Since I completed a full marathon last year, my plan was to do shorter distances and improve my speed. This year I have improved my average pace and even hit a few PRs! Things are going well so far and starting to gear up for my fall races.
I participated in a #RunChat and won a free entry for Race 13.1. I was completely shocked because I know a ton of people put their entries in and I didn't think I had a chance of winning. In the past I have won a few things from running chats and very thankful. I've learned about new running gear, equipment, shoes, training, etc from seasoned runners. I trust runner's actual reviews over online ones.
I had the choice between Roanoke, VA or Nashville, TN. As much as I would have liked running in a new state my race schedule convinced me to go with Roanoke, VA. I signed up for my very first Spartan race in September and the race in Nashville is about a week apart and I don't think it would be the best idea. Anyways, I ran in Virginia last year but the course looks challenging and scenic in Roanoke so I'm really excited to try it.
I had the choice of a 5K, 10K, or half. I was between a 10K or the half, and ultimately decided on the half. I have been running since January so I know I have enough base miles in, just my normal half marathon training schedule is 3 months, so its a gamble doing a shorter training schedule. Hopefully, I complete it. I'm not going to try to PR, I just need to focus on making it to the finish line.
I'm at 12 races now for the year, it might be less, might be more. Either way I'm going to give it my best shot and hope for no injuries.
Here is a link to the half I plan to run next month: Race 13.1
Sunday, May 14, 2017
Sunday, April 23, 2017
Updates on everything
Well my race season started a couple months ago. I've haven't updated my blog in a while, I feel lazy not keeping up with it. Last year and this year hasn't been the easiest. In December, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. They did a 3D mammogram so they caught it at a very early stage. She didn't want to scare anyone so I had to keep it private which was harder because I couldn't talk about it very much. My fiance did know so I could talk to him about it. She had surgery to remove it and radiation for about a month. I'm happy to report she is cancer free!!! I had a fear she wouldn't be around for my wedding next year and that would have broken my heart. I know you don't have to take my advice but its a good idea to get an annual checkup with your doctor!
Recently my fiance's grandma passed away. We did make it down to Georgia to say goodbye. I was very fortunate to get off work for both my jobs. I'm still working an insane amount of days in a row but it did break up my 20 day work week (only 13 days instead). We got to spend time with my future in-laws and celebrated some birthdays while we were there too.
In January, I was good on my diet, I lost about 10 lbs, but with my mom's radiation and other stresses I started eating badly. I gained the weight back but will be working on losing the weight for good. I see a huge difference in my running when I weigh less and I wouldn't mind being about 40 lbs less before my wedding next year. I'm not ready to try on dresses yet, I feel so heavy right now.
Anyways, back to running updates.
My first race of the year was the Paczki Run with my co-worker Dave. I brought Pasha along and she did much better at this race compared to the Cork Town one last year. There were less people and less dogs. She ran the whole time and even got a new PR!!! Our time was a lot better than I expected.
I had to go to Alabama for a week for work and so my Buffalo Wild Wings 8K wasn't as good. I got some runs in while down south, but didn't get the mileage I would have liked. This was my first 8K race so I did get an automatic PR out of it. I got through the first 3 miles okay, but then did a run/walk at the end. We got BWW chicken afterwards which was tasty. It was a small portion but there were a lot of runners.
Today, I ran the Kona Cheesecake Run- 8K and did much better. I got a new 8K PR by 2:01!!!! My co-worker/running buddy Dave ran it with me and he got a new PR too! I finally met one of my twitter running buddies Jeff. He lives in Michigan too, but it did take a while to finally meet. I was planning on going to the Freep expo last year but ended up napping. (Marathon training). It's great connecting with so many runners on social media. I've learned so much from them and still do. That's all for now and hopefully I can post a little more often.
Recently my fiance's grandma passed away. We did make it down to Georgia to say goodbye. I was very fortunate to get off work for both my jobs. I'm still working an insane amount of days in a row but it did break up my 20 day work week (only 13 days instead). We got to spend time with my future in-laws and celebrated some birthdays while we were there too.
In January, I was good on my diet, I lost about 10 lbs, but with my mom's radiation and other stresses I started eating badly. I gained the weight back but will be working on losing the weight for good. I see a huge difference in my running when I weigh less and I wouldn't mind being about 40 lbs less before my wedding next year. I'm not ready to try on dresses yet, I feel so heavy right now.
Anyways, back to running updates.
My first race of the year was the Paczki Run with my co-worker Dave. I brought Pasha along and she did much better at this race compared to the Cork Town one last year. There were less people and less dogs. She ran the whole time and even got a new PR!!! Our time was a lot better than I expected.
I had to go to Alabama for a week for work and so my Buffalo Wild Wings 8K wasn't as good. I got some runs in while down south, but didn't get the mileage I would have liked. This was my first 8K race so I did get an automatic PR out of it. I got through the first 3 miles okay, but then did a run/walk at the end. We got BWW chicken afterwards which was tasty. It was a small portion but there were a lot of runners.
Today, I ran the Kona Cheesecake Run- 8K and did much better. I got a new 8K PR by 2:01!!!! My co-worker/running buddy Dave ran it with me and he got a new PR too! I finally met one of my twitter running buddies Jeff. He lives in Michigan too, but it did take a while to finally meet. I was planning on going to the Freep expo last year but ended up napping. (Marathon training). It's great connecting with so many runners on social media. I've learned so much from them and still do. That's all for now and hopefully I can post a little more often.
Monday, February 6, 2017
Races for the Year
This is the first year I have most of my races planned out. I may still add some more races. At the moment: I signed up for 10. Most I was able to get early bird pricing so that was a plus. A couple races I've done before and I signed up for new ones too.
I've enjoyed doing the Freep half for the past couple years. I love Kona races: parking is really easy and 6 of my races are Kona ones. Out of all the races I've done, the parking at Kona has been the best. There is a huge lot right off the expressway and have shuttles to and from the race. I'm running the Paczki Run and Kona Chocolate Run again (food is a great motivator). I thinking of bringing Pasha to her second race, it depends on the weather and how much training I can get done with her. She loves running too, mostly to chase squirrels.
I've never done a spartan race before and still super nervous, I almost didn't sign up for it. I'm focusing on my diet and trying new workouts to prepare for everything. I did long distance running last year, this year I'm going to work on improving my speed. I'm hoping I don't get any major injuries either. I'm doing my first relay this year too: I'm really excited about it. I'm running with some coworkers and friends!!!
I put links to all the races. If I complete the Cheesecake, Wicked, & Chocolate races I'll get a Triple Crown medal and extra bling if I do both BWW races too.
Good luck everyone with all their races this year.
February 25th: Paczki Run 5K
I've enjoyed doing the Freep half for the past couple years. I love Kona races: parking is really easy and 6 of my races are Kona ones. Out of all the races I've done, the parking at Kona has been the best. There is a huge lot right off the expressway and have shuttles to and from the race. I'm running the Paczki Run and Kona Chocolate Run again (food is a great motivator). I thinking of bringing Pasha to her second race, it depends on the weather and how much training I can get done with her. She loves running too, mostly to chase squirrels.
I've never done a spartan race before and still super nervous, I almost didn't sign up for it. I'm focusing on my diet and trying new workouts to prepare for everything. I did long distance running last year, this year I'm going to work on improving my speed. I'm hoping I don't get any major injuries either. I'm doing my first relay this year too: I'm really excited about it. I'm running with some coworkers and friends!!!
I put links to all the races. If I complete the Cheesecake, Wicked, & Chocolate races I'll get a Triple Crown medal and extra bling if I do both BWW races too.
Good luck everyone with all their races this year.
February 25th: Paczki Run 5K
April 2nd: BWW 8K
September 10th: Spartan Sprint in Michigan
September 24th: BWW 5K
October 14th: Freep 5K
October 15th: Freep Marathon Relay (Leg 3)
October 29th: Wicked Halloween Run 5K
November 19th: Kona Chocolate Run (Double-10K & 5K)
Tuesday, November 1, 2016
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!
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!
Saturday, July 2, 2016
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!
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!
Thursday, March 31, 2016
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!
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!
Thursday, March 24, 2016
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)