Look at me, I'm another blogger: Marathon

Showing posts with label Marathon. Show all posts

Saturday, January 25, 2014

When 58 seconds is more than 13 minutes

It's been a full week since I ran Maui Oceanfront. The toilet doesn't seem so low, the stairs don't seem so steep, and I'm an entire toenail lighter.

I'm done receiving 'likes' and 'favorites', and my friends have stopped texting about how awesome running a marathon is. To which I always reply, you don't have to be smart to run.

So here I sit, me and my Post Race Depression (PRD). It's the craziest thing, I didn't even train very long for this marathon, two and a half months to be exact. And I hired a coach so it was really easy, and besides running, took little effort on my end. So why am I so bummed? I pushed a human out of my body and within the year, made that same body run 26.2 miles. In 4 hours. Without an epidural. That shit's badass.

But I'm not happy. I really, REALLY wanted my time to have a three in the front. 3:59:59 would have made me so proud!

I ran a 4:00:57. My fastest previous time was a 4:13:47 which means I cut 13 minutes off my time. Baller! Except I don't feel like that. I'm so hung up on 58 seconds that I can't see how awesome 13 minutes is. Heck, my first marathon was a 4:50! Which should make me feel awesome except I always feel the need to qualify that time by interjecting that, 'it was the year they cancelled Chicago so yeah, it was hot'. Like anyone cares and like 90% of the population even knows the difference.

So every day for the past week I stare at my time, hoping that magically, it'll change. I read and reread my splits. Willing them to be faster. Remembering the course and different spots I could have picked up 20 seconds. Or 5. Going over the race and wondering how it could have been different.

But it doesn't change. No matter how long or hard I stare, 4:00:57 stares back. And this is why 58 seconds is longer than 13 minutes. It's lasted a week longer than if I had run a 3:59:59.

And maybe that's why I run? I run because it's fun and (though I need to keep reminding myself) 58 seconds isn't that big of a deal, it's closer to my goal than I've ever been and a hell of a lot closer than when I started. Running isn't based on one singular race, nor should it be. Running is the culmination of the heart and soul you put into your training, the sacrifices you make to prove you have what it takes. It's the couch to 5k program you sign up for or the Disney Dopey Challenge you complete, it's the friends you make and the swag you earn. It's not one race or one time, it's a lifestyle.

And, as we all know, the best way to kick PRD is to sign up for another race. Any thoughts?!!

Got some cross training in!

Girl after my own heart😍

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Maui Oceanfront Marathon or MOM

I'm not sure if it was the 13 min PR or running in paradise but, Maui Oceanfront Marathon (MOM) is one of my favorite races. The whales at mile 14 pretty much solidified that.

The cool thing about MOM are all the different running options and the fluidity of your registration and ease of changing events. Big thumbs up to the race director. He provides;

Point to point:

Early start marathon (4:30am)

Marathon (5:30)

15k

Out and back:

Half, 10k, 5k (some time, not 5:30, but I didn't look because I didn't really care)

Two days of packet pick up, one in each of the populated areas in Maui so that made it super easy to get. Nothing fancy but, you're on Maui, why do you want to waste time indoors at an Expo? I was in and out in 10 minutes AND I got to meet the race director, Les Wright (@runtahoerunmaui). If, for no other reason, sign up for this race for his emails, he's hilarious. I'm sure it's because it's a smaller race but, as far as race emails go, A+.

Festivities started at about 5:15 with a Hawaiian blessing which was dang cool. And I'm even pretty certain he wasn't just speaking jibberish. They played the conch, I got goosebumps and then we were off. They do have headlamps for sale, I didn't need one. The street is pretty well lit and enough people around you have them so you probably don't. AND! I got to meet some runner tweeps. @ericasara and @runrjr, they came to get married and decided to run too, too cute!

I've read comments (on active.com) from ppl who were complaining they didn't feel safe on the course, couldn't have been further from the truth, felt safe and comfortable the entire time (kind of a lie, I got pretty uncomfortable at mile 18 but can't blame the course for that). The road isn't closed and you run on the shoulder but traffic is courteous, plenty of cops and just tuck in behind someone bigger if you're really scared. Was super cool to see the moon reflecting off the ocean and to hear waves crash before the sun came up and ride started going back out.

The aid stations were great, I knew it was a small marathon so brought a fuel belt for peace of mind but really, besides carrying my gu and Energy bits, wouldn't have needed it. I can't believe how spunky our volunteers were at 6am! They do not offer any energy gel but do have clif(?) bars and other assorted goodies. Water and Ultima to drink.

It's pretty flat until about mile 11 then you hit some pretty aggressive hills through 16. That being said, I was more worried about them then I needed to be. Plus it's prime whale watching area so you're distracted. After 16 it's pretty flat until mile 25 where there's a slight uphill for maybe .5 miles then downhill and flat to the finish. The toughest part for me were the last 8, flat and direct sun. Plus there was no breeze. Make sure you wear sunscreen! Or run really fast so you don't have to bake like I did, lol!

I finally got to see whales at about mile 14, an awesome breech. Which is good because, unlike Pacific Whale Foundation, I don't think MOM offers refunds if I don't see a whale.

The medals are solid, the art is way cool and they're heavy duty. Can't wait to get my race poster framed. I got my race pics THE NEXT DAY! That's amazing. I attached one, don't have a manatee (sea cow, get it?) I'm buying them.

I think people who complain about this race are people who probably aren't happy about much. You're running. In paradise. What could you possibly be unhappy about?

This race came at the end of a two week trip in HI so yeah, maybe I shouldn't have eaten the Costco size bag of chocolate coconut covered macadamia nuts or snorkeled the day before the race, who knows. It's a great excuse to get to maui and run. Highly recommended.

Was shootings for 3:59:59 and ran a 4:00:57. A 13 min pr so for sure bummed there's not a three in the front but still happy!

Ran hard and safe for #megsmiles

You get a license plate holder!!!

Hawaiian Blessing at start

Me and my training buddy at the finish.

Post race photo op, I'm about as salty as the Ocean here.

My professional race pic, don't worry, I'm buying it.

Front

Back. Isn't it cute? The Island with our race route on it!

My splits, I forgot to stop my garmin. Stupid last four miles.

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

I ran 10 miles

I got on the treadmill even though I didn't want to. Went to Disney with the in-laws last week and I'm still exhausted. I wanted to sit in front of the tv and eat my Costco size bag of dried coconut while the baby snoozed. But. I didn't. I got dressed and thinking the baby would only sleep her usual 40 minutes, took off as fast as I could go thinking I'd eek out 3 miles, 4 if I was lucky. I hit 3, 4, and 5 easy. Baby hadn't moved once. So I figured as long as I went 5, I may as well do a 10k, then I hit 7, and 8 and once I hit 8 I wanted to hit 9 and eventually 10. Baby woke up at 9.37 miles so I put the pedal to the metal and ran a 2:53 last half mile. Longest I've gone since the baby's been here. Maybe I'll do a full. Yeah, probably.

I feel good now, we'll see how I feel tomorrow.

Ps, quit flippin' snowing! I can't do one more run on the treadmill!

Monday, April 16, 2012

Boston

If you're a runner, you know what I'm talking about. If you watch ESPN or pay attention to sports, you probably know what I'm talking about. If you live in Boston, you probably know what I'm talking about. What I'm talking about is BOSTON. It is one of few races that has succeeded in needing no introduction. It is the Madonna of Marathons.

I don't have to tell you I'm talking about Boston Marathon put on by the Boston Athletic Association that is the only race, which I'm aware of, to take place on a Monday. And not just any Monday, it's Patriot's Day, which is the third Monday of April. I also don't have to tell you this is the world's oldest marathon with some of the most major milestones, please see, first women to officially/unofficially run a marathon. Bobbi Gibb and Kathrine Switzer were there names and they changed the course of history for me and all my gal pal runners. I can't imagine a time where I wasn't lining up toe to toe with the guys. Bobbi unofficially ran the race in 1966 in 3:21 and Kathrine officially in 1967 in 4:20. These two ladies dared to break the gender mold we had previously been conformed to. I don't think it takes much to see why these two gals are some of my running heroes.

In order to run at Boston, you need to qualify. I know, seems crazy but that's how it is. You need to meet a predetermined time in order to even be considered for the race. Qualifying for Boston has always been in the back of my head. But I have to run fast, faster than I have ever run before. I have to run my 10k pace for 26.2 miles. I would have to cut 38 minutes off of my last marathon time of 4:13 I would have to go from 9:38's to 8's. Straight 8's. I feel like it's impossible but I know it isn’t. I know it's not going to happen this year but, maybe, just maybe, it'll happen next year. Or the year after. It's a goal I'm never going to give up on which is fun, it gives me something to shoot for instead of just running another race, another long run, another speed workout.

It'll happen some day, I'm sure of it, and when it does, I'll rejoice in the fact that I trained my hardest and ran my hardest and to me, it'll be a victory even if I don't win the race.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

30 Day Challenge, Day 7

Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you

My most prized possession, a picture of my
dad and I after my very first road race.

I guess this is a something but it includes a lot of someones. It's running. Obviously.

I started running track in 6th grade with my first 5k December 31st, 1993. I think I've always been a runner, for as long as I can remember it's something I've always loved to do. It was my parents go spurned my interest so many years ago. My dad was a runner and since it was just my sister and I, I think I kind of took it up as a way for us to bond. He was never going to have a son to watch play football but at least this was something we could do together. For years as a child I went to road races with my mom and dad and I just remember how proud I was after dad finished.

When I told my mom and dad I wanted to run the End of the Year Run they both encouraged me to train but I thought I was probably fine. Sure enough I finished and sure enough I puked. It was the first and only race that happened. Perhaps I've just never pushed my self that hard since?

I have been a runner since that day. I ran track and CC in high school And CC in college. I ran my first half marathon(Gary Bjorkland, Duluth) as a HS Junior and have never looked back. During college, I used it as time out of my dorm/apartment, to fight the freshman (sophomore/junior/senior).15, as a time to reflect, to battle depression, and it served (and still does) as my time to thank God for life. Being outside running is my favorite kind of church. Running, quite literally, kept me alive in college.

It wasn't until 2007 when, bored with work and my love life, I let my RBFF (running best friend forever) talk me into my first marathon. She sent me a link to the race route with the subject line, "it's like a walk in the park". We trained like nothing else mattered and I finished Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon, my first full, in 4:50. (allegedly times were 30 minutes slower due to the heat and humidity. Allegedly.) like every running milestone before this. I was hooked. I ran Grandma's June, 2008 (4:39), San Francisco August, 2008 (4:48) and had signed up for Whistlestop that fall but had to pull out due to a pulled hip flexor. I took a break after that and stuck to halves. I've traveled with RBFF (whose name also happens to be Beth, we're Beth squared when we run races!) to Indy half, San Fran, Wisconsin Uff Da half, and Grandma's. I ran the inaugural brained half in 2008 during a blizzard on April 26th with birdie, mom and I have gone together to AZ for R'n'R where it reached 90 degrees. One of my favorite races was Governor's cup in Helena while there on vacation with the fam.

There really isn't any way I could have continued to be a runner without my family. Dad got me started and coached me, mom is my biggest cheerleader, driving behind me in the car with the headlights so I could run in the dark, she would drop me off so I could see new terrain, she checks on me with water and sunscreen during long runs and is always positive. Mom and dad showed up to every race, I couldn't have asked for better cheerleaders. My sissy has always been there and she has been blessed with my two newest fans who were born just in time to watch auntie run this October.

I have a newfound fan in my faithful Husby after I ran a marathon this fall with only one 20. I pr'd by 16 minutes and ran a 4:13. I think he believes me now when I say running is a sport. As most runners know, it takes a patient husband or wife to put up with race training and mine has been the best.

I also need to send a shout out to MAPMYRUN, I have used that site/app for 90% of my runs over the last 6 years. They have created an invaluable service to me and just wanted to say thanks!

Running teaches me focus and dedication, persistence and patience. It provides camaraderie across continents, states, cities, and neighborhoods. There is no failing in running, every day is a new day. I believe that in running and in life, you just need to keep putting one foot in from of the other.

I love running and I love the person it has made me.