Running 11/22/09 - 11/28/09

[OakLeaf]

Wow, way to go Kacie! Looking forward to a full race report!

[divingbiker]

Wow, Kacie, fantastic!

I can't believe I did this, but I just signed up for a 10K in March that guarantees finishers a spot in the Marine Corps Marathon next October (it sells out fast).

Still lots of time to back out, but right now, that's the goal.

Oh no, what am I thinking?!

[pfunk12]

I never post here because I never run . But I ran today. This is huge for me because I have back problems and since September of 2008, I have probably run 10 miles - total. But today was one of those days where I really couldn't justify getting on a bike. I'm leaving in a few hours on a trip to Mali and I was busy getting ready so I thought - why not go for a short run, de-stress, and see how it goes? I have no idea how far it was (it was NOT far ) but I ran for 25 minutes. IT WAS SO HARD . I can bike for 60, 80, 100 miles...but running is difficult. You should all be proud of yourselves for pounding the pavement or hitting the trails like you do!

[Becky]

DH and I were at my parents for Thanksgiving. They live in a somewhat rural area, with lots of narrow shoulder-less roads, so I drove to the local Masonic campus to run. It was in the high 40s and misty and foggy- absolutely beautiful!

A great location, nice weather- it should have been the perfect run. Unfortunately, I just couldn't hold onto good form and find a smooth rhythm Only did 2 miles before my hip and knee gave up. I ran the last 50 yards back to the car in my stocking feet, and it actually felt better than running in shoes.

I'm trying to remind myself that there's no such thing as a bad run, just a learning experience. I will definitely run there again though. 6 miles of paved trails, lightly traveled roads, and beautifully-manicured grounds.

[kacie tri-ing]

Ok--race report from the Atlanta Half Marathon

Woke up bright and early, and DH brought me to the chilly starting line.

Last year, I ran this race with a friend as I was training for my marathon. I remember how sore my legs were from longer runs the week before. It was her big race, so I ran with her and had a great time. We finished in 2:20.

This year, I had no time goals, though I was tempting myself to break 2 hours. I knew my running was improved, but I didn't know how much. My coach decided not to give me a time goal, but just to run how I felt.

This course is a little deceptive if you don't know it. The first six miles are a net downhill (even though it is rolling), and the last half is all net uphill (though still some rolling). Many a good runner friend has had a hard time with the last half of this race, because you are already tired when you start the trek back up.

I started the race feeling pretty good. I was averaging under 9 minute miles (which is faster than I had intended). I kept looking at my watch and telling myself to slow down, but I was feeling so good. I kept reminding myself of the last half of the race, but I just couldn't make myself slow down. I brought an apple cinnamon hammer gel and a vanilla gingerbread gu with me. They were fun flavors to convince myself that I was celebrating thanksgiving while running!

So the last half of the race comes along, and I just pushed my way up the hills. I slowed down a tiny bit, but my pace ended up around 8:40 per mile (ish). I had a few pangs in my achilles which slowed me down some, but I never felt like I was struggling too much.

I am just so surprised with how much I have improved. I never even imagined running a mile in under 10 minutes, let alone a half marathon!!

I have been pretty sore the past couple of days, and I have asked very little of my poor legs. I will try out a run/walk today to see how they feel, and a ride tomorrow.

I saw my coach yesterday, and he was incredibly excited. I must say that I think that losing weight has helped me speed up. Less to carry up these hills! All in all, I finished with 1:53: Ok--I am trying to attach some pictures! The first is pre-race excitement, and the last ones are by the olympic rings after the race.

[Veronica]

Awesome job! What great improvement.

Veronica

[colby]

Wow, Kacie, that's so awesome!! Congratulations, you should go celebrate. That's huge! And inspiring, as I count down to race day... 21 hours Finishing fighting off some crud that I hope doesn't slow me down.

[OakLeaf]

Great job Kacie! And good luck Colby!

[kacie tri-ing]

Wow, Kacie, that's so awesome!! Congratulations, you should go celebrate. That's huge! And inspiring, as I count down to race day... 21 hours Finishing fighting off some crud that I hope doesn't slow me down.

Go Colby!!!! Sometimes that "crud" makes you slow down long enough to be really rested for race day. I can't wait to hear about it!!!

[zoom-zoom]

That's awesome. What does a fireman do. I am SO going to remember that.

Me too!

Kudos to all who were good about their workouts this weekend. Me...not so much. Visited my brother out-of-state and we couldn't work up the mojo to go out on Thanksgiving day...it was dreary, cold, and windy as heck. Yesterday we puttered along for 3.4 miles. I don't like running in his subdivision. It's house after house after house...they all look the same. No trees. I much prefer running in my little BFE community with trees and a variety of buildings of all ages and architectural styles.

[zoom-zoom]

Oh, and holy moly, Kacie...that is a HUGE PR! VERY nice!

[tribogota]

calf muscle injury, right leg, on and off for last 2 months, so coach said no running until january, not sure how I feel about that.

[Deborajen]

Reading everyone's reports is so inspiring! Congratulations Kacie! That's an incredible improvement. What is it about races - you look at your watch and tell yourself to slow down, but you just speed up? The body just does what it wants to - and what it's trained to do, and what it's capable of.-- Good luck, Colby. Show that crud who's boss.

Well, I did a 5-mile easy run. I'm working on 5 or 6 miles or less distances and trying to work on my Chi technique and will just see what I can do with that over the winter months. Belly breathing is still the toughest, but it helps.

[Becky]

Well, I did a 5-mile easy run. I'm working on 5 or 6 miles or less distances and trying to work on my Chi technique and will just see what I can do with that over the winter months. Belly breathing is still the toughest, but it helps.

I'm happy to see another Chi Runner here! I've been working on it for about a month now, trying to find the solution to some nagging IT band issues in my left leg. It seems to be helping, although I still have some pain. Too much too soon? Who knows....

I did ~3.3 trail miles today, and only had hip pain during the last 15 minutes, so I guess that's an improvement

[colby]

Hey Team TE Runners,

Thought I'd check in. I didn't fight off the crud in time. Chased the 4 hour pacer for 11 miles, then couldn't get my heart rate or head to feel safe so I slowed down and raced my own race - my head still hurts an hour after the race, and I really think had I kept pushing I might have actually passed out. Finished riiiight around 4:30, which was my A goal anyway! The 9 minute pace felt really good, it was a little frustrating that my head and heart disagreed.

Next time