So this last Saturday I ran the NB Hope 5k. I was scheduled to do 10miles total that day so I figured I would get them all in somehow.
I was going to run before we left the house, but it was too stinking dark out. Boo! Anyways, so hubby and I set out. We had to go in 2 cars because I had to go to work right after the race... another boo! Anyways, we got there and I picked up my timing chip, we scoped out a place for hubby to sit and read or whatever he does while I run :-)
I got situated and I did a mile warm up. I was so glad that I did this. I really wanted to run a lot more but time goes by really fast when you're picking up a timing chip and walking around to find a good sitting area. So, by the time I was done with my warm up I headed to the start and I was only waiting 5-10mins.
Then we were off. I kept telling myself that I wasn't running a race and there was no need to get nervous pervous and I was just happening to be running with a lot of people. It actually helped. My stomach wasn't doing flips and I didn't feel like I was going out way too fast. The course was mostly flat and I loved it! They had volunteers out and at each mile mark they were yelling out times- heh, reminded me of high school cross country!
At the first mile I heard them yell out 7:30... what? Really??? I looked at my watch and sure enough I was right around a 7:30min pace!! I was so excited! Then, we turned and we were on a sand/gravel trail. It was a little challenging but I stayed to the side so I could have some grass traction. I felt like I was flying and I was still feeling good. Then I did what I used to to in XC back in the day- I just kept telling myself- "this whole thing is only 3 miles and you've gone half of that and it's only a little over a mile and that's nothing!" That kicked me into gear and by the time I got to the 2nd mile I was around 15 mins-ish. Then I just booked it. I was trying to see ahead to see how many women there were ahead of me. I couldn't tell, but I was pretty sure that as I passed one lady that I was at least the 3rd woman in the group.
I finished in 24:11!!! That is a whole new PR for me! I finished 21st overall out of like 360, 3rd woman finisher and 1st out of 50 in my age group! Hollah! I was so excited! A lady came over to me that I had been "running with" during mile 2 to congratulate me and she told me she was trying to keep up with me and that I had a really good race. How nice of her!! I am usually the one coming over to someone and saying "holy smokes! I tried to keep up but you just left me in your dust!"
My husband was super nice and he stayed after for awards and he got my medal for me! This is the first medal I have gotten that I "earned". Not just for being a finisher- although I believe anyone who runs a half or full marathon deserves the medal no matter what!! But this medal just means a lot to me. I know, korny!
I have to load pics up of the race later. I am still sort've unpacking and I can't find my camera cord. Go figure.
Now to figure out how the rest of this week is going to go. I have some speed work scheduled for this weekend, but next weekend I have a very long run and I might have to switch it around due to stuff that has come up... so we'll see how that goes.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Sunday, August 22, 2010
9-teen milez
I went to bed on Friday night feeling sort've excited about the proposed long run for Saturday morning. The last time I was doing this sort of distance was this last winter... in Utah no less. AKA: Freezing. So, what's worse? Utah winter or Houston summer?? I haven't really decided yet. Utah winters have nothing on winters I had growing up in New Hampshire, but still cold. Then Houston in the summer... yikes. Humidity... and more humidity... the whole sweating thing while blow drying your hair after right after getting out of the shower isn't exactly ideal... but I guess it's better than worrying if you have enough layers on to avoid frostbite? Maybe.
I remembered my 18mile training run when I was training for SLC... it was on a treadmill! I was so hoping that I wasn't going to have to resort to that due to bad weather. I got up and I started getting ready and I ate my "Snickers Marathon Bar". Okay, I have never liked the idea of "power bars" because they don't always taste that great but my sister got me some of these Snicker Marathon bars and I love them! They taste so good! Don't let the Snickers title fool you... this isn't a candy bar. I absolutely love them and I do feel like they do help my long runs. I can't eat much before I go out and run, but I can't go with an empty stomach- so this is an excellent solution for my long run or race days when I can't eat my normal breakfast :-) Okay.. shameless plug over. Thanks to marathonbars.com for the picture.
This run overall was as good as it could be in very hot and humid weather. I've promised hubby that I won't run in the dark- so as soon as the sky started to lighten up I headed out. My feet were "body- glided" (is that how you'd say it?) I had my tunes, my water belt, Gu, cell phone, Garmin and my road id and I was good to go. There were so many rabbits out this morning. In NH we had deer... apparently here in TX there are just lots of rabbits... and dead frogs... but it was really neat to see so many of them.
My route was a 3 mile-plus-some-change, not my favorite, but that early in the morning, and possible potty issues- I needed to make sure I was close to home. I did have to make 3 stops. The first stop I needed was to run inside to get a towel to wipe of all the nats that I ran through around a small lake in our neighborhood. Gross. The 2nd stop was to refill my water bottles and my 3rd stop was unexpected. My in-laws decided to stop by in the morning and they passed by me on my route right as I was going to pass the house for my last loop. So, I stopped to see them for a few mins with the hubby who was being manly and mowing the lawn :-) (it looks great!).
I was so excited to get this done. I am sure that my new neighbors think I am absolutely crazy, but I was so excited that I was able to do this (outside no less!). It was hot out, but it could've been worse and I made sure to have enough water and Gu to get me through.
I tried to get a picture of my garmin telling me that I finished my work out at 19miles, but I was just a second too late! So, here is a picture of my watch right after that flashed up :-) So, in the end- this too me 3 hours and 3 minutes :-) That's not including my pit stops, so I was out a little longer- but I feel like when you run for 19 miles, you are allowed to take pit stops and not have to include them in your final time :-)
I am feeling great though! I can move and walk around with minimal issues and that is always a good thing after really long runs! I would call this run as a success!
PS: I ordered yet another running skirt this last week and it came in the mail yesterday! I am excited to "break it in" this week! Oh... and! For any of you running the Rock n Roll San Antonio Marathon- make sure to look at the August e-mail all the way at the bottom. They have a reusable (up until the day of the marathon11/14) $25 off coupon for purchases of $100 or more at Sports Authority. I don't really like getting running shoes at big department type stores... I like going to specific running stores- but seriously. $25 off on shoes?? No brainer! They had the shoes I wanted and were comfortable with and I was good to go :-) Ah, feels good to save monies :)
If you are like me and like the running stores but don't know what shoes to get but still want to use your coupon... you could always go to the running store and get advice and then head over to Sports Authority to get the shoes there? Is that awful of me to suggest??
Happy Running!
I remembered my 18mile training run when I was training for SLC... it was on a treadmill! I was so hoping that I wasn't going to have to resort to that due to bad weather. I got up and I started getting ready and I ate my "Snickers Marathon Bar". Okay, I have never liked the idea of "power bars" because they don't always taste that great but my sister got me some of these Snicker Marathon bars and I love them! They taste so good! Don't let the Snickers title fool you... this isn't a candy bar. I absolutely love them and I do feel like they do help my long runs. I can't eat much before I go out and run, but I can't go with an empty stomach- so this is an excellent solution for my long run or race days when I can't eat my normal breakfast :-) Okay.. shameless plug over. Thanks to marathonbars.com for the picture.
This run overall was as good as it could be in very hot and humid weather. I've promised hubby that I won't run in the dark- so as soon as the sky started to lighten up I headed out. My feet were "body- glided" (is that how you'd say it?) I had my tunes, my water belt, Gu, cell phone, Garmin and my road id and I was good to go. There were so many rabbits out this morning. In NH we had deer... apparently here in TX there are just lots of rabbits... and dead frogs... but it was really neat to see so many of them.
My route was a 3 mile-plus-some-change, not my favorite, but that early in the morning, and possible potty issues- I needed to make sure I was close to home. I did have to make 3 stops. The first stop I needed was to run inside to get a towel to wipe of all the nats that I ran through around a small lake in our neighborhood. Gross. The 2nd stop was to refill my water bottles and my 3rd stop was unexpected. My in-laws decided to stop by in the morning and they passed by me on my route right as I was going to pass the house for my last loop. So, I stopped to see them for a few mins with the hubby who was being manly and mowing the lawn :-) (it looks great!).
I was so excited to get this done. I am sure that my new neighbors think I am absolutely crazy, but I was so excited that I was able to do this (outside no less!). It was hot out, but it could've been worse and I made sure to have enough water and Gu to get me through.
I tried to get a picture of my garmin telling me that I finished my work out at 19miles, but I was just a second too late! So, here is a picture of my watch right after that flashed up :-) So, in the end- this too me 3 hours and 3 minutes :-) That's not including my pit stops, so I was out a little longer- but I feel like when you run for 19 miles, you are allowed to take pit stops and not have to include them in your final time :-)
I am feeling great though! I can move and walk around with minimal issues and that is always a good thing after really long runs! I would call this run as a success!
PS: I ordered yet another running skirt this last week and it came in the mail yesterday! I am excited to "break it in" this week! Oh... and! For any of you running the Rock n Roll San Antonio Marathon- make sure to look at the August e-mail all the way at the bottom. They have a reusable (up until the day of the marathon11/14) $25 off coupon for purchases of $100 or more at Sports Authority. I don't really like getting running shoes at big department type stores... I like going to specific running stores- but seriously. $25 off on shoes?? No brainer! They had the shoes I wanted and were comfortable with and I was good to go :-) Ah, feels good to save monies :)
If you are like me and like the running stores but don't know what shoes to get but still want to use your coupon... you could always go to the running store and get advice and then head over to Sports Authority to get the shoes there? Is that awful of me to suggest??
Happy Running!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
New routes and sadly.. a lot of dead frogs...
So.... WE MOVED INTO THE NEW HOUSE!!! We closed on July 28th and since then I have been painting, unpacking like a mad woman, running and figuring out new routes.... and all of my other responsibilities :)
Since moving here from Utah, it has been hard getting used to the REALLY flat roads. I mean, I should be relishing in it, however, I feel like I am getting a false sense of what my pace really is. Heh, like if I were to go to Utah tomorrow and try and run- I'd probably die... not just because of hills, but also the elevation too. I am worried about it though. The San Antonio RnR marathon is right around the corner and they've changed up the route and the last few miles are a gradual incline. Seriously?? Boo!
I will admit that I am starting to feel a little nervous for it. I did run 16miles two Saturdays ago and it felt good- but like I said... no hills... any advice for that? People say to hit the mill and put it an incline. I will let that be my LAST resort. So, seriously, any advice would be greatly appreciated.
So now for the dead frogs. I resisted taking pictures of them, but I cannot tell you how many dead frogs I have seen in the last 2 weeks. They aren't even in the road. They're on the sidewalks and they weren't driven over or anything. Are they just frying on the pavement?? It's so sad! One day I counted 10 dead frogs on my run. Sad.
The nice thing is that because it has been so brutally hot here (it is Houston after all) I have been leaving in the wee hours of the morning and I always get a nice sunrise. This picture doesn't do it justice.
Since moving here from Utah, it has been hard getting used to the REALLY flat roads. I mean, I should be relishing in it, however, I feel like I am getting a false sense of what my pace really is. Heh, like if I were to go to Utah tomorrow and try and run- I'd probably die... not just because of hills, but also the elevation too. I am worried about it though. The San Antonio RnR marathon is right around the corner and they've changed up the route and the last few miles are a gradual incline. Seriously?? Boo!
I will admit that I am starting to feel a little nervous for it. I did run 16miles two Saturdays ago and it felt good- but like I said... no hills... any advice for that? People say to hit the mill and put it an incline. I will let that be my LAST resort. So, seriously, any advice would be greatly appreciated.
So now for the dead frogs. I resisted taking pictures of them, but I cannot tell you how many dead frogs I have seen in the last 2 weeks. They aren't even in the road. They're on the sidewalks and they weren't driven over or anything. Are they just frying on the pavement?? It's so sad! One day I counted 10 dead frogs on my run. Sad.
The nice thing is that because it has been so brutally hot here (it is Houston after all) I have been leaving in the wee hours of the morning and I always get a nice sunrise. This picture doesn't do it justice.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Hotter than me
Yesterday I had a 16mile run planned. However, like I said in my last post, we had some family in town and they were leaving that morning. I didn't know what time they were planning on heading out, so I decided to get up extra early to get this done.
The alarm went off at 5am and I jumped out of bed kind''ve excited. It's always awesome when you jump out of bed excited to go out for a run. It makes the whole thing worth it. I got all ready and headed downstairs to get something to eat. It then dawned on me to check out how light it was outside. It was still completely dark with no hint of sun. Bummer. The only thing my husband has ever asked me to do when it comes to running is to NOT run outside when it's dark and I am happy to comply. It's scary to run in the dark alone (esp. when you're a woman) even when you have all kinds of reflectors on you.
Anyways, I just hung out and let my stomach digest. I finally headed out a little before 6:30am. The temperature was 78* and the high for the day was 95*. I had to get going. I kept the 16miles as my goal and I started off on a 2 mile loop. I know... it sounds miserable, but it really isn't that bad for a loop. If I have to stop in at home to change layers or use the restroom I don't have far to go.
The best part about this run was this lady I passed a few times. She was walking with a friend and as I was passing them a 2nd time she yelled out: "you go girl!!" Awesome. It made me smile and I just kept on moving and feeling like I was on the top of the world.
At around 8 miles the heat was on and I was just sweating buckets- but I was maintaining my goal pace. So, instead of doing 16 miles, I decided to see if I could do a sub 2 hr half. I was so excited. My pace was consistent and I felt so strong. I love it when that happens. It was definitely a confidence booster!!
I was so stinking close!! I finished 13.1 in literally 2 hours flat! Ahh!! I have been stuck at like 2:02-2:06. I'm getting there though. So, overall, yesterday was great and I am very happy with it.
I meant to take a picture of myself when I was finished, however, when I got back to the house, everyone was around the table eating breakfast and I completely forgot. I will try to do better with pictures. Promise. That's my goal for the blog this week.
What inspiring things have helped you on long runs (like people yelling "you go girl" at you... not creepy pick up lines haha)?
The alarm went off at 5am and I jumped out of bed kind''ve excited. It's always awesome when you jump out of bed excited to go out for a run. It makes the whole thing worth it. I got all ready and headed downstairs to get something to eat. It then dawned on me to check out how light it was outside. It was still completely dark with no hint of sun. Bummer. The only thing my husband has ever asked me to do when it comes to running is to NOT run outside when it's dark and I am happy to comply. It's scary to run in the dark alone (esp. when you're a woman) even when you have all kinds of reflectors on you.
Anyways, I just hung out and let my stomach digest. I finally headed out a little before 6:30am. The temperature was 78* and the high for the day was 95*. I had to get going. I kept the 16miles as my goal and I started off on a 2 mile loop. I know... it sounds miserable, but it really isn't that bad for a loop. If I have to stop in at home to change layers or use the restroom I don't have far to go.
The best part about this run was this lady I passed a few times. She was walking with a friend and as I was passing them a 2nd time she yelled out: "you go girl!!" Awesome. It made me smile and I just kept on moving and feeling like I was on the top of the world.
At around 8 miles the heat was on and I was just sweating buckets- but I was maintaining my goal pace. So, instead of doing 16 miles, I decided to see if I could do a sub 2 hr half. I was so excited. My pace was consistent and I felt so strong. I love it when that happens. It was definitely a confidence booster!!
I was so stinking close!! I finished 13.1 in literally 2 hours flat! Ahh!! I have been stuck at like 2:02-2:06. I'm getting there though. So, overall, yesterday was great and I am very happy with it.
I meant to take a picture of myself when I was finished, however, when I got back to the house, everyone was around the table eating breakfast and I completely forgot. I will try to do better with pictures. Promise. That's my goal for the blog this week.
What inspiring things have helped you on long runs (like people yelling "you go girl" at you... not creepy pick up lines haha)?
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
I don't know how you do it...
Dear all moms,
So, I am not a mom (yet). It will be a little while until that happens, however, today my sister-in-law and her family arrived from Utah to visit. I have a lot of nieces and nephews on my side of the family and I even work in a daycare at a gym a few days a week- so I am not unfamiliar with kids or anything like that... I just am always able to pass them on to their parents when the time comes.
Anyways, the point of this "letter" is to tell all of you mom's how much I respect you for getting out there and keeping up your exercise and running. It takes a lot of work just to keep sane sometimes I'm sure. Today I wasn't able to go out and run like I wanted to because things just came up and my sweet niece and nephew needed a little extra looking after.
After quite a few melt downs my sis-in-law said, "this is why I eat junk food". It made me laugh. But in all seriousness, I just hope that I can keep up running by the time the kiddos come into my life and be able to find a balance in life.
There was a mom who dropped her kid off at the gym today and she was like, "i'm sorry you have to look after all these kids". I just looked at her and I thought "I did sign up for this knowingly.." Then I said to her, "that's the point of this, so you can get some 'me' time and get in your exercise to better yourself and your family". That's really what running does for me now. It makes me a better person and in return it has strengthened my marriage a little too.
So to all you mom's- keep up the AMAZING work of finding a balance and getting out there when you'd rather eat junk food. You all inspire me and I hope I can be like all of you when that time comes.
Now I just need to figure out what to do about the whole not exercising thing today... cookies?? ;) just kidding!!
Heart,
Crystal
So, I am not a mom (yet). It will be a little while until that happens, however, today my sister-in-law and her family arrived from Utah to visit. I have a lot of nieces and nephews on my side of the family and I even work in a daycare at a gym a few days a week- so I am not unfamiliar with kids or anything like that... I just am always able to pass them on to their parents when the time comes.
Anyways, the point of this "letter" is to tell all of you mom's how much I respect you for getting out there and keeping up your exercise and running. It takes a lot of work just to keep sane sometimes I'm sure. Today I wasn't able to go out and run like I wanted to because things just came up and my sweet niece and nephew needed a little extra looking after.
After quite a few melt downs my sis-in-law said, "this is why I eat junk food". It made me laugh. But in all seriousness, I just hope that I can keep up running by the time the kiddos come into my life and be able to find a balance in life.
There was a mom who dropped her kid off at the gym today and she was like, "i'm sorry you have to look after all these kids". I just looked at her and I thought "I did sign up for this knowingly.." Then I said to her, "that's the point of this, so you can get some 'me' time and get in your exercise to better yourself and your family". That's really what running does for me now. It makes me a better person and in return it has strengthened my marriage a little too.
So to all you mom's- keep up the AMAZING work of finding a balance and getting out there when you'd rather eat junk food. You all inspire me and I hope I can be like all of you when that time comes.
Now I just need to figure out what to do about the whole not exercising thing today... cookies?? ;) just kidding!!
Heart,
Crystal
Saturday, July 17, 2010
10 miler gone wrong
This morning I decided to sleep in. I was so exhausted from this last week that I just said "no way" to the alarm and headed back to bed at 5:30am. I had my 10miler run looming over my head and I decided that I would run it after my stomach had settled after lunch.
Because it was super hot and there was a chance of a downpour, I had to hit the treadmill. Not my favorite- but sometimes that's just what you have to do. I headed out to the gym in my cute RunningSkirt (running camp skirt- love it!) that the hubby got me for my birthday in May and I was excited to get this done! I just felt good and full of energy- as my mother-in-law would say, "a tough Texas woman"- that's how I felt :-)
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There were some characters at the gym today. I'm talking super awesome jean cut offs... It made for really good people watching (is that awful??). I was feeling good and I felt like I was getting my 2nd wind for the whole first half of it. I was just feeling good. Then around mile 5- the thought "oh no!" came up and I had to hit the stop button and run to the bathroom. Stupid GI issues. Then after that, I was still feeling good all over except for my stomach. Blegh. I ran for another 2.5miles and I again had to hit the "stop" button and this time I just left everything on the mill and ran to the locker room as fast as I could. It was that bad.
How awful! I'm not sure what's up with my digestive system, but I was just so bummed today because I was really feeling good (minus the bathroom issues). Maybe it was payback for keeping myself occupied with "people-watching". I had to cut it short at 7.5 miles because I just knew that I was going to keep having to run to the bathroom. Heh, I'm sure people noticed and probably thought I was some crazy person.
I guess the positives I can take away from this is that I was feeling good enough to finish with flying colors (if I hadn't had other issues). That's always a good sign when you're running double digits. Granted, it was on the TM, but who cares?? At least I got out there, right?? :-)
Quote of the day: "pass gas, not judgment"
Hope everyone is having a great weekend!
Because it was super hot and there was a chance of a downpour, I had to hit the treadmill. Not my favorite- but sometimes that's just what you have to do. I headed out to the gym in my cute RunningSkirt (running camp skirt- love it!) that the hubby got me for my birthday in May and I was excited to get this done! I just felt good and full of energy- as my mother-in-law would say, "a tough Texas woman"- that's how I felt :-)
.jpg)
There were some characters at the gym today. I'm talking super awesome jean cut offs... It made for really good people watching (is that awful??). I was feeling good and I felt like I was getting my 2nd wind for the whole first half of it. I was just feeling good. Then around mile 5- the thought "oh no!" came up and I had to hit the stop button and run to the bathroom. Stupid GI issues. Then after that, I was still feeling good all over except for my stomach. Blegh. I ran for another 2.5miles and I again had to hit the "stop" button and this time I just left everything on the mill and ran to the locker room as fast as I could. It was that bad.
How awful! I'm not sure what's up with my digestive system, but I was just so bummed today because I was really feeling good (minus the bathroom issues). Maybe it was payback for keeping myself occupied with "people-watching". I had to cut it short at 7.5 miles because I just knew that I was going to keep having to run to the bathroom. Heh, I'm sure people noticed and probably thought I was some crazy person.
I guess the positives I can take away from this is that I was feeling good enough to finish with flying colors (if I hadn't had other issues). That's always a good sign when you're running double digits. Granted, it was on the TM, but who cares?? At least I got out there, right?? :-)
Quote of the day: "pass gas, not judgment"
Hope everyone is having a great weekend!
Friday, July 16, 2010
Today I am thankful for running
So, it's official!! My oldest sister and I have signed up for the Disney Princess Half Marathon!! My sister loves everything Disney. No really. It's her most favorite place in the entire world. If she could live in Cinderella's castle, she would. Well, I guess- who wouldn't want to live in Cinderella's castle??
Anyways, we signed up as a team!! We wanted our team name to be: "Gulf Coast Beauty and East Coast Belle". However, it was a little long and we couldn't abbreviate it that much for it to make sense. So, now our team name is: "TX Beauty + NH Belle". Awesome. I am so excited!!
So, why am I thankful for running? Well, running has always been there for me during the good times and bad. It has lifted me up and kept me feeling good and healthy. It keeps me sane!! It has also brought me and my sister closer together. You see, there is a 15 year age difference between us. Who would've thought that you could have a really good relationship with a sibling that much older than you? I know it's always possible, however, let's be honest- when I was 3 she went off to college and I didn't really get to know her that well. Then our mom passed away when I was 11 and she became my mother figure- always keeping me on the right track.
Then I moved off to college (BYU in Utah) in 2003 and now I just moved to Texas for the hubby's job. So, I've been gone from home for quite a long time. Anyways, the last few years I have been getting back into running and training. In these last few years my sister was also getting healthy and this last year, she has started running for the first time! We call each other up for pep talks before races now or talk about our training- the good days and bad.
This is why I am thankful for running. It has brought us really close together aside from everything else and running is constant. I am so excited for her to do this half marathon with me. As of now, she hasn't run a half before- so it may be her first (unless she runs one this fall). I am so excited for her! Let's just hope I can keep up now :-)
I heart running :-) Why do you?
Anyways, we signed up as a team!! We wanted our team name to be: "Gulf Coast Beauty and East Coast Belle". However, it was a little long and we couldn't abbreviate it that much for it to make sense. So, now our team name is: "TX Beauty + NH Belle". Awesome. I am so excited!!
So, why am I thankful for running? Well, running has always been there for me during the good times and bad. It has lifted me up and kept me feeling good and healthy. It keeps me sane!! It has also brought me and my sister closer together. You see, there is a 15 year age difference between us. Who would've thought that you could have a really good relationship with a sibling that much older than you? I know it's always possible, however, let's be honest- when I was 3 she went off to college and I didn't really get to know her that well. Then our mom passed away when I was 11 and she became my mother figure- always keeping me on the right track.
Then I moved off to college (BYU in Utah) in 2003 and now I just moved to Texas for the hubby's job. So, I've been gone from home for quite a long time. Anyways, the last few years I have been getting back into running and training. In these last few years my sister was also getting healthy and this last year, she has started running for the first time! We call each other up for pep talks before races now or talk about our training- the good days and bad.
This is why I am thankful for running. It has brought us really close together aside from everything else and running is constant. I am so excited for her to do this half marathon with me. As of now, she hasn't run a half before- so it may be her first (unless she runs one this fall). I am so excited for her! Let's just hope I can keep up now :-)
I heart running :-) Why do you?
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