Category: gear

Slacker to the Sea

Today, I had a 2 part goal. Goal 1 was stated on this blog under my Goals, Gear, Stats page and what I publicly told people. I was aiming to finish at 2:10:00 or below. However, what I kept to myself was that the crazy in me wanted to try and hit 2:04:00.

So damn close!!!! Official time -2:05:53

Also because the course is flat to downhill for the first 5 miles before changing to hills, I was intentionally aiming for a positive split. So backwards I know, but I knew I could bank sometime in the beginning for when I knew I was going to slow down. It worked!

It was dark when I left my house this morning. And cold. The start line is about 30-35 minutes away so I made sure to head out with plenty of time. Found a very nice Chevron and they were nice enough to let me use their restroom when I got into town. The starting line is literally in front of the Abercrombie and Fitch and I was able to get a parking spot 2 blocks away. I could see the starting line and crowd from my car. Since it was so close and cold and dark, I stayed in my car until the last possible moment.

Once I joined the masses (2500 runners plus spectators in a half block space) I tried to find the right pacer. Since I was aiming for 2:10, I figured between the 2:00 pacer and the 2:15 pacer would be a good idea. The pacers wear costumes so I figured they would be easy to spot. Spotted 2:15, he was a pirate, but couldn’t find 2:00. By then it was a little past 7 and only just starting to lighten up, and we were off!

We crawled over the start line and the next 1.5 miles were chaos. This pack of runners did not separate like usual. It was 1.5 miles of dodging left and right, falling back and surging ahead. The 2:15 pacer was about a block ahead of me, what the heck? Mile 1 clocked in at 9:08, so what pace was he running? Too fast. 😦 It had just started to even out when we hit the first water station at mile 2, time to dodge the obstacle course. I passed up the 2:15 pacer here. It got better after that but I have to say that course seemed more crowded than last year, or maybe it was just the difference in my pace compared to last year.

Miles 1-5 were what I had planned to be my fastest miles and by mile 4.5 I was on track. At this point, it was the first crossover, so under the freeway we went. Coming up the other side, there was the second aid station but I was feeling ok. Hit mile 5 and now it was rolling hills time and time to lose the arm sleeves. I just kept running. I told myself I could take a walk break at mile 8 if need be. After just shy of 2 miles, it was crossover time again, this time over the freeway we went.

Mile 7 was another aid station, this time I took some water. Now was the part of the race I dreaded, the out and back. Running down a street and then back up may add miles but it also bites when you see all the other runners coming back and they are so much faster than you. It should work in reverse when I am running back but it doesn’t. I thought I remembered the out and back only being ¾ of a mile… nope, it was 1.5! Ugh, mile 8 was part of that out and back. Normally mile 8 is my favorite mile. This is the point when I know that even if I have to crawl, I will be finishing the race, and there are just 5 miles to go. Having 8 hit in the out and back, just didn’t hold the usual excitement. 😦 This where I finally saw the 2:00 pacer, turns out he was behind me until that point. He was dressed as a cyclist. Passed the aid station on the way out and was heading towards 9. And I was still running!!!

Up a hill and across a wooden bridge and it was mile 9, time to lose the gloves. I was still running but slowing down. Mile 10 was at downhill slope and then it was the last crossover, back under the freeway. Here I picked up the pace a lot because I did not want to be stopped for traffic like I was last year. Powered through the intersection and was met with the last uphill.

This is also where I started wheezing. Um, what? I haven’t used an inhaler in years, not to mention, I don’t even have one. So I took a walk break. 😦 I was so close to running the whole thing!!! I told myself that I would walk for 2 minutes. I got my breathing under control, made it to the top of the slope and started running. My toes were hurting and my knees were cranky but I was so close! I just kept pushing. I hit mile 12 at 1:53:something. Hell yeah! Only 1.1 to go. 12-13 I picked up the pace. Then just the .1 left to go. I swear this race seems like the longest .1 ever.

The finish line was crowded and people were cheering as I ran past. Not for me, but I can be in denial, right? Crossed the finish line and the clock said 2:06:54. Goal #1 done and done! Just shy of goal #2 and I knew that my chip time would be different than gun time since it did take a while to get across the starting line.

My mom and dad were at this finish line, so we took advantage of some photo opportunities and I took the chance to stretch. Since this was a point to point race, I was also very glad to have them there so I could hitch a ride back. It was really cold and my mom (race photographer) was not feeling well at all so we didn’t stay too long and chose to bypass the expo.

What you can't see is that my legs are shaking! — What you can’t see is that my legs are shaking!

I am so pumped that I hit 2:05:53. It was something that I wasn’t sure I could do, and its great knowing that I succeeded. My next goal is to break 2:00, eek!!! That’s scary. I feel pretty good right now, just some pain in my knees. The real question will be how I feel tomorrow and Tuesday- always the worst day. 😦

Highlights-

Best race sign I saw today- I had just hit the halfway point and was beginning to drag. I saw some people standing to the side with a sign that read “Keep going, you’re running better than our government”. I don’t care what political affiliation you are, that was just the touch of smart ass sense of humor that I needed at that point. The liquid awesome ones were pretty good too.

Best improvement– My medal was handed to me ready to go at the finish line. Last year they handed it to me folded and wrapped in plastic. Thanks killjoy.

And– I ran all but 2 minutes of a half marathon!! I had no idea I could do that! 🙂

Hope everyone had an absolutely fantastic weekend, and if you ran or raced- awesome!

In the home stretch…

The final countdown has begun!!!

I am torn between being super excited and freaking out. It happens before every big race, that feeling of “oh what have I taken on?”. But I can’t wait! Due to the previously mentioned dream, I may be setting 6 alarms but I am still excited!

Judging from what I have been reading on everyone’s blogs, I am not the only one with a big race this Sunday! So it looks like October 13 is a good day to race. Good luck to everyone who is running! Bring it on! 🙂

Tuesday was volleyball night and we won! Ok, only one match, but that is better than none! I still haven’t picked up new volleyball shoes but I managed to get last season’s shoes workable. They had been turned in gardening shoes, oops! So a little water to rinse them off and a borrowed pocket knife and I had some traction; no more slipping and sliding all over the floor. We won our first match in 2 games and had a little down time before the second. The thing that frustrates me about the team is that when we lose, we aren’t being beaten. We are making unforced errors that cost us too many points. We have the skill but we just can’t seem to close. Guess that provides the justification for our team name of “Aimless”.

Today, I thought I was going to have to drop my 2^nd work school course but a last minute change yesterday meant school was back on. I do not understand why it takes me 30 minutes to go 17 miles. From one town to another and 10 of those miles are highway! And I do not drive slowly. Class ran late but that was ok as I like to space out my runs during race week. 2 days between each run, so, I ran Monday and I will get in some miles tomorrow, then race day on Sunday!!!! 🙂

I may try to do an easy 2 either on the treadmill or at the track on Saturday, but not likely. I plan to drive down and pick up my race packet and shirt and do a bit of shopping that day. I would rather spend the gas money and go down twice than have to stress about picking the packet up on race day. Plus I am kind of OCD and I like to get all my gear together the night before. This way I don’t have to think about it race morning. I can worry about other things.

Like how crappy race photos turn out! The race photographer sent an email tonight saying there will be 7 photographers on the course along with 2-3 people filming. Great, more cranky looking pictures. Like this one from the 10K I just ran-

And seriously what kind of lens does he use? Everyone looks very stout, even the tallest skinniest of people. Oh and the course? It was flat, like pancake flat-

Where did those slopes come from?
(Photos by Brian P Lawler)

So here’s to hoping this next photographer uses different filters and I get one I may actually want to pay for.

Hope everyone made it through Wednesday and is having a good week!!

Anyone else with OCD tendencies?

My Happy Place

It rained!!!!! Only for a bit and it was more of a mist but it rained! It happened while I was working Saturday, I tried to take a picture but it just looks gray. We’re in the middle of a drought so any rain is exciting. Granted I wasn’t in my home town and it turns out it didn’t get any rain. Driving home in the rain and fog was less exciting. I was behind a car going 40 in a 60, but that was actually ok as I could hardly see the car itself due to the fog.

I arrived home to find new toys in the mail! My new belt had arrived. I had searched numerous web sites and asked fellow bloggers opinions as I was super frustrated by my current hydration belt. After checking things out, RunningFromitAll (awesome blog) recommended iFitness. Duh! They made my basic running belt that I really liked aside from it being too small for longer races. I had forgotten about them. So I checked out their website, turns out they changed their name to Fitletic. After mulling things over, I ordered myself a new belt.

Now this is not a hydration belt. I can order the add on’s for that but I think I am going to try it without. There are 5 water stations in my next half marathon, so I figure between those and a little handheld with Gatorade, I will be ok. At least that is the plan. We’ll see how it works out after the race. It has 2 pockets and some straps for gels, as well as race bib holders. I probably won’t use the bib holders, I tend to wear my belt really low on my hips. My phone does fit much better in this belt as well.

I was torn between the track and the gym for my run, but I really wanted to test out my new belt. The track won. Which is more than fine by me, the track is my “happy place”. I was aiming for between 4-5 miles and was thinking about trying some 800’s. I felt pretty good after my first mile, so I decided to just try and maintain pace as long as I could. I had a larger bottle of water to carry but it was driving me bonkers so I left it on a table by the track.

I hit mile 4 and still felt good, so I kept going. My mother had come with me for this workout and I noticed then that she was doing her sprints. She does those when she nears the end of her workout. I rounded the south curve and hit mile 5, and she was sitting on the table waiting. It was too good of run to quit so I pushed through to a full 10K. Mile 6 was my best mile out of the 6, 9:38 🙂 My overall pace was better than my previous run on the treadmill. But I also love the track now, like I said, it’s a happy place. I hated it in high school, but then I hated running too. I have always been a slacker. I was actually asked a couple times if I wanted to run track back then and I was like “why the heck would I do that?”. I ran the required amount for tennis and softball and that was it. Not a foot more. Now I wish I had maybe given it a shot then, maybe it wouldn’t be so hard now.

Today was a designated Slacker day. I spent the day shopping. Prior to getting healthier and losing weight, I use to say that window shopping was exercise, all that walking up and down the street right? My Nike Fuelband quickly put that theory to rest. Shopping days are actually some of my laziest days. I earn more fuel points at work, and I sit at a desk a lot. Today, I discovered that trying on clothes is a work out, haha! I went to Dick’s to look for a new pair of running capris. I tried on 9 pairs, that was just ridiculous. I ended up going with the Nike Filament Capri, which was funny because they were the pair I liked the least on the rack and based on fabric. Once on, though, they felt awesome. Now to see if they run awesome.

I also picked up some new work clothes for a steal 🙂 and ate some yummy food. I picked up a few things to finish the mini room makeover, but still haven’t been able to get the headboard to work. All in all, a very good Slacker Sunday.

So yummy, I snacked a bit first :) — So yummy, I snacked a bit first 🙂

I hope everyone had an awesome weekend and kicked ass in any races 🙂

Shoe Talks

Let’s talk about shoes. So I am currently wearing Mizuno Wave Inspire 9 and I have been since December. As of today they have 386 miles on them. I love these shoes and of course they are introducing a new model in November. But I love this style!!!! I really should replace them now, but I do not want to break in a new pair before my half marathon in 3 weeks. And I have been using that excuse for the last 2 months.

I have also held off because every time I buy a new pair of shoes, the shin splints that I use to suffer from every day always make a reappearance. Why can’t they just stay gone? Since there is a new updated version about to hit stores, I think that I will see if I can find mine on clearance anywhere. Fingers crossed! But then again, the new ones do look pretty.

I really do love these shoes. Prior to these Mizuno’s, I had only ever run in Brooks. Actually my previous two pairs were both Brooks Ravenna. While I had never had any problems with them, I wasn’t dead set on them. So after Christmas last year, I headed out on a shoe hunt. My shoes always seem to need to be replaced around Christmas or my birthday. I have managed to not have to pay for a pair of shoes yet. Yay for presents! Changing to Mizuno was a jump because it was a different brand, I went down a size and they were a different support level. Yikes! I was nervous when I first started wearing them. But they have been awesome. I am sad to see the wear on them. I have also set 3 PR’s in them, so maybe I am a little emotionally attached to them. J

Speaking of shoes, I wore my boots to the chamber mixer on Thursday and it occurred to me that they probably have almost as many miles on them as my running shoes. Slower miles for sure but they got me through a crazy time back at the beginning of the year. I had just transferred locations for work and we were going through something like a merger. We had crazy hours and did lots of running around, and these shoes were my go to. Got me through the day, didn’t hurt and kept my legs warm! Sadly, they too are in need of replacing. I hate replacing shoes, you never know if the new ones will be as comfortable as the nice old, worn in ones. And breaking them in always takes time. Plus, I have a hard time finding boots that actually fit my calves. Ahhh, the joys of being a runner 🙂

Yep, I wear knee socks :) — Yep, I wear knee socks 🙂

Thursday was busy but good, and Friday has come and gone. Bring on the weekend running! I now have 8 days until my 10K, and possible 5K, so I would really like to get in some decent miles this weekend. I also have some shows that I would love to catch up on, Slacker style in my comfy chair. And maybe some good food along the way. All that after I get off work that is.

Anyone else have a pair of shoes that they just don’t want to let go of?

Hope everyone had a good Friday and if you are racing this weekend, good luck!!

Ugh, just ugh…

So the planned easy 6 for Saturday turned into 4 miles of hell. I put it off until late Saturday afternoon and I really did not want to go. But there was this little voice in my head nagging me into going. So I put on my shoes and headed out the door.

Mile 1 was slow and cranky; mile 2 was a little better. By mile 3, I was in trouble. Ever have a moment when your stomach just completely wigs out on you? Yeah, that happened. The last ½ of mile 3 and all 4 turned in a walk. I really needed to run but that was so not gonna happen. Ugh.

Today, I was just over it and decided not to run at all. So I went shopping instead. A little retail therapy never hurt’s right? Other than maybe your pocketbook. 🙂

I would like a new running belt so I decided to check out the options. I hit Dick’s, Sports Authority and The Running Warehouse… no luck. I currently have a Fuel belt, but it drives me bonkers. It bounces up and down while I run, no matter what I do. I have tried to wear with the bottles on the front, or with the bottles on the back, usually I end up wearing it with them on my side. I swear if I had any sewing skills and it wouldn’t hinder my movement, I would sew a leg strap to it, Tomb Raider style.

I have run my last 2 long runs and just carried a water bottle. I am debating if I just want to do that for my half marathon, but not sure. I need to figure it out though, I have less than 5 weeks to go. Eek!!

On the upshot, I did pick up some Nuun to try and I replaced the headband I lost around mile 11 of last half marathon.

I also found the best part of the season already for sale-

Yum!! Sugar and Carbs :) — Yum!! Sugar and Carbs 🙂

Yeah for race fuel!!!!! And yes, I really use candy corn for my half marathons.

Hope everyone had a good weekend!!!!!

Any belt ideas? Let me know 🙂