11 Miles w/ a 5K PR

I signed up for a charity 5K (The MaDee Project) with my running buddy Patty. I kind of wanted to race it and try to PR over my first (and only) 5K back in May (I don't count Color Me Rad because it's not timed).

I knew it would be challenging to try to race it to PR since my first 5K was an 8:45 average and I generally run 9-9:30. Patty explained the route was hilly and we may just be better off to build it into a long run. I agreed and we made a plan to run to the 5K from the park, run the 5K and then run back to the park.

Friday night I realized I didn't calculate the entrance to the museum grounds where the 5K was being held, that would add almost 2 more miles, making it 11 miles. I also realized it was going to be a hilly 11 miles. I got scared and texted Patty. She convinced me it'd be OK (because we'd have some rests built into our run).

I didn't "fuel" well the night before either... I had crabcakes with some spicy sauce at a new Mediterranean restaurant. So I texted my other running buddy Kuhlmann (who I went to Baltimore with) and he basically said "you ran 13 miles last weekend, you'll be fine." I'm convinced I could tell him I'm running 20 miles tomorrow and he'd say "you can do it/you'll be fine."

I often let my mental game get in the way. Thank goodness for my running buddies because they always convince me I can do things.

 Saturday morning came and Patty & I started out at the park. We ran 3 miles to Sheetz, bought a drink and headed towards the museum. As soon as we hit the entrance we realized there were no street lights on the mile entrance to the museum... YIKES. I didn't wear my hat light because I knew it'd be daylight after the first 4 miles. Luckily, I had my cell phone in my spi-belt for emergencies (we went sans-music), so I turned on my flashlight app and we kept going. We were definitely lucky, that would not have been a fun mile with absolutely no light.

We had picked our bibs up the day before so we were ready to go for the race. We spent the half hour stretching, hydrating and chatting with other runners/walkers. I hadn't planned to wear my long sleeve pullover (Lululemon Star Runner Pullover in Purple) but I am so glad I did... it was cold!

We started out at the front of the line (wow! never done that before) and took off. We took off pretty fast but reeled it in a bit. We were still going fast but it felt good. There was a girl in pink (part of the "Rack Pack" for breast cancer) that was in front of us the entire first loop (race was 2 loops for 5K). At the start of the second loop I said "I want to pass her!" - probably a bit too loud (sorry!!) - but I meant it in the nicest way possible. She had been keeping me going and was pulling away. I suddenly decided I might not pass her but I wanted to keep her in sight. We sped up trying to stay with her and the run started to hurt.

I found out later she had heard me, but was VERY sweet! When we caught up to her running she told us we were doing great (as was she!) and encouraged us. Patty had more to give so I told her to GO. For the rest of the run I had Patty up ahead "pulling" me on and Awesome-Rack-Pack-Runner right on my heels pushing me forward. I would not have ran that fast if not for them... I yelled at one point "THIS IS NOT MY HAPPY PACE."

It was a hilly 5K with pavement, grass and gravel. I was so HAPPY to see the finish (although it did go by very fast!). And as I crossed the finished the timing guy said "26:17" and I was so excited that I had a new PR!!

I chugged water, ate an apple, relaxed a bit and thanked Rack Pack Runner for being my "rabbit" (her term that I love!). Then we hit the road for the 4 miles home. It was a bit hilly at first and I was so thankful for a long downhill. We kept up a really good pace and ended with a nice average pace for the day! It wasn't the same as a straight 11 mile run but I know I ran my heart out, especially during the 5K!!

Thanks to Patty I achieved a new PR AND had a heck of a long run!

Hot Pink Compression Sleeves in the Background

Race Thoughts

A few more race thoughts from Wednesday’s 10K {aka. babbling from a #running obsessed girl}:

I have no idea how I’m going to make it 13.2.

Because I felt absolutely spent at the end of 6.2. Maybe that was partially mental (knowing 6.2 was the end) and partially the heat (9am in July is HOT).

Races make me go to fast.

This sounds great, but it’s not. I start out going way too fast because of the excitement of the race and those around me.

I need to train for negative splits.

 I don’t think I’ve done a negative split, ever.

Drinking water from a cup while running is hard.

I wore more than I drank, which was fine, it was hot. Thanks to my running buddy (aka marathoner) who told me the trick to pinch/squeeze the top together and drink. Hope that will help the next race!

Maybe I should rethink my “try never to walk” mentality.

I saw plenty of people who took walking breaks and came back to pass me later. I mean honestly my “running” probably equals walking speeds at some point. Would it be better to just full out walk and then start again? I’ve had this don’t stop and walk mentality since I started running and it’s not based on anything factual. Any advice?

Running makes me feel accomplished.

It makes me feel good. Whether it’s a race or just a normal day, running makes me feel like I accomplished something.

Race Day gear to celebrate the 4th!

First 10K!

Yesterday I ran the Valley 4^th Run 10K. My second race ever (first race was a 5K in May). I got up early and had my normal pre-run breakfast - oatmeal.

I dressed up a little to be festive.

Being the cautious over-planner that I am, I arrived very early and was the first to register for the day. Don’t worry, I brought a book and spent some time reading in the car pre-race.

Then I met up with two hot mamas who were running the 5K (with strollers!). We spent the hour before the race playing with the babies and chatting. This was a great distraction for my nerves!

The race was 2 laps for a 5K and 4 laps for a 10K. It got started shortly after 9am and we were off. First lap around I felt great, but knew I was going too fast (low 8 pace). I have never been able to do negative splits – something I really must train for!

It was hot but I kept going. I knew I did not want to walk. It’s a personal thing that I like to be able to complete it without ever walking. I managed it but I saw people who walked a bit and then later passed me – so maybe not the smartest decision, but my personal goal.

It really helped to have a high school friend and my two hot mama running buddies cheering for me! They really helped me on those last two laps.

Going in I knew I wanted to come in under 60 minutes. But in the end, I just wanted to complete it without passing out from the heat. When I got close, I saw the clock was at 56 and hauled it on in to the finish. I stopped my nike GPS a few seconds late but it said 56:12. I know the race clock said about the same (it was 56:08 when I ran past into the finish). The official race time was 57 minutes but there were people complaining the times were about 1 minute off.

Either way I’m happy with my time! And happy to have successfully completed my first 10K! I rewarded myself with ice cream & pool time to celebrate the 4th of July!

Pre-race Nerves

Yesterday morning while I was out running (tapering? Uhhh nope), I started actually thinking about the race today. Can we please say nerves?! I was nervous about my first race (5K in May) because I had never participated in a race before, but 5K? I felt more than comfortable with the distance.

Now it’s July, heat is outrageous and the idea of running a 10K in weather I like to refer to as hot as h$*#... well I briefing considered just not going. The distance isn’t so scary, yeah I run that distance plus some regularly. The distance in the heat = scary. I drip sweat. I often don’t drink enough or worse, drink too much during a water break. I’ve done longer runs with no water, but I don’t think that’s a good idea for this heat. So I’ve decided I’m taking this race easy, running it at a comfortable pace because I’d rather finish than pass out from the heat.

Weather forecast is almost 80 degrees with 80% humidity for run-time…. Here’s to being crazy! 

Dripping Sweat from a 6am 6.7 miles run!

Half Marathon?

If you ever told me in the past (whether it be high school, college or heck even middle school) that I’d run a 5K - I’d laugh. A 10K? I would ask if you were crazy. A ½ marathon? I’d send you straight to the loony bin for even asking. So how is it that a 5K seems like nothing, a 10K seems manageable and now I’m considering a ½ marathon?! Do I need to be sent straight to the loony bin?? 

Maybe this should be me?!

Alix, my motivator of all things running, asked me to do a ½ marathon with her in August. At first I kind of freaked because it seemed so close, but after talking to some of the runners at work they said you need 12 weeks to train for it. And looking at the training schedule they recommended I could probably skip to week 5 or 6 and go from there. So I have more than enough time. Heck, probably too much time. I have enough time to freak myself out and not do it. I mean 6 miles is my longest run… that seems like a long way from 13! 

You see I’m not a runner… or am I? 

I always say “oh I’m not a runner”… or “I’m new to running”… but how long can I keep saying that? How long can I claim not to be a runner but put in 20 miles a week? How long can I say I’m not a runner, but push myself to run further, longer without water, faster….? Maybe I am a runner. It’s not natural born, that’s for sure. It definitely is for necessity… but 20 miles week? That’s more than necessary. Considering a ½ marathon? That’s more than just necessary for weight management. 

This running thing started as a way to keep the weight loss going (speed walking at high inclines only goes so far)… and somehow it seems to have become so much more. I’m grouchy if I don’t get to run as plan. I try to recruit my friends to come run with me. I challenge myself. 

Maybe I am a runner...?

Color Me Rad

I hadn’t even completed my first 5K yet and I’d already signed up for another one. 

Honestly my plan was to sign up for a 10K in July (which I still hope to do) but I ended up signing up for a 5K color run with my soon-to-arrive (just a couple more months) running buddy. Andy’s cousin is moving his girlfriend, Rachel, from Colorado to VA in June and she’s a runner! I’m excited for Rachel to arrive and really excited to do this fun run with her & other Valley girls! I don’t think this run is for a challenge, I don’t think they even time you, it’s more "let’s go run around and get blasted with color!" 

Ummm doesn't that picture look amazing?! Andy would say $%#* no. His exact words were something like "I might run a 5K with you, but not one where they stuff at you"... what, see that sounds AMAZING to me.

I’m planning to do the Color Blast 5K in D.C. in September as well with my BFF from JMU! 

I'm thinking the iphone might not be safe with all the color getting thrown around... I might need to see if my old ancient ipod still works for this race...

First Time. First Place {in my age group for women}

Today I ran my first ever race, a 5K at the local PD. I had told myself because this was shorter distance wise than I normally run, I wanted to up my pace. So I set a goal of better than 9:30/mile.

Some crappy things made me start thinking last night maybe my goal should be just finishing without ever walking.

Not so good things:

• I ate like crap the last two days
• My Thursday 4-6 mile run turned into a little 2 mile run
• This morning I woke up at 4am (Andy and I have both been having trouble sleeping) and I could not get back to sleep for the life of me. Daannnngggg it.

Now for the good things: 

• Yesterday, my new Saturday morning running buddies e-mailed that they were signing up and running with me instead of running the park. This meant the world to me... to have new friends coming and running my first race ever with me!  Here is where I would insert a photo of us after the race... but we forgot! 
• My amazing friend Kim came by before she went into work and gave me an encouraging hug and words of encouragement. She also brought her furr-baby, Ginger, who I love. Ginger gave me lots of hugs and kisses for good luck.
• Babe got to work traffic control... meaning I'd get to see him TWICE during the race.
• My mom & BFF Lindz remembered & text me Good Luck. 

First Race Bib ever. True Story: I had to look up whether I pinned it on the front or back of my shirt. haha, novice.

When race time came I realized I was actually nervous, but glad it started quickly. Everyone took off running and so I joined in and ran like crazy up that huge, never-ending, hill {trust me I exaggerate, but it did suck}. I knew I was probably running way to fast. I shouldn't be dumb and run too fast in the beginning. I also realized I was in front of my running buddies who have much more experience than me and I figured I was screwed. I dropped back with them trying to slow myself down so I didn't burn out but I couldn't so I just said screw it and figured I'd live with the consequences after the first mile of running too fast.

When I finally got out of that never ending hill incline there was a great side street that was shaded with trees and it felt amazing. I realized that running down hills isn't as great as it seems... or at least someone needs to teach me a technique for this!

I was sweating. I was hot. I was breathing heavier than I normally do when I run. BUT I was still going. I was so nervous I would get a cramp or start feeling sick to my stomach. When I got to less than .75mile left I was tired. I kept staring at the guy in front of me thinking I might not pass him, but I will not lose pace with him. Eventually I caught up to him when he slowed down and he had just began to walk when I got to him. I laughed and said "You were keeping me going!" and he said "alright" and started running with me.

The women beside us told me to catch the girl in pink in front of us because "she'll take your prize". I laughed because I was tired and was afraid I'd puke if I tried to kick it into high gear. I often feel sick when I try to all out sprint the last part of a couple mile run (Andy loves to do this).

I told my new running buddy guy that I would puke if I took her, so we just kept going. I even mentioned that he should take her, but he said it was too early. So we continued at our pace, gaining just barely on her. At the next intersection we both speak to the cop directing traffic... puzzled at this moment we talk to each other and make the connection that we ACTUALLY KNOW EACH OTHER. I worked with his wife for years, we've all been to a concert together. THANK YOU GOD for putting the right people in all moments of my life. We laugh about it as we get closer to the end.

Girl in the pink shirt had been holding her side for awhile and she slowed some more and we took our opportunity. We passed her, rounded the corner and were in the home stretch. At this point he said something to the effect of "take us in" and I took the opportunity to run as hard as I could into the finish. Those last moments felt awesome. People cheering as I rounded that last turn in the road.

Exactly one year ago we were in Mexico (on our belated honeymoon) and I chickened out on the bike tour when I heard it was an hour through the jungle. I couldn't ride a bike for an hour... much less run a mile. Here I was one year later, 85lbs lighter, finishing my first official 5K. I thanked God more than once during that race for giving me the strength and ability to run. I never want to take it for granted.

After I crossed the finish line I grabbed a water and came back to cheer on my running buddies who had came to run & support me. I was so thankful to have them there with me!

When awards & door prize time came it was starting to rain but we of course were all about winning some door prizes. So believe my surprise when during the awards they called out my name. I have no idea what they actually said, I wasn't paying attention at this point, but I heard them butcher say my last name. I walked up shook hands with chief, took my medal and waked back to the girls. I had to read the back to know what I had won: Women 20-29 1st Place 2012

I look goofy and I didn't even edit this photo to make me less goofy looking because I don't care :)

What?! Turns out I had ran an 8:45/mile pace. Yes, in most normal races this would never get a First Place medal... but I'll take it!  I like these small races already, haha.

Don't worry first place isn't going to my head. I have too many fast friends who would've kicked my butt in that race had they ran with me. The overall winner ran it in 17 minutes. Do the math, I'm not even close... but I. DON'T. CARE. BABY. I ran that beast. I beat my goal (by a lot). I set a new personal record. And it made me excited to run another.

Eeeeekkkkk...5K Here I Come!

I took the plunge and signed up for my first 5K. I was coming off of a weekend running high (4 miles Saturday in the park and then again on Sunday after Easter lunch!) and decided now or never to finally sign up. I decided to run the Tom Larner Memorial Run. And I'm scareeedddd. Yes, I know I can run further than 3.1 miles but this will be my FIRST time running an actual race... in my entire life!

 You see I'm a little like this...