Look at me, I'm another blogger: Race

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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.

Thursday, April 25, 2013

My first (non-virtual) race of the year!

It's on! I had originally signed up for the Kentucky Derby Half but plans changed and we aren't flying out until Monday after the race. Can't say I'm not bummed, especially after a 10mi @7:46 pace! Since I'd already done all this training, I thought I may as well run something else, especially since I think (hope) winter is finally over in MN.

This weekend marks the 36th running of the biggest race in MN, Get in Gear. It's kind of like our kick off to the racing season. I did in store registration at Marathon Sports because you could pick up your packet there AND receive an $15 off coupon! (Who can't use an extra pair of Asics?!) I'm officially signed up for my first 10k since last January and first real live race since last September. I've been logging great miles (while on the treadmill, they've been speedy) and the weather is supposed to be 68 and sunny.

I can't wait to see how my body reacts to a race after having a baby! Wish me luck!

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

She's back & pics

Do you ever feel so bored you don't feel like doing anything? That's kind of how I've felt the last month. I don't know why. The weather here in MN is FABULOUS, got to spend a week in FL with the LOML, I've been running REAL fast, pretty much a whiz at WWF (Words with friends, but like I needed to tell you), my tiny tower has 72 floors, my house is pretty clean. Everyone is pretty healthy... I've just been so bored! So much has happened that I should want to blog about but every once in a GREAT while I feel like social media is running my life and I need a break. I don't tweet, facebook, pin, check-in, blog, instragram... You name it, I don't do it. Now I have a TON of pics I can't wait to show you.

I probably should have blogged about a new recipe husb and I came up with or the fun brunch we had with my family last weekend. The face that we've owned KY stores for a year. Speaking of KY, UK Wildcats pride! Baseball is starting. The babies are getting teeth and eating baby cereal. Our baby sitch, or lack thereof. My March Run stats... I mean, kind of a big month. I'll just post pics instead. They're way more entertaining.

PS, we'll be in NYC end of June and I want to do a race, preferably around Manhattan so if you know of anything, let me know.