Lake Effect Half Marathon 2015. Ending IMLP training week #16

The first Half marry of the season is in the books. I have mixed feelings bout how well I did and how I can improve. The weather leading up to the race was less than Ideal for me. With the negative wind chills and Snow drifts, I was doubtful that the fore casted weather report for race day was anything but accurate.

They days before the race, I did some changes to my Training schedule to give me a rest day/Swim the day before (which never happened due to my cranky 2 year old) I did my long ride on Friday morning as I had the day off from work and vowed I would spend the rest of the day with my Feet up and hydrating well. I'm just going to say that didn't happen either

Race day came and I couldn't contain my excitement that the weather was not in the negative numbers! I was ready to race and It actually felt a little warm! OK, I said a little warm.

I did my usual fueling for the race and tried to hydrate well, but trying to get a 2 year old from beneath your feet as you are scrambling to get ready was wrecking havic on my ability to hydrate well. I chugged a half a 20oz bottle of water and kissed everyone goodbye and headed down to the race site to get a good spot to park and relax a bit before the race.

I got there with about 45 min until the race start. I decided to get a good mile warm up with some pick ups in with a few of the local racers in town. Did some chatting and lined up for the race. I was a bit nervous as I have been training long and easy. I decided to do what I could and forget the rest.

I decided to keep my fueling and hydration under control and leave the rest up to my mind and body.

The first few miles ticked off without a hitch. My goal was to keep every 5K within 24-26 minutes each.  First 5K- 23:57. I was right where I wanted to be. I thought to myself. Great pacing, keep working.

There was about a 2 mile stretch out and back that was snow covered and I knew the second half was not going to be stellar with footing once 500 or so people have trambled all over it, but didn't want to think about it until it came around again.

NExt 5K 25 min. I am still cooking with my time. Right where I wanted to be. My 10K split was about 50 min which I was pleased with.

There was a lot of slush going back again in the same loop. I tried to get footing where ever I could get it.

The next 5K was 26 min. Fuck, I was slowing down. Keep fueling and continue to push. I wasn't feeling horrible at this moment, but I have to admit that the wind did start picking up a pinch in this direction.

Then, I hit the out and back part again. I think I used some profanities under by breath but decided to smile through it all knowing that everyone, except for the people wearing the Yak Traxs (Yeah, the smart people) were having the same problem I was.

I was slow, I was slipping. I tried to keep as light as I could on my feet and just go!

Next 5K 27 min. I was down and Out that I was getting slower as the time ticked. I knew mentally I was ok, Physically I felt ok, but I was slowing down and didn't like it one bit!

The last mile, I regained my speed and was happy overall with the race, Until about 1/4 mile from the finish when 2 girls passed me and got me soaked from the slush! I did manage a what the heck and decided to push through and try to reel them in. I almost got them by the end.

Total time: 1:52:23
117th out of 555 finishers
11/51 AG 30-34
39/328 Female finishers

Fueling- 4 Gu's and a whole lot of water- Perfect

After the bad section

In other training- I was down on time this week, but knew I needed to rest up for the Marathon

IMLP Week #16 in numbers

Swim-3450yds- 1hr
Bike- 91.1 miles- 4hr 55 min
Run- 25.3-3hr 42min
Strength 30 min

Total Time- 10:07:00

Happy Training!

IMLP training Week #15- Bitter cold temps continue

This winter is dragging along in NY! I would like to pack my bags and move down south for the winter months! The bitter cold temps have kept me indoors training on the Bike and Treadmill.
The temps have reached -27F with the wind chills! Brrr!

http://www.currentresults.com/Weather/New-York/Places/syracuse-snowfall-totals-snow-accumulation-averages.php

When we are at the top of the 100 snowiest cities, I think its time to move somewhere warmer, especially when I can't country ski to save my ass. The only thing I remotely like to do is Snowshoeing. I guess I don't mind Tubing. Don't get me started on how unbelievably embarrassing my downhill skiiing is!

What is left? Thank god for running. I can layer up and run for hours but then I hate to come home and have the biggest chill to my spine, wanting to quickly dive head first into a hot tub!

Brrr! As you can see I am throwing up my middle finger at mother nature right now. UGH

Training However, still is going great! I cannot believe the motivation that is sticking with me to train and stick to the plan! I have a lot of supporters and friends that keep me motivated and sane throughout this whole journey!

Yesterday I hit the indoor track for 2 hours! I met some fellow runners that helped tick the minutes away! Before I knew it I was done! I would have to say that it was a little less tortuous than the Treadmill.

I am gearing up for the Lake Effect Half Marathon this weekend and am crossing my fingers the bitter cold blast ends fast! It is supposed to be a high of 27F this weekend and looking forward to trying to get my PR.

Training in numbers this week:

Swim- 6,000 yds, 1:46:00
Bike- 100miles, 5:10:00
Run- 28.2miles, 4:03:00
Strength- 50 min

Total time- 11:49:00

Happy Training!

IMLP training week #14

Its been a long week. CNY is getting hit hard by old man winter. Between sub Zero temps, winds and snow, I am so over the winter these days.

I did get a few days out in the snow running. This weekend was amazing. Even though it was only 20 degrees outside, I felt warm and knocked out 12.2 miles on my long run this weekend.

Finding it hard to stay motivated in these temps, when I have to get my ass up even earlier to shovel off the car. But I still focus on the end result. Getting to the Finish line at IMLP!!

I received my new special ops TYR goggles in the mail last week and was so happy to get them. Well, I left them at my local gym last week and ended up losing them. Sad day today in the pool. Thank god I had an extra pair to wear.

I am preparing for my next adventure in the snow. The Lake Effect Half Marathon on Feb 22nd. Looking forward to breaking my goal of going under 1:50 for this race. Hoping the conditions set me up for a great race! We will see.

I fell down my basement stairs a few days ago, right on my back and hit the back of my head! Oouch!
I have been feeling a niggle here and there. I may need to go to a chiropractor. I almost had a meltdown while swimming this morning because every time I rotated my hips, I felt a pull in my back.

I'm hoping I can be adjusted and fixed by race time!

My running playground

How's everyone else's training going??

This week in Numbers:

Swim:6060 yds- 1:34:24

Bike:91 miles-4:35:06

RUn:24.7 miles-3:43:49

Strength: 45 min

Total: 10:38:19

IMLP Training week #13 and a 5K

This week was a little of a down week. I managed again to get all my training in. feeling a little sore after the race today at the end of the training week, but overall it was a good week.

I can tell you the same things as last week because nothing was really exciting in training except for Today.

I did a 5K after a 8.5 mile long run.

To say it didn't hurt like hell was a lie. I had a tough time keeping up on my race but it was a solid effort for sure,

My friend, J and I went for a long run through the cold parkway by our house. The temps were hovering in the High teens, low 20F's. Freakin cold! I started to warm up about 3-4 miles in and started to need some gel to pick me up. I felt good running the 8.5 miles with my friend. We had great conversation and before I knew it 1 hour was gone!

I went back to the registration area after my run, changed clothing and tried to stretch and warm up for the race. I think I ran a little too early because fatigue was setting into my legs pretty quickly. I was a little concerned lining up at the start line. I was a little shivered as I didn't change the sports bra. What was I thinking?!

I warm up pretty quickly as the gun went off. I Started off at a pretty good 6:50 pace. I thought, I could keep this pace, but as the minutes ticked by, my legs were getting heavier. I also had a few girls breathing heavily in my ear which causes me to panic and start thinking I cannot breathe which isn't a good feeling when your running. I didn't know whether I should haul ass and pass the chicks or let them go. I let them go once, but she wasn't keeping pace so I ran faster to get rid of her.

By Mile 2.5 I was ready to get this race over and done with. I tried to kick it up a notch and bring it home.

24:05 was the race time. Not a PR. But not too shabby for the mileage beforehand!

8/39 in AG 30-34, 15th OA Female- All I can say is there are strong runners in my field! WTH!

(Not to mention the overall female winner was 10!!!) Awesome!

Total Times:
Swimming- 6300 yds- 1:50:00
Biking- 102.5 miles-5:15:00
Running- 25.3 miles-3:41:26
Strength- 30 min

Total Time: 11:16:26

Happy Training!

After 8.5 miles of running. Crazy?!

After the 5K!! Ha ha ha!