Last night we had a "time trial".
The object was to find out how we should pace ourselves for our long, slow distance runs. We divided into event again (so I was running with the SF marathoners). Beginners did one loop of the Reservoir, Intermediates did 2 loops and Advanced did 3 loops. We were told that each loop was about 1.5 miles. (Turns out it is actually 1.58 miles, but who's counting :). The coaches were going to run the first loop with us and then call out times for any subsequent loops. The object was not to run fast, but to run at our comfortable long distance pace. We should be able to talk to our neighbor easily and without much effort (this was, in fact, encouraged).
Since the Reservoir loop gets pretty crowded, we also broke into approximate pace groups. I went with Coach Pete who was running with the 9:00 milers.
The first loop felt great. I was talking to the coach almost the entire time. He asked me if it felt like a 9:00 mile because he had already run this morning and felt like his pacing was off. I said it did, but the fact is, I think I am adjusting to this new pace as well. At the 1 mile marker we were at 8:40. Whoops.
When he stopped at the first loop I realized that the rest of our group had dropped back significantly. I was running by myself, which made me crazy, because I was afraid my pacing would fall off.
But I shouldn't have worried. Soon, this other girl from our group caught up with me and we ran the next loop together. I was chatting with her about all of her marathons (this is her 9th) including her 2x running Boston. (Yes, Boston.) And what do you know? I found myself speeding up. Like, a lot. But I didn't realize it until we got to the end of the loop and I couldn't talk as easily. (Yay for the talk test.)
Pete called out a 27:06, which I thought was for 3 miles flat, and I was like, "NO WAY." Because if I took out the first mile at 8:40, and felt like I sped up on the next two miles I didn't think that was possible. (Turns out if you figure it out for 3.16 miles it is more like a 8:34 pace, which was much closer to my head calculations.)
I let Speedy Speedster go ahead of me for the next lap and ran by myself again in a much more comfortable "me" pace.
I have no idea what I netted out at because Pete wasn't there when I got back (turns out that only me and Boston Girl did the three loops). Everyone else was stretching on the dirt.
It would have been nice to know what pace I had for that last lap, but I am pretty sure that it was somewhere in the neighborhood of an 8:50 mile.
We'll see what this means for my long slow runs. I just have to remember that "talk test".
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
Faster Than I Thought
This weekend was our first Saturday group training run. On Saturdays we practice LSD, known to marathoners as "long, slow, distance". Ramon reminded us that we should feel good and be able to talk to our neighbor.
Since I am still in my 2-week recovery plan from the last marathon I decided to run with the 10-minute pace group instead of the 9-minute pace group. Unfortunately within this group there were only two other people who planned on doing the longest distance (which was 6 miles). No big deal, just not as fun, because I now like talking while I do my long distance runs.
It was crowded in the park.
Not only was it a Saturday morning, but it was also the Saturday morning on the Healthy Kidney run which is one of the largest NYRR races. It had 10,000 runners. So navigating was sort of an issue.
Ramon told us we had to be two across and no more, but this was exceedingly difficult because my group had a very long explanation of our workout, which meant we left after the 11-minute mile group, which meant we were actually running slower than 11-minute miles. Throw in a bunch of Healthy Kidney runners, who were actually walkers at this point in the race and it becomes a navigating nightmare.
Ramon was yelling at us because we were all breaking the two across rule. When Coach Sandy explained to him why this was happening he told us we should pass. So I did. I tried to stay with the group but it still felt painfully slow. So at the 102nd street turnoff I asked the group if anyone was doing the whole 6 miles. People kind of scoffed at this, like "no way!". I looked around for the other two people that I knew were doing the full loop but didn't see them, so I figured I was free to pace at what felt best to me.
Curiosity got me and I started paying attention to the Healthy Kidney mile markers because I didn't have my GPS with me. I felt like I was doing a steady 10:00 pace.
Unfortunately when I hit the first one, I kind of forgot what my last clock marker read. I guess I was in "the zone". I was either doing a 10:20 or a 9:20, I figured that it was the former and decided to really remember my number for the next mile.
My next mile was a 9:00.
And so was my next mile.
My last mile was a 9:10 but that is because I basically had to walk through the finishing area on the west side of the park because it was so crowded.
The thing is, I felt great the entire time and I felt like I was running easy.
So I guess that clinches it for me. I need to run with the 9:00 pace group. Because even if I am the last one in the group it is better to be in the back of the group than struggling to hold back.
Since I am still in my 2-week recovery plan from the last marathon I decided to run with the 10-minute pace group instead of the 9-minute pace group. Unfortunately within this group there were only two other people who planned on doing the longest distance (which was 6 miles). No big deal, just not as fun, because I now like talking while I do my long distance runs.
It was crowded in the park.
Not only was it a Saturday morning, but it was also the Saturday morning on the Healthy Kidney run which is one of the largest NYRR races. It had 10,000 runners. So navigating was sort of an issue.
Ramon told us we had to be two across and no more, but this was exceedingly difficult because my group had a very long explanation of our workout, which meant we left after the 11-minute mile group, which meant we were actually running slower than 11-minute miles. Throw in a bunch of Healthy Kidney runners, who were actually walkers at this point in the race and it becomes a navigating nightmare.
Ramon was yelling at us because we were all breaking the two across rule. When Coach Sandy explained to him why this was happening he told us we should pass. So I did. I tried to stay with the group but it still felt painfully slow. So at the 102nd street turnoff I asked the group if anyone was doing the whole 6 miles. People kind of scoffed at this, like "no way!". I looked around for the other two people that I knew were doing the full loop but didn't see them, so I figured I was free to pace at what felt best to me.
Curiosity got me and I started paying attention to the Healthy Kidney mile markers because I didn't have my GPS with me. I felt like I was doing a steady 10:00 pace.
Unfortunately when I hit the first one, I kind of forgot what my last clock marker read. I guess I was in "the zone". I was either doing a 10:20 or a 9:20, I figured that it was the former and decided to really remember my number for the next mile.
My next mile was a 9:00.
And so was my next mile.
My last mile was a 9:10 but that is because I basically had to walk through the finishing area on the west side of the park because it was so crowded.
The thing is, I felt great the entire time and I felt like I was running easy.
So I guess that clinches it for me. I need to run with the 9:00 pace group. Because even if I am the last one in the group it is better to be in the back of the group than struggling to hold back.
Friday, May 15, 2009
I Love Carbs!
...apparently a lot more than I thought I did.
I have now been tracking my nutrition for almost a week and I just can't seem to get that ratio of 50% carbs 25% protein and 25% fat. My intake looks more like 60-65% carbs, 18-23% protein and 16-24% fat. What is crazy is that I have really been laying off of the candy, cupcakes and other assorted sweets that I usually consume daily. I don't even want to think about what my totals used to look like.
I haven't really noticed a change in energy or anything, but that could be because I am still consuming massive amounts of carbs :)
My group run tomorrow coincides with the Healthy Kidney 10K in Central Park (which is a HUGE race) so that should be interesting. On the schedule it says it's a "Get to Know the Park" Run. I'm hoping that means trails and waterfalls like last year. That was fun. I'm not holding out any hope though because last week was a "Get to Know the Park" Run too, and we just ran the lower loop.
I have now been tracking my nutrition for almost a week and I just can't seem to get that ratio of 50% carbs 25% protein and 25% fat. My intake looks more like 60-65% carbs, 18-23% protein and 16-24% fat. What is crazy is that I have really been laying off of the candy, cupcakes and other assorted sweets that I usually consume daily. I don't even want to think about what my totals used to look like.
I haven't really noticed a change in energy or anything, but that could be because I am still consuming massive amounts of carbs :)
My group run tomorrow coincides with the Healthy Kidney 10K in Central Park (which is a HUGE race) so that should be interesting. On the schedule it says it's a "Get to Know the Park" Run. I'm hoping that means trails and waterfalls like last year. That was fun. I'm not holding out any hope though because last week was a "Get to Know the Park" Run too, and we just ran the lower loop.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Sweeper!
Last night we had our first Tuesday group session, and I got to play sweeper.
What does this mean?
Basically I had to make sure everyone in the group was accounted for and didn't get lost. I'm actually really glad we have sweepers because I know last year I was one of the ones lagging behind in the advanced group and I was always worried that everyone would leave and my bag wouldn't be watched, or I would be running alone in the dark in Central Park. So I am happy to have sweeper duty if it means that everyone is looked after.
Last night was kind of tricky though, because we were grouped by event instead of level. This meant that I was sweeping for beginners, intermediates and advanced runners. We were also doing all different workouts (that all started on the same course, it's just that the beginners dropped out earliest, the intermediates did an extra loop and the advanced did an extra two loops).
I basically ran at the back of the pack, until one girl just couldn't run anymore. She was really discouraged and frustrated. I talked to her as we ran and just tried to reassure her that it takes a lot of time to learn how to run a marathon, and that we have a whole 6 months to train. So then I walked with her until her turn around, walked halfway back to the beginning with her (so that she knew where she was going) and the turned around and ran back to the Reservoir. There, I ran an entire loop because the coaches told me that all the advanced runners had already started their second loop.
When I got to the beginning though they said "Just kidding!" Apparently a few runners had been lapped and weren't accounted for, so we waited for them (the coach said she expected them in about 7 minutes, so I couldn't really start a new loop...they are 1.7 miles each).
Coach Sandy and I waited for the last girl and jogged in with her.
So, I didn't exactly get my 5 mile workout in (I would estimate that I got about 3 miles running and 1 mile walking) but that's ok.
I liked meeting some of the new runners and it was fun to remember training for my first marathon and everything that I went through.
Tonight (as long as I get out of work on time,) I am going to get in an easy 5 miles.
What does this mean?
Basically I had to make sure everyone in the group was accounted for and didn't get lost. I'm actually really glad we have sweepers because I know last year I was one of the ones lagging behind in the advanced group and I was always worried that everyone would leave and my bag wouldn't be watched, or I would be running alone in the dark in Central Park. So I am happy to have sweeper duty if it means that everyone is looked after.
Last night was kind of tricky though, because we were grouped by event instead of level. This meant that I was sweeping for beginners, intermediates and advanced runners. We were also doing all different workouts (that all started on the same course, it's just that the beginners dropped out earliest, the intermediates did an extra loop and the advanced did an extra two loops).
I basically ran at the back of the pack, until one girl just couldn't run anymore. She was really discouraged and frustrated. I talked to her as we ran and just tried to reassure her that it takes a lot of time to learn how to run a marathon, and that we have a whole 6 months to train. So then I walked with her until her turn around, walked halfway back to the beginning with her (so that she knew where she was going) and the turned around and ran back to the Reservoir. There, I ran an entire loop because the coaches told me that all the advanced runners had already started their second loop.
When I got to the beginning though they said "Just kidding!" Apparently a few runners had been lapped and weren't accounted for, so we waited for them (the coach said she expected them in about 7 minutes, so I couldn't really start a new loop...they are 1.7 miles each).
Coach Sandy and I waited for the last girl and jogged in with her.
So, I didn't exactly get my 5 mile workout in (I would estimate that I got about 3 miles running and 1 mile walking) but that's ok.
I liked meeting some of the new runners and it was fun to remember training for my first marathon and everything that I went through.
Tonight (as long as I get out of work on time,) I am going to get in an easy 5 miles.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Right Back Into It
Ok, I know this sounds weird, but I think that jumping right back into running is making my knee better.
I did my first run since the marathon on Sunday. It was a 5 miler, and I knew that if my knee was hurting I had a day to recover before my next practice (which is tonight). I, of course, took it easy, and I didn't run on the road, but the bridal path in Central Park instead. I fully expected my knee to hurt afterwards and then to really hurt on Monday. But that didn't happen.
So, I went on with Ramon's schedule for the advanced group, and instead of taking a night off (like the beginners and intermediates did), I did my cross-training.
My knee is still fine.
Not even a tweak.
I'm wondering if it was just too much distance, too fast. I mean, I did have to ramp up my mileage quite a bit to run the marathon since my schedule was all over the place this winter and I didn't really train properly. So I am just going to take it easy with the speed, stick to the schedule, STRETCH and stay extra vigilant about my knee pain.
My mileage for this week is pretty even, so I'm hoping my body can get used to it fairly easily. If not, I'll take a rest night or knock back the mileage.
Tonight I have a 5-miler with the TNT group. I signed up to be a sweeper for the intermediate/advanced group so that it would force me to take it easy (the sweepers hang at the back of the group and make sure no one is left behind). Tomorrow and Thursday are both 5-milers. Friday is off and Saturday is 6-7 miles. So, a 25-26 mile week already. That seems like a lot to me.
We'll see how it goes.
I did my first run since the marathon on Sunday. It was a 5 miler, and I knew that if my knee was hurting I had a day to recover before my next practice (which is tonight). I, of course, took it easy, and I didn't run on the road, but the bridal path in Central Park instead. I fully expected my knee to hurt afterwards and then to really hurt on Monday. But that didn't happen.
So, I went on with Ramon's schedule for the advanced group, and instead of taking a night off (like the beginners and intermediates did), I did my cross-training.
My knee is still fine.
Not even a tweak.
I'm wondering if it was just too much distance, too fast. I mean, I did have to ramp up my mileage quite a bit to run the marathon since my schedule was all over the place this winter and I didn't really train properly. So I am just going to take it easy with the speed, stick to the schedule, STRETCH and stay extra vigilant about my knee pain.
My mileage for this week is pretty even, so I'm hoping my body can get used to it fairly easily. If not, I'll take a rest night or knock back the mileage.
Tonight I have a 5-miler with the TNT group. I signed up to be a sweeper for the intermediate/advanced group so that it would force me to take it easy (the sweepers hang at the back of the group and make sure no one is left behind). Tomorrow and Thursday are both 5-milers. Friday is off and Saturday is 6-7 miles. So, a 25-26 mile week already. That seems like a lot to me.
We'll see how it goes.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Say Goodbye to Your Drinking Friends!
Today we got our May schedule for Team in Training and that is what it says for today. I actually think it is a bit of an exaggeration...well, for now. I mean, Saturday practices are at 9am. That isn't too bad. But we do ramp up again pretty quickly. I mean, by the end of the month I am already running 8 miles again.
Anyway, one of my goals this year is to get FAST.
So one of the steps I am taking to do this is eating like a runner should. To do this, I figured I should actually figure out what I am eating now, and what I should be eating. So I tracked my nutrition yesterday.
According to Runner's World, I should be consuming 1820 calories a day to maintain my weight of 140 lbs. 50% of my diet should be carbs, 25% protein, 25% fat.
The results from yesterdays totals were surprising to me...
Calories: 1797
Wow. Not enough calories...even with a chocolate egg I scarfed down because I got hungry while the oven was pre-heating for dinner.
Carbs: 62%
Really? Whoops! I had no idea I ate so many carbs. I mean I didn't even have anything that I would consider "full of carbs". I considered myself to have eaten pretty healthily yesterday (minus that chocolate egg).
Protein: 18%
Definitely need more protein, but I already knew that. Having peanut butter midday helped me out there.
Fat: 20%
The surprise there was that it wasn't more. I think if you would have done these totals 2 years ago that number would be much higher, but luckily Bill has steered me along the right path when it comes to consuming less fat.
I am really going to try to be vigilant about keeping track of all of this as well as paying attention to my energy levels. I think this whole nutrition this is a big miss for me and could make me go faster if I am smarter about it.
This probably includes saying goodbye to my drinking friends as well :)
Anyway, one of my goals this year is to get FAST.
So one of the steps I am taking to do this is eating like a runner should. To do this, I figured I should actually figure out what I am eating now, and what I should be eating. So I tracked my nutrition yesterday.
According to Runner's World, I should be consuming 1820 calories a day to maintain my weight of 140 lbs. 50% of my diet should be carbs, 25% protein, 25% fat.
The results from yesterdays totals were surprising to me...
Calories: 1797
Wow. Not enough calories...even with a chocolate egg I scarfed down because I got hungry while the oven was pre-heating for dinner.
Carbs: 62%
Really? Whoops! I had no idea I ate so many carbs. I mean I didn't even have anything that I would consider "full of carbs". I considered myself to have eaten pretty healthily yesterday (minus that chocolate egg).
Protein: 18%
Definitely need more protein, but I already knew that. Having peanut butter midday helped me out there.
Fat: 20%
The surprise there was that it wasn't more. I think if you would have done these totals 2 years ago that number would be much higher, but luckily Bill has steered me along the right path when it comes to consuming less fat.
I am really going to try to be vigilant about keeping track of all of this as well as paying attention to my energy levels. I think this whole nutrition this is a big miss for me and could make me go faster if I am smarter about it.
This probably includes saying goodbye to my drinking friends as well :)
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
When Pigs Fly
Instead of making a million little posts like I usually do for these marathons, I am just going to make one humongous post. Sorry :)
Here. I'll make it easier by making sub-categories.
The Expo
I know. I know. No one wants to know about the expo. But, I think it is worth mentioning, because last year, Bill and I were in and out of it in 15 minutes. I wasn't all that impressed.
This year it is like an honest-to-goodness real expo!
I swear, the expo was about 8x bigger than it was last year! I take this to mean that the Flying Pig is becoming more popular, which makes me happy!
And of course, I got some cute stuff. Being someone who works in branding, I can truly appreciate how consistently the FP is branded. I picked out a black hoodie with a pink pig on the front. My NYC friends went crazy too, buying all kinds of cute stuff (Gina's baseball cap has a pig's tail on the back), which we all wore to the airport :)
They also had messenger bags this year, which I didn't like at first, but now I actually love.
The Start
It was quite rainy this year, but I think this worked to my advantage.
1. I didn't have to worry about horrible sunburn.
2. It stayed nice and cool out.
3. People seemed to be waiting longer to get to the start.
This last one was awesome, because when Bill and I got to Paul Brown Stadium I was able to walk right into the bathrooms. In fact, I was able to use the indoor bathrooms twice before running, which is great. It allowed me to run the entire race without stopping, which is a first for me, and HUGE because I get so antsy about the time I am wasting at Port-o-lets.
Bill and I followed Coach Ramon's trick and lined up a minute ahead of where we should be. This put us with the 9:00 mile runners. In a way, this makes me feel guilty. Obviously people are corralled in certain areas for a reason. And I hate when people slow me down, so I don't want to be the person slowing them down either.
However, I also remember the two previous Pig starts where I lined up appropriately and ended up plowing over walkers (who were NOT 10 minute milers).
Luckily, I think we were in the right spot. Everyone around us was doing about a 10 minute pace.
Into Kentucky
I actually felt good at the beginning of the race. Much better than usual. My goal was to keep a little more than a 10:00 pace for the first 10 miles and to stay consistent.
(Side note: After the expo on Saturday, we met the NYC friends at Fountain Square for some Graeter's. Gina asked Bill "Uh, are you confident that she's going to be able to pace you?" I was like "HEY! What do you mean? I am an excellent pacer!" Gina laughed and was like "I don't think so!" I backpedalled. "I totally am, just not at marathons. Oh. Right." I guess someone knows me too well. Hee hee.)
I was actually quite good at keeping pace. I don't have my watch right now, but from memory: our first mile was about 10:20, our second 10:23, our third 10:03, our fourth 10:06.
I remembered how awful the hills were, and I think because Bill and I were chatting they actually didn't seem that bad. The bridge from Covington into Cincy was the best surprise of all, because the hill was over much sooner than I remembered it.
Oh yes. And a band was playing Van Halen's "Jump". One of my all time favorite running songs.
Downtown into Eden Park
(That's Bill in the blue, and me next to him on the right)
Downtown was exciting because I got to run by where I used to work and that made me happy. In fact, I have lots of happy memories of downtown (some of them from running) so those endorphins were completely helping me forget about what was to come.
I think we logged some kind of 9:00 pace here. Whoops. But we pulled back into our 10:00 pace for the next mile. I couldn't believe I was already on my first GU.
I tried a new strategy with my fuel...since there were a million water stops, I decided to take my GUs on the 5, 10, 15 and 20 exactly. That way I didn't have to mess with GU and drink at the same time, saving time. There was always a water stop close by, so I never had to worry. It actually worked perfectly!
I also saw my Cincy friends here cheering! Yay! More endorphins!
Then I saw my parents and sister! Even more endorphins!
As I was running onto the Gilbert ramp I was trying really hard not to think about Eden Park. Btw, did they change the course? I swear we used to be in that limbo between Downtown and Eden Park for much longer.
I warned Bill that our next mile was going to be slower, but that was ok.
Eden Park
I was looking for the half marathon elites, but couldn't clap this year because I felt I needed to save energy for the hills that we don't have in NYC. (Sorry, elites.) I was in total concentration mode.
More Cincy friends!
The hill before Mirror Lake? Cake! I just kept thinking "tiki tiki tiki" (short, even, efficient strides) and powered through it. Amazingly? We logged a 10:12!
Then on the hill I was dreading most (by Krohn Conservatory) I see pink at my elbow and here "Emily and Bill! I hate you!" It was Gina. She hated the hills. Bill reminded her that we had told her that they suck. She said that was true, and fair enough. I told her that once she was past the eagle statue the worst of the hills were over. We climbed that hill. It was nothing! I told Gina about my stellar pacing and she was happy.
At the circle we had to break up because she was going to speed away for her half marathon PR :) I told her I wasn't going to lie to her, there were more hills to come, but that the worst were over.
I was so glad we got to see her.
I couldn't believe we were already in Walnut Hills! Bill and I were pacing great and felt pretty good!
O'Bryonville into Hyde Park
I was a little nervous about the hills to come. I knew the worst was over, but in my head I was remembering all of the rest of the hills in the course.
I passed by Bob's which made me happy. Yay! The Cincinnati mecca of running!
Bill stopped for a bio break and we broke apart for awhile. I was hoping he could catch up soon without working too hard and getting too far off pace.
I saw my family again at Hyde Park Square. Hurrah!
I also saw the Scooby Snax girl which made me happy even though I didn't take any of her Jolly Ranchers. I kept feeling like I had to pee when I saw Port-o-lets, but then I was fine after passing them. Funny what the brain does to you...
Still on pace.
Mariemont
(Smiling and happy in Mariemont)
Ok. I only remembered one hill in Mariemont.
This was a lie.
There were lots of hills in Mariemont. So it was a good thing that Bill and I still felt good.
We passed the guys giving out beer. We saw my family again (twice). We saw Bill's grade school teacher. We saw a little girl holding a sign that said "Your feet hurt because you are kicking ass." Bill thought it said "butt" but it didn't. Which made us laugh.
The miles were flying by, and when we passed 16 I couldn't believe it. I told Bill "10 miles to go! That's nothing!" And for the first time that I've said that, I actually felt it.
After the water stop by the bike trail (I stopped, Bill didn't) I lost Bill for awhile. And I felt like I was going fast. And then I kept seeing the distance between us widen. I got panicky.
We HAD to SLOW DOWN.
I couldn't help it anymore and yelled "BILL!"
That mile was a 9:28.
I was like "We have GOT to slow down. We can speed up when we get to 20 if we feel like it."
We slowed down. 9:56. Perfect. We were right on track for these past few miles (minus that one), logging 9:50s.
Tumbleweeds a.k.a. Columbia Parkway to River Road
I hate this part of the marathon.
Really. Really. Really. Hate. It.
For one, no one is there cheering (except for a small stretch by Delta). Secondly, this is where everyone's body breaks down. Because of this, it is hard to stay focused....you can't help but feel awful when people are wheezing, walking, passing out (for real), crying all around you. Also, there is no scenery (you are running on a freaking highway).
I was getting panicky at mile 18, but I didn't know why. I wasn't really feeling badly yet physically, but it was just this awful forboding thing. They were handing out GU here, and I took a vanilla one and then had this huge mental debate in my head about what I should do with it. Should I waste energy and put it in my pocket? Should I eat it now? Where was the next water stop? My stomach was growling, was that for real or a mind game? If I held it in my hand would my arm get tired? Should I just eat it? No. I should wait until 20. But what if I needed it now?
ARGH.
I now see this as where I lost it in the race because my mental facilities were obviously compromised.
I also noticed Bill breathing really hard.
We saw my family again. Bill was like "Smile and wave and pretend this doesn't suck!" We did. My parents think this is funny now because they were thinking "Wow. They look so good! Not tired at all!"
(We are good liars)
Now my toes were hurting. My knee was hurting. My back/abs/quads/hamstrings hurt, but not as much as my knees and my toes. The miles were no longer flying by.
Bill was struggling, so I decided not to shut up. I kept trying to help him by telling him things like "Really, mile 20-22 is the worst. After that, it's not as big of a deal." (True.) And "Just one more loop around Central Park by cutting off at 102nd...AND cutting off at 72nd!" "You are doing awesome. I am so proud of you." I meant for this to be encouraging, but I could tell it was annoying. He told me very nicely to stop talking to him. That made me laugh a little inwardly because I was thinking "I guess the shoe is on the other foot. Now he knows why I get so mad when he doesn't shut up :)" I think this was also because I was a little delirious.
I wanted to stop so badly.
We logged an 11:03 and I didn't even tell Bill because I knew he would freak out.
I tried to speed up a little. I knew that if I just resigned myself to a comfortable speed that I would never finish. And I knew that we could do it. Our next mile was a 9:56. I felt so much better. I felt like I could finish this thing on pace!
Bill felt like hell. He panicked and asked me what to do because he hurt so bad. I told him to keep running because walking would make it worse and we were almost there (mile 23?). He did for a minute or so and then said it hurt way too much, he was walking. I walked with him. He asked me what to do. I told him we were going to walk to the next mile marker and start running again. We were going to take water at the next stop and take it slowly.
We did this.
But.
When we started up again my knee was AWFUL. It was the most pain I have ever been in, running. Bill was a little in front of me and I didn't want him to know. I couldn't help it. It was so painful. I started sobbing, LOUDLY. I think I freaked him out.
We decided I was not walking anymore.
Which is how Bill and I ended up not finishing together. :(
When he had to walk again he told me to go on. If it wasn't for my knee I wouldn't have listening to him. He said he'd catch up to me in 10 seconds. So, when I saw our NYC friends (who came back to cheer after their half marathons) at the end I told them to get Bill and gestured behind me. Gina walked with him a little, I found out later, which he found very helpful.
I knew I was on my own, and all I could see was hills. (Yes they were small, but this was the end.) There was really hardly anyone around me as I was finishing, which is crazy. I heard "And Emily Mason from New York City!" Cool. I tried to smile for the picture :)
I WAS happy. That was a really really tough race.
(At the Finish Swine)
I waited for Bill, who finished 2 minutes behind me and gave him a big hug.
My dad asked if I PR'ed and I was like "Nope. But I PCR'ed!"
I don't know if that is a real thing or not, but I am making it a real thing. That's right. I had a personal course record of 22 minutes! Whoo hoo!!!!
And HURRAH for Bill, Donna, Gina, Jen, Pam and Susie!
(Yes, I am in pain here, but I am also trying to smile for the picture...I also like the bag of potato chips at my head)
Here. I'll make it easier by making sub-categories.
The Expo
I know. I know. No one wants to know about the expo. But, I think it is worth mentioning, because last year, Bill and I were in and out of it in 15 minutes. I wasn't all that impressed.
This year it is like an honest-to-goodness real expo!
I swear, the expo was about 8x bigger than it was last year! I take this to mean that the Flying Pig is becoming more popular, which makes me happy!
And of course, I got some cute stuff. Being someone who works in branding, I can truly appreciate how consistently the FP is branded. I picked out a black hoodie with a pink pig on the front. My NYC friends went crazy too, buying all kinds of cute stuff (Gina's baseball cap has a pig's tail on the back), which we all wore to the airport :)
They also had messenger bags this year, which I didn't like at first, but now I actually love.
The Start
It was quite rainy this year, but I think this worked to my advantage.
1. I didn't have to worry about horrible sunburn.
2. It stayed nice and cool out.
3. People seemed to be waiting longer to get to the start.
This last one was awesome, because when Bill and I got to Paul Brown Stadium I was able to walk right into the bathrooms. In fact, I was able to use the indoor bathrooms twice before running, which is great. It allowed me to run the entire race without stopping, which is a first for me, and HUGE because I get so antsy about the time I am wasting at Port-o-lets.
Bill and I followed Coach Ramon's trick and lined up a minute ahead of where we should be. This put us with the 9:00 mile runners. In a way, this makes me feel guilty. Obviously people are corralled in certain areas for a reason. And I hate when people slow me down, so I don't want to be the person slowing them down either.
However, I also remember the two previous Pig starts where I lined up appropriately and ended up plowing over walkers (who were NOT 10 minute milers).
Luckily, I think we were in the right spot. Everyone around us was doing about a 10 minute pace.
Into Kentucky
I actually felt good at the beginning of the race. Much better than usual. My goal was to keep a little more than a 10:00 pace for the first 10 miles and to stay consistent.
(Side note: After the expo on Saturday, we met the NYC friends at Fountain Square for some Graeter's. Gina asked Bill "Uh, are you confident that she's going to be able to pace you?" I was like "HEY! What do you mean? I am an excellent pacer!" Gina laughed and was like "I don't think so!" I backpedalled. "I totally am, just not at marathons. Oh. Right." I guess someone knows me too well. Hee hee.)
I was actually quite good at keeping pace. I don't have my watch right now, but from memory: our first mile was about 10:20, our second 10:23, our third 10:03, our fourth 10:06.
I remembered how awful the hills were, and I think because Bill and I were chatting they actually didn't seem that bad. The bridge from Covington into Cincy was the best surprise of all, because the hill was over much sooner than I remembered it.
Oh yes. And a band was playing Van Halen's "Jump". One of my all time favorite running songs.
Downtown into Eden Park
(That's Bill in the blue, and me next to him on the right)Downtown was exciting because I got to run by where I used to work and that made me happy. In fact, I have lots of happy memories of downtown (some of them from running) so those endorphins were completely helping me forget about what was to come.
I think we logged some kind of 9:00 pace here. Whoops. But we pulled back into our 10:00 pace for the next mile. I couldn't believe I was already on my first GU.
I tried a new strategy with my fuel...since there were a million water stops, I decided to take my GUs on the 5, 10, 15 and 20 exactly. That way I didn't have to mess with GU and drink at the same time, saving time. There was always a water stop close by, so I never had to worry. It actually worked perfectly!
I also saw my Cincy friends here cheering! Yay! More endorphins!
Then I saw my parents and sister! Even more endorphins!
As I was running onto the Gilbert ramp I was trying really hard not to think about Eden Park. Btw, did they change the course? I swear we used to be in that limbo between Downtown and Eden Park for much longer.
I warned Bill that our next mile was going to be slower, but that was ok.
Eden Park
I was looking for the half marathon elites, but couldn't clap this year because I felt I needed to save energy for the hills that we don't have in NYC. (Sorry, elites.) I was in total concentration mode.
More Cincy friends!
The hill before Mirror Lake? Cake! I just kept thinking "tiki tiki tiki" (short, even, efficient strides) and powered through it. Amazingly? We logged a 10:12!
Then on the hill I was dreading most (by Krohn Conservatory) I see pink at my elbow and here "Emily and Bill! I hate you!" It was Gina. She hated the hills. Bill reminded her that we had told her that they suck. She said that was true, and fair enough. I told her that once she was past the eagle statue the worst of the hills were over. We climbed that hill. It was nothing! I told Gina about my stellar pacing and she was happy.
At the circle we had to break up because she was going to speed away for her half marathon PR :) I told her I wasn't going to lie to her, there were more hills to come, but that the worst were over.
I was so glad we got to see her.
I couldn't believe we were already in Walnut Hills! Bill and I were pacing great and felt pretty good!
O'Bryonville into Hyde Park
I was a little nervous about the hills to come. I knew the worst was over, but in my head I was remembering all of the rest of the hills in the course.
I passed by Bob's which made me happy. Yay! The Cincinnati mecca of running!
Bill stopped for a bio break and we broke apart for awhile. I was hoping he could catch up soon without working too hard and getting too far off pace.
I saw my family again at Hyde Park Square. Hurrah!
I also saw the Scooby Snax girl which made me happy even though I didn't take any of her Jolly Ranchers. I kept feeling like I had to pee when I saw Port-o-lets, but then I was fine after passing them. Funny what the brain does to you...
Still on pace.
Mariemont
(Smiling and happy in Mariemont)Ok. I only remembered one hill in Mariemont.
This was a lie.
There were lots of hills in Mariemont. So it was a good thing that Bill and I still felt good.
We passed the guys giving out beer. We saw my family again (twice). We saw Bill's grade school teacher. We saw a little girl holding a sign that said "Your feet hurt because you are kicking ass." Bill thought it said "butt" but it didn't. Which made us laugh.
The miles were flying by, and when we passed 16 I couldn't believe it. I told Bill "10 miles to go! That's nothing!" And for the first time that I've said that, I actually felt it.
After the water stop by the bike trail (I stopped, Bill didn't) I lost Bill for awhile. And I felt like I was going fast. And then I kept seeing the distance between us widen. I got panicky.
We HAD to SLOW DOWN.
I couldn't help it anymore and yelled "BILL!"
That mile was a 9:28.
I was like "We have GOT to slow down. We can speed up when we get to 20 if we feel like it."
We slowed down. 9:56. Perfect. We were right on track for these past few miles (minus that one), logging 9:50s.
Tumbleweeds a.k.a. Columbia Parkway to River Road
I hate this part of the marathon.
Really. Really. Really. Hate. It.
For one, no one is there cheering (except for a small stretch by Delta). Secondly, this is where everyone's body breaks down. Because of this, it is hard to stay focused....you can't help but feel awful when people are wheezing, walking, passing out (for real), crying all around you. Also, there is no scenery (you are running on a freaking highway).
I was getting panicky at mile 18, but I didn't know why. I wasn't really feeling badly yet physically, but it was just this awful forboding thing. They were handing out GU here, and I took a vanilla one and then had this huge mental debate in my head about what I should do with it. Should I waste energy and put it in my pocket? Should I eat it now? Where was the next water stop? My stomach was growling, was that for real or a mind game? If I held it in my hand would my arm get tired? Should I just eat it? No. I should wait until 20. But what if I needed it now?
ARGH.
I now see this as where I lost it in the race because my mental facilities were obviously compromised.
I also noticed Bill breathing really hard.
We saw my family again. Bill was like "Smile and wave and pretend this doesn't suck!" We did. My parents think this is funny now because they were thinking "Wow. They look so good! Not tired at all!"
(We are good liars)Now my toes were hurting. My knee was hurting. My back/abs/quads/hamstrings hurt, but not as much as my knees and my toes. The miles were no longer flying by.
Bill was struggling, so I decided not to shut up. I kept trying to help him by telling him things like "Really, mile 20-22 is the worst. After that, it's not as big of a deal." (True.) And "Just one more loop around Central Park by cutting off at 102nd...AND cutting off at 72nd!" "You are doing awesome. I am so proud of you." I meant for this to be encouraging, but I could tell it was annoying. He told me very nicely to stop talking to him. That made me laugh a little inwardly because I was thinking "I guess the shoe is on the other foot. Now he knows why I get so mad when he doesn't shut up :)" I think this was also because I was a little delirious.
I wanted to stop so badly.
We logged an 11:03 and I didn't even tell Bill because I knew he would freak out.
I tried to speed up a little. I knew that if I just resigned myself to a comfortable speed that I would never finish. And I knew that we could do it. Our next mile was a 9:56. I felt so much better. I felt like I could finish this thing on pace!
Bill felt like hell. He panicked and asked me what to do because he hurt so bad. I told him to keep running because walking would make it worse and we were almost there (mile 23?). He did for a minute or so and then said it hurt way too much, he was walking. I walked with him. He asked me what to do. I told him we were going to walk to the next mile marker and start running again. We were going to take water at the next stop and take it slowly.
We did this.
But.
When we started up again my knee was AWFUL. It was the most pain I have ever been in, running. Bill was a little in front of me and I didn't want him to know. I couldn't help it. It was so painful. I started sobbing, LOUDLY. I think I freaked him out.
We decided I was not walking anymore.
Which is how Bill and I ended up not finishing together. :(
When he had to walk again he told me to go on. If it wasn't for my knee I wouldn't have listening to him. He said he'd catch up to me in 10 seconds. So, when I saw our NYC friends (who came back to cheer after their half marathons) at the end I told them to get Bill and gestured behind me. Gina walked with him a little, I found out later, which he found very helpful.
I knew I was on my own, and all I could see was hills. (Yes they were small, but this was the end.) There was really hardly anyone around me as I was finishing, which is crazy. I heard "And Emily Mason from New York City!" Cool. I tried to smile for the picture :)
I WAS happy. That was a really really tough race.
(At the Finish Swine)I waited for Bill, who finished 2 minutes behind me and gave him a big hug.
My dad asked if I PR'ed and I was like "Nope. But I PCR'ed!"
I don't know if that is a real thing or not, but I am making it a real thing. That's right. I had a personal course record of 22 minutes! Whoo hoo!!!!
And HURRAH for Bill, Donna, Gina, Jen, Pam and Susie!
(Yes, I am in pain here, but I am also trying to smile for the picture...I also like the bag of potato chips at my head)
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Always Onto the Next Thing
I know, I know, I should be writing about the Pig, since it's this weekend. BUT I have been doing a lot of cool TNT things lately, so I had to post.
First of all, I got to meet all of the other mentors at a potluck. It was fun, there were cupcakes, it was on a roofdeck downtown on a sunny day...do I have to say more?
I also found out something cool...
Coach Steve, the coach who was not going to coach anymore because he was going to med school, is coming back!!! Unfortunately, he has no idea where he is going to med school yet, but for the time being he is going to coach. I am SO EXCITED because he and Ramon are my favorite coaches ever. I actually got to work more with Steve than Ramon, because Ramon sort of belongs to all of the groups and Steve was always with the advanced group. He is the one that coached me through that awful bridge in the Marine Corps Marathon. I can't wait to work with him again. He made me go FAST. Yay!
Also, last night I went to the Nike Women's Marathon preview party to help recruit marathoners for the event. It was fun, and I do like talking to people and trying to convince them that yes, they CAN do a marathon. We had to watch a preview video of the event and it made me SO EXCITED to be training for it!
Our big selling points for the event?
• We get a Tiffany's necklace instead of a medal
• This Tiffany's necklace is handed to us by a San Francisco fireman in a tuxedo
• Very cute Nike shirts
• Pedicure stops along the marathon (uh, I want to PR, not get a pedicure)
• Chocolate stop at mile 22 (Gross)
• It's in San Francisco
In addition, I had a few things that sold me on the event.
• It is the biggest TNT marathon...the pasta party sat 7,000 in one room last year
• Gina said I had to do it because it is the coolest marathon ever
• I get all excited in big groups of enthusiasm, and that's what it seems like this will be
I also saw my friend Eric last night, and he warned me "Don't listen to anyone who tells you the hills aren't bad on that course. They are lying to you."
I actually appreciated that. It's nice to know, because that's all I have been hearing from people.
Anyway, I am excited about my next marathon, even though the one I'm training for hasn't even been run yet.
First of all, I got to meet all of the other mentors at a potluck. It was fun, there were cupcakes, it was on a roofdeck downtown on a sunny day...do I have to say more?
I also found out something cool...
Coach Steve, the coach who was not going to coach anymore because he was going to med school, is coming back!!! Unfortunately, he has no idea where he is going to med school yet, but for the time being he is going to coach. I am SO EXCITED because he and Ramon are my favorite coaches ever. I actually got to work more with Steve than Ramon, because Ramon sort of belongs to all of the groups and Steve was always with the advanced group. He is the one that coached me through that awful bridge in the Marine Corps Marathon. I can't wait to work with him again. He made me go FAST. Yay!
Also, last night I went to the Nike Women's Marathon preview party to help recruit marathoners for the event. It was fun, and I do like talking to people and trying to convince them that yes, they CAN do a marathon. We had to watch a preview video of the event and it made me SO EXCITED to be training for it!
Our big selling points for the event?
• We get a Tiffany's necklace instead of a medal
• This Tiffany's necklace is handed to us by a San Francisco fireman in a tuxedo
• Very cute Nike shirts
• Pedicure stops along the marathon (uh, I want to PR, not get a pedicure)
• Chocolate stop at mile 22 (Gross)
• It's in San Francisco
In addition, I had a few things that sold me on the event.
• It is the biggest TNT marathon...the pasta party sat 7,000 in one room last year
• Gina said I had to do it because it is the coolest marathon ever
• I get all excited in big groups of enthusiasm, and that's what it seems like this will be
I also saw my friend Eric last night, and he warned me "Don't listen to anyone who tells you the hills aren't bad on that course. They are lying to you."
I actually appreciated that. It's nice to know, because that's all I have been hearing from people.
Anyway, I am excited about my next marathon, even though the one I'm training for hasn't even been run yet.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Crap Run
This weekend the weather was beautiful!
Unfortunately we also hit record temps (over 90 on Sunday).
My first "hot" run of the season is always crap. This one was really bad though.
Bill and I set out to do an easy 6-mile loop of Central Park on Sunday morning. It was super crowded too because the More marathon was going on. (I have no idea how those ladies ran in that blistering heat, especially since, if they are like me, they are used to running in the 60s, max.) So everyone not running the race (including bikers and walkers) had to run in two lanes. I know this sounds like no big deal, but on a nice weekend day in New York, in the park, this is a disaster. I have no complaint about the bikers, they were actually on their best behavior. But it was still just way too crowded and way too hot.
I felt badly for Bill because I was in a grumpy mood, PLUS it was the kind of run that I just needed to finish mentally, so that I could be like "OK. I can run in the heat now." Not good for morale.
I also had to keep stopping for water about every mile.
When I got about halfway up the eastern side of the park I told Bill I needed to stop.
I freaked him out I think, because my face was bright red. I also needed to sit down (which I did, on the fence) and was dizzy. I also had a headache. I did not feel good at all. After much cajoling I promised Bill I would walk the bridal path back to 96th street while he ran the rest of the loop.
GRRRRRRR.
But YES. I'm GLAD I STOPPED. (In the long run.)
Unfortunately we also hit record temps (over 90 on Sunday).
My first "hot" run of the season is always crap. This one was really bad though.
Bill and I set out to do an easy 6-mile loop of Central Park on Sunday morning. It was super crowded too because the More marathon was going on. (I have no idea how those ladies ran in that blistering heat, especially since, if they are like me, they are used to running in the 60s, max.) So everyone not running the race (including bikers and walkers) had to run in two lanes. I know this sounds like no big deal, but on a nice weekend day in New York, in the park, this is a disaster. I have no complaint about the bikers, they were actually on their best behavior. But it was still just way too crowded and way too hot.
I felt badly for Bill because I was in a grumpy mood, PLUS it was the kind of run that I just needed to finish mentally, so that I could be like "OK. I can run in the heat now." Not good for morale.
I also had to keep stopping for water about every mile.
When I got about halfway up the eastern side of the park I told Bill I needed to stop.
I freaked him out I think, because my face was bright red. I also needed to sit down (which I did, on the fence) and was dizzy. I also had a headache. I did not feel good at all. After much cajoling I promised Bill I would walk the bridal path back to 96th street while he ran the rest of the loop.
GRRRRRRR.
But YES. I'm GLAD I STOPPED. (In the long run.)
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Gross Foot Talk
There. Fair warning.
I have a corn in between my fourth and fifth toe. I actually didn't know what a corn was, until I got one. Turns out they SOUND grosser than they are. All it is basically is an inverted callous.
I have actually had it for quite awhile, but I keep forgetting about it because during the day it really doesn't bother me. It's when I go on my runs that it does. Then it is like the most painful thing in the world. But then I go to bed and forget about it.
After last night's run though, I was in a considerable amount of pain. I figured this was something I should probably take care of before the marathon. So I looked it up and found out all about corns.
I'm wondering if it's my shoes. I have never had this problem before.
Gross.
My recently purchased Dr Scholl's salicylic acid pads promise me that this could be gone in only 2 days. Let's hope so.
I have a corn in between my fourth and fifth toe. I actually didn't know what a corn was, until I got one. Turns out they SOUND grosser than they are. All it is basically is an inverted callous.
I have actually had it for quite awhile, but I keep forgetting about it because during the day it really doesn't bother me. It's when I go on my runs that it does. Then it is like the most painful thing in the world. But then I go to bed and forget about it.
After last night's run though, I was in a considerable amount of pain. I figured this was something I should probably take care of before the marathon. So I looked it up and found out all about corns.
I'm wondering if it's my shoes. I have never had this problem before.
Gross.
My recently purchased Dr Scholl's salicylic acid pads promise me that this could be gone in only 2 days. Let's hope so.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Not a Lot of Running
Once again, I am not doing a lot of running :(
But, I did get a new running outfit.
This was a promise I gave to myself. I told myself that after I ran my 20 I deserved a new pair of shorts. Yes, shorts. Not a skirt. I don't like running in skirts anymore because they feel so bulky. I know. I was their biggest fan before. But seriously, pants AND a skirt...that seems like a lot of layers. That's why I like the skirtsports skirt. It has spankies instead and has more lightweight material than the other skirts I've tried on. Bill thinks there is a direct correlation between me running faster and me not liking to run in skirts. I don't know what it is. :)
Since I was in Cincy this weekend I dragged my dad and sister to Bob Roncker's Running Spot with me.
I tried on a million outfits. Yes, outfits. Because after all, how could I buy shorts if I didn't have anything to wear with them? Besides, I am a sucker for new clothes.
While I was trying on all of these things my sister and dad were just waiting around in the store with all of the other crazy runners. When we left my dad said something about everyone "praying to the altar of running." I had to think about it for 2 seconds and then I was like "Yeah, it's kind of cultish in there, isn't it?"
I say this with the utmost respect. Bob told us that he set out to create a community of runners and a place where runners could hang out as well as learn about the latest running products etc. He has absolutely done that, and as a result, you can't go into his store without catching a little bit of the enthusiasm for running that all of the people have in there.
I realized that as much as running is a personal sport, it wouldn't be the same if you didn't have all of those other crazy runners to talk to. It made me happy to be a runner.
Plus, now I have a cute outfit to run in.
But, I did get a new running outfit.
This was a promise I gave to myself. I told myself that after I ran my 20 I deserved a new pair of shorts. Yes, shorts. Not a skirt. I don't like running in skirts anymore because they feel so bulky. I know. I was their biggest fan before. But seriously, pants AND a skirt...that seems like a lot of layers. That's why I like the skirtsports skirt. It has spankies instead and has more lightweight material than the other skirts I've tried on. Bill thinks there is a direct correlation between me running faster and me not liking to run in skirts. I don't know what it is. :)
Since I was in Cincy this weekend I dragged my dad and sister to Bob Roncker's Running Spot with me.
I tried on a million outfits. Yes, outfits. Because after all, how could I buy shorts if I didn't have anything to wear with them? Besides, I am a sucker for new clothes.
While I was trying on all of these things my sister and dad were just waiting around in the store with all of the other crazy runners. When we left my dad said something about everyone "praying to the altar of running." I had to think about it for 2 seconds and then I was like "Yeah, it's kind of cultish in there, isn't it?"
I say this with the utmost respect. Bob told us that he set out to create a community of runners and a place where runners could hang out as well as learn about the latest running products etc. He has absolutely done that, and as a result, you can't go into his store without catching a little bit of the enthusiasm for running that all of the people have in there.
I realized that as much as running is a personal sport, it wouldn't be the same if you didn't have all of those other crazy runners to talk to. It made me happy to be a runner.
Plus, now I have a cute outfit to run in.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Hurrah! 20!
Bill and I needed a little change of scenery for our 20 this weekend. Basically, I just couldn't stand the options presented before me (three loops around central park and THEN another 2 miles?...2 loops around central park and then run to the tip of manhattan and back? ugh.) It was time for a field trip.
So for the first time all winter, we actually got up EARLY for a run (think, before 7am). We caught the 7:55 to Hartsdale and did our 20 mile run up there.
Did I mention that it was raining?
Not just sprinkles either. Lots and lots of raining. So I was glad Bill was there to chat with me. It made the run a lot easier and it made me concentrate on the crappy weather a lot less.
Hartsdale was also good because it is a pretty hill course (which I forgot about). It's not that Central Park doesn't have hills...but I think we're so much more used to them. AND we know when they are coming up in the course. Plus these were much more rolling, and I think closer to the Flying Pig Course.
Our goal was a 10 minute mile and we did really well at keeping that pace.
I enjoy running with Bill so much that I suggested to him that we run together through the whole marathon....for real this time. I think we could both use each other for support.
We finished with a 3:27, which averaged out to a 10:21 pace. EDIT: Whoops. I meant a 3:17. That is a 9:51...a little different. :)
I felt good, but tired afterwards and went home to sleep for the rest of the afternoon :)
So for the first time all winter, we actually got up EARLY for a run (think, before 7am). We caught the 7:55 to Hartsdale and did our 20 mile run up there.
Did I mention that it was raining?
Not just sprinkles either. Lots and lots of raining. So I was glad Bill was there to chat with me. It made the run a lot easier and it made me concentrate on the crappy weather a lot less.
Hartsdale was also good because it is a pretty hill course (which I forgot about). It's not that Central Park doesn't have hills...but I think we're so much more used to them. AND we know when they are coming up in the course. Plus these were much more rolling, and I think closer to the Flying Pig Course.
Our goal was a 10 minute mile and we did really well at keeping that pace.
I enjoy running with Bill so much that I suggested to him that we run together through the whole marathon....for real this time. I think we could both use each other for support.
We finished with a 3:27, which averaged out to a 10:21 pace. EDIT: Whoops. I meant a 3:17. That is a 9:51...a little different. :)
I felt good, but tired afterwards and went home to sleep for the rest of the afternoon :)
Monday, April 6, 2009
10 Minutes!
I ran my 18 this weekend and so did Bill! Yay!
Because my training has been so off this season and we're getting closer and closer to the marathon I had set some much different goals for this 18 than usual. My goals were to:
• Take it nice and easy so that there are no injuries
• Enjoy the run
• Complete the run
• Convince Bill that he CAN run 18 even though his training has been as spotty as mine
• Convince Bill that if he can run 18 he can run 20, and if he can run 20, he can run 26.2
I did all of these things. It was actually QUITE enjoyable. Bill and I are usually at odds with one another when we run together and it can be quite stressful. I think it has to do with the fact that we are both competitive, we are both stubborn and when we are on a run, all of our mars/venus communication differences seem to come through. It basically has taken us a whole year of running together to figure out how to have a cordial run together. (This is why we could never work together). But Saturday it was as if all the planets were aligned.
I don't think I COULD have had such an enjoyable run without Bill. I think we really helped each other out. We took it at an easy pace, which was harder to do than you would think. The goal was 10 minute miles all the way. We started off with a 9 minute mile. So we slowed down, and it felt like such an effort. That being said...
I think we have found our pace for the marathon.
We were definitely hurting at the end of the run, and I don't think I could have done any more. But at the same time, I knew that I could run again on Monday. So I think that is just perfect for us.
I would really LIKE to be able to push harder and get a marathon where I am ecstatic at the finish line (like I was in the Bronx half when I finished with an 8:45 pace). But I think it's not in the cards for this one. If we can finish with a 4:22 I will be happy this time.
Consistent pace.
That is going to be my mantra.
Because my training has been so off this season and we're getting closer and closer to the marathon I had set some much different goals for this 18 than usual. My goals were to:
• Take it nice and easy so that there are no injuries
• Enjoy the run
• Complete the run
• Convince Bill that he CAN run 18 even though his training has been as spotty as mine
• Convince Bill that if he can run 18 he can run 20, and if he can run 20, he can run 26.2
I did all of these things. It was actually QUITE enjoyable. Bill and I are usually at odds with one another when we run together and it can be quite stressful. I think it has to do with the fact that we are both competitive, we are both stubborn and when we are on a run, all of our mars/venus communication differences seem to come through. It basically has taken us a whole year of running together to figure out how to have a cordial run together. (This is why we could never work together). But Saturday it was as if all the planets were aligned.
I don't think I COULD have had such an enjoyable run without Bill. I think we really helped each other out. We took it at an easy pace, which was harder to do than you would think. The goal was 10 minute miles all the way. We started off with a 9 minute mile. So we slowed down, and it felt like such an effort. That being said...
I think we have found our pace for the marathon.
We were definitely hurting at the end of the run, and I don't think I could have done any more. But at the same time, I knew that I could run again on Monday. So I think that is just perfect for us.
I would really LIKE to be able to push harder and get a marathon where I am ecstatic at the finish line (like I was in the Bronx half when I finished with an 8:45 pace). But I think it's not in the cards for this one. If we can finish with a 4:22 I will be happy this time.
Consistent pace.
That is going to be my mantra.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Spring!
Last night was a beautiful night for a run!
And the best part? I actually got to GO on a run even though Bill couldn't run with me. Normally, it is way too dark by the time I would go out for a run. We don't live in a sketchy neighborhood or anything, but I just don't think it's the smartest thing to do with all the crazies that are out in the world.
Last night it didn't actually get dark until after I was back from my run and in my apartment!
And it was so warm!
I think everyone must be sick and tired of being shut inside all winter because there were tons of people in the park (and dogs too).
It made me feel happy.
Too bad it went back to the 40s and is raining all day today :(
Oh yeah. And I can't believe I totally forgot to mention this...
I got accepted as a Team in Training mentor for the fall season! That means I will be running the Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco this fall as well as acting as, well, a mentor, to about 10 teammates. We already basically start the season on Monday, when I have to go to a mentor meeting. I am excited!
And the best part? I actually got to GO on a run even though Bill couldn't run with me. Normally, it is way too dark by the time I would go out for a run. We don't live in a sketchy neighborhood or anything, but I just don't think it's the smartest thing to do with all the crazies that are out in the world.
Last night it didn't actually get dark until after I was back from my run and in my apartment!
And it was so warm!
I think everyone must be sick and tired of being shut inside all winter because there were tons of people in the park (and dogs too).
It made me feel happy.
Too bad it went back to the 40s and is raining all day today :(
Oh yeah. And I can't believe I totally forgot to mention this...
I got accepted as a Team in Training mentor for the fall season! That means I will be running the Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco this fall as well as acting as, well, a mentor, to about 10 teammates. We already basically start the season on Monday, when I have to go to a mentor meeting. I am excited!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
