Before the start of 2015 I set some goals for the new year. Some of those goals were not in regards to my athletic side - but the athletic goals are the ones I want to talk about today.
One of my goals was to break 22 on a 5k. While that hasn't happened yet, I did PR in the distance - and also I still have a few months to make it happen.***update. Sweet Rhonda reminded me I did sub 22 last year. So I HAVE done it. But I want to do it again :)***
Another goal was to break 1:45 at a half. I've done that. Twice.
And the third? To do 10 consecutive pull ups. I'm at 8. I'll do it.
So far in 2015 I have:
PR'd in the 5k (and won age) ,5 mile, 15k (placed second in age) and half marathon.
Placed first in age at the bonefrog challenge and the blizzard blast.
Won first woman at an OCR.
Placed at several races in age group.
I had to stop to think about what has changed because I feel like I am in the best running shape of my life.
Did my diet change? Nope. I love donuts and pizza still.
Did I cut back on the beer? Absolutely not.
Did I log an insane amount of mileage? Negative.
Here is what I did. I challenged myself. I mixed up my workouts. I stepped outside my comfort zone.
I ran with people faster than me. I incorporated regular track workouts (these were of great purpose- thank you Meredith for letting me chase you).
I strength trained - a lot.
If I was tired, I rested.
And for race days? I ditched the watch. Anyone who knows me knows on training runs I need ALL the data. To the exact second and distance. But at a race... I don't want the watch. And that has been huge for me. I play too many mind games with the watch. I ran a half yesterday and saw everyone obsessing over their watches and heard all the beeps every mile. I still didn't miss mine. I've come to know my body and pace so well that I feel like at any given time I could tell you my pace and be pretty accurate.
I ran a PR in May for the half in Rhode Island. I really didn't expect it to happen. I went by how I felt and it showed me I was more prepared than I thought. Later that month I ran a few minutes over the PR but still my third fastest half (I have done about 40). That was a humid and hilly course. I wasn't expecting a PR - had to adjust my pace. Hadn't run one since end of May until yesterday. Honestly, I had no clue what to expect. I knew it was hilly but the weather was on my side.
The first half was all down hill. I'm notorious for taking off too fast naturally. Now, add the down hill start. I let people go by me and reminded myself I'd be grateful at about mile 8 when the hills were ugly. I would guess I was holding about 7:45 for the first ten miles. At mile ten I started to fade. These hills sucked. I would say my last 3.1 was about 8:30 pace. I knew I slowed down. I lost the 1:40 pace leader but never saw the 1:45 pass me. I figured either I missed it or was doing better than I thought.
Without the watch , I still have a good clue on time. I listen to music and make sure I never exceed two songs per mile (I figure in average that's 8 min) for the first 10 miles I was just shy of 2 songs hence my 7:45 guesstimate. The last 3.1 I was more like a hair over 2 songs. Everyone has their weird running things and that's mine.
Right at about mile 12.6- we approached the most rotten hill that just had middle fingers growing out of it. I wanted to walk so bad and I think had I been going any slower I would've been. But with half a mile left - I'd do no such thing. I sucked it up- made it to the top then to a nice flat for the finish. I managed to get in under 1:45 making it a 1:44:54. My second fastest half.
I'm pleased. I never expected that time on that course. What I'm learning slowly is to believe in myself as well as follow the other rules I listed above , but if you don't believe in yourself - the goals won't happen.
What's next? I'm looking to break 1:40 on the half. Baystate half is in three weeks. Starting the mental prep now. I know I can do it.
Sunday, September 27, 2015
Monday, July 27, 2015
The Trident Race, and how to be banned from it.
Saturday morning, I went to Bristol, RI for the first running of the Trident Race. This was advertised to be a 3.5-4 mile OCR with 20 plus obstacles.
The distance was great being 4.2- however the obstacles lacked in number AND difficulty.
Here is my review of the race.
The distance was great being 4.2- however the obstacles lacked in number AND difficulty.
Here is my review of the race.
* Event Details
Parking: free parking. This is a plus – free anything is good right?
Well- we were told to arrive an hour in advance per usual for any race. When I got to the venue there were no signs once you turned in to Colt State park indicating which direction to go. I parked at one spot and was told I may get blocked in but they didn’t know – so to be safe I moved. By then, there was a “parking attendant” who flagged us down a road. We got down the road to another attendant who led us down a bike path that circled right back to the first attendant. When I asked him where we were supposed to be parking his response was “I don’t know, I’m only 17 years old”. The I don’t know answer becomes a theme as this day continues. I parked in my own spot away from where we were supposed to park and I ended up being okay there.
Parking: free parking. This is a plus – free anything is good right?
Well- we were told to arrive an hour in advance per usual for any race. When I got to the venue there were no signs once you turned in to Colt State park indicating which direction to go. I parked at one spot and was told I may get blocked in but they didn’t know – so to be safe I moved. By then, there was a “parking attendant” who flagged us down a road. We got down the road to another attendant who led us down a bike path that circled right back to the first attendant. When I asked him where we were supposed to be parking his response was “I don’t know, I’m only 17 years old”. The I don’t know answer becomes a theme as this day continues. I parked in my own spot away from where we were supposed to park and I ended up being okay there.
Registration: they had ONE line. One for waivers. Then another line for number pick up. And lastly tee shirt pick up. No one seemed very organized by having their assigned station. People looked at me like they had no clue why I was even in line. While I appreciate volunteers 100 percent (I volunteer often) these people were bumps on a log. In fact when I got to tee shirt pick up I said small and the girl looked at me all confused and said oh this isn’t my station but I guess I can get you the shirt. What?
Facilities: THREE porta potties. 3!!!! Evidently the plumbing broke the evening before and they had to scramble. Regardless with plumbing working I think the bath house had 3 toilets. I had no problem with lines as I went off in the elite heat but when I finished the line was about 40 people long – I peed in the woods.
There was one tent AT the finish line that people were changing in. I don’t know if that was the intended use ? But if so it was unisex. No thanks ??? So I changed in my car after.
communication : zero. The race started 45 minutes late. The emcee at the start line was calling. The race director and couldn’t reach him. Said his phone was off and if she didn’t hear by 8:45 we’d start then. Also one of he other emcees was near registration announcing a bunch of stuff , couldn’t tell you what bc I could not hear him. The “festival” was so spread out with zero organization. Back to the communication piece – no one made an announcement saying sorry we are running late. It was all learned by word of mouth. While we waited all morning to start- several of us asked volunteers where the race started and finished. You can guess the answer “I don’t know”
* Race Details
The race itself: about 25 yards past the start line was an 8 foot wall. Not the best placement ? There was a lot of running which benefited me largely but I went there for OCR not a 4.2 mile sprint with some walls and carries. The course was marked mediocre at best and volunteers were sparse. There were places where a volunteer was yelling at two different directions of people at once and you couldn’t understand. I’m sure all finishers have different distances.
The obstacles were few and far between. More on one of the RD’s later but apparently the night before the park stepped in and made them change and eliminate things. Why they waited to run this plan by the park so late is my question. They had carries- one was a log Carry in the woods. They had maybe 10 logs half of which were literally bloated twigs. The carry was short. They also had a super short rock carry. And these were thrown in a pile and any size from a pebble to a boulder. You could tell it was half assed. There was a wreck bag carry which was decent but also- short. A bucket full of ocean water carry( and every step you took water splashed out) A hay carry – creative but short, again. Everything was short.
The race itself: about 25 yards past the start line was an 8 foot wall. Not the best placement ? There was a lot of running which benefited me largely but I went there for OCR not a 4.2 mile sprint with some walls and carries. The course was marked mediocre at best and volunteers were sparse. There were places where a volunteer was yelling at two different directions of people at once and you couldn’t understand. I’m sure all finishers have different distances.
The obstacles were few and far between. More on one of the RD’s later but apparently the night before the park stepped in and made them change and eliminate things. Why they waited to run this plan by the park so late is my question. They had carries- one was a log Carry in the woods. They had maybe 10 logs half of which were literally bloated twigs. The carry was short. They also had a super short rock carry. And these were thrown in a pile and any size from a pebble to a boulder. You could tell it was half assed. There was a wreck bag carry which was decent but also- short. A bucket full of ocean water carry( and every step you took water splashed out) A hay carry – creative but short, again. Everything was short.
There were two walls during the race. They had a rope climb and it was literally funny. There were 2 knots in it. No bell at the top. The one obstacle I actually liked was the tire cargo net. I told the volunteer it was awesome and her response was “yea it’s different they just put it together like 5 minutes ago” she was awesome and by her mannerism she was even annoyed with the lack of organization. She made me smile though! They had what I think was supposed to be a tyrolean traverse but you really couldn’t put that over knee deep water with rocks under it so basically you swam across or waded and held the rope. I didn’t mind it but it certainly wasn’t tyrolean traverse.
This OCR would be perfect for new comers to the sport who aren’t totally comfortable with the difficulty of say a Spartan race – but it should be advertised as such. The website said 20 plus obstacles and showed photos of obstacles that were not there nor even close to being there.
awards ? I’ll let you guess the answer when I asked at the finish line if there were awards. “I don’t know” I Finally place first in a race and I was hoping to have an awards recognition. Something. So some guy gets called over and starts chatting. He’s like “yea, the first 3 guys had to leave”. Ok? So that doesn’t tell me if there’s an awards ceremony. Th me RD kept answering my questions with questions. “Well do you have to leave?” I am left only to think they didn’t even think of that and they are trying to buy time.
I started taking more with this RD. his name was Ethan. I was being honest in saying that since I arrived at the race no one seemed to have a clue about anything and I would love to see this race be successful but they have to work these things out next time. I told him I am part of running clubs and NES and we all communicate about our experiences. I told him I am a seasoned OCR racer and I’ve never seen anything so unorganized. Instead of asking nicely for feedback he got defensive and said things like “you’re the only one to say this” “was there anything you did like?” “Our volunteers went over the course several times last night and they all know the answers ”
Just excuses and more excuses and extreme condescending manner with me. Anyways after going in circles and getting nowhere with him- he writes me a check for $200. That’s apparently the prize for winning which is cool because I didn’t expect that- but sadly I left the race feeling sour about it. Even with the 200$ in my pocket.
Just excuses and more excuses and extreme condescending manner with me. Anyways after going in circles and getting nowhere with him- he writes me a check for $200. That’s apparently the prize for winning which is cool because I didn’t expect that- but sadly I left the race feeling sour about it. Even with the 200$ in my pocket.
I think it’s important for the RD to respect the race and the participants. The athletes are what keeps these things going and makes them successful and this gentleman did not care to hear me out rather just try to shut me down. I honestly don’t know if I could do this one again.
Pros: free parking. Free spectator. Nice medal and shirt. The venue- it was absolutely gorgeous there.
Cons: I think you got the picture by now 
* Rating
Below Average
Below Average
This post was placed in the NES team page for my fellow athletes to read and these reviews are highly encouraged. I thought I kept my review rather appropriate and honest. The RD didn't feel the same. He not only sent me a message- but he posted a screen shot of it on facebook, too.
See below:
RD: Hello, I just wanted to tell you, because I could not in the middle of the race yesterday, your level of combative rudeness towards my volunteer at the finish line was completely uncalled for. To bring a person to tears that has been working so hard to help people tirelessly for days is unconscionable. I was not being condescending towards you, I was simply trying to run a race while listening to you berate me with your view. Four strangers nearby that also had to hear you all came over to me and apologized for you. This was a charity event and we believe in being positive and kind to others. You are not welcome back.
ME: This is not an event I would give another shot, anyways- so no harm there. You actually weren't around for my initial conversation with your volunteer. I had no problem with her, in fact she was probably the friendliest one I had seen all day and whoever was manning the tire cargo net. After an entire morning of NO ONE knowing what was going on, it was getting frustrating- and it was NOT only me. I tried to talk to you about it and you were CONDESCENDING from the get go- you would not hear that something went wrong with your race. I think with that pompous attitude you'll get nowhere. You responded to every single one of my questions with a question. And for a RD to post this convo publicly shows about how professional you are. I've been to many first time races before that had a few bumps along the way and the RD's were owning it and learning from it- You? No. you couldn't stand to hear ANYTHING being wrong. YOU were rude to ME ( a CUSTOMER ) and left a TERRIBLE taste in my mouth from that race. I wish you luck in your future endeavors, but acting like this won't get you far.
Long story short - Of all the races I have done, I have never experienced a RD act like this and I hope I never have to again. I FINALLY win first place at an OCR, and I could not even enjoy it.
As RD you MUST be able to take constructive criticism professionally. There are times my behavior can be out of line since I am human, but this was not one of those times. I am out there as an athlete- and I want to be respectful AND respected. I would NEVER attack a volunteer verbally. This is just an example of a RD that clearly should never put on a race again.
Was happy to receive some personal messages applauding my behavior, such as this one:
Everything I've heard about his race and his behavior, and seeing his most recent post - I wanted to thank you for acting the way you have (politely, but firmly standing your ground) and letting us see what kind of RD he is.I hope he gets the message that OCR isn't for him and this is the last race he does. If he does put on more - I know what kind of RD to expect to have to work with.Again - thank you for representing NES well - even if the outcome hasn't been pretty. Sadly, it's not always sunshine and unicorns in the OCR world
There are plenty of OCR's out there, and this is one I can WIPE off the calendar for next year.
Thursday, July 16, 2015
Thanks to my friends from Tiux...
My kind friends over at Tiux Compression socks asked me if I would mind testing out their socks and writing up about them.
I finally got a chance to test them out as today was the first day since I got them where it is not 100% humidity and 100 degrees outside. Something about knee high length black socks in the peak summer heat just doesn't sound smart.
Back to the socks- These arrived unbelievably quick after I told the rep my size and color preference. The packaging was so neat and fancy- very nice presentation. I opted for black because my goal use for these is to use them for OCR races- and I figured the black would last a lot longer.
The fit: Initially when I put these on I had a lot of extra material that I did not know whether I should let bunch at the top or the bottom.
Once I started running, it seemed to just distribute well on its own- Maybe I could size down to XS from S- but I worry those may be too tight.
I ran a track workout session in them today- 1 mile warm up, 800 x 4 with 400 recovery in between and a 2 mile cool down- Legs felt great, circulation felt great, and I kept them on for about 40 minutes after.
I look forward to using these often, and will need to get myself another pair- These are highly recommended - Check this company out- AND you can get a 10% discount off the already very reasonable cost....
TIUX COMPRESSION SOCKS
I finally got a chance to test them out as today was the first day since I got them where it is not 100% humidity and 100 degrees outside. Something about knee high length black socks in the peak summer heat just doesn't sound smart.
Back to the socks- These arrived unbelievably quick after I told the rep my size and color preference. The packaging was so neat and fancy- very nice presentation. I opted for black because my goal use for these is to use them for OCR races- and I figured the black would last a lot longer.
The fit: Initially when I put these on I had a lot of extra material that I did not know whether I should let bunch at the top or the bottom.
Once I started running, it seemed to just distribute well on its own- Maybe I could size down to XS from S- but I worry those may be too tight.
I ran a track workout session in them today- 1 mile warm up, 800 x 4 with 400 recovery in between and a 2 mile cool down- Legs felt great, circulation felt great, and I kept them on for about 40 minutes after.
I look forward to using these often, and will need to get myself another pair- These are highly recommended - Check this company out- AND you can get a 10% discount off the already very reasonable cost....
TIUX COMPRESSION SOCKS
Friday, June 26, 2015
Equality for ALL.
I'm not going to jump on the soap box and do the typical "I'm gay and proud" lecture. Not at all. BUT today- There is a reason for me to express my thoughts.
Today is HUGE for all same sex relationships, because FINALLY a law cannot stop 2 people who love each other from being legally married.
http://www.cnn.com/2015/06/26/politics/supreme-court-same-sex-marriage-ruling/index.html
So - that said. I am sure there are haters- But haters- you LOSE this time.
This isn't about the bible or religion, this is about what is right and what is fair. I am not going to start my church bashing session my any means- But what is funny to me is that "holy rollers" are SO against gays and shame them to death - meanwhile their leaders are molesting same sex CHILDREN. CHILDREN!!!!
Also, some people think same sex shouldn't be married because they should not be entitled to benefits. So someone PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE explain to me why my wife and I who BOTH work full time (and have since we were 16) - Can't receive benefits- but we have outstanding law abiding citizens who pop out a million children to collect a larger tax refund among the rest of the benefits they are getting on the free ride?
In other related venting- Here are some things that amuse me in my life from recent events:
1. At the airport, security noticed Lisa and I had the same last name - "are you guy's sisters?"
Because, if we aren't sisters- we must just coincidentally have the same last name, right??
2. The gyno visit- EVERY YEAR- are you on birth control?
Me: no- No children for me
Doctor: well, is your husband fixed?
Okay- As if I haven't already had "alternative lifestyle" marked in my folder like I am contagious- maybe I should have them slap a HUGE rainbow sticker on it, just for safe keeping?
And for the record, I didn't need birth control when I had a man either- that was my first clue to "jumping to the other side" so to speak.
3. Filling out 401k Form and I fill in Lisa as my beneficiary and the planner calls me to tell me I put someone other than my spouse on the beneficiary spot, and I need to have my spouse sign the consent that HE wasn't my beneficiary. I didn't even have words for that. Do you think I can't read a form?
When two people love each others , and it's pure- Let it be. This world is So full of hate. Same sex and heterosexual marriages are no different. Tired of the "well in a gay relationship this must be different" Besides our private parts being the same- NOTHING is different.
Hoping this change is one big step forward for ignorance, and for that I am grateful.
Today is HUGE for all same sex relationships, because FINALLY a law cannot stop 2 people who love each other from being legally married.
http://www.cnn.com/2015/06/26/politics/supreme-court-same-sex-marriage-ruling/index.html
So - that said. I am sure there are haters- But haters- you LOSE this time.
This isn't about the bible or religion, this is about what is right and what is fair. I am not going to start my church bashing session my any means- But what is funny to me is that "holy rollers" are SO against gays and shame them to death - meanwhile their leaders are molesting same sex CHILDREN. CHILDREN!!!!
Also, some people think same sex shouldn't be married because they should not be entitled to benefits. So someone PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE explain to me why my wife and I who BOTH work full time (and have since we were 16) - Can't receive benefits- but we have outstanding law abiding citizens who pop out a million children to collect a larger tax refund among the rest of the benefits they are getting on the free ride?
In other related venting- Here are some things that amuse me in my life from recent events:
1. At the airport, security noticed Lisa and I had the same last name - "are you guy's sisters?"
Because, if we aren't sisters- we must just coincidentally have the same last name, right??
2. The gyno visit- EVERY YEAR- are you on birth control?
Me: no- No children for me
Doctor: well, is your husband fixed?
Okay- As if I haven't already had "alternative lifestyle" marked in my folder like I am contagious- maybe I should have them slap a HUGE rainbow sticker on it, just for safe keeping?
And for the record, I didn't need birth control when I had a man either- that was my first clue to "jumping to the other side" so to speak.
3. Filling out 401k Form and I fill in Lisa as my beneficiary and the planner calls me to tell me I put someone other than my spouse on the beneficiary spot, and I need to have my spouse sign the consent that HE wasn't my beneficiary. I didn't even have words for that. Do you think I can't read a form?
When two people love each others , and it's pure- Let it be. This world is So full of hate. Same sex and heterosexual marriages are no different. Tired of the "well in a gay relationship this must be different" Besides our private parts being the same- NOTHING is different.
Hoping this change is one big step forward for ignorance, and for that I am grateful.
Thursday, May 21, 2015
SOULCYCLE.
I have a few thoughts in regards to my first experience with soulcycle class.
I wanted to share and see what you guys think.
First, let me state I took my first class in Chestnut Hill. If you aren't familiar with the area this is a very wealthy outskirt of Boston. This is relevant...
When I first walked in to SoulCycle I was very interested. Bright walls with bike tires that look like lemons all over the walls. A corner of apparel including some nice pieces made by lululemon (it was very difficult to walk past those...) The staff was super friendly and welcoming.
We got our shoes (sort of like getting bowling shoes, but not so gross) and headed to class.
Since we were waiting for the class before us to finish up we were all in the hallway. It's natural to look around and "people watch" if you will. Based off of this I wasn't a fan. What I noticed was a lot of people there for status more than the workout. It was like a giant lululemon advertisement- good thing I was in lulu!
Check this out:
SoulCycle Parody
So the class- It was dark. It was candle lit. It was HOT. I was nervous because I am rather claustrophobic. Once I stopped panicking- I was really able to get into it and enjoy it.
We had a super flamboyant instructor who has incredible. He made this class feel like spin, upper body workout, yoga, and a therapy session all in one. He was so motivating and said so many things that really stuck with me throughout the class. He had great music, high energy- and I will admit I am a little sore today. I left that class SATURATED in sweat, and happy.
I used the showers in the facility which were 10 stars. Loaded with shampoo, conditioner, body wash, even q-tips, razors and bandaids. I mean they had EVERYTHING.
I feel as though if there was a SoulCycle closer to home, I would frequent it. The price point I honestly think is high ($30 a class!) but it would be worth the occasional splurge- especially if it is doing your MIND AND BODY so much good. Kudos to James L. who led an amazing class.
I'm still kind of bummed I didn't buy the lululemon jacket that said SOUL on the back.
I wanted to share and see what you guys think.
First, let me state I took my first class in Chestnut Hill. If you aren't familiar with the area this is a very wealthy outskirt of Boston. This is relevant...
When I first walked in to SoulCycle I was very interested. Bright walls with bike tires that look like lemons all over the walls. A corner of apparel including some nice pieces made by lululemon (it was very difficult to walk past those...) The staff was super friendly and welcoming.
We got our shoes (sort of like getting bowling shoes, but not so gross) and headed to class.
Since we were waiting for the class before us to finish up we were all in the hallway. It's natural to look around and "people watch" if you will. Based off of this I wasn't a fan. What I noticed was a lot of people there for status more than the workout. It was like a giant lululemon advertisement- good thing I was in lulu!
Check this out:
SoulCycle Parody
So the class- It was dark. It was candle lit. It was HOT. I was nervous because I am rather claustrophobic. Once I stopped panicking- I was really able to get into it and enjoy it.
We had a super flamboyant instructor who has incredible. He made this class feel like spin, upper body workout, yoga, and a therapy session all in one. He was so motivating and said so many things that really stuck with me throughout the class. He had great music, high energy- and I will admit I am a little sore today. I left that class SATURATED in sweat, and happy.
I used the showers in the facility which were 10 stars. Loaded with shampoo, conditioner, body wash, even q-tips, razors and bandaids. I mean they had EVERYTHING.
I feel as though if there was a SoulCycle closer to home, I would frequent it. The price point I honestly think is high ($30 a class!) but it would be worth the occasional splurge- especially if it is doing your MIND AND BODY so much good. Kudos to James L. who led an amazing class.
I'm still kind of bummed I didn't buy the lululemon jacket that said SOUL on the back.
Monday, May 4, 2015
When you believe in yourself , amazing things happen.
I had a rough week last week in my own mind. A few tabata workouts caused me so much soreness my weekend long run felt so trying that I finished doubting why I even run. The 8:41 pace we held for ten miles felt more like 12 minute miles with bricks on my feet.
It's normal to have bad runs but something about this one just crushed any confidence I had.
I couldn't be more grateful for my tri state running family who knocked some sense in to me and made me realize I am not a bad runner and that these things happen. Pick myself up- and carry on.
Last year I ran the cox half marathon. I've run it for the past several years but something about last year really burnt me. I ran a 1:56. Now that by no means is a bad time but when in 2011 I was around 1:46-1:49 consistently I wondered how I could slow down that much. I felt okay during the race I thought. So why didn't I do better ? Here's why: 1. I take out too fast. A half isn't a 5k. It's hard not to take off and fly but let's be practical. There's 13.1 miles to hold this. 2. I OBSESS over my watch. I look down and if my pace is slow I speed up and burn out early. If it's fast I tell myself I'm not capable of that pace and slow down. It's a lose lose situation. I know even in years I've done 1:49-1:52 range in providence the last three miles were a struggle.
I know mind over matter is huge but I don't think before this weekend I truly got why.
I ran the same two races this past weekend I've run the past 7 years. Here's what changed.
Saturday's 5k - no watch. No music. Just focus (on gasping for air LOL) I felt more relaxed and I honestly thought I was slower than usual. I finish- see the clock- boom. PR. First 5k PR since 2011. I got in the moment. I enjoyed it. And I focused on my stride and everything else I need to focus on instead of a watch face.
But the game changer ? Sunday's half.
I had music. I can't go that long without it. I do weird mind games like 2 songs per mile. Anyways- no watch. I started up near the front with the temptation to fly there , but I wasn't there to take off hard. I was up there to avoid getting stuck and weaving.
For the first time in my half marathon career - I started conservatively. No mile markers had clocks- I had no clue what I was holding. What I did know- I wasn't struggling. I wasn't tired. And I was having FUN. That was my purpose Sunday. Wasn't aiming for any time. Well here comes mile 10. The 1:45 pace leader comes right up behind me. I think he usually passes me by mile 3. It's mile 10. I feel great where i usually start to fade , and 1:45 finish is right behind me ? Okay. With a 5k to go I had two thoughts in my head. 1. Slow down a little who cares , I could slow down significantly and still break 1:50. OR ... I could believe in myself and believe in how good I felt and turn it up. I thought about it climbing up the last big hill. At this time 1:45 was a hair ahead of me.
My decision was made at the top. Go. With less than a 5k left and legs that still wanted to work it was the obvious answer.
Finish line photos haven't been released yet but I hope to god there's a pic of my face when I saw 1:43:49 as my finish.
Wait , that really happened ?
Never tell yourself you can't. Because you're capable of more than you credit yourself for.
So blessed for the support I have in my life ❤️
It's normal to have bad runs but something about this one just crushed any confidence I had.
I couldn't be more grateful for my tri state running family who knocked some sense in to me and made me realize I am not a bad runner and that these things happen. Pick myself up- and carry on.
Last year I ran the cox half marathon. I've run it for the past several years but something about last year really burnt me. I ran a 1:56. Now that by no means is a bad time but when in 2011 I was around 1:46-1:49 consistently I wondered how I could slow down that much. I felt okay during the race I thought. So why didn't I do better ? Here's why: 1. I take out too fast. A half isn't a 5k. It's hard not to take off and fly but let's be practical. There's 13.1 miles to hold this. 2. I OBSESS over my watch. I look down and if my pace is slow I speed up and burn out early. If it's fast I tell myself I'm not capable of that pace and slow down. It's a lose lose situation. I know even in years I've done 1:49-1:52 range in providence the last three miles were a struggle.
I know mind over matter is huge but I don't think before this weekend I truly got why.
I ran the same two races this past weekend I've run the past 7 years. Here's what changed.
Saturday's 5k - no watch. No music. Just focus (on gasping for air LOL) I felt more relaxed and I honestly thought I was slower than usual. I finish- see the clock- boom. PR. First 5k PR since 2011. I got in the moment. I enjoyed it. And I focused on my stride and everything else I need to focus on instead of a watch face.
But the game changer ? Sunday's half.
I had music. I can't go that long without it. I do weird mind games like 2 songs per mile. Anyways- no watch. I started up near the front with the temptation to fly there , but I wasn't there to take off hard. I was up there to avoid getting stuck and weaving.
For the first time in my half marathon career - I started conservatively. No mile markers had clocks- I had no clue what I was holding. What I did know- I wasn't struggling. I wasn't tired. And I was having FUN. That was my purpose Sunday. Wasn't aiming for any time. Well here comes mile 10. The 1:45 pace leader comes right up behind me. I think he usually passes me by mile 3. It's mile 10. I feel great where i usually start to fade , and 1:45 finish is right behind me ? Okay. With a 5k to go I had two thoughts in my head. 1. Slow down a little who cares , I could slow down significantly and still break 1:50. OR ... I could believe in myself and believe in how good I felt and turn it up. I thought about it climbing up the last big hill. At this time 1:45 was a hair ahead of me.
My decision was made at the top. Go. With less than a 5k left and legs that still wanted to work it was the obvious answer.
Finish line photos haven't been released yet but I hope to god there's a pic of my face when I saw 1:43:49 as my finish.
Wait , that really happened ?
Never tell yourself you can't. Because you're capable of more than you credit yourself for.
So blessed for the support I have in my life ❤️
Thursday, April 9, 2015
New Happenings!
Well, it's been busy so I figured I would throw out some updates!
New ambassador status: Fitfluential, Honey Stinger, BurnThis
Very excited to partner with them all!
I ran in quite a few races in March.
March 1 Was Stu's 30k relay race. The past 3 years I have run the entire course as a prep for the Boston Marathon. This year that was not necessary so I ran half as a relay with my friend Jesse. My goal was to run the 9.6 miles of hills in under 8:00 pace- I did this with a 7:57 pace. Was a great day all around, unfortunately I caught a virus and was sick for a few days following- NEVER fun, but it gave my body a rest it probably needed after the run streak in February.
March 15th I ran in the O'Putnam Courthouse 5k which is put on my Hartford Marathon Events. It was a very cold day, but the rain held off- I placed 1st in my age group with a time of 23:17
March 19th-23rd I was in Florida. I stayed with my favorite aunt in the world. After the winter we have had in New England, it was GREAT to get some heat. Met up with my friend Caitlyn and we ran the Strawberry Classic together in Tampa. I ran the 15k distance, finished with a huge PR and second place in my division. The trophy is kinda creepy but awesome nonetheless!
March 28th I ended up doing a somewhat local Easter 5k on a whim. It was snowing AND raining and luckily not too cold- was very raw and very wet. I was able to manage being second female, and breaking 23 min for the first time in a few months. Placed first in my age. I am learning that a 2-3 mile warm up prior to a 5k is the ticket.
Well, that's the news. Next up is Spartan Beast on April 18th. I am as prepared as It's going to get. I am looking forward to it. Stay tuned, there will be a big spread on that experience.
Cheers!
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