Minneapolis Marathon!
It was a beautiful day for a race! This was such a pretty course, it started just out side the Depot Hotel (let me tell you, just walking out your door to run a race is AWESOME!).
I was doing so well, my pacer was awesome. I stayed with her until mile 15 through hills and all. The problem? Ft. Snelling and the forest of pollen. I just couldn't maintain. (Seriously, check out those splits!)
I walked/ran with some women for another mile and a 1/2 and then by 17 completely bonked. I was in tears until I got out of the scary lonely forest. And some paramedics wanted me to quit (bastards). But I saw Dan and got a hug and he walked with me for about a mile.
Around mile 20, I heard a familiar voice... none other than Larry Macon! I stayed with him and finished the race with this running legend. It really was awesome to talk with him for the end of the race--definitely made the bonk worth while!
I did finish sub 6:00, and I'm a little relieved that I don't have another marathon for a few months.
bib number: 1237
overall place: 1150 out of 1201
division place: 89 out of 91
gender place: 496 out of 524
time: 5:56:51
pace: 13:37
15 k: 1:49:19
16 m: 3:11:02
gun time: 6:01:21
Sunday
Wednesday
May 27, 2009
Ah, the taper...the week where I'm crabby and hungry.
Today, I ran 4 miles with Julia. This was a special sort of run. We ran 3 miles, stopped at IHOP (I had a waffle and she had pancakes) and then we ran the mile home. BEST RUN EVER!! Seriously, ever since the 50k, I've taken running and eating to a whole new level. 4 miles in 48:36*.
*waffle aided
Today, I ran 4 miles with Julia. This was a special sort of run. We ran 3 miles, stopped at IHOP (I had a waffle and she had pancakes) and then we ran the mile home. BEST RUN EVER!! Seriously, ever since the 50k, I've taken running and eating to a whole new level. 4 miles in 48:36*.
*waffle aided
Tuesday
May 26, 2009
I was supposed to see Hector today, but he had an emergency dentist appointment...I hope he's ok! I went to the gym and I was so tired! I made it just over 2 miles on the elliptical and just gave up. I suppose I could argue I'm on a taper? I think the definitive excuse is that I was in bed asleep by 7 pm and didn't wake up until 6:45 am. (And yes, I am still tired--what the crap?!)
Saturday
May 23, 2009
Soldier Field 10 Mile!!
It was an absolutely perfect day for a run. I ran the race with Shaun...we haven't run together since the Wisconsin Marathon...I missed him! We were running pretty well through the whole race, and it was hard not to get excited because by mile 5, we were fairly certain that we would be hitting a PR.
Maybe we did get a little excited because we ran the race as a negative split!! The first 5 miles were slower than the second 5!! Sure it was only by 5 seconds but it was still pretty awesome. I also took off once we hit the tunnel. I went Devon Hester on that field...it was great. I ran it for a PR time of 1:54:04.
Here's Shaun and I at the finish...Ah, beautiful Soldier Field!
It was an absolutely perfect day for a run. I ran the race with Shaun...we haven't run together since the Wisconsin Marathon...I missed him! We were running pretty well through the whole race, and it was hard not to get excited because by mile 5, we were fairly certain that we would be hitting a PR.
Maybe we did get a little excited because we ran the race as a negative split!! The first 5 miles were slower than the second 5!! Sure it was only by 5 seconds but it was still pretty awesome. I also took off once we hit the tunnel. I went Devon Hester on that field...it was great. I ran it for a PR time of 1:54:04.
Here's Shaun and I at the finish...Ah, beautiful Soldier Field!
Thursday
May 21, 2009
I went for a 3 mile run today. I don't know why I feel like I'm dragging so much. I just don't feel like I'm pushing myself, but on the opposite side, I feel like my body just won't go faster. I shouldn't complain, I did it in 34:55...which isn't bad. I don't know what's up, but I'm worried about the SF10 on Saturday. I really would like a PR, or at least not to be over 2 hours.
Tuesday
May 19, 2009
I biked 6.3 miles to and from the gym to day to see Hector. I hit the treadmill for a mile to warm up. I was just dragging today. We did arms and core. I was so not up to par. I don't know what's the matter with me.
Sunday
May 17, 2009
This half sucked. I was tired for the first 1/2. Then after mile 9 I puked up the gu (then Gatorade at 10.3)...ugh. I finished in 2:45:54. Worst pacer ever. I felt so bad I had to stop. I really sucked it up. It's a good thing they can't fire a volunteer.
I also was running early on, and this woman came up to me and complained about the size of my group. I said I'm sorry, this is a race and it's not my job to tell people where to run. Sure, Saturday mornings I have the authority to ask people to run 2 by 2, but not during a race. It's there race and if she has an issue, she should talk to the course marshals. Clearly, someone's going to get a phone call about the rude pacer.
I need something to get my rear back in shape. I don't know if it's rest, a pep talk, more sleep, less stress (ok, less stress would be great regardless of my running). I just don't know what to do with myself. I guess I'm hitting a training wall.
I also was running early on, and this woman came up to me and complained about the size of my group. I said I'm sorry, this is a race and it's not my job to tell people where to run. Sure, Saturday mornings I have the authority to ask people to run 2 by 2, but not during a race. It's there race and if she has an issue, she should talk to the course marshals. Clearly, someone's going to get a phone call about the rude pacer.
I need something to get my rear back in shape. I don't know if it's rest, a pep talk, more sleep, less stress (ok, less stress would be great regardless of my running). I just don't know what to do with myself. I guess I'm hitting a training wall.
Thursday
May 14, 2009
I really did not want to go back to the gym today. But Hector called and I felt obligated. He put me on the treadmill to warm up and I rocked a mile in just over 8 minutes. Either I'm still pissed off at the gym or that thing needs to be calibrated. He stretched me and worked my core and arms.
I saw Julia and her family tonight. I got tons of hugs (even a Batman hug!) which is just what I needed. Julia and I ran 5 miles in 1:01:00. It made my total, 1:09:00 for 6 miles. Not too bad. I've got a 1/2 this weekend, and I just don't have a good feeling about it...all well, I'll do it anyway.
I saw Julia and her family tonight. I got tons of hugs (even a Batman hug!) which is just what I needed. Julia and I ran 5 miles in 1:01:00. It made my total, 1:09:00 for 6 miles. Not too bad. I've got a 1/2 this weekend, and I just don't have a good feeling about it...all well, I'll do it anyway.
Tuesday
May 12, 2009
Today I forgot my sports bra. I hate when that happens because that means it's an elliptical day rather than the treadmill (much less bouncing). I did my three miles in 36:00 and then headed to the bike. I did 15.5 miles in 45:00 and then went to see Hector. He was telling me that I looked skinny and that I had a tiny waist. Yeah me!! He proceeded to kick my abs (ha ha!) for an hour. After that I was still feeling good so I went to the pool for a swim. I was up against a crunch because there was an aqua aerobics class starting in about 15 minutes. I did my 500 m swim in that time. I was tired, but I felt good about all that I had done today.
I was walking back to my locker feeling pretty good about myself, and that's when the problems started. I turned the corner and saw my stuff strewn about. In the less than 20 minutes I was at the pool someone had broken in to my locker (with a lock on it and stolen my stuff!!) My Blackberry, wallet, planner, keys and to add insult to injury MY CLOTHES!!! They stole my work clothes and my sweaty gym clothes!! Including my shoes and underwear!! All that was left was my bag and a few smaller items. Even the lock was gone!!
If that wasn't bad enough, I gathered what's left of my things and had to walk out to the front desk in a bikini that's a size too big and about 5 years old and a towel to go and ask for help. On my list of mortifying things, "public nakedness" is up there. I was at the front desk, obviously upset, and they asked what was taken and then offered to help me look for my stuff. Then one of the girls asked "Why don't you get dressed and we'll help you look for your stuff." I was very upset at this point and may have yelled "I can't because THEY STOLE MY CLOTHES!!" Really, because I make it a point to hang out at the gym front desk at 6:45 pm (a peak time) practically naked.
Several of the girls and one of the managers went to the locker room and searched it for me, not finding any thing. One of the girls asked what size clothes I wore and picked out an outfit for me at the pro-shop. I felt so pitiful saying "I'm sorry, I can't pay for these." She told me not to worry about it. Thank God, because I was so uncomfortable!! I put on the clothes (and bless her heart) it was a perfect fit. Unfortunately, (and I hate to sound ungrateful) the girl picked out a white t-shirt. The problem, was the wet swim top underneath (Hello! Wet t-shirt contest!) How I didn't end up with a date out of this, I'll never know.
After I was dressed, they let me sit at the front desk and call to cancel my credit and debit cards until the police came. I also called Jack to come and get me and to tow my car home. The police filed a report for me, they asked me where my shoes were and I was stifling back tears when I said "They were stolen." The officer was really nice and not only gave me his number in case anything happened but also sent a police car to sit outside my house to make sure I was safe and no one was trying to get in (extra nice!). Jack took me to Verizon to activate an old phone and called a locksmith for me and stayed with me until my locks were changed. It's a huge nightmare as I work on getting EVERYTHING replaced.
I was walking back to my locker feeling pretty good about myself, and that's when the problems started. I turned the corner and saw my stuff strewn about. In the less than 20 minutes I was at the pool someone had broken in to my locker (with a lock on it and stolen my stuff!!) My Blackberry, wallet, planner, keys and to add insult to injury MY CLOTHES!!! They stole my work clothes and my sweaty gym clothes!! Including my shoes and underwear!! All that was left was my bag and a few smaller items. Even the lock was gone!!
If that wasn't bad enough, I gathered what's left of my things and had to walk out to the front desk in a bikini that's a size too big and about 5 years old and a towel to go and ask for help. On my list of mortifying things, "public nakedness" is up there. I was at the front desk, obviously upset, and they asked what was taken and then offered to help me look for my stuff. Then one of the girls asked "Why don't you get dressed and we'll help you look for your stuff." I was very upset at this point and may have yelled "I can't because THEY STOLE MY CLOTHES!!" Really, because I make it a point to hang out at the gym front desk at 6:45 pm (a peak time) practically naked.
Several of the girls and one of the managers went to the locker room and searched it for me, not finding any thing. One of the girls asked what size clothes I wore and picked out an outfit for me at the pro-shop. I felt so pitiful saying "I'm sorry, I can't pay for these." She told me not to worry about it. Thank God, because I was so uncomfortable!! I put on the clothes (and bless her heart) it was a perfect fit. Unfortunately, (and I hate to sound ungrateful) the girl picked out a white t-shirt. The problem, was the wet swim top underneath (Hello! Wet t-shirt contest!) How I didn't end up with a date out of this, I'll never know.
After I was dressed, they let me sit at the front desk and call to cancel my credit and debit cards until the police came. I also called Jack to come and get me and to tow my car home. The police filed a report for me, they asked me where my shoes were and I was stifling back tears when I said "They were stolen." The officer was really nice and not only gave me his number in case anything happened but also sent a police car to sit outside my house to make sure I was safe and no one was trying to get in (extra nice!). Jack took me to Verizon to activate an old phone and called a locksmith for me and stayed with me until my locks were changed. It's a huge nightmare as I work on getting EVERYTHING replaced.
Sunday
May 10, 2009
Ah...a week off of running. Probably shouldn't have taken it off (hello guilt complex), but I was just not feeling it. Yep, that's me trying to justify it in my head. :) It will have to be back to business next week because I have races 3 weeks in a row (4 if you count the Girls on the Run 5k) and then back to marathon training.
I did 2 miles on the elliptical in 25:00 and worked with Melissa and her trainer for an hour.
I also need to stop eating like crap. I found a website that's free and allows me to track my calorie consumption. I've found when I'm on, I'm awesome, when I'm off it's really bad. The thing is that everything does balance out caloricly for the week. I want to drop some weight (too loose the spare tire), and ensure that I'm eating more healthy. I loose the battle at the end of the week. I'm no 4 out of 7 days. I need to be better.
I did 2 miles on the elliptical in 25:00 and worked with Melissa and her trainer for an hour.
I also need to stop eating like crap. I found a website that's free and allows me to track my calorie consumption. I've found when I'm on, I'm awesome, when I'm off it's really bad. The thing is that everything does balance out caloricly for the week. I want to drop some weight (too loose the spare tire), and ensure that I'm eating more healthy. I loose the battle at the end of the week. I'm no 4 out of 7 days. I need to be better.
Thursday
May 7, 2009
Why am I so frickin' lazy? I haven't run since the second marathon. I biked to and from the gym today (6.3 miles about 10 minutes total). Hector and I did a full body kind of work out for an hour. I've been feeling so lethargic and don't know why.
I got an email today from the people who are running the Spring 1/2 Marathon on the 17th. Some how I got on the list to be a pacer for the race. Maybe I accidentally sent them my application for summer training? I have no idea. But the fact of the matter is that I will be the 12 minute mile pacer and finishing in 2:39 at this race. Fortunately, 12 isn't too hard for me to hit for 13 miles.
Is any one who reads this running this race an want to keep me company? :)
I got an email today from the people who are running the Spring 1/2 Marathon on the 17th. Some how I got on the list to be a pacer for the race. Maybe I accidentally sent them my application for summer training? I have no idea. But the fact of the matter is that I will be the 12 minute mile pacer and finishing in 2:39 at this race. Fortunately, 12 isn't too hard for me to hit for 13 miles.
Is any one who reads this running this race an want to keep me company? :)
Tuesday
May 5, 2009
Yesterday there was no working out...just sleeping. Today, I headed to the gym to see Hector. I was going to run and bike, but I didn't get the run part in before our work out. I biked 15.6 miles on the stationary bike...which wasn't easy, because none of the bikes have straps. Basically it was a quad work out...there was no pulling up. (Grrrr....)
Hector stretched me out, he couldn't believe I was a few days off of a marathon. I was much worse last week. I guess, the body adapts. We did some leg and core work with some stretching.
After all that, I thought about running a couple of miles, but I was just tired. I listened to my body and just didn't run. I figured my body was telling me to rest. Either that, or I was just being lazy. I can always make up those 2 miles later. :)
Hector stretched me out, he couldn't believe I was a few days off of a marathon. I was much worse last week. I guess, the body adapts. We did some leg and core work with some stretching.
After all that, I thought about running a couple of miles, but I was just tired. I listened to my body and just didn't run. I figured my body was telling me to rest. Either that, or I was just being lazy. I can always make up those 2 miles later. :)
Saturday
May 2, 2009
A year ago, today, I ran my first marathon. Since then I've run a total of 5 marathons, 3 triathlons 1 ultra marathon and many other races of varying distance from 1/2 marathons on down. I've become a group leader for CARA and watched many friends new and old cross the finish line for their marathons (first or fifth...). I'm stronger, have more endurance and have become a completely different woman in the last year (and even more different than 2 years ago!)
Today was the Wisconsin Marathon in Kenosha, Wisconsin. It was a beautiful day for a marathon, 60 and sunny! We started early with our usual coffee and bagel with peanut butter to get things moving. Unfortunately, that routine may have been our downfall. The coffee did not work as well as it usually does (more on that later).
The course was interesting...looping the downtown for a .5 mile and passing the start. We headed through the downtown again and then North up to Carthage College. I was worried about it being hilly, but the course was in downtown Kenosha and along the lakefront. There were a few inclines, but I wouldn't say the course was hilly.
I also decided that I don't like Heed sports drink. I took it for the first time about mile 4, declaring rather loudly "This stuff tastes like ass!" Fortunately, my fellow runners and the high school aged students working the water stop thought it was hilarious.
After looping back through the downtown, we ran past our car (for the third time) and I ditched my long sleeved shirt under the tire. Clearly, I just can't keep my clothes on when I run! :) As we were heading south, my gut started to churn. I had just passed the 12 mile mark when all of a sudden I NEEDED a bathroom. I asked some spectators if I could please use their bathroom and I was lucky that they did. I had been running with Shaun up until this point and I told him to keep running. I ran to this woman's bathroom and tore it up! It wasn't pretty. After I finished, I thanked her and ran away. The coffee wasn't doing kind things to me. I finally caught Shaun by mile 16. He had gotten excited and started going too fast and was starting to bonk. I walk/ran with him through 17. I took a Hammer Strength gel...it was NOT good. It tasted ok, but mixed with my already churning stomach I was not happy. I felt like a tiny lawn gnome was in my gut, twirling about with his pointy hat and gnawing on my intestines. I walked/ran miles 17 through 19 due to the cramping. By 19, they were offering more Hammer Strength...ugh, not a chance! And I started to try to get myself moving.
By 20 I was in a solid running place. I wasn't going fast or on my usually 12 minute pace but I was truckin'. I started counting (not out loud) the people I was passing. I caught and passed 7 people from mile 20 on...not too bad considering there was only 526 in the marathon total, I was a back of the packer.
There wasn't too much beer on the course...only one beer stop. But it was really good micro-brew stout. Best beer ever!! It sure as hell, beat that Heed crap! I finished the marathon in 5:39:44... 33 seconds off of a PR! At first I was a little crushed. But considering I had GI issues, it's not bad! On a positive note, I can say I ran this marathon a full half hour faster than last weekend...and that's pretty bad ass! (And for those of you keeping score, this time would have beat the Biggest Looser Reject...)
Danielle had finished before I did, and I found that she was having the very same GI issues, having stopped 4 times (she's never had to stop in a marathon). Shaun also had to stop...so it wasn't just me. I think it was the coffee, and I've decided that Maxwell House (provided by the hotel) is no longer welcome in my home.
Aside from that, it was a good race. Pretty flat, great cheese shaped medal and wonderful weather. After the race, we headed to the Mars Cheese Castle (because, who doesn't love cheese!!) This brings the count to 5 marathons, in 5 states...45 to go!
Today was the Wisconsin Marathon in Kenosha, Wisconsin. It was a beautiful day for a marathon, 60 and sunny! We started early with our usual coffee and bagel with peanut butter to get things moving. Unfortunately, that routine may have been our downfall. The coffee did not work as well as it usually does (more on that later).
The course was interesting...looping the downtown for a .5 mile and passing the start. We headed through the downtown again and then North up to Carthage College. I was worried about it being hilly, but the course was in downtown Kenosha and along the lakefront. There were a few inclines, but I wouldn't say the course was hilly.
I also decided that I don't like Heed sports drink. I took it for the first time about mile 4, declaring rather loudly "This stuff tastes like ass!" Fortunately, my fellow runners and the high school aged students working the water stop thought it was hilarious.
After looping back through the downtown, we ran past our car (for the third time) and I ditched my long sleeved shirt under the tire. Clearly, I just can't keep my clothes on when I run! :) As we were heading south, my gut started to churn. I had just passed the 12 mile mark when all of a sudden I NEEDED a bathroom. I asked some spectators if I could please use their bathroom and I was lucky that they did. I had been running with Shaun up until this point and I told him to keep running. I ran to this woman's bathroom and tore it up! It wasn't pretty. After I finished, I thanked her and ran away. The coffee wasn't doing kind things to me. I finally caught Shaun by mile 16. He had gotten excited and started going too fast and was starting to bonk. I walk/ran with him through 17. I took a Hammer Strength gel...it was NOT good. It tasted ok, but mixed with my already churning stomach I was not happy. I felt like a tiny lawn gnome was in my gut, twirling about with his pointy hat and gnawing on my intestines. I walked/ran miles 17 through 19 due to the cramping. By 19, they were offering more Hammer Strength...ugh, not a chance! And I started to try to get myself moving.
By 20 I was in a solid running place. I wasn't going fast or on my usually 12 minute pace but I was truckin'. I started counting (not out loud) the people I was passing. I caught and passed 7 people from mile 20 on...not too bad considering there was only 526 in the marathon total, I was a back of the packer.
There wasn't too much beer on the course...only one beer stop. But it was really good micro-brew stout. Best beer ever!! It sure as hell, beat that Heed crap! I finished the marathon in 5:39:44... 33 seconds off of a PR! At first I was a little crushed. But considering I had GI issues, it's not bad! On a positive note, I can say I ran this marathon a full half hour faster than last weekend...and that's pretty bad ass! (And for those of you keeping score, this time would have beat the Biggest Looser Reject...)
Danielle had finished before I did, and I found that she was having the very same GI issues, having stopped 4 times (she's never had to stop in a marathon). Shaun also had to stop...so it wasn't just me. I think it was the coffee, and I've decided that Maxwell House (provided by the hotel) is no longer welcome in my home.
Aside from that, it was a good race. Pretty flat, great cheese shaped medal and wonderful weather. After the race, we headed to the Mars Cheese Castle (because, who doesn't love cheese!!) This brings the count to 5 marathons, in 5 states...45 to go!
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