This past Sunday, I ran one of Syracuse's most premier races, The Mountain Goat Run. This is a challenging 10 mile course through the streets of Syracuse.
The weather: 40 degrees with overcast, spotty rain showers likely. I was debating on what to wear all the way up to the start. The wind was a factor in making the 40 degree weather seem a little bit chillier. I decided to wear Under armour leggings, Light Long sleeve shirt and a Jacket over it just in case the rain started. I don't do well in the cold. Yet again, I don't do well in the heat either! Decided against wearing my hat and just hang onto the gloves. I had a feeling I would be hot with the hills but I was too cold waiting around to think about taking anything off at that time
2 Hours Before the race I did my usual pre race meal. I mixed it all in a protein shake and downed it. I was a little worried as to how my stomach was going to hold up as I had some issues with it on Saturday night. Being Gluten intolerant and eating a little wrap on accident called for a afternoon of nausea, dizziness and all the other Gastrointestinal upsets. After drinking the protein shake, I decided to chill and just hydrate with Fluid Replacement drink until I got to the race.
I decided I would be under 90 min so I didn't need too much to start with. I used a Hand held fluid bottle with FLUID hydration and had a gel just in case.
I headed down to the venue around 9:00 and found a great parking spot in one of the lots a block away. I stood there, envisioning a good race. Leading up to this race, I have had some good times in the last few races and I was feeling confident in my training and I was ready to go Under 90 minutes.
I met up with friends, got into a few pictures, found my training partners and decided to pace with them and see how we would do.
The race was a late start 10:20. I decided to go for a quick warm up to warm up!! After about 10 min I knew I would be a little warm with what I had on but decided to keep it on anyways.
We decided to seat ourselves closer to the front. After announcements, Playing of the national anthem, we were off and running.
The increase in adrenaline was astounding for me! I decided to hold back and just make the first few miles comfortably. We were ticking off 8:20 pace and feeling great!
Mile 2 takes you up Stolp and around the water tower. It is here that I lost my training partners. I looked back and could not find them in the crowd. I decided to keep running in hopes that they would catch up. I was feeling good and took advantage of increasing my pace just a bit. .
Mile 4 Takes you up and around Onondaga park, I loved reading all the words of encouragement etched in chalk on the pavement. Some were pretty funny.
At mile 5 I was feeling pretty warm. The Gloves were off and I was ready to take the Jacket off. I couldn't get it past my Garmin and really didn't want to stop to adjust as I was doing so well with pacing. I decided to zip it down a bit and keep running with it on.
Mile 6 was Colvin st hill. I was feeling a little dead until I heard the awesome band playing the theme song from Rocky Halfway up the hill! Then a Y runner friend was at the top telling me I was looking great and to keep going! I was on cloud 9! I made it up with a sub 9 min mile!! woot!
Mile 7 is just long and it drags on. takes you up past Syracuse University campus. I liked the old course where it turned a bit but now its a false flat with a little incline to just get you out of breath a little more
Mile 8 Was back into Thorden Park with people cheering on a steep quick hill. Again, the writing plastered in chalk on the pavement was so encouraging and helped pushed me up the hill.
Mile 9 was all downhill. I tried to pick off as many runners as I could. Sub 8 min pacing!
Mile 10 I saw another running coach before the last turn onto Salina street. She said the best thing she could to me. "Run until you have nothing left!" And this is what I did!! I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw my time!!
I knew I was pacing well but tried to focus on form and hydration most of the time.
My ending time was 1:23:48. Another PR in the books!!!!
Post race It started to sprinkle and I started to get cold fast with the wind. I quickly went through the refreshment line, Congratulated my running partners on their Phenominal Finish of 1:26, Chatted with a lot of running and tri friends. I ended up making a bee line to my car after about 30 min of shivering.
I am still on cloud 9 from the race. Hoping my next one is just as good!
Next up, Green Lakes Triathlon!! EEEEKKKK!!!
A Blog about Training for my Third Ironman, dabbling into other sports and eating Paleo. I am a Full Time Nurse Practitioner at a highly Successful Family Practice, Mother of a toddler and tween, a wife and everything in between. Follow my journey to see the craziness and dedication it takes to be an Ironman Triathlete!!!
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Sunday, May 4, 2014
Seneca 77.7 Relay Recap
I have to review this race before I move onto today's Race!
Last week I joined 6 other amazing females for the Seneca 77.7 Relay Race. I think the name says it all.
It is a 77.7 mile race along Seneca Lake, Starting in Geneva, NY and ending there as well. This race was in its 3rd year running and sold out fairly quickly!
Its a relay, hence the name. 21 legs, each of us doing 3 each of various distances around the lake.
There was staggering start times starting at 7 and working until 9:30 am. This was great to have the faster runners go last and slower go first, making everyone come in around the same time to the finish.
Our team name was "Heart and Sole". Our team was put together at work. All Physicians, Midlevels and nurses! What a way to get some comeraderie! We all knew each other pretty well and all knew each others paces, which was great when it came to the navigation and logistics of the race itself.
Our goal time was 9 min/mile and our start time was 8am
The weather was overcast in the 40's to low 50's with some wind. When you weren't running, you definitely needed to stay warm with some sweats! So glad I packed them and extra shirts to change into between.
Our team:
Legs 1, 8, 15- was run by one of our speediest runners, Karen. Karen was the life of the team! Ringing cowbells, congratulating everyone and just keeping an upbeat attitude
Leg 2, 9, 16- Ran by Tracy- A little on the quiet side. cute as a button!
Legs 3, 10, 17- Ran by ME!! - A crazy runner, Triathlete, Cycler, trying to get her next PR!!
Legs 4, 11, 18- Crazy Kristen!- Her speed is unbelievable she can talk in full sentences at a 7 min mile while I'm dying to breathe!
Legs 5, 12, 19- Ran by Liz- A spry, witty little thing! With her and Karen together it was like Frick and Frack!! Loved it!! They are the cutest!
Legs 6, 13, 20- Ran by Cheryl- My colleague and friend! She is an amazing, funny person! Glad she joined our team at the last minute!
Legs 7, 14, 21- Ran by Miranda- Has the greatest running form!! I have a few pictures of her and they are amazing!
It was a long day of heckling, cheering and laughs. I didn't know how I would stay awake and survive a whole day of running and cheering. But, then, I thought of my days of Ironman, Getting up at 4 am, not getting home until late in the day.
My first leg came on very fast. Leg 3. 4.95 miles. Moderate climb. I was in the Porta loos, I needed to hurry. Karen started taking my clothes off telling me Tracy was coming. I started off pretty fast but was able to maintain a good pace. I tried to keep a rhythm. It was nice to know my teammates would be driving by soon with their cowbells in hand. There is something about people waiting for you to continue the race that makes you move a little bit faster. The leg had approx 200 feet of climbing all going up from the start. 7:43, 8:13, 8:28, 8:41, 8.20. I was a little disappointed I couldn't keep them all under 8:30 But with the wind. I was OK with the total time. We were exchanging well and knew all our partners speeds which were nice!
For this leg I wore gloves, a hat, 2 shirts and pants. Felt a little warm and had to take the hat and gloves off.
The next couple hours flew by and I was ready to tackle the second Leg. It does get a little cold sitting in the car trying to warm up. I kept putting my sweats on in between legs, taking layers off so they could dry in the car.
Leg #10- 4.7 miles. A BIG descent. 450 feet down in 36 min was taxing on the legs. I tried to keep the feet light and quick. The miles ticked off. I was picking people out of the crowd to pass. This Leg, I chose to have a long sleeve and light jacket on. Pants, gloves and hat. Again, I took the hat off. Could've done without the jacket, But in between I was so cold I didn't know how I would get by on the run. I would rather be able to take layers off than to be cold the whole time! 7:45, 7:54, 7:33, 7:52, 7:46. I was hauling and felt pretty comfortable at this pace
Leg #17- 2.74 miles. Varied Terrain. Pretty made in the park that the volunteer directing us had no clue where we were supposed to go. another team that we knew running told us it wasn't the right mileage, it was only 2 miles. As I waited for Tracy to come through, I took off some layers and decided to run as fast as I could. After all, it was only 2 miles or so!! I ran with a short sleeve and tights only. The wind was picking up and I was afraid the rain was going to start any minute. If I didn't have to stop and talk with the guy who had no clue where to turn people, I would've had some even pacing. 7:32, 7:44, 8:11.
We were an hour ahead of our schedule. Waiting for Miranda to bring us home, we met her at the reunion line and ran the last quarter mile in together!
11:08- 8th fastest female team!!!
We had so much fun, we already said we would all do this again next year!!
Some not so fun times- Some of the stops were horrible in regards to stops and availability of the bathrooms. At one stop we all waited 30 min to use the bathroom!! We weren't there to cheer on our team mate and I think that there should've been more than just one or 2 bathrooms. The staggered start times were a great Idea, but the parking was terrible! Especially at the end when we were all catching up to each other. One stop, the volunteer was directing me to turn. Good thing I looked in my mirror because there were two runners coming in to the exchange point!!! That could've been ugly. I had terrible nerves in the state park with our team trying to park. We were so close to other cars and people. WAY out of my comfort zone.
Otherwise, Great swag, Great Post race party, Great Scenery, Awesome time with 6 of your friends!!!
Cant wait to sign up again!!!
Last week I joined 6 other amazing females for the Seneca 77.7 Relay Race. I think the name says it all.
It is a 77.7 mile race along Seneca Lake, Starting in Geneva, NY and ending there as well. This race was in its 3rd year running and sold out fairly quickly!
Its a relay, hence the name. 21 legs, each of us doing 3 each of various distances around the lake.
There was staggering start times starting at 7 and working until 9:30 am. This was great to have the faster runners go last and slower go first, making everyone come in around the same time to the finish.
Our team name was "Heart and Sole". Our team was put together at work. All Physicians, Midlevels and nurses! What a way to get some comeraderie! We all knew each other pretty well and all knew each others paces, which was great when it came to the navigation and logistics of the race itself.
Our goal time was 9 min/mile and our start time was 8am
The weather was overcast in the 40's to low 50's with some wind. When you weren't running, you definitely needed to stay warm with some sweats! So glad I packed them and extra shirts to change into between.
Our team:
Legs 1, 8, 15- was run by one of our speediest runners, Karen. Karen was the life of the team! Ringing cowbells, congratulating everyone and just keeping an upbeat attitude
Leg 2, 9, 16- Ran by Tracy- A little on the quiet side. cute as a button!
Legs 3, 10, 17- Ran by ME!! - A crazy runner, Triathlete, Cycler, trying to get her next PR!!
Legs 4, 11, 18- Crazy Kristen!- Her speed is unbelievable she can talk in full sentences at a 7 min mile while I'm dying to breathe!
Legs 5, 12, 19- Ran by Liz- A spry, witty little thing! With her and Karen together it was like Frick and Frack!! Loved it!! They are the cutest!
Legs 6, 13, 20- Ran by Cheryl- My colleague and friend! She is an amazing, funny person! Glad she joined our team at the last minute!
Legs 7, 14, 21- Ran by Miranda- Has the greatest running form!! I have a few pictures of her and they are amazing!
It was a long day of heckling, cheering and laughs. I didn't know how I would stay awake and survive a whole day of running and cheering. But, then, I thought of my days of Ironman, Getting up at 4 am, not getting home until late in the day.
My first leg came on very fast. Leg 3. 4.95 miles. Moderate climb. I was in the Porta loos, I needed to hurry. Karen started taking my clothes off telling me Tracy was coming. I started off pretty fast but was able to maintain a good pace. I tried to keep a rhythm. It was nice to know my teammates would be driving by soon with their cowbells in hand. There is something about people waiting for you to continue the race that makes you move a little bit faster. The leg had approx 200 feet of climbing all going up from the start. 7:43, 8:13, 8:28, 8:41, 8.20. I was a little disappointed I couldn't keep them all under 8:30 But with the wind. I was OK with the total time. We were exchanging well and knew all our partners speeds which were nice!
For this leg I wore gloves, a hat, 2 shirts and pants. Felt a little warm and had to take the hat and gloves off.
The next couple hours flew by and I was ready to tackle the second Leg. It does get a little cold sitting in the car trying to warm up. I kept putting my sweats on in between legs, taking layers off so they could dry in the car.
Leg #10- 4.7 miles. A BIG descent. 450 feet down in 36 min was taxing on the legs. I tried to keep the feet light and quick. The miles ticked off. I was picking people out of the crowd to pass. This Leg, I chose to have a long sleeve and light jacket on. Pants, gloves and hat. Again, I took the hat off. Could've done without the jacket, But in between I was so cold I didn't know how I would get by on the run. I would rather be able to take layers off than to be cold the whole time! 7:45, 7:54, 7:33, 7:52, 7:46. I was hauling and felt pretty comfortable at this pace
Leg #17- 2.74 miles. Varied Terrain. Pretty made in the park that the volunteer directing us had no clue where we were supposed to go. another team that we knew running told us it wasn't the right mileage, it was only 2 miles. As I waited for Tracy to come through, I took off some layers and decided to run as fast as I could. After all, it was only 2 miles or so!! I ran with a short sleeve and tights only. The wind was picking up and I was afraid the rain was going to start any minute. If I didn't have to stop and talk with the guy who had no clue where to turn people, I would've had some even pacing. 7:32, 7:44, 8:11.
We were an hour ahead of our schedule. Waiting for Miranda to bring us home, we met her at the reunion line and ran the last quarter mile in together!
11:08- 8th fastest female team!!!
We had so much fun, we already said we would all do this again next year!!
Some not so fun times- Some of the stops were horrible in regards to stops and availability of the bathrooms. At one stop we all waited 30 min to use the bathroom!! We weren't there to cheer on our team mate and I think that there should've been more than just one or 2 bathrooms. The staggered start times were a great Idea, but the parking was terrible! Especially at the end when we were all catching up to each other. One stop, the volunteer was directing me to turn. Good thing I looked in my mirror because there were two runners coming in to the exchange point!!! That could've been ugly. I had terrible nerves in the state park with our team trying to park. We were so close to other cars and people. WAY out of my comfort zone.
Otherwise, Great swag, Great Post race party, Great Scenery, Awesome time with 6 of your friends!!!
Cant wait to sign up again!!!
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Rainy days means comfort foods are on the rise!
Today was one of those days I just wanted to sit back and eat!! Granted it is mostly healthy foods I am eating but still, It was a lot of consumption for me.
Now being 145#, I need to curb that appetite again...
Starting a new Whole 30 challenge. Mainly because I have gotten a little greedy with the Enjoy Life Chocolate every night. Having a few bites here and there has lead me to a affair with it every single night.
Not to mention the Honey and Maple syrup I have been putting in and on everything. Granted it is natural sugars, but I need to rid my body of these again.
So lets start the challenge again tomorrow...April 24th. I can do this!!
This is definitely how I felt today!!
http://cdn.triathlon.competitor.com/files/2012/08/Picture-5-623x421.jpg
On the bright side.. I got 2 NEW products coming!! Im so excited to try them!
One being Fluid Recovery drink, which I think will help me stay fuller longer as it has some protein in it AND the other product is Kharu Fluid and Flow sneakers! Can't wait to try them.
Reviews to come!
Happy Training!
Now being 145#, I need to curb that appetite again...
Starting a new Whole 30 challenge. Mainly because I have gotten a little greedy with the Enjoy Life Chocolate every night. Having a few bites here and there has lead me to a affair with it every single night.
Not to mention the Honey and Maple syrup I have been putting in and on everything. Granted it is natural sugars, but I need to rid my body of these again.
So lets start the challenge again tomorrow...April 24th. I can do this!!
This is definitely how I felt today!!
http://cdn.triathlon.competitor.com/files/2012/08/Picture-5-623x421.jpg
On the bright side.. I got 2 NEW products coming!! Im so excited to try them!
One being Fluid Recovery drink, which I think will help me stay fuller longer as it has some protein in it AND the other product is Kharu Fluid and Flow sneakers! Can't wait to try them.
Reviews to come!
Happy Training!
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Springtime 10K, New PR, and a little wind in my face
Since I haven't done an all out 10k in quite sometime and there was a new one hitting the seen in Central New York, I decided to give it a try. Not to mention all the good promoting of the race, Supporting Hope For Heather (Ovarian Cancer) and getting a first hand view of the Syracuse 70.3 run course. The Springtime 10K had me hooked.
All I can say is wholly Batman! Now I have done the Syracuse 70.3 and have trained on these hills since the Inaugural race back in 2010, the Running course has been changed a few times. The last few years it has been an out and back course in Jamesville, I did not expect it to be this much of a challenge!
I cannot see doing 2 loops of this course after completing 1.2 mile swim and a 56 mile bike!
Maybe I am internally glad that it sold out...
Maybe not..
Anyways, Pre race was the same. Banana, almond butter, cup of applesauce. Hydration with FLUID Performance drink until 1 hour before the race.
After the race, a few friends and I were to head out on our bikes for 30 miles. I was cringing at the weather. High of 40-50 with overcast and wind gusts up to 15mph. UGH!
The plan for today was to do a 1 mile warm up, really easy. Go out controlled for the first 2 miles, get a bit faster the next 2, then hammer it as much as I can home. I think I did a pretty good job of this despite the hills that we involved.
I am fortunate to know alot of people on the Central New York race scene so that every mile someone was shouting my name!! Thanks for all the LOVE!! It felt so good to have people cheering me on! I tried to do the same, so don't think I didn't notice. Between gasps I did root too!
The race resulted in a 10K PR!!!!!!!!!
50:40 (8:11/mile pace), 9th in AG 30-39, 20th Female Overall!!
I thank my coach KS and KC for all their help and all my Y Runner friends I have grown to love and admire over the last few months!! I am grateful that they hold me accountable when we make plans for a run and all the friendly competition we have with each other is the best.
Onto the Bike. It took FOREVER to get dressed. Mainly because I needed Layers galore and I was shivering from my run.
I fueled up and was ready to go. Started off cold, but certainly quickly warmed up once the 10miles of hills came at us, then 10 more..then rolling hills for 15more! A wrong turn had lead us to some more hill work. I was harassed for hills, but come on, its Tully and Jamesville. There are hills on that end of town!
My legs started cramping up around mile 25. I thought I did enough with 2 bottles of Fluid and 2 Honey stinger gels, But realized I had no protein! I think I needed a little at this point. Or maybe it was pure conditioning, I haven't figured it out totally.
I feel a little sore in the glutes right now and my toe is a little bruised, but otherwise am feeling pretty good about the whole day!!
Happy Training!
All I can say is wholly Batman! Now I have done the Syracuse 70.3 and have trained on these hills since the Inaugural race back in 2010, the Running course has been changed a few times. The last few years it has been an out and back course in Jamesville, I did not expect it to be this much of a challenge!
I cannot see doing 2 loops of this course after completing 1.2 mile swim and a 56 mile bike!
Maybe I am internally glad that it sold out...
Maybe not..
Anyways, Pre race was the same. Banana, almond butter, cup of applesauce. Hydration with FLUID Performance drink until 1 hour before the race.
After the race, a few friends and I were to head out on our bikes for 30 miles. I was cringing at the weather. High of 40-50 with overcast and wind gusts up to 15mph. UGH!
I am fortunate to know alot of people on the Central New York race scene so that every mile someone was shouting my name!! Thanks for all the LOVE!! It felt so good to have people cheering me on! I tried to do the same, so don't think I didn't notice. Between gasps I did root too!
50:40 (8:11/mile pace), 9th in AG 30-39, 20th Female Overall!!
I thank my coach KS and KC for all their help and all my Y Runner friends I have grown to love and admire over the last few months!! I am grateful that they hold me accountable when we make plans for a run and all the friendly competition we have with each other is the best.
Onto the Bike. It took FOREVER to get dressed. Mainly because I needed Layers galore and I was shivering from my run.
I fueled up and was ready to go. Started off cold, but certainly quickly warmed up once the 10miles of hills came at us, then 10 more..then rolling hills for 15more! A wrong turn had lead us to some more hill work. I was harassed for hills, but come on, its Tully and Jamesville. There are hills on that end of town!
My legs started cramping up around mile 25. I thought I did enough with 2 bottles of Fluid and 2 Honey stinger gels, But realized I had no protein! I think I needed a little at this point. Or maybe it was pure conditioning, I haven't figured it out totally.
I feel a little sore in the glutes right now and my toe is a little bruised, but otherwise am feeling pretty good about the whole day!!
Saturday, April 5, 2014
Mountain Goat training #1
Today started Mountain Goat Training. Not that I am not prepared to tackle the 10 miles of hills on the pavement of Syracuse's finest streets, eh hem. But, it actually symbolizes the change in weather here in Central New York. Time for some of the people to jump of their couches and beat the dust off themselves and head outside for one of the hilliest races in this area!
I planned on sticking with a few Y running friends and do the whole 10 miles today, just to see where I was at and where I needed to improve prior to race day.
It was a cold start. Temps again in the high 30's, wind approx 14-15 mph with some wind gusts thrown in there, but I had hope that it would be a great run. Of course that meant 3 light layers on top, Pants, Hat and Gloves again!
We started off slow as we have been slapped on the hand by the Syracuse police that we are naughty runners and don't follow any of the rules of running and people have reported our nonsense to everyone they could. You know those few runners that ruin it for everyone.
We quickly picked up the pace picking off runners one by one after the first hill. It was actually nice that we were running by people TALKING up a hill!!! Thanks to Kevin Collins and his fantastic run club to get me to where I am today! Woot!
The hills came and went. The 2 people I was running with were amazing and so supportive of keeping the running going, pushing and encouraging. Isn't that what running is about?! I never felt better on a run!
I fueled at the same spots I knew were close to the same spots on the course. I have been using all natural Fluid hydration and loving it! No GI issues, not cramping.
Mountain Goat Training run by mullallyk at Garmin Connect - Details
Last year I was just coming back to racing. I was only 5 months Post partum and did the race. This year, I am competing with myself to get below 90 min. With the right pacing, I may just accomplish that mission!
Happy Training
I planned on sticking with a few Y running friends and do the whole 10 miles today, just to see where I was at and where I needed to improve prior to race day.
It was a cold start. Temps again in the high 30's, wind approx 14-15 mph with some wind gusts thrown in there, but I had hope that it would be a great run. Of course that meant 3 light layers on top, Pants, Hat and Gloves again!
We started off slow as we have been slapped on the hand by the Syracuse police that we are naughty runners and don't follow any of the rules of running and people have reported our nonsense to everyone they could. You know those few runners that ruin it for everyone.
We quickly picked up the pace picking off runners one by one after the first hill. It was actually nice that we were running by people TALKING up a hill!!! Thanks to Kevin Collins and his fantastic run club to get me to where I am today! Woot!
The hills came and went. The 2 people I was running with were amazing and so supportive of keeping the running going, pushing and encouraging. Isn't that what running is about?! I never felt better on a run!
I fueled at the same spots I knew were close to the same spots on the course. I have been using all natural Fluid hydration and loving it! No GI issues, not cramping.
Mountain Goat Training run by mullallyk at Garmin Connect - Details
Last year I was just coming back to racing. I was only 5 months Post partum and did the race. This year, I am competing with myself to get below 90 min. With the right pacing, I may just accomplish that mission!
Happy Training
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Syracuse Half Marathon Recap
Yes, It has been more than a week and I am finally writing my race recap.
The morning of the race started as any race would. I got up 2 hours before race time, ate my pre race meal of Almond butter mixed with applesauce and Banana. So yummy.
I got into pre race mood, envisioned a good race. I couldn't find my heart rate monitor strap but I wasn't going to let it bring me down as race nerves started to kick in. I figured I could handle not knowing what my heart rate is and maybe go on feel alone. I put my Garmin 910XT on my wrist and headed out the door.
As I was driving to the race, listening to the up beat music, I realized I was missing something. My hydration! Yet again, I was not going to let this dampen my spirits. I trained for this race and came to the line ready to give it my all.
The weather was less than stellar. With the wind, chill and cold temps, I packed on the layers. I wore 2 light layers and jacket, Pants, Gloves and hat. I have been training in this all winter long so I have been becoming good at what to wear in these temps. And it helps that Runners world has a great app to help you decide what to wear. I always use it as a guideline and put on or take off depending on how I feel or what I am doing. I have never been too bad yet.
I saw a few of my Y running friends and hung out with them for the last few minutes prior to going out and becoming one with the wintry weather yet again.
I started towards the front and just got into a rhythm and tried to hold on as best I could. I didn't know the course so I just went with the flow of the race. My first mile was a little fast, but I figured James street would more than make up for my speediness on the first mile.
James street felt like it went on forever!! I was getting a little upset with everyone that was passing me, but I passed just as many that passed me. I turned off the negative thoughts and said to myself there is alot of miles ahead of me, don't burn out now.
I was told James street was the worst, the rest is pretty flat and down hill. Boy was I in for a surprise. Sedgewick area was not flat, neither was Eastwood area. But, I didn't feel like it was unmanageable given all the training and effort I have been giving to my running. Sedgewick did take my breath away but I continued to truck on.
3 mile mark hit. 27 min. I was doing well. Good pacing. Then, boom, rolled my ankle in a snow covered pot hole. I thought oh no, am I going to be able to finish without injury? I was able to work it out and keep running. The streets were filled with pot holes for the next 2 miles along with some slick up and down areas.
My footing was definitely a little lighter and not as aggressive given the conditions of the road.
I decided at mile 5 I would start getting in carbs. Took a Honey Stinger gel, grabbed water and cont to trek on.
I loved this race mainly because you were turning a lot and I didn't know where I was going which to me is better because I don't go into a race strategy, more giving it what I can at certain times.
The next few miles were flat and downhill.
Then some slippery spots over the bridge by Destiny Mall, Down through the icy creek walk, down to the Most.
At this point I grabbed what I thought was Gatorade at the mile 10 water stop. It didn't taste right and I knew I was going to regret taking that.
The next few miles seemed to drag on. Then, right before the turn I see one of my coaches sitting there cheering me on to finish. I know I probably looked dead. I felt weak. I felt drained. The wind on this course at times felt like it was holding me back and not letting me run to my full potential.
I say my goal time pass. I was disappointed at this time, but tried to keep moving one foot forward at a time. I was almost done.
I came through the finish relieved I was finished.
1:55:41 (net pace 8:50/mi)
Next up is Springtime 10K in 2 weeks and I am hoping it truly is SPRINGTIME!! :)
The morning of the race started as any race would. I got up 2 hours before race time, ate my pre race meal of Almond butter mixed with applesauce and Banana. So yummy.
I got into pre race mood, envisioned a good race. I couldn't find my heart rate monitor strap but I wasn't going to let it bring me down as race nerves started to kick in. I figured I could handle not knowing what my heart rate is and maybe go on feel alone. I put my Garmin 910XT on my wrist and headed out the door.
As I was driving to the race, listening to the up beat music, I realized I was missing something. My hydration! Yet again, I was not going to let this dampen my spirits. I trained for this race and came to the line ready to give it my all.
The weather was less than stellar. With the wind, chill and cold temps, I packed on the layers. I wore 2 light layers and jacket, Pants, Gloves and hat. I have been training in this all winter long so I have been becoming good at what to wear in these temps. And it helps that Runners world has a great app to help you decide what to wear. I always use it as a guideline and put on or take off depending on how I feel or what I am doing. I have never been too bad yet.
I saw a few of my Y running friends and hung out with them for the last few minutes prior to going out and becoming one with the wintry weather yet again.
I started towards the front and just got into a rhythm and tried to hold on as best I could. I didn't know the course so I just went with the flow of the race. My first mile was a little fast, but I figured James street would more than make up for my speediness on the first mile.
James street felt like it went on forever!! I was getting a little upset with everyone that was passing me, but I passed just as many that passed me. I turned off the negative thoughts and said to myself there is alot of miles ahead of me, don't burn out now.
I was told James street was the worst, the rest is pretty flat and down hill. Boy was I in for a surprise. Sedgewick area was not flat, neither was Eastwood area. But, I didn't feel like it was unmanageable given all the training and effort I have been giving to my running. Sedgewick did take my breath away but I continued to truck on.
3 mile mark hit. 27 min. I was doing well. Good pacing. Then, boom, rolled my ankle in a snow covered pot hole. I thought oh no, am I going to be able to finish without injury? I was able to work it out and keep running. The streets were filled with pot holes for the next 2 miles along with some slick up and down areas.
My footing was definitely a little lighter and not as aggressive given the conditions of the road.
I decided at mile 5 I would start getting in carbs. Took a Honey Stinger gel, grabbed water and cont to trek on.
I loved this race mainly because you were turning a lot and I didn't know where I was going which to me is better because I don't go into a race strategy, more giving it what I can at certain times.
The next few miles were flat and downhill.
Then some slippery spots over the bridge by Destiny Mall, Down through the icy creek walk, down to the Most.
At this point I grabbed what I thought was Gatorade at the mile 10 water stop. It didn't taste right and I knew I was going to regret taking that.
The next few miles seemed to drag on. Then, right before the turn I see one of my coaches sitting there cheering me on to finish. I know I probably looked dead. I felt weak. I felt drained. The wind on this course at times felt like it was holding me back and not letting me run to my full potential.
I say my goal time pass. I was disappointed at this time, but tried to keep moving one foot forward at a time. I was almost done.
I came through the finish relieved I was finished.
1:55:41 (net pace 8:50/mi)
Next up is Springtime 10K in 2 weeks and I am hoping it truly is SPRINGTIME!! :)
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Wind, rain, Sleet?!! Aint no thang!!
Once again it was a nasty day for a long run. Im just dying to have some good weather where I don't have to put 15 layers on to go outside.
I looked at the weather report and it didn't seem to bad at 7 this morning. it read 40 degrees, "real feel" 36, wind 8-10mph, occasional rain.
I decided that we would be running by the lake so it was going to be colder. Ditched the shorts, Went for tights, 2 shirts, hat and gloves. I am so glad I did!
The plan was to run a hour with a fellow Y runner that was training for the Syracuse half and then turn back and run another hour with a little group.
The first half was great. We managed to negative split our training run which is a positive for me! Started slow, worked into a great pace and had almost 6.5 done in 1 hour.
Then, all hell broke loose. The wind picked up and then the sleet came. It took all of my energy to even run in the wind and try to stay warm at the same time. I was losing steam. I kept saying, "Im warm, its 80 degrees out here, its so Hot Im sweating!" Well that worked for a whole 2 minutes.
The last 15 min seemed like 45. The wind, sleet and cold was blowing from the lake and actually pushing us sideways as we ran. I kept saying to the end of the Light poles, then we are done. Keep moving.
Finally- I was done. Couldn't feel my hands or half my face for a good 5 min, But was so happy to be finished!
12.18 miles complete in 1:56.
Ill take it for the crappy day that it was.
Easy runs, add up and speed will be there for the race next week!! So excited!
I looked at the weather report and it didn't seem to bad at 7 this morning. it read 40 degrees, "real feel" 36, wind 8-10mph, occasional rain.
I decided that we would be running by the lake so it was going to be colder. Ditched the shorts, Went for tights, 2 shirts, hat and gloves. I am so glad I did!
The plan was to run a hour with a fellow Y runner that was training for the Syracuse half and then turn back and run another hour with a little group.
The first half was great. We managed to negative split our training run which is a positive for me! Started slow, worked into a great pace and had almost 6.5 done in 1 hour.
Then, all hell broke loose. The wind picked up and then the sleet came. It took all of my energy to even run in the wind and try to stay warm at the same time. I was losing steam. I kept saying, "Im warm, its 80 degrees out here, its so Hot Im sweating!" Well that worked for a whole 2 minutes.
The last 15 min seemed like 45. The wind, sleet and cold was blowing from the lake and actually pushing us sideways as we ran. I kept saying to the end of the Light poles, then we are done. Keep moving.
Finally- I was done. Couldn't feel my hands or half my face for a good 5 min, But was so happy to be finished!
12.18 miles complete in 1:56.
Ill take it for the crappy day that it was.
Easy runs, add up and speed will be there for the race next week!! So excited!
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