Tag Archives: race

5 Miles for Moffitt 2012

Posted on by Run DMT
6

Although my 5 Miles for Moffitt race was over two weeks ago, I’ve been struggling with this recap as well as a chest cold.

Against my better judgment, I decided to run the race with a hacking, nagging cough.  My chest was tight and I could barely breathe, but it was important for me to run this race in my Aunt June’s memory.  Aunt June spent the last two years of her life barely breathing through rounds of chemotherapy, therefore, I could easily suck it up and run with a little cough.

Friends advised me to take the race easy and not push myself, which was my plan.  “Listen to your body, don’t push it!” @forrestgump49er tweeted me.  I was just there to do something good in the ‘hood and support a cause that is bigger than all of us.

Much like last year, the course led us through the campus of my Alma Mater.  For the most part, it’s a flat course through the USF with lots of shady trees and the occasional hill.

We ran the past The American Cancer Society and Moffitt as subtle scenic symbols to remind us why what brought us here.

Past the hospitals, we began a gradual incline.  I remembered this being quite challenging last year, but this year it didn’t seem so bad despite feeling poorly due to my cold.  I guess all those fitness challenges paid off!

Around the bend, we ran towards the Sun Dome and then the course looped back with more “hills” on the horizon.

Once over the final incline, the 5 milers joined up with the 5K runners and surprisingly, it wasn’t congested where the two races met.

As we headed toward the finish, I caught a whiff of the jasmine hedge along the street.  I couldn’t help but sing, “Summer breeze races make me fine. Blowing through the jasmine in my mind.”  I’m not sure if anyone appreciated my humor or singing as we finished up our five miles.

At least I enjoyed it and my time too.  Even with a cold, I finished almost a minute faster than last year.

Gun Time 51:08.4 

Chip Time 50:45.3 

Ave Pace 10:10

Division Place 34/68

Overall Place 515/886

After the race, I hacked a lung from coughing and then I visited the Moffitt Mole Patrol for a free skin screening.  Since I constantly slather myself in sun block, I felt pretty confident in the results.  Boy, was I in for shock!  Apparently, I have some sun damage on my chest.  What?!  How is that possible? 

I determined it’s from all the unintentional exposure like walking through a parking lot or spontaneous play dates at the park.  Needless to say, this mama will make sun block part of her daily routine from now on!  I ain’t getting old lady neck or chest just yet!

When I put my racing top back on after my screening, I noticed my “in memory” sign was missing.  Somehow the sign had slipped out of the plastic sleeve during the race.  “I’ve lost my aunt!” I exclaimed to the doctor, but he looked very confused.  I’m sure he thought the sun was damaging my brain as well as my skin.

PhotoStory Fridaythe hollie rogue Look whooooo’s snapping Unknown Mami

Denise Mestanza-Taylor+

Hare Racing Experience

Posted on by Run DMT
8

Among my running friends, I had heard such great things about the Hare Racing Expereince at the University of South Florida (my alma mater) and I was excited to finally be able to participate in the race this year.  Especially, since the race benefits children living with epilepsy by offering “scholarships for kids with epilepsy to attend a medical-friendly camp, scholarships for families of kids with epilepsy to attend a family weekend retreat, medical and college/technical school scholarships for persons affected by epilepsy, seminars that promote new initiatives and partnerships in the field of epilepsy and funding for medical support services” (Epilepsy Services Foundation, Inc).

Since my niece, Meghan, lives with epilepsy, the Hare Racing Experience became a family affair.  We all wore purple to represent ourselves as “Team Meggers” to honor Meghan.

Kirsten brought her “Talk About It” sign to remind everyone to talk about the reason behind the race.  We were here to raise money and awareness for epilepsy.

But I really need to talk about this race!  From the start, I should have known I was in trouble when I realized there was no start line.  Instead of an official start, a small crowd huddled around a man with a bullhorn.  I could barely make out what he said, “Stay to the left of the orange flags!”  Orange flags. Got it.

A faint gun pop gave the crowd the signal to start running.  As I followed the crowd through the grass, I realized we were headed for a trail run.

Then, panic set in.  I haven’t trained for a trail run!  I’ve been resting for a week!  I hope my heels are ready for this!  But the wet grass and sand is going to ruin my new shoes!

Once I allowed myself a brief moment to panic, I took a deep breath and decided to embrace the trail run.  After all, the soft sandy terrain would be good for my recovering plantar fasciitis heels.  Plus, it wasn’t a chipped race so I wouldn’t have to worry about my time.  Besides, I was here for Meghan and a good cause, not a great finish.

With that, I focused on where I planted my feet while trying to snap as many photos as I could.

Honestly, running a trail was tough but fun.  I loved running through the woods even if we had to do it twice.  Still, I wished I had trained for a trail run.

We winded through the woods to a path that led us to the soccer field.  We ran through the plush green grass into the sunshine.

Then, it was back the through trail again to the 1.5 mile water stop and another loop through the trail again.

Second time along the trail, a few of us lost our bearings and began following some USF track students.   By following these runners, we were off-track and off the race route.  Once we realized what had happened, we had to double back to the race.  The whole misguided mistake added 15 seconds to my time.

One more time around the soccer field and as we exited the field, we passed a volunteer holding a Mile 1 sign.  “This is mile 2, right?”  I asked panicking all over again as I ran past her.  Although she assured me we were nearing the finish, I felt confused and frustrated and ready to be done.

As we exited the trail a second time, the volunteers pointed us in the direction of the USF Track and Field.  The last leg was half a lap around the track.  As I neared the finish, I still had some sprints left in me and I pushed it to the finish.

Focused on fast footwork, I forgot to look at the clock and stop my Garmin when I crossed the finish line.  Since the race wasn’t chipped, we were asked to record our own time.  Frustrated once again with this race and my performance, I tried to see the clock in my mind’s eye.  I think it said 31:07.

When I remembered to turn off my Garmin, it read 31:39.

According to the results listed on coolrunning.com, my official time is 30:51.  Not quite under 30 minutes like I had hoped to finish, but better than I thought for my first trail run race.  And I came in 5th place for my division (F/age 40-44)!  I’ll take it!

Jarrett did great for his first trail run and finished at 30:22.  My sister, Simone, my BIL Erich, Rachel and Grandpa Bill all finished between 42:00-44:00, which is fantastic for their first 5K!

*Photo by Aaron Stopford*

After a quick 5K cool down, Simone and I joined Meghan and the rest of the gang (Kirsten, Allan, Allana and Emmalynn) for the one mile fun run, which were four laps around the track.  I knew my girls would do great as their used to running in circles for running club.

*Photo by Aaron Stopford*

Allan, Allana and Meghan finished at 13:01.  Kirsten and Emmalynn finished just a few second behind them at 13:05.

Even though after the race my shins would tell you otherwise, running for a reason always feels good.  Despite being a bit unorganized and a few hiccups with the logistics of the race, I would run this race again for my niece, Meghan.

Sometimes it’s not about the time or the course, but the cause and encouraging people to talk about it…

*Photo by Kirsten*

…and giving a shout out to your alma mater, too.

*Photo by Kirsten*

PhotoStory Fridaythe hollie rogue Look whooooo’s snapping Unknown Mami

Denise Mestanza-Taylor+

Gasparilla 15K Recap

Posted on by Run DMT
15

Besides having just finished two half marathons within two weeks of each other, I chose the 15K race because I had never run this distance before at Gasparilla Race Weekend.  Plus, it seems to be a popular distance with my running friends. So, yes, if you must know, I resorted to peer-pressure and did what all my friends were doing.  Even Maribel succumbed to the running friend peer pressure when she chose to run the 15K as her first running race ever.

Basically, the 15K course stretches along Bayshore Blvd and back again, which is simply the most breathtaking view at sunrise and what I love most about Gasparilla next to the awesome medals booty.

At the start of the race, the temps were already beginning to rise.  I found the 9:30 pace group and decided to tag along with them.  However, with the heat, I would soon learn that finishing under an hour and a half would not be happening today.

When I studied the course map the night before, I misread the map and thought there would be only two water stations on the course at miles 4 and 7.  Imagine my jubilation when I realized the EIGHT water stations were available every couple of miles!  Thank you to the Zephyrhills water gods and Gasparilla volunteers, but mostly thank you for volunteers wearing rubber gloves and handing us clean water!  The Rock ‘n Roll marathon series needs to take note of that.

And also a big “THANK YOU” to the residents of Bayshore and the City of Tampa for running sprinklers along the course.  Those sprinklers were such a welcomed sight!

As for the actual running portion of the program, it was hot and I struggled with my 1:30 goal.  Since I had been training in cool mornings, I wasn’t prepared mentally or physically for an unexpected heat wave.  So, on race days like this one, sometimes you have to forget the PR and just run or walk it, like I was forced to do many times.

The heat was so unbearable that I started getting cramps in my side.  I needed to walk quite a bit of the course as did many others.  Between miles 4-5, we found reprieve under some large oak trees.

Then, around mile 5, we turned the corner and the sun beamed down on Bayshore Blvd again.  I felt like I would puke.

And to make it worse all better, someone offered us Krispy Kreme doughnuts.  Really?  And people actually ate them while running!  I don’t remember any donuts in the half marathon or even the marathon! WTH?!  Who knew?! As far as Gasparilla races go, this must mean that the 15K is the sweet pick.  As long as there’s no heat, I suppose.

The last few miles are a blur, even according to my cell phone camera as it kept getting wet from me dumping water on myself at every water station and the sprinklers.  I just remembered wanting to finish and be done with it all.  Once I spotted the finish line, my spirits picked up but I didn’t have the energy to sprint across the finish line.  That heat did me in!

Due to all my walking, Maribel eventually caught up with me and we finished within seconds of each other.

Clock Time 1:47:06

Chip Time 1:45:31

Pace 11:19

Overall Place 3446/4956

Gender Place 1563/2569

Division Place 227/350

Maribel had all the emotions of finish her first race.  I was so proud of her as well as thrilled and honored to share that special runner’s high moment with her.

After the race, we waited for our friends (Chrissy, Faith, Patti, and Angie) to finish the 5K, but due to an unexpected delay, they didn’t start their race until 20 minutes after the official start. I felt so bad for all the 5K people who experienced an even hotter race than the 15K runners.

Once reunited with all our friends, we had chowed down on Columbia restaurant black beans (my favorite) and a free celebratory beer, which was another first for me.  Usually, I’m too tired or can’t be bothered to wait in line, but today the wait was worth it.

With our beer, we toasted to friends, Maribel’s first race and surviving the heat.

PhotoStory Fridaythe hollie rogue Look whooooo’s snapping Unknown Mami

Denise Mestanza-Taylor+

Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)

Posted on by Run DMT
9

Last Saturday, I ran along with nearly 5,000 people in the Gasparilla 15K, including my friend Maribel who ran her very first race ever.

However, the heat was so unbearable that I walked a lot of the course.  Although I hoped to finish around 1:30, it just wasn’t going to happen.  Oh well.  There’s always another race to prove myself and what I can do.

In the meantime, I need to train in the heat to prepare my body for unexpected heat waves, especially since I have two more races this month.

What doesn’t’ kill you only makes you stronger.

 

(Stay tuned for a full Gasparilla recap!)
 
For this week’s Music Monday, I’m co-hosting with Xmas Dolly and her Monday’s Music Moves Me crew: Lorie, Stacy, Callie and Cathy.  These ladies are such wonderful, supportive people and I am THRILLED to be part of this with them! So, link up and join the fun!

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Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Recap

Posted on by Run DMT
14

Prior to the race, I had caught my son’s cold, but thankfully, I knew I wouldn’t be running the race hard.  Having run a Disney race before, I knew there were so many distractions along the course that I would want to stop for a few of the photo opps.

Originally, I had planned to stay with my non-runner girlfriends the night before the race, but the more I thought about it, the more I worried about not being able to sleep.  Typically, a girlfriend getaway leads to heavy drinking and not enough rest, which is not conducive to any race, whether you run it easy or not.  Then, last minute, my mom offered to stay with me in Orlando and you know, my mom (any mom) would make sure I ate right and slept well.

And I’m so glad we arranged that last minute decision, because my 3:30 a.m. wakeup call came fast!

Since I still hadn’t decided which princess to dress as, I packed both princess costumes.  Allana (my ten year old) suggested I be Tiana.  “You’re just like Tiana.  You can sing.  You have dreams and you set goals”.  (I just love that she said that.  It was a proud mama moment that warmed my heart.)

My old running partner, Tiffany, gave me some great advice.  “Wear the Belle costume because if you get tired of the tutu, at least you’ll still have a running skirt on and you’ll still look like Belle.”

Once I picked up my race packet at the expo, I finalized my princess plans.  “Belle” was printed on the bib as my favorite princess.  So, I had to be Belle.

On the morning of the race, traffic into Epcot parking was very congested and I worried that I wouldn’t make the 5:00 a.m. corral call, but then things started to move and I arrived at the park at 4:40 a.m.  However, I still had to walk to the start line and Disney is not kidding when they say it takes 20 minutes.  I forgot about that walk!

It was a chilly morning, but not freezing and I warmed myself with a stolen hotel towel and the aluminum wrap from Rock ‘Roll Half.  I looked even more like Belle with a red cape around my shoulders.

On the way to the start, I spotted all types of princesses and Disney costumes: Dalmatian princesses, villains, Tinkerbelles, Minnie Mouse, Lumiere and Mrs. Potts, and of course every variety of Disney Princesses.  I wished that my girlfriends were running the race with me. Each of us was supposed to be a different Disney Princess.

Strangely, as I walked and wished for my friends to be there, I met Melissa dressed as Cinderella in corral B.  She looked just like Lori.  It freaked me out a bit, but my stares probably freaked her out too.  I explained to her that she reminded me of one of my friends and she said, “Well she’s here with you in spirit”, which is something Lori would say.  I was so grateful to have a Lori lookalike and Lori’s spirit running the race with me.

Fairy Godmother spoke the magic words and fireworks launched in the dark morning sky.  The race was underway.   Even though the start time is staggered for the corrals, it was still pretty congested and hard to run faster than 10:30 and I was o.k. with that.  I liked the easy start pace.

Since it was dark, I just focused on getting through the first few miles and didn’t stop for many Kodak moments.  I also knew we’d be running the same course back to the finish.  My plan was to run the roads faster and slow down in the parks since the Disney characters and cast members would be cheering for the runners as we ran past.  I had my mind set to stop for Belle and Tiana if I saw them.

Once in the Magic Kingdom, I intended to pop into the Tomorrowland restroom for a potty break, another little Disney race secret.  All the restrooms in the park are available so you can avoid the port-o-potties. Plus, in a full service bathroom, I could readjust my tiara if need be.

I literally whizzed through Tomorrowland and moved onto Fantasyland to stop for a photo in front of the castle.

Once passed the castle, we ran through Liberty Square, where Tiana and Prince Naveen stood waiting. Of course, I stopped.   As I stood in line waiting for a photo with Princess Tiana, I met another Tiana, who I would continue to meetup with throughout the race.

After a quick photo with Tiana, I was on my way through Frontierland and then through the cast member exit where we were on the road again back towards Epcot.  Just outside the Grand Floridian, I bumped into Belle.  “Hi me”, she said when I posed for a photo with her.

Shortly afterwards, I met my Prince Charming outside the wedding pavilion.  His glass slipper was so fitting for a running princess.

On the return trip along World Drive, I decided to pose for some pictures that I missed on the way to the Magic Kingdom, like Captain Jack and some of the other Disney fellas.  But my camera died.  Fortunately, my Disney Princess running partner, Tiana, saved the day and snapped some photos for me.

Next to the characters and cast members, the spectators were superb and their signs were so entertaining.   “Worst parade ever!” “Villains run faster.”  “I am so proud of you complete stranger!”  With louds cheers and cow bells, they had such enthusiasm as the runners flew by.

The “hill” near mile 11 was definitely the roughest, just as @clairgp had warned me.  I had to walk most of the overpass, but as bad as that overpass was, my plantar faciitis heels didn’t bother me.  I guess all the stopping to visit with characters had its benefits.

After a quick photo in front of Spaceship Earth, I ran the last mile hard.  I wanted to finish under 3 hours and even with all the stops along the way, I met my goal 3 hour goal.

Like I told my friends future Disney Princesses, I would totally run it again and take just as long.  You just can’t take this race too seriously or you’ll miss all the Disney magic.

But next time, I’ll be Tiana.

Chip time 2:51

Clock time 2:59:23

Ave Pace 13:04

Inaugural Rock ‘N Roll St Pete Half Marathon Recap

Posted on by Run DMT
13

The temperature for the start of the Inaugural Rock ‘n Roll St Pete Half Marathon had been predicted to hit 42 degrees.  Therefore, I had to rethink my whole outfit which is a big deal to a stunner runner like me, especially since my friends, Chrissy, Faith and I had planned our race outfit months ago.

Layers would be essential.  So, the night before the race I tried on all my old winter gear to make sure everything still fit and wouldn’t rub my unmentionables.  I also had to find a fleece pullover, some gloves and other warm articles of clothing, which would be waiting in baggage check at the end of the race.

After studying the course map for water stations and food stations, I decided against wearing my fuel belt and opted to wear my SPI belt instead to carry my phone and camera, the most important gear next to my shoes.

Chrissy, Faith, Heather, Jillian and I arrived at Tropicana Field a good hour and half before the start and even in all our layers, we were freezing our Rock ‘n Rolls off. Before the start of the race, the overnight low had dipped to as low as 35 degrees.

Crowds of people huddled around the propane powered halogen lights for warmth.  What’s a few brain cells? Oxygen is so overrated.  It’s a small price to pay for warmth and my friends and I gladly paid it once I stripped off my fleece pullover before the start.

Our bib numbers corresponded to our corrals, which placed me in corral 6.  After a few potty breaks and baggage check, the line into corral 6 spilled past corral 8.  The start time would be delayed approximately two minutes for each corral and I became a bit obsessive with trying to get into corral 6, like a scene from European Vacation, “Look kids! Corral 6! If I could just get over, I could get into corral 6.”

Finally with a little fancy footwork, I managed to find my way into corral 6 and joined the masses to start on time or as close to “on time” for those of us in the back (about 7 minutes after the offical start).

The first mile looped around and led us back to Tropicana Field.  During the first mile, my socks felt a bit strange, like they had slipped down and bunched up in my shoes.  Then, I felt a sensation like pins and needles in my toes and realized my socks were fine.  My feet were defrosting.

I ran that first mile pretty hard, harder than I had intended (~8:30), but I was so bloody cold.  The warmth and pace felt good.

Local bands and DJs entertained us about every mile along the course, which broke up the distance and kept things moving along.

I hit the 5K split at around 30 minutes.  At mile 5, I tossed my gloves because my hands were starting to sweat.  At the 10K split, I appeared to be meeting my 2:15 goal.

And then, we turned the corner and headed towards the bay.  The wind off the bay nearly froze me all over again.  When that first arctic gust hit me, I wished I still had my gloves.  Why didn’t I stuff them in my SPI belt?!

With the wind, blew my chances of finishing around 2:15.  I just couldn’t fight it.  Every time it hit me, I would clench my fists, cringe and shake.  I am such a Florida girl.

But I kept pounding the pavement.  Although technically for this little stretch, it was cobblestone and I began running through neighborhood yards to avoid the cobblestone.  Like I said, it was only for a little stretch, so no yards were harmed in the making of this half marathon post.

For the most part, the course was flat.  There was the occasional bridge and incline, like around mile 7, but I found the wind more of a challenge than the inclines.

Along the Pier around mile 9, I caught up with the 2:15 pace group. After my sad experience with the Space Coast pace group, I vowed to avoid them because they make me feel all insecure and unworthy if I can’t keep up, which wreaks havoc on my self-esteem and breaks my stride.  So I did my best to not focus on the pace group, especially when they seem to be slipping away.  No matter. I was still having fun with or without a super hero pace group.

However, the real super heroes are the entertainment and spectators who fought the frigid temps to cheer us on.

* Stilt men photo captured by Tracey of Suncoast Running*

King Tut danced for us, but the girls holding these signs stole my heart, because they spoke honey badger.

Just after mile 10, a food station offered Gu, but the cold air made it as hard as a rock.  Once I managed to squeeze out the contents, I was disappointed with the flavor.  I should have packed a Cliff Shot.

Once we reached the Vinoy Hotel, my panic over another path of cobblestone took my mind off the after taste of the vanilla Gu.  I opted to run through the grass of Vinoy park to avoid the cobblestone.

As we approached mile 11, we faced another bridge and I began to struggle a bit more.  At this point, my heels started bothering me due to a previous plantar fasciitis injury and I had to walk a little.

We circled around the Vinoy Country Club and mile 12 led us back over the bridge. This was the homestretch now.




Oh how the term “homestretch” never felt truer as this short distance of the race seemed to go on forever!


I could see the finish line, but it felt as though it kept slipping away from me.  A few Suncoast Striders cheered for me as I ran towards the finish line which helped me pick up the pace.  I knew I was almost there.

Yep, I rocked 13.1 miles in the cold.

And I would totally do it again, even if it was cold and windy.  It was that much fun.

Bib# 6465

Overall 4227 out of 7006

 Division 455 out of 822

 Gender 2349 out of 4562

5 Km 31:00

6 Mi 1:01:04

10 Mi 1:43:08

Pace 10:43

Chip Time 02:20:28

Clock Time 02:27:32

Garmin Time 2:20:34

Garmin Ave Pace 10:32

As for Chrissy and Faith’s first half marathon, they finished at 2:45:26 and 2:45:28 respectively.  They wanted to finish under 3 hours, so they were very happy with their times.  We were all proud of them!

Jillian finished a few minutes behind me.  I didn’t even know she was behind me!

Due to a bad T-band situation, Heather finished around 2:35.

After the race, Jillian and I heard Flo Rida bellow, “Where them girls at?”  So, these Flo Rida girls found their way over to the stage and the post-race party reunion area.  Flo Rida was the a perfect headliner to keep spirits high.

The weather was cold, but Flo Rida was HOT!  He created a fun party atmosphere.

*Photo of Flo Rida in the crowd by Jillian*

Although we just ran 13.1 miles, we found the energy to bounce with Flo and got low, low, low.  Between a great race and hanging at a jumping post-race party with friends, we really did get a good feeling…yeah.

PhotoStory Fridaythe hollie rogueUnknown Mami

Run to Get a Good Feeling and Crash Your Party

Posted on by Run DMT
9

This Sunday is the long awaited St. Pete. Rock ‘N Roll Half Marathon.  I’m not expecting any great PR (personal record) or PB (personal best) because I haven’t trained as hard as I would have liked.  I’m just going to get out there and run.

As long as I finish around 2:15 (my last half marathon time) and before 10:00 a.m. to see Flo Rida perform at the finish line, then I’ll be happy.  I’ll get a good feeling.  Yeah.

If I don’t make it to the finish line in time, then I’ll be sure to crash the after race party.



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

Space Coast Marathon Recap

Posted on by Run DMT
13

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chip Time 6:28:14

Clock Time 6:31:56

Overall 846/886

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

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

PhotographySweet Shot Day

Next Year

Posted on by Run DMT
7

Yesterday, I ran in the Space Coast Marathon.

To say I ran it is an overstatement.  I more like hobbled to the finish line.  It was my worst race ever.

Whether I ran it, walked it or limped over the finish line, I still earned a medal regardless of my time which will forever be listed on Active.com with all my other race results and my husband and my kids were there to for cheer me.  Having them there meant the world to me.

Now, I’m healing my body to start training all over again for my races coming up in the new year.  And I’ll run another marathon, maybe Palm Beach, Jacksonville or New York.  It doesn’t matter as long as I can redeem my performance next year.


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Oh Lordy, Look Who’s 40!

Posted on by Run DMT
9

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

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

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

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