So for the last 3 months or so I've been struggling with the ability to keep my drive and focus during running, especially on runs over 10 miles or in races. I don't know what has happened but I figured I should start over and refocus on my running to come up with the reasons why.
I found my ability to push and push through the tough times last fall when training for a half marathon in the Wichita Mountains. Even though the plan was long and rigorous and required hours of running in the summer, I never seemed to hit a wall - and during the race I was able to push through the hard times when I wanted to quit. I want to find that again...
I figure a good starting location would be why I run. I run to relieve stress from work, to get outside and enjoy the fresh air since I don't have a window at work, to stay in shape and healthy, so I can eat normal portions of food and food I like, to get away from everything. My goals have changed alot since when I first started running to lose weight. Now I run because I want to, not because I feel I need to get out and be healthy. Maybe I need a new running statement...
"I run because I want to and because everyone deserves a moment to themself with no distractions."
I run because I want to: so why do I feel like it has become a burden or a game of try not to die when I go to a race or when I go on a long run. First thing I can think of is because I no long just run to finish, I run TO finish. I want to be in a top percentage of finishers, I want to break a time record that I've set for myself, I want to compete and be better. A competitive attitude is great, it keeps one motivated and focused, but I guess it can burn you out because you are always trying to be your best. Even when I try to go to a race and have fun I end up trying to race someone or the clock or myself. I can't just relax and have fun. I need to find a way to run more like when I take Jenga on runs - run because it is fun and to let my tongue flap in the breeze (of course that is Jenga with the tongue part!).
Because everyone deserves a moment to themself with no distractions: I'm constantly trying to please people, to get things done on time, to get things done. I never have time to sit back and do things that I want to do for myself like watch tv, read a book, just sit in silence or drive my car with no end location. Running helps me with this because no one can distract me when I run. It's just me. This doesn't seem to be a problem in my eyes because I haven't changed that reason to run - but I think sometimes when I force myself to go run (getting up at 6 on Saturdays) that I hit a wall. I'm not doing it because I want to get away - it's turning into another thing to get done. When I'm stuck on a schedule for a race and have to get in the runs I start to feel run down again. I have to stay positive and do it because I want to.
So now how do I get back where I want to be? Happy to run and just relaxed? My first attempt (weather permitting) is to take my pup Jenga to a Dog Run on the river on Memorial Day. My dog loves to run and I love to see others with their dogs running so what better. I can beat a previous time because I've never done it and it will be about Jenga, not a time. Next I think I'm going to focus on 5K races this summer. One because they are shorter and I don't have time to get frustrated and two because it doesn't take as much time to train for these races so I can do other things but run. Maybe getting some shorter faster races under my belt will help longer slower races seem less pushed, more enjoyable. Last - I know I want to break a time barrier, I always do, it's what makes me train hard on the hot and cold days and the days I want to sit on the couch - so maybe I need to get better at making the goal pace easier instead of making it a challenge. Get use to running it for all my normal runs on these shorter summer runs so that when fall rolls around it is just natural. Even if I don't beat my 5K PR, at least I have made 9:30 seem simple.
Starting this week I am going to spread out my running so it's not always something that has to be done at night. Monday morning I am going to get up and run a few miles. Start with 2, maybe get up to 4 - take my pup when possible, just have a good run that gets me awake on my worst day. One day a week I will run at night and then one day during the weekend I'll get in a long run. Change it up, keep things exciting and unpredictable, right???
Okay, so there is a start. I'm going to be more conscience about coming on here at least once a week and posting updates, feelings and what is going on. Maybe that way I can keep track of what is good and bad and how I'm adjusting. So till next time - Run On!!!
Monday, May 17
Saturday, May 15
See Spot Run 10K Race
Well I went into this race to have fun. I did the race for the t-shirt, to help the dogs, and to see people with their dogs doing the 5K. Of course my competitive nature took over and I wanted to push as hard as I could. Unfortunately I haven't trained for that over the last 2 weeks, i've taken it easy since Flying Pig, so it was a really hard pace that I couldn't keep.
To start the announcer says race start was moved back 15 minutes so I go walk around. Come back at 10 minutes till start and they are about to shoot the gun! AACCCCK don't do that. anyways, I jump into like and look around - obvious walkers are spread all over the front of the race. Great. As I try to move through the crowd, I politely say to people excuse me and pass through. One group as i'm passing say rudely - "excuse here, where she think she's going?" Ummm you guys are barely running and I want 9:20 splits. whatever.
I catch up to a group running my pace and we go back and forth over the 10K. It was a very hilly course which I wasn't prepared for, but was still strong from pig training so i would push through - usually passing people on the way up, but then would keep pace on the way back down and get passed. We kept this up till about 8K when I hit a wall. I guess my lactic acid just had enough and legs locked up. Walked for about 30 seconds. I hated that, it killed me, but i couldn't go anymore. I probably could have but I've lost the mental edge to push through that. I need to find that edge again.
I ended up with about 59:25 - only a 40 sec PR. I wanted at least a minute, more like 2. But it wasn't a good race. I don't have a racing mind right now. I need to get that back somehow. That needs to be a goal. I need to find a mental edge again.
Tuesday, May 4
Cincinnati Flying Pig 1/2 Marathon
Wow, that's all I can say about this race and the events around it. They have really put together a fun race experience and my favorite so far. From the pig sculptures to the swag to the spectators in the rain - it was amazing. I would love to go back and do this race again - and wouldn't even mind tackling the marathon if I eventually turn into a marathon junkie.
So the race - I like to break it up into three distinct parts: First 5 miles, Second 5 miles, Final 5K. I know many people say to do this anyways, but the way the race route was set up lent itself well to this way of thinking. I just want to take a minute and plug this half, I loved the course - even the hills. Mainly because the first 5 miles end within blocks of the finish line so when a race usually has left the finish area at the beginning mile or so, you were still in the area well into the race. I think this was a great mind game in my opinion.
Miles 1-5: I started out running with the 4:10 marathon pace group. I wanted to be able to pace the first couple of miles and also have a group to run the hills (which didn't happen). The crowd was dense for the first 3 miles between the bridges, turns, and poor road conditions from the rain. This caused for very sporatic pacing. Sometimes I felt like we were sprinting and other times it felt like 10 minute miles. Around mile 4.5 I stopped for water and got caught up in the mob. Instead of easily working my way back to the group, I sprinted - STUPID. Not only was it going up an overpass, but the group was speeding up for some reason also. Ended up killing my legs momentairly. I was faced with the option of keeping up and being tired or walking to take a gel and letting the group get away. I chose the latter. I think in the end it worked out.
Splits for the first 5 miles were: 9:52, 9:34, 9:42, 9:09, 9:25
Miles 6-10: Known as the climb. And what a climb it was. Being from Oklahoma I have never seen a hill like this and have no clue how I would have trained. My thought had always been to take it easy on the hills and just survive - well I did this, just taking it easy turned out to be walking every 5-10 minutes for a block. I really didn't want to but my legs just couldn't handle the hills and the short recoveries. Within the time I also had to use a porta potty (first time ever in a race) and stopped for a picture opp with the family. By this time I had given up on the thought of having a PR in the race and just wanted to have fun and enjoy the gorgeous views (through the rain). There was no way I would beat Dallas with a mile of hills left to go and walking so much.
Splits for miles 6-10 were: 9:18, 10:33, 11:30, 9:53, 10:13
The last 5K: So my original intention was to "race" the final 3.1. It was a mix of downhill and flat that I thought would be doable if I took it easy on the hills. Well I took it easy on the hills and man did it pay off. The downhill started around mile 10.5 or so and it was steep. I stretched my legs and just let it fly, enjoyed passing people and watching downtown Cincy come back into view. I was feeling good and keeping a pace around 8:30 - then the shoe came untied - stop retie both, start again. Still moving at a great pace. We start passing the walkers at this point as they are going through mile 6 and I think, man I've come so far since I started running which was a real confindence boost! I turned into the final 2 miles and took off...crap another untied shoe, why didn't I double knot?????? Took off again. Around 12.5 my legs start to get tired but I keep telling myself to push through and want it, so I do. Turning onto the final stretch I expected about .2 miles, no more like 1/2 miles to go. Really feeling it now but I will myself not to stop, even though I really want to walk I don't. Up the final mini hill (monster at this point) and past the "Finish Swine". As I pass the clock says 2:14:xx - not bad, not a PR but okay. I look down at my watch as I stop it and it says 2:09:18 - NO WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No way I PR'd with walking, the hill, potty stop, and 2 shoe tying stops. Welcome beaming smile!!!!
Splits for last 3 miles were: 9:15, 9:06, 8:56
And just to say - if it hadn't been for the potty stop and untied shoes, Garmin said my final time would have been 2:06:xx!!!!!!!
Anyways despite the rain and the hills the race went great. Spectators were amazing to say the least and I really enjoyed the experience. Now time for some rest!
So the race - I like to break it up into three distinct parts: First 5 miles, Second 5 miles, Final 5K. I know many people say to do this anyways, but the way the race route was set up lent itself well to this way of thinking. I just want to take a minute and plug this half, I loved the course - even the hills. Mainly because the first 5 miles end within blocks of the finish line so when a race usually has left the finish area at the beginning mile or so, you were still in the area well into the race. I think this was a great mind game in my opinion.
Miles 1-5: I started out running with the 4:10 marathon pace group. I wanted to be able to pace the first couple of miles and also have a group to run the hills (which didn't happen). The crowd was dense for the first 3 miles between the bridges, turns, and poor road conditions from the rain. This caused for very sporatic pacing. Sometimes I felt like we were sprinting and other times it felt like 10 minute miles. Around mile 4.5 I stopped for water and got caught up in the mob. Instead of easily working my way back to the group, I sprinted - STUPID. Not only was it going up an overpass, but the group was speeding up for some reason also. Ended up killing my legs momentairly. I was faced with the option of keeping up and being tired or walking to take a gel and letting the group get away. I chose the latter. I think in the end it worked out.
Splits for the first 5 miles were: 9:52, 9:34, 9:42, 9:09, 9:25
Miles 6-10: Known as the climb. And what a climb it was. Being from Oklahoma I have never seen a hill like this and have no clue how I would have trained. My thought had always been to take it easy on the hills and just survive - well I did this, just taking it easy turned out to be walking every 5-10 minutes for a block. I really didn't want to but my legs just couldn't handle the hills and the short recoveries. Within the time I also had to use a porta potty (first time ever in a race) and stopped for a picture opp with the family. By this time I had given up on the thought of having a PR in the race and just wanted to have fun and enjoy the gorgeous views (through the rain). There was no way I would beat Dallas with a mile of hills left to go and walking so much.
Splits for miles 6-10 were: 9:18, 10:33, 11:30, 9:53, 10:13
The last 5K: So my original intention was to "race" the final 3.1. It was a mix of downhill and flat that I thought would be doable if I took it easy on the hills. Well I took it easy on the hills and man did it pay off. The downhill started around mile 10.5 or so and it was steep. I stretched my legs and just let it fly, enjoyed passing people and watching downtown Cincy come back into view. I was feeling good and keeping a pace around 8:30 - then the shoe came untied - stop retie both, start again. Still moving at a great pace. We start passing the walkers at this point as they are going through mile 6 and I think, man I've come so far since I started running which was a real confindence boost! I turned into the final 2 miles and took off...crap another untied shoe, why didn't I double knot?????? Took off again. Around 12.5 my legs start to get tired but I keep telling myself to push through and want it, so I do. Turning onto the final stretch I expected about .2 miles, no more like 1/2 miles to go. Really feeling it now but I will myself not to stop, even though I really want to walk I don't. Up the final mini hill (monster at this point) and past the "Finish Swine". As I pass the clock says 2:14:xx - not bad, not a PR but okay. I look down at my watch as I stop it and it says 2:09:18 - NO WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No way I PR'd with walking, the hill, potty stop, and 2 shoe tying stops. Welcome beaming smile!!!!
Splits for last 3 miles were: 9:15, 9:06, 8:56
And just to say - if it hadn't been for the potty stop and untied shoes, Garmin said my final time would have been 2:06:xx!!!!!!!
Anyways despite the rain and the hills the race went great. Spectators were amazing to say the least and I really enjoyed the experience. Now time for some rest!
Eating before the race
So in attempt to remember this in the future, I am going to post what I ate before all my races and how I felt on race day. Hopefully this will help me figure out my best eating plan. Every once in awhile I might post plates from the days before long runs if I find something that works well.
Since I was out of town, I went to Olive Garden the night before the race. I had minestrone soup for an appetizer with a bread stick, and wheat linguini with meat sauce and another bread stick for the main course. I was comfortably full afterwards. We ate around 6pm.
The rest of the day I had half a turkey sandwich on a kaiser roll and kettle chips for lunch. I had a big breakfast because we went to a special brunch so I had eggs, bacon, quiche, strawberries and two small cinnamon rolls.
Race day...how did I feel? Fuel wise I think I did good. Pre-race I had 1/2 bagel with peanut butter 2 hours before and a luna lemon zest 15 minutes before. Miles 1-5 I felt great. No problem with fatigue. At mile 5 I pushed it too hard up a hill and my legs felt tired but i took a gel and moved on. Took another gel at 10 but my legs didn't feel too bad. I definitely did not hit a wall where I felt like I had no energy like I did in Dallas.
My biggest thing to remember is that I can't think diet in the few days before a race. I have to think how am I fueling my body. This is hard for me, but in the end it resulted in a faster race time and a much better feeling in the end.
Since I was out of town, I went to Olive Garden the night before the race. I had minestrone soup for an appetizer with a bread stick, and wheat linguini with meat sauce and another bread stick for the main course. I was comfortably full afterwards. We ate around 6pm.
The rest of the day I had half a turkey sandwich on a kaiser roll and kettle chips for lunch. I had a big breakfast because we went to a special brunch so I had eggs, bacon, quiche, strawberries and two small cinnamon rolls.
Race day...how did I feel? Fuel wise I think I did good. Pre-race I had 1/2 bagel with peanut butter 2 hours before and a luna lemon zest 15 minutes before. Miles 1-5 I felt great. No problem with fatigue. At mile 5 I pushed it too hard up a hill and my legs felt tired but i took a gel and moved on. Took another gel at 10 but my legs didn't feel too bad. I definitely did not hit a wall where I felt like I had no energy like I did in Dallas.
My biggest thing to remember is that I can't think diet in the few days before a race. I have to think how am I fueling my body. This is hard for me, but in the end it resulted in a faster race time and a much better feeling in the end.
Tuesday, March 16
Dallas Rock n Roll 1/2 Marathon
Ahhh spring has sprung, the warm weather and sun are out and we can now commence running in shorts again. This only came after a horrible winter (for us here in my fine state that live here to get away from the cold) where Jenga and I enjoyed (?) many runs in the snow or just freezing cold temperatures. So as I endured my first 1/2 of the season, my preparation was a little lacking due to my inability to suck it up and train in the cold weather. Wuss, I know, but i do run in 100 degree temps all summer when many retreat to their treadmills...
Dallas Rock n Roll, inaugural event. Must say it was well organized for a first time race - i would never have know if it hadn't been printed on everything between here and Dallas. Expo was amazing. There were so many different booths and things to see. My best buy? A new leash for Jenga. Its called a wacky walker and has a latex center so the dog is constantly pulling against a rubber area instead of my body... and oh how my body loves it!!!!
Onto the race. Another early morning due to Spring Forward (whoever thought of this sucks, and whoever continues to observe it sucks more) but I arrived in the starter village with about an hour before race time. If anyone has the opportunity to purchase a special potty pass for a race - suck it up and do it, best money ever spent to get a flushing toilet and running water!!! (thanks Craig). Anyways lined up in Corral 6 (felt so fast to be nearer the front then the back!) and awaited my opportunity to start. Just FYI, it was 45 degrees and at this point i had been without my warmups for about 30 minutes. Couldn't feel my feet or my hands for the first 3 miles...
Miles 1&2 were uneventful. The fun of waving to 5 or 6 cameras, the fun of the starting line and starting of the race...yea all that. Ran through downtown dallas - up the street where JFK was shoot and into the luxury apartment area. Mile 2.5 I saw my cheerleaders for the first time...also managed to lose my HR monitor from its secure place and it hung out as a belt until mile 7 when i ditched it.
Miles 3 & 4 felt great. was running at a steady pace, keeping around a 9:45 like planned. A few small uphills but i managed.
Mile 4.5 suddenly my legs felt like weights. huh???? what is this. shouldn't be feeling this for atleast another mile. Just passed a water stop but figure there's another one just ahead so I pop open my carboom and go after it. a some relief - and by the way, next water stop is 2.5 miles away...always memorize the map for water locations!!!!
Miles 5-7 was a war of wills. I kept telling myself to just keep running until the water stop then I could walk through it. So good thing the water stop was so far away cause it kept me going - but i was mentally getting taxed at this point.
Mile 7...water!!!! (you think i had been in a desert). And cheerleaders!!!! Dropped aforementioned HR monitor - told them i was dying and wasn't sure i would make it and plugged on. Thankfully the rest of the race was downhill (almost).
Miles 8-12 were just getting to the finish line. We had turned back in the direction of the finish which is always a plus and now I was just fighting not stopping completely. By this time my IT band was killing me and my achilles was super sore. All causing me to change my stride constantly and never get into rhythm. I played the run to water, walk the stop game for 4 miles just to make it to the finish. I also played a mind game that if i could keep all my splits below 10:28 that i would still PR and have a successful run. I really wish I could have enjoyed the route more, but I was so focused on finishing and looking at the runners in front of me to see what was around me. I'm bummed about that part for sure.
Mile 13 i'm in the fair park where the finish is, passing fans, the UT band (ick) and the majestic cotton bowl. I really wanted to kick it to the finish, but I just couldn't. I allowed my mind to relax about people passing me and just smiled knowing i didn't give up. 2:10:52. PR by 4:15. So success, but not really. I'm bummed that I just wasn't feeling it that morning and that I let my self get out of form enough to end up hobbling to the finish line it seems. It was the first attempt at my new goal which is always a challenge so I have to know that it is a learning experience.
First thing i learned - eat atleast 3 meals the day before. Make sure they have some nice complex carbs in them, and maybe not as much protein - save that for post race. At this point this is all that I can see affected actual race day. I think that being sick 3 weeks ago affected my endurance some also.
So there is race one of the season - Flying Pig look out, I'm going to Rock you!!!!
Sunday, January 24
7 Weeks till Dallas RnR
I haven't been by in a while, so I figured I should stop by and share some thoughts on running over the last couple of months. It has been full of turmoil to say the least, and it has definitely challenged my well-being and ability to adjust.
To start with I finally bit the bullet and did another 5K. My last 5K experience was a disaster, it came the morning after one of the most horrible nights in my life, and I basically broke down to the point of not being able to run. With that in the back of my head and weighing on me through several failed attempts to do a 5K, I finally signed up for the OKC Turkey Trot. I didn't PR which was not expected since I really hadn't trained any since my last race in October and was just happy to finish the race. The day after this race is when all the problems started...
I went out for a 5 miler the next day to try and get back on track - later that day or maybe the next I noticed that my knee felt bruised on the inside of the knee cap. Since this point I have had no end to pain throughout my knee, on top, under the knee cap, IT band, the side... I'm not sure what the deal is and as always I refuse to get it checked out. I have been nursing it and have cut back on my running since that point to keep it happy.
This has made my training for the Dallas RnR difficult as I wanted to push hard to get at least a 7 min PR and really see how good I can be when I apply myself completely. It also scares me because I want to commit to the Flying Pig in may to see my family back East. I'm afraid that something will happen between now and the race and I won't be able too, or that I will push too hard and make it worse. I'm not good at pulling back or admitting that I need a rest so I am trying to be stronger then I want to be.
I have to thank my pup Jenga through all of this. She is always so eager to go out for a run so i have started taking her out for the first 30 minutes every night. She keeps me from speeding up too fast and she keeps the fun in what is difficult for me to take.
I think i've rambled on enough - but just wanted to get some thoughts out. All mainly to say I'm scared of the pain in my knee and what I should do for it...
Sunday, October 11
Pictures from 2009 Spirit of Survival
Here are some of the better pictures from the race. Don't have alot from the course, most of them were at the turn around.
This one was coming up to the top of the hill before the turn around. (too bad none of these show much scenery
in the back ground.
Coming back down the same hill, felt like i was flying! (this one was taken by my cheerleaders, only ones on the course!)
Heading up to the finish line. I look so strong here, I'm not. I'm thinking, don't collapse before you cross the mats!!!!
And the grand finish!!!!!!
Monday, October 5
Spirit of Survival 1/2 marathon
Well 1/2 Marathon #4 is in the books. It was quite an experience, but I really had a good time and was really pleased with the outcome and the effort I put forth in this race.
A little background on the race weekend and race day before I launch into the race report. It was a fairly small race from the ones I have run in. There were only about 700 total runners in the marathon/ half race. There were a lot of runners that participated in the smaller races though. It was held in the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge. They said this is the only race held in a national wildlife refuge, so that was kind of cool. Was hoping I would see a buffalo or elk or something, but nothing. Race day was a mixture or rain, mist, fog, clouds, etc. This made it hard to see the scenary while racing which sucked, but it was still a very beautiful setting which helped keep my mind off the race at points. Also, the race course wasn't closed to traffic so the second half of the race was spent dodging cars from one side of the road to the other. very annoying
Race started at 8am, for some reason they decided that the race shuttles from the hotel needed to leave at 5:30am though, so we sat at the lodge at the start line from 2 hours while it poured rain outside. Not good for warming up but I did meet some really nice people. Finally stopped raining and we all ventured out around 7:45am to start lining up. Went to the middle back of the 9-10 minute pace group to keep with my slower start pace.
Mile 1- 10:01: Well I tried to start out with a nice easy pace - unfortunately the entire first mile was downhill. Yes this will come back to bite me at the end of the race.
Mile 2&3 - 10:34, 10:24: Much more like it. Fell into a nice pace. Found some people to pace myself with.
Mile 4- 10:21: First of the killer hills. Legs were pretty fresh so I took this one pretty well. Took two shot bloks at the end.
Mile 5- 10:14: took advantage of about 2 miles of flat ground to get into my goal pace and make up some time i would lose on hills. uneventful
Mile 6&7- 10:24, 10:36: Huge killer hill. This one probably stretched about 3/4 mile to the turn around point. And I thought it would never end. There was a rest stop about half way up that i really wanted water from but i knew if i stopped or diverted concentration I would never make it up the hill. At the turn around point was my friends and mom to cheer me on. Note this was the only spectators on the entire course besides the people at the water stop. Makes it difficult to push through the hard areas without cheers!
Mile 8- 10:00: Down the monster hill. Really was able to pick up pace and make up time.
Mile 9&10- 10:29, 9:57: stopped for 2 more shot bloks and water in mile 9, but was able to bump up my time in mile 10 (the other downhill from before). Feeling pretty good at this point and thinking i would definitely be able to race the last 5K.
Mile 11-13- 9:47, 9:39, 10:29: I'm actually surprised how fast these were. The beginning of mile 11 was downhill so picked up speed, but then around 11.5 we started going back up a pretty big hill. Kept my speed fairly well, thinking this was the last big one. Nope, turn back onto the final road to discover that the fast pace I had in the first mile was a long mile hill. All up, last mile. OUCH!!!! managed really well. Didn't want to stop and walk, but with about 1/2 mile to go I walked for about 30 secs because I really didn't think I would make it if I didn't. Was still able to "sprint" to the finish and then almost collapsed at the end. Took me about 5 minutes to even catch my breath. Checked the results: 2:15:05 chip time!!!! yea!!!! and garmin said i actually ran 13.21 miles so if i had run just 13.1 i would have been under.
I'll post pics and such later once I collect them.
A little background on the race weekend and race day before I launch into the race report. It was a fairly small race from the ones I have run in. There were only about 700 total runners in the marathon/ half race. There were a lot of runners that participated in the smaller races though. It was held in the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge. They said this is the only race held in a national wildlife refuge, so that was kind of cool. Was hoping I would see a buffalo or elk or something, but nothing. Race day was a mixture or rain, mist, fog, clouds, etc. This made it hard to see the scenary while racing which sucked, but it was still a very beautiful setting which helped keep my mind off the race at points. Also, the race course wasn't closed to traffic so the second half of the race was spent dodging cars from one side of the road to the other. very annoying
Race started at 8am, for some reason they decided that the race shuttles from the hotel needed to leave at 5:30am though, so we sat at the lodge at the start line from 2 hours while it poured rain outside. Not good for warming up but I did meet some really nice people. Finally stopped raining and we all ventured out around 7:45am to start lining up. Went to the middle back of the 9-10 minute pace group to keep with my slower start pace.
Mile 1- 10:01: Well I tried to start out with a nice easy pace - unfortunately the entire first mile was downhill. Yes this will come back to bite me at the end of the race.
Mile 2&3 - 10:34, 10:24: Much more like it. Fell into a nice pace. Found some people to pace myself with.
Mile 4- 10:21: First of the killer hills. Legs were pretty fresh so I took this one pretty well. Took two shot bloks at the end.
Mile 5- 10:14: took advantage of about 2 miles of flat ground to get into my goal pace and make up some time i would lose on hills. uneventful
Mile 6&7- 10:24, 10:36: Huge killer hill. This one probably stretched about 3/4 mile to the turn around point. And I thought it would never end. There was a rest stop about half way up that i really wanted water from but i knew if i stopped or diverted concentration I would never make it up the hill. At the turn around point was my friends and mom to cheer me on. Note this was the only spectators on the entire course besides the people at the water stop. Makes it difficult to push through the hard areas without cheers!
Mile 8- 10:00: Down the monster hill. Really was able to pick up pace and make up time.
Mile 9&10- 10:29, 9:57: stopped for 2 more shot bloks and water in mile 9, but was able to bump up my time in mile 10 (the other downhill from before). Feeling pretty good at this point and thinking i would definitely be able to race the last 5K.
Mile 11-13- 9:47, 9:39, 10:29: I'm actually surprised how fast these were. The beginning of mile 11 was downhill so picked up speed, but then around 11.5 we started going back up a pretty big hill. Kept my speed fairly well, thinking this was the last big one. Nope, turn back onto the final road to discover that the fast pace I had in the first mile was a long mile hill. All up, last mile. OUCH!!!! managed really well. Didn't want to stop and walk, but with about 1/2 mile to go I walked for about 30 secs because I really didn't think I would make it if I didn't. Was still able to "sprint" to the finish and then almost collapsed at the end. Took me about 5 minutes to even catch my breath. Checked the results: 2:15:05 chip time!!!! yea!!!! and garmin said i actually ran 13.21 miles so if i had run just 13.1 i would have been under.
I'll post pics and such later once I collect them.
Monday, September 21
Countdown to Spirit
Well here I am 13 days from my next 1/2 marathon. Haven't said anything since the last race skits about time to step it up.
Starting off Jenga wants to say a few words: awwwwwoooooo! Okay so that really says: mom has gotten back to taking me on runs. Lost alot over the long summer and a mile is really hard. I know mom gets really aggregated with me cause I slow down so much and poop out before she can finish a lap, but I really do have fun going. I hope she knows that I will get better as it gets cooler. I want to be a running pup! Even if I don't like putting on my running harness!
Now onto training report. I am once again going after the golden 2:15:00 mark. I felt really good before the last race, but I learned a valuable lesson about not using too much energy in the first 6 miles of the race. No matter how I feel at the gun, I have to hang back for a few miles and conserve. The other problem with the last race was the weather. Training for the April race was mostly don't in 30-50 degree conditions. On race day it was close to 75 humid and super windy. Became one of those conditions where plan B comes into play. I'm hoping for good conditions this time.
My last race sim run was great on Saturday. Did 4 miles at a race pace. Pulled back some for 6 miles, then did some fartlek striders for the last mile. Tonight I just did a run without looking at my watch the whole time and had a 9:54 pace. Close to fastest time ever for just an easy non structured run. So hopefully the cooler weather mixed with crazy heat training will pay off huge in two weeks. Only time will tell though. If I can pass this hurdle I feel like I could really achieve so much more. I fell held back because I don't live up to my timing for shorter races in the 1/2.
I'll check back in post race and hopefully have great news!!!
Starting off Jenga wants to say a few words: awwwwwoooooo! Okay so that really says: mom has gotten back to taking me on runs. Lost alot over the long summer and a mile is really hard. I know mom gets really aggregated with me cause I slow down so much and poop out before she can finish a lap, but I really do have fun going. I hope she knows that I will get better as it gets cooler. I want to be a running pup! Even if I don't like putting on my running harness!
Now onto training report. I am once again going after the golden 2:15:00 mark. I felt really good before the last race, but I learned a valuable lesson about not using too much energy in the first 6 miles of the race. No matter how I feel at the gun, I have to hang back for a few miles and conserve. The other problem with the last race was the weather. Training for the April race was mostly don't in 30-50 degree conditions. On race day it was close to 75 humid and super windy. Became one of those conditions where plan B comes into play. I'm hoping for good conditions this time.
My last race sim run was great on Saturday. Did 4 miles at a race pace. Pulled back some for 6 miles, then did some fartlek striders for the last mile. Tonight I just did a run without looking at my watch the whole time and had a 9:54 pace. Close to fastest time ever for just an easy non structured run. So hopefully the cooler weather mixed with crazy heat training will pay off huge in two weeks. Only time will tell though. If I can pass this hurdle I feel like I could really achieve so much more. I fell held back because I don't live up to my timing for shorter races in the 1/2.
I'll check back in post race and hopefully have great news!!!
Saturday, May 9
Wish list
I decided I should make a wish list of races I want to do in the future. I'm only 28 so i have many years to accomplish this list, and I'm sure it will grow. Hopefully it will give me a chance to see the US by foot and really appreciate the scenery and areas around the race path.
Half Marathon list:
Disney Princess 1/2 - Walt Disney World
Women's Nike Half marathon - San Fransisco
Rock n Roll 1/2 - San Antonio
Kansas City 1/2
any 1/2 in Hawaii
Full Marathon list:
NYC Marathon
Chicago Marathon
Boston Marathon
Half Marathon list:
Disney Princess 1/2 - Walt Disney World
Women's Nike Half marathon - San Fransisco
Rock n Roll 1/2 - San Antonio
Kansas City 1/2
any 1/2 in Hawaii
Full Marathon list:
NYC Marathon
Chicago Marathon
Boston Marathon
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