Running to the races! 10/11/2009 to 10/18/2009

[Susan Otcenas]

Big race weekend coming up for several of us! Show of hands??

Ran ~ 6 miles this morning. Took it easy. My plan for the rest of the week is an easy 35-40 minute run on Weds, 20-25 min on Friday, and a veeeerrryy casual Tour de Patisseries ride with friends on Saturday (wherein we ride from bakery to bakery...:D )

I'm so excited for this weekend's half marathon!!

Susan

[Urlea]

*Raises Hand* I will be getting down & dirty in my VFFs this Saturday at the 3rd annual "Filthy 5k". One of the races I look the most forward to each year! Awards go out to the dirtiest/most mud covered racers & our finisher's medal is soap on a rope. Needless to say, it's a really fun goofy race.

Susan- So excited for your race this weekend. You are very well prepared & I'm sure you will do absolutely fantastic! :D Enjoy the taper until then. GO SUSAN!

[OakLeaf]

My first 13.1 on Sunday. Getting excited, trying to figure out what to wear. They're calling for a chance of snow Friday night into Saturday morning :eek: but Sunday is supposed to be sunny. Let's hope that forecast holds. Probably my CW-X tights, and on top wool, baby, wool. Cap and gloves too no doubt.

Planning out my taper. I'm teaching aerobics this afternoon, probably cruise on the bici tomorrow with the old dudes (either that or a little bit of a run).

This taper plan (http://www.active.com/running/Articles/How_to_Taper_for_Your_Road_Race.htm?act=AFC-SocialMedia&Property=Active&Sport=Running&PageType=Content_Articles&Emp=SA&PostType=Micro_blogging&Site=ActiveTwitter&Dy=10_06_09&Note=How_to_Taper_for_Your_Road_Race) makes sense to me, especially in light of where my training's been recently, so that's what I'm going to try. Wish I'd seen it last week, ha ha.

I would've liked to finish under two hours, but that's just not going to happen this time. I think 2:05 might be possible, emphasis on the might.

[Susan Otcenas]

I would've liked to finish under two hours, but that's just not going to happen this time. I think 2:05 might be possible, emphasis on the might.

I'm hoping for 2:15 to 2:20. I'm fairly consistent in my training times, but I'll be running on an entirely "unknown" course. I had hoped to get up there to ride my bike on the course ahead of time so I'd know what to expect, but it didn't happen.

[tjf9]

Are you running the Girlfriend's Half? If so, it's pretty flat overall. The first 9 or so miles are right on the Columbia (very pretty!). Then you go over highway 14, have some flat, then a bit of up and down (nothing too long) until you get back downtown. I think the course profile might be posted on the website, if you dig around a bit.

I'll be out there too. I'm probably running a 2:15 - 2:30. My training has been almost non-existent, so I'm just powering through on base fitness. I'll just be happy to run the whole thing.

Good luck! Maybe I'll see you out there...

[snapdragen]

Nike Half marathon for me -- I'm a walker. I'm a little nervous this year, I've been having problems with my feet. I may not set any records, but I will finish. :cool:

[Susan Otcenas]

Are you running the Girlfriend's Half? If so, it's pretty flat overall. The first 9 or so miles are right on the Columbia (very pretty!). Then you go over highway 14, have some flat, then a bit of up and down (nothing too long) until you get back downtown. I think the course profile might be posted on the website, if you dig around a bit.

I'll be out there too. I'm probably running a 2:15 - 2:30. My training has been almost non-existent, so I'm just powering through on base fitness. I'll just be happy to run the whole thing.

Good luck! Maybe I'll see you out there...

Yes, I am! I think it covers some of the same route along the water as the Fort Vancouver Run did this past May. I checked the profile online and I agree - it's nothing too daunting.

One of my biggest concerns is restrooms. There's 1500 entrants and they only have 10 portajohns at the start??? Are you kidding me? 10 portajohns for 1500 women?? And the organizer email we just received indicates that there won't be any on course either - they expect us to stop in restaurants along the way? That sounds like a recipe for disaster.

[Jolt]

I decided to run a totally different part of the Midstate Trail today in Douglas (south central MA). It was a nice day but just an OK run--I had a really hard time keeping good form for a lot of it and it probably didn't help that there were tons of rocks sticking up all over the place on that section of trail so I was constantly nervous about kicking one (which happened a couple of times--I hate that!) or tripping, and being nervous seems to send "good form" right down the tubes for me b/c it leads to thinking too much about what I'm doing. Tomorrow is supposed to be yucky weather so I may just use the indoor track at the Y after I finish my shift at the pool.

ETA: No races coming up for me...I am nowhere near ready to race yet!!

[Crankin]

My back seems to be getting better, slowly. It's not where it should be, but I am having less pain when I ride and do yoga. I feel a lot more flexible, too. Starting to think about running again.
I was going to get an elliptical for my house, for the coldest of the cold days, but I am rethinking that and will probably get a treadmill, in addition to my trainer. I do plenty of outdoor winter sports, so I hope I can add the running in. I think the elliptical might be too much for my knees, based on past experience.
I'm shooting for a run maybe Thursday or during the weekend.

[Jolt]

My back seems to be getting better, slowly. It's not where it should be, but I am having less pain when I ride and do yoga. I feel a lot more flexible, too. Starting to think about running again.
I was going to get an elliptical for my house, for the coldest of the cold days, but I am rethinking that and will probably get a treadmill, in addition to my trainer. I do plenty of outdoor winter sports, so I hope I can add the running in. I think the elliptical might be too much for my knees, based on past experience.
I'm shooting for a run maybe Thursday or during the weekend.

I agree about skipping the elliptical--they are just plain awkward! And YUCK to the treadmill but it does have its place in the winters here...

[tjf9]

Yes, I am! I think it covers some of the same route along the water as the Fort Vancouver Run did this past May. I checked the profile online and I agree - it's nothing too daunting.

One of my biggest concerns is restrooms. There's 1500 entrants and they only have 10 portajohns at the start??? Are you kidding me? 10 portajohns for 1500 women?? And the organizer email we just received indicates that there won't be any on course either - they expect us to stop in restaurants along the way? That sounds like a recipe for disaster.

Ah, yes. I used the facility at the furniture store last year (it was open pre-race, as was the NWPT facility). Line wasn't too long, and of course we were using men's and women's rr since there were no men racing. I don't usually need to use it on the course, so that's not an issue for me, but we are running through a park for that first bit, so there are the public facilities there. Of course, there were only 1000 women last year. I'm not sure how ready she is for a 50% increase in entrants. Should be interesting!

[Urlea]

Ran an impromptu 8.6miles with Maggie tonight. Legs are recovering fairly well from the 1/2 on Saturday, but I felt them towards the end, especially after the hill repeats we randomly decided to throw in as we passed the dike by the river. :) I may regret this tomorrow, but for now I'm glad we ran. It was good!

[Susan Otcenas]

Of course, there were only 1000 women last year. I'm not sure how ready she is for a 50% increase in entrants. Should be interesting!

I sent her an email strongly urging her to add more restrooms at the start.

[colby]

'Tis the season. Good luck this weekend ladies! :D

[skhill]

I have a 10k this weekend; my goal is to come in under 1 hour. It should be doable! Current forecast for Sat. is temp in high 30's, and drizzle (yuck) but that might be a good spur to keep going at a good clip...

Today: 5.1 miles, in exactly 50 minutes (that's counting the time standing at busy intersections, waiting for the light to turn). Tomorrow I'm thinking of running over to my brother's place and back-- I'm catsitting for him this week, and it's 4 miles each way. It'll be my first errand run!

[Jolt]

25-minute indoor track run at the Y. Not too exciting but at least I got it in.

[colby]

Today I did 7 miles, or what I think is 7 miles... it's time for a GPS or fancy HRM I guess. (Dear Santa Claus...)

I did two loops of what I know is 3.1 miles completely, but I had to knock out about .1-.2 miles of it in order to do it easily. I started with a loop with the dog of what I know is 1.5 miles completely, we stopped halfway for her business and she insisted we go back the way we came, so it's close to 1.5. 1.5 + 3.1 + 2.9 = 7.5? No way, I finished in 1:07.

Even if I take off another .5 mile that's still 7 miles in 1:07, and I don't see how it could be that short. 7 miles in 1:07 - 9:34. 7.25 in 1:07 - 9:14. 7.5 in 1:07 - 8:56. I guess it was an "on" day.

[indigoiis]

Hey Y'all!
I am running my first half on Sunday. I am a little nervous, but it is in the town I grew up in and I know the route like the back of my hand.

I ran 11 on Sunday on vacation; then rode 35 miles, and rode 45 on Monday. Rode 3 easy yesterday in the rain as a commute from the ferry to the car. Tonight I am running 4, then tomorrow 3, then Friday 2 as my taper. Saturday will be off although my DH is going to be trying out new mountain bikes and wants me to ride with him. I may decline as I am worried about getting hurt the day before a race and knowing me (klutz) I am liable to go off the bike at some point. I took a spill riding on sand on vacation and bashed up my arm pretty good... my first thought was, "thank goddess I didn't hurt the legs."

[Susan Otcenas]

I ran just 30 minutes this morning. My taper plan was 45, but I got up late, then procrastinated. 30 minutes was all I had time for.

[OakLeaf]

4 x 400 meters @ 5K pace, plus warm-up and cool down.

Cold and rainy, the good thing is putting on my cool weather gear ahead of race day. Going to need some different gloves, that's for sure.

[indigoiis]

Cold and overcast here, too. I ran 4 last night and was probably overdressed as I felt a little sluggish. Running 3 today at lunch and did not bring a windbreaker - hopefully I will feel a little cooler with just a tshirt and overshirt. High today of 48.

It's supposed to be 45 and rainy on Sunday during the half. Any suggestions for what to wear? I was planning on my capris, which are very comfortable, and my wicking t-shirt. But I am wondering if my arms will get cold. If I bring my little windbreaker, I just know that thing will be coming off by mile five, and I don't want to have it around my waist, encumbering my fuel belt. Sigh. I thought all this "what to wear" stuff was exclusive to work and nights out... but apparently not. LOL. :rolleyes:

[Veronica]

I have notes on what to wear at different temps. :D Makes getting out there in the morning easier. At 45 degrees I wear tights and a long sleeve wool jersey.

Veronica

[OakLeaf]

Well, in Chicago it was 34° according to the TV, and the leaders to a man and woman were wearing skimpy shorts, singlets, arm warmers, gloves and ear warmers. Sammy Wanjiru missed three attempts to get water at the last aid station because, the color guy said, he couldn't feel his hands. :eek: But hey, if it wins him the race, why mess with it?

On my short run yesterday it was 43° and slightly wet. I wore polypro tights, a midweight wool blend top, an ancient polypro cycling jacket, my hi-viz cap (http://www.pearlizumi.com/product.php?mode=view&product_id=683) and thin polypro gloves. Except for my hands I was overdressed.

It's supposed to be sunny Sunday and right around 32° at race start. Might get as warm as 35° before I finish. I'm figuring for race day I'll want my CW-X tights, a midweight wool top, cap and jacket for warm-up only, and some gloves that block the wind better. My cycling gloves may be too lightweight. I probably need a new pair from the pre-race expo. Oh heck, I probably need a pair of the insulated CW-X tights too. And a new jacket. And a footpod for my Garmin, if they have them. :rolleyes:


V., one more thing to put into SportTracks :D I haven't been consistent about logging what I wear, other than tracking mileage on shoes, but that's a really good idea.

[Jolt]

Short (30 minutes) trail run today. It's kind of chilly here--42 degrees. Pretty soon I won't be able to wear the VFFs (my toes were cold today, even with the Injinji socks added)--bummer!

[Veronica]

V., one more thing to put into SportTracks :D I haven't been consistent about logging what I wear, other than tracking mileage on shoes, but that's a really good idea.

OMG that's funny. I hadn't consider putting it in SportTracks! It's on a piece of paper stuck in a bulletin board!

Veronica

[zia]

I ran a 10K race on Monday and posted my best time in 17 years. I am still reeling from the shock and happiness. :) I absolutely did not expect that!

No more racing for me until a half-marathon in February. I start my training program for that in November. But for now, a week of nice rest and getting together my cold-weather running gear!

[OakLeaf]

Way to go Zia!!! :D

[colby]

I ran a 10K race on Monday and posted my best time in 17 years. I am still reeling from the shock and happiness. :) I absolutely did not expect that!

No more racing for me until a half-marathon in February. I start my training program for that in November. But for now, a week of nice rest and getting together my cold-weather running gear!

Sweet! Congrats. Enjoy it! :D

[colby]

It's supposed to be 45 and rainy on Sunday during the half. Any suggestions for what to wear? I was planning on my capris, which are very comfortable, and my wicking t-shirt. But I am wondering if my arms will get cold. If I bring my little windbreaker, I just know that thing will be coming off by mile five, and I don't want to have it around my waist, encumbering my fuel belt. Sigh. I thought all this "what to wear" stuff was exclusive to work and nights out... but apparently not. LOL. :rolleyes:

At about 40, I start to wear my CW-X insulated sport support top - it's basically a full-length racerback sports bra that goes down to my hips and has a fleece liner. I will wear long sleeves on colder/wetter/windier days. 45-50 and I switch to short sleeves. Sometimes between 40-45 I'll wear the insulated top and short sleeves (the insulated top keeps my core so warm).

I really like my CW-X capri-length tights - though I have yet to put them on this year, I've just been wearing longer tri shorts. The capris are a good inbetween.

After I acclimate to the temperature, I can hold steady at this configuration to about 30 degrees, then I have to add on a better top layer and sometimes a hat, and switch to my CW-X insulator tights. Down around 20 degrees, a hat is a must, and my toes start to get really cold in just one pair of socks. Again, once I acclimate, it's not as bad.

For many races, marathons, halfs, Ironman, whatever, I wear arm warmers so I don't have to choose between long and short sleeves when conditions might change. If I get too warm, I rip them off and tie them to my race belt (or hand them to a family member if I'm sure I won't need them again). At 40-45 degrees, I might just wear short sleeves and the arm warmers - if it's a sunny day, I could survive in the short sleeves. Though, if you have a good wicking long-sleeve shirt (like the wool suggestion), I think you'd be fine in long sleeves. Cold rain is kind of penetrating, so I'd dress a little warmer if it's definitely going to be rainy - wool might be perfect.

[indigoiis]

Congrats, Zia! Wowee!!! Celebrate!

Colby, and everyone, thanks for the dressing suggestions!

This morning I experimented on my 2.5 mile last taper run. It is sleeting outside and about 36 degrees. I wore a pair of smartwool full calf-length socks, the capris, a wicking tank, a wicking t-shirt, a long-sleeved thin wicking shirt, and the Pearl Izumi whisper jacket (very light, windproof.)

Well, it was clear one mile in I didn't need the long sleeved shirt. I think I can get away with just the t-shirt with the whisper jacket over it.

But, I like the long socks, and when I went through a puddle, they seemed to dry pretty quickly (I tested it all!)

I also wore a buff bandana style (covering the ears) with a baseball hat on top, and that was perfect.

So hopefully without the long sleeved top I'll be okay. I don't want to have to dump clothes for the salvation army - I value my stuff - and the stuff I don't value I don't want to wear on a run! :D

[Crankin]

I had a lot of trouble last winter, getting used to dressing for running as opposed to cycling. I was always too hot, until I sort of got the hang of it. Problem is, I hate being cold for the first part of a run. I get chilled.
On Wednesday, I saw the high school x country team training on my street. They were almost all wearing shorts, some wore singlets, a few had had gloves and long sleeved shirts on. It was about 43 out and cloudy and windy.
I absolutely would have hypothermia. It has to be 70 before I can wear sleeveless!

[OakLeaf]

I'm the same way. Colby, if I generated as much body heat as you do... well, I don't know, I just can't.

I'm already wearing a knit cap and wool top to sleep, and my wool socks come off for the shower ONLY. And it's maybe 63° in the bedroom, 65° in the rest of the house.

I don't wear sleeveless for anything athletic, but warmth isn't the reason - just old habits die hard on the bike, and I'm too flabby to wear only a long bra on a run or in the gym. I can run in short sleeves to about 60°F, shorts to 50° if it's sunny, but below that it falls off FAST. It's just beyond the point where I can generate enough body heat to keep up.

I wonder if it has anything to do with the health of my fascia? -> my body's ability to circulate warm fluids through my extremities? I'm really not making any progress on the trigger points in my calves, despite all kinds of experimentation with my feet plus digging at them every night with a Thera-Cane and several times a day with a Stick or knee (which Stick and knee really don't get deep enough, but just to be giving them some attention...). My quads, adductors and abductors stay nice and limber with the foam roller and foam ball - I do have trouble getting into the hammies, if it weren't for my LMT I wouldn't even know the TrPs are there - but my lower legs, fuhgeddaboudit.

[Crankin]

OK, I just came back from a run-walk, which was mostly a run. Considering it was my second run in about 10 weeks, I did OK. Three miles, and I ran most of it, including up the hill. It was 38 when I left, cloudy and windy. When I got back, it was 43 and the clouds had broken up just a little. I unzipped my outer layer (a Wild Roses light fleece jacket) after about a mile and that was fine until I starting running up the hill at the end, when I took it off and tied it around my waist. I had on my fleece headband, Smart Wool liners, a Terry wicking hoodie, and a sleeveless Craft base layer. Oh and wool socks.
I wasn't running very fast and in fact, did not wear my Garmin on purpose. But it felt good.
I do sweat a lot, but when it's cold, the sweat just seems to chill me.

[Urlea]

Ran the 5.7miles home after Jiu-Jitsu class last night in a fine rain/mist. The water on the sidewalks reflected the street lights, I could see my breath & the temp was perfect. It was a very enjoyable run. :)

Race day tomorrow. It has rained/snowed every day this week so the "filthy 5k" should be extra muddy! I'm going to wear my VFFs for this race to hopefully help with the footing.

Good luck to everyone else racing this weekend!

[Susan Otcenas]

I hope the Susan who showed up to run this morning is the same one who shows up this Sunday for the half marathon.

This morning's Susan felt like a rock star, and covered her usual 5 mile route 2 minutes faster than usual without even trying. This morning's Susan was dressed right, had no stomach issues, and was in good spirits.

Hopefully the slow & lumbering Susan stays home!

[OakLeaf]

Two-mile warmup jog, 6 x 100 m strides with 90 sec walking recovery, another mile jog to cool down.

Getting my nervous system prepped for a hard run, without doing enough to stress the muscles.

Ready as I'm going to be.

[Jolt]

I wonder if it has anything to do with the health of my fascia? -> my body's ability to circulate warm fluids through my extremities? I'm really not making any progress on the trigger points in my calves, despite all kinds of experimentation with my feet plus digging at them every night with a Thera-Cane and several times a day with a Stick or knee (which Stick and knee really don't get deep enough, but just to be giving them some attention...). My quads, adductors and abductors stay nice and limber with the foam roller and foam ball - I do have trouble getting into the hammies, if it weren't for my LMT I wouldn't even know the TrPs are there - but my lower legs, fuhgeddaboudit.

I'm surprised you haven't made any headway on the calf TrPs--can you think of anything you might be doing that would make them keep coming back? As for the hamstrings, have you tried using a tennis ball or big high-bounce ball on a hard chair (sit on the chair, put the ball under your leg and roll it around)? That might work; I've done this for adductor magnus (right up near the top of it) and if it works for that it should work for the hamstrings too.

[OakLeaf]

As for what makes them keep coming back, take a look at the Morton's Foot thread... :rolleyes:

But also, I know with trigger points anywhere else on my body, if they're not completely worked out, they'll knot right back up again, and the ones in my calves are like hickory nuts buried next to my leg bones, literally. If you've ever tried to crack a hickory nut, you know what I mean. (If you haven't, next time someone serves you hickories, don't even bother with a nutcracker, bring a BFH. Seriously.)

"The Stick" is just too flexible to do anything with them. The opposite knee is too big. If I brace myself against something and use all my upper body strength, I can budge them a bit with one of these (http://www.pro-tec-athletics.com/Pro-Tec-Roller-Massager-with-Trigger-Point-Release-Grips-by-Pro-Tec-Athletics_p_38.html#), which is considerably stiffer than my Travel Stick. But I can't really get into them except by using the weight of my leg with the Thera-Cane as in Fig. 8 here (http://www.theracane.com/legs.html). As for making them go someplace they'd be able to "come back" from, hasn't happened yet. :rolleyes:


I can get the adductors with the foam roller. Deep in the biceps femoris, it's hard for me to balance on a small ball at the same time I've got enough weight on it to make a difference. I can kinda feel them, but not like my LMT makes me feel 'em. :eek:

[skhill]

Hope everyone's races went well today!

I got a new PR at my 10k today-- 58:22! This pacing thing is hard; the first mile was 8:50 then the second was 10:10, and then I found an older guy who was running at a speed I liked and stuck to him for a couple miles. That really helped, and so when he slowed down on a hill, I just kept on going. There were quite a few people who passed me early that I blew past in the last mile-- what fun! Oh, and for all everyone disses running in cotton, the first woman at the turn-around was in cotton sweatpants and hoody! I don't know if she won, but she sure had a good lead at 3 miles...

[OakLeaf]

Way to go skhill! Great time! :D

I'm packing up... Heading in before long to pick up my packet and shop the expo. Staying overnight just to cut down on the time involved in the morning (although I waited too long to get a hotel reservation downtown, so there will be a drive).

Bringing three wool tops of different weights, two pairs of tights, a pair of gloves that will probably do (but hoping to buy a better pair), two different caps.

And I did find a warm-up suit I won't miss, one of those awful shiny late '80s parachute nylon things.

Good luck today Urlea and all the rest of y'all tomorrow!

[Jolt]

No running for me yesterday or today--yesterday I swam a mile instead, today I hiked Mt. Wachusett. Good luck to everyone who has races coming up (and looking forward to race reports)!

[Susan Otcenas]

Congrats skhill! Great time!

Weather forecast calls for rain tomorrow. Bummer. But, I'll be out there splashing inthe puddles with 1500 other fantastic women. I can think of far worse ways to spend a rainy Sunday. :)

Susan

[Urlea]

DH was a sweetie & took some pics during my race today, I liked this one.

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn187/RLphotoND/Random/Filthy5k1-1.jpg

Good race, VFFs functioned well in the mud/marshy areas of the Filthy 5k. Not a PR for the 5k distance (26:04ish), but I did drop a little over 4 minutes off of my previous time at this event! Didn't get as muddy as I hoped to, I even slid down a hill on my bum, but the tu-tu ended up covering the swath of mud. :p I will try harder next year.

Zia & Skhill- Nice job on the 10ks ladies!

[redrhodie]

Today Indigoiis' race is happening in my town. My plan was to go out and cheer her on, but with 45-mph wind gusts and torrential rain, I'm staying in! I'm still routing for you, Indi! Hope you make it--it's ugly out there!

[OakLeaf]

Nice job Urlea! I'm sure mud would add at least 2 minutes to my 5K time, probably more than that.

Indigo, good grief, rain and 45 mph wind?! Yeesh, hope you had fun anyhow!

I wore an orange lei today in honor of Urlea's pink tutu. Best I could do. :p

I underestimated the combination of training in the hills for a flat race, plus race day excitement. I was hoping for 2:05 and finished in 2:00:41. Don't know whether to be ecstatic or disgusted. Before I saw my chip time I was feeling pretty good that I didn't leave much out there on the course. But now that it's glaring me in the face, I think I probably could've found another 42 seconds in the first 5-6 miles. Grrr.

Report to follow.

[indigoiis]

Today Indigoiis' race is happening in my town. My plan was to go out and cheer her on, but with 45-mph wind gusts and torrential rain, I'm staying in! I'm still routing for you, Indi! Hope you make it--it's ugly out there!

I did it! It was cold wet and miserable but I was properly dressed (thanks y'all), properly trained (thanks hal), properly fed, rested and hydrated, properly supported (thanks husband) and kept myself conservative at 9-10 minute miles, finishing at 2:10 (clock time, though the official times not listed yet.)

Oak, I know what you mean - I probably could have pushed a little harder too but this being my first, I wasn't sure where I stood. But when I got done, besides being cold, I felt great, which means I probably could have run a little faster.

But I am pretty happy with the job I did, considering the weather! It was crazy! But I actually love Newport most in this kind of weather, so, it was very beautiful and it being the town I grew up in, very nostalgic as well.

Happy to be home with the woodstove!

Full report later...

[mudmucker]

Congratulations! And also for feeling great after too. I don't run those distances. Sounds like you had a good time and yes, comforting wood stove. (It's snowing up here now in my part of MA again).

[redrhodie]

Yay, Indy! I'm not surprised you did it, but it is awful outside--a classic Nor'easter. I don't know about running times, but that sounds great for a windy day like this! Way to go!

I still haven't been outside today. :p

[indigoiis]

Okay, now that it's half time, I have time to post a race report...

Got up at 4:40 and right off had a bowl of cereal, which is my usual morning fare, and I figured with an 8 a.m. start it would be fine. And it was, so that's good.

I went out to feed the animals and it wasn't raining yet but it was cold and windy, so I knew I was going to have to alter my original dressing plan to add a long sleeved shirt (so, I am not so brave/stupid after all LOL. ;)) So I ended up wearing: a tank, a short sleeved wicking, an underarmor long sleeved on top of that, and my Pearl Izumi whisper jacket on top of that, thinking, if I de-layer, it will be like having the advantage in strip poker, right? On bottom I had underarmour tights, shorts, a pair of sockguy socks with a pair of smartwool socks over that. I thought at first this might be too much but it was just right, and considering the puddles I ran through, the sock pairs dried very fast, which was good.

I also wore fingerless polarfleece gloves, a buff over my head and a baseball cap. That was a good combo for the most part. I covered my ears with the buff because I hate having cold ears.


We got to Newport and parked on a side street and walked to the start. It was pouring, and cold. My husband (forwhomiamsograteful) carried my bag, pinned on my number, helped me off with my warmups, helped me with my D-tag - all while I watched solo runners checking their bags with the gear runners. I was glad to have someone to take my gear and stash it in the car instead of wet cardboard bins. Then I went to line up for the start with 3,000 others.


We started at 8:08 and so my goal was that at every mile marker my watch time would end in 8, giving me a ten minute mile. I am blind without reading glasses but I can read an eight, so I was glad for that nice round number.


In the first five minutes I watched many garbage bags land in the gutter. And sweatshirts. Strip poker time! But I knew the winds would be different out of town, so I kept it all on. It was drizzling at that point, and I set into a comfortable pace. I saw a friend of mine running and we chatted a bit - kind of weird that out of 3000 people you see someone you know. A couple other women who I knew would be there I also saw, but did not stay with them. The course came along Thames St. to Wellington and we got the first taste of salt air. The first brief hill at mile two separated the walkers from the runners. At Fort Adams (mile 4 and 5) I saw some of the elite marathoners coming back down the road from the loop and I knew I was in a good spot, in the first third, perhaps.


I felt pretty good through the first half and focused on how I was feeling and my form, and when I was hot I unzipped my jacket, when it got cold I zipped it back up. I drank at every mile marker from my fuel belt bottles and took water from two aid stations and one from a gatorade station, but didn't walk through the aid stations as I felt like it was too cold to stop.


It was beautiful at mile 7 coming around the ocean drive with the winds kicking waves up over the seawall. The road is full of potholes and people were trying to run around puddles which made no sense to me - you could not be any wetter. I ran through the puddles.


I loved how, despite the gale force winds and rain, people stood under umbrellas shivering and cheering us on. Awesome.


At mile nine I still felt good and started to pick it up a bit... klomped along Bellevue Avenue amongst all the peeps with their ipods - it's a weird cultural phenomenon when you are all together like salmon and yet everyone in their separate ipod worlds. One guy ran by singing a Doors song in a heavy growl, oblivious to all. I was startled by a high-pitched rendition of something like Mariah Carey and Madonna singing a nursery rhyme. To those who wear ipods: those of us without can and do hear you sing. They missed the sounds of gulls screaming along the seawall on ocean drive... they missed the sound of sheeting rain on the road and in the trees on Bellevue. They missed the quiet, squeegee-like hush of hundreds of sneakers klomping along. The missed the little kids yelling, "You're really really good at running!" at Halidon Avenue. They missed the conversation between two old ladies about their cruise. And they missed the singing.


I followed garbage bag man for a few miles. He had a nice pace.


A woman in a pink tutu passed me by... I thought of you, Urlea!


At mile eleven I realized that I could go all out because, what's the worst that could happen, right? I'd get tired and have to walk. So I booked the last two miles down to the beach. Of course, once the sea opened up again there was a bitingly cold wind directly against us and it was very cold. I think that last mile slowed me down.


I came under the clock and then walked around looking for the Mister... after pizza and gatorade I found him wearing a deluxe parka which he promptly transferred to me. Instant warmth. Thank gawd for husbands.


We walked back up the hill to where he parked the car a mile away... it was better than waiting for the shuttle. The lines were long and there were only eight school buses for 3000 folks - not good. I heard a lot of miserable wait stories.


Lessons for next year, when I will be running the full marathon:


1. Park at the finish, and make sure husband packs entire woodstove.

2. it's okay to eat. I don't get sick.

3. when I think I can pick it up, I should.

4. Lunch at the Wharf Pub was almost as expensive as a new pair of running shoes. What was I thinking??? Red, if I'd thought about it, I would have just called you and come over and raided your fridge. :p


Happy to be home with the woodstove!

Thanks everyone for all the useful tips, and awesome race reports, that helped me prepare for my own. You guys rock!

[Susan Otcenas]

Hi All!

So glad to hear everyone had a great race day today & yesterday! Congratulations all around!

The weather forecast for Vancouver, WA was for rain all week. But last night I logged on to weather.com and it predicted cloudy but dry. And lo & behold, that's what we got! I was soooooooo glad it didn't rain. I 've not trained much in the rain, and wasn't looking forward to a long wet slog. I might have been a fair bit grumpier about it than indigoiis. ;)

I got up at 6am and made a nice big bowl of steel cut oats with raisins, coconut & sunflower seeds. Also had some cantaloupe. Yum!

Arrived at the race start at 8am. Scored an excellent parking space. Quickly found the other 4 gals I'd suckered into signing up earlier in the year. For 3 of the 5 of us, it would be our 1st half marathon. The most experienced person in the group was my friend Angela. I expected her to do really well, especially after she revealed (after much prodding) that her PR is 1:20. :eek:

After 2 waits on the portapotty line (ridiculous, I know), it was time to line up. Angela went off to start near the front, while the rest of us hovered near the 10min/mile sign holder. And away we went!

I spent most of the 1st mile dodging walkers (why don't they start themselves farther back in the pack??) until I could find some breathing room to run a comfortable pace. Around mile 4.5, we started seeing the race leaders coming back towards us on an out & back section of the course. I yelled to my friend Angela that she was in 2nd place!

I felt like I was running in my comfort zone, and yet the first 5-6 miles went by at a 9:30 pace! Zowie, that's much faster than my training pace. I knew that was probably not sustainable, so I tried to dial it back a bit. Good thing too, because by mile 8, I was feeling the effects of going out so quickly. My hips started to ache (this has never happened to me in training) and my quads started getting tight. (This usually happens, but not until 10 miles or so). So, the next few miles were a bit of a struggle, as I tried to concentrate on working through the stiffness.

The only hills on the course came after mile 9. Nothing big, but long enough grades that some folks walked, especially as we got closer to the finish. I managed to run all of them, though not very quickly. :p

By mile 12, we'd topped out and it was flat all the way to the finish. I checked my watch and realized I'd likely make my 10 min/mile goal. I picked up my pace as much as I could, and managed to cross the line at 2:10:03 (by my watch. haven't seen the "official" results yet.) which put me at 9:55 per mile.

Then, I burst into tears.

Poor Jeff. There he was with a huge bouquet of flowers for me, and there *I* was, bawling like a baby. I couldn't help it. It was such an emotional moment for me. He kept asking what was wrong, and I kept assuring him they were HAPPY tears. Really, it's no wonder men have such a hard time figuring us out sometimes. :D

It was a very good day. We three newbies all finished with times that made us happy. And my friend Angela was 2nd in 1:30. Oh, and today is her 39th birthday. The crowd sang happy birthday to her when she stepped onto the winner's podium. Very cool. That nearly made *her* cry!

Pictures to follow.

Susan

[Susan Otcenas]

From Top:
Me, Linda, Laura & Gretchen, pre-race
Me & Angela, post-race
Me, crossing the finish line.

[solobiker]

Congrats to everyone!! That is great. Maybe next year I will try for one. I did one about 10 years ago so why not give it another try:D:p

[Urlea]

Indi & Susan, Congrats on two stellar 13.1s today!!! So proud of you both, that is awesome. :D

I remember how amazing it felt last ssn when I ran/finished my first 1/2. Enjoy it, you have accomplished a lot friends!

Susan, beautiful flowers! I am jealous.

[OakLeaf]

Race weekend started yesterday afternoon when DH and I headed into town to pick up my race packet and take in the expo. There was no race-day registration. Despite having to wend our way past every single vendor before reaching packet pickup at the rear of the exhibit hall, I emerged with my wallet only mildly scathed and only one purchase I hadn’t planned (a long-sleeved hi-viz jersey that I really did need). Rather than drive the 50+ miles home and then back at oh-dark-thirty into a mob scene, we opted to stay the night in town.

I was really unsure what to wear. My taper runs on Wednesday and Friday were, respectively, the coldest weather I'd ever run in, and this morning was projected to be even colder by some 10 degrees F. Putting off the decision until the last minute, I'd packed two pairs of tights and a pair of gloves in case I couldn't find what I wanted at the expo, and four different wool tops, plus an ancient shiny parachute nylon track suit (with shoulder pads!) that I planned to discard if I wore it.

I don't know what I was thinking, but I didn't pack anything for breakfast. Luckily, there was a Kroger's right next to the hotel. After dinner, I bought a box of cereal, a bag of pecans, a carton of hemp milk, and a few bananas. I pinned my bib to my Spi-Belt, which I’d stocked with three gels, and affixed my D-tag to my shoe. Not without incident, the latter: the adhesive pulled off the tag. Luckily they now have a hole in each end, and I was able to lace my shoelace through the holes. I set my alarm for 5 a.m.

Dressing for a race always reminds me of the arming scenes in epic poems, where each piece of armor and each weapon is described in detail as the hero prepares himself physically and spiritually for battle. My new insulated CW-X tights, bought yesterday. Aloe gel on the electrodes of my HR strap, then bra. Compeed and Blister Block on my feet, then socks. Micro-weight SmartWool tank (which I'd already run in once and slept in twice this week, but being wool, it didn't smell too bad); and over that, my mid-weight SmartWool long-sleeved T. Race belt. Wristband and Garmin. Track suit. Shoes, cap, new convertible gloves (http://www.saucony.com/ApparelDetails.aspx?gen=m&col=A10&id=90138&rel=90144,90120,90122,90125,90127,90146,90145,90147,90135,90131,90132,90138,90129,90136,90128,90137,90150,90148,90149). Orange polyester hibiscus lei. I was ready to roll.

We scraped a thin layer of ice off the windshield :eek: and headed out. As it turned out, I had plenty of time. While a handful of runners warmed up, hundreds more mobbed the lobby of an office building where the Starbuck's had opened early for the race. Some were getting coffee, some getting pastries, some just trying to stay warm. I don't drink coffee except before a big event - hoping it will give me some performance boost that outweighs not being able to sleep tonight. I had about half of a small cup (whatever they call that size :rolleyes:), gave the rest to DH, hit the portajohn and went to line up. I would've liked a minimal warmup, but in that crowd, it wasn't going to happen.

The starting corral and a block in either direction was packed for the combined marathon/half marathon start. I raised my arms above my head to loosen up my shoulders, back and torso, and didn't think I was going to have room to put them down again. The band played "Born to Run." Somewhere in there the gun went off. No one around me heard it either, but we started to move. For as tight as the corral was, traffic thinned out remarkably quickly, and within half a mile I was running the pace I'd planned. Maybe it was just sleep deprivation, but I started to get really emotional. Three weeks ago I'd finished the Columbus Fall Challenge, one of my two big goals for the fall. Now I was embarking on the second, and whatever my time, I was sure I would complete it. Everyone's eyes and noses were running from the cold anyhow, so I dabbed at mine. The first band after the start was playing the Chariots of Fire theme. Okay, that’s corny. I stopped crying.

I’d set my Garmin to hold me no faster than 9:10 for the first 11 miles. It did a good job of keeping me from getting too excited early on. The new watch has vibrating alerts, which is great – although in the noise of the day, I don’t think anyone else would’ve noticed audible alerts. I’d dressed perfectly for the day. I’d left my track pants in the car, started unzipping my jacket around mile 3, and discarded it around mile 5. The wind-mitts came on and off my fingers several times. The sun shone bright after several gloomy days, raising everyone’s mood and accentuating the beautiful fall colors. The course runs past the Governor’s Mansion between mile 3 and 4, and traditionally the Governor stands at the curb to greet the runners. I don’t agree with all his policies, but I voted for the guy, so what the heck, I snagged a high-five. ;) Not too long after that, I did a double-take as I saw one of my cycling buddies who’d come out to cheer on another friend. He’d brought his mountain bike and leapfrogged from point to point on the course; I’d see him twice more before the finish. DH, having only the car, cheered me on just past the halfway point.

Around mile 9 my watch started alarming that I was exceeding the pace I’d set. I checked the display, and I was only going a little bit faster than I’d planned. I felt good – I was starting to feel some fatigue, but I felt like I could sustain the pace – so I ignored the alarms and went with it. Because of a small firmware bug, I’d set my watch to display speed, not pace, but that actually turned out to be a good thing. I couldn’t remember the exact pace zones I’d set, and couldn’t do the conversion from MPH in my head. I think it would’ve freaked me out if I’d known that at that point I was running a sub-9 minute pace.

At mile 11, just after we’d turned onto High Street for the last long stretch to the finish, the “brakes” came off and I picked up the pace. I was starting to feel the distance, but I was feeling strong. Crossing the I-70/71 overpass, I saw a lot of runners flagging, so I turned on the power. I can’t run a loop from home without at least three 12% grades. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t notice the overpass, but it wasn’t anything my legs weren’t ready for.

It wasn’t long after that that my feet started cramping. It was just uncomfortable, not really painful, it didn’t seem to be affecting my body mechanics, and I knew it wouldn’t be long. I could smell the finish. There was one more gentle grade to climb before we turned off the full marathon route and ran the final quarter-mile to the finish. I saw 2:04 and knew that my gun time was going to be even better than my hoped-for 2:05 chip time. I opened it up and gave my best imitation of a sprint, with a huge grin on my face.

First stop in the chute was space blankets, which I definitely needed. I’d have been severely chilled without it. Water, banana, potato chips, more water. Of course there were bagels, donuts and chocolate milk for those who can tolerate them. The chute had to be a quarter mile or longer. I was wondering how DH was going to find me, since I hadn’t carried my phone, but he met me at the end of chute. Apparently my hi-viz cap and orange lei weren’t too hard to spot. :rolleyes: It was too cold to hang around at the post-race, I was already getting chilled, so we just got in the car and rolled home.

In all, I think I got water at 5 or 6 aid stations – two cups at several of those. I was really, really glad for the water practice I’d done in August. I never had to slow to less than a jog; got most of the water in my mouth, not too much on myself, and none that I know of on anyone else; and only choked once and not too badly. :p I knew the one gel station wouldn’t be enough for me, so I had two of my own in addition to the chocolate Clif Shot from the aid station (mmmm, frosting). Fueling seemed to be just right – I definitely felt a boost from each gel, but don’t think my stomach could’ve handled any more.

Negative splits all the way. 58:42 at 10K, 1:40:59 where my watch said 11 miles (more like 10.8 on the official course), 2:00:41 to finish (that’s @ 8:33 for the final 2.3 miles :D) I’m thrilled that I was able to finish so much faster than I’d expected, I really don’t feel like I left too much out there, but pretty chagrined that I was so close to the sub-2 hour finish I’d hoped for before my training got sidelined by two colds, five of the last nine weekends on the road, and having to ramp up training on the bike. If I’d known, I think I had another 42 seconds in me. :mad:

The bands, the crowd, the level of support, it was all just amazing. I was grinning for way more of the race than my body gave me any good reason to. I know one thing for sure, my first full marathon will have to be at least this big. Anything less would be a disappointment. If I don’t try for Disney or Miami in January (which, realistically, is probably too soon), then probably Columbus again, the whole thing next time, next year.

Now, I just have to figure out what I’m going to do with them in my aerobics class tomorrow. :eek:

[tjf9]

Nice job, everyone! Susan, I think I saw you at one point, but didn't know you were you - those SkirtSport tops are cute! (I saw a few of them out there).

I spent the first 10 miles pacing my friend - first 10:00s then 10:30s then down to 11:00s. I took off at 5K to go and made up a little time, finishing in 2:13-ish according to the Garmin. Went back and ran my friend in - she did awesome too! It was a fun day!

Then I went and raced CX. Came in DFL in my division with a flat tire and missing the pits for a change. Oh well. Still had a great time!

[Susan Otcenas]

Then I went and raced CX. Came in DFL in my division with a flat tire and missing the pits for a change. Oh well. Still had a great time!

Sherwood?

Seriously, you went & raced cross after that? Wow. I went to lunch. :D Then, I went home, had a shower, and went for high tea in town with friends. (Did you know we have a fabulous kiwi-owned tea house in pdx?)

On another note...

I hate to admit this (being the apparel person and all), but I got a wicked chafe mark from the bottom band of my sports bra. :o In all my years of athletics, I've never had this problem before. But for the past month, no matter what bra I wear, I've been getting chafed at the bottom band. I have several parallel lines at different heights now, depending upon the bra. I've never been one to use Bodyglide, but I think I'm going to have to start. Drat. I wish I could figure out what's causing it suddenly. Today's is the worst ever - about 4 inches long. Hurts like a son of a B#$%.

[Susan Otcenas]

Nice job, everyone! Susan, I think I saw you at one point, but didn't know you were you - those SkirtSport tops are cute!

Thanks! I had at least 4 different women ask me where I got it. Ummm, well, as a matter of fact....:)

[OakLeaf]

Then I went and raced CX.

:eek::eek: Holy smokes! So when are you entering that Ironman? ;)

Susan, do you wear a HRM? Mine sometimes chafes a little bit, but not like you're talking about - ouch! You've lost so much weight, when's the last time you dropped a band size?

[indigoiis]

Congratulations, Oak and Susan! I was thinking about y'all as I was running yesterday.

Today I am walking at lunch, tomorrow I will do my half commute.

Plan on running Weds., Thurs. and Friday, 2.5, 4 and 2.5. The weekend I will be taking my daughter to see some schools in Philly, but I may get a run in early Sun. a.m. Anyone know any good 4-5 mile routes in the art museum district?

My next event is a 10 mile trail race November 22nd.

[Susan Otcenas]

Susan, do you wear a HRM? Mine sometimes chafes a little bit, but not like you're talking about - ouch! You've lost so much weight, when's the last time you dropped a band size?

No HRM. I sometimes wear one on the treadmill when I'm doing a speed workout, but that's about it.

Band size - I think the best size for me is a 32C. Very hard to find (in sports bras or regular bras.). Most Cs don't go below 34. Moving Comfort makes some - I have the Fiona in a 32C. Unfortunately, I've not been very good about keeping track of which ones are chafing, but now that it's become such a big problem, I'm going to start keeping track of it. Most of my bras are 34s at this point.

Today I have an angry red/scabbed over slash in front. Last night, when I went to bed, I discovered that I also have 2 one inch long chafe marks on my back, on either size of my spine. Again, from the bottom band. Sheesh.

Susan

[indigoiis]

I ended up not wearing a bra yesterday - just a tight fitting stretchy wicking tank top under a wicking tee and an underarmour long sleeved shirt. I probably couldn't do that in warmer weather, though! :p But it did solve the chafing problem. I have a two inch surgery scar on my ribcage right at the base of my looloo and so bras are a real problem for me. Let me know if you find a real comfy one.

[Susan Otcenas]

Results are online.

My official race time was 2:09:56. :) 85th of 288 in my age group. (313th of 1241 overall.) But they don't separate out runners and walkers, so it's really impossible to know.

I still can't believe I averaged 9:55/mile. No wonder I'm so sore today!! :eek:

[OakLeaf]

Yay Susan! :)

[tjf9]

Sherwood?

Seriously, you went & raced cross after that? Wow. I went to lunch. :D Then, I went home, had a shower, and went for high tea in town with friends. (Did you know we have a fabulous kiwi-owned tea house in pdx?)


Yep. I went to Sherwood. I'm totally addicted to cross! I'm trying to figure out a way to get out to Astoria both days *and* go trick or treating with my kids *and* not drive my husband completely crazy. :D

I finished in 2:11:30. Faster than I thought. I'm very very sore today. Stairs are not my friend. But I'm already getting ready for the next race. Sign ups for the Hippie Chick half open on November 1st (and close in about 8 hours). Maybe I'll actually train for this one...:)

I didn't know about the tea house. Can you PM me the name? I have a birthday coming up and that sounds like a fabulous thing to do with all my girlfriends!

Congrats again to everyone!!! Big weekend!

[SJCzar]

Great job on the weekend's races ladies. I love to read race reports - especially from 1st timers. We all need that extra inspiration to keep us motivated.

[colby]

Wow, you ladies did AMAZING. All around 10 minute miles. Woot! There's no shame in happy tears, either. :)

I did a 14-mile long run (and thought of all you half marathoners) yesterday. It was an off day for me. It took about 2:25. My hips didn't have the right range of motion and felt abnormally stiff (today I had a MEGA adjustment at the chiropractor of both hips, lower back, and pelvis). Thankfully it was pretty symmetric. My shoulder felt pretty good, though, I had a massage in the middle of last week.

I have been calling my 10-week marathon plan the Church of the Triathlete Marathon Series (since I always do long runs/rides on Sundays, we joke and call it Church). Each week I post (as my facebook status) what my run was, and then I post a mantra for the week. Because I had an off week this week, I tried to shake it off and post something positive. I actually think about it during my run, and try it on myself. I have had a lot of problems seeing myself as an athlete, a triathlete, a runner, fit, healthy, all of those things. I decided to shake them off, and repeat to myself: I am a runner. I am fit. I am an athlete. I am healthy. I am awesome. I advised everyone reading to try it for themselves, and that even if we think we aren't as fast or strong as someone else or we think we have so far to go (speed, weight, or fitness), sometimes we have to look inside ourselves and leave those things behind. ;)

Recover well, racers!

[kacie tri-ing]

Nice post colby :) That was great!

Congrats ladies! These are really great reports!

[OakLeaf]

I have had a lot of problems seeing myself as an athlete, a triathlete, a runner, fit, healthy, all of those things.


Nice post, Colby!

I've come around to seeing myself as athletic, but not as a runner. That's something I've been thinking about quite a bit lately. I passed up some pretty cute slogan T-shirts at the pre-race expo this weekend because I didn't feel I "deserved" to wear them. (My favorite: "My sport is your sport's punishment." :D)

But if I'm not a "real runner" after running 13.1 miles faster than 3,000 other women this weekend, when will I be? When I no longer have to drag myself out for a training run, but anticipate them eagerly? (If that's the criterion, it may never happen. :o) When I can win my age group in a field that large? (Definitely not going to happen. :p) What's the impossible standard I'm setting for myself?

What did it take for the rest of you to think of yourselves as real runners ... or do we all struggle with that?

[colby]

Nice post, Colby!

I've come around to seeing myself as athletic, but not as a runner. That's something I've been thinking about quite a bit lately. I passed up some pretty cute slogan T-shirts at the pre-race expo this weekend because I didn't feel I "deserved" to wear them. (My favorite: "My sport is your sport's punishment." :D)

But if I'm not a "real runner" after running 13.1 miles faster than 3,000 other women this weekend, when will I be? When I no longer have to drag myself out for a training run, but anticipate them eagerly? (If that's the criterion, it may never happen. :o) When I can win my age group in a field that large? (Definitely not going to happen. :p) What's the impossible standard I'm setting for myself?

What did it take for the rest of you to think of yourselves as real runners ... or do we all struggle with that?

Obviously, I still do, and I have for a long time. I bought one finisher item when I finished my first Ironman, only because I couldn't wear the official finisher t-shirt (it was too big and I finished so late they didn't have a smaller size). It was a struggle. I wasn't a REAL Ironman, it took me more than 16 hours, and I had only finished one of them. It was a fluke, surely. After the second one, I reluctantly bought more things... two means the first wasn't a fluke, but I would never call myself a triathlete (I was an Ironman, but not a triathlete, somehow those are two different things).

It's taken me a couple of years to turn around and look at myself without carrying so much of the baggage of who I was. The questions people ask of me, the way people describe my body (describing me as "athletic" or commenting about some muscle somewhere), seeing pictures of myself in race after race and not just seeing what's wrong with yourself. I won't lie that seeing myself getting faster helps mentally (to be "average" even means that there are more "athletes" like me than not like me). Looking at the statistics helps, too - you finished that race with 3,000 women, and there are thousands of women that finish them every year... but there are MILLIONS of women in the US. If you're not a runner doing something that 1% or 5% or even 10% or 20% of women do... what are you? You can only think of yourself as a fluke for so long... ;)

For me, seeing myself as an athlete, a runner, a triathlete, all of those things, is just another body image problem. I honestly don't know what standard I'm holding myself to, either. Some imaginary superwoman, apparently. :)

[OakLeaf]

Just got my picture of the finish. That's me in the hi-viz cap:

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_3vDkQwuSTy0/SuEgJflJzlI/AAAAAAAAALY/YQHplIDEhXU/s512/Cbus09.jpg

Maybe if I hadn't been having so much fun I would've made up those 42 seconds. But then.... I wouldn't have had so much fun! :D

[Deborajen]

What did it take for the rest of you to think of yourselves as real runners ... or do we all struggle with that?

I still struggle with that. It always amazes me to hear people who run 7, 8 or 9 minute miles talk about being frustrated with what they call their "slow speed." I know it's all relative - we all have our own abilities to work with and our own personal goals, but I would be absolutely thrilled to run a mile in less than 10 minutes. I usually don't even mention my times for running - I just try to set my own personal goals and enjoy the run regardless of what everyone else is doing. When all's said and done, though, I'm usually in the bottom 10-20% at any running event.

Isn't it said that only 2% of the world's population can run a mile? I've done a half marathon, but when someone asks me if I'm a runner I usually hem-haw and end up saying something like "yeah, I like to run." (Please don't ask about time/speed - you're expecting to be impressed but . . . ) Oh, and I have one of those shirts that says "My sport is your sport's punishment." I ordered it when I was having a "yes, I do "deserve this" day. Then I showed to it my husband and he frowned - and it shouldn't get to me, but it kind of did. I do wear it sometimes, though.

[colby]

Just got my picture of the finish. That's me in the hi-viz cap:

Maybe if I hadn't been having so much fun I would've made up those 42 seconds. But then.... I wouldn't have had so much fun! :D

If it would have cost you that awesome picture, it wouldn't be worth it ;)

[Jolt]

What did it take for the rest of you to think of yourselves as real runners ... or do we all struggle with that?

I often don't feel like a real runner either--I'm not very fast, I seldom enter races, I get bored just running on the roads for too long without mixing things up, and I don't do super-long distances. That's why I was surprised when I went on a run with my neighbor from upstairs and she said I seemed like "more of a real runner" than her--we were running some laps around a local park, and I was the one jumping over benches, zigzagging around trees and doing other random shenanigans while she was mostly just running. It was weird to be described as a "real" runner when I don't necessarily think of myself that way.

[Crankin]

All of your posts inspired me; after my run last Friday, I had a variety of issues, bunion rubbing and blister starting, even with Body Glide and Tekko socks, a very bad case of DOMS, and a knee feeling a little cranky (that might have been helped by my very hilly ride last Sunday). The hip was OK, hurt a little, but it was the least of my worries. So, I ran again today, with a very long stretching session afterwards, along with the foam roller. Then I went to the LRS and got new shoes; ones that have a wide toe box and have no seam or thing that's attached to rub my bunion. Since the bunion is not that big compared to others I have seen, I hope this will alleviate the issue.
My run today was 3 miles of rollers, with a little walking. The running part was probably 2.2 miles, because I had to warm up/cool down. But, I was dressed right for 39 degrees and I really enjoy running in the cold. I am still not using the Garmin, because I want to concentrate on just feeling comfortable and distance for awhile. The speed will come (well, back to a 10 minute mile).
I will probably run again tomorrow, in between the rain storms. Want to try out the new shoes.