On Saturday, March 31, I ran 13.1 miles through the best place on Earth: the Indiana University campus. I wasn't prepared to do well - I was prepared to walk if necessary. My longest training run, since the Monumental Half in November, was 6 miles (only once). I had ran some leading up to the race, but in NO WAY did I feel even half as prepared as I did for the Monumental. Still, I had signed up, paid $45, and my best friend Kate was coming from New York to run it too. I was doing this thing!
Alex and Clint, Kate's husband, were running the 5k which started at 8AM. After their start, we did a small warm up jog and used the restroom. We saw another friend, who actually was one of my roommates my senior year at IU, and talked with him for a while. He is the real deal when it comes to endurance athletes. Alex told me after the race that he had seen Craig, while waiting to cheer for me, and that he did not look winded at all. In fact, Craig looked like what he was doing was easy. On what I would call a course that was much more hilly than anything in Indy, Craig ran under 1:30.
As for me, I took a whole new approach to this race in most ways. I did not wear my watch. I obviously didn't feel trained. I listened to music. I wasn't worried about my time - I was just trying to hold a steady pace. I wanted to completely zone out and forget what I was doing in order to NOT have to walk. One thing remained the same: the straw. Seriously, try it. I friggin' love it.
*About the straw: cut a straw in half and carry it with you. At each water station, drinking is so much easier. I learned in the Monumental that if you don't want to stop, that you should carry at least 2 straws in case you drop one.
Here is how zoned out I was: I dropped the straw I was carrying without even knowing until I saw the first water station. That's right, within the first 2 miles of the race, I had zoned myself so far out that I completely forgot what I was doing. I couldn't tell you where I dropped the straw, no idea. So, that meant walking quickly through the first aid station so I could take in some water. These 4-5 steps were the only steps I "walked" throughout the entire race, and I do not count them, SO THERE! I dug my other straw half out of my butt pocket and held on tight.
The hills got to me soon enough and I was not able to stay in that far away place deep inside my brain for much longer. I treasure the fact that I was able to go there for the first 3-4 miles of the race though. Without that, I don't know if I would have made it without walking. Being able to zone out made the race feel shorter to me. Back to the hills, there were plenty of those. With each uphill came a chanting in my head: "one less hill, one less hill." And with each uphill came a downhill. Now, I don't mean to brag, but I am good at downhills. My high school cross country coach taught us how to run down hill and recover at the same time. To put it simply, let the hill do the work and think about your feet or you might fall. Lean into the downhill and speed up your turnover while thinking of nothing but your feet (so you don't trip). I did this quite successfully during the race. I had plenty of chances to increase my speed and allow my body to recover some while the downward slope was working for me. At one point right after the 4 mile marker, there was a girl with a sign that said "The next 2 miles are downhill." I told her thank you.
Miles 5-10 were just me walking a thin line between zoned out and running downhill. I had very successful drinking at each water station. At mile 7 a man was sitting outside of his house with a beer station set up. Small dixie cups full of Keystone. Seriously? Who would want that?
About mile 10, I knew we were running back to campus. I am not good at directions, but I could tell the course was headed back. And that meant we were now running to the finish line. You are always running to the finish line, but there comes a point in a race that you feel like you are in the homestretch. For me, during this race, it was about mile 10 that the homestretch started for me. 3.1 miles is a decently long homestretch and I began to feel anxious. This was a new feeling. I wasn't anxious about doing well. I wasn't anxious about beating anyone. I really don't know what all the anxiety was about, but it was there, and it didn't help. I started wanting to walk. I felt FINE. There was no reason to walk other than it would feel nicer than running. That's not an excuse. Massive blisters on the bottom of your foot would be an excuse, but I didn't have those (and even when I did, I didn't walk). So, no walking. I was going to battle this anxiety all the way to the finish line. (It wasn't that bad, it just feel like anxiety in my chest, which is a feeling I hate.) In reality, if I had walked, I think the anxiety would have burst through because I would have been so disappointed in myself. I'm glad I didn't walk.
I saw the finish line and couldn't wait to cross it. I saw Alex and he was taking a picture of me - oh boy. I finished and felt pretty bad, like shaky bad. Oh, and whiny. Yes, I felt whiny (more like I was whiny). Alex was a saint and continuously asked me what I needed and told me he was proud of me. I kept saying how I almost broke 2 hours (I missed it by 29 seconds). He said I still did well. :) I got some water and got a picture with Kate :) Soon enough we were on our way to Bedford to clean up and relax some before heading BACK to Bloomington to enjoy the afternoon at Miss-N-Out, a Little 500 Series Event.
Little 5 is this coming weekend. I will be in the pit supporting the Delta Sigma Pi women's team as they race. Looking forward to that and some Bloomington running. I'd say if I train on some hills more often, I could get pretty strong...more to come on that as I transition into full on marathon training. I have to choose my race, but then I will be dedicated to FULLY preparing myself to compete and do well. If I don't train to compete, there is no point for me (I won't enjoy it as much). I will be marathoning in Indy in the fall, but just which marathon to choose...I'll let you know!
Monday, April 16, 2012
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Hi
Hi, happy new year, hope you are well.
I've been busy, but back to the blogging grind I go. This update may shock you so prepare youself:
I have the IU Mini Marathon on Saturday and I am not even the slightest bit prepared.
Are you shocked? I sort of am. I'm just going to get through it and hope for the best. I won't PR. I may even have to walk some. But I am going to enjoy it gosh darnit.
I just ran 5 miles today at lunch and felt ok. I am going to stretch all evening and drink a gallon of water tonight and probably 2 gallons tomorrow (plus more stretching). 13.1 seems scary to me, so I just have to stay positive or I could freak myself out. I will make a [hopefully humorous] race report and then the real training will begin for the Indy Mini and more this Spring/Summer.
Other news in my life in case you would like to know what has kept me so busy:
I've been busy, but back to the blogging grind I go. This update may shock you so prepare youself:
I have the IU Mini Marathon on Saturday and I am not even the slightest bit prepared.
Are you shocked? I sort of am. I'm just going to get through it and hope for the best. I won't PR. I may even have to walk some. But I am going to enjoy it gosh darnit.
I just ran 5 miles today at lunch and felt ok. I am going to stretch all evening and drink a gallon of water tonight and probably 2 gallons tomorrow (plus more stretching). 13.1 seems scary to me, so I just have to stay positive or I could freak myself out. I will make a [hopefully humorous] race report and then the real training will begin for the Indy Mini and more this Spring/Summer.
Other news in my life in case you would like to know what has kept me so busy:
- Work is going well. I have lots of clients and I even got to travel to Las Vegas for a week and met a lot of them.
- Alex got a great new job!
- It is finally light enough outside after work that I can actually run. (Next year we will either have to get a treadmill, or I'll join a gym.)
- Kenda is good and keeping us busy. I am sure to fill lots of future posts with more stories about her and running with her.
- I fell in love with Lululemon - expensive relationship
- I got new running shoes: Asics Gel-Nimbus 13
- I didn't even ask for this color but they are gray and purple (which is my favorite color combo)!
- We got glassblock windows in our basement
- We got a new backdoor
- We changed up our landscaping
- I got my hair cut (over 10 inches)
- I am reading The Hunger Games and loving it. Alex and I saw the movie so I had to start reading the trilogy.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Running sporadically isn't going to work for this girl
Quick update in case anyone checks in...
#1 I just put my Hilly Hundred Report up...its way late
#2 I signed up for the IU Mini Marathon (a half) on March 31st 2012!
#3 I have not ran enough since the race (shall I say since my feet healed) to be worth anything
Let's talk about each of these:
#1 Read the post if you are interested :)
#2 I do not think I will run the half in January that I had previously considered. It is a night trail race. For me, that spells potential danger. My husband Alex is just recovering from an accident (2 broken wrists [that's both], 4 cracked ribs, and a tear in his kidney) and we are just now receiving the hospital, doctor, ER, and ambulance bills for that, sooooooooo yeeeeeeeaaaaaaaa - I am not going to run a trail run in January at night! Instead I will be running a hopefully much safer race around IU's gorgeous campus on March 31st. I am so excited! I have big plans for my training and hope for a major PR. I think some of my close friends will be running this race as well, so that will be awesome.
#3 All that being said, so far, my training sucks. I have ran 5-6 times since the race on November 5th...terrible. I am running twice a week with my work friend. We just did 5 miles today. That is the longest distance I have ran since the race. It really felt ok, but my lungs were cold and I didn't feel as relaxed as I did before the race. I am going to get back to it. It is just so hard when I have to work all day and it gets dark at 5 and we have to take Kenda to the park so she can run around...winter is difficult. Upside: Christmas is almost here which means a week off work! :)
That's my quick update. Right now Kenda is sleeping right beside me (I am sitting on the floor). She is so cuddly after 9:30 :)
Goodnight!
#1 I just put my Hilly Hundred Report up...its way late
#2 I signed up for the IU Mini Marathon (a half) on March 31st 2012!
#3 I have not ran enough since the race (shall I say since my feet healed) to be worth anything
Let's talk about each of these:
#1 Read the post if you are interested :)
#2 I do not think I will run the half in January that I had previously considered. It is a night trail race. For me, that spells potential danger. My husband Alex is just recovering from an accident (2 broken wrists [that's both], 4 cracked ribs, and a tear in his kidney) and we are just now receiving the hospital, doctor, ER, and ambulance bills for that, sooooooooo yeeeeeeeaaaaaaaa - I am not going to run a trail run in January at night! Instead I will be running a hopefully much safer race around IU's gorgeous campus on March 31st. I am so excited! I have big plans for my training and hope for a major PR. I think some of my close friends will be running this race as well, so that will be awesome.
#3 All that being said, so far, my training sucks. I have ran 5-6 times since the race on November 5th...terrible. I am running twice a week with my work friend. We just did 5 miles today. That is the longest distance I have ran since the race. It really felt ok, but my lungs were cold and I didn't feel as relaxed as I did before the race. I am going to get back to it. It is just so hard when I have to work all day and it gets dark at 5 and we have to take Kenda to the park so she can run around...winter is difficult. Upside: Christmas is almost here which means a week off work! :)
That's my quick update. Right now Kenda is sleeping right beside me (I am sitting on the floor). She is so cuddly after 9:30 :)
Goodnight!
Stepping back in time...2011 Hilly Hundred Non-race Report
Between the Hilly Hundred and the Monumental Half, my sister got married. So yea, I was pretty busy. I still wanted to get a recap on my blog though (for memory purposes).
Honestly, I have waited too long to type this up (the Hilly Hundred was in the middle of October)...I do have a few fleeting memories though:
Day 1 of the Hilly Hundred is misleading. It is actually about 58 miles. Last year, I only completed day 1 and I completely bonked at about mile 40 - leaving me 18 miles of agonizing riding. It wasn't so bad this year and I count my better physical shape as the reason why. It was pretty tough, don't get me wrong, but I was making it the entire time. We stopped a good 4 times probably. At about mile 45 I just had to pull over and stand up straight for a bit. There was a good amount of climbing, but I made it up each and every hill.
Day 2 was rougher. Although day 2 of the Hilly Hundred is only 49 miles, my rear end hurt from so much time on the saddle the day before. I was absolutely miserable the first 4 miles. I didn't want to put my full weight on my butt so I was over compensating with my legs. This led to some slight cramping and I knew I would never make it all day like that. I eased into the saddle and every time I let a little more weight go, I winced. Seriously, why am I doing this to myself? I asked Alex if I could turn around, he said sure, but I would have to wait for him at the car...about 3-4 hours or so. I decided I could forge ahead. After 5 miles or so, the pain started to subside and once we were at the first rest stop (about 9 miles in) it was tolerable. We stopped, stretched, hydrated, and tinkled. Then it was back to it...and back to the terrible pain! Ughhh! It hurt all over again for 3-4 miles. My quads are forever going to be stronger because of this ride. I was holding so much weight with them while cycling, just trying not to put much weight on my saddle. Once we hit some hills, I was scared about what that would feel like, but I think my concentration on not falling and continuing to pedal won out and the pain was at the back of my mind, making it manageable. The ride went on like this. After each rest stop, which felt so good, the saddle hurt like whoa for 3-4 miles. With about 10 miles left, I was so ready to be done. It wasn't enjoyable, it was grueling. I made a promise to myself to ride more before the Hilly next year to "callus" my sit bones...if I don't, I don't think I will complete it again.
Best part of the Hilly Hundred: the scenery. I am convinced that Indiana residents probably don't understand just how beautiful this state is. The fall scenery that you are exposed to during these 2 days is breath taking. It is picturesque and even surreal at times. The sheer beauty makes me proud to be a Hoosier :)
When we crossed the finish line, I immediately took my bike to the side of the road, got off, and started walking, which had never felt more amazing. Alex asked if we could ride to our car (about 0.2 miles). I said, absolutely not - you can, but I am not riding again until next spring. It may take that long for the bruises to heal...He walked with me :)
Honestly, I have waited too long to type this up (the Hilly Hundred was in the middle of October)...I do have a few fleeting memories though:
Day 1 of the Hilly Hundred is misleading. It is actually about 58 miles. Last year, I only completed day 1 and I completely bonked at about mile 40 - leaving me 18 miles of agonizing riding. It wasn't so bad this year and I count my better physical shape as the reason why. It was pretty tough, don't get me wrong, but I was making it the entire time. We stopped a good 4 times probably. At about mile 45 I just had to pull over and stand up straight for a bit. There was a good amount of climbing, but I made it up each and every hill.
Day 2 was rougher. Although day 2 of the Hilly Hundred is only 49 miles, my rear end hurt from so much time on the saddle the day before. I was absolutely miserable the first 4 miles. I didn't want to put my full weight on my butt so I was over compensating with my legs. This led to some slight cramping and I knew I would never make it all day like that. I eased into the saddle and every time I let a little more weight go, I winced. Seriously, why am I doing this to myself? I asked Alex if I could turn around, he said sure, but I would have to wait for him at the car...about 3-4 hours or so. I decided I could forge ahead. After 5 miles or so, the pain started to subside and once we were at the first rest stop (about 9 miles in) it was tolerable. We stopped, stretched, hydrated, and tinkled. Then it was back to it...and back to the terrible pain! Ughhh! It hurt all over again for 3-4 miles. My quads are forever going to be stronger because of this ride. I was holding so much weight with them while cycling, just trying not to put much weight on my saddle. Once we hit some hills, I was scared about what that would feel like, but I think my concentration on not falling and continuing to pedal won out and the pain was at the back of my mind, making it manageable. The ride went on like this. After each rest stop, which felt so good, the saddle hurt like whoa for 3-4 miles. With about 10 miles left, I was so ready to be done. It wasn't enjoyable, it was grueling. I made a promise to myself to ride more before the Hilly next year to "callus" my sit bones...if I don't, I don't think I will complete it again.
Best part of the Hilly Hundred: the scenery. I am convinced that Indiana residents probably don't understand just how beautiful this state is. The fall scenery that you are exposed to during these 2 days is breath taking. It is picturesque and even surreal at times. The sheer beauty makes me proud to be a Hoosier :)
When we crossed the finish line, I immediately took my bike to the side of the road, got off, and started walking, which had never felt more amazing. Alex asked if we could ride to our car (about 0.2 miles). I said, absolutely not - you can, but I am not riding again until next spring. It may take that long for the bruises to heal...He walked with me :)
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Sunday Afternoon Football
Nope, not a running post...not yet!
Alex and I had the chance to go to a Colt's game via his generous boss who gave us tickets. The group we were sitting with was about 20 strong and included mainly people I did not know. I knew a few though. The Indianapolis Colts played the Jacksonville Jaguars. I am not going to recount the game itself, just the experience of attending...
Alex and I parked at his parents' and walked to Lucas Oil Stadium - about 1 mile. The streets were crowded, tailgating was in full swing, and although the Colts have not won a single game this year, there was not a soul in sight who wasn't wearing blue and white. As we approached the stadium, a man on a bull horn was shouting in a thick southern accent, "Welcome to Lucas Oil Stadium - shorter lines to the left." I, however, thought he was saying 'borderlines' to the left - Alex set me straight. It is impossible not to notice all the people asking for donations around the stadium. There were homeless people, cheerleading groups, school groups, charities, ect...I had no cash, but would have needed at least ten one dollar bills in order to give to everyone I walked by.
We had to wait a bit to meet up with everyone and get our tickets. I met and shook hands with all the people in our group. My favorite was a boy about 4th grade or so - he reminded me or me when I was his age. He was slightly shy, but polite. his Dad immediately told everyone that he was in the Indianapolis Boys' Choir, to which he quickly corrected, "there are girls in it too, DAD!" Alex asked if he had any Holiday shows coming up. He told us 2, and spared no detail :) I asked him about sports and he said he gave up basketball to do choir and spellbowl - a kid after my own heart! Then he articulately told about his upcoming spellbowl meet and although he was only the 2nd alternate he was expected to practice the words. There was more to the story, but I'll cut it short. It was adorable how excited about being the 2nd alternate on his spellbowl team he was. Throughout the game, I wanted to to talk to him more, but I never got to. I did figure out who he reminded me of (besides myself) - Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory! He looked like Sheldon from 4th grade!
Once inside the stadium, the crowd just got tighter. If I had a child, I would have been death gripping him/her. We got a coffee ($5.50 - robbery). We got to our seats and I just took in the stadium - its massive!
If I am not going to recount the game, this post is about over...but there is one last topic to discuss...the Colts Cheerleaders...Holy Moly. Skanktastic is the best word to describe them. After what I saw, I doubt I would ever let a daughter of mine be a cheerleader. DIE-SCUSTING. Seriously. That's all I have to say about that.
If only Peyton was still playing and the Colts actually had a shot...maybe next year with a little Luck! ;)
Alex and I had the chance to go to a Colt's game via his generous boss who gave us tickets. The group we were sitting with was about 20 strong and included mainly people I did not know. I knew a few though. The Indianapolis Colts played the Jacksonville Jaguars. I am not going to recount the game itself, just the experience of attending...
Alex and I parked at his parents' and walked to Lucas Oil Stadium - about 1 mile. The streets were crowded, tailgating was in full swing, and although the Colts have not won a single game this year, there was not a soul in sight who wasn't wearing blue and white. As we approached the stadium, a man on a bull horn was shouting in a thick southern accent, "Welcome to Lucas Oil Stadium - shorter lines to the left." I, however, thought he was saying 'borderlines' to the left - Alex set me straight. It is impossible not to notice all the people asking for donations around the stadium. There were homeless people, cheerleading groups, school groups, charities, ect...I had no cash, but would have needed at least ten one dollar bills in order to give to everyone I walked by.
We had to wait a bit to meet up with everyone and get our tickets. I met and shook hands with all the people in our group. My favorite was a boy about 4th grade or so - he reminded me or me when I was his age. He was slightly shy, but polite. his Dad immediately told everyone that he was in the Indianapolis Boys' Choir, to which he quickly corrected, "there are girls in it too, DAD!" Alex asked if he had any Holiday shows coming up. He told us 2, and spared no detail :) I asked him about sports and he said he gave up basketball to do choir and spellbowl - a kid after my own heart! Then he articulately told about his upcoming spellbowl meet and although he was only the 2nd alternate he was expected to practice the words. There was more to the story, but I'll cut it short. It was adorable how excited about being the 2nd alternate on his spellbowl team he was. Throughout the game, I wanted to to talk to him more, but I never got to. I did figure out who he reminded me of (besides myself) - Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory! He looked like Sheldon from 4th grade!
Once inside the stadium, the crowd just got tighter. If I had a child, I would have been death gripping him/her. We got a coffee ($5.50 - robbery). We got to our seats and I just took in the stadium - its massive!
If I am not going to recount the game, this post is about over...but there is one last topic to discuss...the Colts Cheerleaders...Holy Moly. Skanktastic is the best word to describe them. After what I saw, I doubt I would ever let a daughter of mine be a cheerleader. DIE-SCUSTING. Seriously. That's all I have to say about that.
If only Peyton was still playing and the Colts actually had a shot...maybe next year with a little Luck! ;)
Thursday, November 10, 2011
I performed minor surgery...on myself!
Remember on LOST when Jack was going to remove his own appendix or something? Well...I removed a good portion of my feet! (Ewww, I know.)
I'm walking normal, I've ran a few steps through parking lots and to cross streets here and there since Saturday. I think a short run is on the books for soon! Of course, I will be taking Kenda - she's 1 year old now! Her birthday was November 8th and we celebrated by taking her on a long walk and to the dog park (Alex took her) and we got her a new Kong toy :) And we let her stay up past her bedtime of 9:30 :)
We are putting our Christmas tree up this weekend (!!) Alex would like to wait, but I want to put it up! It is our first Christmas in our new house and I would like to enjoy the decorations through all of the holidays.
For now though, continued rest and recovery...
I'm walking normal, I've ran a few steps through parking lots and to cross streets here and there since Saturday. I think a short run is on the books for soon! Of course, I will be taking Kenda - she's 1 year old now! Her birthday was November 8th and we celebrated by taking her on a long walk and to the dog park (Alex took her) and we got her a new Kong toy :) And we let her stay up past her bedtime of 9:30 :)
We are putting our Christmas tree up this weekend (!!) Alex would like to wait, but I want to put it up! It is our first Christmas in our new house and I would like to enjoy the decorations through all of the holidays.
For now though, continued rest and recovery...
Monday, November 7, 2011
2011 Indianapolis Monumental Half Marathon Race Report: Dang Feet!
Long time, no blog. I've been busy...
This post will contain a recounting of my first half marathon experience, nothing less, maybe a little more. Soon to come: a training update, a report on the 2011 Hilly Hundred, and more Kenda, Alex, dog park, running, life, Christmas decorating, ect...
Saturday was race day. It was chilly, dark, and crowded at the start. I had imagined what a few thousand people would be like, but experiencing it is something else. I lost my friend before the race even started. I was walking up and down the sidewalk looking for her about 5 minutes before the start only to realize that there were metal barricades between the sidewalks and the race participants..."uhhh, I need to be over there?" Without giving away all the embarrassing details, I made it into the corral. Metal barricades, pfffft!
The "Go" was totally lame. It was literally like this: "on your mark, get set, GOOOOOO!" I was like, what are we, 4 years old? Anyways, then came the shuffle to the actual start line (when there are thousands of people, you can't just take off). I just walked, others oddly jogged - I was ready though. My plan was a slow first mile. I did not want to get carried away and blow it on a quick first mile. This was easier than I expected, I would have had to bob and weave in order to run faster, which would have wasted energy...running along with everyone put me at 7:55 for my first mile, that worked, I would have even taken slower. Overall, my main goal was to break 1:45. In my heart of hearts, I wanted to average under 8 minutes per mile.
Miles 2-4 are a blur. They went by so. fast. The only detail to spell out is this: S. T. R. A. W. Straw. Read it and remember it if you are planning on running a long distance race.
**Let me tell a quick prefacing story: Friday night we went to Alex's parents house for dinner - Ellen made me fettuccine alfredo, my favorite. I planned on spending the night since they live about 5 minutes away from the start line. I had forgotten to pick up a straw, so I asked them if they had one. I received a couple confused looks and then the inevitable, "what do you need a straw for?" I explained and Bob went to a coffee shop around the corner and picked up muffins for breakfast and an assortment of straws - all shapes and sizes. I love them so much!**
A single straw cut in half made my race better. Hold a straw with you and at water stations, drinking is cake. I learned this from a fellow Bedfordite (I'm telling you, that place is crawling with high class endurance athletes - I saw 3 of them while running on Saturday!) At the first water station I took water (the 2nd station) I did not have my straw out of my pocket - so I took the cup, continued moving, and tried to drink. I sputtered, coughed, and coughed, and threw the cup, and coughed...sigh. Then I got my straw out and thought to myself, "I am going to hold this dang thing the entire race." Needless to say, after that I was well hydrated :) NOTE: cut the straw in half so its easier to hold and carry the other half with you - I dropped my straw at one point, but had the other half in my pocket so I was ok for the rest of the race.
Mile 2: 8:04
Mile 3: 7:46
Mile 4: 7:51
Miles 5-9 were slightly different for me. I really felt myself getting into a groove. I thought about holding my pace, about relaxing my upper body, about my stride, and about the pain that was creeping into my knee. Now, I believe myself to have a higher than normal pain tolerance, but who wants to run on a pained knee for 9 miles. It was tolerable, I was holding on easily - feeling strong.
Mile 5: 7:55
Mile 6: 7:48
Mile 7: 7:47
Mile 8: 7:51
Mile 9: 7:53
Then it happened. My dang feet gave up on me. By that I mean I developed blisters I could feel at each and every foot strike. Terrible. I'll spare you the gory details, but seriously, I mangled my feet. It is something I wasn't expecting at all. I worried about my knees, lungs, cramping, and ability to keep going, but not my feet. In all honesty, I developed this issue during mile 9, but at mile 10 I was really feeling it. I have never been more uncomfortable running in all my life. I prayed for them to hold out for the duration of the race. Looking back, I will take it as a blessing. When I run my first marathon and I am at mile 22, my quads will be screaming. I will be thinking (hopefully) at least the skin on the bottom of my feet is still intact (sorry to any queasy readers). I really will think that, its a fact. And the bonus: I wasn't even feeling my knee pain anymore, just my feet.
So, with every step being a struggle, I was faced with one of my biggest worries...this little voice in the back of my head started in: "you could just stop and adjust your shoes, maybe that would help," "you could walk a few steps, it might help,"you could stop, you don't want to injure yourself." NO - I'll keep going, thank you for your concern.
Mile 10: 7:59
Mile 11: 8:08
The end. Just kidding! Mile 12 took the longest to get to. I thought I was never going to get to the mile marker. It was here that the rest of my body really started feeling the implications of running this far. As I passed mile 11, 12, ect I was able to say to myself..."hey! you have never ran this far at once before!" It was exciting, and as every stride was painful, excitement was what I needed. But, as I was saying, the rest of my body...my abdomen was getting tired and my pace was accordion-ing, I wanted to be done. BUT. A very large and important BUT. But I was enjoying it immensely. Stupid feet.
Mile 12: 8:13
At this point I was thinking about what I was going to be thinking later in the day when I thought back on the race - ya follow? I knew I had to give it all I had. Everything. Leave it out there - or I'd beat myself up. I was doing good, I could meet my goal. I felt ok physically. AHHH if my feet didn't feel like they might fall off I could kick. But no, I was stuck feeling every. single. painful. step. Its a blessing, Jenna, a blessing...*through clenched teeth*
Mile 13: 8:06
I had managed to pick it up slightly. I was ready to be done.
Then I saw it, the finish. Yes.
Final time: 1:45:35
If it wasn't for my dang feet, under 1:45 would have been easy. EASY. So now, I have to figure out what happened and how to avoid it next time. I learned an unbelievable amount about racing, running, and myself during this race. Straws are clutch for proper hydration. Not training much during the month leading up to a big race is something I will regret. I will always wonder how quick my debut half marathon could have been - if only I had ran more consistent in October. And most importantly, I learned that I will never give up during a race. Ever. Maybe I already knew that though.
The end of the race was blissful. I will never take one of those aluminum blanket things, no way. There was so much food and all I wanted was water - I was not even a tiny bit hungry. There were a lot of people. I wanted my medal. I wanted to get to my husband. I wanted to leave the crowd. I wanted to sit!
All in all, I had a great time. I am already pushing up my next half marathon to about 2 months from now. I want to do this for real and see what I'm capable of. It is exciting. The only problem: right now I can hardly walk...
This post will contain a recounting of my first half marathon experience, nothing less, maybe a little more. Soon to come: a training update, a report on the 2011 Hilly Hundred, and more Kenda, Alex, dog park, running, life, Christmas decorating, ect...
Saturday was race day. It was chilly, dark, and crowded at the start. I had imagined what a few thousand people would be like, but experiencing it is something else. I lost my friend before the race even started. I was walking up and down the sidewalk looking for her about 5 minutes before the start only to realize that there were metal barricades between the sidewalks and the race participants..."uhhh, I need to be over there?" Without giving away all the embarrassing details, I made it into the corral. Metal barricades, pfffft!
The "Go" was totally lame. It was literally like this: "on your mark, get set, GOOOOOO!" I was like, what are we, 4 years old? Anyways, then came the shuffle to the actual start line (when there are thousands of people, you can't just take off). I just walked, others oddly jogged - I was ready though. My plan was a slow first mile. I did not want to get carried away and blow it on a quick first mile. This was easier than I expected, I would have had to bob and weave in order to run faster, which would have wasted energy...running along with everyone put me at 7:55 for my first mile, that worked, I would have even taken slower. Overall, my main goal was to break 1:45. In my heart of hearts, I wanted to average under 8 minutes per mile.
Miles 2-4 are a blur. They went by so. fast. The only detail to spell out is this: S. T. R. A. W. Straw. Read it and remember it if you are planning on running a long distance race.
**Let me tell a quick prefacing story: Friday night we went to Alex's parents house for dinner - Ellen made me fettuccine alfredo, my favorite. I planned on spending the night since they live about 5 minutes away from the start line. I had forgotten to pick up a straw, so I asked them if they had one. I received a couple confused looks and then the inevitable, "what do you need a straw for?" I explained and Bob went to a coffee shop around the corner and picked up muffins for breakfast and an assortment of straws - all shapes and sizes. I love them so much!**
A single straw cut in half made my race better. Hold a straw with you and at water stations, drinking is cake. I learned this from a fellow Bedfordite (I'm telling you, that place is crawling with high class endurance athletes - I saw 3 of them while running on Saturday!) At the first water station I took water (the 2nd station) I did not have my straw out of my pocket - so I took the cup, continued moving, and tried to drink. I sputtered, coughed, and coughed, and threw the cup, and coughed...sigh. Then I got my straw out and thought to myself, "I am going to hold this dang thing the entire race." Needless to say, after that I was well hydrated :) NOTE: cut the straw in half so its easier to hold and carry the other half with you - I dropped my straw at one point, but had the other half in my pocket so I was ok for the rest of the race.
Mile 2: 8:04
Mile 3: 7:46
Mile 4: 7:51
Miles 5-9 were slightly different for me. I really felt myself getting into a groove. I thought about holding my pace, about relaxing my upper body, about my stride, and about the pain that was creeping into my knee. Now, I believe myself to have a higher than normal pain tolerance, but who wants to run on a pained knee for 9 miles. It was tolerable, I was holding on easily - feeling strong.
Mile 5: 7:55
Mile 6: 7:48
Mile 7: 7:47
Mile 8: 7:51
Mile 9: 7:53
Then it happened. My dang feet gave up on me. By that I mean I developed blisters I could feel at each and every foot strike. Terrible. I'll spare you the gory details, but seriously, I mangled my feet. It is something I wasn't expecting at all. I worried about my knees, lungs, cramping, and ability to keep going, but not my feet. In all honesty, I developed this issue during mile 9, but at mile 10 I was really feeling it. I have never been more uncomfortable running in all my life. I prayed for them to hold out for the duration of the race. Looking back, I will take it as a blessing. When I run my first marathon and I am at mile 22, my quads will be screaming. I will be thinking (hopefully) at least the skin on the bottom of my feet is still intact (sorry to any queasy readers). I really will think that, its a fact. And the bonus: I wasn't even feeling my knee pain anymore, just my feet.
So, with every step being a struggle, I was faced with one of my biggest worries...this little voice in the back of my head started in: "you could just stop and adjust your shoes, maybe that would help," "you could walk a few steps, it might help,"you could stop, you don't want to injure yourself." NO - I'll keep going, thank you for your concern.
Mile 10: 7:59
Mile 11: 8:08
The end. Just kidding! Mile 12 took the longest to get to. I thought I was never going to get to the mile marker. It was here that the rest of my body really started feeling the implications of running this far. As I passed mile 11, 12, ect I was able to say to myself..."hey! you have never ran this far at once before!" It was exciting, and as every stride was painful, excitement was what I needed. But, as I was saying, the rest of my body...my abdomen was getting tired and my pace was accordion-ing, I wanted to be done. BUT. A very large and important BUT. But I was enjoying it immensely. Stupid feet.
Mile 12: 8:13
At this point I was thinking about what I was going to be thinking later in the day when I thought back on the race - ya follow? I knew I had to give it all I had. Everything. Leave it out there - or I'd beat myself up. I was doing good, I could meet my goal. I felt ok physically. AHHH if my feet didn't feel like they might fall off I could kick. But no, I was stuck feeling every. single. painful. step. Its a blessing, Jenna, a blessing...*through clenched teeth*
Mile 13: 8:06
I had managed to pick it up slightly. I was ready to be done.
Then I saw it, the finish. Yes.
Final time: 1:45:35
If it wasn't for my dang feet, under 1:45 would have been easy. EASY. So now, I have to figure out what happened and how to avoid it next time. I learned an unbelievable amount about racing, running, and myself during this race. Straws are clutch for proper hydration. Not training much during the month leading up to a big race is something I will regret. I will always wonder how quick my debut half marathon could have been - if only I had ran more consistent in October. And most importantly, I learned that I will never give up during a race. Ever. Maybe I already knew that though.
The end of the race was blissful. I will never take one of those aluminum blanket things, no way. There was so much food and all I wanted was water - I was not even a tiny bit hungry. There were a lot of people. I wanted my medal. I wanted to get to my husband. I wanted to leave the crowd. I wanted to sit!
All in all, I had a great time. I am already pushing up my next half marathon to about 2 months from now. I want to do this for real and see what I'm capable of. It is exciting. The only problem: right now I can hardly walk...
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