Getting back in the groove

I decided to jump back into running this weekend. 

I feel like I've taken a huge break...but it really has been only a week.  Trouble is, when I'm left to my own devices...I am very LAZY.  I can't seem to log more than 3.5 miles in a single run.  I definitely need to get back into the groove and running with the Road Runners.  They help to keep me honest and dedicated.

I ran 3 miles on Saturday morning.  It was tough to find a moment when it wasn't raining.

I ran 3.5 miles today.  It was a perfect Fall day...beautiful...crisp...lovely.

ISO...running

It has been so strange to be living without a scheduled workouts.  I really miss it.

The winter training season begins in early November.  I am looking forward to getting back into a groove.  Looking forward to setting a goal and meeting it.  Not really looking forward to shivering in the cold.

My plan is to train for the National half marathon here in DC that is held in the early Spring.

I also have been eying the ING Miami half marathon.  I think it would be fun to be in another city --- especially being in Miami during January.  We'll see.  I still have to properly register for the National marathon.

I hope to get some miles in tomorrow...but it looks like it's gonna rain.  Soggy shoes suck.

More from Charm City

Here's a photo of coach Katie and Andrea, a fellow Army 10-Miler trainee. This was taken minutes from the starting line.
Coach Katie trained us hard for Army and we clearly benefited and were then able to conquer the Baltimore half-marathon.

I now know why all that hill work was so important. I will try not to complain about hill work in the future!!!

The DC Road Runners RULE!

Holy Cow --- 13.1!!!!

I am in shock. I actually did it. I completed a half-freakin' marathon!!!! Insane. Charm City was good to me. 

I finished better than I thought. My time was 2:30:43 --- that's an 11.5 minute mile pace.  Below are my stats:

I have been sick for the last two days and believe the combo of antibiotics, rest and the adrenaline during the race made a big difference. I feel so much better...tired...but not sick.

Now for the details.

We got to Baltimore just as the marathon began. I felt bad for the marathon runners who got stuck in traffic and ended up having to run from 95 to the start line. That's no way to warm up!! So glad we got there early.

I finally found the line-up for the half-marathoners right in the Inner Harbor and was happy to also have found two of my fellow DC Road Runners. It was key that I brought my cell phone to the race!

I ended up sneaking up to the wave 2 section and started the race from there vs further back in the pack. It was much more chilled in this section and not as crowded.

We started walking to the start line and BEFORE we got to the start line, the wave of runners started running. The last thing I wanted to do was give this course any extra running, but peer pressure got the best of all of us and we started running.

What a fantastic start --- cheering fans (I even saw my family as I crossed the starting line!), music and confetti being pumped into the air! It was like the Super Bowl!

I knew this would be a challenging course and it didn't disappoint. The hills started within the first 15 minutes. Wowzers!

The half marathoners ran for three miles before merging with the marathon runners. At mile 3 for us and mile 16 for them --- we were finally all on the same course.

I did well...clocking 10 and a half min miles for the first 4-5 miles. I then decided that pace was too aggressive and repeated my mantra --- "run your own race."

I chugged along. Lots of time to take in the sites, fans and fellow runners. There were lots of body piercings and tattoos. Big difference vs the runners at the Army 10-Miler.  I also often got to enjoy some music since runners usually had their iPods turned up loud enjoy for me to hum along to a tune or two.

Lots of creative cheering and great music blasting from row houses. Love it! The best fan was the guy standing on his car in a full tiger costume and dancing to the Rocky song, "Eye of the Tiger!"

I was so excited to run up the last hill and experience the Gummy Bear Mile. Nothing like grabbing a handful of gummy bears and then running over the broken bodies of colorful gummy bears as you race down toward the finish.  The Gummy Bear Mile was the signal that we were turning back down toward sea level.  Yay!!!  Thank you Mr. Gummy Bear.  The 400lbs of candy that you doled out was much appreciated. 

My goal was to finish --- any way that I could. I took moments to walk at some of the water stations which was a nice break. I also walked parts of some of the hills at the back end of the course. My ankles/feet were pretty sore and I limped a bit here and there. Luckily, I think I ended up making up time running efficiently down the hills and during other sections of the race.

I was stunned when I saw the sign that said we were a mile from the finish line! As I barreled down the hill, I started to choke-up a bit as we entered Camden Yards. There were wall-to-wall cheering fans lining the narrow path. My family had a great spot and it was fab to see them toward the finish.  Unfortunately, the finish was still a quarter mile way! 

Here I am at mile 13:

I had been looking at my watch since mile 11 and wondered if I could finish in 2 and a half hours. As I entered Camden Yards, I realized that if I picked up the pace and then sprinted, I could make it. Just like the Army 10-miler, I dug down and sprinted it out!

I am thrilled and amazed.

I'm looking forward to training for the National half-marathon.  We start training in November and the race is in the Spring.  For now....I'm taking a serious break and taking it easy.

Leave it to the professionals

Yesterday, I decided to go get a deep sports massage to help deal with the pings and dings I'm experiencing.  I am glad they were able to squeeze me during my lunch hour. 

I got some good advice on what's tight and needs more attention going forward...as well as a set of yoga stretches I can incorporate into my routine.

Ahhhh...I feel so much better.  The rest of my day felt so much better.

Burning it at both ends

Combo of work, the remodel and limited rest are finally taking its toll...and what a bad week for that to happen.

I really wish I had the ability to take a day off this week, but I'm just too busy at work. Ugh

I now wish I had NOT gone to the Tuesday night run last night. I ended up running much slower (4 min slower pace) than normal to hang back with a runner who was new to the route. I didn't want to leave her alone for the 4.25 mile run...esp since it was dark and a bit creepy at times.  My stride seemed awkward at that pace. Though it was a nice thing to do, that decision has caused soreness.

I ended up soaking in a cold bath and then later dumping my feet in an ice bath when I got home. I hope that...plus stretching will help.

Next time...it's every runner for themselves.  Damn Catholic school guilt.

Slow...

I reluctantly decided to participate in the Tuesday night run tonight.  I was worried about doing anything this week in advance of Saturday's Baltimore half-marathon, but figured I might as well just go slow.

This Baltimore race is gonna be a BEAR!  My goal is to use it as a "fun run" and just finish it...anyway that I can...running, walking, crawling, crying.

I'm officially chilling/tapering until Saturday.

Interesting...

Just another day at the gym.  I got a great stretch at the end.  Bonus.

I did learn about a running technique called "Evolution Running" from one of the trainers.  I tried it and noticed a difference.  It will take some time to incorporate it into my regular run...but I'm gonna try.

Mission Accomplished. Hooah!!

I made it. Check it off the list. I completed the Army 10-Miler! My official time was 1:49:48.

The good news is that I qualified for the National half marathon next year. The bad news is that I missed my goal of pacing at 10:30 min/miles.

Talk about a lot of people!!! Hanging with 30k of your new best buddies was definitely an experience.

Now for the highlights and play-by-plays.

Though I got to the Pentagon very early and hit the bathroom early, I ended up feeling rushed before the start.

As I got off the metro, I randomly ran into a friend from high school and then was wandering around looking for the official DC Road Runners tent. By the time I got in line for the bathroom again, there was an EXTREMELY long line. Nothing like singing the National Anthem from the line at the loo. Classic.

Unfortunately, the delay meant I did not spend enough time warming up. Bad move.

I got into position in my group and waited for the start. Since I seeded myself when I just started training and had no clue about my pace, I was way back in the second wave.

Forget being nervous...I was SO excited to get rolling.

We finally got the signal to start walking to the starting line --- which took a good 20 minutes.  That's what happens when you try and get 30k people to move in one direction.

In the distance I saw my 10:30 min pace group.  I jumped over a barricade and wormed my way through the crowd to my group so that I would be in position before the race got started.

Before I knew it...we were crossing the start line and off on our 10 mile adventure!

Miles 1-6 were fantastic. Other than having to deal with the crush of people around me and all the walkers who blocked my path, I was running very well. I was pacing well under my 10:30 min pace for this part of the run. I was thrilled!

...and then the fantasy ended.

I had a bad transition after the 6 mile water station. Grabbing the water, eating energy beans and weaving through traffic was just to much for this klutz. I tripped over some cups and gagged on my beans. It took me a bit to get myself back together and back on track.

The back half of the race was tough. I was bummed to have lost my pace group. I was just fighting to make the 1:50:00 qualifying time for the National race.

The 14th street bridge and related ramps were as much of a bear as everyone says. They are just so long and daunting!

As I crested the hill and turned down toward the Pentagon I looked down at my watch and saw the time ticking away.  I almost always have the ability to dig down deep and find a surge of speed at the end.  I decided to go for it. I cut the corner tight, ran the tangent and sprinted like a maniac to the finish line. Hysterical!

Though my feet hurt like hell, I was thrilled to have set a goal of running this race and achieved it. Go me!!

I hung by the finish chutes stretching and watching everyone come in. What an inspiring experience.
I can't thank the coaches enough for all their encouragement over the last months. My fellow trainees were also critical. I can't imagine doing this without them.

Last, but not least, I gotta thank my family for listening to all my running-club stories and coming out to support me on race day. You can't imagine how fantastic it is to see familiar faces out of the road. Love you all!!!!

Now...who's up for another training program and race???

Good morning. It is RACE DAY!

Three months ago...I thought this was a good idea.  I just love that running shirt.

I woke up at 4:45 AM.  Got my gear on.  Checked my gear.  Ate my regular breakfast.  Rechecked my gear. 

I got on the metro with many other runners...all obviously either still asleep or more likely taking a quiet moment to mentally prepare for the race.

My plan is to get to the Pentagon...hit the bathroom (a couple times --- since I hear the lines are INSANE)...warm up and get ready for the start.

HOOAH!

Twas the night before the race...

I got home from the team dinner and was exhausted!  I gathered all my stuff together for tomorrow's race...including putting my food out for the morning.

I'm going out with my LiveStrong gear.  Hoping the power of Lance will be with me!

The game plan is to head to the metro and grab the first yellow train to the Pentagon.  I should be at the site by 6:40 am.

Tick...tock...tick...tock.

Our last team social

We got together to chow down on some pasta before the big race at an Italian restaurant in Arlington.

It is always fun to see folks outside of wearing their running gear.

I got an unexpected award --- a trophy for best attendance!  A couple of the coaches also passed along some wonderful comments.  One noted that I have made noticeable strides over the last few months.  Another remarked that I was the cheerleader of the Georgetown site.  Very nice and unexpected.

The countdown

It's finally real.  I headed to the DC Armory this evening and picked up my race pack --- my bib and shoe timing tag.  Very cool.

It's very strange to not prepare for a Saturday long-run.  After so many months of early morning Saturday wake-up calls...it is an odd feeling to stay up late and sleep in.

Feeling like a slacker

Tapering before the big race feels a bit strange.  I haven't run since Tuesday.  I skipped the Wednesday track workout and instead just chilled. 

Other than some minor walking, I basically chilled today.

I did learn an interesting fact about the Army 10-miler.  Apparently there is a little hill at the very end of the race as you run up an on-ramp and then head into the Pentagon.  Interesting.  Luckily it's short, but should be interesting at the very end of the race.

Just a little while longer before I pick up my bib, shoe timer and then race day!