Tag Archives: half-marathon

Random Thoughts About 40 Points and 40 Miles

Posted on by Run DMT
5

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

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.

Random Thoughts about Races and 40 Miles

Posted on by Run DMT
5

One night while we were hanging out with our friends John and Erika, I mentioned that I would be running 3 half marathons before my 40th birthday.   John was quick to point out that the three do not quite equal 40 miles (39.3 to be exact).  I thought it was close enough, but I also took John’s words as a challenge to squeeze in another half marathon.

 

I had already planned to run the Pasco Challenge Half Marathon on March 12, Iron Girl Half Marathon on April 10, but now thanks to John’s prodding, I may also add the Florida Beach Halfathon on March 20.  I haven’t decided about the Florida Beach Halfathon because 1) It’s $70, 2) It’s in Fort Desoto which is quite a drive from here and I don’t know anyone else running the race to carpool with and 3) I don’t want to injure myself by running several half marathons in such a short amount of time.  The Pasco Challenge and the Florida Beach Halfathon are a week apart.

 

Later this year, I would like to run another marathon, like the Space Coast Marathon, but I also applied for the New York City Marathon lottery.  If I get selected to run the NYC Marathon, then I won’t do the Space Coast Marathon.  My confirmation email stated that the race organizers would be making their selections mid-March.  Not much longer now! To amuse myself while I wait, I’ve been singing lines from A Chorus Line.

 

God, I hope I get it.
I hope I get it.
How many people does NYC need? 
How many people does NYC need?
God, I hope I get it.
I hope I get it.
How many boys, how many girls? 
How many boys, how many…?

 

You get the idea.

 

When I train for races, I take it all very serious.  I cut back on all the drinking and junk food, because I worry about dehydration and shitting myself loose bowels during a race.  With having a baby, it takes a toll on your body and things just aren’t the same in the lower end department if your know what I mean, so my fear of loose bowels is quite possible.

 

But more importantly, with being pregnant and having a baby, it had been a while since I was serious about training and I guess my girlfriends forgot how disciplined I become when I’m training.  A few times when we were all hanging out, I hadn’t been binge drinking with the rest of them and they all thought I was pregnant!  BITE YOUR TONGUE! Not that I wouldn’t love another child, but that would really put a damper on all my plans to celebrate turning 40 this summer.  I’d like to do so without a hiccup, unless it’s an alcohol induced hiccup.

 

Speaking of hiccups, my friends and I celebrated our Gasparilla race achievements by throwing back a few beers at our local watering hole. I completed the Gasparilla Half Marathon at my goal of 2 hours, 30 minutes and burned 1, 349 calories in the process.  I definitely earned my beer!  (You can read more about the race and look at pretty pictures here.)

 

 

And on the topic of calories, I lost another pound last week which is a total of 21 pounds since January 1!  After burning over 1300 calories on Sunday, I can’t wait to see what I lost this week.  I hope I didn’t undo it all with the beer I put away.

 

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

randomtuesday

Gasparilla Half Marathon Recap

Posted on by Run DMT
13

The start of the race was pretty warm (close to 60 degrees), but the energy and excitement of all the runners made the event even hotter.  Perhaps I’ve been out the half marathon loop for awhile but I don’t remember such enthusiasm in a race outside of Disney.  Maybe it’s because it’s our hometown race and it was truly a magnificent morning for a run.

 

My favorite part of any Gasparilla race is always watching the sunrise over Tampa Bay.  You don’t even have to be runner to appreciate such a sight and watching a sunrise should be on your bucket list (if you have one).  I’m just thankful that I love a hobby that offers an opportunity to bask in such beauty.

 

 

 

 

As for the race, I crossed the start line seven minutes into it.  I paced for the first few miles with @BigBadEd and a lovely young lady, Briana, running her first half marathon.  After our pit stop at a water station, I lost the two of them in the crowd and I was on my own for awhile.

 

 

The hordes of high school track and field teams cheering on the runners kept everyone’s momentum high.  Their smiles and spirit made that long stretch along Bayshore Blvd bearable.  My favorite team was Plant City High School because they had spirit…yes, they did!

 

 

When you’re running for miles and miles, you can’t help but notice other runners’ attire.  This race was no different except that this time, I happened to recognize the running dresses of some fellow Suncoast Striders.  Once I spotted Karen and Regina in their fancy running dresses, I paced with them for a few miles.  It was so great to catch up with them.  I miss running with my Strider friends.  But after the turn on Bayshore Blvd, I lost them too.  You would think their floral outfits would make them easy to find in the crowd, but not for my mama brain! Or should I blame it on the heat?

 

 

Speaking of the heat, there were several sprinklers to cool us off at the water stations along Bayshore Blvd.  I’m sure those sprinklers added time onto my finish time, because I always walked slowly through those sprinklers.  A couple of times I even stopped to soak in the spray a little while longer because it felt so refreshing!

 

 

With Karen and Regina in the race, I knew David (our fearless Strider leader) would be somewhere cheering on the runners, but somehow I missed my cheering section at the bottom of the Davis Island Bridge.  I did happen to spot a funny sign that read, “Your feet hurt because you’re kicking so much booty right now!

 

 

Around mile 11, my knee buckled which incidentally is the SAME SPOT where my knee buckled during the Gasparilla marathon two years ago.  My t-bands started to ache and I walked for a few minutes, but the walk was more of a wobble with a limp.  I needed to stop and stretch my calves and shins, because usually for me a knee issue means my calves/shins are feeling overworked.   Whatever the reason for the pain, I just hoped I could finish the last two miles running.

 

On the way back into Downtown Tampa passing the Davis Island Bridge once again, I realized it’s my friend, Melanie, holding the sign that made me smile and she’s standing next to none other than David, who’s taking photos.  Even though I was focused on my knee and finishing around 2:30, I still managed to smile and wave to the Strider gang.

 

 

Once passing the Striders, I spotted what I thought was the finish line, and I started to run harder.  Much to my dismay, it was the start line.  DOH! But somehow I found the energy to keep running strong for the next quarter mile.

 

I suppose seeing my fellow Striders close to the finish line inspired me to finish strong and ignore my knee.  Or maybe it was the thought that my family would be waiting for me at the finish line.  I wanted to show my girls that no matter what, no matter how you get there or how long it takes you, it feels really great crossing a finish line and achieving your goals.

 

 

My goal was to finish at 2:30.  Close enough.

 

 

Bib # 25004

Clock Time 2:38:20

Chip Time 2:31:18

Overall 3849/4818

Sex 1843/2498

Div 367

Age 45%

 

 

The F Word

Posted on by Run DMT
15

As much as I love to drop the F-bomb, I am not referring to that F word.

Instead, I am referring to FORTY.

In 2010, I gained forty pounds due to my pregnancy and didn’t lose an ounce after I delivered baby #3.  How is that even possible? Naively (even after three babies), I thought that I would lose at least nine pounds at the delivery given that I passed an 8 lb, 10 oz butterball, but nope.  Somehow I dropped almost a nine pound baby and my body elected to carry a phantom baby in his place.

Forty seems to be a haunting reoccurring theme in 2011 too.  It looms behind every corner.  That dreaded F-word surrounds me as two of my closest friends and I are turning forty this year.

Funny, I don’t feel forty and I don’t think I look forty (Thanks to Demi Moore and other cougar mamas who made forty the new thirty), but the sound of it sends chills down my soon to be osteoporosis spine.  Am I really that old?

But before I hit the Big 4-0, these forty pounds have got to go, which leads me to two more F-Words: FAT and FIT.

I refuse to be fat at forty.  I will become a mom on the run again.  In 2011, I commit to being fit.

And to put my money where my mouth is (instead of food or beer for a change), I will compete in three half marathons (13.1 miles) in the next four months.  That’s close to forty miles just in races! (39.3 to be exact, but close enough)

Fourty.  There’s just no escaping it this year.  Fuck.

 

*This post was inspired by*

Mama's Losin' It

Not-So-Jolly Holiday Halfathon

Posted on by Run DMT
5

Since Tiffany and I haven’t been training as much as we would like to be these days (with her new job and me feeling like a slug), we decided to “take it easy” at Sunday’s Holiday Halfathon and boy, was that ever an understatement!

 

After about two miles, I needed to walk.  Seriously, it was that bad.  Thankfully, Tiffany felt the same and my former running partner was now a running/walking partner.  We joked about how at least we looked like serious runners with our cute little running skirts, sports bras and nifty Garmin gadgets.

 

The course stretched 13 miles north along Gulf Blvd from Madeira Beach to Indian shores.  Then, it turned east for a few miles until we reached the Pinellas trail and ended at Taylor Park, which was a gorgeous finish line!

 

Despite the thick fog, we still really enjoyed the view and the relatively flat course.  Occasionally, we conquered some Florida “hills” or steep bridges as the trail bridged over busy roads.  A sign at the bottom of the steep ramp advised us to “proceed slowly” and we took its warning about the incline a little too literal.

 

Tiffany and I knew several runners in the race from the ‘hood and of course, several Striders were there.  It felt obligated to show moral support to all our running friends rather than actually running.

 

Several police officers and deputies patrolled the intersections and directed the traffic around the race.  One deputy even commented on how we were supposed to be running and Tiffany made me pose for a picture with him as punishment.

 

Around mile 10, a race official seemed to be tallying straggling athletes.  I believe I heard him say there were a few behind us.  “Well, at least we’re not last,” I giggled to Tiffany.  “Maybe we should try running again?”

 

For the last few miles, we finally kept a good pace and finished just under 3 hours.  Not our best performance at all, but at least we can only improve from here! LOL

Time 2:57:42

Ave Pace 13:34

Overall Place 824/882

Division 99/100

 

***Above picture borrowed from David Griner of the Striders.  Tiffany took lots of pics.  I will add them to this post as soon as she sends them to me.***

My Women’s Half Marathon

Posted on by Run DMT
10

“I have this thing with fives”, Tiffany informed me last Saturday.  “The number five is not a good number for me.  Bad things always happen, especially on May 5.”

 

Tiffany was assigned bib number 325 for Sunday’s Women’s Half Marathon and she was not happy about it until I informed her that the sum of the three digits equals 10.  “So, think 10”, I told her and her anxiety over her bib number seemed to dissipate.

 

Did I mention my bib number was 580?  The sum of my three digits left me with 13 and not a good sign.

 

The 5K and the half marathoners shared the same start time.  With ridiculous numbers of people (close to 4000 and mostly women obviously) squeezed into the corral, Tiffany and I couldn’t start at our pace group.  When the race began, it took us 3 minutes to even cross the start line.

 

 

For the first mile or so, I exerted so much energy trying to weave in and out of walkers.  A fork in the road at the half mile mark detoured the 5K runners left while the half marathoners turned right.  Many runners/walkers were confused by the detour and it caused a great deal of congestion at this particular turn in the course.  By the time we reached mile marker 1 at the St. Pete Pier, I lost Tiffany in the crowd.

 

 

David, our super Strider leader, told us he would be cheering for us around the 2.5 mile mark and sure enough, he was there with camera in hand.  Even though, I didn’t have Tiffany running along side of me, it was nice to see a smiling face cheering for me in the sidelines.

 

For the first half of the race, I kept my pace at a steady 9:15-9:30.  I so desperately wanted to finish at the 2 hour mark.

 

Although I studied the course map beforehand to memorize all the water stations, snack stops and bathroom breaks, somehow I overlooked the cobblestone, uneven roads, “hills”, bridges and numerous turns.  All these obstacles combined with weaving around walkers, I felt unprepared.

 

 

Around mile 6, I chose to run on the sidewalk rather than the uneven cobblestone road and I worried how my knees would hold up.  I slowed down my pace to about 10:00-10:30 and my knees seemed happy.

 

 

Then around mile 10, the heat began to bother me, but I soon cooled off around mile 11 when the race course led us into Tropicana Field.  Running the bases was the highlight of the run for me.  The a/c and the squishy turf were a welcomed relief and my pace dropped down to 8:00.  Although, I could have run a few more homeruns, the course led us back out into the heat for the last two miles.

 

 

As I passed David at the finish line, I gave him my trademark smile and waved even though I wanted to cry.  I felt so defeated.  The heat killed me.  My legs hurt.  I just wanted to go home and go back to bed.

 

I was not happy with my performance.  David tried to ease my sorrow by telling me that I’m way too hard on myself, but I know how I’ve performed at other races and it’s disappointing when I can’t hit those numbers again.  I suppose I should be grateful that I can even finish.

 

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


Clock time 2:17:15

Chip Time 2:14:14

Pace 10:14.8

Place 924/3411

Gender Place 864/3275

 

As for Tiffany, fives may not be so bad after all or maybe thinking 10 worked out well for her.  She finished 2:03. Way to go, Tiffany! :-)

 

I am Woman. Hear Me Flush.

Posted on by Run DMT
8

Last Saturday, Tiffany and I ran 13 miles to prepare for the Women’s Half Marathon this Sunday.  This has been longest our run on the Starkey Trail and it was good that we did.  We now know we don’t like running long distances on the trail.  We prefer running in our neighborhood because of the available bathrooms and convenient snack stops.  Thankfully, there are water stations along the trail, but all that rehydration only makes you need to pee more and there’s a lot to be said about bathroom breaks that don’t require you to relieve yourself in palm fronds or behind a tree.

 

As for our run, we weren’t really pushing it and so our time wasn’t the greatest.  We were conserving our energy for Sunday’s race.  We’re both hoping to finish under 2 hours.

13 Miles

2:38:36

Ave Pace 12:12

 

As for the rest of the week, I ran on Monday and Tuesday, but my times were o.k. My calves were pretty sore from Saturday’s run, so I decided to rest the remainder of the week.

Monday 11/15

4.05 Miles

39:46

Ave Pace 9:49

 

Tuesday 11/16

3.28 Miles

30:59

Ave Pace 9:26

 

I’m really looking forward to race on Sunday.  Much like the Race for the Cure, the course will follow along the streets of St. Pete.  Although I’ve been studying over the course map, I didn’t see any bathroom stops, first aid stations, water stations or snack stops and for a moment I thought our Starkey Trail run had prepared us for this race more than we realized!  Then, I found all my lovely stops on the FAQ page.  Phew.

 

WHERE ARE THE AID STATIONS AND WHAT IS BEING SERVED?

Half Marathon Course Aid Stations:

Mile 1.75    (Water and Lemon-Lime Gatorade)
Mile 4    (Water and Lemon-Lime Gatorade)
Mile 6    (Water and Lemon-Lime Gatorade)
Mile 8.1   (GU Gel – Espresso Love, Chocolate Outrage, Vanilla Bean, Tri Berry, Stawberry Banana)
Mile 8.2   (Water and Lemon-Lime Gatorade)
Mile 10   (Water and Lemon-Lime Gatorade)
Mile 12   (Water and Lemon-Lime Gatorade)

All aid stations will also have portable toilets.

 

(Thank goodness!)

 

Have I mentioned how excited I am about  “the ultimate race goodie bag”, my hot pink Crocs and my medal? :-)

 

All Half Marathon participants will receive the ultimate goodie bag including: official Women’s Half Marathon Crocs and a reusable, recycled Kendall Kollection tote bag designed by Jacqueline Savage McFee. Also included in the bag will be additional Kendall Kollection products manufactured by Carolina Pad, race chocolates and more!

 

 

 

 

 

Bathroom breaks, bling and goodie bags with shoes and chocolate.  What more could a woman ask for?

Oh Snap!

Posted on by Run DMT
2

Although, I haven’t racked up the miles as much as I would have liked to this week, it seems that the miles that I did manage to run recorded some of my best times.

 

There were some nasty winds brought on my Hurricane Ida Tuesday morning, however, my new running mantra (Run in all weather because you never know what weather race day will bring.  NO EXCUSES!”) requires forces me to run in all weather.  Now, if only I could get enough rest at night to get up out of bed in the morning.  It looks like I need a mantra to make me move, too.

5 Miles

47:10

Ave Pace 9:26

 

On Thursday, I ran again on very frigid (for Florida) morning.  A cold snap had rolled through and our temperatures dropped to the low 50s.  There was more wind again, but it didn’t seem to slow me down too much.

 

5.05 Miles

48:00

Ave Pace 9:30

 

As I ran my 5 miles, I spotted a squashed creature in the road.  I thought it was toad due to all the rain, but upon closer inspection, I realized it was a baby alligator about a foot in length.  Seems like the rains and winds of Ida in addition to a cold snap confused all walks of life and I had to wonder:  Do you cry crocodile tears when an alligator gets run over?

 

Today, I ran once again, but only 3 miles since I wanted to do some strength training.  It was another cold morning (relative to Florida) but I believe the shorter distance did me some good or maybe it’s the cold snap.

3.10 Miles

28:14

Ave Pace 9:06

 

Tomorrow, Tiffany and I will meet the Striders for another 12-13 miles along the trail.  Next Sunday is the Women’s Half Marathon and we are hoping to finish under 2 hours.  Then, on Thanksgiving morning, we’ll be joining several Striders and thousands of people for the Turkey Trot.  I would love to beat my time from last year with a finish time of 54:00 otherwise i maybe crying crocodile tears once more.

Steady as She Goes

Posted on by Run DMT
4

With a little over 3 weeks left until the Women’s Half Marathon, I have been showing some steady improvement. 

10/20 Tuesday

4.70 miles

Time 47:25

Ave Pace 10:05

 

10/21 Wednesday

4 miles

40:04

Ave Pace 10:01

 

10/22 Thursday

3 miles

28:29

Ave Pace 9:30

Then last Friday, running at 10 a.m. in the blazing sun seemed like a good idea.  Can you believe we are still hitting highs in the upper 80s here?!  But like I told my virtual running partner, Lori, you have to train in all kinds of weather (rain, wind, cold, heat, etc.) because you just never know what weather to expect on race day.  Nonetheless, training in the heat forced me to walk more during my run.

10/23 Friday

5.01 miles

53:02

Ave Pace 10:35

On Saturday, Tiffany finally hit double-digits again.  It’s been a long road getting back to ten miles, but it felt so good to reach that distance once more. 

10 miles

Time 1:50:52

Ave Pace 11:05

 

But like I said, I’m slowly improving and I’m moving at a steady pace under 9mm.  Although my walking water breaks throw off my times numbers, when I get moving again I’m clocking under 8:00-8:30 mm.

10/26 Monday

5.01 miles

Time 47:57

Ave Pace 9:32

 

This week, Tiffany and I will try our hand at another set of speed drills.  Then, according to our virtual coach, Hal recommends a 15K race so we’ll try to run 9 miles at pace some time this weekend. 

Even though I didn’t schedule a race this weekend, quite a few Striders are running in the Inaugural Halloween Half Marathon this Saturday and Larisa keeps harassing me to run with her.  With a little more planning and foresight, I would have loved to join my fellow Striders, but then my Halloween weekend is already full of tricks and treats.  I honestly don’t know if I could have squeezed in a race, but it would have been fun to get one more wear out of my Lady Gaga costume!  Although I can’t imagine running with all that hair sticking to me and my sweat causing my lovely blue lightning bolt to streak down my face.  That would not be a pretty sight.  Besides, does Lady Gaga even wear running shoes?