Category Archives: sports

An Encounter with the Penguin

Posted on by Run DMT
8

An encounter with the Penguin may sound like a bad Batman episode, but it is no exaggeration to how I briefly met John Bingham, the well-known slow-runner and author nicknamed The Penguin for his “waddling pace”.

As stealth-like as I could with a screaming toddler strapped in a stroller in tow, I discreetly tried to snap photos of The Penguin during his lecture on flexibility vs. stretching at the St. Pete Rock ‘n Roll Half Marathon expo.

Unfortunately, the rude repeated clicking broke his speaking stride and then he snapped. “Why are you taking photos?”

“Um…because you’re The Penguin and I’ve quoted you on my blog,” I sheepishly replied.

“You blog?  What’s your blog?  Will you blog this?”

“Of course!”

“Well, then let’s get a photo together!”

With that invitation, I tossed my camera to my friend, Chrissy, to capture this beautiful blogoturnity.

Thank you, Mr. Penguin, sir.

“The miracle isn’t that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start.” – John “The Penguin” Bingham

PhotoStory Fridaythe hollie rogue Look whooooo’s snapping Unknown Mami

Space Coast Marathon Recap

Posted on by Run DMT
13

About two weeks prior to the Space Coast Marathon, I developed heel spurs or plantar fasciitis, which I believe resulted from running in old shoes.  Everything I read online recommended not running for at least week.  That meant no taper runs and definitely no running at all until I bought new shoes.  Unfortunately, new shoes were not in the budget but thankfully with some Black Friday deals, Suncoast Running made new running more affordable.

Now, I just needed to break in my new shoes two days before my race.  Therefore, I wore my new shoes all day and hoped it would do the trick.

Also two weeks prior to the race, my Garmin died but a new Garmin was definitely NOT in the budget.  At the race expo and packet pick-up, I registered for a pace team to keep me on target for a 5:00 finish time with an average pace of 11:27.

On race day, I arrived at the start an hour before the race with my Suncoast Strider friends.  An early arrival offered enough time to eat breakfast and use the potty an adequate number of times to start the race with an empty bladder.

The start line sat in the middle of Cocoa Village, a quaint little shopping center with a small town feel or so it looked in the dark.  I found my pace team among the crowd in a corral way in the back and we waited patiently for the race to begin.  We were ready for lift off!

The race route led us through the town and south on along the Indian River.  About mile 2, it began to rain and with the rain came some strong wind from the east.  With the rain, there would be no sunrise over the Indian River, but it also meant no sun and that’s a plus.

Then, the road inclined and kept climbing and I cursed myself for not doing any hill training.  Around mile 4, I needed to pee but I was afraid to leave my pace group to wait in line, so I kept running uphill which felt like forever.

At mile 8, I discovered a Star Trek water station with first aid and a vacant port-o-potty.  I reapplied some Vaseline in my underarms and my unmentionables to prevent chaffing and popped into the loo.  At that point, I lost my pace group but “Mr. Spock” gave me plenty encouragement even though it seemed highly illogical.

I guess Spock was right, because the next few miles went well even though I lost my pace group.  At one point, my pace leader surprised me from behind and told me I was right on target to finish in 5 hours.  I mentioned how worried I was when I didn’t see the group any more, but she told me they were running about a minute faster.

Mile 11, I met Dark Helmet and the Space Balls crew.  “May the Schwartz be with you.”

At the half marathon mark, the race route led us through the village back at the starting point, where I spotted the Suncoast Striders cheerleaders.

Physically, I still felt pretty good, but I think this is where I experienced a mental breakdown because visually it felt like I reached the end. With lots of spectators and tons people cheering, the motivation to finish was high.  I stayed strong and even stopped for another photo opp with the I Dream of Jeanie team.

But then, the race turned a dark corner mentally and physically (and visually from the overcast).  I saw all the half marathon finishers run past and realized I was only half way finished.  And then, my heels started hurting.

Although this half of the course was more flat, the damage was already done.  At mile 15, the pain became so intense.  I tweeted, Facebooked and texted to take my mind off the pain.  I needed ibuprofen, but the first aid was still 2 miles away as reported to me by @BigBadEd.

I tried to find inspiration from a blind runner tethered to a running partner or a mom pushing a triple stroller, but the only relief came from walking.  So, I walked the next two miles until I found the first aid.

Once at mile 17 and the first aid tent, I sobbed out the words, “I need ibuprofen.”    I resolved to walk the remained of the race.

Around mile 19, I literally found my Cheeseburger in Paradise at the Parrothead water station as some of the pain began to subside, but it might have been in part to the Jimmy Buffet music that played or the ibuprofen finally kicking in.  I elected to take advantage of one more photo opp before running again, but really it only made me want a shot of tequila and call it a day.

Once I reached mile 20, I decided to try running again.  The finish was only an hour away, if I ran my normal pace.  But this was most certainly NOT my normal pace.  I was hobbling along at what I imagine was a 16:00 mile pace.  Every inch of me hurt from my toes to my left bicep.  Why would my bicep hurt?

Every time I passed a water station, I stopped to dump water on my head to cool myself off and to mask the tears.  But it didn’t stop the ugly cry which was prompted by anyone who said, “You’re doing great!”

It took me an hour and a half to finish those last 6.2 miles, because I ran them…slowly…very, very slowly.  I had to do it. Even if I meant I would be passed by elderly speedwalkers.  I had to finish running.

Water stations were closing up shop.  The race began to appear like a ghost town since most spectators left hours ago but their signs of encouragement still stood.

And I just kept moving forward.  A few people stayed behind to cheer the last of us in.  Their faces are literally a blur as I couldn’t see their faces behind my tears.

I finished the last .2 miles around the park strong and with a smile.  When I crossed the finish line, a Space Coast Volunteer hung a medal around my neck and out came the ugliest cry ever. When I found Allan, I fell into his arms.  I just wanted to go home.

With huge smiles, it was evident my family was proud of me and with those smiles no one who have guessed they waited an extra two hours for me.

Chip Time 6:28:14

Clock Time 6:31:56

Overall 846/886

This race may have tested me, but I will get back on the marathon horse again.  I have my sights set on another one next fall, but first I need to cool my heels with the help of a frozen water bottle.  Once these heels and legs (and oddly left bicep) heal, there will be lots of hill training and speed work in the days to come.

“Gentlemen, we can rebuild her. We have the technology. We can make her better than she was before.  Better…stronger…faster.”  - The Six Million Dollar Man Run DMT

PhotographySweet Shot Day

Oh Lordy, Look Who’s 40!

Posted on by Run DMT
9

Who knew that the Space Coast Marathon and I both turned 40 this year?!  I sure didn’t realize that when I thought about running the race.  But now that I know, it just makes the marathon that more meaningful for me, especially since I get this fancy bling bragging about my accomplishment at 40.

*Image borrowed from the Space Coast Marathon Facebook page.*

The Space Coast Marathon and I…looking good at 40!

By the way…if you want to track my progress through out the race, my bib number is 34.

Frankenfooter Half Marathon Recap

Posted on by Run DMT
6

When I heard the rain begin to fall, I knew there were going to be some challenges with this race.  I think my husband thought I would back out when he saw the rain, but I channeled my inner Honey Badger, put on my big girl running panties and faced the race in the rain.

But besides the rain, it was incredibly dark at Starkey Wilderness Park.  There was no signage and I had no idea where I was going or where to head to for the race.  Finally, I spotted some small orange bulb lights festooned along a shelter.  I assumed that was the check-in spot for the race.

As I walked along the path to the shelter, I noticed the line to the restroom was about 2 dozen ladies long.  Before the start of the race, I would need to find a place to pee, which wouldn’t be hard in the dark woods as long as a wild board didn’t bite my butt.  Proudly, I peed squatting behind my car door, which is the first time I have ever peed in public (that I can remember).

When I retrieved my chip, the volunteers commented on how cute I looked in my costume.  Since it was a costumed race with prizes, I assumed they would make a note next to my bib number that I was wearing one.  Nope.  Well, then surely they could show me the way to the start.  Nope.  “It’s somewhere over there.  You’ll see two orange cones.” Great.  Thanks for that.

I followed some Suncoast Running peeps to the vague and hidden start.  Sure enough, there were two orange cones.  No lights.  No ginormous Frankenstein inflatable.  No blue chip start rug.  Only two orange cones standing in the road.  Nice.

Due to the rain, there was a 15 minute start delay.  Then, all of a sudden people started running.  No foghorn or a person yelling into a bullhorn telling us to “Go!”.  Everyone just took off.  Lovely.

For the first few miles, we ran along the roads that weave through the park towards the front entrance of Starkey Park and followed the newest addition to the bike trail from the entrance.  Finally, the rain stopped but the roads were full of puddles and my shoes were already soggy.  Yay.

I spotted my Suncoast Running friends around the 3 mile bend.  They were all doing great and obviously, they were going to claim all the division places.

Admittedly, I am not a fan of running on Starkey Trail.  I get bored.  “Oh Look.  Another  tree.  Wait! What’s that?  Oh, it’s another tree….SQUIRREL!”

I tried to make the most of this race by cheering for everyone as they ran past.  “Way to go!  Looking good, mama!  Nice pace!  Keep it up!”  I realized that wearing a Glee Cheerio costume was a good choice for me or maybe I was taking the whole cheerleading a little too seriously.  Either way, I found my own fun.  I was certainly in character and I could break out into song any minute.

I think I did sing a song or two.  I can’t remember which ones, but I’m sure the person who paced next to me does.

I do remember a cicada flying into my arm which caused me to scream and jump out of my shoes.  That, of course, caused the runner next to me do the same, but I was scared.  After all, it was a Halloween race and I still have nightmares of those big-ass Starkey Trail horse flies.

Throughout the race, I saw some really fun costumes and filed away the ideas for next year, like dressing as the Blind Melon Bumblebee Girl.

The water stations were well equipped and properly spaced along the trail and the volunteers that manned the stations were friendly.  Also dressed in costume, they cheered for all the runners as they passed.  The “goat” made me giggle, because it reminded me of the line from Waiting which I shouted out when I spotted him, “Oh no.  It’s the goat!”  But, I think the volunteers were too young to get it.

 

Although I was happy to see all the water stations, my fuel belt  was well stocked with snacks and water.  Around mile 7, I sucked down a Cliff shot.  Around mile 8, the volunteers provided Power Gels and I have to say, I’m not a fan.  They taste artificial.

Between all the water stations, all the water bottles on my fuel and the snacks, I desperately needed to pee.  Around mile 9, I contemplated parking a squat on this rock behind this shed.  But then my fear of peeing in public squelched that idea.

 

My goal was to finish around 2:15 and with a steady pace of 10:30, I felt I could do it.  Only a few months ago, I ran a half marathon on this same trail…alone…very alone.  This time, I paced with several other runners and felt good about my pace.  It also felt good to approach the finish with other runners.  It kept my motivation high.

As we came around the final bend, the course led us along a side stint off the trail back into the park.  We ran along the roads again for about ¼ mile.  The last 200 feet of the course had us run through grass to finish line, which I wasn’t happy about and I wondered if a race that couldn’t be bothered to hang signage would check for holes and dips in the ground.

Then, I spotted my kids and my husband cheering for me as I approached the finish and I started to cry the ugly cry.  I almost made my goal and my family was there to witness it.  And then, I began to hyperventilate from crying.  When I crossed the finish line, I couldn’t catch my breath and it felt like an asthma attack. I needed my inhaler.

They volunteers at the finish handed me my medal and offered to cut off my chip, but I couldn’t focus because I couldn’t breathe.  I asked if anyone had an inhaler or to point me in the direction of first aid.  They looked at me like I spoke a foreign language or perhaps they were worried they would have to perform CPR on me.

Allan reminded me to breathe as we walked back to the shelter, but I couldn’t see where I was going because my tears caused my mascara to run into my eyes and it stung.  Great.  Now, I couldn’t breathe and I was blind.

Back the shelter, my Suncoast Running friends greeted me and praised my efforts for finishing close to my goal (20 minutes faster than Pasco Challenge Half Marathon), which means so much hearing encouraging words from some truly amazing and fast runners.  Another female runner, who finished seconds before me (wearing pink in the photo above), also cheered for me.  She told me that I kept her going and I was a wonderful inspiration.  Seriously? Me?  As astounded as I was to hear it, her words made me smile for the rest of the day.

Once I could finally breathe, I scarffed down some food and waited with the Suncoast Running gang for the awards.  Would I place?  Would  I win anything for my costume?

This is where things get a bit hairy.  Apparently, there were some problems with the chips and it took over an hour for the race officials to download the times.  Then, I later learned that all the participants that registered online (I sent my registration via mail-in form.) checked a box on Active.com to confirm they would be a costumed runner.  There was no such box on the mail-in form, which is why I assumed the volunteers marked our bib numbers when we arrived at the check-in.

Although I earned 4th in my division (40-44), I did not earn the title of fastest costumed runner.    However, I did earn the award for Best Costume which was decided by cheers.  I begged encouraged my Suncoast Running friends and the rest of the crowd to holler for me.  With my poms poms, it was like a Run DMT pep rally, but I think people repaid me with cheers for all the cheers and smiles I gave them along the trail.  Thank you so much!!! 

After the race, I was still pretty miffed about not making fastest costumed runner, when clearly I was faster than those that finished.  I should’ve finished in second place.  So, I sent the race officials an email:

I’m not sure how the times for the “Frankenfooter Fastest Half Marathon Costume Overall” were recorded, but my finish time was faster than those listed. I was bib #81 and I was in costume dressed as a Cheerio Cheerleader from Glee. My time chip time was 2:21:28. Therefore, I should have been listed under second place for “Frankenfooter Half Marathon Costume Overall”. Is there anyway to adjust this?

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Denise 

Author of Run DMT http://deniseisrundmt.com

 

This was Big Dawg Runnin’s response to my concern.

Denise,

You registered for the Standard Half-marathon; you finished in 2:21:28. Those listed on the costume category, specifically signed up for that category. They were separate choices on ACTIVE. Those that chose to sign up for the costume section gave up the chance of winning age group awards. I can switch your category if you would like me to….

Thank You,

Val

 

No apology.  No “We’re sorry about the mail-in form mix-up.  Thank you for bringing it to our attention so that we can correct this.”  Nada.  Just an all caps ACTIVE and the implication that I’m an idiot for not registering through ACTIVE.

I dropped the issue and did not reply back to Val’s email.  In the end, I earned 4th in my division, which is pretty dang good and I earned Best Costume overall.  I’m good with that.

13.1 miles

Chip Time 2:21:28

Ave Pace 10:48

 


 

PhotoStory Fridaythe hollie rogue

Inaugural 911 Memorial 5K Recap

Posted on by Run DMT
3

Since my friends and I aim to run a race every month to stay motivated to meet our miles, Chrissy found our September race when she stumbled upon the Inaugural 911 Memorial 5K Run/Walk on active.com.  This race would raise funds for Homes for our Troops and the Austin Burchard home build.

When I mentioned the race to Allana, she wanted to run it with me.  Then, I roped my mom to be part of the event and some other running friends too.  Not before long, many of the Suncoast Striders joined in the fun.

Allana and I decided upon red, white and blue racing attire but several runners wore black with words to remind us the reason behind the race.

Much like September 11 ten years ago, it was a beautiful day which warmed up quickly.  The race course led us through Gulf Harbors, a waterfront neighborhood in New Port Richey, FL and many spectators waved their flags and cheered as we ran past their homes.

 

I started the race ahead of Chrissy and our friend Larisa, but that was short lived.  I desperately wanted to reach a new PB, but with the September heat, it was not in the cards for me.  Although I was defeated by the heat, Chrissy shaved two minutes of her time and earned a new PR, 32:24.  (Chrissy also wanted me to mention in my recap that she ran a faster average pace than me.)

When we neared the finish line, Larisa became our coach encouraging Chrissy and me to push it harder.  As we crossed the finish line, Larisa literally pushed me in a jokingly manner to not let me beat her.  David of the Suncoast Striders caught Larisa in the act with a quick snapshot.

But that final push, pushed me over the edge and I felt like would vomit, which I have never felt after any 5k.

Chip Time 32:39.7    

Garmin Time 34:45

Chip Ave Pace 10:32

Garmin Ave Pace 11:02

Max Pace 7:42

Overall Place 152/500

Div Place 8/21

While trying to cool down in the restroom, I met a fellow runner blogger, Clare of Clare is Running.  We exchanged stories and plans for future races in the hopes to meet again soon.

Twenty minutes after Chrissy, Larisa and I finished our 5K, my mom and Allana crossed the finish line.  My mom also earned a PB and her first medal EVER for finishing third in age group.

Despite the heat and getting pushed around by Larisa, I enjoyed this race and the feeling it gave me to do something good on a day that typically causes such sadness.  And I loved having my family and friends with me there too.

 

Allana loved being part of it too and earning a real medal, but knowing that we helped the troops is the real reward.

PhotoStory Fridaythe hollie rogue

Rap River Run Recap

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3

Rap River RunI had heard horror stories about how hot the Rap River Run could be.  And even though, I drank a lot of beer the night before, I still tried to keep hydrated with some good old fashioned H2O before the race and I hoped I wouldn’t sweat out Sierra Nevada during the race.

When I returned home from the Oldsmar Tap House, my girls were still awake at 10:00, but thankfully followed directions by wearing their running clothes to bed instead of pajamas.  They would get sweaty anyway and we didn’t have time in the morning to play around.

After staying up so late, I didn’t expect them to jump out of bed at 6:30 like they did that morning.  I honestly thought they would choose to sleep in and skip the race.  Although they jumped out of bed, somehow they weren’t as quick with brushing their teeth and hair and it took another 20 minutes to get out of the house.  There was no way around it.  We were going to be late to the race.

Plus, we still need to register for the race.  For whatever reason, I kept forgetting to register for this race.  Perhaps subconsciously I was worried about my performance after running the Oldsmar Tap House 5K the night before and the reason registering for it kept slipping my mind.  Arriving at the event with only minutes to spare, I wished I had preregistered.

Once registered, I dumped our things off at the Suncoast Running tent and dashed off to the start line.  But we couldn’t find it and the race had already started.

The girls and I jumped into the course and started running in the same direction as everyone else.  I had no idea how far into the race we were, but we just kept running.  Once around the lake, we found the 1 mile start line.  Now we could officially start the race.

 

We ran the course twice.  Allana had a nice easy pace going.  Emmalynn needed a little more coaxing and to hold my hand as she ran.  By the second time around the lake, we really needed to pick up the pace because the 5K race was only minutes away from starting.

I hollered to my girls, “C’mon!  Let’s go!  The next race is about to start!”

I must have sounded like a lunatic, because a heavy set elderly woman who speed walking along side of us thought I was hollering at her.  In a nasty tone, she hollered back, “I’m doing the best I can.  I don’t care about the next race!”

In apologetic tone I replied, “I wasn’t talking to you.  I was talking to my girls.  They need to hurry because I need to get to the next race.  But you’re doing great!  Keep it up, mama!”

Once we crossed the finish line, medals were draped around the girls’ necks which they wore their medals proudly as they headed back to Suncoast Running and I dashed off to the 5K start line with only seconds to spare.  I didn’t even get a chance to rehydrate and hoped I wouldn’t overheat.

Much like the Crazy Sombrero, I believe the 1 mile easy warm-up run really helped my performance.  The first mile is always the toughest for me, but once the juices start flowing and my muscles warm up, I feel like I can go miles without stopping.

 

Large old oak trees shaded the flat road course through downtown New Port Richey as a light breeze from the Cotee River cooled us.  So far, thankfully the horror stories of heat seemed to be more of a legend than any reality.

 

About half way into the race, a water station emerged.  I greedily dumped two cups on me and then drank another two.  After a small loop in the course and close to two miles, I found my way back to the water station again and I gulped down two more cups.

 

Soon after, I spotted the start line in the distance and another 0.25 mile loop around the lake remained until the finish line.  I pushed my tired legs even harder and sprinted to the finish line.  I was rewarded with an Ice Pop and a medal for my efforts.  The Ice Pop was a nice touch.

3.19 Miles

Garmin Time 29:42

Chip Time 30:03

Ave Pace 9:37

Max Pace 7:11

 

Much like the decent race weather, the post-race party was an unexpected but pleasant surprise.  The girls were excited to be part of a real race that including a timing chip and a kid-friendly post-race party.  A smorgasbord of tasty treats were provided by Smoothie King, Carrabba’s, Sweet Tomatoes, Beef O’Brady’s and Sonny’s.  It was a great event and we will definitely be back next year.

Among the thousands of participants, I saw many familiar faces, including those of the Suncoast Striders.  There were also the unfamiliar faces of foster children throughout the event, which quietly reminded us why we were here other than our love for running.

To learn more about the RAP House and the other wonderful program provided by Youth and Family Alternatives, visit www.rapriverrun.com.

2011 Oldsmar Tap House 5K

Posted on by Run DMT
4

Alternative Title: Will Run for Brew, Part Two

I remembered the Tap House Run being a much hotter event.  Don’t get me wrong.  It was hot, but not as humid as it was the first year when I last ran the 5K event.  I also remembered despite the heat really enjoying the course through downtown Oldsmar and its beautiful view along the bay.

This year, Jackie anticipated winning Das Boot, so she pushed her way through the crowd to the front of the pack.  The rest of us found a start position way in the back.  Much like the start line, we would admire Das Boot from a distance.

I started the race running alongside of Mike, Chrissy, Bob, Angie and Faith, but found my pace and a path through the crowd to move ahead.

Just after I passed mile 1, I spotted the fastest runners already heading to the finish line.  I began counting them to see if Jackie would make the top 50 for Das Boot.  Sure enough, there she was somewhere around number 30.  She was booking it for Das Boot!

Although I ran another 5K race in the evening a month prior to this race, I still wondered how I would perform in the evening especially since the weather would be a bit warmer.  This race was hot, but not that hot.  Honestly, it was pretty bearable and the Gulf breeze blowing in from the bay was a welcomed relief during the run.  However, I think some of my late morning training runs and the occasional evening run prepared my body for the heat.

But also to prepare for this race, I drank water throughout the day to help my body combat the heat.  I believe staying hydrated all day is what saved me from heat exhaustion and any cramping during the race.  I also carb loaded with a bagel and peanut butter for breakfast and a bowl of pasta for lunch, so I wasn’t hungry before or during the race.  I seemed to find the perfect amount of fuel to keep me going.

And keep going I did snapping photos along the way and only stopping to walk while rehydrating at the water station. I dumped water on myself as well as downing cups of cold water.

3.16 miles
Garmin Time 30:21
Ave Pace 9:37
Max Pace 7:11

Overall, it was a fun little 5K, but the street party afterwards was a blast with lots of sudsy Sierra Nevada Pale Ale flowing and tons of yummy food, like tacos from Tijuana Flats and Italian ice from Rita’s.  The whole event was a great time from start to finish and then start to finish again, but having my hubby and our friends there to support each other made a fun evening even better.

I’ll drink to that!

Crazy Sombrero 5K

Posted on by Run DMT
12

Last Friday at the Crazy Sombrero 5K, I should have sported a grande sombrero since there was very little shade along the race route through Longleaf.  ¡Era muy caliente!  Thank goodness for the water stations!

My girls ran/walk the 1 mile and they asked me to run with them, which was a good warm up for my 5K.  Allana did really well and ran most of it at an easy pace.

Poor Emmalynn got a cramp in her side, which may have something to with the number of ice pops she ate before the race.

Photo taken by Carrie

My goal for this 5K was to finish around 30 minutes, about 10 minute miles, but Coach Jackie had other plans for me.

“You’re shooting for sub-30, right?”

Yeah, I’m going to run your pace at 7:30”, I sneered.

“I’m serious, girl. You need to finish sub-30.”

“Um…o.k.  No pressure.”

Under 30 girl.  You can do it!

Then, Carrie of the Suncoast Striders chimed in.  “There’ll be Cucumber Gimlets waiting for you if you finish sub-30.”

With the promise of alcoholic beverages, I had to finish less than 30 minutes.  And I did, which was a new PB post-baby.  And man, those Cucumber Gimlets went down way too easy.

Clock Time 29:26

Garmin Time 29:20

Ave Pace 9:37

Max Pace 6:19          

After the race, URCrossFit sponsored a huge after party complete with an inflatable obstacle course, food but no margaritas.  Is this a Crazy Sombrero 5K fiesta or what? 

Towards the end of the evening and after way too many Cucumber Gimlets, a URCrossfit challenge seemed like a good idea.  For the URCrossfit challenge, each participant had to do 5 burpees, bear crawl to the front of the obstacle course and then race through the inflatable obstacle course to the end.

I managed the burpees and bear crawl just fine, but the obstacle course was a whole other story.  Since I couldn’t scale the wall, I blamed it on the alcohol even though Jackie kicked my ass did just fine.  Actually, it’s quite harder than it looks and despite all my push-ups, I still have no upper body strength.  Obviously, this is something I need to work on.

Despite embarrassing myself and my children on the URCrossfit challenge, the girls and I had a blast.  With muchos amigos at this event, the Crazy Sombrero was mucho bueno!  I would love for this fun, local race to become an annual event.  And hopefully next year they’ll serve frozen margaritas to cool us off after we cross the finish line.

Random Thoughts About Iron Girl and Half Marathon Recap

Posted on by Run DMT
12

Iron Girl was a huge disappointment beginning with my race shirt.  I requested a size small, but it fit more like a youth large, which should have been my first clue that this race would have its challenges.

 

Our race packet instructed us to arrive at the Iron Girl remote parking lots where a shuttle service would bring us to the start line with the last trolley running at 6:15.  The morning of the race, my friends (Chrissy, Kathleen and I) arrived at the parking lot at 5:45 but we waited over an hour for a trolley. While waiting in line, we snapped a few photos to kill the time and that’s when I realized I had forgotten the memory card for my camera.  Although I was sad about my dilemma, I knew Jackie would be pleased that I would actually be running and not stopping for Kodak moments. (Just for the record, Jackie…I take photos while I run.  So there!)

 

When my friends and I finally arrived at the beach, we were told, “Two minutes until the start”.  Upon hearing that, Kathleen and I sprinted to the start line.  Although I desperately needed to pee, I just wanted to get to the race.  By the time we reached the start line, it was nearly 5 minutes into the race and I never got the chance to take my potty break.

 

When we reached the start line, the 5K runners were already lining up at the start.  Kathleen and I shoved our way through the 5K ladies to get to the chipped start.  Once we reached the start, an Iron Girl volunteer tried to stop us, but I yelled “We’re half runners!”  We didn’t wait for his approval and kept going.  Kathleen and I quickly caught up with the half marathon walkers and dodged our way through that frustrating obstacle course.  With all our weaving in and out, I eventually lost sight of Kathleen but I spotted the 3:00 pace group.

 

“Aw hell-to-the-no!”  I grunted to myself.  “I am NOT getting stuck behind the three hour pace group!”  I kept darting through the crowd and soon I reached the Clearwater Memorial Causeway.  Although I knew I should have slowed my pace to climb the steep hill, I just wanted to get past the walkers and get ahead of the crowd.

 

A gorgeous sunrise glowed as I came over the Clearwater Memorial Causeway and I wished I hadn’t forgotten my memory stick.  Once over the bridge, I spotted the 2:30 pace group and let out a sigh of relief.  I had caught up with peers close to my pace.  Feeling like I had finally made up for lost time, I now attempted to keep ahead of the2:30 pace group but I still needed to pee.

 

The night before, I studied the race course and knew there were water stations approximately every two miles with port-o-potties through the course.  What I didn’t take into account that this was a woman’s race and how there’s always a line to the ladies restroom except now I couldn’t sneak a squat in the men’s room.  There were plenty of trees along the race route but I have performance anxiety when it comes to peeing in public.  Prior to the race, I had joked with Chrissy about relieving myself while running and cleansing myself in the Gulf after the race, but that seemed less of a joke now.  So, I held it mile after mile until mile 7 when I couldn’t hold it any more.  At this particular potty, there were only two women waiting in line for a pair of port-o-lets and it was now or never.  When I exited the port-o-let, I saw the 2:30 pace group pass by.  I quickly gulped down two cups of water and chased after the pace group.

 

Again, I made up for lost time but it wasn’t easy for all the “hills” along the race route.  I had hoped for a more flat scenic view along the beach.  Instead we ran through a residential area with lots of hills and huge beautiful homes with waterfront views.  With each incline, I cussed myself out for not being more prepared and I should have anticipated “hills” from previous races through Clearwater, like the Turkey Trot.

 

Soon after mile 7, the Belleair Causeway came into sight and I called out, “Make it burn, ladies!”  No one was amused.  I decided to walk this hill out and have a Cliff Shot snack break when the 2:30 pace group passed me again.  Between the pace group passing and the sight of the enormous causeway, I felt defeated.  Once over the hill, I tried to get my groove back and catch up with the 2:30 pace group, but they only appeared further and further away with each step, like I was moving in slow motion or even backwards.  For the remainder of the race, the pace group sign became a mirage.

 

When we reached Gulf Blvd, I was exhausted and overheated and it was difficult to appreciate the flat course portion of the race.  However, as in any race, I did appreciate the volunteers (like the Girl Scouts) who handed us water and the spectators who cheered for us (like the blonde girls in yellow, the gentleman on a bike, the Coast Guard and the Firefighters).  One nice volunteer even offered to pour water on me to cool me down.  I really must have been a sad sight.

 

Around mile 10, I had one more hill to conquer: the Sand Key Bridge into Clearwater Beach.  I didn’t even try to run it and my legs and glutes showed their gratitude by not giving out before reaching the finish line.

 

When I reached the bottom of the bridge, I only had two miles remaining.  In a race, I typically conserve my energy for the end so I can pick up the pace to cross the finish line.  But this time, I didn’t have it in me and I just tried to finish with a smile.

 

Once I crossed the finish line, I heard the announcer shout, “Welcome home, Denise!”  Even though I didn’t make it under 2:30, it felt good to be home and to finish 39.3 miles before my 40th birthday.

 

Gun Time 2:34:57

Chip Time 2:31:27

Ave Pace 11:27

Max Pace

Div Place 206/331

Overall 933/1634

 

As for my friends, Jackie placed second in her division for the 5K (22:41 – a new PR for her) and received an Iron Girl pendant for her achievement.  Kathleen finished the half in 1:56:16 and Chrissy finished the 5K in 34:09.  All great accomplishments!

 

 

Three days later after Iron Girl, I’m still sore.  Climbing the stairs hurts.  My pelvic muscles are killing me and my ass…well some things are just better off not said.  Let’s just say that I’ve become good pals with a tube of Preparation H and Preparation wipes and I’ve been popping ibuprofen to reduce some of the pain.  After almost four years of running, this the first time I’ve ever had to take pain reliever after any race or had to deal with any ass issues.   I’m not sure if it had something to do with the “hills” or my postpartum out of shape body.  But then, I guess they don’t call it Iron Girl for nothing!

 

Proudly submitted to Stacy Uncorked, because when I blog about my races, it’s usually pretty random.

Tips to Tri

Posted on by Run DMT
1

Suncoast Running hosted an informative Tri Night on Tuesday evening for anyone considering competing in a triathlon this season.  All levels of triahtletes were welcomed, so I dragged my clumsy ass self to the workshop. That night, I took away some yummy Mix1 and great tips from Geoff of Suncoast Trailside Bicycles.

 

1. Position

  • A proper bike fit is essential.
  • Need to be comfortable.
  • Should have an easy bike to run transition.
  • Comfort + Efficiency  = Speed

 

2. Training

  • Use every minute to the best of your ability
  • Train your weakest area the hardest.
  • Cycling can set you apart
  • Attend a Master’s Swim class.
  • Practice transition.

 

3. FocusSuncoast Trailside Bicycles

  • Pay attention and be really aware of your surroundings, even on a trail.
  • No time to be nervous.
  • If you’re full of anxiety, then you’re not ready.
  • Know where your bike is racked. Count the steps to your bike and memorize it.

 

After competing in a few sprint triathlons, these tips may seem like common sense.  For me, I need to hear it out loud to drill it into in my head.  After the workshop, I made a commitment to get over my fear of falling off my bike, get back on my bike and really, truly train for another sprint triathlon.  Now, I just need to register for one.