With the exception of the cold front that rolled in over the weekend, temperatures are on the rise which means my miles will be tapering down. As for races, I have a few more 5Ks and then one last longer distance (5 Miles for Moffitt) until the cooler weather returns this fall.
Since summer weather brings shorter distance races and triathlons, over the next few months I’ll be focusing on lots of cross-training (swimming, biking and strength training exercises) and speed work.
Yeah, it’s time to pump it.
On the subject of speed work, Ricole Runs and Run DMT will be hosting a new linky party every Tuesday called Track Tuesday. We’re hoping a weekly blog hop and little peer pressure will keep us motivated to do weekly sprints. I definitely need to focus on speed and I could use some virtual running partners encouraging me to stay focused. If you’re a runner, I hope you join us tomorrow for Track Tuesday.
And there’s one more thing for me to be pumped about! The lottery for the NYC Marathon will happen this Wednesday at noon and I will be watching the tweets and the live streaming selection process with bated breath. You can watch it live too at http://www.nyrr.org/media-room/nyrr-tv.
God, I hope I make it. I’ve got my fingers, toes and laces crossed that I make it this year. Wish me luck and link up and share what music is moving you this week.
Visit Xmas Dolly , Hairbows & Guitar Picks and Jade Louise Designs for more Music Monday fun.
Random Thoughts about Skipping a Beat, 10 Burpees, Some Shoes and a Few 5Ks
I’ve spent the past two days recovering from Spring Break which has been mostly spent sweeping and tidying away the fallout from Easter and Spring Break. It’s amazing how dirty and unkempt my house looks even though we spent so little time in it over the past week.
I’ve been so busy trying to play catch-up to my housework that I didn’t even blog yesterday for Music Monday. Gasp! I had a post in my head complete with photographs showing all our fun in the sun which I was going to link up at Kristi’s Leap into Spring! Photo Challenge at Live and Love Out Loud. However, time just escaped me while one Little Lion Man wouldn’t leave me side, so I couldn’t swing it. Maybe I’ll work on it for Wordless Wednesday, minus sunny day song.
We’re on day 10 for the 30 Day Burpee Challenge, which means we’ve moved hit double digits. Truth be told, ten burpees about did me in today. I am so out of shape, which why I need to do burpees. It’s a vicious cycle.
Have I ever mentioned that I assist with my kids’ running club after school? Every Tuesday, I run about 3 miles with my stroller and close to 50 kids. Besides spending quality running time with my girls, it’s all part of my evening training plan to help me train for upcoming evening races in warmer weather. And you thought I was trying to be a good mom! Nope. I’m just trying to be a better mother summer runner.
I officially registered for my first summer race: Oldsmar 5K (formerly the Oldsmar Taphouse Run) in June. Even though it’s hotter than hell, this is one of my favorite races. I love the flat course and its beautiful view of the bay. It’s not chipped, but the first 50 finishers get “Das Boot” and since that will never be me holding Das Boot, I’m just going to have fun with it and get my drink on after the race. I get to do my thing, taking photos running happy and snappy as usual and I’ll have a beer or two or three when it’s all finished. Did I mention that there is free beer for all runners at the finish?
My new Brooks Trance 10 running shoes arrived last Thursday afternoon and I unfortunately didn’t have the chance to break them in before the race. In other words, I wore brand-spanking new shoes for a race, which incidentally was 5K trail run. I had no idea it was a trail run! So not only was a panicking about not running for over a week due to plantar fasciitis, I began panicking because I hadn’t trained for a trail. And on top of it all, I worried that I would dirty my pretty new white shoes. Such a girl! I’ll tell you more about the race in another post.
Speaking of shoes, our new pup chewed through my pink Spenco flip-flops. Son of…! They were about a year old anyway and I was long overdue for a new pair as they had lost some of the support in them, but still. UGH! Thank goodness it wasn’t my new Abeo shoes but I’ve been hiding those out of the dog’s reach. Oh well. Now, I have an excuse to buy a new pair. Maybe I’ll go for the pink (honeysuckle) cork shoes?
Before I forget, WordPress is hosting a Automattic Worldwide WP 5k. The WWWP5k is set for Sunday, April 29, but you can do your run/walk anytime from April 23rd-29th, which means you’ve got a week to fit it in. If you’ve never done a 5K, the WWWP5K is the perfect no-pressure 5K, because like the Automattic gang put it so eloquently, “you can run, walk, or skip the 3.1 miles. It’s up to you. There’s no time limit and there’s just one requirement: that you participate! You can do it inside or outside, on a treadmill or on a track, or even do a swim or a bike ride instead of running/walking – just get moving!”
So, will you join the WWWP5K on April 29? Of course, I’m down with WWWP5K. Yeah you know me. It should be a lot easier than 10 burpees.
*Proudly submitted to Stacy Uncorked, because when I blog about my training, it’s usually pretty random.*
Spring Sprint 5K
“Mom, do you plan to run this race easy or hard?” Allana asked.
“I was planning to run with you, so whatever pace you want to do.”
“Well, Katie, Jackie and I are going to run easy, so you should just run how you want to, Mom.”
Before the start of the Spring Sprint 5K, my pre-teen gave me the “all clear” to run the race hard, but in reality I think she chose to be with her friends over me. It was my first taste of the teen years to come.
Honestly, for the time being, I’m o.k. with it as this was a chipped race and selfishly, I wanted a good time on my Active.com profile. I’ll worry about being blown off for friends another day. This mother runner needed to finish a 5K in under 30 minutes! (Just call me Domino’s, because I can get there in 30 minutes or less.)
Although the race was in its second year, this was our first time participating in the Spring Sprint 5K, race to raise funds for autism awareness and education projects. What a great little charity race from start to finish!
As logistics go, the race event coordinators had it together. Oakstead Elementary hosted packet pick-up the evening before the race which was a smooth operation. Parking on race day was also smoothly orchestrated. As any runner will tell you, packet pick-up and parking are HUGE factors for any race and the organizers behind this race worked out every detail beautifully.
The start line was clearly marked as well as visible. Both the 5K and 1 mile Fun Run had their own start line banners.
As for the course, it was right in my backyard, so to speak. The 5K course wound through the flat and scenic streets of my neighborhood, the very same streets I train on. We ran past my kids’ school, the middle school and high school.
We even ran past my Publix and my favorite running store, Suncoast Running, who cheered for us as we ran by.
The sunrise was like any other running day in my neighborhood, but the sun seemed to be shining just a bit more brightly today. Maybe the sun knew it was a great day for a race?
For a small race with less than 500 participants, there were a great number of volunteers and spectators, many I believe to be faculty and staff of Oakstead Elementary. The finish led us back to the high school where we ran a half lap around the track.
DJ Elvis called out our numbers as we ran past and people in the stands cheered for us as we crossed the finish line.
*Photo provided by Suncoast Running.*
Gun Time 28:39
Chip Time 28:34
Ave Pace 9:14
Division Place 10/35
Overall Place 139/415
As for Allana, she did GREAT. She ran it without stopping, a first for her. However, I missed Allana crossing the finish line as I had to be at the start line for the 1 mile Fun Run with Emmalynn. My husband snapped these photos of Allana and her friend, Jackie.
Allana’s Stats
Gun Time 50:16
Chip Time 50:00
Ave Pace 16:11
Division 26/27
Overall 409/415
For the 1 Mile Fun Run, we ran back onto the road in front of the high school and then looped back onto the school groups to finish on the track once again.
Of course, I was so proud of both girls, but I was extremely proud of Emmalynn. She held onto a nice pace and avoided side stitches.
By doing so, Emmalynn earned a personal best for this race and redeemed her Gasparilla Jr. performance! Way to go Emmalynn!
The sun was right. It certainly was a great day for a race. Even my friend, Chrissy, did well and finished 6th in her division with a chip time of 29:23.
On a side note, with this race falling on Saint Patrick’s Day, I thought everyone would be all decked out in green. I totally expected to see others wearing sparkly green running skirts and silly St. Patrick’s Day hats or runners dressed as leprechaun look-alikes. Um…not so much.
I did not expect to be one of the very few people wearing green not to mention being the only one wearing a green tutu. Talk about feeling like the belle of the ball and making a spectacle of myself. Wow.
Kermit wasn’t kidding. It’s not easy being green but then I don’t think Kermit ever wore a tutu and a little leprechaun hat. Well, at least I’ve raised the bar for next year.
And we’ll definitely be back next year.
Armadillo Run 10K Recap
Having never participated in this race before, I was excited and oddly nervous about the Armadillo Run 10K. Despite the number of races under my belt, I still get nervous and have to pee a dozen times before the start.
In its 30th year, the Armadillo Run was held in the sleepy and beautiful town of Oldsmar, known for its history as well as its beauty. (And also a stone’s throw away from where my husband works, which had me wondering, “Why is Vology not a sponsor?”)
It’s a small race (about 500 people) with a beautiful flat course along the bay. We started adjacent to the Oldsmar library on St. Petersburg Rd and followed scenic Shore Drive.
Along the way, we passed three parks with a turnaround at the last park at the end of Shore Drive, which I never knew existed. I thoroughly enjoyed our quick tour of the grounds but I was even more grateful for the shade and overcast which kept the race climate cool, especially after a scorcher the week before at Gasparilla.
For the last mile, I paced with a male runner at about 9mm. Then, with only a quarter mile left to go, he sprinted and took off. I just couldn’t push any harder and I was left in his wake. Although my short-lived running partner left me, I finished alongside a fellow Suncoast Strider, Aaron.
When I crossed the finish line, my short-lived running race partner, Justin, stopped me to offer some gratitude and cheers. “Thanks for helping push it that last bit.”
“But you left me! Next time give me a heads-up, some kind of warning when you’re going push it, like “C’mon, girl. Let’s do this!”
Thanks, Justin for being there for me..or not (lol)…but definitely thanks for cheering for me at the finish, posing for a photo with me and introducing me to your Run Tampa friends, Johanne and Patricia. It was wonderful meeting you all! See you at the next race!
As much as I desperately wanted to finish under an hour, I just couldn’t do it. Perhaps, if I hadn’t taken so many photos, I may have met that goal, but this is what I do. It makes me happy to snap photos while I run.
I’d rather run happy and finish with a smile.
Gun Time 1:02:16
Chip Time 1:01:54
Ave Pace 10:02
Speaking of smiles, there was quite an awesome party at the end of this race. I’ve had free beer at races for two weeks in a row. I love the trend but I really loved this race. It’s definitely one to keep on my To Do race list.
And next year, I’ll finish under an hour.
Random Thoughts about Green Things and Other Gross Stuff
Little Lion Man’s green snot situation is still sticking around. Poor little dude can’t shake whatever he’s got and then this morning it escalated into a hacking cough. I debated calling the doctor, but since I had to run some errands, I thought I’d call the doctor on the way. No appointments were available until the afternoon, so against my better judgment, I decided to stop by Target while I was out.
Once in Target, Little Lion Man’s hacking developed into a projectile vomit situation and he puked three times in his stroller. I made a mad dash to the cart wipes area to clean the mess. As I attempted to clean up his entire stomach contents, Little Lion Man notices the bananas nearby. “Mama, nanas.”
Yes, there are bananas over there.
“Mama, nanas, please.”
“Seriously, dude. You just puked all over yourself. Now you want a banana?” He replied with a huge grin across his face.
Wondering if this is a good idea, I reviewed the BRAT diet in my head. “Bananas are good for upset tummies and we really do need diapers. And Allana needs a science board and cough drops. Right then!”
As I ran off to finish my shopping, I hoped no one would sniff him or the stroller while we shopped.
On my way to the infant aisle, I spotted some fun skinny jeans. Before you judge, the women’s section is right next to the baby stuff and I didn’t try them on! I swear! I just looked.
Anyway, I love the animal prints and the variety of bright colors for spring. Thank goodness I didn’t spot anything sparkly. Poor Little Lion Man would have really suffered.
Later at the doctor’s office, I learned Little Lion Man has a nasty respiratory infection and some fluid in his ears. Poor little guy!
Although Little Lion Man is my latest patient, it’s been like revolving door of a hospital ward in this house. Someone has had some infliction or illness for the past month. It’s crazy which also makes me crazy because it’s difficult to squeeze in my running when I’m playing nursemaid.
However, last Saturday, I ran in the Armadillo 10K (full recap to follow shortly). Then, I ran 3 miles on Monday, but I forgot to charge my Garmin, so no stats. This morning, I did some speedwork. Nothing fancy, just 1 mile warm-up followed by 4 quarter sprints and a mile for a cool down.
1 mile
Time 9:46
Lap 1 – 0.25
Time 1:44
Ave Pace 6:53
Lap 2 – 0.25
Time 1:48:65
Ave Pace7:18
Lap 3 – 0.25
Time 1:48:22
Ave Pace 7:12
Lap 4 – 0.25
Time 1:50
Ave Pace 7:29
1.1 mile
Time 10:39
Ave Pace 9:43
My girls and I have the Spring Sprint 5K this Saturday. I’m excited to run our first 2012 race together and of course, we’ll all be wearing green for St. Patrick’s Day. Hopefully, Little Lion Man’s snot situation won’t coordinate with his shirt by then. That’s an accessory I can do without.
*Proudly submitted to Stacy Uncorked, because when I blog about my training, it’s usually pretty random.*
Random Thoughts About Challenges and Other Shameless Plugs
Last week, we ended our Love My Abs Challenge and moved onto another one, Pushing Our Luck. If you missed my ab progress, you should check it out because it’s “abs”olutley amazing. 
As for March’s pushups challenge, basically we’re following the One Hundred Push Ups Program. We’re only week one into it and it’s going well, but then, I love push-ups. Swing back this Thursday to read a full rundown on my first week. There’s a linky party too if you want push your luck along with us.
And while I’m a self-promoting and on a shameless plug roll, I would like to inform 
all local bloggers about the next installment of the Tampa Bay Bloggers event to be held at Square 1 Burgers on March 24 at 5:00 p.m. It will be a great opportunity to connect network with other local bloggers and of course, there will be swag bags!
Oh and one more shameless plug! I was selected to be a regular contributor for 5 Minutes for Moms’ newest feature, 5 Minutes for Food. Stop by 5 Minutes for Mom this Thursday to see what recipe I share. I’ll give you a hint. It’s something sweet for St. Patrick’s Day and no, it’s not green.
Last Friday, I was like a kid in a candy store at the Gasparilla Race Weekend’s 8 On Your Side Health and Fitness Expo. Besides a bountiful of cool free food and goodies, there were a ton of vendors and really cool running threads. Of course, I wanted everything, but bought nothing. I really, really love these tees by Raw Threads.
Thankfully, friendships are free and I was so happy to finally meet my cyberspace BFF and virtual running partner @leighspannwfla. Leigh is part of the Storm Team 8 for News Channel 8 (our local NBC affiliate). Much like her morning forecasts, Leigh’s tweets are full of sunshine and warm-fuzzies and she’s just as adorable in person as you’d expect her to be. Thank you for all your support and encouragement, Leigh! See you at the next race!
Since I had two half marathons so close together, there haven’t been much training runs. Then, Little Lion Man caught some green snot cold, so naturally, I caught it and I just wanted to rest. Now with the colds and half marathons behind me, I’m ready to start training hard again. This morning I was ready for some speed work.
1.2 mile warm-up
Time 11:22
Ave Pace 9:29
Max 7:58
Lap 1 – 0.25 mile
Time 1:45
Ave Pace 6:56
Max 5:26
Lap 2 – 0.25 mile
Time 1:45
Ave Pace7:06
Max 5:36
Lap 3 – 0.27 mile
Time 2:12
Ave Pace 8:15
Max Pace 5:52
Lap 4 – 0.25
Time 1:58
Ave Pace 7:52
Max Pace 6:31
1 mile cool down
Time 9:53
Max Pace7:48
I’ve been volunteering after school every Tuesday to assist with my girls’ school’s running club and since I have Little Lion Man in tow, it means that I have been running 1-2 miles in the late afternoon with a stroller every week or what I like to call “resistance training”. Have I mentioned how much I hate running with a stroller? But if it makes my girls happy to see me out there with them, then it’s worth it. Even on days like today when the wind is blowing so hard and the stroller catches every breeze like a kite and I feel like I’m running backwards instead of forward. Yep, totally worth it.
I have two more races this month: Armadillo 10K and the Spring Sprint 5K. My goal for the 10K is to finish under an hour, but since I’m running the Spring Sprint with my girls, my only goal is to keep them motivated and moving forward, much like the after school running club.
*Proudly submitted to Stacy Uncorked, because when I blog about my training, it’s usually pretty random.*
Random Thoughts about a Swelled Head, a Shrinking Waist and a Princess Problem
In the past few weeks, Run DMT has been spotlighted on several websites and it’s giving me a big head.
Marathon Training Schedule compiled a list of top running blogs and Run DMT is #64. Then, RN Central.com shared 50 Inspiring Blogs for Your Post-Pregnancy Weight Loss and Run DMT is #5 on the list. How exciting is that?!
I’m flattered to be considered an “inspiration” to others for post-partum weight-loss and I hope yours is going better than mine because I’m sill struggling to lose the last of my baby weight 19 months later. What’s that old pregnancy rule of thumb for weight-loss? Nine months up, nineteen months down? That sounds about right.
Five unflattering pounds are still sticking around from my pre-pregnancy weight but I don’t put a whole heck of a lot of value on the scale since most of my old clothes are fitting me.
So the numbers on the scale are not dropping but I am definitely toning and shrinking inches, thanks to our Love My Abs Challenge. If you haven’t been following along, you should go over there RIGHT NOW and check it out! Each week, I’ve been sharing photos and a brief recap of my progress.
Tomorrow, we’re moving onto to Week 4 and 200 reps, but it’s not too late to join in the fun. Even if you fell off the wagon, you can simply start over at 100 reps at Week 1. It’s not about how many reps or how long, but more about making a commitment to a better you.
Speaking of wagons, I will be catching a carriage ride over to Orlando this weekend for the Disney’s Princess Half Marathon. I don’t feel prepared at all for this race, but it has nothing to do with training. I still haven’t figure out what to wear!
Should I be Belle or Tiana?
Both princesses are equally smart, brave, fearless, beautiful and good role models for my girls (next to their mom, of course). But…
If I dress as Belle, I’ll wear a yellow running skirt, matching yellow top, a tiara and carry a red rose.
If I dress as a Tiana, I’ll wear a green top, green shorts and a magnolia rhinestone hair clip in my hair. I wanted to find a green tutu to wear over my shorts, but I haven’t had any luck yet. 
As any stylish, runner (a.k.a stunner ) will tell you, tiaras and tutus are a must for any Disney Princess race. I think what I wear will be a game time decision, but I would love to hear your vote: Belle or Tiana?
The girls have the Gasparilla Jr. Race on Saturday. Next year, Liam will be old enough to run the Gasparilla Jr with Emmalynn, but this is Allana’s last year to run it as she’s getting too old for it now. The thought of it makes me all melancholy, but she’s moving on to bigger distances with her mom.
And who knows maybe she’ll run a Princess race with me someday. Then she can be Belle and I’ll be Tiana! There. Problem solved. Hopefully, by then I would have found a green tutu or made one or bought one of these shnazzy sparkly skirts. A runner mom can dream, can’t she? Like a wise mouse once told me, “If you dream it, you can do it.”
And now for my running stats!
I suffered from a stomach bug for two days after the Rock ‘n Roll Half Marathon, but I think the forced rest helped me run under 30 minutes for the first time in nearly a year.
2/15
3.1 miles
Time 29:35
Ave Pace 9:33
Max Pace 7:31
2/16
4 miles
Time 41:09
Ave Pace 10:17
Max Pace 7:59
2/18
6 miles
Time 1:13:27
Ave Pace 11:51
Max Pace 8:56
2/21
3.1 miles
Time 30:21
Ave Pace 9:48
Max Pace 7:06
*Proudly submitted to Stacy Uncorked, because when I blog about my training, it’s usually pretty random.*
I’m Only Getting Started
Race season is in full swing and I love it! I finished Rock ‘n Roll St. Pete Half Marathon last Sunday and this Sunday, I’m running in the Disney Princess Half Marathon.
I’m only getting started.
I won’t blackout.
This time I’ve got nothing to waste.
Let’s go a little harder.
I’m on fire.
I won’t blackout.
I’m on my way.
I’m only getting started.
Honestly, I’m not going to run the Princess Half hard. I’m just going to have fun with it. I plan to take lots of pictures and make it more of a pleasure, sight-seeing run.
But the following Saturday, I’m running the Gasparilla 15K for the first time and I’d like to PR that race to beat my Minnie Marathon time (1:28:12) from years ago. Although after I saw the really cool skull medal for the half, I was disappointed I didn’t choose to run Gasparilla half again because it’s all about the bling booty. Argggggh!
And when you say, I’m not o.k…
The week after Gasparilla race weekend, I’m running the Armadillo 10K for the first time and the week after that, I’m running the Spring Sprint 5K with my kids.
Just like previous years, my goal is to run at least one race a month until June. As you can imagine, my spring race calendar is very full.
Can you relate?
Can you keep up the pace like you’re dying for this?
This won’t stop ‘til I say so.
This won’t stop ‘til I say so.
This won’t stop ‘til I say so.
Keep going and going and going and going and GO!
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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It Keeps Getting Better Because I Got Sole
This is the year.
I can feel it.
This will be the year that I shave 10 20 minutes off my half marathon time to finish under two hours again.
I see a lot of speed training, hill training, intervals and strength training in my future.
And it started yesterday starts today.
Step back. Gonna come at you fast.
Hold on.
It keeps getting better.
The online application for the NYC Marathon opens at noon today. I’m keeping my fingers, toes and laces crossed again until April when the lottery selection starts. I believe 2012 is my year to run it.
I can feel it.
I got soul sole, but I’m not a soldier.
I got soul sole, but I’m not a soldier.
I got soul sole, but I’m not a soldier.
I got soul sole, but I’m not a soldier.
I got soul sole, but I’m not a soldier.
I got soul sole, but I’m not a soldier.
I got soul sole, but I’m not a soldier.
I got soul sole, but I’m not a soldier.
I got soul sole, but I’m not a soldier.
I got soul sole, but I’m not a soldier.
Visit Xmas Dolly and Hairbows & Guitar Picks for more Music Monday fun.
Frankenfooter Half Marathon Recap
When I heard the rain begin to fall, I knew there were going to be some challenges with this race. I think my husband thought I would back out when he saw the rain, but I channeled my inner Honey Badger, put on my big girl running panties and faced the race in the rain.
But besides the rain, it was incredibly dark at Starkey Wilderness Park. There was no signage and I had no idea where I was going or where to head to for the race. Finally, I spotted some small orange bulb lights festooned along a shelter. I assumed that was the check-in spot for the race.
As I walked along the path to the shelter, I noticed the line to the restroom was about 2 dozen ladies long. Before the start of the race, I would need to find a place to pee, which wouldn’t be hard in the dark woods as long as a wild board didn’t bite my butt. Proudly, I peed squatting behind my car door, which is the first time I have ever peed in public (that I can remember).
When I retrieved my chip, the volunteers commented on how cute I looked in my costume. Since it was a costumed race with prizes, I assumed they would make a note next to my bib number that I was wearing one. Nope. Well, then surely they could show me the way to the start. Nope. “It’s somewhere over there. You’ll see two orange cones.” Great. Thanks for that.
I followed some Suncoast Running peeps to the vague and hidden start. Sure enough, there were two orange cones. No lights. No ginormous Frankenstein inflatable. No blue chip start rug. Only two orange cones standing in the road. Nice.
Due to the rain, there was a 15 minute start delay. Then, all of a sudden people started running. No foghorn or a person yelling into a bullhorn telling us to “Go!”. Everyone just took off. Lovely.
For the first few miles, we ran along the roads that weave through the park towards the front entrance of Starkey Park and followed the newest addition to the bike trail from the entrance. Finally, the rain stopped but the roads were full of puddles and my shoes were already soggy. Yay.
I spotted my Suncoast Running friends around the 3 mile bend. They were all doing great and obviously, they were going to claim all the division places.
Admittedly, I am not a fan of running on Starkey Trail. I get bored. “Oh Look. Another tree. Wait! What’s that? Oh, it’s another tree….SQUIRREL!”
I tried to make the most of this race by cheering for everyone as they ran past. “Way to go! Looking good, mama! Nice pace! Keep it up!” I realized that wearing a Glee Cheerio costume was a good choice for me or maybe I was taking the whole cheerleading a little too seriously. Either way, I found my own fun. I was certainly in character and I could break out into song any minute.
I think I did sing a song or two. I can’t remember which ones, but I’m sure the person who paced next to me does.
I do remember a cicada flying into my arm which caused me to scream and jump out of my shoes. That, of course, caused the runner next to me do the same, but I was scared. After all, it was a Halloween race and I still have nightmares of those big-ass Starkey Trail horse flies.
Throughout the race, I saw some really fun costumes and filed away the ideas for next year, like dressing as the Blind Melon Bumblebee Girl.
The water stations were well equipped and properly spaced along the trail and the volunteers that manned the stations were friendly. Also dressed in costume, they cheered for all the runners as they passed. The “goat” made me giggle, because it reminded me of the line from Waiting which I shouted out when I spotted him, “Oh no. It’s the goat!” But, I think the volunteers were too young to get it.
Although I was happy to see all the water stations, my fuel belt was well stocked with snacks and water. Around mile 7, I sucked down a Cliff shot. Around mile 8, the volunteers provided Power Gels and I have to say, I’m not a fan. They taste artificial.
Between all the water stations, all the water bottles on my fuel and the snacks, I desperately needed to pee. Around mile 9, I contemplated parking a squat on this rock behind this shed. But then my fear of peeing in public squelched that idea.
My goal was to finish around 2:15 and with a steady pace of 10:30, I felt I could do it. Only a few months ago, I ran a half marathon on this same trail…alone…very alone. This time, I paced with several other runners and felt good about my pace. It also felt good to approach the finish with other runners. It kept my motivation high.
As we came around the final bend, the course led us along a side stint off the trail back into the park. We ran along the roads again for about ¼ mile. The last 200 feet of the course had us run through grass to finish line, which I wasn’t happy about and I wondered if a race that couldn’t be bothered to hang signage would check for holes and dips in the ground.
Then, I spotted my kids and my husband cheering for me as I approached the finish and I started to cry the ugly cry. I almost made my goal and my family was there to witness it. And then, I began to hyperventilate from crying. When I crossed the finish line, I couldn’t catch my breath and it felt like an asthma attack. I needed my inhaler.
They volunteers at the finish handed me my medal and offered to cut off my chip, but I couldn’t focus because I couldn’t breathe. I asked if anyone had an inhaler or to point me in the direction of first aid. They looked at me like I spoke a foreign language or perhaps they were worried they would have to perform CPR on me.
Allan reminded me to breathe as we walked back to the shelter, but I couldn’t see where I was going because my tears caused my mascara to run into my eyes and it stung. Great. Now, I couldn’t breathe and I was blind.
Back the shelter, my Suncoast Running friends greeted me and praised my efforts for finishing close to my goal (20 minutes faster than Pasco Challenge Half Marathon), which means so much hearing encouraging words from some truly amazing and fast runners. Another female runner, who finished seconds before me (wearing pink in the photo above), also cheered for me. She told me that I kept her going and I was a wonderful inspiration. Seriously? Me? As astounded as I was to hear it, her words made me smile for the rest of the day.
Once I could finally breathe, I scarffed down some food and waited with the Suncoast Running gang for the awards. Would I place? Would I win anything for my costume?
This is where things get a bit hairy. Apparently, there were some problems with the chips and it took over an hour for the race officials to download the times. Then, I later learned that all the participants that registered online (I sent my registration via mail-in form.) checked a box on Active.com to confirm they would be a costumed runner. There was no such box on the mail-in form, which is why I assumed the volunteers marked our bib numbers when we arrived at the check-in.
Although I earned 4th in my division (40-44), I did not earn the title of fastest costumed runner. However, I did earn the award for Best Costume which was decided by cheers. I begged encouraged my Suncoast Running friends and the rest of the crowd to holler for me. With my poms poms, it was like a Run DMT pep rally, but I think people repaid me with cheers for all the cheers and smiles I gave them along the trail. Thank you so much!!!
After the race, I was still pretty miffed about not making fastest costumed runner, when clearly I was faster than those that finished. I should’ve finished in second place. So, I sent the race officials an email:
I’m not sure how the times for the “Frankenfooter Fastest Half Marathon Costume Overall” were recorded, but my finish time was faster than those listed. I was bib #81 and I was in costume dressed as a Cheerio Cheerleader from Glee. My time chip time was 2:21:28. Therefore, I should have been listed under second place for “Frankenfooter Half Marathon Costume Overall”. Is there anyway to adjust this?
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Denise
Author of Run DMT http://deniseisrundmt.com
This was Big Dawg Runnin’s response to my concern.
Denise,
You registered for the Standard Half-marathon; you finished in 2:21:28. Those listed on the costume category, specifically signed up for that category. They were separate choices on ACTIVE. Those that chose to sign up for the costume section gave up the chance of winning age group awards. I can switch your category if you would like me to….
Thank You,
Val
No apology. No “We’re sorry about the mail-in form mix-up. Thank you for bringing it to our attention so that we can correct this.” Nada. Just an all caps ACTIVE and the implication that I’m an idiot for not registering through ACTIVE.
I dropped the issue and did not reply back to Val’s email. In the end, I earned 4th in my division, which is pretty dang good and I earned Best Costume overall. I’m good with that.
13.1 miles
Chip Time 2:21:28
Ave Pace 10:48
