Tag Archives: Chasco Challenge

Survived the Challenge

Posted on by Run DMT
9

A bit worried about my shins, I rested most of the week for Saturday’s Chasco Challenge/Rally to Remember.

 

Lori and arrived at Starkey Park around 7:20 with enough time to grab our chip, visit the restroom and stretch.  While waiting in line for our chips, we found our other running partner, Jackie, and also bumped into Becelisa and her friend, Beth.

 

We giggled and chatted in line until I realized the gentleman at the chip table waited patiently for me to finish my foolishness.  I apologized to the gentleman distributing chips for being rude and ignoring him. 

 

“This one always causes trouble”, he told the gentleman sitting next to him at the chip table. 

 

“Wow!  I have quite a reputation!” I replied.

 

“I’m just glad you’re sober this time,” he said jokingly.  This man knew me all too well. 

 

After a quick visit to the restroom, we headed to the start line to stretch.  Fortunately, the half mile walk from the parking to the start line gave us a good warm up.  I gobbled down a GU (which was tucked inside my Gracie’s Gear Power Pouch along with a ZipLoc bag full of Vaseline- Just in case!) and took a few swigs of water to wash it down before the race. 

 

While at stretching at the start line, I recognized a face in the crowd.  The Why Even Tri Girl stood a few feet in front of me.  I called her name to say hello and introduce her to my friends.  After all, I’ve known her for years and she is practically family.  We chatted for a bit until the cyclists for the race took off and the crowd moved forward.

 

Before we crossed the start line, I assured Jackie and Lori, “I am so kicking Why Even Tri Girl’s ass!”  Then, the fog horn blew and I found Holla Back Girl on my iPod for inspiration and motivation.

 

Uh huh, this is my shit
All the girls stomp your feet like this 

A few times I’ve been around that track
So it’s not just gonna happen like that
Because I ain’t no hollaback girl
I ain’t no hollaback girl

 

At the start of the race, I forced myself to keep my pace at 9:00, because my tendency, like every runner is to start hard and fast.  But even at a 9:00 pace, I still had to maneuver through a crowd.  I decided to run along the path in the grass to pass the other runners

 

For this event, all the races (1 mile, 5K, 10K and the half marathon) all start at the same time.  Signs at specific points told runners when to turn around for their distance.  To prepare for the race, I had studied the map and knew the turn around points and water stations.  I had all my rest stops strategically planned.  At mile 1.5, I passed first the water station.  I wanted to run at least 3 miles before I stopped.

 

Gray clouds covered the sky. Although at the start there was no sun, the humidity was thick and I felt the heat starting to smother me. At mile 3 (the 10K turn around), I stopped for my first water walk.

 

For miles after that, I paced with two other runners: Jim and Charity.  They helped me keep a 9:00 pace.  About an hour into the race, the sun began to blaze through the clouds and the temperature began to rise quickly.  Fortunately, strong winds brought some relief.

 

 

The trail at Starkey Park offers a beautiful view.  You get the whole trail run experience even though you are running a bike path.  We ran over river basins and tree canopies provided welcomed shade.

 

 

Another water station at Mile 5 was a joyful sight as the heat was beginning to get to many runners.  Just after the water stop, I spotted the first runners heading back to the finish line, who would finish the race just under an hour and a half.

 

The race path led us to the Suncoast Trail and at mile 6.6, Jim and I turned around to head home.  At my mile 7, I passed Why Even Tri Girl.  “You’re looking great she hollered out to me.”  I smiled and thought to myself, Girl, please!  Don’t I know it!  Don’t hate!

 

I stopped at the same water station on my return, which now made mile 8.  I also downed a Cliff Shot (tucked inside my Gracie’s Gear Power Pouch) to keep my energy levels high.

 

The second hour had to be the hardest.  The heat caused many runners to lose steam.  Although I never overheat, I felt my face become flush.  I needed more water.  My pace dropped down to 10:00-10:30.

 

Like an oasis in the desert, I spotted the next water station at about Mile 9, however, the volunteers ran out of water and their drink cooler was full of ice.  I grabbed a cup of ice and dumped it down the front and back of my top and rubbed some ice on my head.  I needed to cool down.  The volunteers managed to squeeze some water out of the drink cooler and I grabbed the cup like a hungry beggar.

 

Not knowing if there was any more water for the remainder of the race, I decided to keep my pace at 10:00 for a few miles.

 

Fortunately, more water was available at mile 10.5.  I gulped down two more cups of water and felt ready to finish.  The last few miles I pulled my pace back up to 9:00. 

 

With the finish line in my line of sight, a gust of wind hit me, like a bad flashback of Gasparilla.  I reminded my knees and shins to hold on a little bit longer and I finished strong with friends and my whole family cheering for me.

 

2:09:34

Overall: 69/121

Female Place: 27/63

Average Pace: 9:54

Female Age Group (35-39): 3/7


Not quite under two hours like I had hoped, but still a PB for me and I came in third place for my division.  Of course, Becelisa came in first.

 

Lori and Jackie did great, too.  Lori finished the 10K first in her division and Jackie finished second for her division.  Even Becelisa’s friend, Beth, placed first in her division for the half marathon.

 

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I would love to run the race again next year, provided they increase the water stations.  I intend to send an e-mail to Alzheimer’s Family Organization (who organized the race) to suggest adding more water stations for the half-marathon and offering Powerade or Gatorade at the end of the race.  I may even suggest they offer wet sponges at the 10 mile mark.

 

Despite an abundance of all-you-can-eat pancakes, this year’s event seemed to be lacking in volunteers and its usual support from the community.  Unfortunately, with the state of the economy, people and local businesses may not have the time or the money to give. 

 

When my parents heard AFO needed volunteers for their events, they jumped up to help for next year’s race.  My mom and dad are ready to rehydrate runners at next year’s Rally!

 

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***Pictures of J.B. Starkey Wilderness Park taken from BikingFlorida.com.***

Sunday Running Log #19

Posted on by Run DMT
8

 

I set a goal for myself to run 12 miles in under two hours.  I also decided to run in the outfit I would wear for the half-marathon, which included my running skirt and my Gracie’s Gear top with a Cliff Shot stored in my trusty Power Pouch. 

 

As much as I wanted to run the Starkey Trail to prepare for the Rally to Remember, my running partners and I simply couldn’t coordinate a time that worked for everyone in our little running group.  So, we ran around the neighborhood like we always do for our Sunday runs.

 

My goal is to improve my time, which means stopping for fewer water breaks and reprogramming myself to run 6 miles without stopping.  For my long runs, I typically stop for my first water break at 3 miles, but I am trying to build up my endurance.  Running with Jackie has definitely helped with that because she never stops.

 

Before my run, I downed a vanilla bean GU to test it out before next week’s race.  I wanted to see how my bowels would handle this new gel. 

 

For most of the run, Jackie and I kept the pace at 8:00-8:30 mm, but there were times were I had to slow down to a 10:00 mm or even walk for a few seconds.  The first 6 miles were tough because Jackie just dragged me along. 

 

At about 6.7 miles, I stopped for a short water break and Cliff Shot. 

 

Since Jackie only planned to run 6 miles, we parted our ways and I ran the next 6 miles alone at a 9:00-9:30 mm pace.  Then, my legs started to chafe and I made a detour to Lori’s house for some first aid care Vaseline.  I realized if I wear my cute little running skirt for the race, I need to pack some Vaseline in my power pouch, too.

 

Just as I had planned, I finished the 12 miles under two hours: 1:55:13. 

 

Based on my training time, I am feeling confident about my performance at next week’s race.  I will place for my division, damn it!

Up and Running Again

Posted on by Run DMT
5

With my sister’s binge drinking wedding followed by another beer fest St. Patrick’s Day, my running routine really took a dive this week.  Then, my allergies got the best of me and I didn’t feel like moving.  On Thursday, I finally back into running again with over a week of rest.

 

I ran an easy 4 miles, but I was really impressed with my time: 37:13.  I guess the rest did me some good!  But then, I slacked off again on Friday.  I prefer to blame it on the All Pro Dad’s Breakfast at my daughter’s school.  This morning (Saturday), I ran 6 miles: 57:10.

 

One week left until the Rally to Remember.  Lori, Jackie and I are meeting at the park to train on the trail.  I actually broke down and bought a water belt since there are no water stations on the trail.  I am aiming to make the half-marathon in less than two hours.  I would love to beat last year’s stats and place for my division.  I think Becelisa will be there and Lord knows that girl is fast!  Since my training has taken such a hit this past week, I’ve got my work cut out for me.  Wish me luck!

 

Another note, my good friend Julie and I are forming a relay team for an International triathlon in our area.  We’ve joined forces with Allan (my neighbor, not my DH), who is an awesome swimmer.  Julie will bike and I will run.  The three of us will be training this summer to prepare for the International Relay at Longleaf.  I am so excited about our team and just thankful I don’t have to swim in that God awful lake again this year!

Sunday Running Log #18

Posted on by Run DMT
7

Since my DH had to leave early for work this week, my training days were not quite what I had initially planned.  On Saturday morning, I finally squeezed in an easy 6 mile run.  My average pace was 10:18. Total time: 1:02.  I felt no pain, but I realized that my dogs are tired and I needed some new shoes.

 

On Sunday, I forgot to set my clock ahead and I was late meeting Jackie.  Although I have a really bad reputation for being tardy, I am never late to my Sunday runs.  I swear! 

 

I searched feverishly for my phone and I was digging through my car when Jackie drove past my house.  I apologized repeatedly for my tardiness, which now caused us to get a late start on our early run.  Funny enough, Jackie was actually grateful for the mistake, since this is her first time running before 8:00.

 

Since Jackie needs to slow down and I need to pick up the pace a bit, we met at the middle with a 9:40 pace.  Probably still a bit too slow for the both if us, but this is still my first week post-marathon and Jackie’s first run longer than 4 miles.  Total time: 58:03.

 

After our 6 miles, I felt like I could do a few more and wanted to try pushing myself further.  I took the next few miles a bit slower with more walking and water breaks than the first 6 miles.  I ran another 4.1 miles with an average pace on 10:37.  Total time: 43:36.  My shoes are shot for sure!  Not to worry, I bought a new pair yesterday.

 

At the end of the month, I am planning to run in the Chasco Challenge (formerly Rally to Remember).  I still haven’t decided which race to run in, the 10K or the half-marathon.  Last year, I placed first in my division and I would love to beat my PB, but I would love to also qualify in my division for the half.  Decisions…decisions…

 

Over the next few weeks, I will try to push myself a bit more and wait until the last minute to decide which race.

 

As for training this week, I need to get into routine now that my DH’s schedule is back to normal again.  I also need to incorporate more strength training and cross-training back into my schedule.  I’ve been so lazy and sloppy over the past few weeks.

 

For my half-marathon training, I am following Hal Higdon’s post recovery plan with the Runner’s World on-line Smart Coach, which uses my past times to develop a plan right for me.  However, I think the paces on the Smart Coach are a bit too slow.

 

My body is crying for yoga today.  I need to stretch.  This week, there will be lots of short runs and another long run on Sunday.  I think I’ll do 10 miles again.  I never did hop on my bike last week and I really want to put biking back into my work-outs.  If only my DH meeting’s would stop messing with my training!  Sheesh!