Bad runner, bad bad runner....

Yeah...my running has been about as consistent as my blogging. And I'm not proud of either. Life has not been kind to me lately from a running stand point and my guilt has prevented me from facing the fact that I have been slacking - and looking at my blog would force me to do that.

I did participate in the Chiefs 5K with my family back in May - it was untimed and I forgot to charge my Garmin so I have no idea how I did. But, I ran with my 6 year old while pushing my then 2 year old, so it wasn't about time or a PR - it was about crossing the finish line with my kids. It was a great moment and I can't wait to do it again next year.

I also ran the Color Run with my extended family in late May. Yeah- really no point in timing this race and besides, who would want to. I spent more time picking up colored dust from the ground and throwing it on my niece and my sister - no reason to worry about time when there is much fun to be had. In fact, we didn't even run this race. We walked and talked and had fun - it was worth it.

My 14 in '14 calendar has changed quite a bit - realized I had some conflicts with original dates planned so I'm desperately trying to get it hammered out. I have let myself down with my overall training and health - don't want to do the same with my ultimate 2014 goal.

14 in '14
February 23: Disney Princess Half-Marathon - 3:33:53
March 15: KC Big 12 5K & Fun Run - 38:50
April 12: Rock the Parkway Half-Marathon - 3:05:53
May 10: Kansas City Chiefs 5K (fun run, not chipped)
May 31: Color Run (fun run, not chipped)
August 9: Farmstead Stampede OP5K
September 1: Leawood Labor Day 5K
September 14: Plaza 10K
September 21: Panera Bread Diabetes Dash for Life
October 4: Kansas City Zoo Run (4 mile)
October 18: Waddell & Reed Kansas City Marathon (running the half)
November 15: Longview Half Marathon

So yeah, I need to find two more races. I should be able to - I may sign up last minute for a 4 mile race on Friday morning - which should go swimmingly since I haven't run in a while. But, I think I may just go ahead and do it. I need a little kick int he butt - I need a major confidence booster too. I've been feeling pretty crummy lately - and it's so weird to think that it might be because I haven't been running in so long. But, I also haven't been able to take time to do something for me in a long time either - I haven't been able to be selfish. So maybe I will make that change this week....

Half #2 done - and I Rocked that Parkway

It's taken me a little too long to get this recap written but I finally forced myself to carve out a little time and work on it. Before I had even completed my first half marathon - before I knew if I was even going to enjoy pushing myself to achieve that distance - I signed up for two more half-marathons here in Kansas City the day before the price increased. I had heard from several people that Rock the Parkway was a great half-marathon so I added it to my race list and paid my money.

5th Anniversary of the race

My sister went with me to the expo the day before. We enjoyed walking around and checking out the booths. I hadn't planned on making any purchases, but a local running store's booth had a couple sales I couldn't pass up and picked up a handheld water bottle for the race and finally got myself a pair of compression calf sleeves. Since the husband was out of town again, my sister took my kids for me Friday night so I wouldn't have to worry about getting them up early in the morning and planned on coming down to the race at some point to cheer me on.

I got the race early so I could stretch out and relax. I was really happy I made that decision once I realized my shirt was on inside out and I had to hide behind a dumpster to flip it around...sigh... I took time to collect my thoughts, get my head in the right spot and just enjoy the sun coming up and the excitement that continued to grow as more people arrived for the races. I also had the chance to meet up with a local runner, and fellow Swirlgear ambassador, LaStacia who I met through the Swirlgear FB page. We had planned to get together for a photo with another ambassador Laura and I'm so happy we did - I didn't have a lot of photos from that race.

LaStacia, myself and Laura

As I was preparing for this race, I decided I wanted to try running with a pace group. I knew very little about them but had heard such wonderful things about the pacers during PHM that I decided to do a little research. It didn't take me long to decide that might be the best option for me in this race - especially since RTP has a 14 minute mile minimum. I knew my moving time at PHM was around 3:14 (finishing time of 3:33)- so I decided to try to run with the 3:05 group.  My decision was further supported when I realized that one of the pacers for the time was a high school and college classmate from my little hometown in southern Kansas, someone I hadn't seen in possibly 15 years.  We're FB friends, so I reached out to him in advance to inquire about his pacing strategy and to let him know I was thinking of joining his group. Bonus - I forgot my Garmin at home that morning, so running with pacers was fantastic. 

When I headed into the corral I was excited to see Steve again, to meet his fellow pacer Becki and chat with the other ladies who were going to start the race with the pace group. Unfortunately, I would only see one of those women again, right after I crossed the finish line, but they were all a little faster than me and took off not long after the first mile. 

When the race started, the pace was a little slower than I was prepared for. It took some adjusting in my mental state, but I kept telling myself it would help me in the end and to stick with it. I ran almost the first 2 miles and then began walking when I felt like I needed to. I sped up a little bit to a more comfortable pace, but stayed pretty close to my pacers. After we passed the 5K mark, I found myself speeding up just a little bit more.  The 3:00 pace group was right in front of us and I decided as long as I could stay in between both pace groups, I would be doing well. And, up until mile 12, I managed to do that.

Overall, the race is fantastic. Quite hilly, but beautiful. The other runners were great - people were smiling and encouraging. And wow - the volunteers and spectators that lined the course, all 13.1 miles, were incredible. Hats off to them - they have no idea how uplifting it is to see them standing there, cheering loudly, ringing cowbells, etc. Not to mention, the signs were pretty fantastic the entire day.

My favorite signs of the day.

Around mile 4 we passed the Meyer Circle Fountain, and I couldn't help but stop and take a photo. At mile 5, we ventured off Ward Parkway and ran through a couple miles of residential area. During this run, I met up with the 3:00 pacers and managed to stay with them for a while. Then we hit more of those wicked hills and I had to slow myself down and power walk through them. 

Meyer Circle Fountain

By the time we got out of the residential area and back on Ward Parkway, the wind was starting to pick up. Steve had warned a headwind would find us on the last half of the race, but I was hoping he was wrong. Welp. I was wrong. A headwind arrived around mile 7 and I knew it was going to be a rough finish. I cheesed it up for the camera at mile 7 and prepared myself for the tough second half of the race. 

Halfway down, and I'm feeling good

I was feeling good and smiling. I really was having fun. I noticed a gal running next to me and she was struggling. I heard her asking a volunteer where the next water station was - I knew we were at least another 1-2 miles away. I ran over, handed her my bottle and told her to help herself. She protested a little, but I told her I was fine and would refill at the next station and that I wanted her to get a drink. She gave in and I'm so happy she did. I sure hope she finished the race. 

We had a wicked climb approaching mile 8 and the course finally began to flatten out, maybe even go downhill a little. I was slowing down and the 3:00 pacers were nowhere in sight - and with it my brief thoughts from earlier of a sub-3 hour half - but neither were Steve and Becki so I was still feeling confident and strong. I wanted to finish no worse than 3:05 and knew as long as I stayed in front of them I would. And then, it happened...again. Around mile 9 or 9.5 I got incredibly sick to my stomach, just like at PHM. With every step I took I thought I was going to throw up. Add in the fun of the strong headwinds and the final 5K of the race was miserable. We passed by the fountain again but I paid little attention. I was more worried about finishing on my feet, finishing in 3:05 or under and not throwing up. I began searching out people in front of me to pick off one by one, challenging myself to not just get in front of them but to put distance between us once I got passed them.

Mile 9

I sent Mark a text at mile 10 and asked him to remind me why I want to run half-marathons. I was also sending my sister mile updates as I ran so she could find me on the course. The last 5K I walked more than I ran, and more than I wanted to. But, I was going to finish no matter what. Steve and Becki caught up to me around mile 11.5 and I explained to them why I was struggling. They continued to encourage me to keep going and I did my best to stay with them. At one point, Becki pointed up at a group watching us from a structure above - I guess they were yelling my name (thanks to my bib) and cheering me on. I wish I would have heard them but I didn't. All I could hear was my own thoughts, telling me to keep pushing, keep running. Steve and Becki got in front of me a little but I was determined to keep them close. Then, around mile 12/12.25 I saw the most glorious sight I could've seen - my little man in his Superman shirt waiting for me. He saw me at the same time and started waving - and then he took off running - and it was fantastic.

My biggest fan - I just love him.

My sister, my niece and Logan were waiting for me and cheering. They had made signs and were jumping up and down. My brother in law, daughter, nephew and other niece, were down the course closer to the finish line waiting. This hug was the perfect fuel to get me through the rest of the race. I took off running toward the finish line and they crossed to the other side and ran along side yelling at me to keep going. I almost yelled at them to shut the hell up at one point, but used my better judgement and just kept running. 

My niece picked a flower for me and handed it over as I passed by

I ran, ran as hard as my legs would let me that last .6 miles or so. Those who had already finished were cheering us all on and I just loved it. It's so humbling to have those people stick around and cheer for you - they probably finished 90 minutes earlier, yet they want to help encourage everyone to cross the finish line. As a slow runner - and a new runner - it's one of those things that continues to impress me about the running community and helps my love of running to continue to grow. 

As I got closer to the finish line I noticed Becki had slowed way down - almost to a stop. As I approached her she told me to keep running - she wanted me to cross the finish line ahead of her. And I did - but wasn't sure if I met the 3:05 time. I hoped I had, but wasn't sure. I turned after I crossed and hugged Becki - what a wonderful thing she did by waiting just a couple seconds for me. I probably would have cried if I hadn't been so tired. I happily accepted my medal, fist bumped with Steve and walked over to my sister and my family. 

Almost to the finish line. My music had stopped, so I pulled my headphones out of my ears - love the Dopey look I'm rocking here.

BOOM! Half-marathon #2 in the books. 9 months after I started running.

I ran up to give my daughter a hug and saw the signs each of the kids made me. We walked over to get some water, food and my printed receipt. That's when I realized I managed to come in at 3:05:53 and I almost cried. It was a PR by more than 28 minutes from PHM (9 minutes if you use the "moving time" my Garmin reported) and I was incredibly proud of myself. 

This is a race I will definitely do again - even though I got sick (and I have some new ideas on how to keep that from happening thanks to suggestions from this incredible running community) I really enjoyed this race. The course was beautiful, the people friendly and the experience was awesome. I would recommend this race to anyone looking for a half-marathon to do in the area - and I'll be one of the first to sign up as soon as the 2015 registration is open.

I spent a lot of time thinking during this race. I know I will never be the fastest person on the course. I will never come close to winning my age group in any race at any distance. But, I'm lacing up my shoes and I'm walking out the door. I'm crossing the finish line and I'm having fun. And at the end of the day, that is what is most important. I'm proud of myself and accomplishing things I never thought I could - or would. It was during this race I realized that I'm a half-marathoner------ and no one can take that title from me.

Today's Stats:

13.1 miles
3:05:53 minutes
14:17 avg min/mil

4752 out of 4932 total
614 out of 644 F 30-34

Race Recap: Big 12 5K Fun Run

I had not run a single step since the Princess Half. Mark has been out of town and I've been so busy with work that I just haven't been able to. The family has also been passing a lovely bug between each other so I wasn't feeling real strong or healthy. Then it hit me - I have another half-marathon in a month. I needed to get out there get my training started again. So, I signed up for the Big 12 5K Fun Run & Family Stroll this past Saturday.

The race took place down at the Power & Light District here in KC. It's my second time running in this area, but it was a completely different course. The race was timed and finisher medals were handed out - which is always a great perk!

Logo taken from the website

I got there early to pick up my packet since I wasn't able to go the day before. I'm not a big fan of picking up the day of, but sometimes it can't be helped. Luckily, I got there early enough that I didn't have to wait in line, had time to walk back to my car to drop off my shirt and the extra stuff.  I also haven't had to tie a chip to my shoe since my race in October, so it caught me off guard for a second when the chip fell out of the packet - another reason I was happy I got there early. I headed back to the race area and stretched, walked around and tried to get my mind into race mode.

My hope was to settle into a 12:30-13 minute pace - I really, really, really wanted to PR during this race, but it's been a while since I ran so I wasn't sure. We took off and I comfortably found my pace - looked at my Garmin and it was around 11:53 - I was excited and scared at the same time. I was afraid this was probably too fast for me, but I felt good so I kept going. Big mistake. I went out too fast, again.

I ran the first full mile - but my breathing began to act up on me and I had to stop and walk. I couldn't get it under control no matter how hard I tried - I need to go chat with a doctor about this. I had to walk for probably close to .5 miles just to get myself calmed back down. I started running again and made myself stay around a 12:30 pace - I felt better, but my mental state was shot. I was so upset with myself that I couldn't get back in the game.

Around mile 1.75 I noticed a family running together. As I looked at the mom, she was wearing a Dopey Challenge shirt - I ran over, congratulated her on completing the challenge and told her I just got back from Princess Half.  She told me congratulations and we kept running. (For those who don't know, Dopey is a combination of the WDW Marathon, Half-Marathon, 10K and 5K - in four days. Insanity.)

We went up an overpass and on the way down saw the mile 2 marker. I was feeling pretty good and just tried to keep running. I knew a PR was out of the question, so I focused on finishing as strong as I could. Then, around 2.5/2.75 the organizers of this race decided to have some fun with us - I swear we were running straight up hill. That was the most brutal hill I have ever run up - okay, sorry, walked up. There was no jogging by this chick. I walked that sucker. I was shot - there was no way.  Hills tend to have the biggest impact on my breathing so I didn't want to make things any worse. Came back down that hill, up another small one and saw the finish line. I ran as hard as I could across the finish line, but was so happy to have this race over. 

I walked around for a little while to cool down, found someone to take my picture and then drove on home. Overall, the race was fun. The hill was ugly - but I think that if my breathing wouldn't have acted up on me I would have been able to run at least the first 2 miles. I need to get that figured out and I will. 

So now, I'm ready to really get into training. I've decided to join a pacer group during Rock the Parkway - they will run 3:05 (the slowest pace group they are allowing). I know that's a 13 minute pace, which I know I'm capable of doing. I also know that they will run for most of this race - stopping only through water breaks. It will be tough - but if I can do it I think it will work wonders for my mental game. 

Today's Stats:

3.1 miles
38:50 minutes
12:38 avg min/mil
981 out of 1418 total
101 out of 157 F 30-34
Goals for next run
Probably won't be able to get out until Thursday. Going to get in at least 3-4 miles - try to run the full distance at a 13 minute pace. 

I ran with the penguins...and then brought one home.

I'm a few days behind in my posting, but life gets in the way sometimes, ya know?

On Saturday the 5th, I ran my longest race yet - the Kansas City Zoo Run for the Penguins - a 4 mile run. I've only trained at 4 miles once or twice, so I wasn't sure how I would do, but I felt pretty confident overall.  My best 5K time so far was 35 minutes, but my best 4 mile time in training was 56 minutes. I set my goal to come in under 48 minutes - that would be a 12 minute mile and that would be a big accomplishment for me.

I felt really good when I woke up - I even slept well the night before. That should have been my first clue. I always eat before I run - sometimes less than 30 minutes before my training runs due to the fact that it's getting dark earlier. I decided I wanted to give myself some good fuel for the run, so I made eggs and added a little cottage cheese to the side for some protein. Holy hell, what a horrible idea. The race started 2 hours after I ate, yet halfway through the race I quickly learned what a bad decision I had made.

Overall, 1,931 people took part in the 4 mile race. I knew it would be a big one so I really tried to mentally focus on running my race (and not taking last.) Before the race began, I ran into my son's kindergarten teacher who is a marathoner. Since I run alone and my husband stays home with the kids on race mornings, it was really nice to have someone to chat with before the race started. Her friends were delightful to talk to as well - I think it helped me settle down before the run.

Ms. Kranz (my son's kindergarten teacher) and me before the race started

By accident, I signed up for the wrong wave. Multiple times I considered joining the wave behind, which is the one I should have been in, but I decided to stay put. I felt that it would help my psyche if I stayed in the faster wave and let myself settle into a groove. It ended up being a good decision. While everyone smoked me when we crossed the finish line, and several people from the wave behind me caught up, I was able to move all the way to the right, find a groove and just run. I crushed the first 1-1.5 miles. I know I ran that entire way and I was feeling pretty good. I also knew that I had started out FAST. Unfortunately, I somehow managed to set my RunKeeper app to cycling instead of running before the race so I have no idea what my 1 and 2 mile pace times were, but I have a feeling I was pushing sub-10. I was crushing it.

Then, it happened. The eggs reared their ugly head. I got almost to the 2 mile marker and began to feel like I was going to be sick. A couple times I looked for a place to throw up. I was so miserable. I would stop to walk, but my legs were not happy. They wanted to keep running - that had me excited once I had a chance to think about it. My body felt good and didn't want to stop running. My breathing was good - and my brain wasn't telling me to slow down or stop or you can't do it. My stomach was though. I got myself calmed down and began to try to find a comfortable interval to finish the race at.

I ended up walking almost the entire 3rd mile - I felt that sick. It upsets me to think about now as I know I could have kept running and turned in a really good time. But, I didn't want to throw up in the lion exhibit. So, I took it easy. Somewhere between miles 3 and 4 we got rained on.  The temperatures were cool, it was really some nice weather to run in.

As we cruised closer to the finish line, the people that were coming out to cheer on the finishers was pretty incredible. So far, the largest cheering squad I've experienced. They were yelling at us to finish strong, encouraging us to keep pushing, and incorrectly telling us the finish line was just around the corner :-) I did yell at someone for that. Suddenly, I realized that everyone was wearing a cute little penguin medal - I had no idea this race gave out finisher medals. That was all the motivation I needed - I kicked it into gear a little faster and pushed to the finish line.

At the post-race party with my cute little penguin medal

Overall, it was a fun race. I wish I wouldn't have felt so nauseous - I would have liked to have pushed it a little harder and finished better. I also wish it wouldn't have been so cold because a lot of the animals were hiding from us, trying to keep warm. But, I'm really happy with how I finished. This is a race I will do again - I'm already excited for next years - plus, I can't wait to find out the animal the race will be supporting and my medal will be sporting. 

I crossed the finish line at 46:15 with an 11:34 pace (seriously, I had to have destroyed my miles 1&2 pace times).  I finished 1,030 out of 1,931 racers; 578 out of 1,265 female race; 123 out of 256 F 30-34. There isn't a number in that mix that I'm disappointed with. I am sure there are 30 more people I could have passed to break 1,000th place, but that's okay. I know what mistakes I made that held me back and I will definitely not make them again! 

Logan's teacher told me that when she told the kids she was doing a penguin race, he asked her if that meant we were going to bring home a penguin after the race. It was really cool to come home and tell him I did get to bring home a penguin, and then show him my medal.

I mapped out a 4+ mile trail by my house, so I'm ready to begin training for my longer runs. I have a 10K in just a couple weeks - and I'm already really excited about it. I think if I train hard the next couple weeks, I can do a 1:03 time for that race. That would be so crazy, but I think I can do it. I'll just have to settle in, find my pace and run my own race. We'll see.

Goals for this week:

Going to rest today and then head out tomorrow to get in my 4 miles. Plan to try to keep the pace I ran the race at and see if I can run at least half the miles.

Third 5K - I beat my own mental game....

I was not feeling it this morning. I had a 5K race this morning, the last one of my training that I have scheduled, and I was not feeling it. I woke up unprepared, especially mentally. I had a feeling it was going to be a rough morning.

I really wanted to PR this morning. I also wanted to run the first mile of the race, possibly more. I spent the drive to the course getting myself pumped up mentally.  Lots of "you can do this" and "you got this" on the drive. I knew it was going to be a big race in terms of numbers - I also knew there would be a lot of walkers. I felt like if I got myself in a good mid-pack start at the starting line and kept a slow, but comfortable pace I could make this a great race. 

I managed to beat my mental game.

For the first time in a race, I ran the first mile. I slowed down to remove my sweatshirt, which ended up being the worst decision I made all day. I was in a groove and moving well - and just like that, my momentum was gone. All the muscles started hurting, my breathing became labored and I had to start alternating my running with walking. From that point on, I struggled breathing. I had a hard time catching my breath and getting myself relaxed to the point I could run well again. I pushed through and managed to finish strong, but was just a little disappointed. Overall though, I felt fantastic and was really proud of myself for the race I ran today.

I PR'd by 1 min 20 seconds - my avg pace was nuts. I really wish I would have ran my RunKeeper during the race because I'm curious what my splits were. I really think I ran a 10 minute mile today.  I took 27 out of 50 in my age group and 360 out of 657 participants. 

On a side note - this was really a great race. The Panera Bread Diabetes Dash for Life 5K - it was an inaugural event and the organizers did a great job. They had bagels, bananas and coffee for us before the race and bagels, bananas, cookies, scones, coffee and water after the race. We also got some pretty incredible finisher medals. This race is on my list for future years - I'll definitely participate again. 

Today's Stats:

3.1 miles
35:40 minutes
11:22 avg min/mil
If the half-marathon was today: appox. 2:45:08

Goals for next run
Going to take a couple days off to recover. The left knee and ankle are sore, which is normal for me on a non-running day, but a running day only exacerbates the issue. My runs from here on out have to be at least 4 miles as my next race is a 4 mile run on Oct. 4. 

Second 5K = SUCCESS!!!

I had my second competitive 5K this morning and it was just what I needed. The weather was gorgeous and the race organizers said on several occasions that they believed PRs would be set today. In my case, they were absolutely right. I needed today's race - for my training and especially my confidence.

I had a pretty rough dream this morning - apparently my negative voice has traveled into my dreams. In my dream I quit halfway through a race and went home. My family was waiting for me laughing and telling me they knew I couldn't do it and should try to find a 2K now. I woke up from that dream when my alarm went off and did my best to not let it overtake my mind. I tried to think motivational and positive thoughts throughout the morning and did everything I could to not let any negativity enter into my brain.

From the race brochure

This was a great race. Only a small hill - flat and easy to run. The course was really simple and quiet pretty. I didn't think I started out fast, but boy did I. I stopped probably at the .5 mark to start walking a little. Before I even hit the 1 mile mark the runners were returning towards the finish line - I started to get discouraged but instead, decided to start clapping and cheering them on - it was a great mind swap. Not long after that I realized I was coming up on the 1 mile marker - I couldn't believe how quickly I had reached it. And, I should have been surprised - I ran almost an 11:26 mile. I thought I was going to cry I was so excited. I kept telling myself to keep pushing, keep pushing, you are going to PR. That was my goal - to PR.  By the time we made the turn and started heading back I knew the 2 mile marker was coming up - but I knew I had slowed down some as well. I pushed my runs as hard as I could and tried to keep my walks limited. Came up to mile marker 2 and was shocked to see it was around 24 minutes. I knew I could PR. 

I kept telling myself to keep your head up, keep running, you're almost done. I really wanted to finish strong and run as much of the last mile as I could. My 3 mile was not as good as I would have like it to be but I ran hard across that finish line. The clock said around 37:19 and I was blown away. I had PR'd - and not by a little but by a ton. Once I realized my official time would be even quicker than that you would have had to beat the smile off my face.  

When I got my print out, I started to get upset with myself. I finished so far behind everyone, especially in my age group. But, I had to remind myself that this is only my second 5K and I've only been doing this for a couple of months now. I have no right to be disappointed - I crushed my PR and ran a great race. And, at the end of the day, I didn't take last!

These little slips make me happy

Of the above slip, there's one change that I know of already. My finish position was out of 321 - not 295. Everything else has remained the same. 37:01:5 - are you kidding me???????  

Training continues as my next 5K is in 3 weeks, with a 4 miler two weeks later. 

Today's Stats:

3.1 miles
37:01:05 minutes
11:57 avg min/mil
If the half-marathon was today: appox. 2:51

Goals for next run
Probably won't get out much this week but will try to get at least one training run. I have got to get my daily mileage up to 4 miles. The back of my quad hurts a lot too so I may let my body rest up a bit. We'll see.