Tag Archives: 5K

Inaugural 911 Memorial 5K Recap

Posted on by Run DMT
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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

Random Thoughts About 40 Points and 40 Miles

Posted on by Run DMT
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Last month, I visited my doctor for a third time this year for another round of blood tests to check my cholesterol again. yay.  Only I had forgotten about the appointment and I ate so poorly week prior to my appointment.

The week before my doctor’s appointment, it was as though my body craved fattening greasy fried food.  I ate a McDonald’s country chicken sandwich meal with fries.  Then, a few days later, I had a hamburger and fries at Prime Bar’s $5 burger night.  I believe some Hooters wings were thrown into the mix and then there was a big bad-for-you breakfast on Father’s Day.  And not to mention, I ate my way across Sanibel and Captiva the week before my doctor visit.

So after a really bad week of fatty foods, I was completely blown away when my doctor said my cholesterol dropped 40 points and I lost 2 pounds.  I wondered had eaten better if my cholesterol level would have been even lower.  No matter.  I’m off the hook for now and I won’t have to go back to my doctor until January for my annual physical.  WOOHOO!

My weight is still holding strong at 135 pounds.  I would still like to drop another 10 pounds, but I’m not going to stress about it.  It will come off.  It’s nothing some Spanx can’t fix.

Although I didn’t reach my desired weight goal of 40 pounds before my 40th birthday (which is next Wednesday hint…hint), I completed my goal of 40 miles before my 40th birthday.  I finished 3 half marathons (Gasparilla, Pasco Challenge and Iron Girl), a  5 mile race (Miles for Moffit) and three 5Ks (Crazy Sombrero, Oldsmar Tap House Run and Rap River Run) for a grand total of 53.6 miles.

Now, I’m training for my third marathon: Space Coast Marathon and a handful of races in between, but it has been hard to get motivated to do the big miles in the heat of summer.  I know it will get easier when the weather cools down and I’ll be faster too.  Race season will be here before you know it!

Speaking of my training, I’ve been so lazy since the Fourth of July and I’m finding it difficult to get back into a running routine.  I don’t know if it’s the summer heat, dehydration or a vitamin deficiency or too much fatty foods, but I’ve exhausted lately.   Between our vacation, Fourth of July and entertaining guests due to all the July birthdays this month in our family, it’s as though my motivation fizzed with the fireworks.  But I’ve got to get serious about running again because there’s only 18 weeks until the Space Coast Marathon.

For my marathon training, I’m putting my faith in good ol’ Hal Higdon again, however, I’m following a hybrid plan combining Hal’s Novice 2, Intermediate 1 and Intermediate 2 plans.  I ran 8 miles yesterday and now this weekend I’m planning to go for 10 miles.  We’ll see.  Wish me luck.

As for my runs, like I said, they’ve been few and far between, but I’m back on track now.

July 2

3.1 miles

Time 31:24

Ave Pace 10:08

Max Pace 7:54

 

July 11

4 miles

Time 42:45

Ave Pace 10:42

Max 8:17

 

July 14

4 miles

Time 42:00

Ave Pace 10:31

Max Pace 8:25

 

July 18

8 miles

Time 1:28:08

Ave Pace 11:01

Max Pace 8:20

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

Stacy

Rap River Run Recap

Posted on by Run DMT
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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
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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!

Loco Para Cinco de Mayo

Posted on by Run DMT
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The names for the NYC Marathon have been drawn and I wasn’t one of them, but it’s all good. Es no problemo.

Now that the selection process is over, I can redirect my attention onto the other races I have coming up like the Crazy Sombrero 5K this Friday.

To get into a Cinco de Mayo mood and into the Crazy Sombrero spirit, I’ve been downloading some Mexican dance music. Hey, whatever it takes to be a Speedy Gonzales for this race. ¡Ándale! ¡Ándale! ¡Arriba! ¡Arriba!

Visit Amanda, Xmas Dolly and Hairbows & Guitar Picks for more Music Monday fun.

Random Thoughts about a Race

Posted on by Run DMT
7

In five days, I have my first 5K since Gasparilla last February, but I haven’t run in weeks and I’m nervous as hell. I’m worried that I committed to something before I was ready. When I registered, I felt mentally ready, but now I don’t feel mentally or physically ready for this race. I think I’m mental for even thinking about a race almost four months postpartum!

 

Why did I think this was a good idea? I’m sure it was the precious that convinced me to do it. She wanted the precious.

 

My knee is finally feeling better and my Achilles tendon stopped hurting too, which is another stupid injury I endured from walking in Converse low tops around Busch Gardens. I should have worn my new running shoes, but my ego and my fashion sense convinced me otherwise. But lesson learned, because a leg bandage would look far worse with jeans than running shoes.

 

I’ve made a lot of dumb decisions in a hurried attempt to jump back into running, but the only training I should attempt for now is brain builders to help rev up my brainpower. This baby brain is destroying me.

 

***Proudly submitted at The Un Mom’s Random Tuesday Thoughts, because when I blog about my runs, it’s usually pretty random.***

randomtuesday

Just Like Starting Over

Posted on by Run DMT
4

Yesterday, I ran another 4 miles and I am steadily improving.  WOOHOO!

 

4 Miles

357 Calories

Ave Pace 13:39

Max Pace 9:27

Time 54:34

 

Today, I registered for the Women’s Running Magazine 5K.  I’ve got about a month to really improve and get back into the game.  Truthfully, it feels just like starting over.

 

When I began running three years ago, I could barely run a quarter mile.  My good friend and running partner, Lori (now a virtual running partner/coach since she moved away), convinced me to stick with it.  “Anybody can run,” were her words.  “Run a bit and walk a bit.  You’ll get there.”

 

Lori twisted my arm convinced me to train for the Turkey Trot 5K Wingding even though I only wanted to run the 1 mile Gobbler.  She told me about Cool Running’s Couch Potato to 5K plan and Hal Higdon’s Novice 5K Plan which made a 5K goal more doable and attainable.  Runners can walk? It seemed like such an odd concept.

 

By following these plans, a once non-runner became an OBSESSED runner.  I was hooked and the rest is history.

 

But then I became pregnant and at seven months I was too big and too uncomfortable for any walking or running or wogging.  My running days would have to pick up after the baby was born.

 

Now, it’s two months after the birth of Baby Run DMT and I’m slowly getting back into the groove in more ways than one.  With my training, I’ve had to revisit those novice 5K plans because there’s a whole lot of walking to finish 4 miles.  Last week, I could barely run a quarter mile without having to stop to walk.  This week, I ran a half-mile (maybe even farther) before I needed to stop to walk.

 

In the beginning of my running days, Lori advised me to walk the intersections of our neighborhood, which is great advice that I’m following again these days. A five to ten second walk to cross the road is just the break I need to pick up my pace.

 

Since I didn’t have a Garmin, I don’t know what my pace was in the beginning of my running days, however, I believe I finished the Turkey Trot 5K in 33 minutes. It would be great to finish close to that at the Women’s 5K next month.

 

In our phone conversations, Coach Lori encourages me once again, “Don’t worry. You’ll be back at your old pace in no time. You’ll get there.”

 

But I think John Lennon said it best. It’ll be just like starting ooooovveeerrrr.

Fixating on Four Miles

Posted on by Run DMT
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Falling back into my old ways, I arranged to meet Tiffany (my running partner) on Saturday morning for a 4 mile run.

 

“I can’t wait to see you–does this mean I will be making your blog again?”

 

Of course!  Would you expect anything less?

 

Not only did it feel great to be running again, but it was truly wonderful to be running with Tiffany again.  I know the feeling was mutual because Tiffany kindly said she didn’t mind how slow we went.  She was just glad to be running with me again and getting the miles in.  Now, that’s a true friend and running partner!

 

As I’ve mentioned before, I’ve decided to participate in the Redefining Refuge 5K Fun Run and the Women’s 5K.  So for my training, I intend to run at least 4 miles each time.  Since I always seem to run more and go farther than 3.1 miles in a race due all my zig-zagging through the crowds, I want my body to be used to going the distance.

 

For the time being, I have two running goals: 1) Finish four miles under an hour.  2) Try and run at least three times a week.  Last week, I achieved goal #2.

 

Saturday, Oct. 9

4.40 miles

Calories 394

Ave Pace 15:15

Max Pace 9:37

Time 1:07:02

 

Despite the difficulties of running with a stroller and a crying a baby, I achieved goal #1 today. Although Baby Run DMT would probably disagree, I think a crying baby helped me move a bit faster.

 

Tuesday, Oct. 12

4 miles

Calories 365

Ave Pace 14:12

Max Pace 10:09

Time 56:44

 

Now, hopefully I can run at least two more times this week and achieve goal #2 too.

I’m a Mom on the Run Again!

Posted on by Run DMT
3

Well, I’m more of a wogging (walking/jogging) mom again.  I was seven months pregnant the last time I ran and Wednesday was the first day I ran since the baby was born two months ago.  So, technically it’s been over 4 months since I last ran.

 

And it felt so good to hit the pavement again!

 

Since Baby Run DMT isn’t sitting up, I can’t dust off my jogging stroller just yet.  Therefore, I had to improvise and I ran with my UPPAbaby stroller with the bassinet attachment.  For not being a jogging stroller, I was really surprised how smooth it was to run with, although the hood of the bassinet caught the wind and slowed me down.  Well, I blame my pace on the wind. ;-)

 

I think Liam enjoyed all the bouncing while lying in the stroller because it reminded him of the jostling he felt in utero when I ran during my pregnancy.  Or maybe it was the fresh air?  Either way, he was quite content and cooed in his stroller while I ran. And I was content with the fact that I burned off enough calories equivalent to three Corona Lights.

 

Wednesday, Oct. 6

4 miles

Calories 321

Ave  Pace 17:10

Max Pace 10:28

Time 1:08:37

 

Thursday, Oct 7

4 miles

Calories 315

Ave Pace 15:53

Max Pace 10:26

Time 1:03:27

 

Thirty pounds and two months later after my pregnancy, I realized that I may need to invest in a new pair of running shoes.  With the extra baby weight, my balance is a little off and I believe my gait has changed which effects how my foot hits the ground because I had that all too familiar strange pain along the side of my foot again.  I tried to loosen my laces across the top of my foot throughout my run and tightened my shoes around my ankles but it didn’t seem to help.

 

While running, I also realized that I need to trim my toenails.  I can’t believe I forgot how uncomfortable long toenails can be.  It’s not like my toenails are Howard Hughes in length, but they could use a little filing.  At least, that’s what my running shoes reminded as my toenails kept hitting the meshy tops.  I guess I should have thought of it sooner since it’s been a few weeks since I had my toenails trimmed.  After all, the whites of my nail beds are such a stark contrast to the hot pink polish.  My gnarly toenails could have certainly used a trim.  And maybe a new color and bubbly foot spa and a massage as well.

 

Despite the weird foot pain and long toenails, it felt good to be out running again.  To keep me running, I’ve decided to register for two races in November: Women’s Running Magazine 5K and Redefining Refuge 5K Fun.

Keeping Up with the Bump

Posted on by Run DMT
21

My paces prior to Saturday’s Gasparilla Distance Classic 5K were up and down, but I felt confident that I could finish under 40 minutes.

 

The night before the race I slept horribly.  I haven’t had a decent night sleep in months, but Friday night seemed even worse than usual.  I don’t know if I was nervous about my prego performance at the race or about the weather.  The forecast predicted 85% chance of rain and 45 degree temperatures at 8:00 a.m.  Have I mentioned how much I hate running in the rain?

 

My running partner, Tiffany, couldn’t make the race, but my friends, Mike, Chrissy and her sister, Angie would all be there.

 

 

 

The rain came down in full force just as the first wave of runners began crossing the start line and bitter memories of last year’s Gasparilla marathon flashed into my mind.  Since I had no intention of running fast, I stayed in the back as the crowd slowly meandered to the start line.  By the time Chrissy and I crossed the start line, we were 7 minutes into the race.

 

 

 

 

Since I forgot to check the water station stops on the race map prior to race day, I carried a water bottle with me.  Even though the rain would keep me cool and hydrated, I wanted to keep fluids in my body.  Hopefully, my bladder would feel the same since I forgot to wear a panty liner.

 

My running plan was to run 1 mile and walk a bit.  Run another mile and walk a bit more and then finish the last mile running.  When I found a water station, it would be a welcomed break.

 

I did really well for my first mile. Too well. I actually caught myself running a 9:30 mm pace and forced myself to slow down (doctor’s orders).  I finished mile 1 in 11:28 even though the clock said otherwise.

 

 

 

For mile 2, some military men moved in and their chants caused the crowd to clear a path for them.  These service men had a decent pace going and I ran with them for the next mile, however, I don’t think they would be happy to know that they were running the speed of a pregnant mama.  LOL  But in all truthfulness, their chants highly motivated me and all the other runners pacing alongside the soldiers.

 

 

After mile 2, I spotted a water station and the soldiers and I parted our ways.  I guzzled three cups of water while enjoying the view of the bay and the home stretch.

 

 

 

The last mile went fast even though my pace was slow.  Isn’t funny how 3 miles seem like a warm-up after you are accustomed to running longer distances? But even at my slower than usual pre-pregnancy pace, I finished under 40 minutes.

 

 

 

Clock Time: 42:58

Chip Time: 36:01

Ave Pace: 11:32.6

Max Pace: 8:36 (according to my Garmin)

Overall Place: 5438 / 9650

Gender Place: 2593 / 5585

Div Place: 354 / 785

Age Grade: 42.1%

Run DMT Grade: 100% KICK A$$!

 


 

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