Tag Archives: 10K

Armadillo Run 10K Recap

Posted on by Run DMT
9

Having never participated in this race before, I was excited and oddly nervous about the Armadillo Run 10K.  Despite the number of races under my belt, I still get nervous and have to pee a dozen times before the start.

In its 30th year, the Armadillo Run was held in the sleepy and beautiful town of Oldsmar, known for its history as well as its beauty.  (And also a stone’s throw away from where my husband works, which had me wondering, “Why is Vology not a sponsor?”)

It’s a small race (about 500 people) with a beautiful flat course along the bay.  We started adjacent to the Oldsmar library on St. Petersburg Rd and followed scenic Shore Drive.

Along the way, we passed three parks with a turnaround at the last park at the end of Shore Drive, which I never knew existed.  I thoroughly enjoyed our quick tour of the grounds but I was even more grateful for the shade and overcast which kept the race climate cool, especially after a scorcher the week before at Gasparilla.

For the last mile, I paced with a male runner at about 9mm.  Then, with only a quarter mile left to go, he sprinted and took off.  I just couldn’t push any harder and I was left in his wake.  Although my short-lived running partner left me, I finished alongside a fellow Suncoast Strider, Aaron.

When I crossed the finish line, my short-lived running race partner, Justin, stopped me to offer some gratitude and cheers. “Thanks for helping push it that last bit.”

“But you left me!  Next time give me a heads-up, some kind of warning when you’re going push it, like “C’mon, girl.  Let’s do this!”

Thanks, Justin for being there for me..or not (lol)…but definitely thanks for cheering for me at the finish, posing for a photo with me and introducing me to your Run Tampa friends, Johanne and Patricia.  It was wonderful meeting you all!  See you at the next race!

As much as I desperately wanted to finish under an hour, I just couldn’t do it.  Perhaps, if I hadn’t taken so many photos, I may have met that goal, but this is what I do.  It makes me happy to snap photos while I run.

I’d rather run happy and finish with a smile.

Gun Time 1:02:16  

Chip Time 1:01:54

Ave Pace 10:02

Speaking of smiles, there was quite an awesome party at the end of this race.  I’ve had free beer at races for two weeks in a row.  I love the trend but I really loved this race.  It’s definitely one to keep on my To Do race list.

And next year, I’ll finish under an hour.

PhotoStory Fridaythe hollie rogue Look whooooo’s snapping Unknown Mami

Denise Mestanza-Taylor+

Race for the Cure 2011 Recap

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11

I always enjoy the Race for the Cure 10K.  The course is gorgeous.  The distance is just right.  And for a slow runner like me, there’s no pressure.  Just me and tens of thousands people doing good in the ‘hood to raise money and awareness for breast cancer.

This year, my friend, Heather joined in the fun for her first 10K race.  I warned Heather that I often walk the water stations and not to feel bad if we separated, especially since I have a tendency to take a lot of photos while I run races.  Imagine how fast I could be if I didn’t take so many photos?

But I truly love taking photos while I run, because I capture moments like this.

 And it makes my race recaps just that more entertaining.  Otherwise, I’d have no evidence of this sweet handsome officer who volunteered to be my boyfriend.  I couldn’t resist capturing the moment.  I love a man in uniform.  Poor guy doesn’t even know what he got himself into.

But I digress…

The weather was perfect for our race.  With no humidity, it felt cooler than the forecasted 71 degrees.

The first part of the course led us along the St. Pete Pier which is always my favorite part.  As we ran towards the sunrise, the sun appeared to smile like a spectator cheering for us as we ran by.

From the Pier, we ran along the waterfront and passed the new location for the Dail museum and airfield.  This part of the course had a strange odor, like hot garbage.  Maybe they were melting more clocks for Dali’s exhibits?

Then the course led us through the streets of downtown St. Pete which was the largest portion of the 10K with a subtle incline. Thankfully, there were water stations just after each mile marker to walk it off.

The last mile, led us along the bay again and then finally to the finish line.

Chip Time 1:04:44

Overall 479

Div 34/77

Garmin Time 1:04:49

Ave Pace 10:14

Max Pace 7:26

I was really pleased with my time.  It’s my fastest 10K time post-baby.  Heather finished about 1 minute before me and as I expected, she did great (1:03:36).  I don’t even think she broke a sweat.

This fast crew (Jackie, Tara and Scott of Suncoast Running) finished about 15 minutes before Heather and me.  Even if I stopped taking photos during races, I could never be as fast as this lot.

But from what I understand, my running friends secretly enjoy their own personal paparazzi at all the races.  And for that, I’ll keep on flashing snapping and running.

Unknown Mami

Random Thoughts about Running in a Sauna through Sprinklers and Santana

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3

Lately, the thermometer has been sticking around the high 80s to low 90s and the humidity is sticking around with the heat and choking my running friends and me.  It’s brutal, like running in a marathon in a sauna.  No room to breathe.

I would like to thank my neighbors that illegally watering their grass at 5:30 morning.  You don’t think anyone notices, but I do.  I make a mental note of the days and times you run your sprinklers and I always run past your house on those days.

However, I’m not thankful for your push green grass or how you are selfishly depleting the aquifers to keep that plush green grass.  But don’t worry.  I’m not calling the water department to file a complaint.  Nope, I’m too busy running slowly on your plush green grass and selfishly soaking up the water sprayed illegal by your sprinklers and I don’t feel a bit guilty about it because it feels so damn good during my hot humid runs, like this morning’s 3 mile run.  So thank you.

3.1 miles

Time 35:03

Ave Pace 11:03

Max 8:13

After discussing with several running friends the number of weeks to prepare for the Space Coast Marathon, the consensus seems to be that it is totally doable. I have a few half marathons under my belt from early in the year and another one coming up next month, so I should be ready for the marathon if I keep at it.  So, there you have it.  I’m going for it.

Last Saturday, I ran 10 miles to get back in the training groove.

Time 2:11::01

Ave Pace 13:06

Max 8:04

The run felt good and I didn’t mind the miles, but once again, that damn humidity was a real bitch.  My friend, Faith, joined me for a couple of miles which it helped take my mind off the humidity and I was really grateful for her company.  Besides the humidity, the hours spent running alone can be a real bear too.

But, I came up with a plan to beat the long boring miles by myself.  I asked a few of my shorter distance running friends like Faith and Chrissy to meet at different times to help me get through the miles.  Even by running a couple of miles with me, it will keep me motivated and moving.

Speaking of miles and motivation, I registered for two races in October: the Race for the Cure and the Frakenfooter half marathon.  I love Race for a Cure (the course and the cause), but I’m really excited about the Frankenfooter.  I have wanted to do this race for some time, because it’s a Halloween race with costumes!  I even picked my costume before I registered…Santana from Glee!

How fun is that?!

I told my running girlfriends to dress in the same costume so we could be a whole group of Cheerios!  Of course, I’ve got a totally different costume for our adult costume party, but that’s under wraps until we get closer to Halloween. Muhahahahaha!

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

Stacy

Our Looney Longleaf

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5

Having always wanted to compete in a long distance triathlon relay, my friends and I assembled our relay team months ago for Sunday’s Longleaf International Relay (0.9 mile swim, 23 mile bike, 6.2 mile run).  Allan, our swimmer, swam miles each day in the pool to finish close to 20 minutes. 

 

 

I tortured myself with speed drills.  I constantly tried to run between 8:30-9:00 minute miles to finish under 54:00.  My Race for the Cure performance indicated that I had my work cut out for me.

 

Our cyclist, Julie, battled a hip injury which prevented her from reaching any distance higher than 12 miles and she felt like she would be the weakest link in our team.

 

 

Since the three of us love the movie Old School, we selected the team name We’re Going Streaking with streak offering such a great play on words.  After all, we hoped to move at lightning speed.  Other great names thrown into the mix included Average Joes, Strategery, Pager-Friendly, Wolf Pack, I’m Gonna Git You Sucka, That’s What She Said, Shake-N-Bake, and Tri Us.

 

Days before the event, Julie decided not to compete.  Between her hip, issues with her bike and some personal matters, she didn’t feel prepared to cycle 23 miles.  In the last minute, our friend, Mike, filled her shoes. 

 

 

 

Going into the competition, we weren’t quite sure how the relay/transition thing would work.  Then, the morning of the event, we learned how to transition between legs.  We were to pass our electronic ankle chip like a baton, which seemed simple enough.

 

The temperature Sunday morning dropped to 49 degrees and the winds began blow.  Poor Allan froze for 45 minutes waiting to enter the water.  The swim was seeded with men leading, then women and then relay.  As a mixed relay team, we were pushed even further down the line, however, being a strong swimmer, Allan quickly found himself at the front of the pack. 

 

 

Unfortunately,  another swimmer grabbed his ankle and pulled off his chip.  Thankfully, his wife snapped numerous pictures and his performance was digitally recorded by Cathy.  Although we estimated that Allan finish in 14:50, our relay team would not make the official roster.

 

 

As Allan ran into transition, we learned about his lost chip, but the show must go on!  Chipless Mike bolted out of transition to begin his 24 mile ride.  He hoped to finish it in 1:15, but he faced some strong head winds which added a minute onto his time (1:16).  As I waited in transition, I chatted with Andrea (a fellow Strider competing in the Sprint Relay) and I worried about the winds affecting my performance. 

 

Once Mike arrived back in transition, I took off and passed my family who cheered for me as I began my journey.   From the very start of my 6.2 mile run, I struggled with the fierce winds and I couldn’t move any faster than 9:30.  Faced with only our second cold snap of the season, I don’t think my body was prepared enough to face the cooler weather.  My lungs hurt and I could feel an asthma attack building.

 

At mile 3, the route turned and finally the wind was behind me.  My pace picked up to 8:30, but I knew I couldn’t shave any minutes off my time.  Around mile 5, Larisa and several other Striders formed a cheering squad on David and Karen’s front porch and cheered for me as I ran past.  It always feels good to have friends and family rooting for you or even honk for you as they leave the race.

 

During the last half mile, I passed Andrea strolling back to David’s house for the post-race party.  She had finished her 5K in record speed (20:26) and made it back to cheer for her fellow Striders.  Hearing the kudos from such great runners like Andrea really helped put some pep in my step.

 

As I turned the final corner to the finish line, I found my family cheering for me once again.  With Cathy’s mad photography skills, she snapped a photo of me crossing the finish line with our “unofficial” finish time.  My Garmin clocked 57:02 for my 10K run. 

 

 

After crossing the finish line, I had an asthma attack and needed my rescue inhaler.  With the relatively cold winds and whatever grass/weed the wind blew triggered an attack.

 

Despite all our hurdles, we had a great time competing in the relay and we can’t wait to do it again.

Saving the Ta-Tas One Step at a Time

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7

On Saturday, I joined thousands of walkers, runners and breast cancer survivors in downtown St. Petersburg for the Race for Cure 10K.  This is one of my favorite races because it feels good to be part of something bigger than me and knowing that my small contribution helps move us closer to a cure so that someday our children can live in a world without breast cancer-free.

 

Last year, I reconnected with an old high school friend on Facebook.  Since I often share my blog posts on Facebook, Rob read my Race for the Cure post last October.  Afterwards, he shared his wife’s, Sarah, story with me and thanked me for being part of this cause.  After learning about her battle with cancer, I wanted to honor Sarah and her survivor story.

 

This year, I ran for Sarah. 

 

 

The race itself is a gorgeous route.  As the sun rises over the bay, its golden rays create a pink horizon, a perfect match to this pink ribbon event.  The start line parallels the Vinoy and we follow 5th NE Ave to Bayshore Blvd which leads us to the St. Pete Pier.  Then the course winds through the streets of downtown St Pete.   

 

IMG_1381

 

 Like the previous year, the scenery didn’t disappoint and once again, I enjoyed running under the sunny skies of downtown St. Pete.  In typical Run DMT fashion, I took lots of pictures.  After passing Mile 1 on the pier, another runner offered her assistance with capturing my Kodak moments.

 

IMG_1388

 IMG_1392

 

Although I remembered my camera, I forgot my Garmin.  Therefore, I only know my “clock time” and not my real time as recorded by my Garmin.  I crossed the finish line at 59:04 and I made my “under an hour goal”, but I had hoped to have been closer to 55:00.  Without my Garmin, there’s no real way to determine my real time.  I had no idea how fast or slow I ran, but I do know that my calves were sore and I tired around mile 3, which means I probably pushed myself too hard at the start. 

 

I also know that I started a minute or so late because the race was seeded based on our pace.  I started at the 9:00 minute pace sign.  Like I already said, if I had my Garmin, I would know my exact time.  C’est la vie.  Hopefully, I will do better at Longleaf.  As long as I run without my camera, I should shave a minute  or two or three off my time.

 

Fortunately, I had quite a crowd cheering for me, including several Striders who all placed in the top 50…

 

Striders

 

and Strider Andrea (left), who finished third place for females.

 

IMG_1439

 

 Before the start of the race, I bumped into Running Betty, Brian and their daughter, Alice and all three cheered for me as I finished the race.  Running Betty even snapped some photos of me crossing the finish line.   

 

IMG_1379

  denise1

 

denisefinish

 

She also videotaped me.  It’s a thumbnail video but it’s still pretty cool to watch.   Thanks, Running Betty! :-)

 

Hal, My Hero

Posted on by Run DMT
19

BlogoversaryIn August 2008, I celebrated reaching 1000 hits with a Hal Higdon giveaway.  Since Hal Higdon’s MARATHON–The Ultimate Training Guide: The Third Edition was my very first giveaway, I decided to offer another autographed copy.

 

Over the past couple of years, I’ve followed Hal’s plans meticulously.  He’s seen me through six 5Ks, three 10Ks, two marathons, two half-marathons, which all can be viewed here.  Hal has helped me tremendously and now he can help a Run DMT reader, too.

 

First, I have to explain how I came about receiving this autographed copy.  After searching halhigdon.com for his contact information, I decided to search the internet for how to contact Hal and Google revealed Hal’s Facebook account.  (Yes, Hal Higdon is on Facebook.)  For a brief moment, I wondered if I should add Hal as a friend, but I feared I would appear as though I was stalking him.  Besides did I really want Hal to know all of my status updates?  Denise is drinking heavily after a long day with the kids. 

 

After choosing to not add Hal as a friend, I decided to send him an e-mail requesting him to sponsor a giveaway for my blog and he graciously did!  (How cool is that?!  See why Hal is my hero?)  So, here it is: an autographed copy of MARATHON–The Ultimate Training Guide: The Third Edition!  To enter to win this book, simply add a comment below.  Contest ends Tuesday, August 4.  Good luck!

 

marathon-guide

 

For additional entries:

  •  Visit halhigdon.com and read his on-line training programs and other articles.  Share what you learned by adding a comment below.  You’ll get one entry for each little tidbit you share. 
  • Add Hal Higdon as your friend on Facebook.
  •  Follow @denisermt on Twitter.
  •  Tweet about this giveaway on Twitter.  Add a new comment for each time you tweet: @denisermt Run DMT’s #blogoversary- Win MARATHON signed by Hal Higdon. http://tinyurl.com/m52rev

Will Trot for Turkey

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3

Since childhood, my Thanksgiving tradition included watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade while stuffing my face with pumpkin muffins.  Then last Thanksgiving, my friends convinced me to run the 5K in the Turkey Trot, which began a whole new Thanksgiving tradition.

 

For 30 years, thousands of runners include the St. Petersburg Times Turkey Trot as part of their Thanksgiving tradition.  Many participants show their love for this annual race by wearing some outlandish running attire.  Some wear Native American headdress while others choose to stick with the theme of the event by strapping a turkey to their heads.

 

turkey

 

However, this runner simply paired her new SPIbelt with a Turkey Trot shirt to display her affection for this annual tradition.

 

Among the thousands of participants, I arranged to meet a fellow running blogger, Becelisa, and her friends.  We chatted briefly before the race with just enough time to capture the Kodak moment.  I enjoyed the opportunity to meet her in person.

 

becelisa

 

Then, on our way to the start of the race, Lori noticed a gentleman with a turkey decoy on his head and felt compelled to ask him if he was a hunter.  To her dismay, he just likes the look of decoys on his head while he runs.

lori-talks-turkey

 

At the start line, Lori and I found Tiffany and her hubby, Greg, who was kind enough to snap another picture before the race began.

 

tiff-lori-me1

 

At the sound of the foghorn, the 10K began and in true Run DMT fashion, I took pictures while I ran.  Unfortunately, the Clearwater “hills” are undetectable in my photos.

 

hill1

 

Even while I snapped photos, I kept my pace at 8:30, but the turkey decoy ran faster.

 

turkey-decoy1

 

Spectators cheered for us while local musicians played music to keep us moving.

 

spectators

 

bands

 

Then, about mile 3, I got a cramp in my side, which I attribute to picture taking.  Tiffany passed me after the second water station.

 

tiffany-with-graphics

 

While walking off my cramp, I noticed the Hare Krshna guy again from a couple miles back.  I wondered what his pace was to make it over to his new spot so quickly.  I also wondered why are there is only one vowel in Krshna?

 

hare-krshna

 

With Hare Krshna on my side, I decided to get serious about this race, but not after a few more pics.  Can you spot the “hill”?  As much as I love to take snapshots of the backs of other runners’ heads, someday I will learn to run backwards to take pictures of their faces.

 

trot-collage

 

As I approached the end of the course, I felt compelled to take a picture of the pipers, who then hollered at encouraged me to run.  With a piper’s prod, I sprinted to the finish line at a 7 minue mile pace.  My time was 56:12, which is not my best time, but that’s what I get for trying to be a paparazzi runner.

 

pipers

 

finish-line

 

At every race,  I learn something new which helps improve my performance at my next challenge.  I learned two things:

1.  Don’t take so many bloody pictures.

2.  Wear layers that can pulled off and tossed to the side.  (I was so flipping hot, but I didn’t want to strip and loose my cute turkey shirt!  This was definitely a good lesson to learn before the Disney marathon.)

 

layers

Sunday Running Log #13

Posted on by Run DMT
9

My weekly Sunday run got a late start the other morning due to a late GNO.  (You can expect a post about that adventure in a little bit.)  Since I didn’t return home until 2:15 a.m., there was no way I was waking up at 5:30 to run, but I could certainly swing a 7:00 a.m. run.

 

This week, I was determined to run 15 miles and I made it!  At 13 miles, I thought to myself, “I just ran a half marathon and I feel great!  I can do so this!”  Then, about 13.5 miles, I thought, “O.k., now I feeling some muscle ache.  I need to walk a bit.”  And for the last two miles, I alternated running and walking.  When I returned home, the soreness in my legs was intense.  It hurt to walk.  But when I stretched to recover, I felt a lot better. 

 

Even the next day, I still felt some tightness, but I wasn’t in agony.  Thank goodness!  And now next Sunday, I will tackle 16 miles and make Hal proud!

 

This week’s training schedule includes a 4 mile run this morning, an 8 mile rile on  Wednesday and another 4 mile run.  However, Thursday’s distance will be a 10K since Lori and I are running in the St. Pete Time’s Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day. 

 

I am really looking forward to the Turkey Trot, because this was my very first race.  Last year, I ran the 5K in approximately 33 minutes, which was not a chipped race and of course, this was before my good ol’ Garmin.  Now, I can run a 5K in about 27 minutes and it’s a warm-up for me!  It’s amazing to see how far I have come in a year’s time.

Racing for a Cure: Race Day

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2

 

Marathon Moms

Last Saturday, my fellow Marathon Moms and I ran in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.  Wanting to capture all the Kodak moments, I decided to run with my camera and I am so glad I did!  What a fun and gorgeous race!  Since I was running while snapping pictures, some of the photos were blurry.  

 

Here are some of the highlights of the race…

 

A crowd of over 11,000 people waited at the starting line.

 

 

Running along St. Pete Pier at sunrise was breathtaking!

 

 

For the 10K run,  the course continued through Downtown St. Petersburg.  Our local Tampabays 10 News Team cheered for all the runners as we sprinted by and I couldn’t resist giving them all a High-5.  Reginald Roundtree smiled, but the other anchors looked at me like I was crazy.  I don’t have a picture of that moment or the looks they gave me, so you’ll just have to take my word on it.  

 

I always liked Reginald.

 

 

Coming around the bend, I passed Lori.

 

Snapping photos may have slowed down my pace a little, but it made it more memorable.  I finished the race in 55:02.

 

Tiffany crossed the finish line still looking fabulous…

 

 

 

and I looked like a drowned rat!

 

 

 

Lori was close behind, but somehow we lost Gina and Leslie in the crowd.

 

 

After the race, we posed for one more quick pic at Vinoy Park

 

 

BTW…My sister, Simone, and her friend, Ula, were also at the race.  I never ran into them at the race, but I did spot them on the news.  

 

Races are always fun, but even more fun with friends!  Knowing we were supporting a great cause in more ways than one made the effort all the more better.

Racing for a Cure

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1

Keeping with my at least one race a month goal, I am running in the 10K Race for the Cure this Saturday.  I find that committing to a race helps keep me on track with my marathon training schedule.  

 

This morning, I ran 4.11 miles in 38:06.  Tomorrow, I plan to run 6 miles and hopefully, I can also squeeze a 10 mile bike ride before my DH leaves work. 

 

As of today, I am also officially training for the Longleaf Triathlon, because, my friend, Michele D. and her fabulous hubby, Jim, seem to have found me a sugar daddy sponsor to pay for my Longleaf Triathlon registration.  So, it looks like I have 2 races to prepare for this month!