I left Stefhan's yesterday with Mogul to head out on a short 5 or 6 mile run. At 2.5 miles, two large chocolate labs were unrestrained with no owners in sight and decided to charge towards Mogul and me. They sprinted towards us and Mogul felt disrupted and all three dogs decided to get into it. The labs finally broke away without harming Mogul or me, but I decided to keep running in the same direction rather than turn around and risk passing the labs again. The downside is that once you keep going on Wasatch Dr, there's no place to cut the route short. Mogul isn't entirely used to anything over 6 miles and I didn't have my hydration belt or any Gu with me. I just wasn't prepared for a run over 6 miles. At about 8.2 miles, I decided to call Stefhan for a ride and he came to my saving grace with two bottles of water. Thanks Stefhan!
Running has been a little tough to stay motivated after the half-marathon. I have a couple training guides to go by, although I haven't planned all my training dates out just yet.
I ran twice while in Florida, one 6 miler and one 7 miler. It was so hot and humid that I wasn't sure if it was worse to run at high altitude or high humidity. Either way it feels like you can't get enough oxygen.
Unfortunately, neither Brian nor I got picked for the NYC Marathon. Major bummer, however I'm sure the people who did get picked definitely deserve it and have been training a lot longer than I have. We will have to look for another marathon to run in October or November.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Racer 3759!
Wow, what a whirlwind it has been lately. I had every intention of writing a post before the actual half-marathon, however I never had the opportunity. Unfortunately, Stefhan's family (which certainly feels like my own family now) has had to endure many hardships. With these hardships, one of the most important things is that Stefhan and I were there (and will always be there) to support him and his family. As a result, I dedicated my race to Stefhan's mom and his brother-in-law (may he rest in peace) in hopes of bringing positive prayer and energy to his family. I know it wasn't much, but I thought positive thoughts of Ana Maria (Stefhan's mom) and Brian (Stefhan's brother-in-law) the entire 13.2 miles.
Race Details:
Prior to the race, I took three days off from exercise and running. I feel that this was beneficial and useful time to let my muscles rest before the big day. I drank plenty of fluids and ate a mixture of carbs and proteins in preparation for the event. I also went to bed super early the three nights before the race. We're talking 10:00 PM and 9:30 PM. It was hard to adjust to going to bed so early, but for me, it paid off.
The race start was at 7:00 AM. Stefhan dropped me off at 6:15 AM which felt was the perfect time. If there's one thing I'd need to figure out for the next race, it would be working out the pee schedule because that was really tough. The lines 15 minutes before the race start were unbearable. I barely made it into a porta-pottie before hurrying and having to get to the race start. Even going right before the race wasn't enough. By mile 3 and 4, I was about to pee myself and I strongly considered the idea of just peeing my pants. The lines at the water points were also 15 minutes long, and to me, that defeated the purpose of a race if you spend 15 minutes waiting in line for a bathroom. I ended up running 13.2 miles, because .10 miles I spent running to a bush, which I'm pretty certain was visible to the public. I relieved myself and got back on course to carry on the race. I'm happy I wasn't arrested or disqualified from the race from my impromptu decision. I figured it was the better decision over the alternative-- peeing myself which would have been really uncomfortable for the next 10.1 miles.
The atmosphere is as fantastic, if not better, than everyone described. Seeing residents with signs and cowbells the entire route of the race was inspiring and motivating. I don't know if I could have made it without the wonderful fan support from total strangers.
I was truly relieved that once I reached the finish line, I felt like I could have kept running. Part of me was disappointed that I wasn't prepared for the full-marathon and envious of those that completed the 26.2 miles. Soon enough, it'll be my turn!
My best friend, Sarah, was at the finish line waiting for me with cookies and Recoverite. My friend Rick was there, too, however somehow I missed him and I'm so sorry for that! I am grateful for all the support from my friends and family! Stefhan was there in spirit and I know that he is proud of me. Stefhan was a pallbearer at his brother-in-laws unexpected funeral and couldn't make it to the race. Immediately after I finished my race, I iced my knees while driving an hour away, just in time to make it to the funeral.
As I promised myself, I have an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon to take a look at my knee on May 9th. Oddly enough, my knees felt pretty good during the entire half-marathon with only minimal knee pain. I really believe that three days rest prior to the race were beneficial for my knee pain. I also iced my knees during those three days.
The entire 13.1 miles feels like a blur to me. I couldn't believe how fast the miles passed by. It seems I got fatigued at mile 10, but I caught my second wind and was able to sprint to the finish line. My body is aching now and I really can't get myself to run today. I'm going to reward myself with some good rest and relaxation. I'm real excited to start my training for the full-marathon.
Thanks again to all my friends and family for the support. The training isn't over and I will continue to need your positive thoughts and encouragement. Below are my statistics for the race and a few pictures. When I get a few more, I'll be sure to post them!
Thanks again!
Bib #: 3759
 |
| Yvette cheered me on at mile 7! |
Race Details:
Prior to the race, I took three days off from exercise and running. I feel that this was beneficial and useful time to let my muscles rest before the big day. I drank plenty of fluids and ate a mixture of carbs and proteins in preparation for the event. I also went to bed super early the three nights before the race. We're talking 10:00 PM and 9:30 PM. It was hard to adjust to going to bed so early, but for me, it paid off.
The race start was at 7:00 AM. Stefhan dropped me off at 6:15 AM which felt was the perfect time. If there's one thing I'd need to figure out for the next race, it would be working out the pee schedule because that was really tough. The lines 15 minutes before the race start were unbearable. I barely made it into a porta-pottie before hurrying and having to get to the race start. Even going right before the race wasn't enough. By mile 3 and 4, I was about to pee myself and I strongly considered the idea of just peeing my pants. The lines at the water points were also 15 minutes long, and to me, that defeated the purpose of a race if you spend 15 minutes waiting in line for a bathroom. I ended up running 13.2 miles, because .10 miles I spent running to a bush, which I'm pretty certain was visible to the public. I relieved myself and got back on course to carry on the race. I'm happy I wasn't arrested or disqualified from the race from my impromptu decision. I figured it was the better decision over the alternative-- peeing myself which would have been really uncomfortable for the next 10.1 miles.
The atmosphere is as fantastic, if not better, than everyone described. Seeing residents with signs and cowbells the entire route of the race was inspiring and motivating. I don't know if I could have made it without the wonderful fan support from total strangers.
I was truly relieved that once I reached the finish line, I felt like I could have kept running. Part of me was disappointed that I wasn't prepared for the full-marathon and envious of those that completed the 26.2 miles. Soon enough, it'll be my turn!
My best friend, Sarah, was at the finish line waiting for me with cookies and Recoverite. My friend Rick was there, too, however somehow I missed him and I'm so sorry for that! I am grateful for all the support from my friends and family! Stefhan was there in spirit and I know that he is proud of me. Stefhan was a pallbearer at his brother-in-laws unexpected funeral and couldn't make it to the race. Immediately after I finished my race, I iced my knees while driving an hour away, just in time to make it to the funeral.
As I promised myself, I have an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon to take a look at my knee on May 9th. Oddly enough, my knees felt pretty good during the entire half-marathon with only minimal knee pain. I really believe that three days rest prior to the race were beneficial for my knee pain. I also iced my knees during those three days.
The entire 13.1 miles feels like a blur to me. I couldn't believe how fast the miles passed by. It seems I got fatigued at mile 10, but I caught my second wind and was able to sprint to the finish line. My body is aching now and I really can't get myself to run today. I'm going to reward myself with some good rest and relaxation. I'm real excited to start my training for the full-marathon.
Thanks again to all my friends and family for the support. The training isn't over and I will continue to need your positive thoughts and encouragement. Below are my statistics for the race and a few pictures. When I get a few more, I'll be sure to post them!
 |
| 6 AM, Devil eyes and ready to run! |
 |
| Dave the Tarahumara and I at the start. Dave finished in 1 hr 37 minutes and placed #257 |
 |
| Racers getting read for the sound of the race start! |
 |
| At the finish! |
 |
| Behind us is a man in a full leotard and face mask. He was a cat of some sort! |
Thanks again!
Bib #: 3759
Age: 28
Chip Time: 2:15:39
Chip Pace: 10:21
Age Division: 289 out of 501
Place Overall: 2653 out of 4444
Sex Overall: 1375 out of 2715
Gun Time: 2:20:33
Gun Pace: 10:43
Time to Start Line: 4:54
I had negative splits most of the way. They are not entirely accurate because they're from my app on my phone, but they give you an idea.
Mile 1: 11:25 min/mi
Mile 2: 10:58 min/mi
Mile 3: 10:28 min/mi
Mile 4: 10:24 min/mi
Mile 5: 10:46 min/mi (this is when I peed)
Mile 6: 10:19 min/mi
Mile 7: 9:53 min/mi
Mile 8: 10:02 min/mi
Mile 9: 10:10 min/mi
Mile 10: 10:23 min/mi
Mile 11: 10:11 min/mi
Mile 12: 10:23 min/mi
Mile 13: 9:07 min/mi
Looking at my splits, I wonder if I left all of myself out there on the course. I woke up this morning wondering if I had saved too much fuel
along the way and if I could have gone faster. It's all a learning curve and this was only my first race, so I have lots to learn.
I know now, with how sore I feel, that I still worked hard and I'm happy overall with the results from my first race!
Monday, April 4, 2011
Two Weeks Notice!
The last week of training has been challenging for me due to my knee issues. Last Monday, I ran 11.75 miles and Stefhan drove me back to my house after my run. My knees held up okay, although I experienced some real soreness at mile 9. I then ran 2.25 miles on the treadmill the following day and had to stop .75 miles short due to knee pain. It just wasn't worth it to me to suffer knee pain this close to the half-marathon. I didn't run for the rest of the week. Instead, I spent my time cross-training on the stationary bike (my butt is sore, again) and also went and swam laps at my gym.
Swimming was entertaining and I was pretty embarrassed starting out with all the other experienced swimmers. They were doing the flippy things to change directions and everything. I went and bought a bathing suit, goggles and a cap. Everyone is making fun of me for wearing a condom on my head, but I thought it was mandatory in public pools. Needless to say, I didn't see any signs requiring the cap and I'll be leaving the "reservoir tip" at home next time I decide to swim laps. It was a good work out, but a ton of work. I don't think I realized how tired I was until I got out of the pool and could hardly stand up. I'm looking forward to the next pool work-out.
I also finished "Ultramarathon Man" by Dean Karnazes. This book was really fantastic. I was captivated the entire time and read the book in two nights. It seems like he's bragging throughout the book, but I guess he has earned his bragging rights. It would have been nice to hear about any injuries he may have encountered, but he says he has never suffered any running-related injuries which to me, is unfathomable. I'm now reading "50/50" which is about his journey running 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days. These stories keep me motivated and keep reminding me that I'm capable of accomplishing my goals.
Other than that, the knees are still hurting. Today I ran 12 slow miles. At mile 6, the pain almost brought me to a stop. I kept running and eventually the pain went away. I'm not sure if that's a good thing, but I don't have much of a choice considering the half-marathon is only 12 days away. I will try to cross-train a lot this week to stay off of my knees.
Thanks for reading!
Charli
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)