The Boston Marathon

Quick Background: Qualified with a 3:50 in February of 2009 at the Myrtle Beach Marathon. Flat course, cool weather really helped. This race was good for Boston 2010. Ran the Marine Corps Marathon in October of 2009 in hopes of bettering my time. Ran a miserable race- total crash and burn with stomach cramps the whole way.

Training for Boston 2010: Let's just say it could have been better. No excuses, but we did have 3 feet of snow over the winter, which greatly inhibits long runs, in my book. So many times I said to my husband, "I'm not going to Boston. I do not want to run it on poor training. That's just not fun." But, he encouraged me. And in late February and March, I was able to get 2- 20 milers in. So, the plans were made. Sometimes I have to remind myself, "I am not a professional runner. No one really cares about your finishing time but you. "

Race weekend: I was super excited!! Total goofball and newbie. In the airport, I started chatting with other runners that were headed there. One guy recognized me from my running group. I said , "You're going to Boston?" Yes, I can be ditzy at times. We were all going to Boston. Just the word, Boston got me really excited. Greg was laughing at me. The airline employee: We're about ready to board the flight to Boston. Me; They said Boston! We're going to Boston!! " Glad to know that at age 40, I can still act like a goofball kid.

We stayed at the Hyatt Harborside, which was beautiful, but a little too far away from the action in downtown Boston. Saturday night, I didn't sleep well. I guess there was a wedding party on our floor? I was more than a little mad Sunday morning and prepared to switch rooms, but we didn't.

Sunday, instead of resting all day, we went to the New England Aquarium. That was great. A little crowded and plenty of time on my feet, but again, "I am not a professional athlete. " And then we headed over to the EXPO. At the EXPO, I got my jacket!!! I have seen members of my running group wearing this jacket and I knew I had to have one. It's like I'm in the jacket club. I saw so many people wearing them. Another goofball thing for me to get really excited about.

After the EXPO, we went back to the hotel and then out again to see the Blue Man group. Unbelievable show. If you've not seen them, I highly recommend it. So much for resting. After the show, we headed to a grocery store to buy my breakfast food, then back to the hotel for room service dinner at 8:00 pm, which is way too late, but everything was taking longer than I expected.

Happily, I was able to be asleep by 10:00- no crazy partiers in the hallway on Sunday night.

Race morning: Woke up around 5:00 a.m.- just so I wouldn't have to rush. Didn't want to wake up the family, so I moved around the room, using my cell phone as a mini flashlight. Got myself together and headed to the lobby for a cab ride over to Boston Common. It takes a lot of work to get 25,000 runners to the Athlete's Village out in Hopkinton. Friends who had run previous Bostons, told me to find the shorter lines for the busses and I did. Hopped on a bus in about 10 minutes. So cool, because I saw the around the block lines as we drove off. Hung out in Athlete's Village for about an hour and a half. Saw lots of people laying down on the ground waiting for the start. I tried, but I was too antsy and excited. Two times in line for the porta-potty. Met up with Holly and Susan, who had similar goals as me, and then it was time to head to the start. You'd think that with all that time to hang out, I would be completely ready to go, but I felt like I was scrambling. It was chilly, windy, so I had outer layers on. I checked my bag and started the trek to the start. Then, I realized I didn't have my IPOD shuffle. I had thought music might be needed as a backup in case I lost them or I was struggling. Oh well. I figured they better not lose me.

I had decided to not wear my fuel belt this time, which meant I was going to have to slow down at the water stops. I was OK with that. The biggest goal today was to have fun. That meant, not going out too fast and if I'm lucky, run a 3:59.

Fashion report: Decided to go with an orange/peach shirt (easier for the family to spot) and black race ready shorts. White 26.2 visor. It was a little cool at the start, but it was supposed to be sunny and warm as the race went on. I also wore tube socks on my arms as warmers. They look kinda funny, but are super convenient.

The race!! : After hustling to the start corralls (1/2 mile walk), Susan and Holly and I were ready to go! 4 minutes after, we were crossing the start line. From the very beginning, the crowd was amazing. I had on a pace band that allowed for a slow start. But, I could tell almost immediately, that I just wanted to run by feel and have fun... whatever pace that may be. So, we just chatted like it was any other long run, but with some crazy people on the sides that were cheering. Susan had her name on her shirt and people were cheering for her like mad. I have done this before, but this time, I didn't get it done. At the village, I asked a volunteer to write my name on my arm. funny thing is, I had her do this while wearing my sweat shirt still, so we didn't quite get the letters in the right place. So, the "K" was covered up by my sleeve and all you could see was "IM" That made me laugh.

The race starts in the little town of Hopkinton. The first 5 miles of the race go through Hopkinton and Ashland. It's mostly downhill and I had heard that the biggest mistake people make is to go out too fast. So, any time, it felt like we were running too fast, we dialed it back. I kept saying" Easy, easy".

The crowds through here were great. People were having parties in their yard and you could smell the hamburgers on the grill. People drinking beer and smoking, tough bikers that looked like ZZ top, just really interesting types of people to look at while you're running by. Holly, Susan and I continued to chat and we even laughed at one point, because we couldn't hear each other because of the crowds. "Hey people, can you keep it down? We're trying to talk here." Still, the goal was to have fun..... fun, fun, fun.

Mile 1- 8:54 - pretty controlled when we wanted to fly Mile 2- 8:52 Mile 3- 8:53 5K- 27:41- 8:55 pace per mile

Mile 4- 8:50 Mile 5- 8:57

At times, we thought that still might be too fast, but we knew we had to save the energy for the hills. I thought the effort felt easy and we were OK. No crashing and burning, please! This was the first time I had carried my cell phone with me in a race. Right around here, I started to think I needed to call Greg and ask him to bring me some Advil. They were going to be at mile 16. (which would have been too late for Advil, anyway) I felt my calf just a little and I started to worry that it was going to get worse. Holly said that she had some, which saved me, even if it was only in my mind. I decided I wouldn't take it until halfway, which would make me stay with her. The plan was gels every 4 miles and alternate water and gatorade at the aid stations. I probably lost some time at the stations, but I don't know how to drink and run. So, I walked for 15-20 seconds every station and Holly and Susan were nice enough to slow down and wait for me.

Miles 6-12 take you through the towns of Framingham and Natick. Never boring, and super quaint. We lost Susan somewhere around mile 10 or so. I still kept repeating, "Easy, easy" Holly was wearing a Marathon Maniac shirt and got lots of cheers. Poor me, no one cheered for IM. Occasionally, I'd pull up my sleeve and see if I could get some cheers for KIM.

Mile 6- 8:49 10K- 55:35- 8:57 pace per mile

Mile 7- 8:55 Mile 8- 9:07 Mile 9- 9:02 15K- 1:23:48- 9:00 pace per mile

Mile 10- 9:07 Mile 11- 9:22 Mile 12- 9:19 20K- 1:52:55- 9:06 pace per mile

Took out my phone around mile 10 a couple of times to check what Greg had texted about where they would be. Having the phone probably slowed me down some, but overall, it was really nice to know exactly where they would be, especially with 500,000 spectators and 25,000 runners. I liked knowing that at mile 16.8, they would be under the tangerine Power gel flag. He even sent me a picture. I also took Holly's Advil around here. Still feeling really good, just a precaution.

Right around the halfway point, is the famous Wellsley Scream Tunnel. I thought this section was just OK. I wasn't too impressed. Those girls totally ignored us!! I realize the thing is getting the attention from the guys, but they could have at least CHEERED for us girls. Still, a very fun section.

Miles 14-16- I don't remember much... only thinking about seeing my family soon. Holly needed to stop for the porta potty. So did I, but I didn't want a line, so I pressed on and hoped that she caught up with me soon.

Mile 13-9:14 1st half- 1:59:08- 9:06 pace per mile- one of my slower 1st halves in a marathon (that's good)

Mile 14- 9:12 Mile 15- 9:18 25K- 2:21:43- 9:08 pace per mile

Mile 16- 9:06 (1st big hill)

Greg had said that they would be at 16.8. The crowds were loud here!! I started scanning like crazy... saw them and almost bowled Darby over in a huge hug. Then, stopped for a little bit for hugs and kisses all around. Greg gave me a squirt bottle of Gatorade. It had really gotten warm by now. Greg said, "You still have your socks on." He meant my arm socks, I kept thinking he meant my feet. I thanked them and asked if they thought they would be at mile 25. Greg said he'd try. That's the longest I've ever stopped in a marathon, but it was probably only 2 minutes at the most. I figured since the goal was to have fun, then why not stop? Plus, I was hoping Holly would catch up to me.

After I left my family, I dashed into a porta potty with no line.... very quick in and out. Toss my socks here.

Miles 17-21- this is where the rest of the Newton hills are, including the famous Heartbreak hill. Again, I can' get over the crowds. I'm not missing my IPOD at all, and I think it would have been a shame to miss the crazy cheering. I am able to pass a lot of people in this section. Decided to toss my gatorade bottle here, almost took off a girl's head on the side of the road. I yell" Sorry!!" as I run past. Oops!

Mile 17- 9:28 Mile 18- 9:13 30K- 2:51:41- 9:13 pace per mile

Mile 19- 8:54 Mile 20- 9:10 Mile 21- 9:47 (heartbreak hill) 35K- 3:20:25- 9:13 pace per mile

It was really getting warm at this point... sun was intense One of the coolest things I saw was some kids on the side of the road jumping on trampolines. I also LOVED the Boston College kids. They were intense. I actually kept looking around to see if I was running next to someone famous. I couldn't believe the volume.

I am pleased that I didn't slow down too much in this section. Right around mile 20, I think, there was the Masters group... I had to yell , LOU!!!" for him to see me. I think he got some pictures of the back of my head.

Right after this, I recognized Fortunate One for the Masters group. Yay!! He REALLY helped me up Heartbreak. . I probably would have slowed down more if it wasn't for him. But, overall, I felt pretty strong. I kept attempting to see the splits on my pace band. Too much sweat... the clear tape wasn't helping much... but again, the goal was to HAVE FUN. But it sure would be fun to run a sub 4:00.... He said, "Now we need to make up the time on the downhills." At this point, I ran ahead... thinking i could surge. I should have stayed with him.

Miles 22-24- Now we're in Brookline area... going mostly downhill and feeling like I am flying. Beautiful homes.

I pulled out my phone and Greg has sent me msg that says they will be at mile 24 on the right side near the First Aid station. There are huge crowds here too. I slow down at mile 24, right at the First Aid station and I don't see them. I was so bothered by this. I thought I had missed them. I pulled out my phone, left a sad message " I guess I missed you." I was so sad and distracted but I kept running.

Mile 22- 8:39 - downhill!! Mile 23-8:49 Mile 24- 9:02- Where are they?? I definitely lost some time here looking for them. 40K- 3:49:07- 9:14 pace per mile

Mile 25- I am looking at my watch and trying to figure out if a 3:59 is possible, when I hear "KIM!!!" There is Greg and the girls, next to an aid station, but a mile further down than I thought. (Turns out, a cop had told Greg they were at mile 24) I went nuts!! I screamed and yelled at them, waving like crazy. SO HAPPY TO SEE THEM!! Greg got some funny pictures. But I didn't stop... partially because they caught me off guard and also I was felt like I was on a mission, now. I thought I could pull off a 3:59. I saw the famous CITGO sign.

Mile 25- 9:32 - getting tired

Mile 26- Where's the finish?? I feel like I am flying through here (which is all relative, I suppose) , passing people, hoping to still make it... not sure if my watch is correct. I see Fortunate One again here. Yay!!

I look at my watch 3:58... I see the finish.... maybe, maybe, push, push.... sprint, sprint.... pump your arms. 3:59, push, push- fly through the finish, look down at the watch, just turned over to 4:00. AH!! Did I do it?

Last mile split- 8:51- with the last 1/2 mile at an 8:25 pace. I ran 26.44 miles that day, not so great at running the tangents. I hold out a glimmer of hope that I started my watch late or something. Maybe, just maybe I eeked in under 4 hours, but I really didn't care. The goal was to have fun.

I turned to a woman after we crossed the finish and said, "Now that was fun!" We just chatted and bonded as we got our bags.

Greg called and they were waiting for me at the Arlington Street church. I find out from my Mom, who was tracking me, that I ran a 4:01:20. AH!!! , So close! My watch said 4:00:16... I finally figure out that my watch stopped when I stopped at the bathroom and to see my family at mile 16 (it has an auto pause that I forgot to turn off) Totally worth it to see my family, and it's very likely that I wouldn't have run a 3:59 without those stops, anyway. I had a blast and completely enjoyed and appreciated running with Susan, Holly and Fortunate One. Susan finished right in front of me, (I think a minute) and Holly finished about 3 minutes after me.

Post Race: We went to Lou's place to celebrate and hang out with more RA people. I got to hear how Holly's race ended and how Erika smashed her PR. Tuesday, more than just a little sore. Probably a combination of less than ideal training and the hills in Boston. I had thought that I would hold off on marathons for awhile. Now, I'm not so sure. This was a blast.

FInal stats: 1st half- 1:59:08 2nd half- 2:02:12 positive split, but not by much.

I feel humbled, blessed and honored to have been a part of the whole experience.

The past 8 months in review

Quick recap of the past 8 months of my running career.  

March :  The National Half Marathon in Washington D.C.  I've run this before and it's fun.  A lesson learned from this race; don't run a race if you have a cold.  You need to be able to breathe through your mouth AND your nose.  The pictures are funny.

April: The Cherry Blossom 10 miler.  I can't think of a better way to see the cherry blossoms than running underneath them.

Also in April, I ran a 200 mile relay.  Such a fun and monumental event that I will write a separate post on it.

May: Cascades 10K.  Outback steaks afterwards, need I say more?  Sometimes, the best reason to run a race is the post race food. 

June:  Twilight 4 miler.  One word: awesome!  My church, Gateway,  ran this as a group.  AWESOME!  

Summer- October: Marathon training once again.  The Marine Corps Marathon is October 25th, where I hope to get a PR. (personal record)  Anything faster than a 3:50 would  be fabulous.  It's almost time to dig deep, run fast.

"They that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."
--  Isaiah 40:31

Myrtle Beach Marathon

I can't believe I finally qualified for Boston. After hoping for years to make this dream a reality, Valentines Day is when it actually happened.

Allow me to back up a bit. Last August, my family was hanging out at our family reunion when m cousin, Dan, mentioned that he planned to run the Myrtle Beach Marathon, held on Valentines Day, also his 35th birthday. Quite impulsively, I said "I'll run it with you."

Two months later, I ran the Marine Corps Marathon and finished in 3:56. Three weeks later, I started training for the Myrtle Beach Marathon. Training in November and December went pretty well. I ran a 16, 18 and 21 miler by the time 2008 finished.

But then it all started to fall apart in the month of January, which should have been my highest mileage month. I came down with bronchitis, only I didn't know it for a couple of weeks. It went like this... go out to run, come back, cough badly, take two days off and feel better, then go out to run , cough badly, take two days off feel better. You get the idea. I ended up missing a good bit of training as a result. I went to the doctor to get antibiotics and she told me to take 10 days off from running. This was happening at the worst possible time. But I didn't want to get sicker, so I took 5 days off... hey, I'm happy I took any time off... then slowly came back on the treadmill for another week.

A lovely snowstorm prevented me from getting the last long run in. I didn't run more than 14 miles in that entire month and my longest run was 7 weeks prior to the marathon. That's not the way you train for a marathon. I still decided that I was going to shoot for the Boston qualifying time of 3:50 for my age group. I figured that I might crash and burn, but I just had to go for it.

My family drove down to Myrtle Beach on Thursday and just had a blast Thursday and Friday. I was a little worried because on Friday I had a very bad sinus headache. But I just popped Airborne and tried to stay calm.

Race morning: 5:55 a.m. my cousin Dan knocks on my door... the weather was good. low 50s and cloudy. We get to the start at 6:15 and I feel the urgent need to visit the porta potty- no time. We wished each other luck and the race started. Dan ran with his friend Jeff and was hoping for a 4:45.

I knew that if I was going to run a 3:50, that every mile needed to be dead on or close to it. My new marathon strategy was to find someone to chit chat with in the beginning in order to stay relaxed. Some people like to talk in marathons, some people don't. I very rarely talk in shorter races, but I've now realized that this is what I need in a marathon to keep me from running too fast in the beginning. I struck up a conversation with Joel and Kerry. They were running the half and Kerry was struggling at mile 3, that's not good.

Mile splits: 1-8:44 2-8:25 3-8:25

I need to be maintaining an 8:48... a little too fast in the beginning.

My next victim, uh.. I mean running partner, was a man named James, who had Flat Stanley pinned to his back. If you're not familiar with Flat Stanley, read this http://www.flatstanley.com/ Turned out to be a perfect conversation starter. We ran miles 4-12 talking about the pancake houses, beach stores, and funny things we observed.

Mile splits: 4-8:24 5- 7:46 (I don't know why this mile was so fast) 6-8:34 7-8:32 8- 8:31
9- 8:30 10-8:38 11-8:46 12-8:39

And then disaster struck, my shoe came untied and yes, I double knotted it. OK, maybe your shoe coming untied is not a disaster, but I felt like I had no time to give up. After I stopped to tie it, I decided now would be the time to VERY QUICKLY go in to the porta potty with no line (yay! small marathons) Mile 13- 9:20.... ok, not too bad.

I lost Flat Stanley guy and told myself not to try to catch up... Nice and steady. After this, began the countdown in my head to see my family at mile 18.
Mile 14- 8:36 Mile 15- 8:45 Mile 16- 8:58 Mile 17- 8:44

I knew I was about a minute ahead of pace for a 3:50. Side note: One thing that saved me was a piece of paper on which I wrote what my elapsed time should be for every mile. Usually, people wear a pace band. I didn't have one and I thought I could get one at the EXPO, but they didn't have them. I talked to Greg the night before and said " I can just do the math." He said- " no just write it down, put in a ziploc and take it out every so often. " totally saved me. I cannot do math when I'm at mile 18 of a marathon.

Mile 18 is approaching and I could see our hotel up ahead and I was so excited because I was fairly sure that I was going to make the 3:50. I still felt strong and I was 1 minute ahead of pace. I saw Greg and the girls in their bright tie dyed jackets. :) I didn't slow down AT ALL... (which i now feel a little guilty about) I started yelling to them as I approached that I was 1 minute ahead, that I loved them and that I needed to see them at mile 21 and the finish. I think my girls were a little stunned. I tossed my fuel belt to Greg to refill and they were going to go 2 blocks over and see me at mile 21. I yelled back as I passed them that I loved them... Ok, I do love them, but I was also a little delirious.
Mile 18-8:34

Seeing them charged me up and I decided to put my IPOD on for a little while. Around mile 19, I passed Flat Stanley guy and waved to him. The weather is still nice and cool and we've seen the beach a few times.

Mile 19- 8:34 Mile 20- 8:48

Mile 21, I can see my family up ahead. I'm still about one minute ahead of pace. I thought I just needed to hold on. I'm starting to get a little tired and running harder just to maintain pace. Greg had refilled my fuel belt and Piper was holding it. Again, I didn't feel like I could slow down AT ALL, I swiped the belt out of Piper's hands and looked at Greg and started to tear up. I told myself to hold it together... I said, "Please, please, please go to the finish.... I'm going to do it!" Greg yelled "We will!"

I went to put my fuel belt back on and it felt like it weighed a ton. I have worn my fuel belt for most of my marathons because I've never figured out the run and drink thing... fuel belts have squirt bottles and I think that the extra weight of the belt is off set by time gained on not having to walk through the water stations. Well, I couldn't even make myself wear it at this point... plus, it was falling off and leaking on me. So, I tossed it underneath a beach store sign. I spent the next two minutes wondering if it would be there when the race was over. Weird what you obsess about when you're getting tired.

Mile 22- 9:12 (fuel belt fiasco) then, my family drives by and yells and cheers out the window to me. I knew they were headed to the finish and I put my head down and ran.

Mile 23- 8:51 I see my cousin's wife and their kids cheering for me here. another huge boost that lasts about half a mile. :)

Mile 24- 9:12- getting tired... it's raining now... must keep moving as fast as possible. I know it's going to be close. There is a song playing on my IPOD.... "Let it Rock" the lyrics are "When I arrive, I bring the fire..." Oh my gosh, I was running to the max of my ability and willing the finish line to show up.

Mile 25- 8:55 My watch says 3:42... oh my goodness, I don't think I can do this. I am making lovely noises now as I try to keep speeding up. People are cheering in the rain. I'm sure I'm making quite a spectacle. It seemed surreal to me... almost slow motion-like.
My chest is exploding... where is the finish??? My watch says 26 miles at this point..

Mile 26- 8:43... with the last half mile at an 8 minute pace.

We FINALLY turn a corner and there is the finish... I see the clock ticking... 3:50... push, push, push.... My family is there screaming for me... and I sprint across the line and stumble a bit. 3:50:45 gun time... 3:50:27 chip time... made it by 30 seconds.

I was spent... totally and completely... and it was raining and I started crying... hard crying for about one minute and then I was done. People asked me if I was ok... I just smiled and nodded...

What an unbelievable day.

We hung out a little... did the massage thing and then waited around for my cousin and didn't see him. Turns out, he had some bad cramps and finished in 5:14, which is a huge bummer.

We ended up staying in Myrtle Beach for 2 more days. I'm so thankful for my family and friends who are always so supportive and listen to my endless running stories.

Marine Corps Marathon October 2008

Well, I'm way behind on posting to this blog. It's now February 2009, but I must back up and write about the Marine Corps Marathon last October.
I've cut and pasted this report from a running website that I frequent.

Quick background- 1st Marathon was here in 04- ran a 4:12, since then 4 more marathons: 4:03, 4:30. 4:08 and 5:00 last year at Chicago. I figured out that I had a bad case of anemia last year and got that fixed this year. The training went pretty well- weekly mileage in the 30-45 range, but only 2 20 milers. Was this the time that I would finally get under 4? We lined up near the 4 hour pacer- my two friends and I- and the gun goes off, the pacer takes off and is definitely moving through the crowd quickly. This race is so crowded that I realize it might be tough to get a pace going. I'm wondering how the pacer has moved through the crowd so well. Being the analytical type, I will give you my splits and what was happening. I met some really neat people while running today. I knew my goal was to stay easy so that I didn't blow up too bad and one way to do that was to talk so that I could relax and pay attention to my breathing... can't talk in mile 8? You're in trouble. Mile 1- 9:14... not bad and I'm not too worried about being with the pacer. Here is where I meet Pablo, first timer. Mile 2- 10:55- don't know why this is so slow- I think the hill or the crowds- or maybe my watch was off. At any rate, I'm staying relaxed. My friends are weaving through the crowd and I told them they were expending too much energy. Just relax... something I kept saying all morning. Mile 3- 8:40- still hanging with Pablo- super nice guy from Columbia. I told myself NO MILES UNDER 9 in the first half, but I can't help it. Plus I am not so good at pacing, that is why I wanted to run with a pacer. She's still up ahead. Mile 4- 8:15 - too fast again Mile 5- 8:50- this where my friends drop back. I met Mark who is running for Team in Training in honor of his sister who recently passed. He is awesome. I tell them that I think I've lost my friends, so now he will be my friend. I am so weird. I also say that I am so excited that we're going to run under 4 today. Smile Mile 6- 8:42 Mile 7- 9:19- we finally catch up to the 4 hour pacer only to pass her after less than 1/2 mile. that was weird but I just couldn't slow down enough. I met Susan and chatted with her briefly but then lost her soon after. Mile 8- 8:32- major hills over- I don't remember much other than chatting with Mark and the others around me. There were Marines who were yelling cadences/ songs. Also, a guy who yelled, "No shame, drain the vein." every time we passed men who were peeing on the side. I laughed and said something about how many times he had said it and he said, " If you're getting tired of it, you should run faster." Mile 9- 8:36- Mark pulls away from me now. I yell encouragement to him. I meet Clay. It is also his 6th marathon. He said he wants to go under 4 but that he always says that and never does. I said, me too! and today's the day. I seemed more positive than him. Mile 10- 8:30- Mile 11- 8:42 Mile 12- 8:51 - i leave Clay at this point. He's struggling. I really like getting Hains Point over with earlier with this new course. Mile 13- 8:44- I think my half split was 1:57... I really was hoping that I hadn't had too many fast miles. i felt good though. I meet Anne and I told her that we were going to go sub 4 today. She said, " How do you know?" I said, " I just know." Mile 14- 8:42 Mile 15- 8:43- I leave Anne and continue to pass people. Mile 16- 8:43- every time I pass someone, I say something to them. Some people seemed appreciative, others seem to think I was weird.. Mile 17- 8:30 Mile 18- 8:49- I feel really good and never feel like I'm struggling. My only issue is I need to use the potty but every one has a line... no way- moving on. Mile 19- 8:47 Mile 20- 8:49- nobody really wants to chat anymore. Smile This starts the dreaded bridge ... I hate this bridge. But I know that my running club is going to be there. Mile 21- 8:52- I see my friends in the group and ask my friend Matt if he wants to jump in with me. He does! yea! He carries a squirt bottle of gatorade for me. Saved me. It was getting quite warm. Mile 22- 9:16- fading a little bit Mile 23- 8:33- ok, so this where I think that I can "kick it in" Mile 24- 11:00- ok, this is where my body laughed at the attempt to kick it in. Mile 25- 9:23- recovered a little- know that under 4 is in the bag. Mile 26- 9:12- that hill at the end sucks. I saw the 4:00 on the clock and knew that it had taken us 4-5 minutes to cross the start. I was thrilled! I didn't walk and I stay relaxed until the very end. exactly what I wanted. final time: 3:56

Marathon Training

Well, the plan is to do it again.
I have signed up to run the Marine Corps Marathon in October.

So far, training has gone pretty well. I have been averaging around 30-35 miles a week.
Sunday I ran 18 miles at fairly decent pace. so, I feel pretty good. Hopefully I can keep up the volume, train smart, run hard and qualify for Boston this time around.

Couch to 5K plan

In April, I decided to mix up my personal training business with my love of running. I launched a 10 week program called the Couch to 5K plan. It's designed to help new runners get to the point where they can run continuously for 3.1 miles (5 K). Our goal race was the Potomac River Running Twilight 4 miler in late June, so the runners had a little bit more of a challenge ahead of them.
Two days a week I ran with the members of the group and they ran the third day on their own. We progressed from mostly walking to mostly running. What a wonderful experience it was for me to see running through their eyes. Each mile was a sense of accomplishment.
And when race arrived, they were ready. Debbie and Traci were averaging about a 10:30 pace on the runs leading up to the race, so my plan was to stay with them and pace them until the end and then go back and meet up with Donita who was going to need to take some walk breaks.
It was a hot day and they all did such an awesome job. I tried to keep them as relaxed as possible and keep them on pace. It was such a great feeling to cross the finish line with them.
They were both so pleased that they finished in around 41 minutes. I went back and found Donita and she was doing great... hanging in there.

The race was a success and know I can say that I have converted more people to running. :)
I gave the girls a magnet for the back of their cars that says Runner Girl on it. :)
I love it when I see it. They're hooked!

LAWS Half Marathon

I wasn't going to post a race report on this one, but when I saw the results, I just had to.

I ran the LAWS Half Marathon yesterday in Leesburg, Va. Weather: 50s- total downpour the entire race.

I wrote in another thread that I was hoping to run a sub 1:50. My last half was 4 weeks ago at the National in DC where I ran a 1:57:25. I ran a negative split there and I think I determined that I started out too easy.
Yesterday I wanted to start out "comfortably hard" I didn't run a negative split... but I didn't lose as much as steam as I thought I would and I came awfully close to my goal. My time was 1:51:57 I started out too fast, which is why I've been starting easy at the recent halfs and 10 milers I've been doing. By mile 9, I was in the 9 min. range per mile, instead of 8s. I was a little toasted but I worked as hard as I could to still get under 1:50. And I didn't totally crash and burn.

What a different feeling it is to run the whole thing hard. I could barely talk at the halfway point. Afterwards, my running group and I shivered under an overhang and ate some cheese pizza- we debated: Does running in torrential downpour, lightning and thunder, make you go faster?

And to get home and see that I placed 2nd in my age group was big surprise. Yes, it is a small race and no, my time isn't really that fast, but it's still a PR and I'm happy. I was especially happy to see that it wasn't 2nd out of 2. I think there were around 30 women in the age group. They also gave out medals to the first 100 finishers. I was #95. If I can't brag a little here, then where can I ?

I just want to keep racing so I can figure out... how fast is fast enough to run well, but not so fast that I slow down some at the end.

And I consider this a PR, since my fastest half is 1:47 back in 2004 on a course that was known to be 1/2 mile short.

Thanks for reading...

Happy running everyone!