Marathon Training Week 4 Recap: A Scare after the Long Run

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This morning, I ran 11.10 miles in 1:51:29 with my training group.  I originally intended to just run 9 and not bother making up for the missed mile from my weekly runs.  However, temptation got the best of me and I decided to run 2 more.  The temps were pretty hot and the patches of the trail without shade were definitely challenging.  Thankfully, I didn't have any issues during the run or immediately after.

I was a bit worried since I had been eating poorly over the last two days.  Yesterday, I thought it was a great idea to eat 3 donuts for lunch (apple fritter, red velvet and buttermilk old fashioned).  I figured that those donuts may come back to haunt me later, but surprisingly enough, it did not.

My splits were: 10:09, 10:28, 10:12, 10:14, 10:04, 10:22, 10:30, 10:20, 9:10 for the first 9.  I felt good and thought I'd just run 9 so I pushed it on the last and more hilly mile of our route.  The last two miles were run in 9:43 and 9:21.  The last .1 was in a 9:25 mile pace.

I felt like I hydrated pretty well during and after the run.  I had both water and Gatorade, but did not consume any fuel during the run.  I didn't feel like not fueling up during was an issue.  I suppose I could have drank more during, but I didn't feel like I needed it.  I'm not sure if eating GU would have helped me improve my performance.  I got home and ate a PB & J, a banana and some Greek yogurt.  I also drank more water and Gatorade.  I thought I was in the clear.

However, I developed a splitting headache.  I believe it may have been because I was dehydrated, but I wasn't sure why I since I thought I hydrated well enough.  I tried to ride it out, but eventually it got bad enough to the point where I decided to take an Advil to try to make it go away faster.

Then, things went from bad to worse.  I started experiencing nausea and I also began to dry heave and I felt like I was going to vomit.  It got really scary when water didn't even want to go down comfortably.  I began to freak out.  So, I sat down on the floor of my bathroom, which was cool and so that I'd be right there if something were to happen.  Luckily, nothing did.  Eventually, I was able to get off the bathroom floor and into my bed for a nap.  I napped for almost two hours and eventually, everything went away.

As I was sitting on my bathroom floor in pain, a few things ran through my mind.  First, I felt so terrified that if this was what happened to me after an 11 mile run, how would I feel after running 26.2 miles (especially if it is hot)?  The second part of me almost wanted to throw the towel in and quit so that way I don't have to run in the summer heat and possibly experience something like this again.  I can't even begin to describe to you how scary it was.  It sucked because I felt SO AWESOME today.  I felt like a total rockstar running those miles in the heat at that pace.

I read articles online about headaches and nausea after running and I think maybe I overexerted myself and that I wasn't hydrated enough during the run.  I'll have to correct these mistakes next time so I avoid a situation like this.

Despite, the scare, the week for running has gone well.  I ran 3 in just over 27:00 Tuesday (my fastest 3 in training so far), 3 in around 30 on the treadmill Wednesday and raced a 5K in 25:16 (a personal worst, but still 2nd place in my age group).  On to next week!

Does anyone else get splitting headaches after a long run?  If so, what do you think causes them and what do you do to treat them?  Have you even been nauseous after a long run?  What caused it and what did you do to treat it?

Barrington Run for the Arts 5K Race Recap: A PW but an AG award

Time: 25:16 (8:07 per mile)
Age Group: #2
Overall: 75/312

This morning, my family and I went to Barrington to run in their 16th annual Run for the Arts 10K/5K race.  My little sister did not join us since she lives in Bloomington and is a swimmer not a runner.

Dad, Mom, Me and the little bro post race

I was not planning on running a race today, but then I saw a 3 mile run on my schedule.  Why not run a 5k?  It's a holiday, the race will be over quickly and I love the high you get when you cross the finish line.  Plus, I looked at the race results from last year and I felt confident that I could snag an age group award.  My dad opted to run the 10K while my brother, mom and I ran the 5K.  My brother bikes regularly and is planning on running his first marathon in Chicago this year.

I woke up way too early... like 4:45 early (!).  My family picked me up about an hour later and we made it to Barrington a little past 6 since my brother and mom had to pick up their packets.  We chilled, talked and stretched while we waited for the race to begin.

Remember how my mom vowed never to run a race again?  Well, that was a dirty lie!  She cracked me up since she came out of the porta potty with a look of absolute disgust on her face.  Evidently the person who used the potty before her went #2.  She goes, "Someone when poo there!  DO NOT use the third bathroom!"  We had to tell her to quiet down in case that person was in the area.

The beginning of the race was ODD.  First, I did not see a big start banner up or even a timing mat.  We did have chips attached to the back of our bibs and the race was professionally timed.  Second, I could not hear the announcer talking despite standing only a few feet in front of him.  Their speakers must not have been working well since his sound wasn't traveling at all.  I found it rude that people kept on chatting.  I mean, c'mon!  The announcer was trying to tell us important information.  I don't want to hear about your experience at Ragnar Relay or what you should do with your hat.  Also, this group of teens sang the national anthem and I couldn't hear them at all due to the consistent chatter!  And, it did not appear that they had any microphones.

However, I did hear the gun go off loud and clear.  I didn't start my Garmin right away since I was hoping to find some sort of timing mat to go over, but I didn't so eventually I threw caution to the wind and hit start.  My little brother and I ran together for a bit and I asked him if he wanted me to run it with him.  He said that I should do my own thing so I took off.

The Course

Mile 1 - 8:04: My legs felt so sore and there were some rolling hills on this course.  Also, the temps began to climb and I was not feeling it at all.  I knew I was in trouble when I began breathing heavily not even half a mile into the race.  Ugh.  Thankfully I was only running the 5k!

Mile 2 - 8:18: Along the way I ran by a man who was also struggling.  It made me feel good to know that I wasn't alone.  We chatted a bit about the rising temps, how we both were not feeling it and how we were glad to only be running the 5K.  I told him I was not thrilled about the hills.  He was in my sights for a while, but sped up toward the end and finished a bit in front of me.

Mile 3 - 8:08:  Every time I heard footsteps approaching me I thought a few things.  First, I hoped that it wasn't a woman my age.  I was still gunning for an age group award.  Second, I really hoped that it wasn't my brother.  That would just be awful to have him finish ahead of me since I'm the runner not him!  Also, I noticed this little kid running beside me.  He definitely was under 10!  I ran past him and figured that I had passed him for good.

Last .12 45.14 (6:31 average mile pace):  I actually sprinted toward the finish!  I didn't overtake anyone since they were too far in front of me.  In addition, the little boy managed to get in front of me!  What the heck!  Unfortunately, he was too far in front for me to sprint past him.  Boo!  Oh well, he is little and therefore, speedy!  He has less weight to carry and I can bet money that his knees and IT bands are in better shape then this girl's!

I grabbed some refreshments and went back to the finish line to try to watch my little brother finishing.  However, I missed it because he finished just a little bit behind me!

He finished in 26:29 - just 9 people behind me!

After the race, he told me his motivation was not to get passed by old people or little kids.  Also, he wanted to catch me!  I feel like a proud mama watching my baby bro run that race in that awesome time.  Hopefully he can keep this up and get his long runs in so we can run the marathon together!

We watched my mom finish the race and then the three of us waited for my dad.  I didn't see him finish since I went to the awards ceremony to check if I won an award, which I did despite running a personal worst!  My bro told me that I'm too hard on myself, which is true.  I'm glad that I had enough energy to sprint at the end and that I didn't give up despite the fact that I was getting overheated.

Bottom line: good race on a somewhat challenging course.  I think I'd consider running it again depending on my training scheduled next year.

Happy Fourth of July to everyone!  Did you run a Fourth of July race?  If so, how did it go?

Marathon Training Week 3 Recap: New Things on a Short Run

Week 3 Mileage: 15

Miles Run: 15

You can't tell, but my outfit was all green today. 
Also, I broke in my new shirt, shoes and socks.

I finally went out and bought a new pair of running shoes last weekend.  My previous pair was approaching 10 months old (!) so it was about time.  I'm not sure how much mileage I put on them since I'm not diligent about tracking that, but nevertheless, new shoes are always a good thing, IMO.

I went over to Running Away Multisport in Deerfield and picked up the newest model of the Brooks Adrenaline GTS shoes.

Looking forward to putting in some miles on these babies

I also stopped by Sports Authority and picked up some new running gear since they had some great deals on the clearance racks.  I bought a sweet Nike running shirt, Nike sports bra and UnderArmour underwear.  It dawned upon me as I was perusing the racks that running in cotton underwear is probably not a good thing especially for long runs.  I mean, the general rule of thumb is not to wear anything cotton (socks, shirt, shorts, etc.) so I suppose this rule applies to underwear as well.  In the alternative, I could run without underwear since my shorts have a lining, but I don't feel comfortable doing that.

 

I decided to skip the trail run with my training group because I had to feed my parents' cats while they were out of town.  Also, I secured my first (of probably many) PT sessions, which was at 9am.  The run would have started around 7 and I probably would have been able to make it, but I didn't want to cut it too close.  After all, it was my first PT session and I didn't want to make a bad impression!

 

So, I ran 5 miles in 45:54.  Splits were as follows: 9:19, 9:13, 8:54, 8:58 and 9:28.  Mile 3 was fast because I saw another runner running behind me and I didn't want her to catch me. Also, I wanted to catch this speedy woman running with a jogging stroller.  She turned into a park area along my route so I didn't have a chance. Mentally, I checked out on the last mile and got tired.  I have to stop fading in the last half mile.  It doesn't help me that my last half mile is on a straight stretch of road, which I despise.

 

I have to practice running on straight stretches of road on dead legs because the last two or so miles of the marathon are run on Michigan Avenue.  I had a horrific time those last two miles and I really did not think I would ever finish since the buildings looked so far away.  I also did not enjoy spectators yelling at me and telling me I had just a 5K to go.  I wanted to slap them and thankfully I did not have the energy to do so.

 

On the whole, my training is going well.  Out of the 12 runs, I've only missed one and cut back the mileage on another since I ran a race instead.  I also ran more on Week 2's long run.  However, running more than prescribed probably won't happen often. 

 

However, this is just week 3 of my 18 week relationship with training.  It's new, it's fun and it's fresh.  Hopefully I can keep up the love affair while it's still burning hot.

 

If you're training, how's it going? Any tips for not checking out toward the end of a run or a race?  Is anyone racing on the 4th of July?  Racing on a Thursday is a bit weird, no?

Chips + LifeSavers Gummies Collisions + Triple Creme Cheese = Post Run Fail

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Here's a little secret for you all... I've got a really bad sweet tooth.  I have something sweet at every meal.  My newest obsessions are donuts from THE BEST DONUT PLACE EVER.  

And, if you've checked out my Yelp reviews, you will see that I have an undying love for bakeries and pastries (chocolate croissants especially).  I don't discriminate either.  I'll eat it all - cookies, candies, chocolate (dark preferred), pie and the aforementioned donuts.  

It's awful and I'm sure all that sugar isn't good for me.  My love of sweets is why I have a pack of rolls instead of a sick six pack.  Six packs are overrated anyway.  My teeth are probably jacked from copious amounts of sugar and come to think of it, I'll probably get diabetes later in life, but what the hell. Life's too short.  And, I'll take my cakes and eat them too, thank you.

My newest obsessions include the following:

Kettle Brand Potato Chips (Source)

Life Savers Gummies Collisions (Source)

I usually try to be good about not having a lot of salad or high fiber foods two dinners before a long run or a race.  I don't really do a lot of dairy (save for yogurt, gelato and ice cream...), but I'll try to cut that out the day before a long run or race.

Evidently, chips, Life Savers Gummies Collisions and Triple Creme Cheese should also be put on that list.  I just couldn't help myself last night.  I wanted to try the cheese when it was fresh.  The cheese tasted like this.  

I still had my usual dinner of chicken and rice (brown with quinoa).  After dinner, I parked my ass on the couch to catch up on the MasterChef from this week.  I stuffed my face silly with the gummies until I decided that it was probably time to stop eating and go to bed.  The damn things are so addictive!

The morning rolled around and I was able to get my business taken care of before I left for the run.  I really didn't want to have to use the bathroom by where our group runs.  I mean, if you gotta go, you gotta go, but it's better to go in the comforts of your own home, IMO.

The run itself was overall pretty good.  I was originally just going to do 7 since I'm following Hal Higdon's Novice Program.  My theory is this, it offers the least amount of mileage and I didn't even finish it last year so I would not call myself an Intermediate by any means.  But, I got suckered into 9.  It was fine since the weather was cool and rainy.

My Garmin was super wonky in the forest preserve and my pace kept jumping all over the place.  I also forgot to re-start my watch after we stopped for a water break so I don't have the full representation of my splits.  My pace group leader said we ran 9 in 1:33:xx, which works for me.

After the run, my stomach started churning and I made a beeline for the bathroom, but it was a false alarm.  I guess I just didn't want to go there because I went when I got home.  These GI issues are not good.  I'm going to attribute it to the food I ate yesterday and maybe the day before.  I'll have to monitor it more so I don't experience this again.  

I didn't even want to go to Panera with the group afterwards since I didn't want to have tummy trouble there.  I kinda wanted to say: "I'd really love to stay and chat, but I've got to take a crap!" :-/

In other news, marathon training is going well and I'm pleased to report that I've done most of the runs. I have even gotten up early and finished my run before work.  This is HUGE for me.  I work downtown, live in the 'burbs and take the Metra every day.  It wastes two hours of my day.  It sucks, but it is what it is.

Marathon Training Week 1: 15 Miles: I ran 9.1ish and also biked at the gym for an hour for a cross workout.

Marathon Training Week 2: 18 miles:  I was to run 16, but I did a tad more.  I think I'll skip my cross workout and rest tomorrow.  It's my boyfriend's birthday tomorrow.  Or I may go on a long walk or bike at the gym.  The bike hurt my butt the day after so I don't know about that.

Hope everyone had a good running week!  If you are training, how is it going?  How do you control GI issues on and post the run??  Any tips or advice would be most helpful!  Just don't tell me not to eat my sweets... ;-)

Run for Boston 5K Race Recap

23:30.05 - Garmin only measured 2.92

This morning I ran the Run for Boston 5k at the Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville.  I signed up for the race right away as soon as I found out that 100% of the proceeds go to the Who Says I Can't Foundation to help those that lost limbs a a result of the Boston Marathon bombing.  Also, I was super excited that the race was held in Libertyville, which is the town next to mine.  Yay for local races!  I convinced my parents to run the race too so it became a family affair.

We headed to Independence Grove around 8 and snagged some free parking, which was conveniently located right by the start line.  My dad picked up our packets the day before, but they were also handing them out at the race too.

It was somewhat cold - in the low 60s and it looked like it was going to ran.  I had time to kill so I decided to walk/jog a bit so I could get the blood flowing to my legs.  I did not want to be sore after the race like after the North Shore Half.  That wasn't pretty at all.  Illinois Bone and Joint (a PT place) was out and they lead a pre-race warmup, which was really helpful.   I did a few of the exercises before I decided I was warm enough.

The founder of Who Says I Can't, Jothy Rosenberg was at the race!  He thanked all of us for participating and assured us that our race fees would go to a great cause and help people get back on their feet.  After that, we had a moment of silence for Boston, which was very touching.

And then we were off!  The race was not chip timed, but I still decided to start my Garmin as I crossed the starting line.  The course was basically a big loop through the forest preserve and was ran on the path and not on the trails.

Source

I hate looped courses for several reasons.  First, you can see the other runners ahead of you.  Second, you can see where you are versus where you have to be and it seems so far away.  Third, I like to be surprised, which happens more with point to point courses, I think.

Can you find me?

Mile 1: 8:16:  The start was a little crowded as most race starts are.  I was able to get into the groove once I dodged past slower runners.  I wanted to be conservative with the first mile, but not run it too slow since this race was only a 5K.  I was pleased to see a time in the low 8s, which I haven't seen in ages.

Mile 2: 7:56:  A sub-8 split?!  What?!  Who am I??  Needless to say, I was pleased since I haven't run a mile under 8 minutes in ages as well.  After Mile 1, I tried to hang with two women who looked about my age.  But, they were too speedy for me.  I passed up a few people on the way to Mile 3, but other than that, I was pretty much running alone.  I also kinda wish I had stopped for water at the aid station past mile 1, but again, it is only a 5K so I could do without it.

Trying to keep up :-/

WTF is up with my arms?! :-o

Split for 0.92: 8:13:  We climbed up a bit hill and the finish area was to our left.  However, we had to run around this circle to get back to it.  I was less then pleased.

The bad thing about running with headphones is that you can hear the sound of feet pounding and approaching you.  I had been running alone for quite some time and was like, "Ok, well let's just get it under 24 if you can and not let any other people pass you. If it's a guy, ok, but not a woman."

DOH.  Spoke too soon.  All of a sudden this chick comes up behind me and she is really gunning it.  I mean, like hardcore - good form, wide strides, arms pumping - the whole shebang.  I, on the other hand, am just dragging my ass toward the finish at this point having already exerted myself in the miles prior.

But, in the back of my mind I'm like, "Ha, I have an epic sprint in the bag so as long as I stay close I can reel her in and take her down!"  She must have read my mind because she sped up really fast after I surged a tiny little bit ahead of her.  She had the epic sprint that I was hoping for and finished ahead of me.  Boo.  Oh well, shit happens sometimes, I guess.  I can say that I didn't want to kill it and have that groin pain I had post North Shore Half, but let's face it - I just didn't challenge her because I couldn't.

Where'd that chick go?
Oh, shit, she is way in front of me!  Oh well.

Are we there yet?!

Checking Garmin as per usual

I watched my dad finish the race.  He ended up with a 29:xx.  I then tried to watch my mom finish, but missed it since I overestimated how fast she would run.  After the race, we munched on some great post-race goodies which included bananas, Oreos, pizza and 312 beer.  

Dad in yellow running along

And, I took a picture with the Chicago Running Bloggers!  I definitely saw some familiar faces since I read their blogs.  And, I introduced myself to Pete B (aka The Lakefront Trail) who has commented on my blog before.


Chicago Running Bloggers post-race

Overall, it was an excellent and well-organized race.  I definitely would run it again if they decide to make it a yearly thing.

An Ode to Dad: the guy who got me up and running

The race results from yesterday's Run for Boston 5k still aren't posted (boo) so I'll hold off on that until I have my official results.  So, here's a little post in honor of Father's Day.

Dad and I post SF 10 Miler this past May

My dad has always been a runner.  He served in the military (Army - both active and reserves) and they had to do a lot of running.  So, it stuck with him and he continued to run.  My dad is also a very consistent runner.  He runs at least three times a week.  And, he's never been seriously injured either.  He's diligent about stretching and does ab work.  I look at him as the runner I want to be when I'm 65 years old.  He's managed to incorporate it into his lifestyle.

Dad finishing the Run for Boston 5K

My running background can be found here.  I was a cross country runner, but not a long distance runner by any means.  I could run about 3 miles tops.  Thoughts of a marathon never crossed my mind since I always wrote myself off as a poor runner since I wasn't particularly good at it in cross country.

At one point, my dad started training for a half marathon.  He started going out on much longer runs.  One day, he mentioned that he was going to run 5 miles.  I'd never run 5 before, but asked if I could tag along.  I still vividly recall that run that we took on a route that he mapped around our neighborhood, which was basically one big loop.  His pace worked for me and I was able to keep up.  He told me where each mile was as well.  These were in the days before I ran with a Garmin.  While out on the run, I was bite and scratched by an overexcited dog.  Thankfully, the bite wasn't serious and Dad and I just kept on running.  We didn't even bother to get the dog owner's contact information much to my mother's chagrin.

In 2010, my dad and I began racing regularly.  My dad has run our town's 5K before and convinced me to sign up.  I was so worried that I would not perform well and I'd finish dead last.  My outcome was quite the opposite.  I won the women's race and have been racing ever since.

We completed several 5ks and 10ks.  He came out to support me as I struggled to complete my first half marathon.  In 2011, we were at it again running more 5ks, 10ks and half marathons for me not for Dad yet).  In 2012, I got to see him cross the finish line of his first half marathon and I was extremely proud of him.  He came out to watch me run the Chicago Marathon last October and he was extremely proud of me after I finished.

My dad and I even convinced my mom to come out and run with us.  She's definitely not a runner per se, but I think part of her enjoys it.  I mean, she's crazy enough to run them again and again.  I think she's done with it for now, but who knows.  Last race, she was harping about it not being chip timed.  That's a lot to say for someone who supposedly doesn't care to run anymore, IMO.

Anyway, my Dad is my partner in crime when it comes to running.  His support has motivated me to go for my goals and keep running even though I sometimes fall out of love with it.  I'm extremely proud of him for all his accomplishments.  And, I cannot wait to see him after Chicago in October with a medal draped around his neck.  I can't wait to stand next to him and have the bf take our picture together.

Belated North Shore Half Marathon Race Recap

1:57:40 (8:59 average pace)

Post race showing off my medal

This race was a course PR since I have never run it before and most importantly, it was the first sub-2 that I've run since the Big Sur Half Marathon back in November 2011.  So, needless to say, I was pleased with my performance and results.

The day, however, did not start out well.  It was cold and it was drizzling.  These are good conditions to run in, but having to wait to run was not fun.  Thankfully the wait was nowhere near as bad as the wait for the Soldier Field 10 Miler.  I only had to wait 9 minutes as opposed to 26 minutes.  My legs were definitely stiff since I wasn't warm.  I really have to do something about this in the future.  Maybe I need to get there earlier so I have time to run around some so I can warm up a bit.  I was also very worried that it'd start to rain harder, but thankfully, the rain held off.

While waiting, I could have sworn that I saw this guy my mom and I chatted with last year after we all ran the 5K.  He was waiting for his "lady friend" to finish the race and he brought his awesome dog with him.  I saw them in my corral for the half.  I wanted to say something since I think he noticed me, but didn't want to be creepy so I left it alone.  I never saw them on the course so I assume that they ran faster than me.

Anyway, I had no expectations going into the race.  The 10 miler went well, but my longest runs haven't gone over that so I didn't know what to expect.  I figured that I'd go for a sub-2 since the weather was good for running.  If all else failed, I really did not want to go over 2:05 and if even worse than that - just sub-10s.

Splits per Garmin:

Miles 1 & 2: 9:28 & 9:02: The first two miles of the course were run through part of downtown Highland Park and by Ravinia.  I recognized some of the paths I ran on when I raced a 10K there in 2011.  This was the same race where an overweight man flew past me on the way to the finish.  My boyfriend was shocked upon finding out that he had finished before me.  Running along that dirt trail brought back memories of him blowing past me, but eh, it happens.  I also ran past Baker Boys and I really wanted to pull off and shove my face with cupcakes.  Alas, a pit stop was not in the cards...

Miles 3, 4 & 5: 9:02, 8:52 & 8:48: Along the way, I saw a woman wearing a shirt that says "Stronger people are harder to kill".  I decided that I didn't want her to finish ahead of me.  (Spoiler alert: she didn't!)  At this point, I also decided that I hate Sheridan Road with a burning passion.  The course had these slight elevation changes that kicked my ass.  The roads were also a little windy so I wasn't sure when we'd get off the elevation and onto some flat roads.  I thought I was going to scream if I saw another incline.  Spoiler alert: there were more of them...

Miles 6 & 7: 8:57 & 9:01: I freaked out when I thought my Garmin wasn't working because evidently I can't read the signs correctly.  I saw the 1 Mile Maker for the 5K and thought it was Mile 6 for me.  My Garmin was way off so I was starting to panic since I've become so dependent on Garmin nowadays.  Thankfully I saw Mile 6 and knew that I was still on pace to go sub-2. 

Also, what genius decided to include a hill on the course after running 7 miles?!?!  That is just wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong!!  I knew it was coming since I'm a 5K vet (2010, 2011 and 2012) and have seen this hill before.  But, I like to block it out since it kicks my ass every single time.  I tried with all my might to slow myself down on the downhill leading up to it, but I could only go so much slower.  I rounded the corner to meet my fate with the mother of all hills.  *BIG SIGH*  I knew that I had to trot up it even if it hurt since walking would cost me a lot of time.  I managed to "run" up the hill at a slower pace of 9:30 so I was pleased.

Mile 8: 9:05: Shockingly enough, the hill didn't slow me down that much.  Nevertheless, I was still desperately seeking some flatter roads.  I knew they would come as soon as I got to Fort Sheridan.

Miles 9 & 10: 8:54 & 8:56: The last split time worried me a little so I tried to speed it up some.  Along the way I saw a man running without shoes.  We ran past a group cheering and they cheered loudly for him.  He had his chip tied around his ankle.  First of all, that's got to hurt.  And second, I don't want a guy without shoes to beat me.  I think I was ahead of him, but I'm not sure.  I saw my dad entering the Fort Sheridan area as I was leaving.  We acknowledged each other and he told me to hurry.  It was nice to see him and get some support.

Miles 11 & 12: 9:02 & 8:59:  My inevitable crap out started around Mile 11 and the course just seemed to keep going and going.  However, I knew that I would break 2 hours even if it took me 20 minutes to run 2.1 miles, which I hoped would not be the case.  I bumped into two guys who were trying to keep their pace at sub-9.  We chatted for a little bit and they said I could try to hang on with them.  I tried, but they surged ahead of me.  Part of me thinks they sped up so I wouldn't chick them.

Mile 13: 8:49 & 0.12 sprint to the finish was completed in 48.30 seconds for a crazy fast pace of 6:37: On the way to the finish, I see J from my marathon training group this summer blow by me.  I was pretty much fading.  I wanted to keep up with him, but there was no use.  I finally saw the mile marker for 13 approaching and then I gunned it to the finish picking off a bunch of people with my trademark epic sprint.  Sub-2 accomplished!

After the race, I bumped into J and another runner from my marathon training group (R) as I was trying to get my finisher picture taken.  I was super excited to see them again so we took pictures together and chatted for a while.  They're both training again this summer with CARA in Libertyville.  J's moving up to the 9:30s, but R is still going to run with the 10:00s, I think.  I was excited to see familiar faces.

R and I post-race!

Unfortunately, it was not my dad's day and he took longer than he intended so I had plenty of time to wait for him.  In retrospect, I should have taken the time to stretch and get warm.

Funny/Cool things I saw while spectating:
- I saw two men finishing the race wearing Running Sucks shirts.  My first thought was to wonder why they are running the race, but I found them more hilarious than anything.  I really want to get one and run the Chicago Marathon wearing it.  But, I think it would be bad mojo... and goodness knows I need all the good mojo I can get for that one.

- Runners in matching outfits finishing the race together.  Tutus always make me smile for some reason.

- Little kids helping their parents run to the finish line & a sprint off between a kid and his dad.  I think the kid won too.


Bottom line: great race and I'd consider running it again (especially if the weather is nice and cool like this year).  The course is pretty and challenging, which made finishing it in under 2 hours feel a lot sweeter.

Post Race Week:

My legs hurt really bad post race.  Normally, they aren't sore and I can do something two days later.  However, it took me a long time to recover.  My legs hurt really bad Tuesday and my right hamstring was spasming - probably because I was dehydrated as well.  Stretching pre or post race and hydrating pre, during and post race unfortunately have never been my fortes and I definitely was paying for it.

So, I decided to enjoy the stress-free life of a runner not training for a marathon.  I decided to blow off the last week entirely and will start up again this week.  I'm using this training program.  In addition, I need to sign up for CARA's marathon training and get an injury screening so I can see what's going on with my legs.

Would someone like to lend me theirs for the summer so I can run the marathon??  I promise I'll give them back to you and I'll try to keep the black toes/ ITB issues to a minimum!