Today's 8 miler is the first since the week before the Half, 3 weeks ago exactly. It was a good run too, not easy or too easy but not hard either. I felt at the time like I could have gone on for another hour, except for the first 3 miles where I felt sick and I know it was because of the sausages I ate for breakfast (never again). Other than the sick feeling, the run was really good and my knees didn't really start to feel sore until around mile 5-6 and even then it was a good run. I kept it easy and slow, not worrying about pace or speed as is the right way when doing a long run. I ran 8 miles in 1:24:18 with an average pace of 10:32 min/mile, with an elevation gain of 167 feet and a loss of 177 feet.
Mile 1 - 10:21
Mile 2 - 10:40
Mile 3 - 10:45
Mile 4 - 11:09
Mile 5 - 10:44
Mile 6 - 10:31
Mile 7 - 10:30
Mile 8 - 9:37
It was definitely a good run, one of those runs you just can't help but enjoy and dwell on even after it is over. If I am ever asked why I run, other than the obvious reasons; my main reason is the feeling I get when using my body to take me places and just enjoy the scenery at a slow and steady pace instead of always going fast (in a car). I especially love doing my long runs out here in the country, it feels like I am out there forever, someday I hope to be running 13, 14, 15 + miles out on country roads that just go on forever.
Yeah, I run for fitness, I run for my sanity and I run to better myself, time and the pure joy of it but I truly enjoy it for the sheer fact that I am using my body to get somewhere rather than relying on some piece of machinery.
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Friday, April 26, 2013
An Easy 5.5 Miler
Tonight's run was out near the house on the streets, a lot of assholes out driving around and making me uneasy every time I would hear one driving up behind me. I kept myself just above 10:00 min/mile until the last half mile, at that point I just want to get home to my little boy.
It wasn't a bad run, my knees were sore but not bad and overall it was a pretty good one even though I did kind of freak myself out thinking there were things out in the fields and in the dark where I couldn't see. The moon wasn't out, and there were no street lights so I had to rely on my eyes, which wanted to play tricks on me.
I ran 5.5 miles in 57 minutes and 21 seconds with an average pace of 10:26 min/mile. It was definitely an easy and slow run, and I enjoyed being out there though it would have been more surreal had the moon been out and as big as it was last night.
My splits were:
Mile 1 - 10:51
Mile 2 - 10:22
Mile 3 - 10:32
Mile 4 - 10:16
Mile 5 - 10:24
.5 - 9:55
It wasn't a bad run, my knees were sore but not bad and overall it was a pretty good one even though I did kind of freak myself out thinking there were things out in the fields and in the dark where I couldn't see. The moon wasn't out, and there were no street lights so I had to rely on my eyes, which wanted to play tricks on me.
I ran 5.5 miles in 57 minutes and 21 seconds with an average pace of 10:26 min/mile. It was definitely an easy and slow run, and I enjoyed being out there though it would have been more surreal had the moon been out and as big as it was last night.
My splits were:
Mile 1 - 10:51
Mile 2 - 10:22
Mile 3 - 10:32
Mile 4 - 10:16
Mile 5 - 10:24
.5 - 9:55
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Probably my Fastest 10k Yet
Tonight I finally ran a sub 9 min/mile 10k tempo, it wasn't easy I will be honest. While my stupid Garmin Communicator Plug in is still trying to install, I will just state a few things.
I started out just above 10 min/mile pace, I hit 3.1 miles in 28:08 minutes and took a breather. I then hit 5 miles in 45:16 minutes, took a moment to breath as a side stitch was trying to attack me.
My plan was to run a 7 mile tempo, but I decided near the end to run a 10k tempo and then a 1 mile cool down jog then a .3 mile walk.
Overall I ran 6.2 miles in 55:14 with an average pace of 8:55 min/mile, my fastest PR before this was 58:55 with an average pace of 9:29 min/mile so I kicked 3 minutes off. Honestly I probably wouldn't have if I hadn't stopped twice for a minute break to breath and get over a side stitch. Anyways, my splits were:
Mile 1 - 10:08
Mile 2 - 9:00
Mile 3 - 8:20
Mile 4 - 8:49
Mile 5 - 8:58
Mile 6 - 8:26
.2 - 7:51
Then I tried to jog an easy 1 miler afterwards to cool down, I ran that in 9:30 so it was relatively slower and felt easier than the tempo run (go figure). Then I walked the remaining .3 miles back to my Tahoe and now I am dealing with trying to get my stupid Garmin to pair and connect and transfer to the computer so this is very irritating!
I wasn't going to do a tempo this week, I wanted to focus on what seems like a new found pace and speed, but I decided after mile 1 to just go for it and experiment and boy am I glad I did. Not only is this my fastest 10k yet, my goal this year was to break under the 9 min/mile barrier for a 10k and I did that tonight. Now that I have checked off......... I wonder when I'll be able to break the 8 min/mile barrier for a 5k (hmm....).
I started out just above 10 min/mile pace, I hit 3.1 miles in 28:08 minutes and took a breather. I then hit 5 miles in 45:16 minutes, took a moment to breath as a side stitch was trying to attack me.
My plan was to run a 7 mile tempo, but I decided near the end to run a 10k tempo and then a 1 mile cool down jog then a .3 mile walk.
Overall I ran 6.2 miles in 55:14 with an average pace of 8:55 min/mile, my fastest PR before this was 58:55 with an average pace of 9:29 min/mile so I kicked 3 minutes off. Honestly I probably wouldn't have if I hadn't stopped twice for a minute break to breath and get over a side stitch. Anyways, my splits were:
Mile 1 - 10:08
Mile 2 - 9:00
Mile 3 - 8:20
Mile 4 - 8:49
Mile 5 - 8:58
Mile 6 - 8:26
.2 - 7:51
Then I tried to jog an easy 1 miler afterwards to cool down, I ran that in 9:30 so it was relatively slower and felt easier than the tempo run (go figure). Then I walked the remaining .3 miles back to my Tahoe and now I am dealing with trying to get my stupid Garmin to pair and connect and transfer to the computer so this is very irritating!
I wasn't going to do a tempo this week, I wanted to focus on what seems like a new found pace and speed, but I decided after mile 1 to just go for it and experiment and boy am I glad I did. Not only is this my fastest 10k yet, my goal this year was to break under the 9 min/mile barrier for a 10k and I did that tonight. Now that I have checked off......... I wonder when I'll be able to break the 8 min/mile barrier for a 5k (hmm....).
Monday, April 22, 2013
An Easy but Fast 5 Miler
There are days when I wonder how I manage to run 9 min/mile pace or faster and then there are days when I can't seem to slow down. Today was one of those days, probably my fastest 5 miler yet and it really didn't feel like I was making a lot of effort BUT my brain felt like it and I started to get a side stitch around 3.5 miles but it went away after 5 minutes of standing. My legs did not feel tired or sore, I think they could have kept going if given a chance, but my head was feeling it and my stomach was feeling a bit sick.
Shauna did not run with me today, which is most likely why I was able to run 5 miles in 46:51 with an average pace of 9:22 min/mile. Our time probably would have been closer to 51 minutes had she been with me and it is sad to think that and know it, but I am going to have to find a way to stick to my training but make sure that she runs (she doesn't do too well if someone isn't pushing her, she'll just end up staying inside and watch t.v.).
My splits were:
Mile 1 - 9:41
Mile 2 - 9:31
Mile 3 - 9:34
Mile 4 - 9:30
Mile 5 - 8:33
Pretty close and even splits until the last mile, but I decided to go ahead and give myself a little push there. Then I gave myself half a mile to walk and cool down, overall it was a good run and I feel great. The only concern I have is, will I be able to pull off great tempos that will be faster than my what my easy runs are becoming? My easy runs are still a minute slower than my tempos were, at least during the final miles, but with me starting out much faster than I used to, I am a little concerned. I guess we'll just have to find out, maybe I'll just focus on getting my body and mind used to this faster pace where it becomes completely as easy as my old 10-11 min/mile paces were. Once all parts of my body become used to running at this faster pace, I'll get back to focusing hard on my tempo runs during Wednesday nights.
Shauna did not run with me today, which is most likely why I was able to run 5 miles in 46:51 with an average pace of 9:22 min/mile. Our time probably would have been closer to 51 minutes had she been with me and it is sad to think that and know it, but I am going to have to find a way to stick to my training but make sure that she runs (she doesn't do too well if someone isn't pushing her, she'll just end up staying inside and watch t.v.).
My splits were:
Mile 1 - 9:41
Mile 2 - 9:31
Mile 3 - 9:34
Mile 4 - 9:30
Mile 5 - 8:33
Pretty close and even splits until the last mile, but I decided to go ahead and give myself a little push there. Then I gave myself half a mile to walk and cool down, overall it was a good run and I feel great. The only concern I have is, will I be able to pull off great tempos that will be faster than my what my easy runs are becoming? My easy runs are still a minute slower than my tempos were, at least during the final miles, but with me starting out much faster than I used to, I am a little concerned. I guess we'll just have to find out, maybe I'll just focus on getting my body and mind used to this faster pace where it becomes completely as easy as my old 10-11 min/mile paces were. Once all parts of my body become used to running at this faster pace, I'll get back to focusing hard on my tempo runs during Wednesday nights.
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Hope in Motion Color Run 5k
It was cold, fun but cold. Overall it was fun and I got colored, but I think I went too fast and ended up with some girls that had no idea where we were going around mile 2.3 and we ended up crossing the finish line. The volunteers said we did 3.1 but I knew we didn't, and as I was leaving I realized that we had missed a part of the course.
I tried to run the rest but ended up with 2.86 miles with a time of 26:09 so I estimated that if I had in fact ran 3.1 then it would probably put me around 27:38 with an average pace of 8:57 min/mile.
I am a little disappointed that I missed the other part of the route, it leaves me wondering how I really would've done. It would have been much more fun had Shauna been with me, and we could have laughed about it. Oh well I guess, I've got next month's 5k on the Runway to find out where I am at 5k wise. I'll have my new Garmin Forerunner 410 by either Monday or Tuesday, as my current Garmin broke last night. The wristband broke, didn't just pop out but broke it is done and retiring. I had to hold it during the race, kind of sucked but oh well.
I don't know if I should post the splits or not, I guess I will though.
Mile 1 - 9:27
Mile 2 - 9:11
Mile 3 - 8:45
.1 - ?
Lesson learned, stay with people who know where they are going even if I have to go slower than I want until I see the finish line.
I tried to run the rest but ended up with 2.86 miles with a time of 26:09 so I estimated that if I had in fact ran 3.1 then it would probably put me around 27:38 with an average pace of 8:57 min/mile.
I am a little disappointed that I missed the other part of the route, it leaves me wondering how I really would've done. It would have been much more fun had Shauna been with me, and we could have laughed about it. Oh well I guess, I've got next month's 5k on the Runway to find out where I am at 5k wise. I'll have my new Garmin Forerunner 410 by either Monday or Tuesday, as my current Garmin broke last night. The wristband broke, didn't just pop out but broke it is done and retiring. I had to hold it during the race, kind of sucked but oh well.
I don't know if I should post the splits or not, I guess I will though.
Mile 1 - 9:27
Mile 2 - 9:11
Mile 3 - 8:45
.1 - ?
Lesson learned, stay with people who know where they are going even if I have to go slower than I want until I see the finish line.
Friday, April 19, 2013
Last Night's Tempo
Unfortunately I am realizing that my sister's lack of running and training this winter has seriously slowed her down. I am going to go ahead and call last night a tempo run, I ran 6 miles in 1:02:43 with an average pace of 10:27. Granted, with the warm weather and wind, I am even still trying to get used to it and acclimated so I noticed it's effects last night. Shauna only ran around 3.4 miles, I got there early and because of the threat of serious weather I did some running before her, she got there right around .76 miles so I just kept an eye on the watch to keep track of her mileage. The first 3 miles were slowish, mile 2 wasn't bad but then I noticed she had slowed down a lot and I stuck with her even though I knew I could go faster. When we got back to the parking lot she did her cool down walk back to her car and I kept going, I picked up the pace the best I could though I was feeling tired. I think I was around 4.4 miles when she got off the ride (lol) and left.
I hope I get acclimated to this warm weather soon, otherwise my long runs are going to suffer tremendously, mainly cause I still don't feel very comfortable taking my shirt off, and my body wants to go faster but I can't quite handle the heat at that point.
My splits were:
Mile 1 - 11:04
Mile 2 - 10:34
Mile 3 - 11:05
Mile 4 - 10:34
Mile 5 - 10:17
Mile 6 - 9:08
I did a cool down walk, probably only .1-.2 miles but it was alright. I thought about doing a 2 mile run today, but didn't want to get up and take Dorian out in this sudden 40 degree weather thanks to that storm. Tomorrow's race will be around 40something and unfortunately Shauna won't be joining me. She got drafted at work for Saturday. Our plan was to make it a fun run, no worries about time but since she isn't running it I am not sure what I'll do. It's a color run, with no timing chips or anything. I might just go with my own pace and how my body feels, just to see how I am doing and to figure up on how I will do next month at the 5k on the Runway. I plan on pushing myself then, it's going to be flat ground so there won't be any hills. As much as I hate to say this, but I kind of hope that Shauna gets drafted then, because I want to PR but I don't want to leave her in the dust. She didn't leave me last year, when she could have and I appreciate it but now I feel so much more prepared and faster than last year, this winter has really helped me but unfortunately she did not use winter to train. She says it is alright if I need to run faster, and leave her behind but I would hate it, I mean I know my reason for last year was due to injury while her reason now is due to no training.
The Evansville Half Marathon is on a Saturday for the first time in years, she doesn't get drafted on Sundays so there is a chance that she would get drafted on the day of the Half Marathon. Other than that, the majority of our races are on Saturdays, so we will see.
I hope I get acclimated to this warm weather soon, otherwise my long runs are going to suffer tremendously, mainly cause I still don't feel very comfortable taking my shirt off, and my body wants to go faster but I can't quite handle the heat at that point.
My splits were:
Mile 1 - 11:04
Mile 2 - 10:34
Mile 3 - 11:05
Mile 4 - 10:34
Mile 5 - 10:17
Mile 6 - 9:08
I did a cool down walk, probably only .1-.2 miles but it was alright. I thought about doing a 2 mile run today, but didn't want to get up and take Dorian out in this sudden 40 degree weather thanks to that storm. Tomorrow's race will be around 40something and unfortunately Shauna won't be joining me. She got drafted at work for Saturday. Our plan was to make it a fun run, no worries about time but since she isn't running it I am not sure what I'll do. It's a color run, with no timing chips or anything. I might just go with my own pace and how my body feels, just to see how I am doing and to figure up on how I will do next month at the 5k on the Runway. I plan on pushing myself then, it's going to be flat ground so there won't be any hills. As much as I hate to say this, but I kind of hope that Shauna gets drafted then, because I want to PR but I don't want to leave her in the dust. She didn't leave me last year, when she could have and I appreciate it but now I feel so much more prepared and faster than last year, this winter has really helped me but unfortunately she did not use winter to train. She says it is alright if I need to run faster, and leave her behind but I would hate it, I mean I know my reason for last year was due to injury while her reason now is due to no training.
The Evansville Half Marathon is on a Saturday for the first time in years, she doesn't get drafted on Sundays so there is a chance that she would get drafted on the day of the Half Marathon. Other than that, the majority of our races are on Saturdays, so we will see.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
This Week is Almost Over
This week has been a crazy one, stressful, sad and enraging all at the same time. The only real happiness I find is my son, his growing personality and the athleticism he is already showing. I find comfort with him when I need it most.
Monday I ran the 5 miles, with Boston on my mind, Tuesday I ran a 2.62 miles for Boston victims and when it rained during the final half mile it was almost like the tears of runners all around the world pouring down on me. It was surreal, and it only lasted for 5 minutes before the downpour slowed back down to a trickle. I ran the 2.62 in around 29:03 taking it easy and just enjoying the run.
Wednesday I got my baby pull along for the bike, so Cameron and I took it out for a test drive and Dorian loves it. I was wanting 6 miles but I enjoyed the 3.5 miles, Cameron stopping about 3 or 5 times just to take a picture of something. This morning I ran 1 mile with a group at the Dunigan YMCA, 1 mile to honor the victims of Boston. I brought Dorian along with me, not knowing our route would be on a gravel track so it was difficult and probably the hardest 1 mile run I've ever done. I felt like I was literally shoving the front wheel through the gravel, thank God Dorian no longer needs the infant car seat adapter and can sit in the actual part of the stroller. Otherwise I think it would have tipped over.
I am hoping for a 6 mile run tonight, Shauna is going to run probably 4 miles of it with me. We have a 5k race Saturday morning, the Hope in Motion "Color Run" at 9:00 a.m. It isn't going to be timed so we're going to try and just have fun with it, then I expect to run 6 miles Sunday morning before we head to Pennyrile Forest State Park for the day.
If I can get up tomorrow morning, I might run an easy 2 miles with Dorian and see how that goes. Of course that all depends on the weather.
Monday I ran the 5 miles, with Boston on my mind, Tuesday I ran a 2.62 miles for Boston victims and when it rained during the final half mile it was almost like the tears of runners all around the world pouring down on me. It was surreal, and it only lasted for 5 minutes before the downpour slowed back down to a trickle. I ran the 2.62 in around 29:03 taking it easy and just enjoying the run.
Wednesday I got my baby pull along for the bike, so Cameron and I took it out for a test drive and Dorian loves it. I was wanting 6 miles but I enjoyed the 3.5 miles, Cameron stopping about 3 or 5 times just to take a picture of something. This morning I ran 1 mile with a group at the Dunigan YMCA, 1 mile to honor the victims of Boston. I brought Dorian along with me, not knowing our route would be on a gravel track so it was difficult and probably the hardest 1 mile run I've ever done. I felt like I was literally shoving the front wheel through the gravel, thank God Dorian no longer needs the infant car seat adapter and can sit in the actual part of the stroller. Otherwise I think it would have tipped over.
I am hoping for a 6 mile run tonight, Shauna is going to run probably 4 miles of it with me. We have a 5k race Saturday morning, the Hope in Motion "Color Run" at 9:00 a.m. It isn't going to be timed so we're going to try and just have fun with it, then I expect to run 6 miles Sunday morning before we head to Pennyrile Forest State Park for the day.
If I can get up tomorrow morning, I might run an easy 2 miles with Dorian and see how that goes. Of course that all depends on the weather.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Yesterday, My beloved Sport was Attacked
Yesterday is a day that I will not forget soon, while I don't watch many races or sports myself, I kept a close ear on the events of the Boston Marathon. I tried to listen to it throughout the day while at work, but when I started reading posts on facebook about explosions at the race, near the finish.... I focused all my attention on the race. It is still hard to believe what happened, the people that were hurt and the 3 that died because of the explosions. I am now in fear of having my son or husband at any of my half marathon races, I am not so much worried about myself but for them.
The St. Louis race was great and all, except for one little thing: the mile long exit after the finish. There were 6 foot tall fences on either side of me for what felt like a mile but was probably a 1/4 to half a mile long, I couldn't get to the grass or anywhere to sit until I got out of it. I know why they had it, so nobody would bottleneck and screw up the finish for anyone else but it would be nice if they could have a couple of exits along the way (of course with a volunteer guarding to make sure spectators don't just keep popping in and crowding it). My husband was very nervous, though he and my stepson had their guns on them, there wouldn't be a whole lot you could do about a bomb or explosion.....
I am curious to see what happens over the next few months before my 3 half marathons in the Fall, I am curious to see how they handle this and if anybody responsible will be caught. I am concerned if this is just the beginning of atrocities like yesterday, if we will have to fear large crowded events from now on. I honestly feel that this wasn't a coincidence though, Boston is a symbol of America and it's freedom and strength, the Boston Marathon is a symbol to all over the world, it is one of the oldest marathon races and revered by millions. This was planned and thought out very well, whoever did this knew what they were doing... I hope they are caught and dealt with, but I wish they could be dealt with by the families of the victims.
Today I am going to run an unplanned 2.26 miles dedicated to the victims and their families, I might not be able to do 26.2 miles but I can do 2.26 instead. Yesterday evening I ran 5 miles and thought about Boston the whole way, going over it all in my head and trying to understand why humans are the worse creatures on Earth but then many are the best and most compassionate creatures, it is so messed up. I ran the 5 in 49:59, close to 50 minutes with an average pace of 9:59-10:00 min/mile and my splits were:
Mile 1 - 10:47
Mile 2 - 9:49
Mile 3 - 9:59
Mile 4 - 10:03
Mile 5 - 9:19
Today's 2.26 will be along the Evansville riverfront and I will stop near the Freedom Monuments and think a little, take pictures of it and think to myself what freedom means to me.
The St. Louis race was great and all, except for one little thing: the mile long exit after the finish. There were 6 foot tall fences on either side of me for what felt like a mile but was probably a 1/4 to half a mile long, I couldn't get to the grass or anywhere to sit until I got out of it. I know why they had it, so nobody would bottleneck and screw up the finish for anyone else but it would be nice if they could have a couple of exits along the way (of course with a volunteer guarding to make sure spectators don't just keep popping in and crowding it). My husband was very nervous, though he and my stepson had their guns on them, there wouldn't be a whole lot you could do about a bomb or explosion.....
I am curious to see what happens over the next few months before my 3 half marathons in the Fall, I am curious to see how they handle this and if anybody responsible will be caught. I am concerned if this is just the beginning of atrocities like yesterday, if we will have to fear large crowded events from now on. I honestly feel that this wasn't a coincidence though, Boston is a symbol of America and it's freedom and strength, the Boston Marathon is a symbol to all over the world, it is one of the oldest marathon races and revered by millions. This was planned and thought out very well, whoever did this knew what they were doing... I hope they are caught and dealt with, but I wish they could be dealt with by the families of the victims.
Today I am going to run an unplanned 2.26 miles dedicated to the victims and their families, I might not be able to do 26.2 miles but I can do 2.26 instead. Yesterday evening I ran 5 miles and thought about Boston the whole way, going over it all in my head and trying to understand why humans are the worse creatures on Earth but then many are the best and most compassionate creatures, it is so messed up. I ran the 5 in 49:59, close to 50 minutes with an average pace of 9:59-10:00 min/mile and my splits were:
Mile 1 - 10:47
Mile 2 - 9:49
Mile 3 - 9:59
Mile 4 - 10:03
Mile 5 - 9:19
Today's 2.26 will be along the Evansville riverfront and I will stop near the Freedom Monuments and think a little, take pictures of it and think to myself what freedom means to me.
Monday, April 15, 2013
Saturday's 7 Miler
It was difficult, I'll say that much. I think my body really didn't enjoy the hills out there by the house. My knees were hurting around mile 5 and definitely down the hills, I just hope it didn't cause any overuse injury. Today I plan on a 5 mile easy run, and I am going to take it easy and keep it flat for the most part. I ran the 7 miles in 1:15:56, and an average pace of 10:46 min/mile so definitely slower than my 7 mile tempos were.
I had an elevation gain of 192 ft and loss of 190 ft, my splits were:
Mile 1 - 10:58
Mile 2 - 11:09
Mile 3 - 10:46
Mile 4 - 11:07
Mile 5 - 11:13
Mile 6 - 10:29
Mile 7 - 10:11
I had also ran in my new Asics Gel GT2000's (the orange ones), didn't feel quite as good as my black ones and my race pair but not awful. I am going to double check to make sure they are in fact the same model. We'll see how today goes, and this whole week actually. Wednesday I am going to aim for a 6 mile tempo if tonight goes good and then either run an easy 3 mile Friday because the 5k Saturday and then maybe a 6 mile long run Sunday. The race is a color run so I don't think Shauna and I are really going to race it but just have fun and get colored.
I had an elevation gain of 192 ft and loss of 190 ft, my splits were:
Mile 1 - 10:58
Mile 2 - 11:09
Mile 3 - 10:46
Mile 4 - 11:07
Mile 5 - 11:13
Mile 6 - 10:29
Mile 7 - 10:11
I had also ran in my new Asics Gel GT2000's (the orange ones), didn't feel quite as good as my black ones and my race pair but not awful. I am going to double check to make sure they are in fact the same model. We'll see how today goes, and this whole week actually. Wednesday I am going to aim for a 6 mile tempo if tonight goes good and then either run an easy 3 mile Friday because the 5k Saturday and then maybe a 6 mile long run Sunday. The race is a color run so I don't think Shauna and I are really going to race it but just have fun and get colored.
Friday, April 12, 2013
So far This Week since the Race
Monday I went for a 3.5 mile walk with Dorian, no real soreness but then Tuesday I woke up sore like no other. The soreness went away by that afternoon and I went for an easy 4 mile run with a time of 43.45 and an average pace of 10:55 min/mile and the splits were:
Mile 1 - 11:25
Mile 2 - 11:05
Mile 3 - 10:58
Mile 4 - 10:14
Wednesday I woke up with no soreness so that was a good sign, later that day I want for another walk, with my mom and sister for probably 2.6 miles I think. I've been taking advantage of this gorgeous weather, because you never know when it is going to go away.
Thursday I went for a 5 mile run that turned into a tempo,I didn't mean for it to be a tempo but I haven't done once since my new shoes so I was really craving a faster pace. It definitely wasn't up to my usual tempos like in February but with a 9:59 pace and finishing 49:56 it wasn't bad. My splits were:
Mile 1 - 11:03
Mile 2 - 10:04
Mile 3 - 10:04
Mile 4 - 9:57
Mile 5 - 8:45
Not bad at all for having raced 13.1 miles just a few days before with a lot of hellish hills and warm temperatures. It was rainy, but not pouring down though it kept a lot of people inside except for me and another runner. I'd have to say it was pretty nice out there. Today would have been a walk with Dorian but it's barely above 50, windy and chilly so I don't want to take him out there. Tomorrow I am aiming for a 7 mile long run, though it is his birthday so we will have to see if it is tomorrow or Sunday morning.... maybe even Sunday evening who knows.
Mile 1 - 11:25
Mile 2 - 11:05
Mile 3 - 10:58
Mile 4 - 10:14
Wednesday I woke up with no soreness so that was a good sign, later that day I want for another walk, with my mom and sister for probably 2.6 miles I think. I've been taking advantage of this gorgeous weather, because you never know when it is going to go away.
Thursday I went for a 5 mile run that turned into a tempo,I didn't mean for it to be a tempo but I haven't done once since my new shoes so I was really craving a faster pace. It definitely wasn't up to my usual tempos like in February but with a 9:59 pace and finishing 49:56 it wasn't bad. My splits were:
Mile 1 - 11:03
Mile 2 - 10:04
Mile 3 - 10:04
Mile 4 - 9:57
Mile 5 - 8:45
Not bad at all for having raced 13.1 miles just a few days before with a lot of hellish hills and warm temperatures. It was rainy, but not pouring down though it kept a lot of people inside except for me and another runner. I'd have to say it was pretty nice out there. Today would have been a walk with Dorian but it's barely above 50, windy and chilly so I don't want to take him out there. Tomorrow I am aiming for a 7 mile long run, though it is his birthday so we will have to see if it is tomorrow or Sunday morning.... maybe even Sunday evening who knows.
Monday, April 8, 2013
The Day After
This morning I didn't feel really sore, heck last night the soreness was beginning to wear off. I've tried going over the race and see if there was anything I could have done to have ran better, but I am actually pretty pleased with the results considering the conditions. I have become more confident with myself now, I know my training has helped tremendously, especially doing a lot of my long runs back in January, February and March on a hilly route. This summer will be tough, but I will do my best to become acclimated with the heat ( and humidity) and maybe try to get my long runs in at night or early morning if possible. It will be difficult, I don't care for the sun beating down on me and the humidity being thick in the air but I know I will benefit from my crappy summer runs in the Fall races.
I weighed myself this morning at 139 lbs, awesome but I am going to stay skeptical because first it said 137 so I moved a bit more center than it said 138, third time it said 139 so I am going to go ahead and stick with that one. I didn't eat a whole lot yesterday, other than the race we were mainly on the road and then at home I just couldn't find anything to eat other than the carry out from Logan's roadhouse and protein shake. Oh well, I'll be sure to reach close to my goal today and hopefully a walk too.
Even though I am not feeling too sore, I am going to wait until Wednesday to run an easy 4 miles and see how things go. I feel alright, like I could run an easy slow 3 or 4 miles but I want to give my body enough rest to recover and heal from yesterday's run.
I weighed myself this morning at 139 lbs, awesome but I am going to stay skeptical because first it said 137 so I moved a bit more center than it said 138, third time it said 139 so I am going to go ahead and stick with that one. I didn't eat a whole lot yesterday, other than the race we were mainly on the road and then at home I just couldn't find anything to eat other than the carry out from Logan's roadhouse and protein shake. Oh well, I'll be sure to reach close to my goal today and hopefully a walk too.
Even though I am not feeling too sore, I am going to wait until Wednesday to run an easy 4 miles and see how things go. I feel alright, like I could run an easy slow 3 or 4 miles but I want to give my body enough rest to recover and heal from yesterday's run.
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Go! St. Louis Half Marathon Race Report
April 07, 2013
Go! St. Louis Half Marathon Race Report
I woke
up Sunday morning to 58 degrees, no rain and no clouds in sight. Getting the
others up was easy and quick, little butt was up and ready to go. I could feel
my stomach getting nervous and I knew that I would probably have to stop
somewhere along the way to use the restroom. We left the hotel at 6:07 a.m and
headed to the start, less than a mile from our hotel. There were lots of people
headed that way too, and I could feel my excitement and nervousness more and
more. I stopped at the Hardeez on the way and used the restroom, so glad I did
too. I was in Corral C, which was like .3-.4 miles from the freaking start; the
waves were weird, I think we stood there until 7:08 before they called to us
and we headed towards the start. I got a little confused as to when I was
supposed to turn on my garmin, I think I had turned it on a bit too soon.... oh
well.
It didn't feel bad yet, but I knew it was going to because I had never ran more than 9 miles in weather 60 degrees +, and I hadn't become fully acclimated to the warm weather yet. I decided to go a bit against my plans for a negative split and made the first half a bit faster than I wanted to and then just slowly eased into a pace.
Between miles 1 -3 there was a good size hill that I didn't expect (they had changed the course a bit) but I went up that no problem, nice and steady and strong. The Clydesdale was not out to cheer us on, bummer but oh well. I did try to keep my pace above 10:45 but it wasn't working too well.
Between miles 3 - 6 I had grabbed some gatorade from the fluid stations, I was beginning to feel the temperature around mile 5 but not bad still. I think there was a small hill around this time, but I can't remember. I still didn't have to stop at the bathroom, that was a good thing.
Between miles 6-9 it was starting to get tough, but luckily we got back into the city part with all the tall buildings and so I was blessed with shade (Thank Freaking God!). We hit a hill that was before Holy Hill, but it was a pretty good size hill and my legs were beginning to hate me. Holy Hill began around 6.3 I think and at first it didn't seem bad and I was feeling pretty positive, I actually found myself speeding up to 9:55 min/mile pace. A camera man on an ATV came by and was taking pictures, I felt good and was feeling strong. We came over the top of that hill and my heart had a small panic attack, Holy Hill wasn't done with me and it was going to become Holy Hell Hill. We had a small downhill trip (probably .2 miles) before we started going back up a much steeper hill than before, and it was probably a half mile long I think. It was right at mile 8 when we started heading up it, I allowed myself at this point to drop to 10:12-10:23 min/mile pace and kept forging ahead. Eventually I got over that hill, and I was feeling good about conquering it but the heat was beginning to take it's toll on my body and mind. The turn around point for Half Marathoners was at mile 10 and I just wanted to get to it, because I knew then I only had 3.1 miles to go. There were photographers just before that point and I made sure to look stronger than I felt.
Between miles 10-12 it began to get tough, the heat and my left hip/IT band were hurting a bit, my knees were feeling the effects of the hills and I was starting to feel a little down about how I felt. To make things harder, just before mile 11 was another large hill/incline and I thought WTF and cursed the running gods. I stopped at a port-a-jon, mainly to take moment and to use the restroom. The GU, gatorade and water didn't have a negative effect but I figured I was going to end up using the bathroom around mile 3 so I felt okay about using it now. Then I trudged on, my pace did slow down and I knew it would. Not so much because I started out faster than planned but because the heat and sun, I don't fair well in this weather unless I've been running in it for months and I can run in shorts and sports bra so I was definitely feeling like crap. I was happy when I reached mile 12, and I repeated to myself only 1.1 more mile and I'd be done with my 3rd Half and another 3rd finishers medal (and a really cute shirt).
That last mile was probably the toughest last mile I've ever ran, I kept a steady pace and just told myself to keep going. When I saw that blown up Finish thing, I had .7 miles left and I told myself to push it, I was ready to be done and I did my best to muster up all the strength and energy I had. I almost felt kicked when I thought I saw another hill just before the finish chute, but it was nothing. My Garmin hit 13.1 miles about .1-.2 miles from the finish so I went ahead and turned it off. I passed that finish line and thought oh my god thank you, thank you, thank you! Where the hell is my medal and where is a shady spot to sit and pass out!!!? My garmin hit 13.1 at 2:16:15 with a pace of 10:24 min/mile, and quite honestly I got confused when I turned it on so I don't know whether I had hit it too soon or what. My clock time is 2:18:28, not bad and not too far off from my garmin time. Holy Hill time was 20:13 (from miles 6.3 to 8.5). I am happy, my last two half marathons were (October 2011) 2:31:05 and (October 2012) 2:36:39, so I am feeling pretty great for knocking 14 minutes 16 minutes off my first Half time and 20 minutes off my second Half time.
My splits were:
Mile 1 - 10:46 / Mile 2 - 10:35 / Mile 3 - 10:41 / Mile 4 - 10:05 / Mile 5 - 10:08 / Mile 6 - 10:24 / Mile 7 - 10:03 / Mile 8 - 10:02 / Mile 9 - 10:19 / Mile 10 - 10:17 / Mile 11 - 10:29 / Mile 12 - 10:56 / Mile 13.1 - 10:31
Overall place 4,292 out of 7,829/ Women’s rank 2,044 out of 4,641. Not bad in my opinion or at least I am going to say that and believe it.
So I did stay pretty steady overall, I kept it close to the same pace though near the end it was tough. I must say I enjoy the Half Marathons in the Fall a lot more than in Spring, running in temperatures 40- for 5-7 months and then run a 13.1 mile race in 65-70 degree weather is an ass kicking experience. The hills kicked my butt too, though some deal with much bigger elevation (I do not), I am happy to have gotten over them and have this race under my belt. Sadly I did not stop for a beer, I was too wore out, empty on the stomach and just tired, it would not have been a good idea to drink a beer and then walk a mile back to the hotel and then pack up and go. I am going to have me a margarita (or two, or one margarita and one beer) when we stop to eat in Illinois, and I will have my damn steak! There you have it, this is my race report and I hope I wrote a good one. I am proud of myself, I feel great (though really sore) and strong..... and hungry.
Edit: we decided with 45 miles from home that Dorian has been such a good boy with all this that maybe instead of going out we would just stay home and do carry out, I won’t get my margarita but I can have a beer or 2 at home and my little boy’s feeling are more important anyways.
It didn't feel bad yet, but I knew it was going to because I had never ran more than 9 miles in weather 60 degrees +, and I hadn't become fully acclimated to the warm weather yet. I decided to go a bit against my plans for a negative split and made the first half a bit faster than I wanted to and then just slowly eased into a pace.
Between miles 1 -3 there was a good size hill that I didn't expect (they had changed the course a bit) but I went up that no problem, nice and steady and strong. The Clydesdale was not out to cheer us on, bummer but oh well. I did try to keep my pace above 10:45 but it wasn't working too well.
Between miles 3 - 6 I had grabbed some gatorade from the fluid stations, I was beginning to feel the temperature around mile 5 but not bad still. I think there was a small hill around this time, but I can't remember. I still didn't have to stop at the bathroom, that was a good thing.
Between miles 6-9 it was starting to get tough, but luckily we got back into the city part with all the tall buildings and so I was blessed with shade (Thank Freaking God!). We hit a hill that was before Holy Hill, but it was a pretty good size hill and my legs were beginning to hate me. Holy Hill began around 6.3 I think and at first it didn't seem bad and I was feeling pretty positive, I actually found myself speeding up to 9:55 min/mile pace. A camera man on an ATV came by and was taking pictures, I felt good and was feeling strong. We came over the top of that hill and my heart had a small panic attack, Holy Hill wasn't done with me and it was going to become Holy Hell Hill. We had a small downhill trip (probably .2 miles) before we started going back up a much steeper hill than before, and it was probably a half mile long I think. It was right at mile 8 when we started heading up it, I allowed myself at this point to drop to 10:12-10:23 min/mile pace and kept forging ahead. Eventually I got over that hill, and I was feeling good about conquering it but the heat was beginning to take it's toll on my body and mind. The turn around point for Half Marathoners was at mile 10 and I just wanted to get to it, because I knew then I only had 3.1 miles to go. There were photographers just before that point and I made sure to look stronger than I felt.
Between miles 10-12 it began to get tough, the heat and my left hip/IT band were hurting a bit, my knees were feeling the effects of the hills and I was starting to feel a little down about how I felt. To make things harder, just before mile 11 was another large hill/incline and I thought WTF and cursed the running gods. I stopped at a port-a-jon, mainly to take moment and to use the restroom. The GU, gatorade and water didn't have a negative effect but I figured I was going to end up using the bathroom around mile 3 so I felt okay about using it now. Then I trudged on, my pace did slow down and I knew it would. Not so much because I started out faster than planned but because the heat and sun, I don't fair well in this weather unless I've been running in it for months and I can run in shorts and sports bra so I was definitely feeling like crap. I was happy when I reached mile 12, and I repeated to myself only 1.1 more mile and I'd be done with my 3rd Half and another 3rd finishers medal (and a really cute shirt).
That last mile was probably the toughest last mile I've ever ran, I kept a steady pace and just told myself to keep going. When I saw that blown up Finish thing, I had .7 miles left and I told myself to push it, I was ready to be done and I did my best to muster up all the strength and energy I had. I almost felt kicked when I thought I saw another hill just before the finish chute, but it was nothing. My Garmin hit 13.1 miles about .1-.2 miles from the finish so I went ahead and turned it off. I passed that finish line and thought oh my god thank you, thank you, thank you! Where the hell is my medal and where is a shady spot to sit and pass out!!!? My garmin hit 13.1 at 2:16:15 with a pace of 10:24 min/mile, and quite honestly I got confused when I turned it on so I don't know whether I had hit it too soon or what. My clock time is 2:18:28, not bad and not too far off from my garmin time. Holy Hill time was 20:13 (from miles 6.3 to 8.5). I am happy, my last two half marathons were (October 2011) 2:31:05 and (October 2012) 2:36:39, so I am feeling pretty great for knocking 14 minutes 16 minutes off my first Half time and 20 minutes off my second Half time.
My splits were:
Mile 1 - 10:46 / Mile 2 - 10:35 / Mile 3 - 10:41 / Mile 4 - 10:05 / Mile 5 - 10:08 / Mile 6 - 10:24 / Mile 7 - 10:03 / Mile 8 - 10:02 / Mile 9 - 10:19 / Mile 10 - 10:17 / Mile 11 - 10:29 / Mile 12 - 10:56 / Mile 13.1 - 10:31
Overall place 4,292 out of 7,829/ Women’s rank 2,044 out of 4,641. Not bad in my opinion or at least I am going to say that and believe it.
So I did stay pretty steady overall, I kept it close to the same pace though near the end it was tough. I must say I enjoy the Half Marathons in the Fall a lot more than in Spring, running in temperatures 40- for 5-7 months and then run a 13.1 mile race in 65-70 degree weather is an ass kicking experience. The hills kicked my butt too, though some deal with much bigger elevation (I do not), I am happy to have gotten over them and have this race under my belt. Sadly I did not stop for a beer, I was too wore out, empty on the stomach and just tired, it would not have been a good idea to drink a beer and then walk a mile back to the hotel and then pack up and go. I am going to have me a margarita (or two, or one margarita and one beer) when we stop to eat in Illinois, and I will have my damn steak! There you have it, this is my race report and I hope I wrote a good one. I am proud of myself, I feel great (though really sore) and strong..... and hungry.
Edit: we decided with 45 miles from home that Dorian has been such a good boy with all this that maybe instead of going out we would just stay home and do carry out, I won’t get my margarita but I can have a beer or 2 at home and my little boy’s feeling are more important anyways.
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Here in St. Louis
We got a late start this afternoon, I wanted to leave around 2 so I could get here in time to go to the Expo and get my race packet but we didn't get out of here until 3:30 p.m. Then we made a couple stops, by the time we found the hotel it was 10 minutes til 7 and wasn't even sure where the building for the Expo was. I guess I will head there around 10:00 a.m tomorrow, find a bus stop for the expo while everyone sleeps and my mom watches Dorian.
It wasn't a bad way up here, we went to T.G.I Friday's and I had the Chicken Florentino Piccati whatever and then walked around the courtyard park thing. It is busy down here, and you can easily see who is here to run the races and who lives here. Tomorrow we're going to go to the zoo, and pretty much relax and then find another place to eat and hopefully get some sleep.
It wasn't a bad way up here, we went to T.G.I Friday's and I had the Chicken Florentino Piccati whatever and then walked around the courtyard park thing. It is busy down here, and you can easily see who is here to run the races and who lives here. Tomorrow we're going to go to the zoo, and pretty much relax and then find another place to eat and hopefully get some sleep.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Last Night Easy 4.6 Miles
Other than having to stop 3 times to go to the bathroom (in the woods), the run was good. It was easy and slow, thanks to my sister running with me I didn't feel compelled to run fast like I have been when running by myself. We ran 4.6 miles in 51:21 with an average pace of 11:10 min/mile and literally no hills pretty much. I did decide after last night's run that I would go ahead and take today off as well, focus on strength training today and then get everything ready for the trip tomorrow and just relax (maybe sleep in the van). Saturday we're going to the zoo so there will be some walking but it shouldn't be bad and might be refreshing (I hope). There will definitely be stops and breaks during the zoo trip, letting Dorian see the animals and of course with the crowds of other people I am sure we won't be moving too fast.
Anyways, my splits last night were:
Mile 1 - 11:03
Mile 2 - 11:23
Mile 3 - 11:27
Mile 4 - 11:04
.6 - 10:42
We kept it slower than Monday, with my bowels wanting to move and Shauna's ankle bugging her. I didn't feel like moving fast either, I want my legs to be as fresh and ready for Sunday as they possibly can be.
Good news: I weighed myself this morning at 141.4 lbs, my goal 2 weeks ago was to be at 140 by the time I toe the start line this Sunday and it looks like I could very well make it to that. The race might even get me below 140 lbs which would be great. I know not to focus on the lbs, and focus more on inches and how my clothes fit but I just want to get below 140, that has been my goal for a long time and even though I think I reached it before I had gotten pregnant, I can't be sure because that scale was old and crappy. I can fit in size 3/4 jeans and small shirts without feeling bloated (most of the time), so I feel good but I would like to get under 140 AND lose at least another inch off my thighs and trim my stomach just a little more.
Anyways, I've got good feelings about the race and I can't wait to get my Race Report up here Sunday afternoon/evening!
Anyways, my splits last night were:
Mile 1 - 11:03
Mile 2 - 11:23
Mile 3 - 11:27
Mile 4 - 11:04
.6 - 10:42
We kept it slower than Monday, with my bowels wanting to move and Shauna's ankle bugging her. I didn't feel like moving fast either, I want my legs to be as fresh and ready for Sunday as they possibly can be.
Good news: I weighed myself this morning at 141.4 lbs, my goal 2 weeks ago was to be at 140 by the time I toe the start line this Sunday and it looks like I could very well make it to that. The race might even get me below 140 lbs which would be great. I know not to focus on the lbs, and focus more on inches and how my clothes fit but I just want to get below 140, that has been my goal for a long time and even though I think I reached it before I had gotten pregnant, I can't be sure because that scale was old and crappy. I can fit in size 3/4 jeans and small shirts without feeling bloated (most of the time), so I feel good but I would like to get under 140 AND lose at least another inch off my thighs and trim my stomach just a little more.
Anyways, I've got good feelings about the race and I can't wait to get my Race Report up here Sunday afternoon/evening!
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Closer and Closer.... So Excited!!!
Tuesday is almost over, and Race Day is getting ever closer to here. I just got an email with my bib number and other information, and I am so excited I just want to bounce up and down and wish it would get here sooner but then I know I will miss it when we're back in Evansville. I keep watching the 2010 video of the course and I'm not really worried about the hills anymore, I think I've ran more hills and bigger hills during my training runs so I don't know why I would be nervous about those hills.
Here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oMOvkhmtwE
So far it looks like clouds on Sunday, and I am praying there isn't any rain... at least not on Saturday when we take Dorian to the zoo because I would be really upset if we weren't able to take him to the zoo. Tonight I am going to prepare our gym/duffel bag with the things we won't need for the next 2 days and try to get everything that I can together and slip it into Cameron's van which is what we will be taking to St. Louis.
I cannot wait to give my Race Report, I cannot wait to have a 3rd finisher's medal hanging on the wall and a 3rd Half Marathon bib as well, and the memories of it. I really do have a great feeling about my time, I think I am going to blast it like a beast, no injuries, no pregnancy and my training has been great and I am ready for this.
Here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oMOvkhmtwE
So far it looks like clouds on Sunday, and I am praying there isn't any rain... at least not on Saturday when we take Dorian to the zoo because I would be really upset if we weren't able to take him to the zoo. Tonight I am going to prepare our gym/duffel bag with the things we won't need for the next 2 days and try to get everything that I can together and slip it into Cameron's van which is what we will be taking to St. Louis.
I cannot wait to give my Race Report, I cannot wait to have a 3rd finisher's medal hanging on the wall and a 3rd Half Marathon bib as well, and the memories of it. I really do have a great feeling about my time, I think I am going to blast it like a beast, no injuries, no pregnancy and my training has been great and I am ready for this.
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