LA Marathon 2016: Race Recap

I ran my second marathon yesterday.  After I had finished the first one last year, and reunited with my family, my dad asked, "So you gonna do it again next year?"  I told him to ask me again in a week.

The thing is, the marathon is not my favorite distance.  It requires a lot of time to train; about 6 months and many weekends of double digit miles.  I was always a little unsure about it, but figured it was something I needed to cross off my bucket list.  At the end of it, I was exhausted but so proud of myself.  I decided to come back and try again this year, albeit a bit reluctantly.

In the past 6 months, I've had an insane race schedule, with 23 races over the last 23 weeks.  I've spent the last month focusing on LAM, coming home from a race and doing additional miles to ensure I got my long runs in.  I was super nervous the last two weeks, but come race morning, I knew I was as ready as I could be.

It was supposed to be much warmer than usual for February, although slightly less hot than last year.  I had plenty of carbs and fluids the days before the race and I approached the finish line nervous but positive.  I had a clear goal in mind, as well as a plan B goal.  Now, it always takes me 2 miles to get into a groove, no matter the race distance.  Although I tried to hold back, the first two miles in the race are pretty much straight downhill, so of course those were my fastest.  Unfortunately, I never quite got into the groove.  Every step was a struggle, and I kept telling myself to just be patient and move forward.  Mile 5 it was apparent that the runner's high wasn't coming.  I had a pretty steady pace though.  And this race has the best course support I've ever experienced.  Literally people cheering around every corner.  People passing out pretzels, orange slices, bananas, water.  So I was feeding off the energy of those around me.

Miles 6 through 10 I was cruising along pretty nicely.  In fact, I think those were my best miles.  They weren't easy, but I had enough mental focus to push through.  Mile 10 was along Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood and although I've run that stretch of road in at least a dozen races, it's one of my favorites because of its familiarity.  You've got the Museum of Death (morbid, I know, and also a really odd spot to put the Port-a-Potties), the Pantages Theater, El Capitan, Madame Tussaud's, etc.  You know, all the Hollywood touristy stuff that you see in movies but rarely go to in real life. (Even though I've been to all those places in the last year, but that's besides the point =P).

Anyhoo, one of the IERC pacers passed me at this point and asked if I wanted to stay with them.  I was fading from my current pace and was so thankful for the company.  That group really saved me.  I stayed with them until mile 15ish when they lost me.  We had been in a huge group of people and a small gap turned into a larger one until I couldn't see the pacer anymore.

At Mile 16, I was moderately relieved, and Mile 17 brought about better spirits.  That's about where you run through Rodeo Drive, which is simply gorgeous.  Then I got to the first IERC support tent and it was great seeing some friendly faces, getting a PBJ sandwich, and an ice cold towel.  Spirits renewed, I took it one mile at a time from there on out.  Mile 17 was a mental bridge I was all too thrilled to pass because it meant I had single digit miles left.  9 miles.  I can do 9 miles.  Then 8 miles.  Then 7 miles.  However, as we approached Mile 20, I was forcing myself to run.  My feet hurt. My quads were feeling tight.  My calves were threatening to cramp at every moment.  Luckily IERC had a support tent at Mile 20, and right before the turn into that mile marker I was given a chocolate milk and applesauce pouch.  I hate milk so the fact that I was happy to get that can tell you how delirious I may have been at that point.  More PBJ's at the support tent, along with a new ice towel and I was off.

At this point, I was really discouraged.  I was an hour off my goal time and I kept having flashbacks to last year's Mile 20 moment.  Last year that had been my defining moment.  I knew if I could just get to Mile 20 I would have no problem finishing.  I had been so excited to be there and to see my parents at the support tent.  I remember giving them both a hug, getting a quick drink, and taking off again, so excited to be so close to the finish line.  This time, there was none of that excitement.  It was too much of a struggle and comparing the two races was such a huge mental mistake that I just couldn't stop from happening.

The view from Mile 2

A mile later, there was a group giving out shots of beer, which wasn't a lot, but gave me a great mini boost of energy.  Super boring portion of the race, but oh well.  I found myself saying, "Shut up legs, you're almost there" over and over again.  Literally.  Pretty sure I said that every step of the way from mile 21 to mile 23 where the last IERC tent was.  The great thing about running with a group or having spectators is that they see you wearing the club shirt and even though they may not know you personally, they are so happy to see you and offer help.  That last club tent gave me more food, soda, and happy faces.  It was just what I needed.

"26.2 miles of Single Awareness"

I wish I could say that with only 3 miles to go that I knew I would make it and was finally on a roll.  But no.  I was still questioning my ability to cross that finish line.  It just seemed so far away.  I kept telling myself that my feet didn't hurt.  That my legs weren't cramping.  That they hurt but if they just kept going for a little bit longer it would be over and they could rest then.  I told myself I was stronger and prepared.  That I could do this.  That I would finish and get that medal.  And I ran.  Slowly.  But I couldn't allow myself to walk because I didn't trust my legs anymore.  So I pushed and pushed and pushed some more. One lovely lady looked over at me as I ran next to her (she was walking and we were at the same pace.  Oh well) and said, "Good job.  I can't believe you're running.  I just don't have the energy.  You're doing so great."  I could have hugged her.  Totally what I needed to hear at that moment.  I still had a mile left at that point, but it was probably the first time in the whole race I knew I would finish.

Turning onto Ocean Avenue was emotional for me.  You can see the ocean and feel the breeze and although you can't immediately see it, I knew the finish line was near.  As I got to the end of the finish line spectators I heard my name being cheered on and saw Tracy (a friend from high school) with a couple of running club ladies cheering me on.  And then I crossed the finish line and proceeded to let the last emotions I had left stream out in the form of tears.  Literally could not stop crying.  I was so spent emotionally and physically, and crossing that finish line was the end I wasn't sure I would get to see.  I found a spot to sit and wait the tears out, which is where I finally took a picture to share on social media.  Seeing it after, I'm surprised I was able to conjure up a real smile in that moment.  I was so proud of myself for finishing but also feeling so stupid for having that reaction.  A marathon will do that to you though.

By the end, I was definitely hurting.  I had that post-marathon swagger down.  I went and got my additional medal (more on that next time) and then found my parents and sat down to process a bit.  I had 2 goals for this race and missed both of them.  By a lot.  But you know what?  It's really not about that.  My real number 1 goal was to finish.  Because when you start a marathon (or really any race) finishing is not a guarantee.  It doesn't matter how many hours, weeks, or even months you've trained for this thing.  You set out and all you can do is try to do your best.  For me, my best was finishing when every fiber in my body was telling me to quit.  So, it may not be a distance I love, or even like. In fact, I may very well hate this distance.  But I'll be back.  LAM may have kicked my butt this time, but I guarantee I'll be stronger for the next one.  Only 397 days until LAM 2017.  ;)

And you know, 167 days until my next full marathon.  Because apparently I enjoy this kind of torture. <3

Surf City Race Recap

Yesterday was the Surf City half marathon....#33 for me.  This past week was a little rough on my emotions.  I found out I wasn't selected for two race ambassador positions I had applied for.  I also had the first member of my running group quit.  Although my friends used to call me Negative Nikkie, I am actually quite a positive person.  I know everything happens for a reason and I try to look on the bright side of things. But when things come all at once even the most positive person can have a moment of feeling defeated.  And of course, it was my last week of training before the LA Marathon. 

Surf City was supposed to be my focus race before LAM.  I had a time goal I needed to meet for the past 3 half marathons to ensure a sub-6 hour marathon time.  I didn't hit any of those time goals.  In fact, Surf City was a half hour SLOWER than my goal time. 

The problem was that I went into this race with the mindset that I'd had a crappy week and that I had a lot riding on this one race.  May I just say, that's the wrong way to go into anything, whether a race, a job, or any random event.  I put a lot of pressure on this one race, knowing I hadn't quite hit the mark on the previous two races.  My expectations were way too high.  The course was a lovely out and back along the Pacific Coast Highway, so there was a pleasant ocean view for the majority of it.  But my split times just weren't where they should have been.  By the time I got to mile 7 I knew I wasn't going to hit my goal so I slowed down.  A lot.  By mile 10 I was doing a run/walk and really milking the water stop breaks.  I just couldn't get my head in a positive frame of mind.  By mile 11.5 I had snapped out of it enough to force myself to run the rest of the way in.  It was tough.

I woke up to an email from my coach telling me what a great job I did on the run and letting me know my plan for this week.  I told her my split times (although pretty sure she had already stalked my finishing time) and explained how I felt.  Her response? "Just now focusing on mentally saying you are ready for the day on Sunday.  It will be challenging but you are stronger."  I said at the end of yesterday's race that the mantra of the day was "Run the race you're in" and by the end I finally believed it.  So this week, my mantra is "I am stronger and I am ready."  I have an amazing group of family and friends who support my running adventures.  They're not expecting me to be the fastest one out there.  They'll wake up on Sunday and see my posts along the route and congratulate me and ask how I'm feeling on Monday.  They'll love me and support me no matter what happens on the course.  So although it was a rough week, its over now.  Time to regain focus and stop being so hard on myself.  A bad training week doesn't diminish all the hours I've put into it before or after.  Sunday will be great.  <3

Goals, not Resolutions!

Happy 2016!  How has your training been going?  Not gonna lie, I definitely slacked off the last two weeks of the year.  My brother got married, then his birthday, Christmas Eve, Christmas, and then my birthday.  That week before Christmas is always a marathon week for my family and by the time New Year’s rolls around, I’m beat!

Now, I’m not a fan of New Year’s resolutions.  I think if you want to make a change in your life, you can do it anytime!  There’s always the first of the month, first day of the week, or hey, why not start something new on a Thursday just because you want to?  But, I get why they’re popular.  I don’t do resolutions, but I do do birthday goals.  For 28 I wanted to travel more.  And with 33 races, 9 plane rides, 6 states, 14 nights spent in a hotel and 6 nights spent in friends’ lovely guest rooms, I’d say I smashed that goal.  I like birthday goals more because I feel like it relates to me more.  Yeah, I would like to lose weight as a New Year’s resolution, but saying I want to be a certain size by my next birthday just feels more powerful.  Maybe that’s just me, but it works for me, so I’m all for whatever works for you! 

I’ve been doing this birthday goal resolution thing since my 22^nd birthday.  And for the most part, it’s been super successful.  One year I wanted to go to more concerts; another I wanted to experience new things so I bought a Groupon a month.  The birthday resolutions started because I had a really bad 21^st year.  So for 22 I decided to just get out of the house and have fun.  I did my own version of a “Yes Man” year and pretty much said yes anytime anyone invited me out.  I had become such an introvert that this was a HUGE deal for me.  And I had a blast!  This year was the first year that I felt like I’d accomplished everything major I wanted to accomplish.  I feel like I’ve finally laid a blueprint for the life I want to live and I’m on a really good path and am enjoying every minute of it.  It’s been good.  So when 29 came closer I couldn’t think of anything major I wanted to change.  Sure, I want to lose weight and stop procrastinating so much.  But nothing so big as the past few years have been.

Solution?  I wrote down everything I want to do this year.  All the little things.  And I came up with 10!  So I thought, let’s do a 30 before 30 list.  Every time I think of something, no matter how small, I write it down.  So this list will definitely be a progression as the year goes on.  I’m sure I can think of 30 things (I’m already at 15) and I know that all these little things will only help me have a really solid and fun future.  Some of them really scared me as I wrote them down, which means I definitely am dreaming big!  I even finally partnered with my bestie, Team Berns Fitness to start my own running group.  To be perfectly honest, it really freaked me out the more real it became.  But I love running and while I acknowledge that it’s not for everyone, running a 5k is.  Having a team of strong women working towards a goal with you, is.  I’ve had a lot of people over the last year ask me for advice on running their first half marathon and I love being part of their journey.  It’s not easy, but it’s so totally worth it, so this is my opportunity to do that on a broader scale.  And while I’m still a little scared, I’m also super excited. 

I’ll post my list in the next post, but until then, what are some of your goals for this year? 

Golden Snowflake Challenge

This weekend I ran the Holiday 5k and Holiday Half Marathon in Pomona, CA.  Together, these races completed the Golden Snowflake Challenge, which granted the finisher with a lovely golden snowflake medal, in addition to the 5k and half medals.  Never one to shy away from extra bling, I put this race on my calendar early on in the year.

This was my second time running this particular half marathon.  I think it was my 6th half marathon ever 2 years ago, and I remember hating every minute of those hills!  The course starts at the Pomona Fairplex, loops through a neighboring residential area, back up through the Pomona Speedway, out around Brackett Airport, and then through Bonelli Park.  Bonelli Park is lovely.  But it has a lot of hills.  They're not absurdly steep, but the number of them really does a number on you physically and mentally. 

About half the race is spent in and around Bonelli Park, so when you finally leave, the Fairplex is in sight with only 2 miles to go.  I forgot to turn my podcasts on until Mile 2, which is odd for me, but also nice to know I didn't absolutely need the distraction.  I took very few pictures and although I tried to push through, both races ended up a bit slower than my most recent races. 

I took a recovery week this week, on the advice of my coach.  I do feel stronger as a runner overall, but I think all the racing the last 3 months has really done a number on me.  With LA Marathon just two months away (EEK!!) and 6 races before then, I don't think I'll get much opportunity to rest.  I've got no races next weekend and I'm super excited about it, because it means I finally get to do something I've been meaning to do for months now.....get a haircut!!!  I have literally been too busy to do something as simple as get a haircut and although I love running, it's nice to take a breather every now and then. 

Did you run any races this weekend?  How'd you do?

Lexus Laceup - Riverside, Half 27/29

The Lexus LaceUp Riverside half marathon was probably the most well put together race I've ever been to!  I have a love/hate relationship with small races.  Being a slower runner means that I almost always come in very near the end of the race.  On the other hand, its really nice to see different parts of cities that aren't very touristy or even that are in my backyard and I never would have known existed!  This was definitely one of those races.  Overall I was 277/313.  14/17 in my age group.  Luckily I do these things for fun!

This was my third race in Riverside in a month and I knew going into it that it was an out and back course along the Santa Ana River Trail, which means a pretty monotonous run in terms of scenery.  I had never heard of this race series until I cancelled my Nebraska trip and found myself in need of a half marathon on one of the very few open weekends I had left in the year to make 29 half marathons on my 29th birthday.  Let me tell you, this race series has quickly become one of my faves!

Because it was sort of a last minute entry for me, I didn't really look at what was included in the race entry fee.  I knew a medal, and really that's all I cared about!  Boy was I pleasantly surprised when I saw that it included a free beer AND food!!  Not only that, they had plenty of seating so that we could enjoy our food and beverage.  I always feel bad that my parents go to my races only to sit on the floor in the cold for several hours.  This race had a small expo of vendors and plenty of tables, chairs, and umbrellas! My mom sat at one of the cloth-covered tables for the first 2 hours of my race and made friends with some other spectators.  She even got a beer and free meal voucher one of the runners wasn't going to be able to use!  Score one for madre!  We always go out to breakfast after my races, but it was nice to stay in the venue and enjoy a really good meal. 

As for the race itself, I was also pleasantly surprised to see that it was a section of the trail I had never been on before and was actually quite pretty!  It was out and back, so while I saw everything twice, the road curved quite a bit and there was a good portion that was tree-lined with a small stream running parallel to the trail.  Always lovely to be one with nature.  (And since I was close to the end, there weren't a lot of other people around so I really was ONE with nature, hehe).  

Definitely the best small town race I've ever been to and I look forward to doing more of their races next year!

Riverside Turkey Trot

I love small town, local races.  Not gonna lie, sometimes they suck because I am usually closer to the end with very few people behind me.  But its great to wake up at a reasonable hour, drive a short distance, run real quick, and be home early enough to still have your whole day in front of you.  Especially on a holiday like Thanksgiving.  I like working out in the mornings because it makes me feel like I've earned my food for the day, so Turkey Trots are perfect for me!  Medals and a guilt-free slice of pie? Umm, yes please!

I hired a running coach two months ago and while I got through my crazy 11 week race binge healthy and strong, I felt like any progress was slow or barely measurable.  Plane rides, hotel stays, and sight-seeing wreak havoc on my system, especially since I kind of went a bit crazy by doing that every single weekend.  The Turkey Trot was my last race of the binge so I was super excited to have a relaxing few days off from running and work after it was done. 

Have you ever been to downtown Riverside or the Mt. Rubidoux area?  If you haven't and you're a fan of Victorian style homes, or homes with a ton of character, I suggest you take a trip out stat!  The race was mostly residential and hilly.  Luckily the gorgeous houses distracted me from the hills a bit!  I finished the race on a mission to pass the 12 minute pacer and I did! (just barely, but let's not split hairs here.)  I went through the finish line, got my water and snacks and got a hug from my mom.  Her first words?  "Wow, that was a lot faster than I expected!"  Booyah!  Progress.  lol.  Definitely not a PR, but much faster than I've been running in awhile.  So I guess the training is paying off, even if its not always super obvious.



PS, the race entry included a beer, which I wasn't aware of but super stoked to have it. Recovery carbs, right?!

Biggest Loser Half Marathon (#19 of 29)

Last Sunday I ran the Biggest Loser Half Marathon  in Las Vegas, Nevada.  I originally signed up for this particular race because 1) I love the Biggest Loser (although I stopped watching several years ago) and 2) because I knew I could convince my mom to do the 5k.  My mom is super awesome and beyond supportive of my running, however she will be the first to tell you she doesn't understand the concept of paying to run when I can run for free anywhere I want.  *shrugs*


Anyhoo, I knew I could convince her because she doesn't enjoy running, but she does like to walk, and will only consider doing a race if other people will be walking too (she doesn't want to be the last person coming in, which I totally understand!!).  This is called the Biggest Loser Run/Walk Race series, and I've been waiting for one to come to California.  When I found out this was going to be in Vegas, I figured it was close enough to not pass up and then I'd be guaranteed a travelling buddy, because #priorities.  Well, my mom was all in until she got her retired butt a job!!!  Its temporary, at the LA County Fair, but since she had to request off the last weekend of the fair due to my San Jose running trip (plane tickers already purchased) she felt bad asking for two weekends off in a row.  Which I get, but I was bummed for sure.


Anyhoo, it was a super short trip and definitely not your typical "Vegas" trip, but I think that's what convinced my friend Mary to come with me in the first place.  We spent Saturday laying around our hotel room watching Friends, after a delicious lunch of pizza and breadsticks.  Yum.  And then dinner was pasta and bread with pistachio chocolate chip cannoli for dessert.  Yeah, she's got this carbo-loading thing down!


The race has a 7am start time, which concerned me since it was supposed to be a high of 100* that day.  The race started and ended at Circus Circus, which is where I stayed, and that mean I got to sleep in a whole lot later than I normally do on race mornings!  Yay!  It was another out and back course (lame) which had a loop at the end, so you got to the end of the course, turned around and went back to the 5ish mile marker, got a bracelet, and turned around and went back to the end of the course, and then turned around again and could continue on to the finish line.  Kinda weird, and possibly more boring because we saw that portion of course 4 times!  And the race was down Industrial Rd, so while there was much more shade than there was at the Ventura Marathon, it was the backs of buildings on one side and the freeway on the other.  Still better than last week, but not incredibly exciting.  Oh well.  The volunteers were all super nice and they had a ton of different flavors of Gu at the fuel station, so I got to try the caramel macchiato one.  So good!


Side note:  I like Gu's and gels, but tend to gravitate towards the chocolate and coffee flavored ones.  The first one I had during the race was espresso, the second was mocha, and the third was the caramel macchiato.  My coffee addiction has integrated itself into my running addiction!


I Periscope'd the last half mile-ish of my race which was super fun but also incredibly awkward to watch afterwards.  Heavy breathing and shaky video aside, I totally messed up like half my words! I mean, it makes sense that my brain would go on strike after 12.5 miles of running, but I didn't realize just how many words I pronounced wrong, misused, or completely omitted!  Haha, oh well.


Anyhoo, I felt so much better this race than last week.  I don't know if it was the shade or just being better prepared, but I finished a good 30 minutes sooner than I did last week!  Hopefully I can keep that up the next few races.  While I don't necessarily race for time, I definitely want to get faster.  In fact, I just hired a running coach!  I love running and it is super fun, but I would like to be a more efficient runner, which means actually training.  Races are fun and I enjoy talking to people and getting the most out of my entry fee, and I will continue to do that, but I know I've got some untapped potential somewhere in me and I want to explore where that takes me.  Exciting things coming up and I can't wait to see where running takes me!

Ventura (Half)Marathon Recap

Yesterday was the Ventura Marathon.  This was my 8th half marathon of 2015 and my 18th lifetime half.  That being said, no matter how many races you've done, every race is different and you never know what will come up or what to expect.  Now, if I'm being truthful, I didn't train as well as I could have.  I had a minor foot injury (irritation?) during my last half marathon so I took a couple weeks off.  I've been back into it, but my long runs have definitely suffered.  But I still felt pretty good about myself crossing the start line Sunday morning. 

They always say not to trust the first mile of a race.  That first mile is always a liar.  You cannot judge a long run by the first mile, especially during a race.  Your adrenaline is up, the energy of all the other runners starting is pretty contagious and you feel invincible.  This was the case for my first mile.  But then the second mile was pretty awesome too!  And then the third mile wasn't too bad.  And then BAM!  It was downhill from there (figuratively of course, because literally would have made it super awesome).

The race was an out and back course, which means you go out for half the distance and then turn around and come back the same way.  I'm not a huge fan of these courses because you see the same things twice.  When I signed up, I figured I'd have ocean views, so it wouldn't be too bad.  Well no.  It was beach city for maybe the first 2.5 miles and then marsh-like land.  With no shade.  None. 

Running is a mental sport.  Your brain is yelling at you to stop torturing yourself and makes you think your lungs are going to give out and your legs will turn to jelly any minute. But if you can get out of your head for just a few seconds, running is peaceful.  At least for me it is.  I rarely get the "runner's high" people will tell you about.  But on a good day, I shut off my mind so that I'm almost on autopilot.  My legs are going, my asthmatic lungs are kicking butt, and everything falls into place.  Granted, that feeling never lasts long.  But its my own runner's high and when your brain goes at the speed of light at all times, its nice to have a break.  This race though?  Could. Not. Shut. It. Off. 

It's hot.  There's no shade.  I forgot my sunglasses.  I hope the cute guy doesn't see me like this.  I have to go to the bathroom. Why is there no shade?  Dude, that mile marker can't be right; my watch said I hit that mile ten minutes ago.  Why is it so hot?  I need water with my GU.  My legs hurt.  My feet hurt.  Is my knee acting funny?  How long until I have to check out of my hotel?  I hope they have good beer.  I think I have a blister.  Do I need to retire these shoes already?  OMG I have 9 more of these races coming up!  UGH!!!!!

Yeah, those were just some of the thoughts going through my head.  And if you thought those were annoying, trust me, it got 100x worse.  I couldn't shut it off for the life of me, so I ended up walking quite a bit more than I should have. 

Also, not to give TMI but I had some minor stomach issues.  Have you ever tried to run when your tummy threatens to go on strike?  Running is just about impossible. 

FINALLY I got to the finish line chute and I was the only runner!  As much as I like attention, being the only runner that last tenth of a mile was actually super intimidating.  Lots of people cheering, which was great.  But knowing all eyes were on me was weird!  Probably why my eyes were down in this picture.  And also, I was just super relieved to be done. 

The race organizers sent an apology email with our pictures today.  The turnaround spot for the half marathon was placed in the wrong spot so yeah, it was roughly one kilometer longer than it should have been.  I know that doesn't sound like much.  But I ran my required race distance.  I wasn't looking to be on my feet any longer than I needed to!  I don't have my official time yet, but I guarantee it will be slow.  Next week will be better.

Things I learned from this weekend...

1. Eating a huge lunch the day before is a bad idea if it means your dinner will be small.  Keep it balanced and more protein with dinner.  (Secret: you actually don't need to carb load for a half marathon....usually).

2. Almond milk is not good pre-race food.

3. Remember to smile.  I think I'm smiling in 1 out of 20 race pics.  Yes, I was irritated.  But I pay to do this to myself.  I need to remember to enjoy the journey.

5k Sunday!

This past Sunday I ran the OC Fair One Big Fun Run 5k, in Costa Mesa, CA.  This was my first time running the event, and to be honest, I mainly did it because it was inexpensive and included a ticket to the OC Fair!  Because as much as I love my “free” shirt and bling, when those things include a ticket to a place with exciting fried treats, it’s a must-do in my opinion.

Now, full disclosure…Although my weekend runs have been pretty on point, my weekday runs have been essentially nonexistent.  Sometimes I skip my run because I have homework to do, which, if I’m being honest, is usually left for weekdays because I opted for something “more fun” on the weekend.  Meh.  And other times it’s because it’s a Monday or Tuesday and I would rather go shake my booty with my besties at the gym for CDP (search Bernadette Barber on YouTube; best workout that’s not a traditional workout).  So, since I only run one day a week, and even though that run is usually a longer one, my body is starting to get used to less mileage.  This means that a 5k fun run suddenly becomes something you dread because you have no idea how your legs/lungs are going to react. 

The good news is, when they call this a “big fun run,” they aren’t lying!  They literally had fun detours along the course that allowed you to play games, ride a big slide, or be a rock star onstage with a photo op.  I mean, how much more fun can this get?  And for those people who go to runs to race, challenge themselves, and/or earn a new PR, they could bypass the detours altogether.  So literally, a run for everyone.  I am always on the lookout for fun 5ks to recommend for first-timers and this one definitely made it on the list.  The games weren’t just for fun either, you could actually win prizes!  So.  Much.  Fun. 

Now, despite the great time I was having, as I left the rock star photo op, around 2.5 miles into the run, I was tired.  And keep in mind, I had to stop and wait in a (small) line for the games, then another (slightly longer) line for the slide, and then another (small) line for the photo op.  So theoretically, I should have been feeling great at the end with all this resting I did.  Unfortunately, I rounded the last corner and was pooped.  I wanted to walk the last quarter mile and if it wasn’t for the crowd, I would have!  Not to be one of “those runners,” but this was only a 5k!  That’s the minimum distance I do during my weekday training runs!  I’m not a super fast runner, but a 5k is usually easy enough that I can run a nice comfortable pace the whole way!  Yeah, not this time.  I haven’t felt this out of shape in a long time.

So the moral of the story is, it’s totally great to have a fun time during a race.  I’m not super competitive with running.  I have races where I am aiming for a PR but for the most part, I aim to be within range of my PR but allow myself to enjoy the experience.  There’s a balance there.  5k’s should be fun, especially if the word “fun” is in the title of the race!  But you should cross the finish line feeling strong and proud of your accomplishment, not exhausted and feeling like you just ran triple the distance. 

Training runs have now been scheduled and put in my calendar.  =)

 

 

 

RnR Chicago

This past weekend I had the amazing opportunity to run the Rock n Roll Chicago Half Marathon.  The Rock n Roll Marathon Series are a race organization that puts on 5ks, 10ks, Half and full Marathons all across the world.  Part of their allure, aside from tons of extra medals for completing various challenges, is that they have a live musical act at every mile.  So, if you think running 13.1 miles is tough, knowing you can have a mini dance party every mile helps break the monotony of running up just a bit.  

I am currently in the midst of two running goals.  The first is to run a half marathon in every state by the time I’m 35, which is about 6.5 years from now.  I’ve run in 5 so far, with another 3 scheduled for this year (and if my magical Fairy Godmother comes through, then another 2 or 3.  Let’s all keep our fingers crossed!!).  The second is to run my 29th half marathon (the Operation Jack Half Marathon) on my 29th birthday.  It’s currently scheduled as my 26th, so still need to add a few races to smash that goal.

I try to go into each race with an open mind.  You never know what the weather will be like, how your body will react, or even who you will meet.  As one of my best running buddies says, “Every medal has a story.”  The best you can do is trust your training and approach the starting line with a smile.  That being said, due to some unforeseen circumstances, I ended up crossing the finish line dead last.  As in, they had turned off the timing mat and were starting to tear down the setup.  Thankfully, everyone I passed on my way to the start had words on encouragement and assured me I wasn’t that late.  The timing dudes even stopped me and made sure to take a picture of my bib so they could give me an official start time.  I then proceeded to chase down the trail car for the first mile, and by the time I got to mile 2, I was exhausted.  

Running is a mental sport.  You can interpret that as 1) you must be mental to think that running 13.1 miles is any sort of fun (as many of my friends and family do), or 2) you really have to get out of your own head and push yourself through the tough times.  I took a quick walking break, took and posted a selfie (because that cures everything), cranked up the music, and kept going.  I did NOT fly all the way to Illinois just to have a crappy race.  

Another factor that made this race particularly difficult was the heat.  Towards the end of the race I noticed more and more people at the medical tents and being driven away on carts.  Training for all weather conditions is super important and you need to be smart about it.  It’s nice to PR (personal record) at every race, but not at the expense of your health.  Here are some useful tips for running in the heat.  

1. Slow down!!  You should slow your pace by 30 seconds for every 5 degree increase above 60 degrees.  For example:  Let’s say you run a 10 minute mile and it is 70 degrees race morning.  You should aim for an 11 minute mile and adjust as the day gets hotter/cooler.  
2. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!  I usually alternate between water and electrolytes at the water stations during a race.  However on hotter days where you are sweating more, and thus losing more salt, you need to replenish that.  So it’s especially important to include sports drinks as well.  (There are great alternatives to sports drinks if that’s not your jam, such as energy bars or pretzels.)
3. Listen to your body.  If you are feeling dizzy, light-headed, or have a headache, STOP!  While random heat waves do happen, most race directors have a general idea of what the race day weather will be like and will plan for it.  Most hot races have ice, wet towels (RnR Chicago had ice-soaked sponges at mile 11 and I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy to see a sponge in my life!!), or cooling busses.  You know your body, learn to listen to it!  

The last 2 miles was a straight shot to the finish line.  I had a beautiful view of the Chicago skyline, including Soldier Stadium (which as a devout Dallas Cowboys fan, I was deeply conflicted about, lol!) and Lake Michigan.  I struck up conversations with a few runners, which is probably the best way to forget you’re running for a few minutes.  The last quarter mile is always fun.  You’ve got people cheering on both sides of you and something about crossing the finish line can almost make you forget how much your feet hurt.  My time was awful, but sometimes it’s just satisfying to know you gave it your all and truly earned that medal and free banana (and beer, of course).