Another overdue race report, Livestrong was back in February.
A month and a half later its' hard to remember exactly how the day was. Jennifer and I ran this together and I had decided in advance I was not going to go all out. I had (have) a nagging glute/hamstring injury that was bugging me and I knew pushing myself would not be good long term. The weather was fine, I wore shorts and a t-shirt and my Spartan hat, along with the water pack. I got at least 3 shout outs for my hat, which was pretty cool. Jennifer and I ran together for about the first 10 miles until the killer hill. Then she dropped back and I powered through to the finish. I was feeling pretty good until The Hill, then my knees started to hurt and my hamstring was pulling. I knew if I walked I would hurt more, and running faster actually hurt less (weird).
Final time: 1:54:58, avg pace 8:47/mile, 137 place in my age group
I did not have a goal time going into this, but figured I could finish in under 2 hours. My primary goal was to finish and then take a couple weeks off to rest and heel.
I did see a sports medicine doctor 2 weeks later. He looked at 2 things. First my glute/hamstring he judged as pulled or mildly injured but that the scar tissue was irritating and that was what was bothering me. He flat out said "I'm not going to tell you not to run, it won't do you any more damage if you do, and you probably will anyway." Well put. So he said to take it easy and keep running as long as it doesn't get worse, eventually it will just stop hurting. The other thing was my B-b-b-bunions. ~shudder~. My feet belong to my mother and they ain't pretty. For this he suggested I see a specialist for an assessment. He said if I wore high heels I probably would have had surgery already, but for now I'm ok. If they get 'worse' I should seriously consider surgery which will keep me off my feet for 3-4 months and is no guarantee they will be fixed. They took x-rays so I will go back in 6-12 months and see one of the guys who does the surgery for an evaluation. So, that's that. I wasn't surprised by anything he said. I went home and laid out a running plan for March that kept me to a low amount of miles and cross training so that I would not over do it.
Showing posts with label Race. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Race. Show all posts
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Race results: Cupids Chase 5K
Long overdue, haven't been updating at all.
I ran the Georgetown Cupids Chase 5k and kids K back in February with the family. Prior to that day the kids were dying to run another race, but when it came time to get up and get going in the morning they were not happy at all. Of course by the time they ran and got their sweet medals and goody bags they were happy.
The 5k was great, I would do this race again. The course seemed like it might be confusing, but when I was running it they had it well marked off. Only odd thing was that it was a point to point course, so the finish was not at the start. John parked near the end so I could walk back to meet them and the race organizers had a shuttle bus to transport folks back to the start line. The finish also had great food, vendors and a festive 'post race party'. I did not hang out, the kids were in the car waiting to go home. I did place 3rd in my age group and got a cool tile to commemorate my win. Very nice swag. Also - the adult shirts were long sleeve and red, which was great.
Finish time - 22:16, avg pace 7:08, 3rd place in my age group.
I ran the Georgetown Cupids Chase 5k and kids K back in February with the family. Prior to that day the kids were dying to run another race, but when it came time to get up and get going in the morning they were not happy at all. Of course by the time they ran and got their sweet medals and goody bags they were happy.
The 5k was great, I would do this race again. The course seemed like it might be confusing, but when I was running it they had it well marked off. Only odd thing was that it was a point to point course, so the finish was not at the start. John parked near the end so I could walk back to meet them and the race organizers had a shuttle bus to transport folks back to the start line. The finish also had great food, vendors and a festive 'post race party'. I did not hang out, the kids were in the car waiting to go home. I did place 3rd in my age group and got a cool tile to commemorate my win. Very nice swag. Also - the adult shirts were long sleeve and red, which was great.
Finish time - 22:16, avg pace 7:08, 3rd place in my age group.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Sucker for a Deal
Ugh. I am a sucker. I saw on Facebook late last week the Austin Marathon page teasing a deal that would get any hold outs to sign up for the marathon or half on 2/17. Pfft - what could possibly entice me?
Anyone who signed up Monday 1/21 would receive free entry into next year's Austin half or Austin marathon. ... For some reason I found this so tantalizing my first thought was "oh, well I guess we're doing that then." It really isn't THAT great of a deal, we save $20-30 vs. just signing up for early registration next year. But it was the little push Jennifer and I were looking for.
I am 100% positive after Livestrong (ahem - maybe why registration needs encouragement) last year I swore I would never do this race again. I'm an idiot.
Side note: people on Facebook are enraged about this discount. Runners who signed up early are crying all over the internet. Sucks if you signed up last week, but if you signed up months ago you got a better deal. Its really not that hard to understand, registration is probably down and the cost of running the race is mostly fixed. The more people sign up, the more $ the race recovers.
Anyone who signed up Monday 1/21 would receive free entry into next year's Austin half or Austin marathon. ... For some reason I found this so tantalizing my first thought was "oh, well I guess we're doing that then." It really isn't THAT great of a deal, we save $20-30 vs. just signing up for early registration next year. But it was the little push Jennifer and I were looking for.
I am 100% positive after Livestrong (ahem - maybe why registration needs encouragement) last year I swore I would never do this race again. I'm an idiot.
Side note: people on Facebook are enraged about this discount. Runners who signed up early are crying all over the internet. Sucks if you signed up last week, but if you signed up months ago you got a better deal. Its really not that hard to understand, registration is probably down and the cost of running the race is mostly fixed. The more people sign up, the more $ the race recovers.
Friday, January 18, 2013
Training Plans
For the past 18 months I have been using a great website Run Coach to plan my training. I was introduced when I signed up for the Houston Marathon and bought the plan during registration. The website is great. I entered my current running abilities, miles per week and the days. I also provided my planned races and my goal race. Then with a recent race, the website determined my paces for maintenance runs, tempo and speed work, and long runs. I followed the plan pretty closely and diligently updated my runs. My results for the Houston Marathon were fabulous, better than I expected.
I continued to use the site over the spring and into fall when I decided to do the Dallas Marathon. When I planned my training I didn't think there were enough LONG LONG runs (over 16 miles) so I contacted the coaches at Run Coach. I got a speedy response and they manipulated my plan for the right amount of long runs, and really encouraged me to add another day of speed work to my routine. I followed the schedule closely again and had pretty good results for Dallas.
But now I think I'm ready for a change. I want to do more cross training with weights, yoga and upper body training. I have Hal Hidgon's book and want to get Train Like a Mother, from the writers of the Another Runner Mother blog and podcast. From one of these I will put together a running and work out plan. I am still undecided on my next marathon (spring or fall?).
Any suggestions for a good training plan?
And I'm already working on my core, working on PLANKING with Susan. I have also been doing Jillian Michaels' workout videos once or twice a week. If only Jillian liked running! Then I'd know exactly who to listen to. But no, my leader isn't a runner and touts the benefits of weights + cardio.
I continued to use the site over the spring and into fall when I decided to do the Dallas Marathon. When I planned my training I didn't think there were enough LONG LONG runs (over 16 miles) so I contacted the coaches at Run Coach. I got a speedy response and they manipulated my plan for the right amount of long runs, and really encouraged me to add another day of speed work to my routine. I followed the schedule closely again and had pretty good results for Dallas.
But now I think I'm ready for a change. I want to do more cross training with weights, yoga and upper body training. I have Hal Hidgon's book and want to get Train Like a Mother, from the writers of the Another Runner Mother blog and podcast. From one of these I will put together a running and work out plan. I am still undecided on my next marathon (spring or fall?).
Any suggestions for a good training plan?
And I'm already working on my core, working on PLANKING with Susan. I have also been doing Jillian Michaels' workout videos once or twice a week. If only Jillian liked running! Then I'd know exactly who to listen to. But no, my leader isn't a runner and touts the benefits of weights + cardio.
Sunday, January 13, 2013
3M Half Marathon Recap 1.13.13
Today was the 3M half marathon. I ran this race in 2007 and loved it. I ran the relay in 2011 with Jennifer and we took first place in the open women's division (seriously kick ass). I decided to run it last Sunday, a sort of last minute decision. I was originally supposed to run the Houston marathon or half this weekend, but John is heading off for a business trip today and after running the marathon in Dallas I was kind of 'meh' about traveling for another race again. So I differed my entry for Houston to next year (it's a lottery) and cancelled the hotel room. Then I was left twiddling my thumbs. Jennifer, and about 30 other people I know, were running 3M, so I decided to do it too. I was not planning to all out race or go for a personal best, but I wanted do it anyway.
Weather: 40 degrees with 15-18mph winds, feels like 30
Start: 6:45am (early!)
Course: point to point course, starting in North Austin, heading South to finish downtown near the Bob Bullock Museum. This course is mostly downhill, except for a few challenging hills at the end around campus. Lucky for us, the wind was blowing North to South so we got a nice tail wind most of the day.
The big debate this morning was WHAT TO WEAR! Pants or shorts, long sleeve/coat/short sleeve, how many layers? GAH! I went with pants, long sleeve shirt, short sleeve shirt and jacket (all very thin), gloves, hat and ear cover. I could have done without one of the shirts but was warm enough for sure.
I ran the first 6 or so miles with Jennifer at a pleasant 8:15-8:20 min/mile pace. Then she dropped back a little and I kept up the pace to see if she wanted to stay with me. I was TORN about whether to stay with Jenn or keep going. I know sometimes in race I want to be left alone and other times I want to be encouraged and pushed. I wasn't sure where Jenn was at (wanting to be encouraged or left alone). Since she was still hanging back I decided to let her do her own thing. At about mile 7 I took off and ran 7:40/mile the rest of the way. At mile 11 I was feeling like the king of the world! Then the hills around campus came and my knee and hamstring started to ache a bit. I was definitely glad to see the finish line. Official finish time: 1:47:50.
Most importantly there were Tiff's Treats Chocolate Chip Cookies at the finish line and this race has the best race swag. Overall, great race, I have NO complaints. It was well organized, not too crowded but always runners around. There were plenty of water stops and crowd support. The buses from the finish back to the start were fast and we didn't have to wait at all.
Weather: 40 degrees with 15-18mph winds, feels like 30
Start: 6:45am (early!)
Course: point to point course, starting in North Austin, heading South to finish downtown near the Bob Bullock Museum. This course is mostly downhill, except for a few challenging hills at the end around campus. Lucky for us, the wind was blowing North to South so we got a nice tail wind most of the day.
The big debate this morning was WHAT TO WEAR! Pants or shorts, long sleeve/coat/short sleeve, how many layers? GAH! I went with pants, long sleeve shirt, short sleeve shirt and jacket (all very thin), gloves, hat and ear cover. I could have done without one of the shirts but was warm enough for sure.
I ran the first 6 or so miles with Jennifer at a pleasant 8:15-8:20 min/mile pace. Then she dropped back a little and I kept up the pace to see if she wanted to stay with me. I was TORN about whether to stay with Jenn or keep going. I know sometimes in race I want to be left alone and other times I want to be encouraged and pushed. I wasn't sure where Jenn was at (wanting to be encouraged or left alone). Since she was still hanging back I decided to let her do her own thing. At about mile 7 I took off and ran 7:40/mile the rest of the way. At mile 11 I was feeling like the king of the world! Then the hills around campus came and my knee and hamstring started to ache a bit. I was definitely glad to see the finish line. Official finish time: 1:47:50.
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| Jennifer and Amanda at the finish line |
Most importantly there were Tiff's Treats Chocolate Chip Cookies at the finish line and this race has the best race swag. Overall, great race, I have NO complaints. It was well organized, not too crowded but always runners around. There were plenty of water stops and crowd support. The buses from the finish back to the start were fast and we didn't have to wait at all.
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| Kickin' race swag from 3M |
Saturday, January 12, 2013
I like it, I love it, I want some more of it
*Editors note: sorry for the complete self indulgent bragging here
I love medals. I usually hang my latest few at my desk at work and leave the rest stuffed in my dresser drawer. I have seen some people turn their medals into Christmas ornaments - which is a super cute idea! But for some reason the thought of putting my ornaments into storage is abhorrent to me.
I really need to sack up and get one of those cutsie displays on etsy already.
And truth be told, after admiring all these medals and telling Maddy how I got them I wanted another one. So I signed up for the 3M 1/2 this weekend to get myself some more!
I really need to sack up and get one of those cutsie displays on etsy already.
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| Age Group Place Medals |
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| Relay Medals and Plaque |
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| Half Marathon Medals |
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| Marathon Medals |
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| Coolest Medals (Austin Half Marathon) |
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| Maddy's Favorite Medal, from Dallas White Rock Half Marathon |
And truth be told, after admiring all these medals and telling Maddy how I got them I wanted another one. So I signed up for the 3M 1/2 this weekend to get myself some more!
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Race Report: Dash Down Greenville March 15, 2003
This weekend I did some organizing. And had a helper. Maddy declared she was my helper for the day so I had to choose activities she could help with. After cleaning my closet, the guest room closet, filing the kids art work, sorting socks and my drawer of running stuff it was time for fun with medals.
Look what I found! My very first race bib from the Dash Down Greenville.
My first 5k was in Dallas, March 15, 2003. This was when John and I lived in Dallas and JOHN was running a lot. I was not such a fan of running. I would do Tae Bo and go to the gym with John but running was dumb. The neighborhood of Lower Greenville in Dallas has a big St. Patty's Day celebration every year with a parade and all day drink fest. The day kicks off with a 5k and John and I decided to do it. I had no idea what to expect.
From what I remember, it was a good sized race. It was crowded at the start but thinned out toward the end. There were a ton of people out cheering the runners on. I know I finished and told John that is was horrible, and hard and I hated it. But was proud of myself for doing it and was glad to start drinking. Finish time: 28:53 - not too shabby!
Look what I found! My very first race bib from the Dash Down Greenville.
My first 5k was in Dallas, March 15, 2003. This was when John and I lived in Dallas and JOHN was running a lot. I was not such a fan of running. I would do Tae Bo and go to the gym with John but running was dumb. The neighborhood of Lower Greenville in Dallas has a big St. Patty's Day celebration every year with a parade and all day drink fest. The day kicks off with a 5k and John and I decided to do it. I had no idea what to expect.
From what I remember, it was a good sized race. It was crowded at the start but thinned out toward the end. There were a ton of people out cheering the runners on. I know I finished and told John that is was horrible, and hard and I hated it. But was proud of myself for doing it and was glad to start drinking. Finish time: 28:53 - not too shabby!
Monday, December 31, 2012
Running Through 2012
Looking through my workout diary and my race history I've really kicked running butt this year!
Miles run: 1303 year to date. I got my last 9.75 miles in on Saturday.
I have completed 12 races this year, setting 6 new PR's and 4 age group awards. Totally rocking my running socks off.
1/15 - Houston Marathon, 26.2 miles, 3:37:48 (PR)
2/19 - Austin Livestrong 1/2 Marathon, 13.1 miles, 1:44:57 (PR)
3/3 - Tiara 5k in Pflugerville, 3.1 miles, 26:04 (pushing 2 kids in the stroller!)
3/23 - Capitol 10k Austin, 6.2 miles, 47:01 (PR)
3/31-4/1 - Texas Independence Relay, 17.25 miles total for 3 legs
5/20 - Deutschen Pfest Pfun Run, 3.1 miles, 21:56 (PR), 1st in age group
6/14 - Moonlight Margarita Run, 3.1 miles, 22:57
6/23 - Run to Hear Pflugerville, 2.91 miles, 20:47 (would be PR, but the course was short), 1st in age group
9/23 - Austin Marathon Relay, 7.5 miles, 55:18. Team time 3:56:57
10/27 - Adoption Half Marathon, 13.2, 1:40:54 (New PR), 3rd in age group
12/3 - Round Rock Reindeer Run, 3.1, 21:38 (New PR), 1st in age group
12/9 - Dallas Marathon, 26.49 miles, 3:48:54
*oh, and I did the Komen family mile with Gwen in November
So what's next? I'm working on that. I have already cancelled my plans and deferred my registration for the Houston marathon next month. Only a month after Dallas, I originally signed up as a backup race if I couldn't run Dallas at all, or to run the half with my sister. After running Dallas I will not be recovered enough to run another marathon so quickly. And John has booked a work trip to India leaving on the same day. All the signs are saying "NO" so I backed out of that race. Houston may end up being my next goal marathon for 2014.
Miles run: 1303 year to date. I got my last 9.75 miles in on Saturday.
1303 miles!!
I think that's awesome.I have completed 12 races this year, setting 6 new PR's and 4 age group awards. Totally rocking my running socks off.
1/15 - Houston Marathon, 26.2 miles, 3:37:48 (PR)
2/19 - Austin Livestrong 1/2 Marathon, 13.1 miles, 1:44:57 (PR)
3/3 - Tiara 5k in Pflugerville, 3.1 miles, 26:04 (pushing 2 kids in the stroller!)
3/23 - Capitol 10k Austin, 6.2 miles, 47:01 (PR)
3/31-4/1 - Texas Independence Relay, 17.25 miles total for 3 legs
5/20 - Deutschen Pfest Pfun Run, 3.1 miles, 21:56 (PR), 1st in age group
6/14 - Moonlight Margarita Run, 3.1 miles, 22:57
6/23 - Run to Hear Pflugerville, 2.91 miles, 20:47 (would be PR, but the course was short), 1st in age group
9/23 - Austin Marathon Relay, 7.5 miles, 55:18. Team time 3:56:57
10/27 - Adoption Half Marathon, 13.2, 1:40:54 (New PR), 3rd in age group
12/3 - Round Rock Reindeer Run, 3.1, 21:38 (New PR), 1st in age group
12/9 - Dallas Marathon, 26.49 miles, 3:48:54
*oh, and I did the Komen family mile with Gwen in November
So what's next? I'm working on that. I have already cancelled my plans and deferred my registration for the Houston marathon next month. Only a month after Dallas, I originally signed up as a backup race if I couldn't run Dallas at all, or to run the half with my sister. After running Dallas I will not be recovered enough to run another marathon so quickly. And John has booked a work trip to India leaving on the same day. All the signs are saying "NO" so I backed out of that race. Houston may end up being my next goal marathon for 2014.
Monday, December 24, 2012
Dallas Marathon Race Report: Part 2
Dallas Marathon, December 9th 2012
8:05am start
Temp @ 8am: 68, feels like 68, 84% humidity, 9mph wind
Temp @ 10am: 69, 6mph wind
Temp @ 12am: 66, 17mph wind
Course:
Elevation:
These are the actual conditions we had to deal with.
Race morning Jennifer and I got up around 6:30. I checked the weather, and to our disappointment, it was 60 degrees. Ah well, time to don the warm weather gear. We got dressed and ate a little breakfast. For me that was an English muffin with peanut butter and honey and a cup of coffee. The best part about our hotel was that it was 2 blocks from the start line, so we only had to walk out the front door to get to the race. It pays to register and book a hotel early!
My plan was to join the 3:35 pace group and stick with them until the bitter end. Jennifer and I hugged and wished each other luck. We planned to meet at the 'post race party' at the finish. We each headed off to find our pace groups.
My pacer, Chris, was a great guy. Very friendly, had done 100+ marathons and guaranteed us a 3:34:30 finish. He also wore a giant orange foam cowboy hat. Before we set off Chris let everyone around him know his plan. Run 8:12 miles at an even pace, except for the first mile or two might be a little slow. He also gave us essential advice about our GPS watches. Pay attention! He said to turn off the lap alerts on our watches and to use the mile markers on the course. If we used the GPS distance/pace we would be OFF AT THE END BY AT LEAST A QUARTER MILE. So I stopped down and asked "What the hell are you talking about?" He explained that GPS calculations are always off, that whenever you turn, your distance calculation becomes less and less accurate. And when you do a race, you don't run the exact tangents of the course. When you have a goal time, like 3:35, you have to run 3:35 on the course and get to the finish line by that time, despite the fact that your Garmin will say you hit 26.2 a quarter mile before the finish. Chris was totally right too. As we made our way through the course it would seem like we were going too fast, but we would hit the mile marker flags right at 8:10-8:12. At the finish my watch had the total distance of 26.49. SO - if you are ever going for a specific goal time, be aware of this!
Anyway, we started the race at 8:05am. The beginning 1-2 miles was crowded as expected. I stayed around the pacer but tried not to be right on top of him. It is hard enough to maneuver around people during a race, even harder when you are trying to follow someone.
Mile1: 8:22
Mile2: 8:05
Mile3: 8:04
Mile4: 8:07
Mile5: 8:07
I wore my hydration pack so I had plenty of water. I also aimed to eat about every 5 miles. I had Gu, Shot Blocks, mini Luna bars, Zbar, hard candy and planned to pick up Gatorade and Cheez-Its at mile 17 from Peggy. I did not eat all of it though.
Mile6: 7:59
Mile7: 8:03
The half marathoners split before mile 8. After that it was much easier to navigate the course.
Mile8: 8:18
Mile9: 8:04
Mile10: 8:08
Around this point Chris asked me how I was doing. I thought about it and said "This is hard. I'm definitely racing." Miles 5-10 were a slight uphill and I could feel it was a lot of work to maintain the pace. I asked when the next hill was, (mile 20) but Chris just said not to worry about it. Easy for him to say.
Mile11: 8:01
Mile12: 7:47
Mile 13: 8:00
White Rock Lake. This is a nice area of the course, a wide paved path around the north side of the lake. Knowing how running around Lake Pflugerville feels I was dreading the wind. It was definitely more noticeable here. I'm still behind the pacer but now is the time I start to feel like I'm not going to be able to maintain this pace for another 13 miles. We are consistently hitting the course mile markers right on time (by the pace band) so I know we are running the right speed but it feels hard.
Mile 14: 8:03
Mile 15: 8:05
This is getting hard. I debate quitting, but I really want my finishers shirt and medal. And I dread having to tell my friends and co-workers that I DNF'd. I had spent an hour at lunch on Thursday telling my VP about the race and my goal to Boston Qualify. I WILL FINISH.
Mile 16: 8:03
Mile 17: 7:59
Mile 17 I'm focused. "Just keep running, just keep running." I know Peggy & Billy (Jennifer's brother) will be somewhere between mile 17 and 20. Through the noise of running, breathing I hear "AMANDA!" The pacer says "AMANDA!" and I see Peggy RUNNING along side the course trying to catch me! I navigate my way across the runners, Frogger style, and get my drink and snack. I am really quite impressed that she chased after me!
Mile 18: 8:01
Mile 18. Oh Mile 18. I'm running along, knowing full well that I cannot keep up this pace. We are almost off the lake, but there is nothing I can tell myself to make my legs keep running. My stomach feels yucky, my water is gone. I ate some of the Cheez-Its but the salt isn't helping. And then I realize I have to pee. No wait, I'm peeing. Yep, that's right folks, I'm just peeing. That was when I decided to walk. I admit, having twins does not help keep the bladder muscles strong, nor does the constant impact of running. But when my body starts giving up on the basic process of just not peeing, I know I'm going to a bad place. I pulled off to the side of the road and started walking. I watched Chris and his big, stupid, orange hat move off in the distance. A minute later I came up on the porta-potties and stopped to empty. I figured that was a good idea. After I came out of the bathroom I walked a little more, ate and drank some, then started the marathon shuffle.
Mile 19: 8:43
I have a delusion that I might be able to get my pace back up and maybe just stay back. I know 3:35 is gone, but I keep running.
Mile 20: 9:15
Mile 21: 9:46
Now the wheels are completely off. I'm walking, running, walking, running.
Mile 22: 10:17
Mile 23: 10:18
Mile 24: 9:02
I see quite a few runners that I started with. We take turns running past each other, walking, and running past again. One guy and I were leap frogging each other for a couple miles. At one point he stopped and put his hands on his knees. I jogged past and said "No man, don't do it, keep walking!" and he numbly said "ok". At the finish he thanked me for keeping him going and I said "I really wanted to stop with you!" The 3:45 pace group flys past me, I don't even care.
Mile 25: 10:07
Mile 26: 10:26
This sucks.
Mile 26.2: 10:19
Mile 26.5: 9:40
As I ran through the finish I felt like I had 0 left. I did not stop my watch right away, so my finish line photo was pretty good. Chip time: 3:48:54. I was so happy to finish, this was the hardest marathon I've done and maybe the hardest race to finish. I was 14 minutes off my goal time, but I was glad to be under 3:50, a great time. And I am glad that I wasn't even close to 3:35.
I got my medal and limped through the chute. As I made my way through the runners area, under a bridge, into the convention center, up an escalator, over to the the t-shirt pickup spot I texted John, Jenna and posted to Facebook. I did NOT meet my goal. I got some food, a beer and walked around a bit, waiting for Jennifer.
She turned up a little while later, but she was wearing a sweatshirt and didn't have her hydration pack. She said "Well? Did you do it?" "Nope, I hit the wall, not even close. And you?" Turns out, she had an even worse day than me! At mile 13 Jennifer started run/walking - which SHE never does. She decided if her mom was at mile 17 she would stop, if they were at mile 20 she would finish it. Since Peggy was at mile 17, Jennifer stopped. A DNF is epic. Epic in it's own way. That is how rough the course was. We trained for months for this race, in hot weather most of the time, did 2 18 mile runs and a 20 mile run that was pretty good.
So, we went back to the hotel, showered and dressed. I was not feeling well, it definitely felt like I ran a marathon. We went to lunch, but my stomach was kind of blah still. On the drive back to Dallas Jennifer and Peggy kept the conversation lively, so I didn't have any time to feel sorry for myself.
And I don't feel sorry. I didn't meet my goal but I feel like it is obtainable... some day. I don't really know what happened or if there is anything I could have done differently. Maybe I went too fast and should have run my own pace. Maybe the week off prior to Thanksgiving and getting sick the week before killed my momentum. Maybe I really can't do 8:10 miles for 26.2 miles.
I took a full week off from running, slept in little, foam rolled. I spent a fair amount of time perusing Marathon.com and looking at the schedule of marathons within driving distance. I'm still registered for Houston, but I can't recover enough to run the full marathon by 1/13. Austin is 2/24 but it's a killer hard course. There are other marathons in Texas in March and Oklahoma City in April, but really all have the same chance of being 60 degrees or warmer. And I kind of don't feel like running another marathon right now. I need to rest and recover. 2 weeks later my hamstrings are uber tight and my shoes bug my feet. Meh.
I thought the Dallas Marathon was well run, organized, great support on the course and crowds. The swag was good, a long sleeve t-shirt and a long sleeve technical shirt for finishing. They also had hats for the first 100 male/female finishers (not me) and beer coozies. The finish line food was plentiful and the medal was pretty cool (I left it at work but I will post a picture). The course itself was pretty, plenty of things to look at around the city of Dallas. The host hotel, the Hyatt, was great and a good location to the start and finish of the race. Would I run this race again? Yes, maybe.
8:05am start
Temp @ 8am: 68, feels like 68, 84% humidity, 9mph wind
Temp @ 10am: 69, 6mph wind
Temp @ 12am: 66, 17mph wind
Course:
Elevation:
These are the actual conditions we had to deal with.
Race morning Jennifer and I got up around 6:30. I checked the weather, and to our disappointment, it was 60 degrees. Ah well, time to don the warm weather gear. We got dressed and ate a little breakfast. For me that was an English muffin with peanut butter and honey and a cup of coffee. The best part about our hotel was that it was 2 blocks from the start line, so we only had to walk out the front door to get to the race. It pays to register and book a hotel early!
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| Ready to hit the road! |
My pacer, Chris, was a great guy. Very friendly, had done 100+ marathons and guaranteed us a 3:34:30 finish. He also wore a giant orange foam cowboy hat. Before we set off Chris let everyone around him know his plan. Run 8:12 miles at an even pace, except for the first mile or two might be a little slow. He also gave us essential advice about our GPS watches. Pay attention! He said to turn off the lap alerts on our watches and to use the mile markers on the course. If we used the GPS distance/pace we would be OFF AT THE END BY AT LEAST A QUARTER MILE. So I stopped down and asked "What the hell are you talking about?" He explained that GPS calculations are always off, that whenever you turn, your distance calculation becomes less and less accurate. And when you do a race, you don't run the exact tangents of the course. When you have a goal time, like 3:35, you have to run 3:35 on the course and get to the finish line by that time, despite the fact that your Garmin will say you hit 26.2 a quarter mile before the finish. Chris was totally right too. As we made our way through the course it would seem like we were going too fast, but we would hit the mile marker flags right at 8:10-8:12. At the finish my watch had the total distance of 26.49. SO - if you are ever going for a specific goal time, be aware of this!
Anyway, we started the race at 8:05am. The beginning 1-2 miles was crowded as expected. I stayed around the pacer but tried not to be right on top of him. It is hard enough to maneuver around people during a race, even harder when you are trying to follow someone.
Mile1: 8:22
Mile2: 8:05
Mile3: 8:04
Mile4: 8:07
Mile5: 8:07
I wore my hydration pack so I had plenty of water. I also aimed to eat about every 5 miles. I had Gu, Shot Blocks, mini Luna bars, Zbar, hard candy and planned to pick up Gatorade and Cheez-Its at mile 17 from Peggy. I did not eat all of it though.
Mile6: 7:59
Mile7: 8:03
The half marathoners split before mile 8. After that it was much easier to navigate the course.
Mile8: 8:18
Mile9: 8:04
Mile10: 8:08
Around this point Chris asked me how I was doing. I thought about it and said "This is hard. I'm definitely racing." Miles 5-10 were a slight uphill and I could feel it was a lot of work to maintain the pace. I asked when the next hill was, (mile 20) but Chris just said not to worry about it. Easy for him to say.
Mile11: 8:01
Mile12: 7:47
Mile 13: 8:00
White Rock Lake. This is a nice area of the course, a wide paved path around the north side of the lake. Knowing how running around Lake Pflugerville feels I was dreading the wind. It was definitely more noticeable here. I'm still behind the pacer but now is the time I start to feel like I'm not going to be able to maintain this pace for another 13 miles. We are consistently hitting the course mile markers right on time (by the pace band) so I know we are running the right speed but it feels hard.
Mile 14: 8:03
Mile 15: 8:05
This is getting hard. I debate quitting, but I really want my finishers shirt and medal. And I dread having to tell my friends and co-workers that I DNF'd. I had spent an hour at lunch on Thursday telling my VP about the race and my goal to Boston Qualify. I WILL FINISH.
Mile 16: 8:03
Mile 17: 7:59
Mile 17 I'm focused. "Just keep running, just keep running." I know Peggy & Billy (Jennifer's brother) will be somewhere between mile 17 and 20. Through the noise of running, breathing I hear "AMANDA!" The pacer says "AMANDA!" and I see Peggy RUNNING along side the course trying to catch me! I navigate my way across the runners, Frogger style, and get my drink and snack. I am really quite impressed that she chased after me!
Mile 18: 8:01
Mile 18. Oh Mile 18. I'm running along, knowing full well that I cannot keep up this pace. We are almost off the lake, but there is nothing I can tell myself to make my legs keep running. My stomach feels yucky, my water is gone. I ate some of the Cheez-Its but the salt isn't helping. And then I realize I have to pee. No wait, I'm peeing. Yep, that's right folks, I'm just peeing. That was when I decided to walk. I admit, having twins does not help keep the bladder muscles strong, nor does the constant impact of running. But when my body starts giving up on the basic process of just not peeing, I know I'm going to a bad place. I pulled off to the side of the road and started walking. I watched Chris and his big, stupid, orange hat move off in the distance. A minute later I came up on the porta-potties and stopped to empty. I figured that was a good idea. After I came out of the bathroom I walked a little more, ate and drank some, then started the marathon shuffle.
Mile 19: 8:43
I have a delusion that I might be able to get my pace back up and maybe just stay back. I know 3:35 is gone, but I keep running.
Mile 20: 9:15
Mile 21: 9:46
Now the wheels are completely off. I'm walking, running, walking, running.
Mile 22: 10:17
Mile 23: 10:18
Mile 24: 9:02
I see quite a few runners that I started with. We take turns running past each other, walking, and running past again. One guy and I were leap frogging each other for a couple miles. At one point he stopped and put his hands on his knees. I jogged past and said "No man, don't do it, keep walking!" and he numbly said "ok". At the finish he thanked me for keeping him going and I said "I really wanted to stop with you!" The 3:45 pace group flys past me, I don't even care.
Mile 25: 10:07
Mile 26: 10:26
This sucks.
Mile 26.2: 10:19
Mile 26.5: 9:40
As I ran through the finish I felt like I had 0 left. I did not stop my watch right away, so my finish line photo was pretty good. Chip time: 3:48:54. I was so happy to finish, this was the hardest marathon I've done and maybe the hardest race to finish. I was 14 minutes off my goal time, but I was glad to be under 3:50, a great time. And I am glad that I wasn't even close to 3:35.
I got my medal and limped through the chute. As I made my way through the runners area, under a bridge, into the convention center, up an escalator, over to the the t-shirt pickup spot I texted John, Jenna and posted to Facebook. I did NOT meet my goal. I got some food, a beer and walked around a bit, waiting for Jennifer.
She turned up a little while later, but she was wearing a sweatshirt and didn't have her hydration pack. She said "Well? Did you do it?" "Nope, I hit the wall, not even close. And you?" Turns out, she had an even worse day than me! At mile 13 Jennifer started run/walking - which SHE never does. She decided if her mom was at mile 17 she would stop, if they were at mile 20 she would finish it. Since Peggy was at mile 17, Jennifer stopped. A DNF is epic. Epic in it's own way. That is how rough the course was. We trained for months for this race, in hot weather most of the time, did 2 18 mile runs and a 20 mile run that was pretty good.
So, we went back to the hotel, showered and dressed. I was not feeling well, it definitely felt like I ran a marathon. We went to lunch, but my stomach was kind of blah still. On the drive back to Dallas Jennifer and Peggy kept the conversation lively, so I didn't have any time to feel sorry for myself.
And I don't feel sorry. I didn't meet my goal but I feel like it is obtainable... some day. I don't really know what happened or if there is anything I could have done differently. Maybe I went too fast and should have run my own pace. Maybe the week off prior to Thanksgiving and getting sick the week before killed my momentum. Maybe I really can't do 8:10 miles for 26.2 miles.
I took a full week off from running, slept in little, foam rolled. I spent a fair amount of time perusing Marathon.com and looking at the schedule of marathons within driving distance. I'm still registered for Houston, but I can't recover enough to run the full marathon by 1/13. Austin is 2/24 but it's a killer hard course. There are other marathons in Texas in March and Oklahoma City in April, but really all have the same chance of being 60 degrees or warmer. And I kind of don't feel like running another marathon right now. I need to rest and recover. 2 weeks later my hamstrings are uber tight and my shoes bug my feet. Meh.
I thought the Dallas Marathon was well run, organized, great support on the course and crowds. The swag was good, a long sleeve t-shirt and a long sleeve technical shirt for finishing. They also had hats for the first 100 male/female finishers (not me) and beer coozies. The finish line food was plentiful and the medal was pretty cool (I left it at work but I will post a picture). The course itself was pretty, plenty of things to look at around the city of Dallas. The host hotel, the Hyatt, was great and a good location to the start and finish of the race. Would I run this race again? Yes, maybe.
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Dallas Marathon Race Report: Part 1
Marathon #3: Dallas Marathon December 9th, 2012
I realize the race report is long over due, but I needed some distance before delving into what happened on marathon day.
Friday night I finished packing and got a good night of sleep. Saturday morning I was up early, hanging out with the kids. I did a quick 2 mile tune up run around the neighborhood before getting ready to head to Dallas. Jennifer picked me up and we headed up to Dallas. Jennifer's Mom, Peggy, also came with us, acting as honorary Sherpa and entertainment. The drive up was fine, we stopped for lunch, and chatted the whole way. First stop in Dallas was at the Expo. We picked up our packets and walked around but didn't do any shopping. Then we checked into the hotel, the Hyatt host hotel. After running some errands we got back to the hotel to get ready for dinner.
Now this is where weather.com messed with our minds. We had been checking the weather forecast multiple times per day all week. Pretty much it was 60 degrees for the 8am start, getting up to 70 by the afternoon. A little too hot for my running taste. A cold front was planned to come through late Sunday night. BUT weather.com started reporting the cold front hitting Saturday night, with 30 degrees at 8am Sunday. Holy smokes. Talk about a complete shift. We had brought warmer clothes but no ear covering or hats. So we stopped at Target and picked up some ear muffs and gloves, that matched our outfits of course. We stuck with a chain restaurant for dinner, the ever predictable Olive Garden. After we got back to the hotel to get ready for bed, the news channels were all reporting 60 degrees for the start and weather.com was committed to 30 degrees. We decide to make the call on what to wear in the morning and went to bed around 11pm.
Marathon day coming up in the next post...
I realize the race report is long over due, but I needed some distance before delving into what happened on marathon day.
Friday night I finished packing and got a good night of sleep. Saturday morning I was up early, hanging out with the kids. I did a quick 2 mile tune up run around the neighborhood before getting ready to head to Dallas. Jennifer picked me up and we headed up to Dallas. Jennifer's Mom, Peggy, also came with us, acting as honorary Sherpa and entertainment. The drive up was fine, we stopped for lunch, and chatted the whole way. First stop in Dallas was at the Expo. We picked up our packets and walked around but didn't do any shopping. Then we checked into the hotel, the Hyatt host hotel. After running some errands we got back to the hotel to get ready for dinner.
Now this is where weather.com messed with our minds. We had been checking the weather forecast multiple times per day all week. Pretty much it was 60 degrees for the 8am start, getting up to 70 by the afternoon. A little too hot for my running taste. A cold front was planned to come through late Sunday night. BUT weather.com started reporting the cold front hitting Saturday night, with 30 degrees at 8am Sunday. Holy smokes. Talk about a complete shift. We had brought warmer clothes but no ear covering or hats. So we stopped at Target and picked up some ear muffs and gloves, that matched our outfits of course. We stuck with a chain restaurant for dinner, the ever predictable Olive Garden. After we got back to the hotel to get ready for bed, the news channels were all reporting 60 degrees for the start and weather.com was committed to 30 degrees. We decide to make the call on what to wear in the morning and went to bed around 11pm.
Marathon day coming up in the next post...
Friday, December 14, 2012
Round Rock Reindeer Rotary Run Race Report (or Rx7)
December 2nd was the opening of the Round Rock Holiday Light display at Old Settler's Park. The park had a kids k, 5k and family fun run. I registered the family to participate and planned to 'run' the race with them - NOT RACE - since it was 1 week before the marathon.
Sunday was a crazy day. Gwen has church school right in the middle of the day and we were putting up Christmas decorations. Before I knew it it was 4pm and we needed to get going. When we got there, there were still about 50 people waiting to register, I don't think I've ever seen so many same day registrations. But the kids k only started about 10 minutes late. John followed Gwen, who ran the whole way. I ran with Jack and Maddy and they did a great job. We walked a little, but they were really excited to run on their own.
Then it was time for the 5k. I debated not even getting my chip, this looked like it might be a cluster of people with strollers and large groups. I was afraid the kids might not make it through the whole thing and we'd have to bail. But John encouraged me to get the chip and run it hard, he'd take the kids and meet me at the end. So I did. And I didn't have my running watch and was wearing the long sleeve race T, not my usual 'race gear'. I ended up taking my shirt OFF and running in my sports bra, a first for me! When the race started I just RAN. I had no idea how fast I was going. But it felt good. Nothing hurt. If anything I was just hot (it was 70 degrees). It was an out and back course and at the turn around point there weren't many women in front of me.
The last half my only problem was keeping my lungs full of air and trying not to trip in the dark. I came in at 21:38, a new 5k PR. I was the second women in my age group, but the first woman was also in my age group and took the overall female prize, so I got first in AG place. I walked the course backwards to find John and the kids and they were having a great time. Probably they had a better time without me since mommy's presence tends to create drama.
It was a late night for the Mills, but overall a really fun time. And it made me feel more confident about the marathon 1 week later.
Sunday was a crazy day. Gwen has church school right in the middle of the day and we were putting up Christmas decorations. Before I knew it it was 4pm and we needed to get going. When we got there, there were still about 50 people waiting to register, I don't think I've ever seen so many same day registrations. But the kids k only started about 10 minutes late. John followed Gwen, who ran the whole way. I ran with Jack and Maddy and they did a great job. We walked a little, but they were really excited to run on their own.
Then it was time for the 5k. I debated not even getting my chip, this looked like it might be a cluster of people with strollers and large groups. I was afraid the kids might not make it through the whole thing and we'd have to bail. But John encouraged me to get the chip and run it hard, he'd take the kids and meet me at the end. So I did. And I didn't have my running watch and was wearing the long sleeve race T, not my usual 'race gear'. I ended up taking my shirt OFF and running in my sports bra, a first for me! When the race started I just RAN. I had no idea how fast I was going. But it felt good. Nothing hurt. If anything I was just hot (it was 70 degrees). It was an out and back course and at the turn around point there weren't many women in front of me.
The last half my only problem was keeping my lungs full of air and trying not to trip in the dark. I came in at 21:38, a new 5k PR. I was the second women in my age group, but the first woman was also in my age group and took the overall female prize, so I got first in AG place. I walked the course backwards to find John and the kids and they were having a great time. Probably they had a better time without me since mommy's presence tends to create drama.
It was a late night for the Mills, but overall a really fun time. And it made me feel more confident about the marathon 1 week later.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Chosen Half Marathon Race Report
On October 27th I ran (with Jennifer) the Chosen 1/2 Marathon in Greune, TX. I wanted to do a half marathon before the marathon in December as a test run, to make sure that I am on track to meet my primary goal - qualifying for Boston. This race fell around the right time and was close enough we could drive in the same day.
Jennifer picked me up at 5am, FIVE AM, and drove us down to the race. I had picked up the packets the day before and paid a little extra for premium parking, so we were able to park close to the start and stay in the car a long as possible. It was about 48 degrees and we spent most of the time before the race debating on what to wear - shorts or pants or crops, long sleeve or short sleeve? We both went the warmer route but probably could have sucked it up with short sleeves or shorts. We were right at that sweet spot of too cold to stand around waiting for the race to start but just warm enough when the sun peeks out.
My GOAL was to run between 7:45 and 7:50 pace and finish in 1:42. Jennifer had looked at last year's results to see what the competition might look like. She planted some little seeds that I might have a good chance of placing, which I hadn't really thought about. But my goal was all about Boston, and I did NOT want to run stupid.
The 1/2 marathon started after the full marathon kicked off, at 7:15. We ran the first mile in the dark before the first rays of light started to peek out. I found it very hard to gauge my pace the first few miles. I wanted to run fast to warm up, but knew the course had some rolling hills I should save my energy for.
Mile 1: 7:50
Mile 2: 7:35
Mile 3: 7:53
Mile 4: 7:35
The hills! I do not run hills in training, there aren't many opportunities in my flat neighborhood. The few on my regular route are more inclines than hills. I am staying within my goal pace but it's a struggle.
Mile 5: 7:46
Mile 6: 7:47
Heading to the turn around point of the out & back course it's now light out and the road is scenic along the river. There are camps and empty tubing spots and no cars. I finally see the leaders making their way back and I count the women - there are at least 8 in front of me. After I make the turn I see Jennifer and she's holding up all 10 fingers saying "10! 10!" I know she means I'm 10th woman, which is pretty kick ass.
Mile 7: 7:39
Mile 8: 7:38
This part of the race is enjoyable, I get to see the other runners in both directions and get lots of enthusiasm from the other women out there, and get to check out what all the girls are wearing too.
Mile 9: 7:35
Mile 10: 7:51
Stupid hills on the way back are just as challenging. I get passed by 2 women pretty quickly here and do not pass any others. I figure there is still a chance I'll place, but I'm super happy with my performance so far and meeting my pace goals.
Mile 11: 7: 29
Mile 12: 7:37
Mile 13: 7:25
Mile .2: 6:24
Yeah! I cranked it out at the end and finished really strong. My hamstrings hurt and my toes feel bruised from my shoes. I'm going to HURT for a few days and I know I gave 100%. My final time was 1:40:53 - knocked my goal time out and set a new PR by 4:00. KICK ASS!
I walked around a little after the race, hobbled maybe. They had a great food spread of Rudy's tacos, bagels, fruit, beer and soda. There were lots of families hanging around waiting for loved ones. I got to see Jennifer finish and also set a PR time. We hung around long enough to check the leader board and I was in 3rd place in my age group!! Woo hoo! The volunteers said awards would start in 15 minutes so I wanted to stay. Of course it was actually 45 minutes later before they just gave me my award so we could leave - Mommies have soccer and baseball games to get to!
It was a really nice race, hills and all. The volunteers were nice, it wasn't too big and they had good food and drinks. The race raises money for families going through the adoption process. Instead of a traditional medal, kids passed out handmade beaded bracelets and thank you cards.
Another race in the books, another PR and a milestone in my training plan. Great all around.
Jennifer picked me up at 5am, FIVE AM, and drove us down to the race. I had picked up the packets the day before and paid a little extra for premium parking, so we were able to park close to the start and stay in the car a long as possible. It was about 48 degrees and we spent most of the time before the race debating on what to wear - shorts or pants or crops, long sleeve or short sleeve? We both went the warmer route but probably could have sucked it up with short sleeves or shorts. We were right at that sweet spot of too cold to stand around waiting for the race to start but just warm enough when the sun peeks out.
My GOAL was to run between 7:45 and 7:50 pace and finish in 1:42. Jennifer had looked at last year's results to see what the competition might look like. She planted some little seeds that I might have a good chance of placing, which I hadn't really thought about. But my goal was all about Boston, and I did NOT want to run stupid.
The 1/2 marathon started after the full marathon kicked off, at 7:15. We ran the first mile in the dark before the first rays of light started to peek out. I found it very hard to gauge my pace the first few miles. I wanted to run fast to warm up, but knew the course had some rolling hills I should save my energy for.
Mile 1: 7:50
Mile 2: 7:35
Mile 3: 7:53
Mile 4: 7:35
The hills! I do not run hills in training, there aren't many opportunities in my flat neighborhood. The few on my regular route are more inclines than hills. I am staying within my goal pace but it's a struggle.
Mile 5: 7:46
Mile 6: 7:47
Heading to the turn around point of the out & back course it's now light out and the road is scenic along the river. There are camps and empty tubing spots and no cars. I finally see the leaders making their way back and I count the women - there are at least 8 in front of me. After I make the turn I see Jennifer and she's holding up all 10 fingers saying "10! 10!" I know she means I'm 10th woman, which is pretty kick ass.
Mile 7: 7:39
Mile 8: 7:38
This part of the race is enjoyable, I get to see the other runners in both directions and get lots of enthusiasm from the other women out there, and get to check out what all the girls are wearing too.
Mile 9: 7:35
Mile 10: 7:51
Stupid hills on the way back are just as challenging. I get passed by 2 women pretty quickly here and do not pass any others. I figure there is still a chance I'll place, but I'm super happy with my performance so far and meeting my pace goals.
Mile 11: 7: 29
Mile 12: 7:37
Mile 13: 7:25
Mile .2: 6:24
Yeah! I cranked it out at the end and finished really strong. My hamstrings hurt and my toes feel bruised from my shoes. I'm going to HURT for a few days and I know I gave 100%. My final time was 1:40:53 - knocked my goal time out and set a new PR by 4:00. KICK ASS!
I walked around a little after the race, hobbled maybe. They had a great food spread of Rudy's tacos, bagels, fruit, beer and soda. There were lots of families hanging around waiting for loved ones. I got to see Jennifer finish and also set a PR time. We hung around long enough to check the leader board and I was in 3rd place in my age group!! Woo hoo! The volunteers said awards would start in 15 minutes so I wanted to stay. Of course it was actually 45 minutes later before they just gave me my award so we could leave - Mommies have soccer and baseball games to get to!
It was a really nice race, hills and all. The volunteers were nice, it wasn't too big and they had good food and drinks. The race raises money for families going through the adoption process. Instead of a traditional medal, kids passed out handmade beaded bracelets and thank you cards.
Another race in the books, another PR and a milestone in my training plan. Great all around.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Training Recap 9/17-9/23
Last week's training
Monday 6.3 miles, 55:42, 8:51 avg - tempo run with Jennifer
Tuesday Yoga 50 minutes
Wednesday Threshold run, 7.5 miles, 1:03:00, 8:24 avg
warm up, 3 x (7 minutes @ 7:21 pace + 3 minutes @ 8:30 pace), cool down
Thursday 5.01 miles, 44:05, 8:48 avg - felt great!
Friday 4.0 miles, 36:38, 9:10 avg - easy run with Jennifer
Saturday - rest (skipped the planned 2 mile pre-race run in favor of sleeping in and the kids soccer game)
Sunday - race day! 7.5 miles, 55:18, 7:23/mile
Total miles 30.31
Post race I am feeling pretty sore. I definitely pushed to the limit on Sunday, but am recovering fine. Trying to follow the low mileage this week to the letter.
Monday 6.3 miles, 55:42, 8:51 avg - tempo run with Jennifer
Tuesday Yoga 50 minutes
Wednesday Threshold run, 7.5 miles, 1:03:00, 8:24 avg
warm up, 3 x (7 minutes @ 7:21 pace + 3 minutes @ 8:30 pace), cool down
Thursday 5.01 miles, 44:05, 8:48 avg - felt great!
Friday 4.0 miles, 36:38, 9:10 avg - easy run with Jennifer
Saturday - rest (skipped the planned 2 mile pre-race run in favor of sleeping in and the kids soccer game)
Sunday - race day! 7.5 miles, 55:18, 7:23/mile
Total miles 30.31
Post race I am feeling pretty sore. I definitely pushed to the limit on Sunday, but am recovering fine. Trying to follow the low mileage this week to the letter.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Updated - Austin Marathon Relay: 50 Shades of Running
Whew! As expected it was a hot day, and any chance of escaping the heat was dashed when the race start was delayed by 40 minutes. There was an accident on the course that had to be moved before we could start. But we still had a great time.
I had the first leg, 12k, that took me up around the capitol, West on Cesar Chavez and back to Auditorium Shores. Running up around the capitol is always hard, but the stretch of Cesar Chavez that went over MoPac, back down, turn around and back over MoPac was killer. I was really cursing my choice to run this race! My goal was to keep 7:25/mile pace. My final time was 55:18minutes, 7.5 miles, 7:23/mile. So I did it! My pace as all over as I climbed the hills and finished.
1 - 7:05 (started too fast)
2 - 7:32 (around the capitol)
3 - 7:17 (better pace)
4 - 7:18 (better pace)
5 - 7:38 (AH! HILLS)
6 - 7:27 (ok)
7 - 7:37 (struggling on the flatish return)
.5 - 6:53 (bringing it home)
Official results, 8th out of 74 Women's Open Division teams
Everyone did well but really felt the effects of the heat today. Final results will be posted Tuesday.
This relay was a Pace & Chase format, so each relay leg started when the fastest runner from the previous leg finished. This was kind of nice since it allowed us to finish earlier and start with a group.
I had the first leg, 12k, that took me up around the capitol, West on Cesar Chavez and back to Auditorium Shores. Running up around the capitol is always hard, but the stretch of Cesar Chavez that went over MoPac, back down, turn around and back over MoPac was killer. I was really cursing my choice to run this race! My goal was to keep 7:25/mile pace. My final time was 55:18minutes, 7.5 miles, 7:23/mile. So I did it! My pace as all over as I climbed the hills and finished.
1 - 7:05 (started too fast)
2 - 7:32 (around the capitol)
3 - 7:17 (better pace)
4 - 7:18 (better pace)
5 - 7:38 (AH! HILLS)
6 - 7:27 (ok)
7 - 7:37 (struggling on the flatish return)
.5 - 6:53 (bringing it home)
Official results, 8th out of 74 Women's Open Division teams
This relay was a Pace & Chase format, so each relay leg started when the fastest runner from the previous leg finished. This was kind of nice since it allowed us to finish earlier and start with a group.
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| Jennifer, Monica, Amanda, Stacie & Jenna |
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| Amanda Mills: 50 Shades of Running, Pleasure + Pain |
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| Jenna Gray: The REAL Gray, Pleasure & Pain |
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| Jenna, enjoying the finish |
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| Jennifer Cox: I Don't Need the Extras |
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| Jennifer, pushing to the end |
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| Stacie, looking good at the finish |
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| Monica May: May I have Another? |
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| Moni! |
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| Moni bringing it home |
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
What to Pack for a 2 Day Relay
Last TIR related post for awhile. This is for posterity IF I ever
need it again, which I surely will. Tuesday after TIR I found myself
making a list of all the things we packed and what we should have
packed. This is the list I will use next time compiled from the TIR recommendations and our own experience.
TEAM:
At least 2 flashlights or headlamps.
At least 2 reflective vests or belts.
LED blinking lights
Vehicles (not to exceed 22 feet in length)
IDs for team members.
Stop watches, clipboard, pens
Coolers (2/van)
Cell phones
Trash bags
Scissors/knife
Hand sanitizer
Markers for decorating van
First Aid Kit (per van) includes:
sunscreen, bug spray, after bite, ibuprofen/advil, tylenol, various bandaids, neosporin, Tums, ziploc bags for ice packs,
Baby wipes, spray bottles, or some other creative washing method
team toilet paper
Picnic blanket, tarp, and maybe even club tent for finish line area.
Information Binder (per van)
Maps (course maps, Houston, and Texas road maps)
Leg assignment sheet (with approximate start/finish times, relay exchange points)
Team member phone numbers of both vans
Emergency contact list for all team members
Water guns?
Van Decorations
INDIVIDUAL:
Electronics
Extras of the required items an individual may want to bring
reflective vest, blinkies, flashlight, headlamp, etc.
Phone & car charger
Watch or GPS watch (and charger if necessary)
Camera
Running Stuff
Sunglasses
Cap or visor
An extra pair of running shoes
3-4 sets of running clothes (1/leg + 1): socks/shorts/bra/shirt/hat
Plastic bags for damp clothing
Water bottle (2)
Cell phone carrier/waist pouch?
Other Clothes
Sleeping clothes & dry clothes for between runs
Sandals or flip flops for between runs
Jacket/sweatshirt
Sleeping bag/blanket, pillow
Towels (2 to dry off & sit on after running, 1 after showering)
Misc Toiletries: tooth brush, tooth paste, deodarant, BODY GLIDE, soap, shampoo
Money for meals, etc.
Frogg Togg (ice wrap for neck)
Book/Magazines
ipod/head phones (not for running)
sleep mask
Ear plugs
Anything special that you HAVE to have on trips or runs. Epi pen? Meds? Inhaler?
Food list for the team
Ice (2-3 bags per van to start)
cooler of ice/van
cooler for food/van
Bins/boxes for food (to keep from sliding around and for easy access)
Plastic utensils
Big plastic cups for ice/water dumping on runners
1-2 gallons of water per person
Gatorade
GU/Gels/Blocks
White bread
peanut butter
jelly
turkey lunch meat
sliced cheese
pickles (for salt!)
mustard
bagels
chips
almonds/nuts
fruit: clementine oranges, pears, apples, bananas
Energy bars/granola bars
Pasta salad (bowls/forks)
Gum
Candy (non-melty)
TEAM:
At least 2 flashlights or headlamps.
At least 2 reflective vests or belts.
LED blinking lights
Vehicles (not to exceed 22 feet in length)
IDs for team members.
Stop watches, clipboard, pens
Coolers (2/van)
Cell phones
Trash bags
Scissors/knife
Hand sanitizer
Markers for decorating van
First Aid Kit (per van) includes:
sunscreen, bug spray, after bite, ibuprofen/advil, tylenol, various bandaids, neosporin, Tums, ziploc bags for ice packs,
Baby wipes, spray bottles, or some other creative washing method
team toilet paper
Picnic blanket, tarp, and maybe even club tent for finish line area.
Information Binder (per van)
Maps (course maps, Houston, and Texas road maps)
Leg assignment sheet (with approximate start/finish times, relay exchange points)
Team member phone numbers of both vans
Emergency contact list for all team members
Water guns?
Van Decorations
INDIVIDUAL:
Electronics
Extras of the required items an individual may want to bring
reflective vest, blinkies, flashlight, headlamp, etc.
Phone & car charger
Watch or GPS watch (and charger if necessary)
Camera
Running Stuff
Sunglasses
Cap or visor
An extra pair of running shoes
3-4 sets of running clothes (1/leg + 1): socks/shorts/bra/shirt/hat
Plastic bags for damp clothing
Water bottle (2)
Cell phone carrier/waist pouch?
Other Clothes
Sleeping clothes & dry clothes for between runs
Sandals or flip flops for between runs
Jacket/sweatshirt
Sleeping bag/blanket, pillow
Towels (2 to dry off & sit on after running, 1 after showering)
Misc Toiletries: tooth brush, tooth paste, deodarant, BODY GLIDE, soap, shampoo
Money for meals, etc.
Frogg Togg (ice wrap for neck)
Book/Magazines
ipod/head phones (not for running)
sleep mask
Ear plugs
Anything special that you HAVE to have on trips or runs. Epi pen? Meds? Inhaler?
Food list for the team
Ice (2-3 bags per van to start)
cooler of ice/van
cooler for food/van
Bins/boxes for food (to keep from sliding around and for easy access)
Plastic utensils
Big plastic cups for ice/water dumping on runners
1-2 gallons of water per person
Gatorade
GU/Gels/Blocks
White bread
peanut butter
jelly
turkey lunch meat
sliced cheese
pickles (for salt!)
mustard
bagels
chips
almonds/nuts
fruit: clementine oranges, pears, apples, bananas
Energy bars/granola bars
Pasta salad (bowls/forks)
Gum
Candy (non-melty)
Monday, April 9, 2012
Texas Independence Relay Part 2
We're run 2 rounds now, is 3am - ish?
We head to a local high school and pay $5 for showers - well worth it! I crashed out in the back of the van to attempt sleep before the NEXT round. Monica and Ian got stuck driving to Katy. They found the parking lot where our next exchange would be. Bad part, was at 4:30am a local DJ decided to get this party started!!! Gah! At 5am I got up to pee and then I was pretty much up. Even with almost no sleep my body was up. I felt hung over. Both hungry and nauseous, tired and awake. Vblah!
Leg 32 was through the Hershey Trail in Houston. I started at 8am, the mosquitoes were out in full force. I felt pretty shitty and was just hoping to make it through my 6 mile leg. Joe came charging to the exchange point racing another runner. I took the baton and turned to start. Then Red Shirt guy passes me and says "Road Kill #1!" What. The. Fuck? I get counting runners you pass, we did that too. I would never count out loud. Everybody is slower or faster than somebody else on any given day. This pisses me off. Red Shirt takes off down the path. Another runner sprints past me. (Side note: this is part of the starting strategy, faster teams start later and catch up to slower teams, so we all finish closer to the same time). A third guy passes me, but was very friendly. Slowly, I gain on Red Shirt. 2 miles in I am closing the gap. I try to wait, biding my time but this guy is dragging ass now that his team isn't around. I pass, on the right, "who's road kill now?" BITCH! I didn't say bitch, but I could have. Now I'm feeling hot, enjoying the run and the scenery. I pass the same speedy guy walking who passed me at the start. I come into the exchange point screaming "CHUPACABRA!" catching Heather waiting in line at the porta potties, ruining her last break. It was not my fastest 6 miler ever, but I did better than I thought I could do after 2 previous runs and no sleep.
Now I'm done running, but no where near close to being done with the day. We are now in Houston so the scenery is much different. I cool down while we bring Heather water 1/2 way through her run. Then Jennifer starts her last leg and we bring her water, too. It's starting to get hot and humid. Jennifer finishes her run in a park, a park full of bicyclists and families. Monica kicks off the Captain's leg now. I was getting changed and by the time I got back to the van we thought we would be too late to catch Monica at the one point in her run we could get to her. So we planned to go to the end of her leg and get Ian ready.
But here is where the 'be ready for anything' with a relay happens. We drive through this park in busy traffic, Heather is navigating and I'm mostly watching the cars. Suddenly Jennifer spots Monica on the side of the road waving. We panic and pull over a half a mile down the road when we find a spot to safely stop. Heather, Jennifer, Ian and I look at each other... who is going to run? Ian doesn't miss a beat and says "I'll go!" Heather jumps out and goes for Monica. Jennifer and I prepare ice, ibuprofen and clear a seat in the van. Unfortunately Monica is down for the count with a sprained ankle.
Now, there are 2 legs left to run for our van before Van 1 gets back. Jennifer and I meet Ian at the next exchange point. He says he's ok to keep going. It's probably 85 degrees now so we decide to meet Ian every 2 miles with water and ice. After about 6 miles he asks Jennifer to step in and do 2 miles for him. She is super awesome and cranks out 2 miles (after eating a shit load of candy, chips and soda). Ian finishes up the last 2 miles and passes the baton to Van 1.
Van 1 has 4 legs left and it is 90 degrees now. I get my running clothes on just in case they need help. Fortunately they are an awesome crew and the most I have to do is drive our van and then help run water out to our last runner.
It's 2:30 or 3:00 when we meet at the finish and run the ceremonial last lap together up to the monument. WE take a bunch of pictures and get our medals. We take our pizza back to Monica, who is resting in the van.
I. Am. So. Done. So now we make the trip back to Austin. Jennifer takes another one for the team and drives the whole way back in record time. We vacuum and wash the van, unpack all the crap and trash. I think it was about 8/8:30 before Jennifer and I pile back into her car to Pflugerville, where I unpack all my own stuff and wash my disgusting clothes and shoes.
So, what's the final verdict? I feel like this relay was harder than a marathon. The amount of time I was physically UP was an extra challenge. I'm pretty good about nutrition before running, but having to think about it all day to eat at the right time after and before running was different. The heat and running during the day I was not at all used to yet. I'm glad it didn't rain - that would have been a huge beating. Sunday and Monday I said I wasn't sure I would ever do it again. But Tuesday I found myself thinking about what I would have done different (more sleep), what I should have packed (paper towels & pasta salad), and how we should have gamed the system (provided slower than planned pace times to start earlier). So would I do it again? Yes.
We head to a local high school and pay $5 for showers - well worth it! I crashed out in the back of the van to attempt sleep before the NEXT round. Monica and Ian got stuck driving to Katy. They found the parking lot where our next exchange would be. Bad part, was at 4:30am a local DJ decided to get this party started!!! Gah! At 5am I got up to pee and then I was pretty much up. Even with almost no sleep my body was up. I felt hung over. Both hungry and nauseous, tired and awake. Vblah!
Leg 32 was through the Hershey Trail in Houston. I started at 8am, the mosquitoes were out in full force. I felt pretty shitty and was just hoping to make it through my 6 mile leg. Joe came charging to the exchange point racing another runner. I took the baton and turned to start. Then Red Shirt guy passes me and says "Road Kill #1!" What. The. Fuck? I get counting runners you pass, we did that too. I would never count out loud. Everybody is slower or faster than somebody else on any given day. This pisses me off. Red Shirt takes off down the path. Another runner sprints past me. (Side note: this is part of the starting strategy, faster teams start later and catch up to slower teams, so we all finish closer to the same time). A third guy passes me, but was very friendly. Slowly, I gain on Red Shirt. 2 miles in I am closing the gap. I try to wait, biding my time but this guy is dragging ass now that his team isn't around. I pass, on the right, "who's road kill now?" BITCH! I didn't say bitch, but I could have. Now I'm feeling hot, enjoying the run and the scenery. I pass the same speedy guy walking who passed me at the start. I come into the exchange point screaming "CHUPACABRA!" catching Heather waiting in line at the porta potties, ruining her last break. It was not my fastest 6 miler ever, but I did better than I thought I could do after 2 previous runs and no sleep.
| Race Name | Date | Distance | Time | Pace |
| Texas Independence Relay Leg 8: Chicken Coup | 3/31/2012 | 5.86 | 0:52:35 | 08:58.4 |
| Texas Independence Relay Leg 20: Eagle Lake | 3/31/2012 | 4.71 | 37:06 | 7:52 |
| Texas Independence Relay Leg 32 (Hershey Trail) | 4/1/2012 | 6.68 | 56:21 | 8:26 |
Now I'm done running, but no where near close to being done with the day. We are now in Houston so the scenery is much different. I cool down while we bring Heather water 1/2 way through her run. Then Jennifer starts her last leg and we bring her water, too. It's starting to get hot and humid. Jennifer finishes her run in a park, a park full of bicyclists and families. Monica kicks off the Captain's leg now. I was getting changed and by the time I got back to the van we thought we would be too late to catch Monica at the one point in her run we could get to her. So we planned to go to the end of her leg and get Ian ready.
But here is where the 'be ready for anything' with a relay happens. We drive through this park in busy traffic, Heather is navigating and I'm mostly watching the cars. Suddenly Jennifer spots Monica on the side of the road waving. We panic and pull over a half a mile down the road when we find a spot to safely stop. Heather, Jennifer, Ian and I look at each other... who is going to run? Ian doesn't miss a beat and says "I'll go!" Heather jumps out and goes for Monica. Jennifer and I prepare ice, ibuprofen and clear a seat in the van. Unfortunately Monica is down for the count with a sprained ankle.
Now, there are 2 legs left to run for our van before Van 1 gets back. Jennifer and I meet Ian at the next exchange point. He says he's ok to keep going. It's probably 85 degrees now so we decide to meet Ian every 2 miles with water and ice. After about 6 miles he asks Jennifer to step in and do 2 miles for him. She is super awesome and cranks out 2 miles (after eating a shit load of candy, chips and soda). Ian finishes up the last 2 miles and passes the baton to Van 1.
Van 1 has 4 legs left and it is 90 degrees now. I get my running clothes on just in case they need help. Fortunately they are an awesome crew and the most I have to do is drive our van and then help run water out to our last runner.
 |
| Me in yellow, bringing Shellie water and ice |
It's 2:30 or 3:00 when we meet at the finish and run the ceremonial last lap together up to the monument. WE take a bunch of pictures and get our medals. We take our pizza back to Monica, who is resting in the van.
The Running Chupacabras 162 Austin / Corpus Christi, TX Open Mixed
- 9m:10s Mile Pace
- 30h:47m Overall Time
- 54/101 Open Mixed
- 82/146 Overall
So, what's the final verdict? I feel like this relay was harder than a marathon. The amount of time I was physically UP was an extra challenge. I'm pretty good about nutrition before running, but having to think about it all day to eat at the right time after and before running was different. The heat and running during the day I was not at all used to yet. I'm glad it didn't rain - that would have been a huge beating. Sunday and Monday I said I wasn't sure I would ever do it again. But Tuesday I found myself thinking about what I would have done different (more sleep), what I should have packed (paper towels & pasta salad), and how we should have gamed the system (provided slower than planned pace times to start earlier). So would I do it again? Yes.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Texas Independence Day Relay - Part 1
The Texas Independence Relay is a 203 mile relay event from Bastrop to Houston TX. The Running Chupacabras ran 40 relay legs with 11 team members and 2 vans. It was a challenge, harder than I imagined, hotter than I expected, just as smelly as I thought it would be and much more exhausting than I anticipated.
I will do my best to describe my experience here, but will certainly miss a few things so bear with me.
Friday: stop at REI for last minute GU for the team, reflective vest and head lamp. Meet up with Monica at Costco to buy food for the team. We stood there amidst the hordes of bulk buyers (like me normally) debating what 11 adults running adults will eat over 2 days. We decide on sandwich fixins, bagels, chips, breakfast bars, bananas, oranges, pears and apples, nuts, gallons of water and Gatorade. Friday night I spent a lot of time deciding what to pack and organizing my bags. My biggest concern was bringing too MUCH stuff. In the end I think I did pretty good and used almost everything I brought (I will post my packing list later).
Saturday: up at the usual 5:10am to shower, make coffee and eat a little breakfast. Jennifer picked me up at 6 and we headed to Monica's. There we met our other van mates Heather and Ian. Heather was super awesome nice, and a genius navigator. Ian was just about the nicest guy that could get stuck with 4 girls in a van. Monica is our Running Chupacabra team captain and fearless leader. We packed up the van with all our food and crap and headed to Bastrop to meet up with the rest of our Chupacabras. We got to the starting area just in time for our 8:32am start time. Teams have a staggered start times based on approximate finish times. The 11 Running Chupacabras posed for a picture with a cannon (really) and did a ceremonial lap together before Logan and van 1 took off.
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| Ceremonial first leg, cow patty makes it authentic Texas |
Van 2 headed to Smithville TX to hang out before our first round. We milled about and had some lunch. We also finished decorating our van and tagged other vans with the 'Chupacabra'.
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| Smitty in Smithville, TX |
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| not so great picture of the van |
As we are hanging out we realize it's getting hot. Balls hot y'll. I am up to run leg 8 at about 1pm (?). As we head out to the exchange point I realize I'm not going to do the sub 8 min miles I thought I was capable of. Shellie and Jennifer W in Van 1 warn us to GO SLOW and be careful, and they are serious runners. Joe hands off the baton (slap bracelet) to me and I take off. Well trudge off is more like it. The temps are at 88+ degrees and humid. Leg 8 is a country road with little shade. There are only a few runners and vans passing me by. I pass 5 other runners on this leg and I am not going that fast, everyone is dialing down the pace. Lucky for me, my race crew stops twice to toss water on me. Later we figure out ice in the hat and bra are the key to staying cool (remember that tip!). The scenery was pleasant, fields, flowers and a freaking ginormous chicken farm.
Leg 8: ~5.86 miles, ~51:35 minutes, 8:58/mile average. I forgot to turn on my Garmin until after I started, so I'm estimating.
 |
| It's Hot! |
After my leg I cooled down and then joined in to support the rest of the team, running water and ice out, driving along the country roads of Texas and screaming "CHUPACABRAS!" Here is where I find my real niche - driving a huge ass van. I can't back my minivan out of a two car garage, but I can drive a 12 person van like no body's business, I kick ass!
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| Crew support for Heather |
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| Jennifer passing the baton to Monica |
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| Monica whipping ass |
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| Ian killing 2 legs in the blistering heat |
We finish our round of legs (8-13) and find a place to eat for dinner and clean up a little. Then we drive toward the next exchange point before our round of night legs. Lucky for us the girls find a nearby parking lot where we can rest or sleep for a while.
I kick off leg 20 around 10:45 pm, running some country road and through Eagle Lake. I run the first mile and feel better than this morning so decide to pick up the pace, finishing 4.71 miles in 37:06, average 7:52/mile pace. Whew! Back to driving, checking in on our runners in the dark. I don't know when we finished our round of night runs, 2am/3am?
Part 2 and Sunday's events to come...
Monday, April 2, 2012
Cap 10k Race Report
March 25th was the 35th annual Capitol 10k in Austin. Jennifer, Christina and I had signed up months ago with early bird registration. We tried to train together for this one when we could. I followed my Focus N Fly training plan for a 5k/10k race. It definitely paid off for me. I drove Jennifer, Christina and Jonathon down to the race extra early. This is one of the biggest 10K's in the state and we knew parking and logistics would be a challenge. We got there so early we had at least an hour to kill. As it turns out we were lucky, many people were not able to get into their corrals or even make it to the start on time.
Jennifer and I got to start behind the elites this year. It was a little intimidating, but so worth it to start toward the front of the pack and not bob and weave the first 3 miles. The start time was 9am and it was already getting warm.
Splits:
Mile 1- 7:26
Mile 2- 7:38
Mile 3- 7:40
Mile 4- 7:22
Mile 5- 7:24
Mile 6- 7:31
.25- 6:33
Total (by Garmin) 6.25 miles, 46:38minutes, 7:28/mile
Total (by chip time) 6.2 miles, 47:01, 7:34/mile
A PR 1 minute 31 seconds! I raced hard and was excited to hit my goal time.
Jennifer and I got to start behind the elites this year. It was a little intimidating, but so worth it to start toward the front of the pack and not bob and weave the first 3 miles. The start time was 9am and it was already getting warm.
Splits:
Mile 1- 7:26
Mile 2- 7:38
Mile 3- 7:40
Mile 4- 7:22
Mile 5- 7:24
Mile 6- 7:31
.25- 6:33
Total (by Garmin) 6.25 miles, 46:38minutes, 7:28/mile
Total (by chip time) 6.2 miles, 47:01, 7:34/mile
A PR 1 minute 31 seconds! I raced hard and was excited to hit my goal time.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Relay Run
This weekend I'm running in the Texas Independence Relay with the Running Chupacabras. When I first heard about this race a few years ago I was intrigued, and intimidated by the logistics and 'camping' aspect of the whole thing. So I am very excited to join an established team and learn the ropes from a few experienced relay runners. I will have an epic blog post for next week!
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Tiara 5K
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| pre-race with my girls |
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| Fishing for prizes |
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| Hauling 70+ pounds of kids |
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| Christina and Emma |
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| Jennifer - finishing ahead of me! |
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| We are almost done! The girls were so tired for singing the entire run. |
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| Girls running the final stretch on the track! |
Credit for tutu design goes to Mom,Swim,Bike,Run.
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