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

[Urlea]

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

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. Orange polyester hibiscus lei. I was ready to roll.

We scraped a thin layer of ice off the windshield 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 ), 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. 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. 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 ) 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.

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.

[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. 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. 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#$%.

[tjf9]

Sherwood?

Seriously, you went & raced cross after that? Wow. I went to lunch. 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.

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!

[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.

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! 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!!

[OakLeaf]

Yay Susan!

[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." )

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. ) When I can win my age group in a field that large? (Definitely not going to happen. ) 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?