BUS 6 Hour Night Crawler - Recap

While this race may not have been my brightest idea, in terms of where I am at in my training; it was most definitely a fun one!

Every time I think of training and running a road 26.2 I reject it. But ask me to do an ultra and apparently I am on board. Even though I am not really trained for one. 

I have been half-assing long running lately. While I do have a few LONG runs in - a 22 and an 18 miler fairly recently - other than that my runs have not been longer than I think 12 miles. 

My goal going into this race was simple, do whatever my body permits. I genuinely have no desire to injure myself and was willing to pull the plug on running if something didn't feel right or I was just shot. Walk if and when necessary, and also chill for a minute or so at the aide station each loop. 

The course itself was about 1.45 miles (love a good loop on a timed ultra) which meant you hit the aide station pretty frequently.

I didn't taper or anything since like I said, no goals and really didn't prep. Taking this seriously folks!

I liked that it was a night race. It began at 4pm and ended at 10pm, so I got a fantastic night of sleep, 10 HOURS, and also could be lazy ahead of time. A nice change of pace.

I got there and was happy to see a lot of familiar faces. This was my 4th event with the Broadway Ultra Society, and you walk up, they know your name, they know your race history and it is just a chill vibe. I debated what to wear - decided on a long sleeve under my team singlet, shorts and calf compression sleeves, and just hydrated a bit more and waited to begin.

I think there were about 50-60 or so participants. It is all very official in the beginning. Richie who runs BUS goes over the rules and the loops, lead us to the official start line and basically said, go! Brings joy to my heart how chill these events are. 

The course was comprised of 2 loops - a lower and an upper. It had one killer incline, which I walked each time, which then was a killer decline on the way back, plus one other pretty good decline. Other than that mostly flat with little bits of elevation. The park itself was nice and only a few miles from home so I am going to plan some long runs around it this spring for sure!

My race strategy was to just go at "all day pace". For me that means maintaining conversational pace and low heart rate. For reference my average heart rate for this was 127 bpm. 

I started running and got in a zone. For me with these timed events I feel like the most mentally challenging part is getting past the first couple hours. When you know you have a timed end vs a distance end, it is ticking down the hours along with miles. 

I felt good. As the miles went on I will say I was waiting for my body to just say no. When I hit a half marathon I was surprised I didn't feel fatigued. But again I was running really slow. From there on out I took it loop by loop. At 16 I started thinking that a marathon was doable. By 20 I knew there was no stopping, that no matter what I would make it to 26.2 even if I walked. 

It had also rained a bit on and off and was starting to get colder and windier - they had soup at the aide station and that was basically my motivation the last 10K to keep moving. 

The scoring volunteers are also your biggest support. Each lap they are routing you on and as I got closer to the marathon they were counting down the laps for me (18 was a marathon).

The last loop I did start to feel some aches and was thankful that I was just about done. I was definitely thinking, is this normal marathon aches or is something hurt, trying to keep myself honest. 

And then, loop 18 was DONE and a marathon was in the bag! In a not too shabby time if I do say so myself. In general this isn't a worst marathon time for me when I have been TRAINED. And I walked. And stopped. And was genuinely running slow. ALMOST tempts me to train to PR a marathon (mine is 4:26) but pretty sure I won't lol. 

I then stopped an got my very looked forward to chicken noodle soup with LOTs of noodles. Oh the salty goodness. I sat and stretched for a little while and then decided I would just walk in the remainder to keep moving for the 6 hours. 

I wound up finishing with a couple more loops for about 29 or so miles. We then headed for a little pizza and awards party after, and were able to warm up a bit. 

I would like to say that there are some AMAZING runners you are in company of in these events. The top male ran 49.5 miles. Let that sink in. A 7:15 or so pace for almost 50 miles. 

The top female I believe had 43 or so miles. So while I totally impressed myself with what I was able to do, there are some very awesome ultra runners out there. 

Two of my new teammates did it as well, running about 38 and 32 miles respectively. 

The aftermath? A solid 8 hours of sleep later and I woke up not feeling too bad. I am going to definitely spend the day not too anything more than some walking since sitting too long will make me stiff but not worse for the wear going beyond what I have done lately. 

What works for me is clearly not any sort of suggestion for what works for others. I am not injury prone, I have maintained a base for years. I literally have not had to "restart" training in several years. I have a great cardio level of fitness - this is not to sound like bragging but the fact that I was able to run for several hours, all at low heart rate, speaks to my current level of fitness. 

I genuinely think that one day I may wind up fully immersed in the ultra world. I think that I am totally made for long and slow running and enjoy it as well as the camaraderie. But I'm not ready to give up on my speed yet, and if I have learned anything it is that for me, when I start to focus on long I sacrifice speed. 

This probably will not be the last time I jump into a distance race without focusing on training for it. 

Fort Totten Trot - 5K - 22:39 ***

I decided to race a 5K this weekend a couple weeks out from my half to get an idea of where my speed was at. For me, I do some of my best work in races. I am pretty competitive and will often push myself harder in a race environment than I will during a speed workout. 

I was coming into the race not exactly rested. I did a tough bootcamp the day before and an 8.6 mile long tempo the day before that. Also the course is very hilly it is in the army base at Fort Totten. I ran the 5K the year before – plus it was where my July ultra was. It is a lot of up and down. This year they changed the course and race timers and had it USATF certified (or so they said…).

I was able to get in 3.5 miles to warm up prior – the race was in my town so I planned to sandwich it into my long run. My legs didn’t feel great on the run so knew it was going to be a hard day. 

It is on the small side, and would only be timed by gun time so I lined up near the front. My goal was 100% to PR – which meant going under 25 mins. 

The race took off to an immediate down hill. I went entirely too fast down it which you know is the way to go in a 5K, trash the legs immediately! It was followed but a longer up hill and then another downhill until we got to the flat path way to the water front. 

Within a mile, honestly even less, my legs were completely shot. 

My motivation? A young girl, probably 9-10 who was keeping pace. 

There was a cone turn which killed any momentum (I think I audibly groaned as we went around) at about 1.5 miles. I knew that would be the only way to turn but it still sucks. 

Then we went back into the Fort and it was uphill for about .5 miles. 

Totally over the race at this point. I knew I was fading but just tried to keep moving and powering my arms. 

Finally got a bit of reprieve with some flat, a short slightly downhill slope and then a turn and uphill before flat to the finish. 

My goal was to not let a woman who I eyed as about my age pass me. And mission accomplish, by maybe a second. 

I love this pic of us all coming into the finish. The man was coaching his daughter in (and running our pace like it was a walk in the park)! 

I saw the time on the clock and was immediately in shock. Then I also realized I hadn’t heard my watch beep for mile 3. 

The result – all of us showing that the course was just shy of 3 miles. 

Considering my goal was to come in under 25 minutes and I came in at 22:39 – totally bummed. Especially considering they said it was certified. I don’t know who bungled that up but it is really disappointing. 

All things going I would have come in 23:xx which would have been a massive PR. I left it out there. I was completely done at the end.

But, this was the first time a race course has been really under for me. 

I did get a 3rd place AG so that was nice (although I won it last year with a MUCH slower time!). 

Goal now is to find another 5K – that is flat because that was really punishing! 

Who else has dealt with this? I was proud of my time and posted my official results and felt a bit guilty like I needed a disclaimer – but end of the day it’s not my fault about the course but, I am not using this as my PR I don’t feel that is justified.

BUS Pajama Romp 6 Hour Race

Well a week later seems like a perfect time to do a recap! 

I haven't had a moment to read a blog in the past couple of weeks let alone right my own blog post. I finished my job at Al Jazeera America on 7/15 and then 7/18 headed off to the RNC (I was hired as a freelance production manager) then come home run the race then head off to DNC. So whirlwind is the only description I have for the past few weeks. 

I signed up for this race for more or less one reason: it was in my town. There is not much opportunity for me to have a race so convenient so before I could really think about it, I had registered. 

Then the reality sunk in. I just signed up for a 6 hour race at the end of July. I don't run well in the heat. 

The week before they started sending out the emails - due to it being the hottest predicted day of the year there would be no "place" finishes. They strongly discouraged anyone taking it seriously. They weren't going to call it a fun run but they threatened to strip people of bibs that didn't take the heat and humidity seriously. If you looked like you should be stopped and weren't they were taking away liability. So yay!

Add to this I was running around RNC all week prior and was lucky to have 5 hours of sleep a night - I was SO looking forward to it. 

And hot it was. I had an upset stomach all morning and was concerned for that but honestly I wasn't racing this. I planned to walk when needed and my goal was to finish 26.2. Considering I usually do that in under 4:30 I thought it was a safe bet. 

My sister came to run and we arrived at the race ready to go. One of us taking selfies the other listening for instructions ;) 

The whole race was very laid back. They literally gathered the group (I don't know how many people maybe 150?) gave some instructions then herded us towards the start line. 

My sister is a faster runner than myself but we ran the first few loops together. 

The course was a 1.3 mile loop that you ran until either you were finished running or 6 hours ended. My goal was to just move for 6 hours.

I know some people may find the concept batty but I love loops and especially in the weather was nice to have the aide station every 1.3 miles. No holding water bottles or fuel. I would grab a drink or slice of watermelon etc each lap. 

Eventually though I started to feel over fueled. I stopped sweating a lot and within 2 hours knew I had to slow down. 

The course was also extremely hilly. Up and down. There were barely any straights so lets just say it wasn't easy on the legs. The downfall of the loops was the unevenness which took a toll on the left side of my body. My hamstring and hip were cranky within 3 hours. 

But we got some lovely views (Throgs Neck)

I didn't listen to music once the entire 6 hours. I made friends and everyone just encouraged one another walked and ran laps with new people. 

By 4 hours in I felt really really crappy. There was a lot of walking. I stopped and sat in my chair for a while. Changed shoes and socks. Then my sister found me again and we continued on for a while together. 

The course got so dark. There wasn't much light and it was eerily quiet. Plus, there weren't many people - a lot had dropped off already so very much alone at some points.

Then my sister started to feel like crap. She thought she was going to be sick and I had to go run back to the start then run the loop around to bring here cooling towels and a bottle of water, so I had to hustle my butt off. (tmi coming) she threw up and then felt like a million bucks which was amusing. 

At this point we were at about the 5:30 mark and I looked at my mileage and was determined to at least finish 26.2. So we began running. I felt really good. And was really damn determined. We got to the start area and my team's coach was there (I joined a running team Quicksilver Striders!) and we now were down to 12 minutes until 6 hours - I knew I had to at least get another lap in so I took off. I don't know where it came from but I ran the fastest I had all day. 

See splits here: 10:01, 11:05, 12:36, 10:05, 12:09, 10:54, 12:17, 13:04, 10:29, 12:51, 12:30, 14:37, 10:44, 12:55, 15:06, 14:15, 12:17, 15:25, 18:45, 17:59, 21:03, 23:21, 12:03, 19:13, 11:03, 8:37, 8:47 (!!!) 

And then it was done. 

This may have been the slowest "marathon" I ran but holy hell. Hard. The course was hard, the conditions were awful and I am so happy I did it! 

We quickly forgot how hard and brutal it was and enjoyed a slice of pizza and a beer.

I definitely recommend looking into BUS (Broadway Ultra Society) events. The people were great and it was very well organized. Plus the "ultra" environment is so different than the typical race one. Overall I was happy to make it out in one piece!  

I then enjoyed the most glorious Sunday where I challenged my fitbit to have the least amount of steps that I ever have. 

Due to all the walking I did - recovery was definitely pretty easy but I didn't really run run until Friday. I did a lot of walking at DNC and Tuesday ran a couple miles but it wasn't until Friday that I ran 7 and felt pretty normal. 

Now I have a couple days before I head off to Europe for 3, yes 3 weeks!!!! I still have Philly Marathon which is the ultimate goal and will have to figure out running while away but honestly it is not going to be the focus. Exploring Croatia, Italy and Spain are and am sure I will find the opportunity to run...minus when I am sailing for a week ;) 

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! 

Port Washington Thanksgiving Day Run (5 Mile) Recap

Like a lot of my running buddies I am a big fan of a Thanksgiving morning race. I have run the 5 miler in Prospect Park a couple times but this year way too much of a trek from Queens (I had to go to NJ after). I started scouring the internets early on and luckily found one pretty close to me in Port Washington. I will not really trek for a 5K but this was also a 5 miler so win!

I didn’t really set myself up too well for it. The night before maybe indulged in more than a couple glasses of wine. And ate the frosting off of 1 ½ cupcakes (love buttercream could care less about the cake part) and then had a later than normal night (basically anything past 9pm is late for me).

Morning of, the struggle was real to wake up and get out of bed. But I did. Very unmotivated but I did it. I had a lot of time pre-race. The train got me to Port Wash a little after 7 with the race at 8:30. I had planned to run the 1.8 miles or so to the start but laziness was set and I did more walking than running.

I picked up my stuff and had the half hour to chill. I wound up hiding my bag behind a tractor and hoping for the best (no bag drop so was just praying my sweats were there after).

My 5 miles PR was 43:07 so my goal was an 8:30 pace to try and PR, but was very meh about the whole effort thing.

I lined up around 8:15 a little behind the 8 marker, because I am honest about my pace. The announcers every minute would state to “line up by pace, walkers in the back and unless you are running a 6 minute mile get away from the front” lol.

Gun goes off right at 8:30 and I knew I was in trouble as we were shuffling to the start. Off the bat people are walking, running VERY slow and just clogging the start up. I decided not to weave too much and attempt to settle in.

Mile 1: 8:48

I will say I was really disheartened to see how slow that first mile clicked off – it was unavoidable as it took at least a half mile to get into pace.

I also quickly note that we are running some rolling hills. I had just assumed that the course was flat but learned otherwise, luckily for the ups there was plenty of downs as well.

Mile 2: 8:16

I was in a groove now I honestly wasn’t looking much at my watch but running more by feel. I was trying to push but stay in control

Mile 3: 8:17

Kind of surprised that I was running this pace and not feeling like I was ready to fade yet but figure “at least I have banked time” (all the lol’s bc that is always a good plan, right?)

Mile 4: 8:07

The beginning of this mile met us with a hill that basically looked like Harlem Hill. I said good bye to all PR efforts as I tried to keep the pace up it. When the mile time clicked off I was kind of amazed.

Mile 5: 8:11

The course FINALLY leveled off and I knew it was flat to the finish I was holding on for dear life now.

Official time: 41:43, 8:20 pace

Splits: 8:48, 8:16, 8:17, 8:07, 8:11

Thoughts – I knew a PR was doable based on recent race times. I really had to work for this on the rolling hills and was very smart about the tangents – my Garmin mileage was 5.01 miles. Effort wise I am learning how to pace myself in shorter races much better if my negative splits say anything. Also happy how I handled the hills considering I rarely run them. Kept effort even on the up and really let my stride open on the down.

I will say I still shock myself with my race times these days. The majority of my miles are run slow but I race frequently these days and have PR’d the 5K, 10K and now 5 Mile in the past month or so.

I know in theory it is probably good that mile 1 was so congested because it lit that competitive fire inside of me being held back. Lately I have gotten to the race start and raced even when I wanted to phone it in.

But a serious PSA: people that line up purposely out of place – you ruin it for people like myself gunning for a PR. If you start at the 7 min mile marker and are running 10 – 12 minute miles or worse, WALKING, you are an asshole. Sorry, not sorry.

And with that I have one last 10K left this coming weekend then might be done racing for 2015. I had planned a half marathon this Sunday but it reached capacity so settled on the 10K another time.

Hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving!!

Team Daniel Running for Recovery from Mental Illness 5K Recap

Another weekend, another race! Fall has been pretty busy! 

I am really a fan of seeking out these local races and this past weekend was no exception. 

I took a ride into Long Island to run this one. Port Washington. Home to North Shore Animal League. I'm lucky I didn't return home with a puppy. 

It seemed perfect logistically - the start was about 2.5 miles from the train station which I figured would serve as a good warm up and cool down and also get my mileage up to double as a long run. 

Things I didn't count on, waking up to a very upset stomach (the sad cause: overeating a ton of broccoli the two days prior) and some sore legs thanks to running around Central Park on Saturday morning with my CCFA team training. 

I got myself out the door though and figured whatever happened happened. 

Other things I did not expect was that the run to the race would be hilly. My body was not happy at the start. But at least it was a GORGEOUS fall morning. 

I got there about 15 minutes before go time which was just enough to hit the bathroom and get to the start line. 

Other things to note - the start did not run over a mat - which means gun time is your actual time. 

With a few remarks they counted down from a minute and we were off. 

This was another 2 loop course. I started running and just tried to get in a decent groove. I actually forgot to turn on my music while I was running I was trying to focus on my breathing (and eventually not dying). 

First mile clicked off in 8:07.

I was not feeling good. As I finished the first loop I felt my stomach start to get really angry and so I dialed it back a little. Also the guy I was following and pacing off of went out too fast and realized he was fading so had to pass him to not get caught up in his slowing down. 

Mile 2 in 8:18.

Now came a woman who looked a little older than me but was trying to pass me. 

Bring on my competitiveness. I was NOT about to let her out race me at the end so I was in beat her mode. 

And basically survival once I hit the 2.5 mile mark. 

Mile 3 in 8:03.

The end seemed interminable - goodness I just wanted to race to end and would not like to see any photographic evidence of me pushing to the end. 

Finished the last bit at 7:24. 

I don't have official times and they are not posted so for now it is going by my Garmin time.

3.12 miles / 25:19 

WHICH is good enough for a PR! (Previous 25:27 so unless I royally fucked up I got it).

And also for a 2nd place AG win. 

Very happy with how this went. I was not feeling good by any means and it was nice to be able to push it for that second half. To PR when I was having stomach issues and also my legs felt like lead is a good feeling. I feel like I am doing something right in my training and really progressing. I have my eyes on another 5K in a couple weeks I would love to get under 25 minutes!

Oh and other things that didn't suck, winning a $100 Steve Madden gift card in the raffle. 

Overall a great day of racing for a great cause. I will definitely be back to do this race again. 

Totten Trot 5K Recap

It is no secret that I am a distance junkie and way prefer the steady "easier" pacing of a half marathon to short distances.

But I am trying to get faster and as a coach friend has said, 5K's are a great way to gain "sneaky speed" by racing them periodically. 

When one showed itself in my town and I could run to and from it I couldn't say no. Until the forecast called for rain, that put some serious doubts in my mind. But I woke up Sunday morning and it said rain was done, so all was good. It was go time. 

Being the fantastic googler/run nerd that I am I input last weeks half to estimate what a goal time should be. It spit out 26:30, 8:30ish miles for me and I made that my loose goal. 

I ran the 2.5 miles to the race and was able to register with plenty of time to spare. I took off all week from running and then ran a few miles Saturday and happy to say that the cross training paid off (spinner/weights each day) - the lingering pain in my glute/hamstring is mostly gone. 

Bayside Historical Society - the race began in Fort Totten

Then with only a few minutes to go until the start...it begins to drizzle. By the time the race was going off it was really raining. I have been lucky to never have to race in the rain until yesterday! 

Oh hello very casual start line.

So the race begins and my only focus is to find my pace. I was feeling really good and start finding a groove. I was really trying to run by feel so was avoiding looking at my Garmin as much as possible.

The road was also wet and it was windy so I was focusing on not slipping (because leaves and acorns).

Mile 1 was hit in 8:10 (although I didn't hear it beep).

I started gaining on and picking off people. I found a woman who looked around my age in my sights and it became my goal to pick her off. Happy to say around 1.75 in I did. But then I was kind of in no mans land. Everyone else was pretty far in front of me and I was starting to lose steam.

Mile 2 in 8:13

It felt like an eternity to get to the cone where we would make a turn around before the final .75 or so. My lungs were feeling it more than my legs but now I started looking at my pace and see it is starting to slip. (and is it just me or is turning around the cone just a killer to your momentum)

Once we turned I am just giving myself pep talks. The final .25 or so is a very very cruel hill to have at the end of the race. Then, a man passes me and it was just what I needed. I told myself to stay on his heels. He was the motivation I needed.

Mile 3 in 8:33

I am chugging along the best I can but still feel like I am running in quick sand. See the finish line and try to kick it.

.12 (going on Garmin) in 7:52

And DONE!!!

Garmin = 25:51 for 3.12

I knew it being a small race I had done well and probably paced. Unfortunately the computer got wet and preliminary results were messed up. I wasn't on them but looked like I had placed 2nd. Eventually they apologize that it will take longer to get the results and it will be emailed etc.

Then I got this email. First place AG win!!! And apparently I somehow added 8 seconds on my Garmin. Can't wait for my trophy, only my second one.

Overall, I am happy. I beat my goal (this is not a PR though) and I think on a flatter course in better weather I can do even better. My mental game has been on point the past few races as well. Not to sound corny but I think everything I have dealt with health wise the past year has really helped me on this front.

And now, maybe just maybe I have found another small 5K in a couple weeks to test my speed out at again.

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. 

NYCM - Nothing Compares

I will do a full recap later since I have a lot to say about the race but...

NYCM 2013

AKA the marathon I did not taper for and ran with a 100 degree fever - FTW!

Leading up to the marathon, it was training business as usual as this was going to be a "training run" (running Palm Beaches in December).

The week of the marathon training went a little something like this:

Monday: 75 mins XT + Lift

Tuesday: 5 miles

Wednesday: 7 miles 5 @ tempo (aka the day I started feeling sick)

Thursday: 5 miles easy

Friday: REST glorious rest

Saturday: Dash to the Finish 5K 

Sunday: NYCM!!! 

Total miles: 46.3

I was exhausted on Friday after work. I had planned to go home early but that never really pans out. 

Saturday morning was quite the struggle to get out of bed. Thankfully I had picked up Jen's bib and HAD to go run the race. But really had no desire to do so (but super thrilled to see Jen!).  

In true 5K fashion I thought I was going out slow but wound up going out with a bit of a bang and then spent the rest of the time reeling myself in for an easy 27:57 finish. (side note kind of want to race a short race some time soon...)

I actually wound up running into Jen at the finish as well and after chatting for a little bit went on our ways. And then it hit me like a ton of bricks. I felt AWFUL. Dizzy and like I was going to throw up. I couldn't get home fast enough. 

I proceeded to get home shower, eat something and put myself to bed for the remainder of the day praying that I would feel better in 24 hours. 

Spoiler alert, I woke up Sunday morning with a 100 degree fever and feeling like hell. Thankfully the excitement of the day helped get me up and at it. 

I knew that it was going to be a tough one but it is really hard to not get pulled in to the magnitude of what was about to happen. I was running the New York City Marathon. Just awesome. 

The good news, I did it! 4:29:36. 

Not my best, not my worst, but surely my favorite.

Damn proud considering oh I was sick and had not tapered. And my last LONG LONG run over 16 was 9/22. 

There was a lot of joy, a lot of struggle and a lot of emotion.

I am going to leave you with splits just for fun and fully recap later.

AND FYI - had NO clue what I was running until the half, I decided to just say f it to monitoring the Garmin and RUN. But intended to start slow...

Mile 1: 10:40 <-- LOOK AT HOW SLOW I DID IT!!! YES.
Mile 2: 8:50 (oops)
Mile 3: 9:27
Mile 4: 9:15
Mile 5: 9:10
Mile 6: 9:09
Mile 7: 9:05
Mile 8: 9:21
Mile 9: 9:21
Mile 10: 9:19 
Mile 11: 12:22 (bathroom)
Mile 12: 9:31
Mile 13: 9:48
Mile 14: 9:57
Mile 15: 10:32 
Mile 16: 12:33 (another bathroom)
Mile 17: 9:40
Mile 18: 10:35
Mile 19: 15:43 (med tent)
Mile 20: 11:08
Mile 21: 10:42
Mile 22: 10:14
Mile 23: 9:47
Mile 24: 10:27
Mile 25: 9:54
Mile 26: 9:53
Mile 27: 9:22

The splits tell the story. I felt like crap and the excitement wore off and hit me like a ton of bricks eventually. But I fought to get back on track at the end as hard as it was. 

More to come. But congrats to everyone who ran on Sunday! 

And leaving you with a photo that I promise shows me a LOT happier than I felt at mile 23. Hamming it for the camera!