:55PM:
      I've had lots of practice taking photos on my training runs! ;) Great hanging out with you this weekend - hope to see you again soon!
      Reply
  • Shel@PeachyPalate
    August 5, 2013 · 6:35PM:
    Well done on the new PR! :) No race but a new 13km PR this morning! Great start to the week!
    Reply
  • Regan @ Cabot
    August 5, 2013 · 6:49PM:
    Great recap! I totally feel like I was there since I stalked every minute on Instagram and Twitter on Saturday :) Okay... now the really important question. How on earth do you get the pictures while running? That's your phone, right? Where do you stash it when you're running?
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 6, 2013 · 8:46AM:
      We so wish that you could have joined us!! Hope to meet you sometime soon. :) I actually carry a point and shoot camera (this one - love it) on my runs - I find it WAY easier to get photos while I'm in action using that vs. my phone. I have a Samsung so it's pretty big and awkward to hold, and I think turning it on to get to the camera would be complicated - I'm all about the one click! I usually just hold the point and shoot in my hand, although when it started raining, I stuffed it into my SpiBelt. It was harder to get photos during this race since it was cloudy - sunshine action photos are less apt to be blurry when taken on the run! :)
      Reply
  • Kelly @ Kelly Runs for Food
    August 5, 2013 · 6:54PM:
    Way to go, speedy! That course looks gorgeous!
    Reply
  • carrie@bakeaholicmama
    August 5, 2013 · 7:42PM:
    It was so great to meet you this weekend! I had a lot of fun and am excited about the idea of running another one soon. You ladies all inspired me to get faster and go further!
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 5, 2013 · 7:52PM:
      Wonderful meeting you, too! :)
      Reply
  • Christina @ The Beautiful Balance
    August 5, 2013 · 7:44PM:
    Those views are unreal! Maine is so ridiculously beautiful.
    Reply
  • Carolyn
    August 5, 2013 · 8:08PM:
    Great recap! And congrats again on the PR!
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 5, 2013 · 8:49PM:
      Thanks! It was great meeting you!
      Reply
  • Caroline
    August 5, 2013 · 8:57PM:
    I had never heard of this race before but I would love to do it someday. I love the Portland Headlight and have been there a couple of times. Congrats on that new PR too!
    Reply
  • Courtney
    August 5, 2013 · 9:28PM:
    I travel to ME a few times a year for work and it is a gorgeous state. Great pictures and how awesome is it that Meb stopped to take more pictures? I love nice people :)
    Reply
  • Beth Stark
    August 5, 2013 · 10:16PM:
    Great race and you rock for snapping pics while running! I'm running the NYC marathon and would love to capture my race experience but I'm not so sure of my running-photo talents! :) Btw...Kayne West Stronger is one of all-time my fave running songs, as well as Titanium by David Guetta and Sia, and Run the World (Girls) by Beyonce. I'm also a HUGE fan of rap during exercise--it really gets you moving!
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 6, 2013 · 8:42AM:
      It totally does! Nothing quite like a rap song during a run. :) Good luck with NYC marathon!! If you want pics, I'd recommend a point and shoot vs. a smartphone - I find it really hard/awkward to hold my phone and take pics with it while running, but the point and shoot is fine - just one button and you're done! I have this one and love it.
      Reply
  • Katelyn @ Big Sky Multisport Coaching
    August 6, 2013 · 12:05AM:
    Yay for B2B! Congrats on a great race! I'm a Maine girl and ran it last year when it was 90 and humid. This year's race was perfect weather! Can't wait to hear more about your Maine adventure!
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 6, 2013 · 8:41AM:
      We definitely got lucky with the cooler temps this year! Would have loved some sunshine, but I'll take the clouds over the heat :)
      Reply
  • carol August 6, 2013 · 7:17AM:
    Sounds like a fun race. Meb is from my hometown of San Diego and my running inspiration!
    Reply
  • Runner Girl Eats
    August 6, 2013 · 8:41AM:
    Congrats on the PR! you are getting so speedy! Very inspiring for turtles like me :)
    Reply
  • Sarah @ Blonde Bostonian
    August 6, 2013 · 9:04AM:
    Great job! Such a speedy 10k! I love Maine - it's so beautiful and peaceful.
    Reply
  • Jojo @ RunFastEatLots
    August 6, 2013 · 9:15AM:
    Yay, new PR! And I'm impressed that you took pictures as you were racing!
    Reply
  • Sara Flynn
    August 6, 2013 · 10:28AM:
    GREAT JOB on the race!!! I dream of being able to run that fast... I am such a slow poke! This race looks like so much fun....I definitely want to do it next year! Maine is probably one of my most favorite places... its seriously so beautiful! :)
    Reply
  • elle August 6, 2013 · 12:03PM:
    This is in no offense to you, but rather Cabor for sponsoring bloggers to run the B2B. I grew up in Portland and have ran the race twice (both times I had to pay extra money to register for the lottery b/c I did not get in under the regular registration). I find it disheartening that Cabot would not provide their free race entries to employees. TD is a huge sponsor and provides their entries to employees (all Mainers too). I was surprised when I saw you in the PPH on Saturday, b/c I didnt think any of the sponsors would do this-provide free race bibs to bloggers who have no connection to Maine or the B2B. These free race bibs only take away spots for Maine runners to participate. The B2B is a very proud road race for Maine and emphasizes the amount of locals that participate. I dont see the point in Cabot giving away these slots to bloggers, except that they see it as a mere ad opp.
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 6, 2013 · 3:41PM:
      Hi Elle, thank you for your honest comment! I shared it with Cabot as I knew they would like to respond. Here's what they said! "Cabot Creamery Cooperative has been a sponsor and enthusiastic supporter of the Beach to Beacon 10K since 2007. In past years, a number of our employees have used the available entries to run the race. This year, because Cabot is committed to promoting a lifestyle of health and wellness, we asked seven food and fitness bloggers from around the country to join some of our farm family owners and employees in running the race and spreading the word about the importance of exercise and healthy eating. The 1200 farm families who own Cabot throughout New England and New York (100 of whom are in Maine) are proud to be able to support the race's efforts to raise money for children's charities in Maine. We are also happy that our Cabot Fit Team bloggers will be able to emphasize the importance of health and fitness to their 1,000,000 plus readers."
      Reply
  • Laura @ Mommy Run Fast
    August 6, 2013 · 12:07PM:
    Fantastic job!! And what beautiful scenery- I love those lighthouses in Maine. Congrats on your new pr!
    Reply
  • janetha
    August 6, 2013 · 12:26PM:
    sad i just missed you!
    Reply
  • Taylor
    August 6, 2013 · 1:18PM:
    I ran a 10k this weekend too! The Giant Race in San Francisco. The Embarcadero is beautiful, but this race looks even more pristine!
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 6, 2013 · 1:26PM:
      Sounds like fun! I love SF.
      Reply
  • Kiersten
    August 6, 2013 · 1:39PM:
    Glad you liked the race and Maine. I live right on the South Portland/Cape Elizabeth border, so I run parts of the B2B course all the time. BUT it is so hard to get into, that I have only gotten to do the race one time! Portland Head Light is one of my favorite places- I do a weekly outdoor yoga class in the summer on the hill right above the lighthouse.
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 6, 2013 · 1:47PM:
      Wow - that outdoor yoga class sounds amazing - what views!
      Reply
  • Anna @ Fitness à la Anna
    August 6, 2013 · 2:46PM:
    I am just about to go to Nova Scotia for a family vacay, these shots make me so pumped to go to the maritimes!! Those lighthouses. So good. Also, seeing all those elite runners - including yourself ;) - makes me think of a great book I just read call "Born to Run". If you haven't already, I definitely recommend it!! It will also get you super pumped for your upcoming marathon.
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 6, 2013 · 3:40PM:
      Yes, I love that book! Great recommendation. :) Enjoy Nova Scotia!
      Reply
  • Heather
    August 6, 2013 · 5:04PM:
    What a gorgeous place for a race!
    Reply
  • Melinda August 8, 2013 · 3:15PM:
    Someone told me to check out your blog! That's my family (and our sign) in the shot that Becky took with the sheet/sign that says CAPE and BtoB LOVES Boston! Thanks for the photo and thanks for running our race - we look forward to ringing our cow bells for the athletes every year during this awesome event!
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 8, 2013 · 4:24PM:
      Thank you so much for coming out to cheer us on - and for the wonderful sign, too. We appreciated you! :)
      Reply
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anne mauney fannetastic food
Hi, I’m Anne! I'm a Washington D.C. based Registered Dietitian, mother, runner, and lover of travel, adventure, and the great outdoors. I've been blogging since 2009, sharing a mix of lifestyle content, recipes, and fitness tips. Come for the recipes – stay for the fun!
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I’m Anne, a Registered Dietitian and mother. I've been blogging since 2009 and love showing others that eating nutritious foods and staying active can actually be fun rather than overwhelming!

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