Broad Street Run: 10 miles in 1:30:57!!

Yesterday I ran the Broad Street Run in Philly for the 5th year in a row with one of my good friends.  Every year we pull others into this running adventure too: coworkers, boyfriends, ex-boyfriends, friends with bucket list items (you get the point).

It's become a tradition to get a hotel, too.  Which in thinking about it is funny (we live 45 minutes away).  And, I didn't even get a hotel for my half or full marathon (both in Philly too), there's just something about the nostalgia of this run.  I mean, it is the biggest 10 miler in the country!  We are required to do it up.  And doing it up this year aside from the hotel, was to wear red socks.

And after searching, I finally found some.  I ran for Boston.

Saturday I should've eaten carbs, but didn't want carbs (the whole, you always want what you can't have- but backwards).  I ended up with this delish greek salad instead.  

We headed up to Philly Saturday night and conveniently were staying next to a Target.  So we obviously went shopping and bought snacks.  We were out so long, by the time we walked back and ate snacks, we were in bed.  

We were up at 6:30 to head out by 7:30 and catch out taxi to the start.  Didn't we look great, and partially asleep?!

We all had goals in mind.  I came up with a ridiculous goal of 1:30.  I honestly don't know how I thought I could run that fast, or where that goal came from, but there it was.  Earlier in the week I told someone that my ultimate goal was 1:30, I'd be excited with 1:35, and anything less than 1:43 I'd PR.  So any of those would suffice.

We started the run and were off.  I watched my garmin the entire race and just tried to gauge how I felt during each mile.  I maintained an average pace of 8:45-9:10 the entire race.  During mile 8 I wanted to just stop, and walk, or maybe cry.  I was starting to hurt, my calves were on fire.  At this point I couldn't stop, I was killing it and would actually make my time.

Up until a few months ago I was an ok runner, averaging between a 10-10:30 pace, figuring these hips didn't run that fast.  March I PR'd in a half and a 5k and thought I could PR for Broad Street too.  Never, did I ever think I could go from a 10 minute paced half marathon in March, to running a 9:06 pace for a 10 miler 6 weeks later.  

But, I DID!  And although I can't even comprehend how I managed, I'm so thrilled I met my goal.  I was running to the finish and was within seconds of hitting 1:31- I beat that by 3 seconds.  

After the race we celebrated (with free beers).  Which was a good thing, because we then had an hour plus wait for a taxi back to the hotel.

 Cheers to Broad Street next year and the years to come.  Even though every year we say it's our last. :)

2 PR's, 1 week.

I ran my second half-marathon on St. Patrick's Day on a pretty hilly course.  It must've been the luck of the Irish, because I took 22 minutes off my last half time.  Now before I make it sound absolutely amazing, let me explain my reasoning why this happened.  And, why anyone else who is "slower" (than most other runners at these things), can do it too!

• My first half time was 2:33 a little less than a year ago.  At that point that was the furthest I had ran, and it was an ugly, boring course on a rather hot day.  I was just happy to complete the run, at that point said I wouldn't run that distance again.

• I was still experimenting with fuel and was still taking mint chocolate gu gels (which I've since discontinued) because I realized my stomach didn't appreciate them.

• In between these two half marathon's I did run a full marathon, which totally changed my perception on running. And fuel, and water, and stretching.

• I started doing speed work, intervals, tempo runs etc about two months ago.

• I added two days of strength and yoga in the mix too.

• The running plan I followed had me running a 9:15 race pace, yea..

The day before, my parents, for the first time that I can remember, had a themed party, for St. Patty's Day.  I obviously couldn't miss this, so I went and decided not to drink alcohol.  My food the day before was all over the board: steak, baked potato, cornbeef sandwich, cake, cookies, and LOTS of water.  I figurd my time couldn't get any slower, so why not experiment with food.  Again, this wasn't the smartest idea, I could've eaten much cleaner.

It was then the morning of the half.  I started running and maintained a 9:30-9:45 pace for the first 7 miles.  The hills then kicked in and decreased my pace closer to 10-10:30.  I just made sure i was at or below a 10 minute pace.  When I ran up the ridiculous hill at the end I finished in 2:11, it must've been adrenaline because thinking of that today makes me cringe.  Probably because my body is still recovering, I'm pretty sure I strained my calf.  I ran once last week since the half then ran a 5k on Saturday.

I went into the 5k with hopes of beating my time from last yeat at the same race.  My time last year was 29 something.  The night before the run I went to happy hour and had pizza and beer, again not the best idea.  I got to the 5k and decided I wanted to run it between 26-27 minutes.  If I didn't have to bob and weave through 85% of the people, I think I could've made my time.  I still pr'd and finished in 27:58.  I beat my old PR from 5 years ago of 28:27!!

Next half goal is under 2 hours and next 5k goal is 25-26!

Speed work, most definitely works and saves you time running extra, unnecessary mileage.

Tempo what?!

Since I can't just run a marathon and take a break I've signed myself up for more races.  I ran a 10 miler in January, plan to run a half in March, and another 10 miler in May (if i'm selected in the lottery).

Work recently added an itty, bitty gym, but it's a gym nonetheless.  The one awesome perk is that a trainer runs the gym, and nobody is really ever there.  This came at the perfect time, because the YMCA and I had to break up.  The rate for a single person had gone up to $57/month.  One of many reasons I feel society forces us to get married.  The rate for a family was $89 for 2-1,000 people in a given family unit.  As a single woman I cannot afford to subsidize everyone else's membership.  The gym became obsolete during training, anyway.

The trainer at work met with me when they opened to assess my body fat, fitness and flexibility.  She created a weight training routine for me, as well as a running plan to help me beat my last half time (2:33, which shouldn't be hard to beat).  In 6 weeks I had gone down 2% in body fat, and started to run by her plan.  By the way, going down 2% in 6 weeks was apparently a good thing!  I guess when I told her to get rid of the "jiggle", she listened.

When she showed me my schedule of runs, I laughed.  I would still be running 4 days a week which was good.  Here's the funny part, she included things like tempo run, interval run, lactate threshold, race pace.  Things I had only ever seen in runners magazines- and reserved for serious runners.  After researching and figuring some of this out, here's my take on these runs:

• Tempo run- warm up, run for a set time at your threshold pace, cool down.  For me this means running at 8:38pace (and hopefully not vomiting at the end)

• Easy/long run- this is what I considered to be "my pace", apparently not after running my fastest mile in 8:30.  My so called pace of 10-11ish is considered easy- and is only reserved for long runs.  This made me sad, and made me miss my marathon longs runs- just enjoying life! 

• Intervals- warm up, sprint a certain distance, regain breathing for a minute, repeat (usually 4-6 times), cool down.  I must say these are my favorite, I feel like a Kenyan Olympian, (i'm sure the visual is not as awesome) and I don't end up with a medal.

• Race pace run-  Based on my mile time, I should be able to complete a half or less in a 9:15 pace (or less).  This again, made me laugh.  So I tried it.  I've only had one run so far at race pace- and I was shocked when I actually did it.  I ran 4 miles in 37 minutes. Maybe there is a method to this madness.

After running a marathon I thought I'd run out of blog ideas.  I'm such a newbie runner, I'm sure I could continue this for the life of my running adventures and always have something to say.

My lesson of the week (which I shouldn't have had to learn):

Running without socks, in rain, with orthotics in shoes, ends badly.  4 blood blisters, badly.

Happy Running!! :)

Why I LOVE Running..

I started "just running" 6 years ago.  Back then, I had no idea what I got myself into.  I've now trained and ran everything from a 5k to a marathon.  Running changes you.

Here are my top ten reasons, why I LOVE to run:

1. Running is my stress reliever
2. The unspoken runner camaraderie
3. The motivation you provide to others
4. You get out of running (and life), what you put in
5. The excitement that friends and family share at your first big race
6. Embracing the term "you must be crazy"
7. Pushing your body to the limit
8. Having a deeper understanding of  nutrition
9. Running wherever your feet take you
10. New appreciation for every season- and the clothing made for it!

Since my marathon

I've been slacking on this blog, time to get up to speed.  Really, this is the best procrastination I can come up with to avoid my online faculty training to teach.  Oops..

Well, I'd always heard running a marathon changes you, just like getting married and having kids can.  BUT, I just took this in stride (pun intended) :) and trained and ran a marathon, not really understanding this philosophy.

They say for something to become a habit it must be repeated for I think 6 weeks.  Multiply that by 3, and you've got newbie marathon training.  Habit set in stone.  I now workout 6 days a week, and if I miss a day, I'm way off.

I decided to run a marathon for a few reasons, some of which I realized after the fact.

1. Running a marathon is a big deal.
2. I didn't want to lose the training from my half marathon.  Which looking back, wasn't  much in comparison.
3. Training is mentally tough i.e. will toughen you up, or make you cry!
4. Running in the dead of the summer heat and humidity is just ridiculous.  So why not try it.
5. Marathon training takes time, and I've got plenty of that.  No distractions here!
6. Get more in shape.  I've heard stories of weight gain and loss, and well I just thought I could be another story of weight loss.  Then I realized my bone structure wouldn't change if I ran 1,000 miles.
7. Join the 1%.  I'm competitive in my own weird way, so if there's a chance I can do some others haven't/can't/wouldn't dream of- I'm usually in.
8. To prove myself, and anyone who ever told me I couldn't, wrong.  I was always just average in everything growing up, and I didn't want that anymore.

The first few weeks after the marathon I didn't really want to run, and when I did I didn't enjoy it.  Apparently this is totally normal, and the fun did return a few weeks out.

Back to number 2 from above, I didn't want to lose all of my training.  That being said I wasn't venturing out in the early morning for any 15 mile runs either.  So I decided to stick with 4 runs a week.  The 3 during the week between 3-4 miles a run and the weekend mileage around 8-11 miles a run.  I've also stuck with yoga twice a week and added strength training twice a week.

My goal is to run a race decent race every two months.  So the marathon was November 18, two months out put me at the January Icicle run 10 miler.  So I just maintained mileage and ran 10 hilly miles in 1:46- not bad considering I hadn't been all out training, and my downhill 10 mile time is a minute less typically.

And in two more months I'll be running the Caesar Rodney Half Marathon, conveniently on St. Patrick's Day.  Maybe I'll dress up like a leprechaun....maybe not.

My first Marathon: 26.2 miles in 5:32!

 Well, 26.2 miles are complete!

I received lots of congratulations and many people said how proud they were, as a marathon is an amazing accomplishment.  For some reason I don't look at a marathon as an unattainable goal, like most others do.  I never ran, until 5 years ago at 23.  I played sports growing up, but that was it.  If i can train and run 26.2 miles I truly believe everyone else can, too.  Obviously health concerns do outweigh this option, for some.  I've never been one to sit on the sidelines as life passes me by.  Go live your dreams because nobody else will!!!! :)

So here's my marathon recap in pictures, blurbs, and thoughts..

 The week of the marathon I ran very little and saw friends (what's better than that)?!  One of my friends asked to see my marathon attire, i was too lazy to find my clothes, so I put on the rest.  And this was the result:

After resting and force feeding myself carbs, it was the day before.  I was honestly more nervous driving into Philly to pick up my packet than I was to run.  I am directionally challenged (even with two gps')!  I picked up my pack and holy moly no turning back.  I was "too legit to quit" at this point.  Total side note: having run numerous 5k's, 10 milers, and a half I have a general idea of the people at the expo's- marathoners are a whole other breed, just sayin.

I then ate more carbs.  Can I tell you how much I despised carbs by the end of this training?  The day before I opted for buttered noodles, rolls, and rice.  I didn't want an angry stomach during 26 miles.

Race morning had arrived.  My mom agreed to drive into Philly with me in the morning (even though she had a cold)!  Love you, Mom!  I woke up at 4, or if you ask my mom "3:53am", because I woke her too!  We were on the road by 4:30, because I needed to be there by 6, and well I'm kinda anal and like to be on time,  if not early.  We were parked by 5:45 in Philly, and I wanted my bed.  

We followed all of the other runners out to Eakin's Oval by the Philadelphia Art Museum, what an amazing site.  I found a porta potty in the dark without lines and snuck in (thinking if others hadn't used it, they didn't see it, if only).  I then got some stretches in, or in my mind just an attempt to keep warm.

After stretching commenced I wandered back to the blue corral, in other words, the slow corral.  I have no problem being slow, but when I have to wait an additional 45 minutes to start a run in 30 degree weather, I'm wishing I was fast.  My mom hung around the corral until we started running, so it was a nice distraction. At this point I also got a text from my friends to look for them at 16th street with my face, this in itself made me laugh.   I found the 5:00 pacer and kept my eye on her.  

I did see some funny signs throughout the course.  These are the few I remember:

"all the cute ones run away"

"if a marathon were easy, it'd be called your mom"

"if you were Paul Ryan, you would've been here 2 hours ago"

"free beer"

Throughout the first 13 miles I saw my friends I think twice and my Mom at 13.  As I saw her and told her I was doing it, I heard the announcer say "we've already had a lot of Boston qualifiers".  Great, just what I want to hear 2.5 hours into a marathon- as I have the option to run right and finish 13.1 or turn left and run 26.2.  So I did it, and turned left to run into Manayunk.

My objective was to run as long as I could.  Once I start to add in walk breaks, it mentally screws me up.  I ran 18 miles straight, no bathroom breaks, no water stops, no stops for gels.  My Camelbak, and clif shot bloks really helped.  I had really done a lot of research and was so proud of myself when I ran by lines of people at the porta potties, because I knew when and how much to drink.

Around mile 18 I took a very brief 30 second walk break because a muscle or tendon behind my knee was aggravated.  This happened after my 20 miler, so I knew a walk break could help, and I refused to hurt myself- since I obviously wasn't going to win.

I'm not sure where it happened, but somewhere in the last 6.2 miles my body just said "done"!  I knew if I walked the last 6.2 miles it would be another couple hours for my family and friends and I had the potential to be over 7 hours (aka disqualified) and I refused to let that happen.

My highest training run was one 20 miler, anything beyond that was new territory.  I had created a new mental game to finish this thing.  I would walk 1-2 minutes to rejuvenate and force myself to run 7.  Now during training when I did this it was on hilly, hilly roads and if I had to walk it would be a minute walk after a mile.  

Each footstep was pain radiating throughout my entire body.  I could feel myself cringe with each step, my carboloading had failed me...

Now to all those marathoners who say anything over a certain time isn't a marathoner.  Let me tell you, I guarantee whoever the last person of that marathon was had more heart that day than anyone else out there.  To see people running to the finish when you aren't even halfway through and having hours ahead of you, really messes with you.  You have every opportunity to quit, and most non-runners would've given up hours ago.  We slower runners typically are out there twice as long, and while others may be twice as fast, we aren't in it to win it.  If you think I'm not a marathoner, try running with these hips and butt- then we'll talk.  

I finally got to mile 26 and could see ambulance lights- knowing the finish was ahead I picked up my pace.  And then I saw them, my awesome group of family and friends with signs jumping and screaming, then running part of my last leg of the marathon with me!  I "sprinted" the last .2 of the marathon, or so I thought.  I looked back at my garmin and ran the last .2 at a 10 minute pace.

And I did it!

During the last 6 miles I questioned myself, I prayed, I thought of all those people who can't run, or even walk- and was thankful.  I then questioned why I did this.  When I finished one of my friends asked if I'd do it again, and I said yes.  Knowing what I now know, I need to beat that wall or at least post-pone it!!

Might I add, the warm chicken broth at the end was the best food I have had in life, ever, hands down!

We then went out to eat.  I had a beer and a burger and fries mmmmmm.  Here are most of my supporters minus the photag.  And my large sign with my face....ah hahah.  I now have my marathon signs at home: one with my face, one with all the details of the run, and one that says "run mermaid run"!  

I had no stomach issues before, during or after; zero blisters; zero chafing.  I'd say it was a success.

After 18 weeks I did it, and was so excited and thrilled to say I joined the 1%!  In the days following the marathon I had very minimal tightness.  I am starting to feel the post marathon burn out that people sometimes experience.

I tried to run 5 days post marathon and shouldn't have, the knee pain returned, and I think it may be hamstring tendonitis.  May have to do some cross training for awhile.

Now onto the next thing...

Week 17 of 18: 8 miles in 1:30

ohhh emmm geee!! The Philadelphia Marathon is a week from today.  One week from today: I will have left at 4:30am to head to Philly; started, ran and completed 26.2 miles;  celebrated with family and friends; soaked in a bath full of ice; And...joined the 1%.  Yes, I will be a marathoner- and just thinking about next week gets me more excited than a kid on Christmas morn.

My long run this week was 8 miles, which I took nice and slow.  I finished in 1:30 and that was just fine.  Now on to week 18 of 18- :)!!!

This week I am eating, lightly exercising, and resting.  In theory this sounds delightful, it reality it's not going to be fun.  I have to carb load this week, which in terms of a marathon is a bigger beast than any track meet, or soccer game carbo load I would do in high school.

I need to eat 3-5 carbs per pound of body weight for an entire week.  So I need 405-675 grams of carbs per day, if you're calculating I weigh 135.  This is a lot of carbs, and for a girl who loves carbs to death that's saying a lot.  According to my "research" I should gain 1-3 pounds if I properly taper.  I've never willingly become a glutton and gained weight, this should be funny.

Now that I've divulged my weight, let me discuss marathon training and weight gain and loss.  Prior to this adventure I'd read and heard a lot of women gain weight during marathon training, and men typically lose.  I've spoken to a few people who knew someone who lost 4 dress sizes, or went on to train for a triathlon.

My marathon training weight began at 135, and 17 weeks later is still 135.  Everyone always says you'll lose inches.  I started taking my measurements early on to see if this theory was legit.  My neck, chest, biceps, abdomen, and calves are all the exact same as they were on day one.  My hips and thighs decreased slightly between 1/4-1/2 inch in total.  This is just where my body gains and loses, so with or without marathon training this constantly occurs.

So here I am- the beginning of the end..  Week 18 of 18 is upon me.  So i'll eat like a pig, take airborne to prevent any last minute colds, run a total of 6 miles this week, and prep for the most awesome experience next weekend.

My next post will be post-marathon. WOHOOOOOO!!!!!!! :)