Queens Half Marathon Recap

Another week, another race! 

Sunday I ran my 3rd and final half marathon of the spring season, the Queens Half Marathon. It was hard to turn this one down since there are not often half marathons close to me, but man am I looking forward to not running another for a while! 

This was again put on by NYCRuns, who I clearly prefer to race with. 

I woke up Sunday morning definitely not feeling well. Saturday my stomach had been feeling upset and unfortunately by Sunday was not much better. I was a little happier though knowing there were restrooms on the course. 

Because of that I barely choked down water and some dry cheerios on my way there before my stomach was all sorts of grumbly again. I spent some significant time in the porto potties, crossed my fingers and headed to the start a few minutes before it was time. 

It was an absolutely beautiful day but I have been in this running thing long enough to know that starting a half marathon underfueled and dehydrated isn’t exactly ideal. 

Blue skies for days!

I had no goals for this race. My spring goal was to get back to sub 2 shape since I hadn't broken 2 hours since fall of 2012 (which happened at Frozen Penguin). 

I was coming off a normal training load having run 20 miles for the week already with 1 rest day on Saturday. I knew to not expect anything stellar but just go with it.  

The race begins and per usual I do not look at my watch until the first or second mile. I missed mile 1 but at mile 2 saw I was running under 9 min mile pace so start to think about going for another sub 2 effort. Problem was I felt every bit of effort. I knew from the start this wasn’t going to be an “easy” day where the miles click. I was working for it too early on, but kept it up, that is racing right? 

As we were coming up to the half way (it was a 2 loop course) I knew I had to ease up. My legs were shot already; not really pleasant when you have only finished half the race! I knew I had time in the bank to take it easy for a few. I started taking in water at the half way and walked through the stops each time. My fingers were so swollen I knew I had to hydrate. 

I was using the course signage, not when my watch was beeping for the mile markers. I had estimated with 5 miles to go that even if I just kept a 9:30 pace I would be sub 2. 

With 2 miles to go, I was ready to be done so picked it back up. 

I still thought I was on track. 

Then I hit the mile 13 marker, my watch beeps at the same time for mile 13. My time is 1:58 and change I am like .1 to go I am golden. Then  I look in the distance, the finish looks REALLY far away. 

Well, it was. From that mile 13 marker to the finish was .27 miles. 

Which put me in the finish at 2:00:32. 

Which is a very good time considering I'm not rested, I’ve raced most weekends and my stomach was very much bleh the whole time (but didn't have to stop! it's amazing this whole Crohn's being in remission thing, IBS sucks, but is a whole different and easier level of stomach issues to deal with).

However, I know I could have come in under 2. I am not saying the course is “long” but I’ve run enough to know not to go by garmin but by mile markers. Tangents are hard to run 100% correct. So I did. I did my calculations at the mile markers so thought for the entire race I was golden. To have the 13 mile marker a quarter mile from the finish, not cool. Also means the others mile marks on the course were off a bit. 

In the end, what does this mean? Absolutely nothing. I wasn’t racing for time, it wasn’t a PR race. But, I had decided to not phone in the race and run a sub 2, so I was working out there. And, I had more, as my splits here show:

8:57, 8:51, 8:45, 9:00, 8:45, 8:52, 9:21, 9:24, 9:30, 9:22, 9:27, 8:57, 9:10, 8:11 (.27) 

I was able to quite efficiently drop back the pace for the last couple miles and could have done it sooner, but thought I was okay. 

Sigh. In the end half marathon number who knows what in the books and this made me hungry to work for a PR this fall! 

Now, I sign off on race season having run several as most people are starting! A possible 5 miler by me this weekend but I am pooped! 

Ladies First Half Marathon Recap

It's a week later...better late than never, right?

Going into this race I had no race plan. My goal for the spring was to get back to sub 2 for the half and see where I was to PR in 2016 (need to beat 1:53:14). 

And well, I got that sub 2 a few weeks before so was content knowing that I am in that shape. 

I am in the throws of some medical stuff, and awaiting results to find out if I need surgery for another GI issue, SMA syndrome (unrelated to Crohn's I have just hit the crappy GI system jackpot!). While we wait on that I had to go off of my medication which had been helping with my IBS (seriously my gut sucks). Anyways because of that I really didn't plan on racing. I have another half marathon in a week so figured I would use it as a training run and if I felt good then go for it. 

My sister was running the race too (and PR'd the HELL out of it without trying running an amazing 1:49!) and am happy that she mentioned bringing a hat, because with the steady rain that began 5 minutes before the start I was so damn happy to have one. I have never run with a hat before but now am wondering why I didn't all these years. 

Waiting in the rain for the start.

We started running and honestly the rain wasn't too bad. I had to make a stop in the first mile realizing that I hadn't double tied my sneakers. Nice rookie mistake! 

This is the same course that I ran a few weeks prior. That first out and back I was basically right on the cusp on the 2 hour mark. When I hit mile 5 I had two options. I could try and pick up the pace for sub 2 or I could ease up. I choose the latter. My stomach was in knots and I just wasn't feeling running hard. When I ran the 1:58 the pace felt good. To hit it for this race was going to be real work. 

I don't even know how many half marathons I have run but I have totally lucked out, this was the first time I have ever had to race in the rain. There is something badass about it but at the same time after an hour or so it just gets old! I was definitely over this race around mile 8. I kept picking up the pace but then my stomach would hurt and I would have to slow down. The last few miles it was a toss up between wanting to speed up and finish and not wanting to put forth the effort that required! 

I was drenched, I was wearing shorts and a tank and it was all just soaked. The last few miles of a half can be challenging but it took all my willpower to keep on going.

Final time: 2:04:13

Splits: 9:08, 9:15, 9:09, 9:10, 9:09, 9:21, 9:28, 9:15, 9:31, 9:29, 10:00, 9:53, 9:35, 9:04

As you can see at mile 5 I decided to ease up. And miles 11 and 12 where I was over the whole race thing, haha. 

I was happy that I had the foresight to bring plastic bags and a trash bag to put my bag in during bag check. I was frozen and sopping wet and dry clothes were so welcome. 

Overall, per usual, a great race by NYCRuns. I really enjoy only having a few hundred runners. Next week I am running the Queens Half and if my legs are feeling good I think it might be another good time to try for a sub 2. I am also thrilled that there are bathrooms on the course! These past two half marathons do not have any so that messes with me. I typically hold back out of the fear of running hard and needing a pit stop. 

Until the next one! 

Frozen Penguin Half Marathon Recap

So I need to begin this recap with this: NYCRuns who put on the race did not have me in the official results. So until then I am going off my Garmin time. We are most likely talking a second or two off but I let them know while there (they have the results immediately) and emailed and they are still "investigating". 

And so it begins. 

The day before the race was less than ideal. It began with me throwing up! So there is that. Between that and the fact that my legs felt trashed all week I was afraid to have high hopes. 

Saturday was perfection. High 40's, light wind and sunny to start. Can you ask for better? (actually yes a little colder but whatever, it was beautiful out!). 

I did not think a PR was in the cards. I REALLY wanted to go sub 2 but was going to run by feel as I do a lot lately. Garmin was on but I wasn't going to slave to it. 

As we started I got into a nice rhythm. These races are smaller (less than 400 typically) and within a few minutes was finding my groove. I looked down around 2 miles in and saw sub 9. I felt good I was going with it. 

The we turned around and my stomach started to spasm (I am on an antispasm medication but didn't take it before because of potential side effects aka like Friday's nausea). From there on out it was an absolute struggle fest. I would ease off for a bit let it calm down then take advantage and speed up when it did. There are no bathrooms on the course (short out and back then longer out and back) so my number one concern was BE CAREFUL. I was a-okay running slow if it meant not shitting my pants (sorry, not sorry). 

I could have run into the bathroom on the first loop when we went back to the start but made the decision to run through it. Until mile 11 I regretted that decision when I wasn't sure I would make it. 

At about mile 7 I went to a slight dark place. I was already dehydrated and hungry (I never fuel but didn't even want to chance water) and may have sworn off racing. At the same time I knew I was running pretty well and wanted to keep going for it. 

My stomach hit an awful spot at mile 9 and I let myself walk for 10-20 seconds or so. At this point I was pretty sure I was sub 2 and could afford it. 

The most joyous part of the race was the final water station shortly after mile 11. I let myself finally have 2 cups of water and walked through it to down them. The end was in sight and I knew I would break 2 barring anything crazy.

That last bit was tough I felt like I was barely moving (but looking at splits I was running well). My fingers were swelled up like sausages and my arms were sore. How weird is that? I must have actually been using them. 

Finally the end was in sight and I finished! 

And some seriously good splits:

8:46, 8:58, 9:00, 9:00, 9:02, 8:52, 9:01, 8:55, 9:04, 8:59, 9:04, 9:16, 8:54, 7:57 (.18)

My mental math on the run is awful considering I thought I was cutting it close, haha! 

I finished, then waited to cheer in Beth who rocked the race and we basked in an awesome day of running. 

Honestly, I couldn't be happier with how this panned out. I've been doing the work and it finally came to fruition. I 100% believe I can build on this and run faster. I was running under less than ideal conditions (meaning how I felt Friday and during the race) and would be great to really throw down. My average HR was 154 which I still think is lower for a race.

2016 will be the year I take down my PR! Just need to take ohhh 4 more minutes off of this! But for now, I bask in the glow of everything coming together.

Half Marathon Training: 1/11/16 - 1/17/16

So from the title you may see I changed it from training for the Nola half marathon to just training. 

I will cut to the chase. Wednesday in a very shocking announcement my company (Al Jazeera America) declared that our American channel was ceasing operation by April 30th of this year. With that considered I decided that traveling in this uncertain time was not the wisest of decisions. On top of that I still needed to complete fundraising and honestly I knew I would not be able to properly dedicate myself to it. 

I need to thank everyone who had already contributed. Please know the money you donated will still go to CCFA and I am deeply touched for everyone's generosity. I just could not justify the trip and taking time off work as my days there are numbered. 

I am okay, it is business and I get it; the hardest part is that I was really growing with the company and had planned on a long tenure there. To start over again I think is the most frustrating part. I really loved the past 3 years I have been there and was passionate about the stories we covered and had the most amazing team. 

The good news is that I have signed up for The Frozen Penguin Half! Beth sent me a text that she was considering it and we both took the plunge and registered. So training on! 

Another thing - I went to PT - turns out hamstring is nothing serious, heat and stretching will help. Weaker hips/glutes probably responsible. I had planned to go twice a week but with everything I dropped it. And, guess what heat and stretching help! Who would have thought.

And with all that, here is last weeks training. Definitely light on the strength training, need to up my game again this week. 

Monday - 3.59 miles in 36:23 / evening PT + strength

Tuesday - Speed work: 1 mile warm up 8 x 400: 7:53, 7:53, 7:53, 7:50, 7:50, 7:47, 7:47, 7:41 - 1.2 mile cool down, 5 miles 46:08 9:13 pace - note to self look at the paces before next workout. This didn't feel HARD like repeats should well that is because I wasn't running the right paces. Sigh. Blame early morning still half asleep brain for that. 

Wednesday - Rest day

Thursday - Easy run - 30 mins 3.23 miles 9:17 pace

Friday - Tempo 5 miles - 44:36 - 8:55 pace - started conservative 9:15 and eased down to 8:15 

Saturday - 1 hour pace run - 6.72 miles 8:55 pace - I knew I wasn't going to go long this weekend so wanted to do one of my runs at a hardish pace

Sunday - 1 hour run - 6.15 miles 9:45 pace

Total miles: 29.69 (I seriously need to check my total mileage at the end of the week, I would have 100% run another .31 miles for an even number!)

NOLA Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon Training Weeks 1 & 2

It has been quite some time since I have posted any official training logs! Last year I was just happy to be running. As I gained back speed and PR'd all short distances in the fall I knew I could give my half marathon PR (1:53:14) a serious run for it's money in 2016. 

I am running the Rock 'n' Roll NOLA Half Marathon with Team Challenge raising funds for CCFA so that will be my first true test. 

I honestly do not think I will be there yet at the end of February but I do think I can break 2 for sure and hopefully inch down towards my current PR. 

I have been having some hamstring issues (and have now formally begun PT) which apparently stems from weak glutes/hips (tell me something I didn't know) so will be working on that. My hamstring has been bothersome since a half mid October so would be really great to feel 100%! 

And the good news is they told me I don't have to stop anything I am doing. Works for me! 

I am more or less following Hal Higdon's advanced half marathon plan. Most weeks I will be subbing in a cross train day for an easy run day to keep running days at 5 total and anywhere from 25 - 30 miles.

Trying to stay consistent with strength training (it is not all in the log, I keep my mat out and will usually do core work, kettlebell swings, etc while watching TV) as I think it helps. Plus, I want more muscles :) 

Without further ado the first 2 weeks!

Week 1 

Monday - 3 miles: 10:49, 10:21, 9:58 / 15 mins strength: squats, lunges, planks, wall sit, pushups

Tuesday - Treadmill: 1 mile w/u @ 10:30 8 x 400 with 1ish min rest light jog/walking paces 7:47, 7:47, 7:47, 7:42, 7:42, 7:42, 7:35, 7:30 .6 mile cooldown    Totals: 4 miles 38:47

Wednesday - 50 mins on the spin bike + upper body weights (8 lbs)

Thursday - 2 mile warmup at 9:35 then progressed down to 8:00 min / mile (stayed at for a minute or so) ended with 1/2 mile cool down. Total 5 miles, 45:52 9:10 pace

Friday - Rest

Saturday - High 45 at MHRC with my sister teach (go take Karli's class!): 5 min warm up 2 x 6 min hills 2 min rest / 3 x 2 min at 10K + pace 1 min rest / 3 x 1 min sprints 1 min rest / cooldown = 4.75 miles 45 mins 

Sunday - 90 min run = 9.03 miles (treadmill) 

Week 2 - aka totally reworked my week based on Tuesday's morning laziness

Monday - 3.11 miles in 30:40 + strength: squats, deadlifts, plank shoulder taps, pushups 

Tuesday - Rest (a little sore but mostly it was cold and I was lazy)

Wednesday - TEMPO: 45 mins - 2 miles starting at 9:30 easing down to 9:15 then slowly dropping the pace for the next 30 mins every 5 mins or so - ended at 8:00 but it was brief. total: 5 miles 45:05

Thursday - 3.2 miles in 31:40 - 9:52 pace + strength squats, lunges with bicep curls, more bicep curls, tricep kickbacks, planks 

Friday - Hill workout - ran to a hill a little over a mile away and did 5 x hill repeats attempting to hit 5K pace then ran back home. Total 5 miles in 45:56 - 9:11 pace 

Saturday - Easy run turned long - 9.68 miles in 90 mins - 9:19 pace - splits: 9:15, 9:24, 9:33, 9:28, 9:25, 9:34, 9:05, 9:07, 9:19, 8:58 - the weather was perfection! But I ran out thinking I would run for less than 30 mins and it turned into a long run. I hadn't even had a sip of water so the thirst was real by the end!

Sunday - Cross train super easy 90 minutes on the elliptical + some strength

A pretty solid start I think! 

I definitely need to work on my confidence as far as speed goes. I did 400 repeats today and realized I did them slower than 2 weeks ago. And they felt easier so now I know why. Look back at what you did before the workout. Live and learn. Until next time!

Brooklyn Greenway Half Marathon Recap

This morning I decided to travel to Brooklyn yet again for the Brooklyn Greenway Half Marathon. (note this is REALLY long, I don't know why I cannot do short recaps). 

I had originally planned to run the Yonkers Half but between logistical issues and that I have been dealing with some pain in my hamstring/glute since the last half, I decided hills would probably aggravate it and this flat, smaller half was a great option. 

I admit, I awoke this morning to 30 degree temps and was less than thrilled.  I began contemplating blowing $39 dollars on an uber or just not going due to the slight "injury". 

I arrived around 8 (9am start) and was immediately in line for bibs. It was eternal. It took about 30 minutes to get mine and then I immediately went to the eternal bathroom line. (TMI) I was unable to go. Why my body choose today to be difficult I will not know. I was basically fine, not stressed, knowing I would have to make a pit stop at some point most likely. 

Due to how behind they were checking people in, the race was delayed about 15 minutes. 

I knew the high was 50 for the day and I was wearing shorts (Oiselle distance short, I am seriously in love) a t-shirt, arm sleeves and compression socks and if one more person in a sweatshirt told me I was going to freeze I was going to strangle them. Spoiler alert all those people were whipping them off soon enough. I win. Today was running weather perfection! 

Without much fanfare (literally did not hear any start) we were off. My body was slightly numb when we started running but warmed up after a mile or so.  There was no coral system they told us to place ourselves (and you all know how that goes walkers go up front) so it took a while to find a rhythm. 

The first few miles clicked off quickly enough: 9:21, 9:18, 9:13 

This felt like a pretty decent pace. Then my stomach began to ache a little and I knew a bathroom stop was imminent so slowed a little. We finally passed one but there was a line several people deep. I was willing to stop but not wait several minutes. 

I don't know why but any half marathon after a few miles I start to question all my running choices until I hit the half way. These are always my least favorite and I was trying to back off effort wise so my stomach didn't blow up: 9:29, 9:27, 9:43 

Then we came up on a bathroom right around 6.5 - I THOUGHT the turnaround was at 7 so decided to just wait until the way back but unfortunately the turnaround was until almost mile 8. But, once I turned and had an idea of where the bathroom was and decided to pick up the pace which felt REALLY good. I was surprised. My leg/glute was definitely feeling some strain but it wasn't effecting my stride. I was ready to really negative split the run: 9:25, 9:29, 10:19 (picked up but bathroom stop - estimate probably a minute or so in there).

I had been keeping pace with a few pretty similar paced runners from mile 3 on and they had similarly dropped the pace after the turnaround as well so my mission was to catch back up with them after the stop. 

This wound up being really great to focus on for the remainder. I was definitely feeling the effort by the end which was not helped by the logistics of the course or the wind that randomly picked up.

I should note, it was a really nice run BUT not great for a race or if you are gunning for time. A million turns and cobble stone, small paths/side walk running etc. but I did enjoy it. 

Once I hit 11.5 or so I was just focused on being done. I am really proud of my mental game these days. I have 100% improved with being better and not coasting. The out I give myself these days is that I can back off the pace for a little and more or less fartlek if it gets hard but to just keep pushing. 

The last few miles: 8:54, 9:19, 9:09, 9:04, 8:35 (.1)

I also hadn't run more than 8.5 for a long run since the last half due to whatever is going on in my leg so was impressed by being able to drop the last few. 

I finished and honestly was kind of done. I was dehydrated and lightheaded (no fuel/drink at all during the run) and took a moment to gobble a banana, drink some water and coconut water.

Should note this is Garmin time I still cannot find official results. 

Overall, happy with how I raced this and that I shaved 3 minutes off of last months half. I would love to find one in November that I don't have to travel to but can't yet so am contemplating one the first weekend of December. I think I can get closer to 2 hours before the year ends. 

I would be back to run this. The pre race stuff they were not prepared for. Taking 30 or more minutes to get your bib is unacceptable. Also being unprepared bathroom wise. 

But the staff was very friendly, bag drop was easy. I was literally able to keep my pants, long sleeve shirt, sweat shirt and gloves on until about five minutes before race time. I am really loving these smaller races, I have yet to do an NYRR race this year and am happy to branch out. I would recommend it but hope that next year they make it a little bit more seamless. 

It took me some time to warm up but I have happily spent the afternoon sipping wine, and eating my favorite post race food: this massive cobb salad from one of my favorite restaurants near me. After two days of limited greens this is a thing of beauty.

Hope everyone that raced this weekend had a good one! 

Narrows Half Marathon Recap

This weekend I had my first race since NYC Marathon last fall and my Crohn’s diagnosis, The NYC Runs Narrows Half Marathon. It has been a really long and tough road back but I finally feel like I am coming out on top. My doctors still say to not be complacent where I am at because I will improve further, but MOST of the time, I feel better than I have in a long time.

So let’s put it out there up front – I said in my previous post that I really thought I should run 2:05 – official time = 2:04:57. Woo!

Let’s recap days leading up.

I took a lighter running week, rest days on Monday / Thursday. Did intervals Tuesday, Wednesday easy and Friday easy with strides.

Food wise, I went on a high carb, low fat/fiber route. I lived on banana oatmeal, turkey sandwiches and pasta for three days. Basic stuff that would hopefully keep my gut happy. And maybe I had a half glass of wine Friday night, which had me going to bed a bit scared because my stomach felt AWFUL.

Woke up Saturday with lots of time to do my thing and get out the door. Started drinking water and ate a plain roll on my way to Brooklyn. Also took an immodium because I figured, can’t hurt. Was feeling more nerves than anything.

I was stressing because there is only a bathroom at the start and it is a double looped out and back. You turn around at 2.5 and 9 miles. So not a single bathroom to be had while racing #scaredshitless in no man’s land out there!

I can’t not mention the weather. It was a swampy mess. 89% humidity. I knew this would be a race run on feel versus hitting a pace.

The beauty of NYC Runs races are the size. I think there were less than 200 people. At 8am with minimal fanfare, we were off!

Miles 1 – 2.5:

We were immediately running into the wind. I start strategizing and want to maintain an easyish effort and make sure that I am not exhausting myself against the wind. Find a couple people who seem to be doing my pace and plan to keep them in my sight.

Miles 2.5 – 5:

Hit the turn around and immediately feel the wind fall off. It is nice, try not to pick up the pace too much since it is still early on. I want to be on cruise control. Also scared that pushing it will cause GI distress. Running pretty easy still.

Miles 5 – 9:

Running into the wind again. At this point I am on a mission to get to mile 9 turn around. I want water but do not want to ingest anything until we are on the way back. My underarm is chafing like a mofo and I am slightly miserable by that. Still have my little pacers in front of me. I start questioning life choices in running as I am not half way yet. And THIS is what it looked like:

Miles 9 – 11:

Water! Sweet, glorious water. I walk through the water stop to drink down 2 cups and make myself stop so I am not sloshing around. Start running again and get a burst of energy that the end is near. My clothing is DRENCHED. My shorts are literally dripping and my socks are soaking wet. I now decide that I am going to be okay (stomach wise) and it is time to start making this a race. I begin reeling in those pacers in front of me and picking them off. I am never able to do this at the end of a race and it is a bit of a rush.

Miles 11 – 13.1:

Definitely exerted myself too early. I am now tired. I am feeling the need for fuel. There is water station around 11.5 and I ask for “waterade” can we say dehydrated much? Lol. I take a water and Gatorade and continue on. I basically fartleked the rest of the race. My legs were pretty shot. With one mile to go we come into a 5K race sharing the course with a bazillion people run/walking at me. They would not move so I am stuck weaving in and out of them. Angry thoughts are circling through my head.

I cross the finish line and eat all the grapes and drink all the water. I saw bagels and have never NOT wanted a bagel more in my life after all the carbs the days before.

Final splits: 9:43, 9:22, 9:29, 9:29, 9:24, 9:29, 9:33, 9:31, 9:51 (water), 9:19, 9:23, 9:41 (water), 9:29, 8:41 (.16)

I cannot be more thrilled with how this race went. Both executed based on conditions, not walking when it got rough out there and how I prepared the days before (and dear everyone who tells me to go gluten free with Crohn’s – considering how well I responded to carb loading I would say there is NO problem there for me).

I felt better about thinking how much humidity played a part stumbling upon a depressed man who ran a 1:24 and the race shot his confidence for sub 3 for NYCM. It was killer out there.

I think in another 6 weeks or so that I should get even closer to 2 hours. But for now I will bask in the glory of the first healthy race I have had in YEARS (my 1:53 PR is WITH a bathroom stop even).

And spent the rest of the day stuffing my face with multiple salads! Good lord I missed greens.

Overall, loved the race and the people that run them. My confidence has skyrocketed. I don’t know if there will ever be a day when I will 100% trust my gut to behave but success on Saturday has put me one step closer.

And good lord it feels good to recap a race. A GOOD race. 

(Lack of) Motivation for the Long Run

If you know me, then you know that I am the last person that usually needs motivation to get out the door and get my workout on. 

During the week I am often doing workouts before and after work (split usually around class schedules and not wanting to spend 2+ hours at a time working out).  Managing my time around my social life and it works for me. I am usually out of the apartment from 6am or so until 9pm but for me that is normal and I like routine. 

Lately however, once the weekend hits, I am BEAT (more mental than physical). I wake up Saturday morning (inevitably at the crack of dawn thank you internal alarm clock) but just CANNOT motivate to get myself out of bed. I play games in my head...bribe myself with get out now and a mani pedi will happen this afternoon, a massage, frozen yogurt, pancakes, shopping - anything! but alas I just do NOT want to. I've even bailed on races because I cannot peel myself from under the covers. The thought of going on a long run does nothing for me. So usually I just wind up negotiating with myself that I will take body pump and do a shorter run and long run on Sunday.

Only problem with that is that as of late, Sunday turns into a big fat fail as well. I've managed to log SOME but honestly this spring I've only done a handful of double digit miles. I ran the NYC Half pretty well considering I lagged in that department and the plan was to train a bit more and potentially race the Brooklyn Half this weekend. Let's just say I haven't set myself up for a fast race at this point. 

And I am okay with that. 

My 18 week training cycle for fall marathoning begins in June and I want to go in really WANTING it. Not burnt out at all. I am still averaging 30 mile weeks so I am base building. It is not that I am NOT running, I am just not doing the long run. I am taking body pump and running and taking a rest day so that I am set up for a strong training cycle. (although I know I need to ideally take away a running day and add in cross training...details details).

I think things will work better once I have a concrete goal staring me in the face. I went into the spring race season as a "for fun" venture. No pressure, no goals to PR. I knew where I was in the fall and that after time off I would be starting from less and was not going to surpass my fall fitness to PR in shorter distances right now. I can wing a half marathon with my level of fitness. It might not be the most awesome or speediest race but I know I can comfortably knock one out with where I am at now. We shall see if I surprise myself like I did at NYC but I just plan to go out an enjoy the run.

And hopefully gain some more inspiration for long runs along the way. 

NYC Half: Race Recap

2:06:08 Final official time. 

So remember that part where I was just running the NYC Half for the experience and a test of fitness…well I should know myself better. After seeing my splits and where it all went wrong I am definitely a LITTLE pissy that I didn’t treat it like a normal race. And happy that I maybe am almost warmed up again. I like racing in the cold but seriously THAT WAS COLD. I was genuinely concerned during the race if I would ever feel my fingers again (luckily around mile 4 I started to get some sensation...).

Long story short, I thought I would be lucky to be running in the mid to high 9’s – turns out after downloading my splits that I am in better shape than I thought as I was banging out miles in the 8’s – when I wasn’t stopped in the bathroom.

4, count them 4 stops throughout the race.

It all started with eating some stuff the day before that really isn’t ever easy on the stomach. However in my defense, I actually haven’t really had many runs with stomach issues. Race morning getting through security took a while so there was no time to use the bathrooms before jumping into corrals. I started the race acknowledging that yes I would have to stop shortly after, which I was okay with – and I did right before Harlem Hill and lost at least 2 -3 minutes there.

What I didn’t anticipate was then having to stop 3 more times, urgently. That was frustrating and in all lost a ton of time.

My splits speak for themselves. I was capable of a lot more than I gave myself credit. 

I'm not going to do a mile per mile break down but basically I wanted to start out conversational, super easy to tackle the hills of Central Park - which I hadn't run since the NYCM in November. The whole time I felt like I was just cruising. As planned I felt good so consciously upped the pace a tad around mile 6. I was feeling good, and coming out of the park was just energetic! Now I think pace wise where I had the biggest problem was around 9 or so. I was feeling light headed. I ate a tiny bit of banana and bagel prior to the race and a little water. I was dehydrated completely and had no fuel in me. I tried anyway to walk through a water station and take in some Gu and water but that set my stomach churning yet again. The remainder of the race was a struggle between my legs wanting to go and my stomach issues and light headedness holding me back. This was a total lack of fuel and lack of being prepared situation. 

I have been a slave to the treadmill all winter and figured getting to the streets would be a lot harder (side note: totally attributing the 3 weekly body pump classes I do religiously to being able to run better than I thought - strength training FTW!). Kind of unfortunate but I learned an important lesson, always be prepared. I have of course had PLENTY of races where I did everything right and still had bathroom stops but I would rather know that I didn’t sabotage myself.

Other than that…I LOVE THIS RACE. Holy shit. I just can’t stop smiling thinking about it. I loved the course, loved running through the city and loved getting out of the park! Running down 7^th, through Times Square…just awesome.

So I am thinking redemption and a true test. I signed up for an NYC Runs race on March 29^th that I plan to maybe take a rest day and maybe focus on trying to do well in. Not PR but see for real where I am at. I think if  things fall into place that Brooklyn could then be a PR course.

So that is where my head is at now. I know that I am ready because I smiled through my shakeout this morning of a few miles, and wasn't sore go figure (that might catch up to me though). I don’t want to put a ton of pressure on myself either but I do think it isn’t the worst thing to have some goals. So for now – try and sub 2 in a couple weeks and then have 2 months to work towards a PR. We shall see. Just want to keep enjoying the run. 

So About That Half Marathon on Sunday...

I'm not ready for this: 

Or at least not the ready that I would be to actually run this as anything more than just a "still building my fitness run". 

After being locked out every year I applied, I finally got in this year (in the SECOND round of lottery picks) and am not throwing away the opportunity to run this course regardless of how prepared I am feeling.

But I've topped out at 10.5 miles last week. 

And am kind of not resting at all this week. And really don't intend to tomorrow. 

I plan on body pump and a short run (but cutting out my usual Flywheel class) and plan on a rest day Monday most likely. I'm in training mode at the moment, not race mode.

As I am going into this knowing I will not go anywhere near my PR nor probably even sub 2 (hello Central Park and my winter love affair with the treadmill not ready to tackle Cat Hill and Harlem Hill in a respectable manner!) I am out to just make it through a steady race without wanting to kill myself by the end. 

I figure start conservative and if towards the last few I feel good pick if up. That's the only plan. If I can negative split the race that would be great. But this is a course to be enjoyed just like the NYCM was for me. I knew fitness wise I was not running stellar then (oh and also that 100 degree fever didn't help) due to being prepared to race on a more flat course. These are races for me that you run because why would you not?

Goal = not wanting to kill myself by mile 13 and to then #DrinkAllTheAlcohol and #EatAllTheFood. 

So here is to a fun Sunday (and seriously whyyyy can it not be a WARMER forecast) and to FINALLY running this race!

Good luck to all out there running on Sunday! 

2014: Spring Goals

I suppose being only 5 or 6 weeks into the new year that this is as good of time as any to start to discuss what I am up to and what I am planning for this year.

I am still trying not to look at 2013 with a twinge of failure. I keep trying to look at it as maybe not PR'ing in time but I accomplished so much in terms of distance. And, I learned a lot about how to train properly. But of course being as hard as I am on myself it is disappointing to know that I am just not where I want to be in terms of running. 

Which leads me to my goals for Spring. Basically - there are NO goals as far as PR's and times. I have no intention of running anything more than half marathon distance in the first half of the year. And, I am not entirely convinced I will run one in the fall. After running 3 fulls and an ultra last year - and in the process losing a lot of fitness (I know that sounds weird but bear with my thinking here) I want to focus on getting that back. 

I want to get back to where I was at the end of 2012. I feel that the second I started to focus on the full that I lost all that I had worked hard to gain in the half distance. Speed went out the window and even as I trained for the fall and my sub 4 goal I never felt fully confident in the speed. I am also over the weight that I was back then. Not by much but by enough to know that yes it probably does make a difference; so there is that as well that I am working on (kind of sort of as in don't have wings and beer night more than once a week. don't judge).

I took a pretty good amount of time off from really running. And I am still not at the point where I am logging a lot of miles. I am 100% easing back into it all. For a while I did a ton of Flywheel classes and cross training. A few weeks back Les Mill's Body Pump came to NYSC and I have been consistently taking 3 classes a week since it launched. I am feeling stronger which is a great feeling. I miss feeling strong. Then I have been doing cross training and running a few times a week. No crazy mileage yet though. I did a "long" run last weekend of 7 miles. Weird to call that long when I was doing 10-12 as my mid week run during marathon training but that is where I am at. 

Now, I am running some races in the beginning of this year...I got into the NYC Half during the second lottery round, the Cherry Blossom 10 Mile as well as the Brooklyn Half Marathon. So yes I am preparing for that distance. But, I do not have a single time goal for any. I am not prepared to PR by any means (1:53 for the half) and there is no pressure to. NYC Half should be an amazing experience and Brooklyn Half was one of my favorite races last spring. Also a few other shorter NYRR races have hit the calendar this week in a registration blitz. Oops. 

I have skipped a planned run if I didn't feel like it, and am actually enjoying the ones that I am doing. I want to not rush myself into shape and then just not enjoy it. I was so over running at the end of the year and that sucked. I want to WANT to run. I want to LOVE the run.

So there we have it. That is what I have been up to lately. Spring equals rebuilding for me. No pressure. Just build back up and have a little bit of fun with it. I think the second I started to put so much pressure on myself to perform was the second I started to fail. I remember having this idea of going "sub 2" for the half marathon in the fall of 2012 - and then proceeded to run a 1:54 without having obsessively geared every run to pace and effort and structure. I ran. And because I ran blindly I think that is where the success was. I am not going to throw away all I learned about tempos, intervals, ladder, pyramid etc workouts but I am going to relax myself for a while. I don't expect much in terms of performance but I would like to end spring feeling strong and confident again.

Now if only it would warm up and de-ice outside - I would really like to hit the pavement (even though I honestly don't hate the treadmill).

Palm Beaches Half Marathon

This past weekend I went down to West Palm Beach with the intent to run the marathon.

Yay for 80 degrees and gorgeous!

After NYCM I just knew that I was kind of done with the marathon for now and officially dropped down to the half at the expo the day before. Sadly I had to keep my 26.2 bib so ran feeling like a fraud (although when the volunteers at the half / full split anxiously told me I was going the wrong way - I did my most excited leap of the day and informed them I had dropped down!).

Anyway so basically this race was crap. Quite literally.

I had been running pretty well the couple weeks prior and thought that I could at least just run a sub 2. No way I thought I would PR (1:53) but a solid race seemed realistic.

Morning of just was not feeling right my stomach was gurgling yet I couldn't actually GO to the bathroom.

Get to the start and they have the race under caution to begin (it was almost 80 at 6 something am it was going to be a hot one!). It was gorgeous along the water though waiting!

The race starts about 20 minutes late and immediately I know I am not making it far without the bathroom. I dodged away right before crossing the start to run to a portopotty.

Thus would continue for the remainder of the race.

At first I was just focusing on making it a mile without walking or stopping for the bathroom. 

By the end I was praying for 1/4 mile increments. 

So discouraging. It was hot as hell, I was drenched with sweat and incapable of just RUNNING and getting it over with. 

I lost count around 7 or 8 bathroom stops. And I threw up at mile 10 when I kept saying I needed water and got handed gatorade which I chugged and promptly threw up. (running can be so sexy, right?).

My poor sister I found out, was running the full (HER FIRST!!!!) and encountering the same exact issues. Which she has NEVER before. I felt so god awful for her. 

Turns out we think the culprit was our Publix subs we got the night before for dinner. We each ate half of ours (same subs)...she ate the other half the next day when she was feeling better and soon felt shitty again.  Major sad pants because one of my favorite things about Florida is Publix and their subs! I thankfully never ate my second half.

So the recap is: it was super hot, beautiful course, a nice but not too overpowering breeze from the water but I can't actually say I "ran" this sucker. 

Thinking Florida is cursed with races for me. Every one is a disaster! Yet I keep coming back for more. One day I will have a good one.

The BEST surprise though - MY PARENTS SHOWED UP!!! They live about 90 minutes north of West Palm and came to surprise me. Best race redemption ever, I was so happy!!!! They have never come to ANY of our races so I was thrilled. We got to spend the afternoon together so that made everything a-okay in my book.

So yeah. Basically - could have been a good one but just not my day. It was actually comical by the end just how incapable of running I was. 

I did however really enjoy the course and scenery! And there were some decent crowds. I would run this one again for sure. I love going to Miami but the vibe here was chill, and a lot smaller field makes it more manageable. 

This cute older man running by me high fived it and yelled at me that I should listen to directions, haha!

My sis about to finish!!!!

Further feeling like a fraud: they gave the full medal as much as I pleaded for the half one.

My face says a lot...smiling but really really not smiling on the inside.

And the cruelest thing ever...coming back home to this weather. Ugh NYC NOT amused!!!