Granville Winter Run 15 mile race recap

A couple of weeks ago I wrote a blog that was never published... I just wasn't "feeling" it.  It was a preview for the Granville Winter Run--the 15 mile race I competed in yesterday.  Here is the goal-setting portion of that blog, just for your reference...

"I've toyed around with how I want to treat the race this year.  Do I want to try to crush it?  Run it easy?  Make it a training run?  So many choices!  I think I've finally decided that I am going to run it like a harder training run.  I don't want to spend a few days recovering from the race, not with marathon training going on, so running the 15 miles at half-marathon pace isn't in the cards.  My goal for my long runs this training cycle has been to keep them at a 9:15-9:30 pace.  I've done a pretty good job at that.  My time in the race last year was a 2:16 (9:00/mile pace).  So, I am thinking I would like to have an average pace of 8:45/mile.  That would give me a nice hefty PR of close to 4 minutes.  I want to run it in a similar fashion to last year, with the first loop being easy but strong, and the second loop a bit faster.  I'd love to get some marathon-pace miles (8:20/mile is the goal) for the second loop. I'm actually wondering how I will fair.  I know that I am stronger both mentally and physically, and faster than I was a year ago, but I have not been training on the hills like I did last winter.  My half marathon and marathon are very flat courses, and since those are my big goals (not this race), I haven't wanted to risk injury by doing hill repeats like I used to."

As you can see, I had honestly no idea what to expect from this race.  Up until a day or two beforehand, I wasn't even sure I was going to run in it at all!  The forecast called for sub-zero wind chills all day, and I just didn't know if I had it in me to do 15 miles in those kind of conditions.  I've ran in colder, but not for 15 miles, and not on such a crazy-hilly course.  I mean, seriously, look at this elevation map.

Definitely not what I'm used to!

For central Ohio, those are some serious hills.  We don't call where we live "Flat-lumbus" for no reason!  So I had given serious consideration to skipping this race, running 16 miles the day before (in better conditions and on flatter ground).. or even doing 16 on the treadmill instead.  (Now THAT is a scary thought!) Obviously I decided to race, or I wouldn't be penning this blog.  As an aside, my blog had 22 hits on the day of the race.  I think I might have a few fans who are awaiting this post?  That makes me happy :)

Onto the race, then!  Last year, my friend Jen (who has done FIVE of these runs) drove us to the race, but this year she is in the midst of training for an ultramarathon and this little race just didn't fit into her schedule.  I had planned on driving by myself, but I was elated when my cousin Katie offered to come along with me.  The race is only 30 minutes away, but it was so nice to have her along with me.  Katie is an up-and-coming runner herself, and we have so much fun talking about racing and goals and such together.  The trip went by very quickly and we arrived at the school where the race would start about 50 minutes before go time.  I was a bit worried upon our arrival, as the roads didn't seen too wonderful (we had a couple of inches of snow yesterday and tons of wind gusts, and I was worried about slick spots).  Fortunately my concerns were all for naught, as the roads were actually almost 100% clear.

Several of the mamas in my local chapter of Moms Run This Town were competing in today's race (either the 7.5 miler or the 15 miler) as well.  It was great to have the school cafeteria to chill in before the race began.  Indoor bathrooms were also a huge plus!  I think I hit my pre-race eating and hydration spot-on... breakfast was a banana, eggs and toast at around 9 AM, and at around 11 I had another banana and a PB&J sandwich.  I drank about 50 oz. of water prior to the race, stopping at noon so that I wouldn't have to make a pit stop during the race. It was comical watching us all starting to get ready for the race at around 12:40 PM. We all had on our base layers and a couple other layers on top and bottom, plus head gators or balaclavas, hats, ear warmers, sunglasses, two layers of gloves/mittens, hand warmers, and then of course Vaseline on the face... such a production!  We giggled that the elementary school boys who were warming up for their basketball game being held at the school probably thought we were crazy.

Lisa, Jackie and I before the race.  We are so cool!

At around 12:55, everyone paraded outside.  The race actually started about 8 minutes late, which was quite annoying, but I honestly felt pretty warm while we waited.  I myself had on the following articles of clothing, for those who are interested: Craft base layer top, Fila fleece top, Fila running jacket, Brooks fleece lined shorts, Target C9 fleece pants, Reebok tights, ProCompression running socks, Swiftwick socks, two pairs of Mizuno thermal gloves (with a hand warmer sandwiched between each), a Bondiband (mostly to hold in my headphones), a Maxit headgator, Target C9 beanie cap, my hubby's sports sunglasses, and my Fitletic hydration belt with handwarmers in each bottle pocket (to avoid water freeze) as well as in the front pocket (to avoid GU freeze).  I was happy to see my speedy friend Kate at the start--she had decided to do the 7.5-mile race, so I knew I wouldn't be running with her, but it was still great to get a pre-race hug in!

You can see what a small race this is... we're waiting at the start.

Without too much fanfare, the race began, and we were all off!  Honestly, it was a very, very small race. A total of 80 runners in the 7.5-miler, and only 30 in the 15 miler.  I love smaller races, honestly, but this one was almost comical.  Within the first mile, I realized my race wasn't exactly going as planned. I was going too fast, and I couldn't slow down.  Sometimes that happens to me, but usually I'm good at controlling pace. Not today.  Even worse, my legs didn't feel so hot.  They felt heavy, almost leaden... I told myself that was from not truly resting at all for this race, and that they'd warm up eventually.  I was also very very annoyed with my whole head gator/sunglasses set-up.  Every time I pulled my gator over my mouth to protect myself from the wind, my breath would go up and fog up the sunglasses. I almost threw them to the side of the road about 30 times during the first 2 miles.  It was REALLY sunny, though, and the snow made it even worse, so I'm glad I didn't.

The course starts with a few smallish hills just before the first mile marker, but the net elevation is mostly downhill until mile 3, when the true hills begin.  Coincidentally, mile 3 was my slowest mile of the race.  Either you're climbing a hill, or your running into a headwind.  So fun... NOT.  Most of the runners agreed when we talked after the race that the first part of the course is much harder than the ginormous hills in the latter half, due mainly to the wind.  Miles 3.8-5.2 offer a wonderful respite from both the wind and the hills.  I love this part of the race.  We ran by a farm and the cows were a nice diversion as well.  A diversion was what I needed, to be sure... I felt my right foot starting to fall asleep at around mile 4.  I had thought I was safe as typically this happens shortly after mile 3 if it's going to happen.  Not this time... even with my preventative efforts (deep pressure and calf raises pre-race, toe wiggles during race), the numbness was setting in.  Thankfully, it didn't take over my entire foot like it usually does, and I was able to run through it without too much of a problem.  

I took my first GU at mile 5, just as planned.  My water bottle cap had already frozen, however--something I had NOT planned.  I was able to get it unthawed by sucking on it for a minute so I could wash down my GU, but I realized I would need a plan B for the remainder of the race.  It was also at this time that I felt something hitting my bib (which was pinned to my left thigh).  I looked down and saw my iPod Shuffle hitting my bib.  It had come detached from my waistband, ugh!  I grabbed it and tucked it into my pants, at the same time losing my gum, double ugh!  I have become a true gum-chewer whenever I run, and I was so annoyed to see my gum fall to the ground.  I looked up to see that I couldn't dwell on this misfortune, as the next round of hills had arrived.  These were the "big ones"... 125 feet of elevation rise over 1.25 miles (from mile 5.25 to mile 6.5).  I used a trick my friend Andrea had taught me--never look at the top of the hill; always focus on a spot about 10 feet in front of you.  This worked very well for me, and I was actually surprised by how well I handled each hill.  The final mile of the first loop is virtually all downhill, and you can see the school the entire way down.  It's hard to control yourself on downhills, but I felt like I did a good job just flowing and not really pushing the pace.  Just before we got to the school I struck up a conversation with a few runners who had been ahead of me most of the race.  Sadly, none were going 15 miles.  I hate running alone, and had hoped to make a friend or two on the course.  These peeps were very nice though, telling me how awesome I was to be doing 15 on a day like today.

I was super-excited when we approached the finish (for the 7.5 milers at least) and I saw Kate at her car. I yelled her name and she ran over and started to run next to me.  Meanwhile, I crossed the halfway point at 1:05:21, and set a mental goal of going sub-2:10 for this race.  Prior to the race, I would've been quite happy with a 2:12, but I realized that I had taken the race out quickly enough that I could actually go sub-2:10.  Kate stayed with me for about a half-mile--this was the most fun part of the race! We have only ran together a couple of times but I've known her for much longer as she's my little sister's pal.  She actually WON the women's 7.5-mile race, so her legs were very tired and she was ready to head home.  It was still great to even get a little running in with her, though. 

You can see how happy I was to run with Kate, even for just a half-mile!

After she left me, a man ran up next to me.  He had also raced the 7.5 miler but had decided to go ahead and keep going and do a few more miles (at a much easier pace, for him at least).  We chatted for a minute and he went on ahead of me.  I was very, VERY alone.  I didn't see another runner for what seemed like miles.  It was sweet that every few minutes the man would look back to make sure I was still there.  I fueled for the second time at mile 9.8, right before a water stop.  I'd had it with my water bottles by that point, and decided just to walk for 10 seconds and suck down a cup of water as quickly as I could after I took my GU.  I felt invigorated after this "rest", and tackled the remaining "little" hills. 

I was happy to get to the "lollipop" part of the race at mile 10.5, when I knew that 1) I'd be almost out of the wind and 2) I'd hopefully see some familiar faces.  #2 happened before #1, and I high-fived Jackie and Lisa, who were both a few minutes ahead of me.  When I turned around and headed back to the loop, I only saw two other runners behind me.  I knew that most of the runners had dropped out of the 15 miler, but I didn't realize how few were actually participating.  The road stretched very long ahead of me, but thankfully I was in the "good part" again--wind-less and flat.  I was able to push my pace a bit here, but still felt very much in control of the race.  I also grabbed another cup of water at mile 12.5 and took a quick walk break to down it.

I continued to feel very good heading in the final round of hills.  I kept wondering if I would see anyone else, and was pumped when I caught sight of two runners about quarter-mile or so ahead of me on the hills.  Again, I was pleasantly surprised with how good I felt on these hills. I could feel my glutes engaging, and my core felt strong.  That being said, I was super happy to reach the crest of the final hill at mile 14!  I was ready for this race to be over.  My final mile was the only one that was sub-8-minutes for the race (and seeing as it was mostly downhill, that makes sense!), and I was able to sprint into the finish to the cheers of... a few ;)  My cousin Katie and my friend Jackie were there yelling loudy as I crossed the timing pad in a time of 2:08:57, and I saw Lisa there as well; she had just finished her own race. 

Powering into the finish :)

I was exhausted and couldn't even take the mug from the volunteer that I'd earned for my finish (I was so afraid I'd drop it!), so I had Katie get it for me. We all headed into the school for some delicious hot chocolate in our awesome mugs, and of course post-race pictures.  

Some of the awesome mamas who braved the elements to race!

All in all, I am incredibly pleased with how this race turned out. I crushed my time goal and PR'ed from last year by almost 8 minutes, with an average pace of 8:32/mile for 15.11 miles.  I negative split the two loops (1:05:21 and 1:03:36).  

Half-Marathon split was a 1:52:24 (about 6 minutes faster than last year)

I didn't over-extend myself during any part of the race--well, except for maybe the first mile, when I got a bit carried away with the other racers.  And, of course, I got my mug :)

#letmetakeaselfie with my mug!

This race gives me a great feeling about my half next month in Virginia Beach.  Mile 12 when I was holding an 8:15 pace felt very controlled and easy.  I can only pray it's that way in two months when I'm racing a marathon in Toledo with that as my goal pace!

That was then... this is now

I don't typically blog about my training runs.  I obviously train a heck of a lot more than I race, but training runs... well, they're just that.  Training.  I love them more than racing, as I know I've mentioned in the past, mostly because I do 98% of these runs with friends.  I am such a social runner; my training partners will vouch for the fact that I seldom am quiet for more than 10 seconds during our runs together.  That's one reason I think why the Columbus Marathon was so hard for me this past fall--I had no one to talk to!

The Columbus, OH chapter of Moms Run This Town (MRTT) February group run... over 100 strong!
Love these group runs... so many choices of running friends! :)

When I laid out my training plan for this winter, I made a promise to myself that I would do everything I could to adhere to the schedule that I created.  No extra runs "just for the fun of it".  No skipping speed work or tempo runs to join my buddies for an easy romp.  No going too fast on my long runs.  Each run needed to have a purpose, since I would only be running 4 times per week.  (Note: I say "only" because many of my friends run 5-6, even 7 times per week.  I know that 4 times is a LOT to non-runners, but most marathoners do typically run 5 times a week.  I have realized that when I add in this fifth day, injuries creep up on me... therefore, I need to stick to 4). 

With my early-season training hiccup (that pesky mild calf strain) behind me, I attacked January with a vengeance upon my return.  Okay, not really.  I gradually built up my miles, just like I was supposed to do, adding in some quicker miles as my calf proved that it could handle it.  I began with some progressive runs, and did a tempo run (a few miles at 10K pace) a few weeks ago with my speedy friends Allison and Meggie.  I felt great during the run itself, but later that day and the next, my calves were screaming not-so-nice words at me.  A friend who is much more knowledgeable about running than I am mentioned that she does her speed work on the treadmill in these bitterly cold months, as it's almost impossible to warm up enough outside to get in good speed work (especially during the pre-dawn hours when I do my running).  Her words struck a chord with me.  I took off a week from speed work when my calves and then my Achilles continued to express their displeasure with me, but I knew this week that I needed to get back to it.  I've got some big plans for this half marathon in March, and I know that the tempo run is one of the most important workouts for half marathon fitness.  I decided that I would start hitting the treadmill for my tempo and interval runs until the weather takes a turn for the better (meaning, above single-digit temperatures!).  

Yesterday, a few of my favorite running partners were making plans in one of our Facebook message groups for this morning's run: an easy 5-miler in a neighborhood not too far from my house.  

Who wouldn't want to run with such awesome peeps?!!

Marcie, a voice whispered in my head.  You should join them!  You haven't ran with Carolyn in weeks!

But it's speed work day tomorrow! another voice whispered.  You haven't done speed work in two weeks, and the week is almost over.  

So what?  You almost got your BQ in October without doing very much speed work at all this past summer, the first voice retorted.

Almost, the second  voice replied with just a touch of sarcasm. Exactly.  Almost.  

You'll have more fun with the girls, the first voice whined.  Treadmills are boring, and tempo runs are hard.  

The second voice didn't have anything to say to that.  Because the first voice was right.  Treadmills ARE boring.  And tempo runs ARE hard.  But I had decided back when I set my goals for this spring that I needed see if truly following a training plan would make the 5-minute difference between qualifying for Boston this spring and failing to qualify this past fall.  If I started to skip my tempo runs just to hang out with my girls and run a comfortable pace, I knew that I would be asking myself come March (for my half) and April (for my full) if I truly had given it my all.  And I knew that both voices would have the same answer for me: no.

The Marcie-of-last-summer would have ran with her friends at a 10-minute/mile pace in the bitter cold this morning and loved every second of it.  The Marcie-of-this-winter woke up at 4:30 AM and was waiting at the door when the gym opened at 5:00 to jump on a treadmill.  The Marcie-of-last-summer would have been afraid of the prescribed run--1 mile warm-up, 4 miles at tempo pace (7:47/mile), 1 mile cool-down.  She would have psyched herself out and either shortened the length or slowed down the pace.  The Marcie-of-this-winter ran her goal pace with ease and actually contemplated running an extra mile at tempo pace, or even quickening the pace for the final mile--something that the Marcie-of-last-summer would surely do if she was feeling as awesome as I was feeling this morning.  Not the Marcie-of-this-winter... she is all too aware of what her body does when she pushes the envelope too much.  4 tempo miles at a pace that would be a dream-come-true in six weeks at my half-marathon is more than enough right now.  

Running is still one of my most favorite things in the world to do, and I love my social runs with my besties.  I have my eye on the prize right now, though, and I'm going to do all in my power to reach it.  And I know that my friends will be there to celebrate with me when I do.

It's that time of year...

My resolutions... nah, you didn't think it'd be that simple LOL!

I've always loved writing resolutions.  I can remember when I was 8 years old, getting a diary for Christmas and writing my New Year's resolutions in it. Back then, my resolutions were things like "Be nice to my little sister" and "Get all A's this year" (I'll let you guess which of those I actually accomplished!).  I loved going back to the first page of my diary each year and rereading the resolutions I'd made, to see how I had done.  I figured I should start this blog with revisiting last year's goals.

I had three running resolutions in 2014: to run 1000 miles total, to PR at every race distance, and to run in my first marathon.  I am happy to say that I met all three of these goals... basically.  My final mileage total for the year was 1427.68 miles.  Pretty freaking awesome!   I actually almost exactly doubled last year's miles of 714.42... not sure I'll ever be able to say that I doubled my yearly mileage again.  Wow!  I obviously ran in my first marathon... and second LOL.  The PR thing... so I initially said PR in EVERY distance... 5K, 4 miler, 10K (or quarter marathon), and half.  I PR'ed my half in August, and my 5K in July.  I PR'ed my full in October.  I actually didn't race in any 4-milers or quarter marathons this year, so I suppose I can still say I met my PR goals.  

Out with the old, in with the new... time for this year's running goals!  

1. Be injury-free.  I kind of don't like this goal.  I mean, freak injuries happen.  But I am going to do all in my power to keep from getting injured by running smarter, and adding in more strength exercises.  So I guess my resolution is actually just to be smarter in order to attempt to stay injury-free!

2. Run at least 1500 miles.  This is only a bit more than I ran this year, and I have no doubt that I had no been injured prior to my marathon (and after it) that I'd have ran 1500 miles this year.  I'm going to be smarter about it this year, though (see resolution #!).

3. Achieve a qualifying time for the Boston Marathon (for my age group, a sub-3:40).  Yep, I said it.  I know my loyal readers were expecting this one, and I aim to please ;)  Seriously, though, this is something that I truly want to accomplish. It was my pie-in-the-sky goal for my October race, and it's my "I'm gonna do it" goal for my April race. I just had to grow into it...

I know I can meet this goal, with the right training and mindset. I was all set to start marathon training this week, and just encountered a bit of a hiccup (calf strain) that now has me sidelined for a week or two.  I just keep telling myself that I'll be stronger when I do start.  

4. Continue to run with friends and with joy.  This year has been amazing.  I have met some of the best friends of my life.  I am so very lucky to have so many different friends who run at many different paces.  I have my "Wednesday group" who I run with at 4:30 AM (yes, we are a bit crazy).  I have my adopted MIT coaches who I met at my first marathon and who I now run weekly as well as attend core class with on Sundays.  I have my "fast friends", like Amanda, Paige and Andrea, who I can rely on for quicker-paced runs.  I of course still have Jen, my first true running friend.  And there are so many more!  Running has truly transformed who I am... the joy I get from running with these ladies is amazing.  Honestly, this goal is the most important one to me.  I want running to always be full of friendship and joy.

And there you have it... my resolutions for 2015.  I'm ready to get this party started!

Swimming Keeps Me Sane

Say what?   The title of this blog even makes me pause and look again.  Did I really just say that swimming keeps me sane?  Am I truly no longer a "swammer"?  (I love that word--it's a person who used to be a swimmer in high school or college, but no longer is a chlorine addict!) 

As I mentioned in my last blog post, I decided to undertake a most unusual challenge--one in the pool.  I heard about this swimming distance challenge from someone in a local triathlon group. It was being put on by a local triathlon coach, Tracy Hendershot of Swim With Tracy.  Swim for 4 hours... okay, a bit crazy.  Set a goal of 5K, 8K, or 10K yards... oh, now you've got me.  A goal. I do love goals!  And only one person did 10,000 yards last year?  Hmmm... now you've got my interest piqued!  It didn't take much for me to push the "register" button and sign up for the challenge. 

Honestly, I didn't know what to expect from myself.  I hadn't swam for more than an hour since I was 20 years old.  I hadn't swam any further than 4,000 yards since then, either.  I wasn't sure how my body would respond once I got past the 2,000 yards or so that it was used to doing.  But I was willing to give it a shot.  I recruited one of my favorite people, Steph, as a counter/support person.  Two of her other friends were also doing the challenge, so it was a perfect chance for her to sit and watch people swim lap after lap after lap. Sounds entertaining, right?  Only a true friend will do that for you.  Steph showed up with her A-game, toting coffee for everyone and wearing a super-awesome supportive t-shirt!

The challenge started promptly at 8 AM on December 14; swimmers started arriving at around 7:40 to get ready to get in.  I had brought various types of fuel, as I was unsure of what I would need.  Back in high school, we did 10,000 yards in practice at least once every week or two, and fueling was never spoken of.  Now, though, I wasn't sure.  I would never dream of running for 4 hours without fuel... so I packed GU gels, bananas, Clif bars, water and GU Brew (electrolyte drink).  I figured I'd try whatever sounded best as I swam.

I had pre-planned how I was going to do the swim. I wanted to take it 1000 yards at a time, so I brainstormed several 1000-yard sets that I could do (e.g. 10x100 alternate freestyle and backstroke). I knew this would make the time go by much more quickly than just doing lap after lap after lap of freestyle.  I wasn't married to my plan, though, as I wasn't sure how many people would be in my lane and what their plans would be.

As it turned out, I shared my lane with a female triathlete who was around my age and an older male who was a former collegiate water polo player.  Both were a bit slower than me, but not much, and both knew proper lane etiquette, so we all did our own thing. They were done much earlier than I was, as they did 5,500-6,000 yards each, so I actually had my own lane for a good deal of the time that I was swimming.  Every so often Tracy would put someone else in my lane for a bit.  I just kept circle-swimming and trucking along.  My favorite set (which I did twice) was 10x100 on :10 rest, odds free/back, evens free/breast.  I also did 5x200, 400-300-200-100 ladder, 2x500.  Fuel-wise, I ended up using a GU about an hour in.  I sipped on GU Brew throughout.  I had a half of a Clif Bar about halfway through, and a banana about 3/4 of the way through.  I never felt like I needed energy... mostly I just felt bored!  Yep, swimming for that long was B-O-R-I-N-G.  I lived for the breaks I would take every 1000 yards, short as they were, just so I could chat with Steph for a couple of minutes.  

With 1000 yards to go, I decided to go ahead and try a challenge set of 5x100 free on 1:30, a set I can barely do during a one-hour workout, let alone after swimming for almost 3 hours already. Not sure what I was thinking, but after two repeats I scrapped that idea and just swam whatever for the final 800 yards.  I think the chlorine was having a weird effect on my brain or something!

The full swim of 10,000 yards ended up taking me 3 hours and 10 minutes.  I was pretty pleased with that time, and if I do this again, I'll definitely have a time goal of sub-three hours. (What, are you surprised?  I gotta have goals LOL!)  My "prize" for this swim: a certificate and a swim cap.  At least I'm not a huge bling person!  For me, this was more about doing something that I just wasn't sure if I could do. I knew when I ran my first 5K, my first half, my first full, that I would be able to finish. This swim, I just wasn't sure about it, especially given the time limit.  I love proving things to myself :)

Gearing up...

It's been a great 6 weeks... some time off, some running with new friends and friends who I hadn't ran with in awhile.  I love the weeks following a big race.  Running is relaxing.  There is no true plan or schedule.  I took a week off after my marathon, did a group run, realized I wasn't totally healed/recovered, and took another two weeks off.  So, actually, I've only been running again for about three weeks.  During my time off, I swam a few times a week, did BodyPump, and missed running.  I truly do love this sport.  More than anything, I missed my friends who I run with.  The bonds that I've forged with these women are extremely close, despite the short period of time I've known them.  Hours together on the road will do that!  So I was super-happy when I could start up running again, and I'm now back to where I was pre-injury, running four times a week with zero pain (knock on wood!). 

As soon as I finished my first marathon in Toledo last April, I just knew I'd return again in 2015.  I loved the race so much.  From the amazing women I met on the course, to the course itself (mostly flat), to the pretty route, to the super bling (finisher medal + first time marathoner medallion + glass mug), I knew I couldn't ask for more in a race.  Plus, I found out a few months later that Glass City is one of the top courses in USA for BQing, meaning a greater percentage of runners BQ at this race as opposed to other races.   That pretty much sealed the deal for me!  Oh, and did I mention it's CHEAP?!  Only $65 if you register before New Year's Day.  That rate is more typical of half-marathons, so this is a true deal.  I hype up this marathon to anyone who will listen... I kind of feel like I deserve a free entry, for all the people I've "recruited" to go in 2015 LOL!

Thus, I am "gearing up" (hence the title of this blog) for a huge spring marathon.  I could hardly wait to write up my training plan.  Things aren't really changing a ton.  I will still be running four times a week.  One run will be dedicated speedwork on the track or treadmill, or a tempo run (likely alternating weeks).  One run will be nice and easy, a full 2.5-3 minutes slower than my marathon race pace (something missing from my last training cycle, I know).  One run will be at my "happy comfy pace" (around 30-45 seconds slower than my marathon race pace).  And of course, one run will be long and easy (the "easy" part was missing from my long runs this past cycle).  I won't be going much more than 40 miles during my peak week of training, just like always.  I do plan on two 20-milers this cycle, as opposed to just one, which is what I did the last two cycles.  I will be adding in one swim per week with the local Master's team.  I've loved getting back into the water (more on that in a bit), and I know that cross training is extremely important for running.  I'm lucky that I have the talent in swimming and can use it to my advantage as a runner.  I will continue to do BodyPump once a week, because I love it AND because I can tell how much stronger I've gotten (especially my arms/upper body!) since I started it in June.  And lastly, I will continue to do the weekly core workout at my local running store, also because I love it and I know it's helping out a ton (a strong core is extremely important to runners as well).

So my training plan is laid out for the next 20 or so weeks.  I also have my racing plan all set.  I have two races that I plan on doing between now and April 26 (marathon day).  One is the Granville Winter Run.  This is the 15-miler that I did last year. It's on February 15th.  In Ohio, February is never a wonderful month, weather-wise. It's cold. It's usually snowy/slushy/icy.  And this race, if you recall, takes place in the beautiful, picturesque city of Granville, which is about 25-30 minutes east of Columbus... and which is known for its hills.  Not just nice little rolling hills,either   Big, crazy hills.  Very unlike where I train!  So why on earth am I running in it?  Really, it's the sheer badassery involved. I love pushing my body to its limits, knowing that few can really do a race this crazy.   Two 7.5-mile loops of insanity.  I will definitely need to get in some hill training before this one. My goal will of course be weather-dependent, but as long as the ground is clear and the wind chill is in the teens or higher, I'm hoping for a decent PR from last year. 

The second race is MUCH different.  It is actually going to be my very first out-of-state race!  I'm going to be traveling to Virginia Beach to race in the Shamrock Half Marathon on March 22nd.  This one took some planning.  My friend Andrea and I wanted to find a fast marathon in the middle of March to set me up for my full.  We looked into several, including one in New York and the Rock & Roll Half in Washington DC, but this one was the winner.  It's flat and fast, exactly what I like in a race.  The weather should be perfect.  The big thing is the distance... we'll be driving, of course, and obviously I'll be gone all weekend, so that will mean my hubby has to hold down the fort.  I'm happy he said okay, as I know this is going to be an epic weekend.  Andrea is one of my biggest mentors when it comes to running, and I cannot wait to spend three days with her and running what I hope to be a big PR.  That's the goal... to give me a big confidence boost so that I'm ready to rock my marathon five weeks later.  

Andrea and me, after a long run this past summer

I do have one more "race"... it's not really a race, but an event.  Next Sunday, I'll be participating in a distance swimming challenge.  Four hours, maximum distance is 10,000 yards.  I haven't swam that kind of yardage in a workout in about 17 years.  I haven't swam for more than an hour at a time in about 16 years!  So yes, this is truly going to be a challenge, especially since I'm going for the full 10,000 yards.  Crazy, I know... but I really want to push myself on this one.  It's all about the pacing, and staying relaxed.  Kind of like distance running!

 

Well, there you have it!  I'm super excited to begin this training plan.  I'm just starting it, of course, so the excitement level is high.  I hope I can stick with it, as I'm pretty sure that if I can, the results will make me a very happy runner.  

Columbus Marathon Race Recap (part 2)

Where did I leave off? Oh yes... the race was starting!  I didn't mean for the pre-race stuff to take an entire blog entry, but it's a big part of the race itself, and probably more interesting to you non-runners out there anyway.

So... amidst the fireworks and the (horrible) band playing, the gun went off.  It took us a good three minutes from the time the gun went off for my friends and I to actually go over the start line.  With thousands of people racing, though, that's to be expected.  Amy, Jess and I had planned to start out together, and even with all of other runners, we were able to stick together for the first two miles.  My only goal during those first few miles was to take it easy, keep at around an 8:30 pace, and get loose.  Most marathoners treat the first few miles as a warm-up.  At around 2.5 miles into the race, Jess looked back at me (she was about 5 feet in front of me at that point) and I urged her to go on. I was glad when she and Amy took off... I didn't want them to hold back, as they were doing the half and I knew they both had awesome races in them!  (And they did, both finishing in 1:48, and both going sub-1:50 for the first time ever!  Yay, awesome mamas!!!)

Pace-wise, the first several miles went about as perfect as I could have hoped for me.   Goal pace was 8:30 for three miles, 8:25 for three miles, and then dip to 8:20 and hold on for eight miles.  Here were my splits for miles 1-6:

Honestly, I couldn't believe how perfectly things were going. I felt amazing.  Alone, but amazing.  It was weird racing totally by myself. I mean, I was surrounded by people--runners, spectators, race crew members. But I wasn't "with" anyone.  At around mile 4 as we ran through Bexley, shortly before I took my first GU gel, I felt a light tap on my shoulder.  It was my MIT friend Carolyn's hubby, Steve.  We've been neck-and-neck on my last couple of races.  I knew his goal was the same as mine, and I was happy to see a familiar face. He urged me to slow down a bit, but I was on track with my pace and felt like I knew what I was doing, so I pushed on.  I was super-excited at around mile 5 or 6 when my good friend Tamara K. found me!   Tamara and I trained together for the past few months, but she is now 12 weeks pregnant with her third baby, and wasn't planning on a super-fast half marathon today.  She'd been looking for me, and it was so great to run for a bit with her.  After a few minutes, though, she told me that it was time for me to start hitting my 8:20 pace (she knew my goal!), so I left her behind and began to work towards some speedier miles.

I think this shot was taken somewhere in the first half of the race, based on how happy I look!

The first half of the race seriously flew by.   I had my music, and the crowd was great. I loved high-fiving the patient champions every mile.  There were some small inclines and declines, but mostly just flat Columbus roads.  I loved running through the city of Bexley, and then after that, right by where I work on Broad Street.  Running by Children's Hospital at around mile 9 was also really neat!  I was actually so distracted at that point that I forgot to take my second GU before the water stop.  I took it anyway, but ended up having yucky GU-mouth for almost two miles, until I got water about 1.5 miles later.   Other than this mishap, though, things were going swimmingly runningly, and before I knew it, the half-marathoners were turning off for their finish at around mile 12.6.  I looked at my watch at mile 13.1 and was ecstatic to see a 1:49:34.  Just a few seconds from my half PR!  I felt strong, but I knew things would be getting harder soon.  My official half split was 1:50:31.  Here were my splits for miles 7-13:

After mile 14, I had planned to start getting a bit faster, dipping into the 8:15's.   As I began to push my pace a bit, I started to get a few twinges in my calves.  This terrified me.  Calf cramps are no joke.  I never get them while training, but I almost had one at mile 25 in my first full in April. Thankfully it went away.  I also felt the same twinges during mile 12 of the Emerald City half marathon in August... again, thankfully, they didn't turn into an actual, full-on charley-horse.  This time, unfortunately, I wasn't nearly so lucky.

Definitely working harder here...

And this is where the story turns sour for me.  We ran through Ohio Stadium at mile 16.6.  Down the ramp, into the stadium, and back up the ramp.  It was exciting... but I think the steep decline/incline is what might have did me in.  According to the graph created by my Garmin (GPS watch), I first had to slow down due to calf cramps right after that, at mile marker 17.  It was only about 15-20 seconds of walking, but I was so upset. I couldn't believe that I'd had to walk.  But I was grateful that I hadn't needed to actually stop, and continued to attack the pace. And the 17th mile ended up being my fastest mile of the race, with an 8:09.  But just a mile later, the cramps came back.  I had to walk again.  And again.  And then, at mile 19.2 (again, all according to my trusty Garmin watch, as I really don't remember anything other than the fatigue and pain), I had to stop. Yes, I stopped.  I needed to stretch out my calves, as I knew the only way I could continue would be to get my tense legs to relax.  I'm sad to report that this was the first of 3 times during the final nine miles that I literally stopped in my tracks so that I could stretch out my calves.. Add that to the 7 total times that I didn't actually stop, but slowed to an easy walk for 20-30 seconds to work out the cramps that moved from my left calf to the arch of my foot, and you can see why this part of the race leaves me less than satisfied.  I tried drinking some Gatorade from water stops.  I even started walking each water stop, making sure that I was getting enough hydration.  Nothing helped.  I'd get rid of the cramps, and then within a half-mile or so they were back.   There wasn't anything I could do. Splits for miles 14-20:

I got a little pick-me-up when I had a strong split at mile 21, mostly due to a gradual decline in the course and no cramping.  At mile 20, I was still only a couple of minutes off of my goal pace, and I thought, wow, if I can just finish the last 6 strong, I could still go sub-3:40!  My hopes were dashed when again I had to stop at mile 21.6, and mile 24, with two walk breaks in that span as well.   By that point, I could feel myself running more gingerly.  I was worried with every step that my calf or foot would seize up again.  I wasn't able to push my pace like I normally do towards the end of a race, as I knew that would likely cause more cramping. I could only hope at that point that I'd be able to finish the race.  I will be honest, I was not in a good place. The tenths of a mile passed by every so slowly.  I would check my Garmin, praying the numbers had moved more.  I heard my little nephew Charlie yell "Go Aunt Marcie" at around mile 20 as we ran through Grandview, but I wasn't able to even look for him in the crowd... I just wanted to walk off of the course and quit. I've never felt like that before.  Those final few miles felt like they took hours. I'd walk a bit, stop if needed, then try to run some more... repeating this over and over again when the cramps would return. If this sounds miserable, well, it was.  Towards the end, any downhill part of the course would send my leg into spasms. I prayed for flat roads, cursing to myself each time that I'd have to walk a bit.  Of course, the final 10K of the race is basically downhill.  Not so wonderful for me... splits for miles 21-26.5:

My Garmin, of course, wasn't exactly on target with the mile markers.  Typically in a marathon, a Garmin will register between 26.3-26.5 miles, even if a runner is really good at running the tangents.  Mine ended up staying 26.50 as I crossed over the finish line.  

Only word to describe my face: relief.  I was SO done.

I did glance at it when it said 26.2 miles, and it said 3:41:51.  My final, official time in the race was a 3:44:29.  Just like always, I started to cry almost immediately after finishing.  These tears were tears of relief, though.  I thought that the race would never end.  Clink on this link to watch my race finish video (can't figure out how to embed it in the blog)... even a non-runner will be able to recognize the pain I was in at the finish, and also you can see me start to cry at the very end.  I was able to do some great fake smiles for the post-race photographers, though.  All of these proofs are from the marathon website, but I don't feel bad sharing them since I'll be buying them anyway :)

Jen taught me well... faking it :)

After I made my way through the finishers' chute, I didn't really know what to do.  I wasn't sure where any of my friends were.  I had heard a few friends cheering me on at the finish (ones who had ran in the half marathon), but I had no clue how to find anyone.  I didn't know how far behind me my other friends (Erin, Steph, Nicole, Becky) who had ran the full were.  Side note: they had great marathons!  Erin ran her first full in a 4:08, and the other three weren't far behind her!  I got my bag from gear check, as it had my phone in it.  I decided to go ahead and line up to hit the "PR Gong", and it was then that Andrea messaged me.  I'd completely forgotten that she would be at the race.  She and her partner Mary found me within a few minutes, and I don't think I've ever been happier to see people! 

Andrea and me... my joy upon seeing her is apparent in this picture.

After so many long, lonely miles without anyone around to talk to, and finishing such a difficult race, I only wanted to see a friendly face.  Andrea and Mary were like my angels, complete with fierce hugs and lots of congratulations.  Andrea, who is as competitive as I am, knew exactly how I was feeling, and of course knew exactly what to say to me to make it all feel better.  

Yay for a big PR!!!

After we got my picture hitting the gong, Andrea tracked our friend Jen and figured out where we could see her at mile 26, just before she finished.  It was so much fun cheering on the runners and waiting to see Jen.  Once she passed us and we took a few photos, we headed back to the post-race area and waited to meet up with Jen there. It was great to meet up and finally get that selfie with someone who's been there for me for almost a year of training for marathons.  I was excited to celebrate her 4-minute PR as well!

Two awesome PR's!  Love her!

Jen, Andrea and Mary left after that, but I was able to find Christine and Ashley in the finish area right around that time.  So proud of them for finishing their first marathons!!!

Christine wore my "Virgin Marathoner" BondiBand!

Then, I got a text from my favorite MITer, Stephanie. I had completely forgotten that she was there to cheer!  I quickly found her by the Fleet Feet tent and rehashed the race with her and a couple of my other awesome runner friends (Kim and Chris) who I've been doing core work with for the past couple of months.

Some of the most supportive runner pals ever!!!

Well, I was in no hurry to get home, but I knew my kids and hubby would be waiting for me, and Christine was in the same boat.  We actually made two (slow) trips back to the parking garage, as we were in her van pulling out when I remembered I'd prepaid to have my medal engraved with my name and time and had forgotten to have it done after the race!  So, we had to head back for that... but eventually, we were on the road back to Westerville.  

My take-aways from this race...

• I CAN go out strong in a race and not (totally) die.
• I CAN run a race and not negative-split, and still be successful.
• I can race 26 miles alone! Shocker!
• I have gotten faster in the past 6 months... a lot faster! 12 minutes is a PR to celebrate.
• I need to be more consistent with my tempo runs and speed work if I want to get even faster.
• I'm stronger--physically and mentally--than I realized.

As always... what is next?  Well, I'll tell you what's NOT next, at least not anytime in the near future: another race!  I am not planning on racing again till February.  November, December and January will be blissfully-race-free.  I'll be working back up to my normal four-days-a-week runs, and also doing BodyPump and swimming each once a week, plus core work on Sundays at Fleet Feet.  I'm super excited about fall/winter running.  I have amazing running friends at all paces, and I'm so excited to run just to run for a month or two!   

Of course, I do have races on my radar.   Definitely the Granville 15 miler in Feb, and perhaps a half marathon in March.  I feel like I need a fast half marathon to mentally get me ready for my next full.   When will that be, you ask?  Well, April 26, 2015, at no place other than the Glass City Marathon in Toledo!  I love this race and the course is about as perfect as one can ask for.   I've convinced my cousin Katie and a few other running friends to join me for at least the half marathon there this year--it's gonna be a party!  And that's exactly how I like it.

Columbus Marathon Race Recap: Part 1 (pre-race stuff)

Preface: Big reveal here: sometimes, I get a tad... wordy.  I know, I know, you're all shocked.   As I started to type this blog post, I quickly realized that it was going to be a long one.  Like, a REALLY long one.  So, I'm going to go ahead and try something new: a two-part series.  I hate cliffhangers, but most of you reading this likely already know how the story ends, so it's not really a cliffhanger!  And I promise I'll finish it in the next day or two.

I love quotes, and they often come to mind when I first start penning (typing) a new blog post.  So here's the one on my mind right now:  "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..." (A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens).   I have to admit, I have not read this book, but this quote is such an apt description of my latest race, I just have to use it. 

Just 10 days before the Columbus Marathon, I didn't even know if I was going to be able to run in it at all.  I was cleared to run on October 9th by my sports med doctor, Dr. Bright, after an MRI showed no sign of a stress fracture.  This was after 12 days of very little running at all, as Dr. Bright was fairly sure that's what was wrong with me. Thank goodness he was wrong.  I promised myself that I would practice gratitude during my marathon. Just to be able to run in it would be enough.   Of course, little old Ms. Competitive always gets in the way.  And then her twin sister, Ms. Big Mouth, made her appearance as well.  I just had to announce to the world in my most recent blog post that I was going to attempt to qualify for Boston on October 19th.  I've never been one to keep my goals private, not even as a competitive swimmer growing up.  I made it no secret when I was attempting to make my Junior National cut... year after year... after year, after year.  Yeah, that was fruitless.  But I digress.  Suffice to say, I've never been good about personal goals.  I'm not sure exactly why I like to tell others what I hope to do.  I think part of it is knowing that they will support me, help keep me on track.  I love to hear them say, "Oh, you can do that!"  Deep down, I'm not the most confident person in the world (shocking, I know!).  Hearing others build me up helps breed confidence in myself.

I spent the three days before the marathon with my family in Hocking Hills, at our annual family reunion.  

Obligatory picture of my adorable children on a hike

When I registered for Columbus back in April (the day after I finished my first marathon), I didn't realize that the race coincided with the family trip.  Fortunately, the festivities basically conclude every year on Saturday night with our final family dinner together, so I knew I wouldn't be missing much if I left to head back to Columbus that evening.  And that is exactly what I did, driving home by myself, stopping by my friend Christine's house to get my bib (which she had so generously picked up for me at the race expo, since it took place while I was in Hocking Hills), and getting to bed at a decent hour.  It actually was a pretty perfect scenario... my kids were all with my husband at the lodge still, so I didn't have to worry about anything other than me, myself and I.

No "Flat Marcie"... but here is my mantra band (courtesy of Jen), my grace band, and my Children's Champions tattoo.

I woke up at the now-common-for-me hour of 4:25 AM.  Actually, I was up at 3:45 AM, but snuggled under my blankets until 4:25 when I decided to start the day.   Breakfast was a bagel with peanut butter.  I chased down three ibuprofen as well, in preparation for the workout my body was about to get.  I had waffled about what to wear for the race.  With a starting temperature of sub-40 degrees, and a finishing temperature of only 43 degrees, I just wasn't sure if capris or shorts would be best.  I finally settled on capris with a tank and arm sleeves, and throw-away gloves, and this ended up being the perfect decision. 

My friend Christine picked me up at 5:15, just as we'd planned, and we headed downtown.  Parking was a total breeze, and by 5:45 we were sitting in the nearly-empty parking garage, chilling and chatting.  

Crickets... :)

I love Christine, she's so cool and laid-back.  She keeps me in check!  Plus, it helps that we lead parallel lives (five kids each, plus both middle school teachers!).  I ate a banana while Christine decided which hydration belt she'd be wearing.  After about 15 minutes, we decided to head over to the steps of the Nationwide building, where Christine's Sunday long run group was meeting.  Christine is one of Jen's training buddies, so of course I was thrilled to see Jen, as well as Stacey and Lyndsey.  Katie and Gretchen were there as well, so lots of hugs were shared (and a few pictures taken) before I headed off to meet my own training partners at the Hyatt nearby.

Christine and Gretchen sharing the space blanket I gave Christine from the Akron half

 

 

Not-so-great selfie with Grechen, Lyndsey and Christine (none with Jen yet--she's superstitious about that!)

I was quickly able to find Amy, Jess and Crissy, all members of my awesome Wednesday training group.  After a bathroom pit-stop, we headed to the meeting area where MIT was stationed. I was hoping to see some of my Glass City marathon buddies, and Crissy is in MIT so of course she wanted to see her coaches and training buddies.  I was so happy to catch sight of Carolyn and get a super-awesome pre-race hug.  I also got a great hug from my friend Erica, who was running in her first half-marathon.

Me and Erica!

Then I caught sight of Lori, another one of the crazies who meets at 4:30 (or earlier!) on Wednesday mornings to run with us. Lori is hilarious... so candid and always making the runs fun.  The five of us posed for a few pictures before we headed out to join the parade of runners journeying to the starting corrals.  

Love these mamas!

I gotta admit, this was one of the most annoying parts of the morning for me.  People were walking soooooo slowly!  I needed to check my gear bag, and I needed to pee.  Those two things had.to.happen before I got in my corral.  Seeing as I'd never before checked a bag at a race, I was a bit concerned.  Okay, that's putting it mildly... Lori will vouch for that.  I weaved my way around the slowly-walking racers and my friends had no choice but to chase after me.  I was on a mission LOL! 

It was all good when we finally found the gear check (ended up being such a simple process to check my bag!) and then entered our corral, B.  The portapotty line by corral B was long, but moving quickly, so Lori and I hopped in line while Amy, Jess and Crissy waited back in the corral.  All of a sudden, as we were standing in line, Lori spotted Erin, Nicole and Becky--also all members of our awesome Wednesday early-run group!  I have to admit, I almost peed my pants when I saw them.   I really thought we just weren't going to see each other before the race.  I mean, 18,000 runners... how would we ever find each other???  It was just pure luck.  Lots of squealing, and then of course portapotty-using, before we headed back to the corral to join our other friends. 

So happy to be starting the race with my friends!

Only about 10-15 minutes more of waiting before it was time to get the party started!  Lots of fireworks and then we were finally running!!!  

To be continued...