What better place for a runner to celebrate their birthday than in Boston itself on Marathon Monday?! I keep seeing the runners with their jackets on representing the marathon and all. Everyone is definitely in the spirit for a race.
My family is obviously aware of my obsession with running, so for my birthday I got a few running-themed gifts that I’ll share with you.
- Clif Shot Bloks – yum yum! It’s fun to try out new things to fuel with when you’re running. I’ve been mainly just using Gu’s, but these are good too. They’re little gummies that you can easily eat. Plus, they actually taste pretty good! I like the citrus flavor.
- Peppermint GU’s – my friend got me these earlier in the week. The chocolate mint and peppermint Gu’s are my favorite flavors, so these will be great.
- Race Day Outfit – Sometimes it’s nice to have a little something special for race day. It can kind of get you in the mood for racing. I got a newer model of my Mizunos – I’ve been a Wave Rider fan for a few years now. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it, right? I also got some new shorts and a racing singlet. I tried out the shoes and shorts today on my long run and everything works well.
Drum roll please…. REGISTRATION FOR BAYSTATE!!!! October 19th here I come! The marathon is well known for its fast course – very flat. I’m hoping that I’ll get a nice PR there.
My family was even nice enough to accompany me on some of my runs this weekend. My dad biked with me on my marathon-paced run yesterday. Then for my long run today I ran with my future sister-in-law, then my brother biked with me, and then my brother-in-law biked the last part with me. It’s so nice to know that my family doesn’t just put up with my running, but that they support me. I sure am lucky. Thank you all!
Also, check out the awesome cake my sister made me. I absolutely adore the chocolate and peanut butter combo. It was a chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting. Plus, the frosting in the middle layer had Reese’s cups. The top had chocolate ganache and was topped off with some more Reese’s. Yummy!
I’ll be watching the marathon tomorrow. Our plan is to watch the first part on our television and then scoot over to mile 25 to watch the runners come by. I’ll be doing a blog post on it tomorrow or Tuesday so stay tuned!
Joy Runner 
Happy birthday!!! What cool gifts! And ha, yes, once I took a day off on my birthday – the next day my boss asked what I did – I said I went running. They looked at me like I was mental. Haha
Thank you! I know, I think a lot of people don’t understand that we enjoy running. We don’t view it as work (most of the time), so of course we’re going to run on our birthdays!
Happy Birthday! I love celebrating with things that I love (which is why I ran a 5k on my birthday last month!) I’m totally jealous that you’re in Boston for the marathon… #BostonStrong forever! Race registrations are the best presents for sure! Can’t wait to see how you do in that race!
Thanks so much! Exactly – I love running so of course I’m going to run on my birthday! Yes, race registrations are great. Are you planning on running any races soon?
I’m thinking of running the Lowell Sun Half Marathon as part of the Baystate marathon that you’re doing. If I do we will definitely have to meet!
That’d be great! Yes, we would definitely have to meet – that’d be awesome!
Best birthday package ever! I have that singlet and LOVE it. So comfortable. Love that you’ve signed up for your second already!!
I know, right?! Glad to know you like the singlet – it felt so light and comfortable. I’m nervous to be signing up for my second before running my first but I know myself too well – I’ll have to run a second at the very least.
Happy Birthday, Laurel!! Awesome post! It sure was a running-themed birthday!!! 😀
Thanks, Jus! I love you!
Happy Birthday! Awesome gifts!
Thanks so much!