Marathon training and the Marine Marathon!

Training for a marathon, working two part time jobs, and still trying to keep my house in order was quite a task.  I abandoned my blog all summer. I did have a draft but I didn't like the post so I will just try to recap everything.

The first 5 weeks of training were fairly easy.  I did have to go to Alabama for a week but I found time to fit in my runs, yay! In August, things started to get rough. I missed a run and had to shorten a few runs from minor injuries and life got in the way a few times. September was rough as well, the heat still wouldn't go away and I had to miss some runs and shorten a couple again. October started going fairly well until I felt a pain in my right foot, I tried to push through the run and it wasn't going to happen. I iced it and initially thought it was an achilles injury, but I think it was more of a calf strain.  I took an extra day off running so I could heal up.  Luckily with some stretching and a warm up walk seemed to do the trick, I wasn't feeling the pain anymore.

Finally race weekend came and I had some annual leave to burn so I took a few extra days off of work.  I considered flying but it would just make the trip way too costly so my fiance Colin drove us from Michigan to Virginia.  The drive was around 8 hours, so not too bad. We've had to drive all the way down to Georgia a few times so this was a little quicker.  We got to the expo on Friday about an hour before it was closing and there was no line to get my bib and shirt.  I got a jacket from the Brooks booth and only had to wait a few minutes in line.  The cashier was actually from Michigan so we chatted while he was ringing us up.  Afterwards, we went to the pep rally.  They said if you have done 60-70% of your training you will make it to the finish line.  That did help me feel a little better about my training over the summer, but I was still a little nervous. On Saturday I did my last training run in the morning which was only 3 miles.  I watched the MSU/UM game so I could rest my feet most of the day.  We did head over the the Korean War Memorial, Lincoln Memorial and saw the Washington monument, I didn't want to do too much walking since I had my race the next day, but I thought it was worth seeing some things.  I was born in South Korea so I always like seeing Korean War memorials and I'm very thankful for all the military that was there.

Race day: I woke up on time and got ready.  The metro opened at 7am, so I took the runners only shuttle from Crystal City and it went smoothly.  They dropped us off to Runner's Village and I got through security very quickly.  I filled up my camelbak and the found a place to sit to eat my breakfast.  I was trying to rest my legs as much as possible before the race.  I did make sure to go to the bathroom a few times before I headed to the start line.  I found my corral and before I knew it I was running my race, I actually started my gps watch a little after the start line, oh well.  The first 4 miles went by super quick.  I took it easy with my pace initially because of the hills and I didn't want to expend all my energy since I had a long way to go.  Things were going great and going through the blue mile around Mile 11 was very special.  They had photos of fallen soldiers and it made me appreciate running this race even more.  I told myself keep going, run this for them!

Around mile 14, things started to fall apart.  The pin in my foot started hurting so bad I was forced to start walking.  It started to feel better so I was able to do more of a run/walk.  I got through the gauntlet and I beat the bridge in the time limit.  As the day progressed it kept getting hotter, I think it got up to 83 degrees and it felt like a summer run.  My camelbak helped with hydration, but I felt like I hit a wall.  Colin was live tracking me on the app so he would send me motivational text messages and just kept telling me just keep moving forward even if I'm just walking.  I thought about quitting, but I kept walking.  I knew I wouldn't make it to the finish line in the time limit, but I was going to keep trying.  When I got to mile 22, Colin saw me and gave me a big hug.  He told me I only have a few more miles I can do this.  I kept saying I won't be able to finish in the time limit, but he told me keep going.  That did seem to help get me running for a bit, until I felt like I hit a wall again.  The Marines kept cheering us on so I would be able to jog at points, but still wasn't sure I would make it to the finish line.  Everyone around me was walking so I knew I wasn't the only one having issues.  I finally got to mile 26 and one Marine said, "Finish with pride".  I think that gave me enough drive to run one last time and I made it through the last 0.2 miles.  I knew I was over the 6 hours and 37 minutes but I didn't care.  I texted Colin thanking him for helping me get through it and called my mom so she knew I survived.  I was bummed it took me 6:58:21 to complete it. I didn't have a goal time in mind, I just wanted to make it to the finish line, I felt I failed horribly.  All the Marines at the finish line were congratulating me, giving me high fives, and shaking my hands.  I figured I wasn't an official finisher so I just was trying to find the family link up area to find Colin.  To my surprise they were still giving out finisher medals.  By the time I finished there wasn't much of a line and the Marine gave me my medal and I thanked him for his service. He even let me take a selfie with him so I could remember that moment.  I think they took the weather into account and kept the course open longer.  I wasn't the last runner, there were a little over 570 runners after me so I wasn't last!

Even though all the issues, I think picking the Marine Marathon as my first full was the best decision I could have made.  It was so memorable with the blue mile of all the fallen soldiers, to Marines helping motivate runners to keep going, the amazing views, and little kids just excited to get a high five from a runner.  The signs and spectators were great and I would get a good laugh when every part of my body was hurting.  My race photos turned out pretty well too. At the end of the day I became a marathoner even though my time was terrible.  I'm proud I didn't quit and just kept going even when I could only walk.  I'm not sure if this will be my only full, for now I checked something off my bucket list and focusing on recovery!

 

Starting marathon training and random updates

I haven't posted in months, I tend to get really busy so my blog gets abandoned.  Anyways, I have been working on my base miles since January.  I've read between 3-6 months is a good range to prepare yourself before marathon training.  Since this is my first full, I thought better to start earlier than try to cram it all in last minute.  I did strength training with weights and went back to my low-carb diet.  I've dropped about 20 lbs since March and it definitely helps running when you weigh less.  In the winter to be on the safe side I use the treadmill.  Michigan had a weird winter this year, we had snow in APRIL... I have proof.  This photo was from the Meteor 10K, I even got a new PR despite the snow and cold weather.

I'm finally running outside regularly, I hate the heat, but I know I have to get my body used to it again.  At least in the fall it should be cooler.  In summer heat, hydration is key! I have a water belt, but I'm thinking I might try a hydration pack for my long runs.  I finished my first week of marathon training, only 17 more weeks to go.  This summer will have some challenges: I have work training in Alabama for a week (there is a fitness center so I should be able to get my runs in) and a couple weekend trips that I'll have to squeeze my runs in too.

One of my side jobs is being an usher at Comerica Park, I got in about 27 games in before my marathon training started.  I'm treating the marathon training as a job and making sure to get my runs in and my rest days truly as rest days.  I will be working a few games the rest of the season, but my priorities are my main job and this training plan.  My main job is Tuesday-Saturday and my long runs are Sundays so it works out nicely.  I'm starting to get used to waking up early on my days off, but if I have a night run here and there, no biggie.

Last year I didn't do any races during my half marathon training and this year will be similar.  I tend to get nervous sometimes and eat different when I have a race, so this way hopefully I can stay consistent the next few months.

However, this season will be the last year the Red Wings play at the Joe Louis Arena.  I saw a few friends post about the Hockeytown 5K which is part of the Farewell to the Joe.  For my training plan that day, it lists 8 miles so I will just break up the miles into 2 runs; I rarely do it, but since this is a once in a lifetime race, that's how I'm justifying it.  My mom was nice enough to sponsor me, she told me I would kick myself if I don't do the race and I know she's right.  I'm a diehard Red Wings fan and it combines hockey and running, what more could a girl ask for.  The start line is at the Joe Louis Arena and you run along the riverfront and once you make it back into the building your name is on the big screen so spectators can see it.  My parents and fiance plan to sit in the stands to cheer me on.  The finisher medal, bib, and shirt look awesome, I can't wait for the race!!! I'll post a link to the 5K, it is sold out.

Hockeytown 5K   

Hopefully I will post more regularly about my marathon training and everything that happens at the Marine Marathon in October!  Thanks for reading this post and hope everyone's runs are going well too!

Changing my mind on races

Originally, I was planning on the Grand Rapids Marathon to be my big race for the year.  I did a lot of research on a few marathons.  I looked at time limits, pace times, location, reviews people post. I made a list of pros and cons.The Marine Marathon was my #1 choice.  However, being a lottery system it wasn't a sure thing I would be picked and thought I would have to do the transfer or charity bib route.  One big factor was the GR Marathon is a few hours away from me and didn't have a time limit so that appealed to me.  I was set on the GR Marathon until March when I started thinking about the Marine Marathon again.

Just for the heck of it I put my name in the Marine Marathon and I got picked in the lotto.  I didn't think I had a shot and would have kept my course with the GR Marathon.  I have a few options, I can see about deferring my GR Marathon to next year or transfer it to someone.  I haven't decided on that yet.

The Marine Marathon has been on my bucket list and my fiance is a former Marine so I really want to do this.  I've heard so many great reviews and people loving the race.  I even remember reading an article on Runner's World how 1/3 of the runners are first timers.  I'm also freaking out: what if I don't finish, what if I should have just stayed with doing the Grand Rapids Marathon, will I even be able to handle a full marathon,  will the pin in my foot hold up, etc.  This will be my first full marathon.  I have a few half marathons, 10Ks, 5Ks under my belt, but a full is completely different.  I know if I don't make an attempt, I'll never know.  There is a chance I could fail, but it's a challenge that excites and scares me.

The first time I started training for my first half, I thought why did I sign up, I won't be able to finish.  As I trained I went from barely running a mile to running 10 miles for a long run.  My two friends who were supposed to run with me backed out last minute so I considered quitting, but I realized I am doing this for me and completed the race.  I'm doing my best to changing my thinking to this will be extremely difficult but NOT impossible.  I've never quit a race, I've had some bad runs with horrible times but always made it to the finish line.  I have also gotten new PRs and improved my pace.  I just need to trust my training and do the best I can.  

I've been reading articles on how to tackle the Marine Marathon, read blogs from runners who have ran the race, and went on BibRave for tips too. I won't be changing my mind a third time. My training plan doesn't start until the end of June so I'm not behind.  I've been working on my base miles and strength training since January.  Hopefully it goes well and I can write a blog entry about completing my first full marathon.  Stay tuned!

2 Races in 2 Weeks

I normally do one race a month.  I wasn't sure if I would be able to do 2 races in 2 weeks, but I did!  This time I wasn't sick so that helped with training.  I did a combination of the treadmill, running outside on the track, and running/ walking my dog.  For the Kona Shamrock 5K, I beat my Paczki run time by 13 seconds.  I didn't want to push myself too hard because I knew I had another race in a week so I ran at a moderate pace.  The course is flat, but there were a few icy spots so I had to be careful.  I finally got to test out my Garmin Vivoactive and loved it.  I could see my current pace, time, and distance instead of pulling my phone out of the arm sleeve and struggling to get it back in.  After my activity is complete I can see a breakdown of my mile times, best pace, etc. The weather was great for that race.

I had been dealing with some hamstring issues on my right leg so the day after the race I took a rest day.  I iced it, kept it elevated, it seemed to do the trick.  A few days before the race I used the hydromassage at my gym on my legs and it felt awesome!  The week of the second race I alternated between running on the treadmill and outside with my dog.  I got Pasha a harness and leash that had a belt so I could be hands free.  I also brought a drawstring backpack so I could have her regular leash, dog waste bags, water bowl, water bottle, and some dog treats.  

Another first for me was volunteering at packet pickup for the Corktown Race.  They had satellite locations so people could pick up their packet early instead of on race day.  I really enjoyed talking with other runners and answering any questions they had. 

Finally, the day of the Corktown race was rainy.  I'm not a fan of running in the rain, but I knew we had to do it.  Pasha and I got downtown early so we could get a good parking spot. My coworker Dave told me about the Corktown race and he does it almost every year.  He did the Dublin Double: 1 mile run, then the 5K.   Pasha and I just opted for the 5K,  I didn't want to overdo it because Pasha has never ran a race before.

The Michigan Central station finally has the windows back in.  The top is a photo from last year's Corktown Race to this year.  It looks a lot nicer now.  

Before the race I made sure Pasha went to the bathroom so we wouldn't have to stop as much while running.  Pasha loves meeting other dogs, but some weren't so friendly.  We ended up waiting in the car for a bit so we wouldn't get drenched before the race.  When we finally headed back outside and made it to the start line a bigger dog did not like her so another runner put an umbrella between the two of them and they both calmed down. We were in the last wave and once we started running, Pasha saw a different dog and both started to get really agitated so I had to pull her away so they wouldn't fight.  I've taken my dog to a hockey game, dog parks, and she's been able to have a lot of dog play dates.  We have taken her to a few dog training classes and she's improved a lot.  Sometimes I think she just gets scared.  I will just have to get her more socialized.  Pasha only got in the way of a couple runners, I kept apologizing.  We were able to pass a few people so we could go at a good pace.  Near the end there were too many walkers in a row so I gave up trying to do a final push to the finish line.  I got really close to my 5K PR, but didn't break it.  I did beat my Kona 5K time by 2 minutes and  3 seconds.  Every race this year I've improved my time.  With the rain and Pasha getting distracted a few times I was happy we just made it to the finish line.  I think if I take her for a race again, I might bring her the Paczki Run, it was less people and that might be easier on her.  She's really good running with me when we go around my neighborhood.  

I ordered a 5K dog tag for Pasha's collar for completing the race.  I got two things checked off my list for running this year: have my dog complete a 5K and do some volunteered  My main goal is completing a full marathon, that's not until October so I have time to train and get myself mentally ready.    

My selfie in the St. Patrick's Day Red Wings shirt won Healthy Selfie so I will be going to the Wings game this Saturday!!!  I put the link below.

Red Wings Healthy Selfie tweet

  

First race of the year and gearing up for the fall.

I'm a wimp in the cold, but I'm starting to get better.  Michigan winters can be rough so I usually wait until spring to run my first race of the year. I started running in 2013.  In 2014, I ran a Mind Over Matter 5K in May.  In 2015, I ran the Cork Town Race in March.  This year my first race was February, I think being a mild winter helped too.

I usually start training a month before a 5K race.  I was increasing my mileage and doing well.  My third week I got sick and I got one run in.  I was bummed because I thought I would have to miss the race.  I already had it paid for and really wanted to run it.  After taking a Z-pak and time off from work I finally started to feel better.  The week of the race I eased back into running and I would run about a mile and need a walking break.  I knew I wouldn't PR, but I felt okay enough to do it.  I'm still breaking in my new running shoes, so I went with my old shoes for the race.

Yesterday, went better than expected.  I thought I'd have to walk most of my race and my time would be around 40-45 minutes and I ran the whole time!  My average pace was a little slower than normal, I'm just happy I did it.  I ended up getting a custard paczki at the finish line.  Hamtramck is the place to go for them!  Lazybones has a maple bacon paczki, they are amazing too.  I'm getting sidetracked on food... oops.  

Anyways, I finally realized to not be ashamed of my running times.  I know I'm not the fastest runner and some people would probably put me in the jogging category, but who cares.  I'm a fast walker normally and if I'm going faster than my walking pace then I am running.  I would like to beat my best 5K time: 35:29, it will happen eventually.  I know running isn't just about beating your time every race, its about having fun too!

This year my focus will just be keeping a consistent pace for races/ running in general.  I know a person's 5K pace is faster than a 10K, half marathon, & marathon pace.  If I break any PRs for shorter distances, great if not I always have next year.  For my first full marathon, my main goal is to just finish the race.  The Grand Rapids Marathon has no time limit, but they want you to keep moving.  I may need walking breaks but I'm going to try to run the majority of the time instead of a run/walk technique.  For now I'm just working on my base miles and some fun races before I start doing intensive training at the end of June.  

Next month I have two St. Patrick's Day races.  Last year I wanted to bring my dog to the Cork Town race, but she was spayed and I didn't want to rip her stitches.  If I would have been able to take her running with me before the Paczki run, she would have came with me.  One of my goals this year is to take my dog to run a 5K race. She loves other dogs and running.  Don't worry, I'm not one of the runners that just leaves her dog's messes on the ground,  I always have dog waste bags on me.

2016 races including a 26.2

I always wondered when should you sign up for a full marathon.  I have 5Ks, 10Ks and 2 half marathons under my belt.  I've ran the Freep International Half twice so doing a full I would know half of the route.  They give runners 6 hours and 30 minutes to finish the race.  The time limit isn't bad, I just want a change of scenery.      

For about a month I was looking up different marathons and possible ideas.  My biggest fear is not being able to finish in the time limit and then being discouraged to try a full again.  A few people told me about the Grand Rapids Marathon and the course is flat with only a few hills.  There is no time limit and they even have an early start for the velocity challenged.  Once I have an idea of how long it will take me I'll know if I should do the early start or the regular one.  They even offer showers at the YMCA after the race, SCORE!  

If I get injured or can't do the race, I can pay $20 to defer my entry to next year.  I will have to get a hotel for a night or two, but I don't mind.  I want to visit the Founders Brewery after the race.  The Grand Rapids Griffins hockey team plays at Van Andel so I have a couple ideas to make the weekend enjoyable.  I am planning my race schedule around my full marathon.  

I have signed up for 4 races so far:

  

February 6th: Paczki run 5K

March 6th: Kona Shamrock Run 5K

March 13th: Cork Town Race 5K (Maybe I can get Pasha a green tutu for St. Patty's day)

October 23rd: Grand Rapids Marathon

Around the end of June will be my cutoff for races so I can focus on my training.  Last year when I trained for my second half, I didn't sign up for races during my training either, it helped from being distracted and throwing off my training schedule.  I'm going to be following the Hanson's beginner training plan.  I still have a few months to tune up before training.    

The list below are possible races, its only a rough draft and I'm sure I'll find more I'll want to do or attempt them next year.

*April 9th: Meteor 10K 

*April 24th: Glass City 5K

*May 6th: Hightail to Ale 5K (I might volunteer, haven't done that before)

*May 7: Super Run 5K (It depends when my work in-service is)

*May 21st: Komen Race for the Cure 

*November: Turkey Trot 10K

*December 11th: Jingle Bell 5K

I left links for the races and training plan if anyone is interested.  I hope to have a medal to show off in October.  I'm nervous about the full and really excited at the same time!