I thought I was done racing for 2009 after completing my 3 states in 8 days streak. I am weak though, and there just happened to be a cheap, local marathon that over 100 of my favorite people had entered. I had nothing better to do, so I decided to join in on the fun.
The race director (the one and only Pigtails) emailed us a few days before the race requesting that we try and carpool due to lack of parking. Fortunately Andy Fritz, a local Maniac, agreed to drive so we met at 5:30 am and headed towards the mountains. I dressed in tights and a long sleeve Maniac shirt, carried a pack with gloves and a jacket. The weather forecast called for light rain turning to dry and overcast, mid 40’s. Just perfect. As predicted, we started off in a light drizzle. The first 6 miles consisted of nicely packed dirt and gravel following the Cedar River downstream. The running seemed easy, but I intentional kept my pace slow. Karen Wiggins joined me and we spent a few miles catching up on our lives while our pace increased. One of us would notice and we would back off. 5 miles into the race, I decided I was pushing the pace too much for a recovery run (mid-9 minute miles) so I let Karen go on without me. I dialed back to 10½ minutes per mile and was all ready to just settle in and listen to music when young David Appleton caught me. I met David in Death Valley and then again in Las Vegas, so I welcomed the chance of running together. We ran fairly steadily to the half way point, taking short walk breaks every mile. We turned around and mile 14 and immediately noticed that we had been running slightly downhill the entire first half. That meant a long and gradual climb all the way back to the finish line. The drizzle had turned to a steady rain. I was getting chilled and my legs were fatigued. David was feeling the same so we increased our walk breaks to every ½ mile. To our surprise, we were actually passing people! We were slow, but others were slower….the gradual uphill and deteriorating weather was wearing people down. With 5 miles to go, Brian Pendleton caught up to us and helped make the final hour pass a little more quickly with new topics to discuss. We crossed the finish line in just under 5 hours, though my legs felt like I had run much faster. By comparison, the winning Women’s time was 4:04, so it was definitely a slow slog for everyone. After we collected our handmade finishers medals (pink bells decorated like pigs) I changed into warm, dry clothing and then made my way back to the finish line. We all huddled under the tent as we slurped down butternut squash soup and cheered in the rest of the runners.
I realized on my drive home how very tired I was. 7 marathons in 3 months had taken its toll and I badly needed a break. I think I’ll take some time off now. I’m scheduled to run the First Call to Run Marathon on January 1st. but I think I’m going to skip it and resume my racing sometime in February.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Saturday, December 5, 2009
The Road to Ruthenium (or how to become a 5-star Maniac in 8 days)
I’ve been stuck at Marathon Maniac Iridium level (4 spinny stars) for over 2 years. I decided it was time to go for the next level: Ruthenium. This requires the dedicated Maniac to complete one of the following:
26 - 30 Marathons within 1 calendar year or…..
4 Marathons on back to back weekends (within a 9 day window) or….
3 Marathons in 3 separate US states, Countries, or Canadian Provinces (any combination) within a 9-day time span or….
13 Marathons in 13 different US states, Countries, or Canadian Provinces (any combination) in one calendar year.
It looked like 3 marathons in 3 states in 9 days was the most doable. So I came up with a plan and entered the races.
I approached the first in this series of marathons feeling weak and under-trained. I had stumbled over a pothole at the Royal Victoria Marathon in October and as a result have had pain in my lower ankle although no swelling or heat. Resting didn’t seem to help much, but running made the pain go away for several hours at a time. Still, I knew better than to try and run hard with such an odd niggle. 10 days before Seattle I came down with the flu. I was so tired I couldn’t get out of bed, then my lungs became congested to the point I couldn’t sleep. All the coughing and hacking caused tightness in my back and rib cage muscles. I was miserable and almost decided to cancel my quest for 5 stars. The Friday before Seattle I took a little 4 mile jog and was surprised that I felt almost normal. The races were back on with one caveat: run easy the first race and ease up from there.
Race 1, State 1: November 29, Seattle Marathon in Washington State
I was going to write a report for this race, but I liked Divechief’s so much, I decided to use his instead:
“Right before the start Dove spotted me. Today was the first of marathons in 3 states in 8 days. She wanted to take it kind of easy today and it turned out our paces were pretty much exactly even so we ran the entire race side by side. Often, we would be talking while the miles streamed by and be surprised at how fast our pace was and realize we needed to back it off a little so we didn't suffer in the later miles, then a few miles later our pace would be right back up there.
The course features a couple out and backs where you can see the runners ahead and behind you. We saw SR Lopez running strong, several miles ahead of us. Barefoot Jon a few miles behind us, and Franc and her friend really close to us, but her friend was having foot problems.
We also spotted Bob Dolphin and Larry Macon, world record holder with 105 marathons in 2008 on the course, more on that later. (They were mentioned in the recent Wall street journal article)
Beautiful overcast day, 50ยบ gentle breeze was enough to keep us cool. I was fine with a throw away at the start, shorts and long sleeve shirt, short sleeve would have worked just as well.
We caught up to Larry Macon at around mile 21 (He started an hour early) Chatted for a few minutes and we discovered that he is going to be in Las Vegas next weekend. One of the same races Dove is running. Larry Proposed to Dove. He said he was going to marry 6 women in Las Vegas!!! Dove accepted. We felt that both Larry's wife, and Dove's Finance will be surprised!! We spent the next mile discussing the appropriate running/wedding wear for her upcoming wedding.
The miles continued to fly by, we didn't negative split, I had to dig a little from about miles 23-25 but I was still feeling OK. Finished under 4:30, Dove felt she still has plenty in the tank for her two marathons next weekend. Fun day.”
After Seattle I rested and tried not to run too much. My ankle was not happy with me, but still no swelling or heat. My hip was acting up again, too. It has decided that a spontaneous collapse without warning keeps things from getting boring. I ended up on the pavement a few times this summer because of such hip antics. The hip threatened in Seattle, but never quite collapsed. I was committed to completing the series, so renewed my vow to go out slow and ease up the next two marathons.
Race 2, State 2: December 4, Death Valley Borax Marathon in California
We flew into Las Vegas Friday morning, drove over to the Rock N Roll expo to pick up my race number for Sunday, then stopped to fuel up at the Mandalay Bay Buffet. The race director of the Death Valley Borax Marathon had warned us that there were few choices for dining once we left Las Vegas, so we decided to eat our big meal before starting the drive.
Driving into Death Valley was breathtaking. I knew that I was in for a special run the next day and couldn’t wait to get started.
The forecast was for a low in the mid 30’s race morning, heating up to the mid 60’s by afternoon. I decided to dress for the finish temps and made my way to the pre-race meeting wearing a Brooks running skirt in black, a white and gold Brooks ID singlet, White Marathon Maniac hat and Adrenaline 10 shoes. As always I wore my double diamond studs and 26.2 lucky necklace. I carried a handheld water bottle since aid stations would be 3.5 to 4 miles apart. The pre-race meeting was one of the highlights of my week. The self-important race director turned out to be quite a ham. He explained the rules “start time is approximately 8:00, you win a rubber chicken if you are the first to cross the line… well it used to be a rubber chicken, but now it’s a chicken purse stuffed with $1,000,000 in shredded bills because of past complaints about no prize purse”… and a few other details like the serve-yourself aid stations and self monitored turn-around points for the various race distances. He concluded the meeting with a heartfelt sing-a-long of America the Beautiful. I couldn’t imagine a more fitting way to start the race.
I really don’t have much to say about the actual run. I was completely enchanted by the magic of the valley. We were running below sea level for the entire race, but it was surprisingly hilly. And exposed. The dry air whisked away sweat before I realized it had formed, so I was careful to keep drinking water and taking electrolyte capsules. Running was effortless, but I mixed in plenty of walk breaks, honoring my promise to go out slow and ease back. The pavement had a softness and smoothness about it that cushioned each footfall. At the halfway point we turned around and headed back to Furnace Creek. A gentle head wind had picked up and cooled me just enough. I don’t really know where the time went, but I swear I was out there for less than an hour. Turns out it was well over four hours when I crossed the finish line, received my medal and shirt and plunged into the warm-spring fed pool. A quick check of the results showed I managed a 2nd in my age group. It didn’t matter one bit though…. I could have been dead last and still felt just as blessed.
Race 3, State 3: December 5, Rock n’ Roll Las Vegas in Nevada
As usual I had a hard time eating after the marathon. I did manage to choke down half an order of fried rice and a beer before calling it a day. I woke and tried to eat a breakfast bar, but could barely choke it down. And since it was Vegas, there was no coffee maker in the room to help get the blood flowing. Oh well.
Today’s race would start at 6:15. My past Rock n’Roll experiences meant I needed to be at the start line at least 30 minutes early to check my bag and work my way to the corrals. I was out the door at 5:15, dressed in a black short sleeve Brooks ID tech shirt, black Brooks skirt, Brooks Infinity shoes and a Marathon Maniacs hat. Double diamond studs, my 26.2 necklace and pink striped disposable arm warmers completed the look. By the time I had walked the 2 miles to the start line, I knew I had under dressed. I was freezing! It was too late to go back and change, and nearly impossible with all the runners walking down the strip.
I was in corral 6, a nice place to start. A few minutes after the gun went off, we moved into position and started off down the strip. Fireworks filled the chilly air and illuminated the broken asphalt they call a street. I picked up my feet carefully, trying to avoid another tumble into a pothole like Victoria. The mass number of runners, the efficient manner of the RnR staff and the too slick race entertainment made me feel like pampered cattle being seductively herded to slaughter. The bands were playing, yes, actually playing! (unlike Seattle where most of the bands were just standing around). The big screen displays that casinos have along the strip were broadcasting the race as it unfolded, allowing the mid-packers to watch the battle going on between front runners, as we ran! Despite my dislike of mega races, this one was fun. It was Las Vegas, baby. We ran down the strip with the half-marathoners, made a loop at the 6 miles mark, then head back up the strip towards the finish line. Water and electrolyte drink was flowing, GU was plentiful, bands every mile as promised. Then it happened….. the marathoners split from the half. We were cast out of the glitzy Vegas and dumped like an ugly Christmas sweater into a seedier section of town. The bands no longer played. The aid stations had dwindled. The few bums staggering down the street looked at us with pity as we began a long and steady climb that started at mile 15 and continued to taunt us for the next 4 miles. My legs were done by that time. They were shaky and felt weak. I had been careful to implement a 10:1, run/walk ratio from the beginning of the race and that was beginning to fail me. I was cold and started to shake. At mile 18 an angel know was Marathon Maniac #1382 found me and gave me a double espresso GU and a few Starbursts. The turn around at mile 20 found me with renewed energy. I dumped the walk breaks and took it home at near marathon pace (it helped that 5 of the remaining 6.2 miles were downhill). I crossed the finish line with body intact and 5 spinny stars reflecting in my eyes.
This series of races provide me with opportunity to run a small (Death Valley: 341 runners), medium (Seattle: 9,500 runners), and Mega (Las Vegas: 30,000 runners) marathon in short succession. They were all fun. Vegas is just too glitzy and polished: really a half marathon event with an additional out and back for the marathoners. Seattle will always be a favorite of mine, but after running it 4 times I was ready for something new. I far preferred the small Death Valley marathon with its devil-may-care attitude, funky awards and colorful race director.
P.S. I didn’t get married in Las Vegas. I lost my intended in a sea of grooms so I decided to just keep running. Sorry Larry.
__________________
26 - 30 Marathons within 1 calendar year or…..
4 Marathons on back to back weekends (within a 9 day window) or….
3 Marathons in 3 separate US states, Countries, or Canadian Provinces (any combination) within a 9-day time span or….
13 Marathons in 13 different US states, Countries, or Canadian Provinces (any combination) in one calendar year.
It looked like 3 marathons in 3 states in 9 days was the most doable. So I came up with a plan and entered the races.
I approached the first in this series of marathons feeling weak and under-trained. I had stumbled over a pothole at the Royal Victoria Marathon in October and as a result have had pain in my lower ankle although no swelling or heat. Resting didn’t seem to help much, but running made the pain go away for several hours at a time. Still, I knew better than to try and run hard with such an odd niggle. 10 days before Seattle I came down with the flu. I was so tired I couldn’t get out of bed, then my lungs became congested to the point I couldn’t sleep. All the coughing and hacking caused tightness in my back and rib cage muscles. I was miserable and almost decided to cancel my quest for 5 stars. The Friday before Seattle I took a little 4 mile jog and was surprised that I felt almost normal. The races were back on with one caveat: run easy the first race and ease up from there.
Race 1, State 1: November 29, Seattle Marathon in Washington State
I was going to write a report for this race, but I liked Divechief’s so much, I decided to use his instead:
“Right before the start Dove spotted me. Today was the first of marathons in 3 states in 8 days. She wanted to take it kind of easy today and it turned out our paces were pretty much exactly even so we ran the entire race side by side. Often, we would be talking while the miles streamed by and be surprised at how fast our pace was and realize we needed to back it off a little so we didn't suffer in the later miles, then a few miles later our pace would be right back up there.
The course features a couple out and backs where you can see the runners ahead and behind you. We saw SR Lopez running strong, several miles ahead of us. Barefoot Jon a few miles behind us, and Franc and her friend really close to us, but her friend was having foot problems.
We also spotted Bob Dolphin and Larry Macon, world record holder with 105 marathons in 2008 on the course, more on that later. (They were mentioned in the recent Wall street journal article)
Beautiful overcast day, 50ยบ gentle breeze was enough to keep us cool. I was fine with a throw away at the start, shorts and long sleeve shirt, short sleeve would have worked just as well.
We caught up to Larry Macon at around mile 21 (He started an hour early) Chatted for a few minutes and we discovered that he is going to be in Las Vegas next weekend. One of the same races Dove is running. Larry Proposed to Dove. He said he was going to marry 6 women in Las Vegas!!! Dove accepted. We felt that both Larry's wife, and Dove's Finance will be surprised!! We spent the next mile discussing the appropriate running/wedding wear for her upcoming wedding.
The miles continued to fly by, we didn't negative split, I had to dig a little from about miles 23-25 but I was still feeling OK. Finished under 4:30, Dove felt she still has plenty in the tank for her two marathons next weekend. Fun day.”
After Seattle I rested and tried not to run too much. My ankle was not happy with me, but still no swelling or heat. My hip was acting up again, too. It has decided that a spontaneous collapse without warning keeps things from getting boring. I ended up on the pavement a few times this summer because of such hip antics. The hip threatened in Seattle, but never quite collapsed. I was committed to completing the series, so renewed my vow to go out slow and ease up the next two marathons.
Race 2, State 2: December 4, Death Valley Borax Marathon in California
We flew into Las Vegas Friday morning, drove over to the Rock N Roll expo to pick up my race number for Sunday, then stopped to fuel up at the Mandalay Bay Buffet. The race director of the Death Valley Borax Marathon had warned us that there were few choices for dining once we left Las Vegas, so we decided to eat our big meal before starting the drive.
Driving into Death Valley was breathtaking. I knew that I was in for a special run the next day and couldn’t wait to get started.
The forecast was for a low in the mid 30’s race morning, heating up to the mid 60’s by afternoon. I decided to dress for the finish temps and made my way to the pre-race meeting wearing a Brooks running skirt in black, a white and gold Brooks ID singlet, White Marathon Maniac hat and Adrenaline 10 shoes. As always I wore my double diamond studs and 26.2 lucky necklace. I carried a handheld water bottle since aid stations would be 3.5 to 4 miles apart. The pre-race meeting was one of the highlights of my week. The self-important race director turned out to be quite a ham. He explained the rules “start time is approximately 8:00, you win a rubber chicken if you are the first to cross the line… well it used to be a rubber chicken, but now it’s a chicken purse stuffed with $1,000,000 in shredded bills because of past complaints about no prize purse”… and a few other details like the serve-yourself aid stations and self monitored turn-around points for the various race distances. He concluded the meeting with a heartfelt sing-a-long of America the Beautiful. I couldn’t imagine a more fitting way to start the race.
I really don’t have much to say about the actual run. I was completely enchanted by the magic of the valley. We were running below sea level for the entire race, but it was surprisingly hilly. And exposed. The dry air whisked away sweat before I realized it had formed, so I was careful to keep drinking water and taking electrolyte capsules. Running was effortless, but I mixed in plenty of walk breaks, honoring my promise to go out slow and ease back. The pavement had a softness and smoothness about it that cushioned each footfall. At the halfway point we turned around and headed back to Furnace Creek. A gentle head wind had picked up and cooled me just enough. I don’t really know where the time went, but I swear I was out there for less than an hour. Turns out it was well over four hours when I crossed the finish line, received my medal and shirt and plunged into the warm-spring fed pool. A quick check of the results showed I managed a 2nd in my age group. It didn’t matter one bit though…. I could have been dead last and still felt just as blessed.
Race 3, State 3: December 5, Rock n’ Roll Las Vegas in Nevada
As usual I had a hard time eating after the marathon. I did manage to choke down half an order of fried rice and a beer before calling it a day. I woke and tried to eat a breakfast bar, but could barely choke it down. And since it was Vegas, there was no coffee maker in the room to help get the blood flowing. Oh well.
Today’s race would start at 6:15. My past Rock n’Roll experiences meant I needed to be at the start line at least 30 minutes early to check my bag and work my way to the corrals. I was out the door at 5:15, dressed in a black short sleeve Brooks ID tech shirt, black Brooks skirt, Brooks Infinity shoes and a Marathon Maniacs hat. Double diamond studs, my 26.2 necklace and pink striped disposable arm warmers completed the look. By the time I had walked the 2 miles to the start line, I knew I had under dressed. I was freezing! It was too late to go back and change, and nearly impossible with all the runners walking down the strip.
I was in corral 6, a nice place to start. A few minutes after the gun went off, we moved into position and started off down the strip. Fireworks filled the chilly air and illuminated the broken asphalt they call a street. I picked up my feet carefully, trying to avoid another tumble into a pothole like Victoria. The mass number of runners, the efficient manner of the RnR staff and the too slick race entertainment made me feel like pampered cattle being seductively herded to slaughter. The bands were playing, yes, actually playing! (unlike Seattle where most of the bands were just standing around). The big screen displays that casinos have along the strip were broadcasting the race as it unfolded, allowing the mid-packers to watch the battle going on between front runners, as we ran! Despite my dislike of mega races, this one was fun. It was Las Vegas, baby. We ran down the strip with the half-marathoners, made a loop at the 6 miles mark, then head back up the strip towards the finish line. Water and electrolyte drink was flowing, GU was plentiful, bands every mile as promised. Then it happened….. the marathoners split from the half. We were cast out of the glitzy Vegas and dumped like an ugly Christmas sweater into a seedier section of town. The bands no longer played. The aid stations had dwindled. The few bums staggering down the street looked at us with pity as we began a long and steady climb that started at mile 15 and continued to taunt us for the next 4 miles. My legs were done by that time. They were shaky and felt weak. I had been careful to implement a 10:1, run/walk ratio from the beginning of the race and that was beginning to fail me. I was cold and started to shake. At mile 18 an angel know was Marathon Maniac #1382 found me and gave me a double espresso GU and a few Starbursts. The turn around at mile 20 found me with renewed energy. I dumped the walk breaks and took it home at near marathon pace (it helped that 5 of the remaining 6.2 miles were downhill). I crossed the finish line with body intact and 5 spinny stars reflecting in my eyes.
This series of races provide me with opportunity to run a small (Death Valley: 341 runners), medium (Seattle: 9,500 runners), and Mega (Las Vegas: 30,000 runners) marathon in short succession. They were all fun. Vegas is just too glitzy and polished: really a half marathon event with an additional out and back for the marathoners. Seattle will always be a favorite of mine, but after running it 4 times I was ready for something new. I far preferred the small Death Valley marathon with its devil-may-care attitude, funky awards and colorful race director.
P.S. I didn’t get married in Las Vegas. I lost my intended in a sea of grooms so I decided to just keep running. Sorry Larry.
__________________
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Royal Victoria Marathon
Royal Victoria was my last race in a 3 marathons in 6 week push. Skagit was my goal race, Bellingham my back-up and Victoria was supposed to be for fun. Things didn’t unfold the way they were planned: Skagit was a disaster, Bellingham became my goal race, but I wasn’t expecting the long, steep hills and miles of dirt trail. I missed my Boston Qualification by 11 minutes. Now Victoria was the goal race. My summer of focused training had one last chance to pay off and Victoria was it.
The intensity of the summer left me feeling a little achy in the hips and I was tired. I knew the course, though , and thought it suited my strengths. The weather was forecast to be ideal: sunny and mid 40’s. Slight wind (I like a little wind). I planned to hold myself to a 9:00 mpm pace through mile 20, then increase the speed and take it home. To help with my effort, I decided to run with the 4 hour pacer. Only one problem… I couldn’t find him at the start line. I also couldn’t find my usual Maniac friends, so I was on my own. I’m actually quite chatty at races so I made a few instant friends before the gun went off to start the race.
I started slow, then picked it up a bit by mile 4. After that, I had a hard time keeping to my 9:00 goal pace. Every time I took a split, I was hovering around 8:45. I knew I needed to bring it down a notch, and struggled to make that happen. I hit the turn-around well ahead of goal pace, and on my way back towards town caught a glimpse of the 4 hour pacer. He was 2 minutes or so behind me. I slowed down even more so the pace group could catch up, figuring it would be easier to hold myself back if I were in a pack. They caught me at mile 16. I latched on and settled into their stride. I just got comfortable and Mr. Pace Bunny yelled out “walk!” What? We just finished a significant climb, we should reward ourselves by gliding down the backside! Ignoring my intuition, I walked with the group. One minute later the pacer started running again. It took me a moment to get the legs moving again and almost as soon as I was motoring along smoothly, we walked again. He was on the 10 minute run, 1 minute walk routine. No matter where it fell on the course we were walking on the 10 minute mark. I managed to keep with the group until mile 20, though the constant change of rhythm was taking it's toll.
I hit that split perfectly with 3:02 showing on my watch. Now, according to plan, I could turn it on. Right now. Yep, this is it. Legs? Did you hear me? RIGHT NOW….. Nothing….. Again I summoned my inner strength and willed my legs to move faster. 2 seconds per mile faster…. 5 seconds a mile fast….. 10 seconds per mile faster. Perfect. I would hold this pace until mile 24, then increase the speed again. This is what I trained for. This was going to be my fast finish. Then it happened. Mile 22.5 and my quad seized up so bad I couldn’t move. I was dizzy with pain as I inched toward the curb. I stood there, slumped over like an old lady, trying to catch a breath and ease the pain. The EMT’s came by: making sure I was okay and offered a ride. I knew I couldn’t stop or the cramps would get worse. I had to find a way to start walking and move that lactic acid through my muscles. It seemed like minutes passed before I started to hobble towards the finish line. Half a mile later I picked up a slow jog, then when I felt a twinge in my quad, brought it back down to a walk. Once again I picked up a jog. I was too close to deny myself a finish, but time goals had completely disappeared. Somehow I managed a 9-something mile during that final push over the timing mat. To my surprise, I still managed a 4:12 and I completed my 49th marathon just 3½ years after my first.
We finished off the weekend with a lovely Canadian Thanksgiving dinner hosted by one of my friends. I wanted to feel sorry for myself, to make excuses or trivialize the importance of this race for me. None of it would do though. I have to own up to what happened and find a way to prevent it in the future. I can run an easy marathon every other week without problems, but to run with intensity that frequently left me drained. My muscles were fatigued. My system over taxed. Now all I can do is recover, rebuild and refocus.
The intensity of the summer left me feeling a little achy in the hips and I was tired. I knew the course, though , and thought it suited my strengths. The weather was forecast to be ideal: sunny and mid 40’s. Slight wind (I like a little wind). I planned to hold myself to a 9:00 mpm pace through mile 20, then increase the speed and take it home. To help with my effort, I decided to run with the 4 hour pacer. Only one problem… I couldn’t find him at the start line. I also couldn’t find my usual Maniac friends, so I was on my own. I’m actually quite chatty at races so I made a few instant friends before the gun went off to start the race.
I started slow, then picked it up a bit by mile 4. After that, I had a hard time keeping to my 9:00 goal pace. Every time I took a split, I was hovering around 8:45. I knew I needed to bring it down a notch, and struggled to make that happen. I hit the turn-around well ahead of goal pace, and on my way back towards town caught a glimpse of the 4 hour pacer. He was 2 minutes or so behind me. I slowed down even more so the pace group could catch up, figuring it would be easier to hold myself back if I were in a pack. They caught me at mile 16. I latched on and settled into their stride. I just got comfortable and Mr. Pace Bunny yelled out “walk!” What? We just finished a significant climb, we should reward ourselves by gliding down the backside! Ignoring my intuition, I walked with the group. One minute later the pacer started running again. It took me a moment to get the legs moving again and almost as soon as I was motoring along smoothly, we walked again. He was on the 10 minute run, 1 minute walk routine. No matter where it fell on the course we were walking on the 10 minute mark. I managed to keep with the group until mile 20, though the constant change of rhythm was taking it's toll.
I hit that split perfectly with 3:02 showing on my watch. Now, according to plan, I could turn it on. Right now. Yep, this is it. Legs? Did you hear me? RIGHT NOW….. Nothing….. Again I summoned my inner strength and willed my legs to move faster. 2 seconds per mile faster…. 5 seconds a mile fast….. 10 seconds per mile faster. Perfect. I would hold this pace until mile 24, then increase the speed again. This is what I trained for. This was going to be my fast finish. Then it happened. Mile 22.5 and my quad seized up so bad I couldn’t move. I was dizzy with pain as I inched toward the curb. I stood there, slumped over like an old lady, trying to catch a breath and ease the pain. The EMT’s came by: making sure I was okay and offered a ride. I knew I couldn’t stop or the cramps would get worse. I had to find a way to start walking and move that lactic acid through my muscles. It seemed like minutes passed before I started to hobble towards the finish line. Half a mile later I picked up a slow jog, then when I felt a twinge in my quad, brought it back down to a walk. Once again I picked up a jog. I was too close to deny myself a finish, but time goals had completely disappeared. Somehow I managed a 9-something mile during that final push over the timing mat. To my surprise, I still managed a 4:12 and I completed my 49th marathon just 3½ years after my first.
We finished off the weekend with a lovely Canadian Thanksgiving dinner hosted by one of my friends. I wanted to feel sorry for myself, to make excuses or trivialize the importance of this race for me. None of it would do though. I have to own up to what happened and find a way to prevent it in the future. I can run an easy marathon every other week without problems, but to run with intensity that frequently left me drained. My muscles were fatigued. My system over taxed. Now all I can do is recover, rebuild and refocus.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Bellingham Bay Marathon
My recovery from Skagit Flats didn’t go too well. The first week I was just plain tired. The second week I had a shooting pain in my hip that drastically altered my stride. My general rule is: if it hurts but doesn’t alter my stride and I warm out of it in a few mile… keep training. If it hurts and doesn’t alter my stride, but keeps hurting after mile 3… call it a day. If it alters my stride at any point….quit and take a few days off. So given my rule, I took 5 days off leading up to the Bellingham Bay Marathon. I also modified my goal. Originally this was going to be my second attempt at a fall BQ, instead I decided to just see if I could get through it pain free.
Race morning started out chilly but was supposed to be sunny and warm up by mid-morning. I decided to wear a singlet, gloves and compression shorts. I also decided to carry a water bottle so there would be no chance of dehydrating again. I was going to work on two things this marathon: properly timed nutrition/hydration and not walking when I started to fatigue (a bad habit that I picked up during a year of ultra running). Since my goal was to finish uninjured, I wanted to run around a 9:15 pace and hopefully pick it up the last 3 miles or so. As usual I lined up with the Maniacs at the start, and when we took off I found myself with two friends who are much faster than I am. We were having a nice conversation though, so I failed to pay attention to pace. 2 miles into it I noticed we were running 8:30’s. Too fast, I told them. I would drop off the back to keep my pace slow… then one of my friends would drop back with me, promising to go at my pace. Before I knew it, we would be running too fast again. This continued until the half way point. The pace hovered around 8:45 minutes per mile with the exception of a few big, long hills that I elected to walk. I enjoyed the company, though, and maybe a faster first half will pay off at some future race. I hit the half way point at 1:58. I forced myself to hold back again as my hip pain started to come back. Luckily the course veered onto a lovely dirt trail that eased the jarring at mile 15. I was starting to feel better, but kept my pace slow with hopes of turning on a little speed for the last 6 miles. When I passed the 20 mile marker, I decided now was the time, and worked to push my pace down to 9:00 minutes per mile again. Unfortunately, and wild downhill on a paved surface brought the hip pain back again. I reminded myself the goal was to come out of this marathon without injury, so once again I slowed my pace. I caught up to one of my fast friends from earlier in the race (also suffering from hip pain) and we managed to keep each other going to the finish line. I crossed the line in 4:12:10. I quickly stiffened up and the muscles in my hip area were very tender so I was glad I didn’t push it harder.
Now it’s time to rest again and see if I have anything left for the Royal Victoria Marathon in two weeks.
Race morning started out chilly but was supposed to be sunny and warm up by mid-morning. I decided to wear a singlet, gloves and compression shorts. I also decided to carry a water bottle so there would be no chance of dehydrating again. I was going to work on two things this marathon: properly timed nutrition/hydration and not walking when I started to fatigue (a bad habit that I picked up during a year of ultra running). Since my goal was to finish uninjured, I wanted to run around a 9:15 pace and hopefully pick it up the last 3 miles or so. As usual I lined up with the Maniacs at the start, and when we took off I found myself with two friends who are much faster than I am. We were having a nice conversation though, so I failed to pay attention to pace. 2 miles into it I noticed we were running 8:30’s. Too fast, I told them. I would drop off the back to keep my pace slow… then one of my friends would drop back with me, promising to go at my pace. Before I knew it, we would be running too fast again. This continued until the half way point. The pace hovered around 8:45 minutes per mile with the exception of a few big, long hills that I elected to walk. I enjoyed the company, though, and maybe a faster first half will pay off at some future race. I hit the half way point at 1:58. I forced myself to hold back again as my hip pain started to come back. Luckily the course veered onto a lovely dirt trail that eased the jarring at mile 15. I was starting to feel better, but kept my pace slow with hopes of turning on a little speed for the last 6 miles. When I passed the 20 mile marker, I decided now was the time, and worked to push my pace down to 9:00 minutes per mile again. Unfortunately, and wild downhill on a paved surface brought the hip pain back again. I reminded myself the goal was to come out of this marathon without injury, so once again I slowed my pace. I caught up to one of my fast friends from earlier in the race (also suffering from hip pain) and we managed to keep each other going to the finish line. I crossed the line in 4:12:10. I quickly stiffened up and the muscles in my hip area were very tender so I was glad I didn’t push it harder.
Now it’s time to rest again and see if I have anything left for the Royal Victoria Marathon in two weeks.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Skagit Flats Marathon
The race started so beautifully, who knew what would await me?
I was ready. My training leading up to this race went perfectly. I only missed one run, and that was a 16 miler at the beginning of the cycle due to flu. I ran a test race in early August ; a half marathon where my only goal was to put in a good effort the second half. I PR’d that race without much effort. I was feeling good, well rested and well fueled when I took my place at the start line. I started out easy, constantly checking my pace, because it seemed too easy. My watch kept me honest. I would find myself wandering toward 8:30 minute miles, but would catch it early enough to dial it back again. As a result, my miles splits were coming in at 8:58 – 9:02. Perfect. My plan was to run 9 minute miles the first 20 miles, then hammer it in for the last 6.
It was already too warm when we hit the first aid station around mile 1.5. Unfortunately only 2 volunteers were manning the station and couldn’t keep up with the demand of over 600 runners. I passed that station without getting any water. I knew it was a mistake at the time, but figured I would drink well at the next station, two miles down the road. This station was prepared and I got my water. Another two miles, more water, some gel and I was right where I wanted to be. My legs were fresh, my heart rate low but I was starting to really sweat. When I passed mile 8 I realized I hadn’t taken electrolytes yet, so I popped one at the next water stop. By this time I was drenched in sweat. The roads were getting hot and the course offered no shade. My eyes were burning from the amount of salt dripping down my face. Still I was feeling good and my pace was a steady 9:00 minutes per mile. I hit the turn around point in 1:58. As I started the second half of the race I started to feel slightly qu. My head was gently throbbing and I experienced the most demanding thirst. Where is the aid station? My mouth felt like cotton and the aid station was still a mile away. I needed water badly… when I finally hit the aid station (around mile 15) I stopped and chugged 4 cups of water. I expected my stomach to start sloshing after so much water, but it went down amazingly well. I picked up my pace again and my head started to really pound. I slowed down to walk a moment. I was dizzy once I slowed down. I went through my vital check list: heart rate- good, feet- fine, muscles-pleasantly tired, stomach- settled and no sloshing. Then I noticed it – I wasn’t sweating. Me, Miss Sweat Princess, the one blessed with a super efficient cooling system that allows me to run in blistering heat, wasn’t sweating at all. This was bad. I knew if I had any hope of crossing the finish line I had to quit racing. No BQ, no PR for me today. I made a pact with myself that very moment: walk it in and save the legs for another day. pick up a slow jog if I start sweating again, drop out entirely if I kept feeling dizzy or the headache gets worse. I also knew I had to focus on getting the system functioning again. I started working on replacing my electrolytes and getting plenty of liquids down. I would alternate walking with a slow, shuffling jog every ¼ mile or so. By mile 20 I was feeling significantly better and my mile 24 I broke a sweat again. I cautiously jogged the remaining 2.2 miles to the finish line. I quit looking at my watch after I started walking, so was expecting the finish line clock to read 5+ hours. I was amazed to finish in 4:30 minutes. All that practice walking over the summer must have paid off. I walked around for a bit, drank some more water and hit the showers. As I was packing up my race gear I noticed my clothes were coated in a fine dusting of salt. More than the typical sweat rings I usually get. After the shower I started feeling much better. I started reviewing the race and noticed that even though I had gotten so severely dehydrated, I never got leg cramps. Weird.
I was ready. My training leading up to this race went perfectly. I only missed one run, and that was a 16 miler at the beginning of the cycle due to flu. I ran a test race in early August ; a half marathon where my only goal was to put in a good effort the second half. I PR’d that race without much effort. I was feeling good, well rested and well fueled when I took my place at the start line. I started out easy, constantly checking my pace, because it seemed too easy. My watch kept me honest. I would find myself wandering toward 8:30 minute miles, but would catch it early enough to dial it back again. As a result, my miles splits were coming in at 8:58 – 9:02. Perfect. My plan was to run 9 minute miles the first 20 miles, then hammer it in for the last 6.
It was already too warm when we hit the first aid station around mile 1.5. Unfortunately only 2 volunteers were manning the station and couldn’t keep up with the demand of over 600 runners. I passed that station without getting any water. I knew it was a mistake at the time, but figured I would drink well at the next station, two miles down the road. This station was prepared and I got my water. Another two miles, more water, some gel and I was right where I wanted to be. My legs were fresh, my heart rate low but I was starting to really sweat. When I passed mile 8 I realized I hadn’t taken electrolytes yet, so I popped one at the next water stop. By this time I was drenched in sweat. The roads were getting hot and the course offered no shade. My eyes were burning from the amount of salt dripping down my face. Still I was feeling good and my pace was a steady 9:00 minutes per mile. I hit the turn around point in 1:58. As I started the second half of the race I started to feel slightly qu. My head was gently throbbing and I experienced the most demanding thirst. Where is the aid station? My mouth felt like cotton and the aid station was still a mile away. I needed water badly… when I finally hit the aid station (around mile 15) I stopped and chugged 4 cups of water. I expected my stomach to start sloshing after so much water, but it went down amazingly well. I picked up my pace again and my head started to really pound. I slowed down to walk a moment. I was dizzy once I slowed down. I went through my vital check list: heart rate- good, feet- fine, muscles-pleasantly tired, stomach- settled and no sloshing. Then I noticed it – I wasn’t sweating. Me, Miss Sweat Princess, the one blessed with a super efficient cooling system that allows me to run in blistering heat, wasn’t sweating at all. This was bad. I knew if I had any hope of crossing the finish line I had to quit racing. No BQ, no PR for me today. I made a pact with myself that very moment: walk it in and save the legs for another day. pick up a slow jog if I start sweating again, drop out entirely if I kept feeling dizzy or the headache gets worse. I also knew I had to focus on getting the system functioning again. I started working on replacing my electrolytes and getting plenty of liquids down. I would alternate walking with a slow, shuffling jog every ¼ mile or so. By mile 20 I was feeling significantly better and my mile 24 I broke a sweat again. I cautiously jogged the remaining 2.2 miles to the finish line. I quit looking at my watch after I started walking, so was expecting the finish line clock to read 5+ hours. I was amazed to finish in 4:30 minutes. All that practice walking over the summer must have paid off. I walked around for a bit, drank some more water and hit the showers. As I was packing up my race gear I noticed my clothes were coated in a fine dusting of salt. More than the typical sweat rings I usually get. After the shower I started feeling much better. I started reviewing the race and noticed that even though I had gotten so severely dehydrated, I never got leg cramps. Weird.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Tacoma Narrows Half Marathon
I recently joined the newly formed Marathon Maniacs off-shoot: the Half Fanatics. I hadn’t run a half marathon since I stepped up to the marathon distance, but my brief foray into the 13.1 mile world back in 2005 was enough to get me a “Moon” status with the Half Fanatics. And since I am now a card carrying member, I thought I should at least run the local half sponsored by our club.
That’s how I found myself standing at the foggy start line of the Tacoma Narrows Half Marathon. My last race was the Seattle Rock and Roll, then I decided to take the summer off and concentrate on my speed and strength. This half marathon fell on a day that I was scheduled to run 16 easy miles with 2 x 3 miles of harder effort. I figured I could run the race then tack on an extra 3 miles after the finish to hit my goal distance. For the actual race, I would run the first 6 miles slowly (as per my training plan), then pick up the 3 miles repeats with a mile jog in between. That plan would bring me flying into the finish, even though my overall effort would be relatively slow. I lined up with my friend Cat, and we took off through the fog. Around mile 4 the course started to climb as we ascended the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. This section of the course was appropriately narrow as we dodged and weaved around slower runners. Coming off the bridge, I expected to find the course flatten out. I was surprised to find we were still climbing… and climbing…. and climbing. Cat and I continued to run at a pace that allowed us to chat, I resisted the urge to glance at my watch since I knew pace didn’t matter at this point in the race.
My watch beeper went off and it was time to pick up the pace. I bid Cat farewell, and I strided off, still running uphill. 25 minutes later, I approached the “fun” part of the course… running around the bases and Cheney Stadium. I hoped to hit this section during my jog recovery so I could enjoy it, but unfortunately I was still in my speed phase and concentrating on driving down my average pace. I hit the end of my 3 mile effort the same time I closed in on 3rd base. A glance of the watch indicated an average pace of 8:11 minutes per mile for the first repeat. Fast for me! I jogged my mile recovery and started to wonder if I could even come close to that speed during my second repeat.
I didn’t have to wonder too long before my beeper went off, signaling the start of another hard effort. My watch was set to show me my average pace for the repeat and I made a game out of trying to drive the pace down as the distance passed. I started to pass a lot of runners those last 3 miles, some of which I had leap-frogged with several times during the course of the morning. On one particularly fast section, around mile 12, I passed a very fit looking runner who had passed me several times during my easy run phases and she shouted “just who are you?”. I laughed and responded “just out doing a little training run, see you at the finish” as I left her behind. My second 3 mile effort came in at an 8:04 average. I crossed the finish line in 1:53:20 for a new personal record. I turned around and started running back up the course, but offset by a block so I wouldn’t actually be on the course, and finished my final 3 miles. I was very pleased with my time, especially since I ran the first half at such an easy pace. Hopefully this is a sign that my hard work this summer is paying off and I’ll get that Boston Qualifier in September.
That’s how I found myself standing at the foggy start line of the Tacoma Narrows Half Marathon. My last race was the Seattle Rock and Roll, then I decided to take the summer off and concentrate on my speed and strength. This half marathon fell on a day that I was scheduled to run 16 easy miles with 2 x 3 miles of harder effort. I figured I could run the race then tack on an extra 3 miles after the finish to hit my goal distance. For the actual race, I would run the first 6 miles slowly (as per my training plan), then pick up the 3 miles repeats with a mile jog in between. That plan would bring me flying into the finish, even though my overall effort would be relatively slow. I lined up with my friend Cat, and we took off through the fog. Around mile 4 the course started to climb as we ascended the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. This section of the course was appropriately narrow as we dodged and weaved around slower runners. Coming off the bridge, I expected to find the course flatten out. I was surprised to find we were still climbing… and climbing…. and climbing. Cat and I continued to run at a pace that allowed us to chat, I resisted the urge to glance at my watch since I knew pace didn’t matter at this point in the race.
My watch beeper went off and it was time to pick up the pace. I bid Cat farewell, and I strided off, still running uphill. 25 minutes later, I approached the “fun” part of the course… running around the bases and Cheney Stadium. I hoped to hit this section during my jog recovery so I could enjoy it, but unfortunately I was still in my speed phase and concentrating on driving down my average pace. I hit the end of my 3 mile effort the same time I closed in on 3rd base. A glance of the watch indicated an average pace of 8:11 minutes per mile for the first repeat. Fast for me! I jogged my mile recovery and started to wonder if I could even come close to that speed during my second repeat.
I didn’t have to wonder too long before my beeper went off, signaling the start of another hard effort. My watch was set to show me my average pace for the repeat and I made a game out of trying to drive the pace down as the distance passed. I started to pass a lot of runners those last 3 miles, some of which I had leap-frogged with several times during the course of the morning. On one particularly fast section, around mile 12, I passed a very fit looking runner who had passed me several times during my easy run phases and she shouted “just who are you?”. I laughed and responded “just out doing a little training run, see you at the finish” as I left her behind. My second 3 mile effort came in at an 8:04 average. I crossed the finish line in 1:53:20 for a new personal record. I turned around and started running back up the course, but offset by a block so I wouldn’t actually be on the course, and finished my final 3 miles. I was very pleased with my time, especially since I ran the first half at such an easy pace. Hopefully this is a sign that my hard work this summer is paying off and I’ll get that Boston Qualifier in September.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Seattle Rock and Roll Marathon
I hate it when marathons get off to a bad start, and this one was shaping up to be one of the worst I’ve experienced. Sure, I’ve missed flights and lost my running gear before… but those things are to be expected when traveling across the country. This race was in my backyard, things are supposed to unfold smoothly.
My mis-adventure started Friday around noon. After getting my son off to camp (his ride was late), I jumped in the car and hit the freeway, or rather something on the freeway. My car pitched strongly to one side and my flat tire light came on. Someone had lost a box full of tools and one had ripped out my sidewall. Three hours later, $300 poorer, I was on the road again. I kept a nervous eye on the clock as traffic became more congested. My 1 hour drive to Seattle was verging on 5 hours (“gee it took you 5 hours to get to Seattle? I can run a marathon faster than that”) and the expo was nearing it’s close. I finally reached Quest Field, pulled into the garage and was promptly asked for $10… the advertised $5 parking fee was wrong, and I was in no mood to fork out yet more money, but I gave in. I rushed to get my number, ignored all the vendors hawking items I’m sure I needed, and went in search of “The House”. I drove right to it… finally a signal that the weekend may turn out o.k. Upon entering I was greeted by the familiar faces of Erika, Peter, Holly, Amy, Tammy and Nancy. I was also introduced to new friends: Tim, Francesca and Laura. I couple of good hugs and a glass of wine, suddenly all was right with the world.
The next morning Holly and I were up before the alarm, making coffee, eating breakfast and mentally preparing for the task at hand. Soon everyone else was up too, and dressed to run. I thought it was fun that all the Maniacs chose yellow singlets and black skirts (except for Amy, but her Race Ready shorts almost looked like a skirt).
At 6:00 am we piled into two cars and headed for the start, thinking we would have plenty of time. Wrong! The freeway was a parking lot, many runners were bailing out of cars to run to the start when it became apparent that we would miss the gun. We still had several miles to go so the group made a decision to just stay in the car and hope we reached the start before the timing mats were rolled up. Our car remained relaxed about the whole thing….we were experienced marathoners and knew we would live to race another day… no big deal. We did wonder how the car full of first timers was holding up, though. By the time we reached the start line it was 7:41, we were 41 minutes late and as a result stuck behind all the runners and walkers of both the full and half marathon. Nancy and I lined up together even though we had different goals for our marathon execution: Nancy wanted to go out fast and see how long she could hold it. I planned on starting out slow, pick it up in the second half and run a fast final few miles.
After the extremely crowded opening miles, I decided that I was running too fast for my plan, so told Nancy to go ahead and run her own race. She surge ahead, I dropped back and we both continued to dodge and weave through the crowds. Our separation lasted maybe a mile. The crowds were slowing Nancy down and the frustration was speeding me up. We rejoined, had a quick conversation and completely changed our race strategy. We decided to just have as much fun as possible. After all, this was the Rock and Roll marathon and that is exactly what we should do! So from that point on, every time we passed a band, we would stop and dance. Sometimes separately, sometimes arm and arm, occasionally hugging each other tight. What a sight we must have been: two skirted Maniacs, laughing and shouting, high fiving the spectators, greeting the other Maniacs, basically having more fun than one could ever expect while running 26.2. In fact there were many points along the course that I forgot we were running a race of significant distance.
At mile 21 I asked Nancy if she had anything left in legs, she responded “yes” so we took off, putting in an 8:14 mile before stopping to dance again. It felt so good to have that kind of energy so late in a marathon. That dance at mile 22 was pure celebration: of running, and friendship, and spontaneous decisions. We joyously continued along, churning out the final few miles and concluding with a sprint to the finish. Our legs and hearts didn’t want to quite, though and we caught ourselves still running after donning our medals, and dancing again at the finish line band.
We looked at our Garmin’s and realized we had put in almost perfectly even splits which included 4:17 of running and 11 minutes of dancing. Textbook execution of a very complicated race.
So to you, our friends, we raise our glasses and celebrate the true Spirit of the Marathon.The same true Spirit which allowed our wings to fly.
Thanks for reading and thanks to our coaches who have to put our training aside so often while we go to visit the "wild" side.
Monday, June 8, 2009
The Green River/NODM Double Marathon Weekend
Living in Western Washington certainly has its perks. For distance runners, it’s the opportunity to run 2 marathons on beautiful courses in the same weekend. Both marathons run along wooded bike paths and finish with 4 miles along the Puget Sound. This is the 3rd time I’ve run this double: the first year day one was a 50k though, not a road marathon. It was my 5th double in 2 years. I love running double marathons.
Sat – Green River Marathon. 26.2 miles on a bike path along the Green River. 1st half is flat and easy , 2nd half hits urban roads. This is a free , but certified course marathon so streets are not closed. We have to wait for lights to cross major intersections. Also a few hills so it’s definitely the slower the 2nd half. I continue to run easy until mile 21, then I pick it up for a mile to get the legs moving. At mile 22 we hit the beach and a headwind but I keep focused and run hard the last 3 miles. ½ spilt is 2:14, mile 21- 9:10, mile 24 -9:10, mile 25 – 8:55, mile 26-9:31. Second ½ split 2:11. Overall time: 4:25. The best part: it was easy! I felt great at the finish. No soreness or fatigue. One hour later I felt like I hadn’t run at all. Huge success in my opinion.
After the race I head out to the ball park to watch a USSSA softball tournament that Mr. Hawk is playing in. I eat a couple of tacos and enjoy a beer. Before long it’s 9:30 pm and we still have a 3 hour drive to Port Angeles. So much for plenty of sleep. We arrive in Port Angeles and remember that we haven’t eaten since lunch. You simply can’t run a double without eating well, so luckily we find a pizza place that’s still open. Hit the sack at 2:00 a.m., up again at 6:00 a.m. I’m not hungry and have a headache, so I force down some dry toast and black coffee. Mr. Hawk takes me to the start line then heads back to bed.
Sun- North Olympic Discovery Marathon. 3rd time running this marathon and always as 2nd marathon of a double weekend, my course PR was 4:47. 1st half is fairly flat and boring through town street and farmland. 2nd half is a tougher run through the forest and has lots of hills: short, steep hills. Last 4 miles are again run along a beach. A feel a little sluggish the first 5 miles but just take it easy. By mile 8 I am warmed up. I continue to feel stronger and stronger throughout the race. I keep waiting for the course to get hard…. I remember how tough this race is from past years. It never gets hard. I run mile 21 fast to wake up the legs and hit the beach feeling like a run-away freight train. Powerful and unstoppable. I pass people like they are standing still the final 4 miles. What fun! 1st half split: 2:12. Mile 21- 8:31, mile 24 – 9:56, mile 25 – 9:49, mile 26 – 8:54. 2nd half split: 2:12. Overall time: 4:24. Good enough for 4th place in my AG, on the second day of a double! 22 minute course PR! Double marathon PR by 23 minutes! Went home and mowed the lawn. It really doesn’t get any better than this. Or does it?
Sat – Green River Marathon. 26.2 miles on a bike path along the Green River. 1st half is flat and easy , 2nd half hits urban roads. This is a free , but certified course marathon so streets are not closed. We have to wait for lights to cross major intersections. Also a few hills so it’s definitely the slower the 2nd half. I continue to run easy until mile 21, then I pick it up for a mile to get the legs moving. At mile 22 we hit the beach and a headwind but I keep focused and run hard the last 3 miles. ½ spilt is 2:14, mile 21- 9:10, mile 24 -9:10, mile 25 – 8:55, mile 26-9:31. Second ½ split 2:11. Overall time: 4:25. The best part: it was easy! I felt great at the finish. No soreness or fatigue. One hour later I felt like I hadn’t run at all. Huge success in my opinion.
After the race I head out to the ball park to watch a USSSA softball tournament that Mr. Hawk is playing in. I eat a couple of tacos and enjoy a beer. Before long it’s 9:30 pm and we still have a 3 hour drive to Port Angeles. So much for plenty of sleep. We arrive in Port Angeles and remember that we haven’t eaten since lunch. You simply can’t run a double without eating well, so luckily we find a pizza place that’s still open. Hit the sack at 2:00 a.m., up again at 6:00 a.m. I’m not hungry and have a headache, so I force down some dry toast and black coffee. Mr. Hawk takes me to the start line then heads back to bed.
Sun- North Olympic Discovery Marathon. 3rd time running this marathon and always as 2nd marathon of a double weekend, my course PR was 4:47. 1st half is fairly flat and boring through town street and farmland. 2nd half is a tougher run through the forest and has lots of hills: short, steep hills. Last 4 miles are again run along a beach. A feel a little sluggish the first 5 miles but just take it easy. By mile 8 I am warmed up. I continue to feel stronger and stronger throughout the race. I keep waiting for the course to get hard…. I remember how tough this race is from past years. It never gets hard. I run mile 21 fast to wake up the legs and hit the beach feeling like a run-away freight train. Powerful and unstoppable. I pass people like they are standing still the final 4 miles. What fun! 1st half split: 2:12. Mile 21- 8:31, mile 24 – 9:56, mile 25 – 9:49, mile 26 – 8:54. 2nd half split: 2:12. Overall time: 4:24. Good enough for 4th place in my AG, on the second day of a double! 22 minute course PR! Double marathon PR by 23 minutes! Went home and mowed the lawn. It really doesn’t get any better than this. Or does it?
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Capital City Marathon
I went into the Capital City Marathon with the intention of claiming my 2010 Boston Qualifier. I was 4 minutes off in Boston, so I thought I’d take another shot at it in my home town. I should have stopped a moment and thought about the Capital City course before setting my goal.
My plan was to run like I had in Boston…. Start fast, hold on until mile 13, then let it gradually fade. I knew I could do it. As the race neared, reality started to sink in. Olympia had been experiencing a chilly spring, but as race weekend approached, the weather warmed significantly. Not good, especially since I’d been training in cool weather. I started to think I would be happy with matching my Boston time and saving the BQ for another day. Even with a slight change in goals, I wanted to go out fast and push myself instead of just completing a long training run like I did in Tacoma.
Everything started well. I got off to a nice start running 8:45’s for the first 4 miles. Then the fun was over and the climbing began. Capital City climbs and drops constantly. Steep, short climbs, long, shallow climbs, and on three occasions: steep, long climbs. By mile 7 I adjusted my goal again: I wanted to beat my previous best Capital City time: 4:13:58. I pushed hard, backing off when I needed to recover after a climb. I tried to stay focused on the beautiful, rural course and let mind wander down memory lane as I dashed across old childhood haunts. Gull Harbor Store, Cannery Ranch, Zangle Road and Woodard Bay were all so important when I was a kid, hanging out with my friends and our dogs. Later on when ran through the eastside of Olympia… down Friendly Grove Road, Miller Street and Bethel. Past my old elementary school and along my brothers paper route. Mile 20 went by the old Washington Middle School where we attended classes in school buses as we were waiting for the new Capital High School to open. Finally we hit the last long hill leading into Wildwood before dumping out on Capital Way and a 1.5 mile down hill sprint to the finish. I worked hard that last mile trying to accomplish my goal and thought I made it as I crossed the finish line (only to find out later that I ran a 4:13:59, 1 second slower than my course PR).
I was disappointed to find out that there were no medals at this years race, only results cards with a slot for our timing chips that we got to keep. After framing the results card, though, I decided that it was a nice touch and like it better than a medal.
My plan was to run like I had in Boston…. Start fast, hold on until mile 13, then let it gradually fade. I knew I could do it. As the race neared, reality started to sink in. Olympia had been experiencing a chilly spring, but as race weekend approached, the weather warmed significantly. Not good, especially since I’d been training in cool weather. I started to think I would be happy with matching my Boston time and saving the BQ for another day. Even with a slight change in goals, I wanted to go out fast and push myself instead of just completing a long training run like I did in Tacoma.
Everything started well. I got off to a nice start running 8:45’s for the first 4 miles. Then the fun was over and the climbing began. Capital City climbs and drops constantly. Steep, short climbs, long, shallow climbs, and on three occasions: steep, long climbs. By mile 7 I adjusted my goal again: I wanted to beat my previous best Capital City time: 4:13:58. I pushed hard, backing off when I needed to recover after a climb. I tried to stay focused on the beautiful, rural course and let mind wander down memory lane as I dashed across old childhood haunts. Gull Harbor Store, Cannery Ranch, Zangle Road and Woodard Bay were all so important when I was a kid, hanging out with my friends and our dogs. Later on when ran through the eastside of Olympia… down Friendly Grove Road, Miller Street and Bethel. Past my old elementary school and along my brothers paper route. Mile 20 went by the old Washington Middle School where we attended classes in school buses as we were waiting for the new Capital High School to open. Finally we hit the last long hill leading into Wildwood before dumping out on Capital Way and a 1.5 mile down hill sprint to the finish. I worked hard that last mile trying to accomplish my goal and thought I made it as I crossed the finish line (only to find out later that I ran a 4:13:59, 1 second slower than my course PR).
I was disappointed to find out that there were no medals at this years race, only results cards with a slot for our timing chips that we got to keep. After framing the results card, though, I decided that it was a nice touch and like it better than a medal.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Tacoma City Marathon
The Tacoma City Marathon was just a long, slow run for me and a chance to visit with a few friends while adding another tally to the Marathon Maniacs scoreboard. I decided to take the early start again this year and follow a 5/1 minute, run/walk ratio. I was still feeling a little tired from Boston, the travel and the head cold I developed afterward so slow and steady seemed like the best possible idea.
The early start was fairly large this year. As we lined up, the race director gave us a few quick instructions then went on to explain that there were a few course changes. I tried to listen but since I am not that familiar with Tacoma, the changes didn’t make much sense. The only one that stuck out was that we wouldn’t be running down South Tacoma Way this year. If that was the case, I knew I would enjoy the course.
A little after 6:00 we were off, pounding down the quiet streets at the base of the “hilltop”. I kept my eye on the lead bike as we wound around, ignoring my first walk break. I continued trying to keep an eye on the bike while ignoring the beeps from my watch that signaled “walk time”, then at mile 3, decided it was best to stick with my plan… after all the course was marked and I wouldn’t get lost. WRONG. I passed the Stadium High School aid station and realized I had no idea where I was. There were no course markings, no traffic cones and no other runners. I doubled back and after much searching found an old, faded mark on the concrete leading down an alley. I followed, wound around a bit more, then ran out of course markers again. I searched, doubled back, went west, turned east…. No markers. Finally I sighted an aid station but when I approached it, noticed it said “mile 6”, my Garmin indicated I was at mile 5. The aid station volunteers tired to encourage me to just keep going and forget about the fact I was a mile short, but I couldn’t, so I headed uphill in search of an extra mile. I didn’t really care if it was the right mile, I just didn’t want to be short at the finish, I signed up to run 26.2, and I was going to run 26.2. 10 minutes (and 1 mile) later I was back at the mile 6 aid station and ready to continue. By that time there were other runners to follow and the course was well marked. I had a great time running along the waterfront, passing through the Asarco tunnel and finally entering Pt Defiance Park. We ran by the zoo and I could hear the animals contained within issuing their morning greetings. I brought my headphones and kept thinking I should listen to some music, but the sounds of the morning were much more interesting.
My run/walk ratio was working well for me. I had lots of spring in my legs, my heart rate was low and I was feeling fresh. The hills that seemed like such monsters last year had tamed down considerably. After emerging from the park, we wandered through residential neighborhoods and down a bike path along highway 16. The bike path was hot and lonely until we pasted by a Top Foods parking lot where an employee had a shopping cart full of bottled water. It was a welcome relief during this aid-less stretch.
We eventually found ourselves right in the middle of the dreaded “hilltop”. Thankfully, gangbangers seem to enjoy sleeping in on Sunday’s and the city had posted several police officers at each street corner, so in general it felt fairly safe. The few residents that wandered outside encouraged the runners, even gangsters appreciate the efforts of a hard marathon. We finished with the familiar screaming downhill and sharp right turn, followed by 2 miles of a nice, gentle glide to the finish line. The marathon volunteers held up the finish tape for every marathon finisher to break through as the announcer read our name and anything notable about us. A very nice touch that I haven’t seen before.
After the race I met up with my childhood friend, Ali, whom I haven’t seen in 30 years. Seeing her again brought tears to my eyes and it was the best reward for finishing a difficult marathon. We walked around a bit, I changed into my sweats, then we settled down for a cold beer and an hour of catching up. It was a perfect day.
Finish time 4:34.
The early start was fairly large this year. As we lined up, the race director gave us a few quick instructions then went on to explain that there were a few course changes. I tried to listen but since I am not that familiar with Tacoma, the changes didn’t make much sense. The only one that stuck out was that we wouldn’t be running down South Tacoma Way this year. If that was the case, I knew I would enjoy the course.
A little after 6:00 we were off, pounding down the quiet streets at the base of the “hilltop”. I kept my eye on the lead bike as we wound around, ignoring my first walk break. I continued trying to keep an eye on the bike while ignoring the beeps from my watch that signaled “walk time”, then at mile 3, decided it was best to stick with my plan… after all the course was marked and I wouldn’t get lost. WRONG. I passed the Stadium High School aid station and realized I had no idea where I was. There were no course markings, no traffic cones and no other runners. I doubled back and after much searching found an old, faded mark on the concrete leading down an alley. I followed, wound around a bit more, then ran out of course markers again. I searched, doubled back, went west, turned east…. No markers. Finally I sighted an aid station but when I approached it, noticed it said “mile 6”, my Garmin indicated I was at mile 5. The aid station volunteers tired to encourage me to just keep going and forget about the fact I was a mile short, but I couldn’t, so I headed uphill in search of an extra mile. I didn’t really care if it was the right mile, I just didn’t want to be short at the finish, I signed up to run 26.2, and I was going to run 26.2. 10 minutes (and 1 mile) later I was back at the mile 6 aid station and ready to continue. By that time there were other runners to follow and the course was well marked. I had a great time running along the waterfront, passing through the Asarco tunnel and finally entering Pt Defiance Park. We ran by the zoo and I could hear the animals contained within issuing their morning greetings. I brought my headphones and kept thinking I should listen to some music, but the sounds of the morning were much more interesting.
My run/walk ratio was working well for me. I had lots of spring in my legs, my heart rate was low and I was feeling fresh. The hills that seemed like such monsters last year had tamed down considerably. After emerging from the park, we wandered through residential neighborhoods and down a bike path along highway 16. The bike path was hot and lonely until we pasted by a Top Foods parking lot where an employee had a shopping cart full of bottled water. It was a welcome relief during this aid-less stretch.
We eventually found ourselves right in the middle of the dreaded “hilltop”. Thankfully, gangbangers seem to enjoy sleeping in on Sunday’s and the city had posted several police officers at each street corner, so in general it felt fairly safe. The few residents that wandered outside encouraged the runners, even gangsters appreciate the efforts of a hard marathon. We finished with the familiar screaming downhill and sharp right turn, followed by 2 miles of a nice, gentle glide to the finish line. The marathon volunteers held up the finish tape for every marathon finisher to break through as the announcer read our name and anything notable about us. A very nice touch that I haven’t seen before.
After the race I met up with my childhood friend, Ali, whom I haven’t seen in 30 years. Seeing her again brought tears to my eyes and it was the best reward for finishing a difficult marathon. We walked around a bit, I changed into my sweats, then we settled down for a cold beer and an hour of catching up. It was a perfect day.
Finish time 4:34.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Boston Marathon and 5k
Prior to my trip I decided that this would be my last Boston for awhile. Boston is expensive, it eats away at my vacation leave and there are other marathons and ultras in the same time frame that I want to do. That said, I approached this race weekend as a chance to have as much fun as possible and not worry about the race itself.
Mom was my traveling companion this year, so the first matter of business was to have my traditional dinner at Whiskers on Boylston. The following day we hit the expo, picked up my race numbers (5k and marathon) and shopped. Saturday morning I put in 3 miles along the Charles River. My legs were tight and heavy. I plodded along losing confidence with every step.
Sunday morning I was up early, threw on my pink running skirt and black long sleeve shirt and walked to Copley Square for the first annual Boston 5k. Much to my surprise my legs felt light and responsive. I went ahead and let myself run as fast as I could. I hit the finish line in 26:18; good enough to place 39 out of 233 in my division. I felt good about the results. Speed has been slipping away the last 18 months as I have ventured into longer ultra marathons so I wasn’t expecting any blazing performance. After the race, Mom and I hit the subway for a trip out to Cambridge and a Masters pre-marathon party. It was great to see my friends again and to put a face to new friends that I have only met online.
Marathon morning I packed all sorts of clothing options into my drop bag, threw on a black skirt and yellow Maniacs singlet, gloves, tights and jacket and walked to the bus line. As soon as I approached the buses, I met up with a few other Maniacs and we chatted as we waited our turn to load. Once we arrived at the village, I headed straight for the lower field. For some reason, every year at Boston, I stumble across the Main Maniacs and camp out with them. It’s almost like they are wearing homing devices. Most of the Maniacs are in the first wave, so once they depart I stripped down to my skirt, singlet and gloves and made my way to the second wave start. On the way to the start, I figured I better come up with a race strategy. For the last two years I’ve followed the general wisdom and started slow, hoping to pick it up in the second half. That second half pick up never came so I ended up with a disappointing finish, 2007: 4:14:12 and 2008: 4:26:22. This year, my legs felt springy after yesterdays 5k, so I decided to go out fast and let myself fade. My marathons have gotten so slow lately that I rarely break 4:30 (I did run a 4:15 in Victoria in October but it hurt!). I figured going out too fast and crashing would be better than just lumbering along. My first 5 miles were fast: 8:30 per mile (I don’t run 8:30’s). I decided to see if I could hold it for 10k. After 10 k I decided to try and reach mile 10 before slowing down. My pace was starting to slow, but I was still holding on. I hit the half way point in 1:53. A new half-marathon PR for me. An 8:40 pace. At that point I let my head get in the way and remind me that I don’t run that fast. I listened and let the pace slack off. I was still feeling fine, just didn’t believe I could hold it. By mile 20 I was averaging 9 minute miles and stomach problems hit (I was taking a gel every 5 miles, instead of my typical one gel per marathon). I spent 3 or 4 minutes at one of those “blue kiosks” along side the road, then emerged feeling better and ready to make my way to the finish. I crossed the line in 4:04:24 shaking my head and wondering where that performance came from. I didn’t do any speed work, I didn’t train for hills, I didn’t taper. In short, I didn’t prepare for Boston and didn’t take my training seriously. All my runs in the last 18 months have been about increasing my endurance and yet somehow Boston 2009 was my 3rd fastest marathon out of the 33 I’ve run. I’ve proved to myself that there is still some speed in the legs, I just have to decide if that’s what I want then spend some time training for it.
Mom was my traveling companion this year, so the first matter of business was to have my traditional dinner at Whiskers on Boylston. The following day we hit the expo, picked up my race numbers (5k and marathon) and shopped. Saturday morning I put in 3 miles along the Charles River. My legs were tight and heavy. I plodded along losing confidence with every step.
Sunday morning I was up early, threw on my pink running skirt and black long sleeve shirt and walked to Copley Square for the first annual Boston 5k. Much to my surprise my legs felt light and responsive. I went ahead and let myself run as fast as I could. I hit the finish line in 26:18; good enough to place 39 out of 233 in my division. I felt good about the results. Speed has been slipping away the last 18 months as I have ventured into longer ultra marathons so I wasn’t expecting any blazing performance. After the race, Mom and I hit the subway for a trip out to Cambridge and a Masters pre-marathon party. It was great to see my friends again and to put a face to new friends that I have only met online.
Marathon morning I packed all sorts of clothing options into my drop bag, threw on a black skirt and yellow Maniacs singlet, gloves, tights and jacket and walked to the bus line. As soon as I approached the buses, I met up with a few other Maniacs and we chatted as we waited our turn to load. Once we arrived at the village, I headed straight for the lower field. For some reason, every year at Boston, I stumble across the Main Maniacs and camp out with them. It’s almost like they are wearing homing devices. Most of the Maniacs are in the first wave, so once they depart I stripped down to my skirt, singlet and gloves and made my way to the second wave start. On the way to the start, I figured I better come up with a race strategy. For the last two years I’ve followed the general wisdom and started slow, hoping to pick it up in the second half. That second half pick up never came so I ended up with a disappointing finish, 2007: 4:14:12 and 2008: 4:26:22. This year, my legs felt springy after yesterdays 5k, so I decided to go out fast and let myself fade. My marathons have gotten so slow lately that I rarely break 4:30 (I did run a 4:15 in Victoria in October but it hurt!). I figured going out too fast and crashing would be better than just lumbering along. My first 5 miles were fast: 8:30 per mile (I don’t run 8:30’s). I decided to see if I could hold it for 10k. After 10 k I decided to try and reach mile 10 before slowing down. My pace was starting to slow, but I was still holding on. I hit the half way point in 1:53. A new half-marathon PR for me. An 8:40 pace. At that point I let my head get in the way and remind me that I don’t run that fast. I listened and let the pace slack off. I was still feeling fine, just didn’t believe I could hold it. By mile 20 I was averaging 9 minute miles and stomach problems hit (I was taking a gel every 5 miles, instead of my typical one gel per marathon). I spent 3 or 4 minutes at one of those “blue kiosks” along side the road, then emerged feeling better and ready to make my way to the finish. I crossed the line in 4:04:24 shaking my head and wondering where that performance came from. I didn’t do any speed work, I didn’t train for hills, I didn’t taper. In short, I didn’t prepare for Boston and didn’t take my training seriously. All my runs in the last 18 months have been about increasing my endurance and yet somehow Boston 2009 was my 3rd fastest marathon out of the 33 I’ve run. I’ve proved to myself that there is still some speed in the legs, I just have to decide if that’s what I want then spend some time training for it.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Pacific Rim One Day Ultra
Sometimes I’m amazed at how quickly the body and mind can adapt. What was once an inconceivable idea became a “once-in-a-lifetime” goal. Last weekend that “once-in-a-lifetime” goal became a “I have nothing better to do” activity. How and when did running significant distances become so matter-of-fact? When did my mind decided running 50 miles took no more planning or preparation than a day trip to Seattle with the kids? I think my friend Olga summed it up when she said that she no longer trains: she is trained. Now she just runs. I think that’s where I am … I run for the joy and the miles pass. They come effortlessly and without preparation. They just are.
Pacific Rim One Day was a spur of the moment race. I had planned on running the Des Moines 6-hour Ultra the weekend before and hoped to log around 30 miles. Unfortunately the weather gods had other plans and brewed up a nasty storm the morning of the race. Snow and rain don’t bother me… strong winds ripping through alder forests are downright dangerous, so I decided not to run. I needed a long run, though, so the following Saturday I drove to a small lake in southwest Washington for the Pacific Rim One-Day Ultra Marathon. The race format consisted of a slightly longer than 1 mile loop around the lake, run as many times as possible in a 24 hour period. I wanted to put in a 50 mile day and stop mid-evening, leaving me plenty of time and energy to drive home. In past years, 50 miles would have been enough to place in the top 5 of the women’s category. This year, however, the race attracted a lot of very experienced and accomplished ultra runners, so I knew 50 miles wouldn’t get me into the top 50%. Even though there was no chance of placement, a far better opportunity awaited me: the chance to spend many hours with some of the Northwest’s top ultra runners. Ultra runners are a very welcoming lot and were more than happy to discuss race management, pacing, and nutrition. They treated me as one of their own, even though I am relatively new to the sport. By mid-day I felt like part of the family. As one new friend explained to me: we are all in this together, we all suffer and we all succeed.
Throughout the day I put into practice lessons learned from Across the Years: change shoes every 3 hours – more often if something doesn’t feel right. Eat often. Don’t be tempted to sit down or stop except to change shoes or clothing. If I get tired walk…. but not too long. Have a plan and follow it. Originally my plan was to run the first 5 miles to warm up, then use 3 minute run, 1 minute walk intervals. My plan changed after watching the ultra guru’s walk anything that even resembled a rise and the two sections of concrete. Life was good and I was running well until I felt twinges of cramping at mile 13. The twinges continued into mile 20, then I started bloating. I walked several miles as I worked to get my electrolytes in balance. By mile 32 everything was good again and I was running effortlessly. I was careful to eat a bite of something every mile. A shot of espresso at mile 35 gave me an extra boost beyond what I was expecting. The sun started to set and the temperatures drop as I ticked off my final miles. I really wanted to finish under 11 hours and with 2 laps to go, I realized I could finish under 10 ½ hours if I picked up the pace a bit. Miles 48 and 49 were my fastest for the race. After passing the lap station at mile 50 I stopped my watch, pulled on my warm ups and completed a final cool down lap. By this time I was freezing so I quickly grabbed my stuff and started the 2 hour drive home.
I woke the next morning slightly stiff, incredibly hungry and only one blister for my efforts. I stuck to my plan and was happy with my time and strong finish. I missed running through the night, though, and regret that I didn’t make plans to run the whole 24 hours. There is something magical about running all night: suffering and succeeding at the same time. I’ll be back next year, ready to go the distance.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Lost Dutchman Marathon
4:30 a.m. and it was time to get ready for my 3rd running of the Lost Dutchman Marathon! My legs felt fresh and full of life as I tried my hardest to eat a muffin and drink some coffee. I had no appetite, but I managed to get some food down.
I donned the same running outfit that I had on yesterday (but freshly laundered), slipped on my road shoes and headed out to meet the bus. 30 bumpy minutes after getting on the bus, we rounded the corner and saw the magical campfires blazing against the Superstitious Mountains. After letting my eyes adjust to the darkness, I found the Seattle Maniacs huddled around one of the 20 or so fires. I knew most of them, and introduced myself to those that I didn’t. We talked about goals for the race… Mary was there to win, another woman was there to qualify for the Maniacs, Lesa was running her 50th marathon the first day of being 50 years old (and after running Pemberton with me the day before). I was there just to have a good time and finish. We were all laughing about the fact I had the same running clothes as yesterday when it occurred to me that last time I ran the Dutchman I didn’t have my suitcase either (Hmmm, maybe the Lost Dutchman has put some kind of jinx on me.)
We lined up for a shotgun start and soon were flying down the dirt road. The downhill start actually felt good and I decided to let myself flow with it. There would be plenty of time to adjust my pace later (or pay for early miles run too fast!)
A little ITBand soreness flared up in the first 5 miles, but by the time we hit the flat, paved highway I was fine. I forced myself to eat a gel at mile 8 and made a vow to eat something every 5 miles or I knew I would crash hard. I caught up to Lesa at mile 9, she stated that she wanted to finish in 5 hours: we agreed to do our best to make that goal. As runners know, a lot can happen over the course of a marathon and soon I was running by myself, legs tiring and starting to feel the effects of too little food yesterday. I still had almost 17 miles to run.
Mile 10 brought an unexpected blessing in the form of Maniac McGyver. He was running his trademark 11 mpm pace with a 3 minute run/1 minute walk ratio. I decided to join him and within a mile I was feeling refreshed. We ran together the next 5 miles, then I decided to continue on my own as he took a rest break. Even though I was now running by myself, I continued the walk/run ratio. I wasn’t totally alone either. Fred and Char Thompson from Texas, whom I met yesterday during the Pemberton came out to the course to cheer me on. They were at every spectator point, sending me high fives and encouragement. Every time I saw them I was surprised and touched that they came out to watch my effort. The last time I saw them on the course was at mile 22. Fred brought an assortment of goodies for me in case I was in need. He had gels, gummies and most importantly electrolytes that I needed badly. After downing an electrolyte and a bag of sports beans I headed down the dirt road to conquer the final and toughest rolling miles, including the hill known as the Dutchman’s Revenge. Reaching the top, I found myself a little teary-eyed. 3 more miles and I would complete my 39th race of 26.2 or greater, 3 years after completing my first marathon on this very same course.
Just the thought gave me extra energy, helped along by a nice cool cross wind on what can be a miserably hot final 3 miles. I crossed the line with more energy than I would have thought possible in 4:45:00. Lesa was waiting for me, suggesting that I run the Yours Truly 50k with her next Sunday. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson were also there, encouraging me to join them in Texas for a 50/100 miler or fixed time race. Mary was in the picnic shelter waiting for the awards. She had in fact won the Women’s race, an inspiring accomplishment for the 47 year old Maniac runner.
Mr. Hawk found me after completing his own training run on the desert trails. We made our way back to the hotel, sat on the lawn with a recovery beer and assessed the damage: one blistered pinky and a very happy Maniac impatiently waiting for her next race.
I donned the same running outfit that I had on yesterday (but freshly laundered), slipped on my road shoes and headed out to meet the bus. 30 bumpy minutes after getting on the bus, we rounded the corner and saw the magical campfires blazing against the Superstitious Mountains. After letting my eyes adjust to the darkness, I found the Seattle Maniacs huddled around one of the 20 or so fires. I knew most of them, and introduced myself to those that I didn’t. We talked about goals for the race… Mary was there to win, another woman was there to qualify for the Maniacs, Lesa was running her 50th marathon the first day of being 50 years old (and after running Pemberton with me the day before). I was there just to have a good time and finish. We were all laughing about the fact I had the same running clothes as yesterday when it occurred to me that last time I ran the Dutchman I didn’t have my suitcase either (Hmmm, maybe the Lost Dutchman has put some kind of jinx on me.)
We lined up for a shotgun start and soon were flying down the dirt road. The downhill start actually felt good and I decided to let myself flow with it. There would be plenty of time to adjust my pace later (or pay for early miles run too fast!)
A little ITBand soreness flared up in the first 5 miles, but by the time we hit the flat, paved highway I was fine. I forced myself to eat a gel at mile 8 and made a vow to eat something every 5 miles or I knew I would crash hard. I caught up to Lesa at mile 9, she stated that she wanted to finish in 5 hours: we agreed to do our best to make that goal. As runners know, a lot can happen over the course of a marathon and soon I was running by myself, legs tiring and starting to feel the effects of too little food yesterday. I still had almost 17 miles to run.
Mile 10 brought an unexpected blessing in the form of Maniac McGyver. He was running his trademark 11 mpm pace with a 3 minute run/1 minute walk ratio. I decided to join him and within a mile I was feeling refreshed. We ran together the next 5 miles, then I decided to continue on my own as he took a rest break. Even though I was now running by myself, I continued the walk/run ratio. I wasn’t totally alone either. Fred and Char Thompson from Texas, whom I met yesterday during the Pemberton came out to the course to cheer me on. They were at every spectator point, sending me high fives and encouragement. Every time I saw them I was surprised and touched that they came out to watch my effort. The last time I saw them on the course was at mile 22. Fred brought an assortment of goodies for me in case I was in need. He had gels, gummies and most importantly electrolytes that I needed badly. After downing an electrolyte and a bag of sports beans I headed down the dirt road to conquer the final and toughest rolling miles, including the hill known as the Dutchman’s Revenge. Reaching the top, I found myself a little teary-eyed. 3 more miles and I would complete my 39th race of 26.2 or greater, 3 years after completing my first marathon on this very same course.
Just the thought gave me extra energy, helped along by a nice cool cross wind on what can be a miserably hot final 3 miles. I crossed the line with more energy than I would have thought possible in 4:45:00. Lesa was waiting for me, suggesting that I run the Yours Truly 50k with her next Sunday. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson were also there, encouraging me to join them in Texas for a 50/100 miler or fixed time race. Mary was in the picnic shelter waiting for the awards. She had in fact won the Women’s race, an inspiring accomplishment for the 47 year old Maniac runner.
Mr. Hawk found me after completing his own training run on the desert trails. We made our way back to the hotel, sat on the lawn with a recovery beer and assessed the damage: one blistered pinky and a very happy Maniac impatiently waiting for her next race.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Pemberton Trail 50k
I’ve heard about the Pemberton Trail for years. It is the site of a 100 mile desert race known as the Javalina Jundred in October. There also happens to be a 50k held on the same trail in February. Since I was planning on being in Arizona anyway and running the Lost Dutchman Marathon, I decided to make it a double weekend and do the Pemberton Trail 50k the day before. It seemed like a good way to preview the trail should I ever decide to do the Javalina Jundred, and I want to do more doubles in 2009, this was the perfect opportunity.
Ric and I went up to McDowell Mountain Park on Thursday with the intention of running a few miles on the trails to better prepare for Saturday. Through a series of unfortunate events (basically I lost my car keys), I had to leave my suitcase in Seattle with most of my running stuff. A 7 mile run on the trails confirmed that I needed to wear my trail shoes, carry a water bottle, find a hat and some gaiters if possible. Ric was surprised at how difficult trail running can be….. I wasn’t, I’ve done enough to know that a course can vary from easy bike paths to hand-over-fist mountain scrabbles. During our preview run we encountered deep sand washes, jagged and loose “rock gardens” and beautifully packed sandy trails. Ric asked me how long I thought it would take to run 31 miles on this course. I answered “6 hours” he replied “I’ll give you 6 and a half” and we left it at that.
Saturday morning I was up at 4:30, fueled up with a banana muffin and a cup of coffee, then headed for the race. When I arrived I was greeted by a nice camp fire and the sound of coyotes in the very near darkness. 200 hundred runners were milling around getting ready to race, nearly half were women (unusual for the male dominated sport of ultra-running) . I found a few of my friends from Across the Years and had a quick catch-up conversation. At 7:00, a little before dawn, we were sent off down the trail to complete the first of 2 laps. The first mile rolled lazily up and down, through soft washes. Then we started to climb. The climbing was difficult… not because it was steep, but because the loose, sharp rocks threatened to turn the ankles of the unaware. The climbing continued, interrupted by little rolling downhills every once in awhile. We hit the first aid-station at mile 5, I grabbed a few pretzels, thought about emptying the rocks out of my shoes, but instead just continued down the trail. After the aid station we continued to climb until mile 7, then rode a series of rolling hills along the ridge overlooking the green desert below. Mile 8 opened up onto a jeep road that was smooth and flat until we hit the next aid station at mile 10. From then on to the start/finish/halfway point the trail slowly descended and tired legs found renewed energy. I hit the half way point in 2:45, found my drop bag, stashed my long sleeve shirt and slathered on more sunscreen. A deep breath and I was headed down the trail again for loop two.
By now the sun was out and I noticed how exposed the course was. No shade anywhere. This time, as I approached the rock garden climb, I decided to walk and not risk turning an ankle. Most people seemed to employ the same strategy. Once I hit the ridge I became aware of a stiff, cool breeze hitting me in the face. It was cold enough that I was encouraged to keep up a good pace in an effort to stay warm, but it also made for very pleasant running. Right then and there I decided that the Javalina Jundred would not be on my race schedule: running in winter with a cool breeze through the exposed desert is one thing… having to do this same course in October with temps in the high 80’s or 90’s would not be so fun.
I continued to move forward, sometimes walking, mostly running, through the final aid station at mile 25 and on to the finish. I was a little tired at the end, but generally feeling great. I grabbed a few cookies, found Ric and some Maniac’s and just soaked in the wonderful feeling of a nice, challenging run among good friends. On the way back to the hotel, I did a mental tally of how I did: finish time of 6:06… would have been faster if I hadn’t wasted so much time at the half way point so I need to get more efficient at the aid stations. Consumed one pack of sports beans and one gel, a handful of pretzels and a few potato chips: not much in the way of calories but I felt like I had plenty of energy. I may pay the price later for not staying sufficiently fueled. Sore ankles, but everything else felt good. An ice bath followed by plenty of food and sleep should set me up well for tomorrow.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
West Seattle Fat Ass 50k
The morning started out dark and cool, but not nearly as cold as previous mornings. I arrived at the shelter along Alki beach a few minutes before 7. A few runners had already gathered by the fire and I was surprised that half a dozen or so congratulated me on my Across the Years race. I didn’t think anyone would have noticed… after all we are a bunch of Maniacs and running long distances is what we do. We were issued small numbers to pin to our clothing, given a few quick instructions (including “track your own time in case we get it wrong” and sent off into the dark.
I ran the first 8 miles of the double out and back with Jill Hudson and Linda Walters. We were running at a good clip and I became a little concerned that the pace would wear me down too early in the 31 mile race. At the turn around, Linda developed hip problems and dropped back. Jill and I pressed on around a 9:30 minutes per mile pace, but kept forcing ourselves to try and slow down. We decided that running together may not be in our best interest since we kept pushing the pace and both of us wanted long, slow training runs… not PR attempts. We made an agreement that we would make it back to the start line together, then go out on our own for the second leg.
I hung around the start area for a few minutes: chatting, eating a little and letting Jill get enough ahead of me that I wouldn’t be tempted to run with her. By the time I set out, the sun was warming up the course nicely but a breeze off the water kept a chill in the air. 20 miles into the run I noticed that I hadn’t eaten much, nor was I hungry. My pace was still good, but not blazing so I decided a PR might just be in the cards for the day. I pushed through any desire for long walk breaks, instead just slowing my running pace for a quarter mile or so. I focused on the scenery, the architecture and the Sunday morning athletes with their dogs, roller blades or baby strollers. The last 8 miles became more difficult as the headwind started to increase. I made it back to the start line and a welcoming fire in 5:34. A new PR by about 6 minutes.
I loved this race and hope it becomes a Maniac tradition in the years to come.
I ran the first 8 miles of the double out and back with Jill Hudson and Linda Walters. We were running at a good clip and I became a little concerned that the pace would wear me down too early in the 31 mile race. At the turn around, Linda developed hip problems and dropped back. Jill and I pressed on around a 9:30 minutes per mile pace, but kept forcing ourselves to try and slow down. We decided that running together may not be in our best interest since we kept pushing the pace and both of us wanted long, slow training runs… not PR attempts. We made an agreement that we would make it back to the start line together, then go out on our own for the second leg.
I hung around the start area for a few minutes: chatting, eating a little and letting Jill get enough ahead of me that I wouldn’t be tempted to run with her. By the time I set out, the sun was warming up the course nicely but a breeze off the water kept a chill in the air. 20 miles into the run I noticed that I hadn’t eaten much, nor was I hungry. My pace was still good, but not blazing so I decided a PR might just be in the cards for the day. I pushed through any desire for long walk breaks, instead just slowing my running pace for a quarter mile or so. I focused on the scenery, the architecture and the Sunday morning athletes with their dogs, roller blades or baby strollers. The last 8 miles became more difficult as the headwind started to increase. I made it back to the start line and a welcoming fire in 5:34. A new PR by about 6 minutes.
I loved this race and hope it becomes a Maniac tradition in the years to come.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Across the Years Ultra Marathon
Many people find themselves on an endless quest, searching for the meaning of life. I have been on a similar quest and may not have the answer, but I think I know where it can be found: on an isolated little dirt track in Buckeye, Arizona.
Across the Years Ultra Marathon
One of my goals for 2008 was to run a 50 mile ultra marathon. I had completed 5 50k’s, but they didn’t feel like real ultras: just extra long marathons. I thought if I could complete a 50 miler, then I could consider myself a true ultra runner. The problem I faced, however, was cut off times. Since I had no experience, I was afraid I would miss cut-offs and be pulled off the course. Then I heard about Across the Years. Across the Years is one of the premier fixed time events, attracting athletes from all over the world. The race is held on a 1/3 mile dirt track on a private estate know as Nardini Manor and offers 72, 48 and 24-hour options. The 24-hour race seemed perfect for a 50 mile attempt. The only obstacle was getting into the race. The criteria is kept secret, and the application states that fact. In reality, I think the race director just likes to choose whom he wishes without having to explain or justify. I had no problem with that, it’s his race, he can invite whomever he wants. In early spring I filled out the application (stating that my goal was 70 miles so I wouldn’t seem like such a newcomer), sent in my money and then waited patiently until mid August when selected participants would be announced.
Let the Training Begin
I didn’t wait passively. I trained as if I would be selected. My first order of business was to try a fixed time event and get a feel for running by time instead of distance. I found a nice, low key 6-hour race just 45 minutes from home. The race was held on a 4 mile undulating, single track trail on a chilly, drizzly March morning. I loved it from the very first lap: my only goal was to complete the marathon distance, then just cruise along until the clock ran out. Many runners were faster than me… all the usual suspects who beat me at the marathon. A fun thing started to happen as the race wore on, though. All those fast runners started to drop out after they reached the marathon distance. I heard many comments on how hard it was to keep going, hour after hour. I kept running and surprised myself by finishing 2nd in the women’s race.
As summer approached I bumped up my long run schedule by completing 5 marathons in 5 weeks, concluding with a June double: the Green River Marathon/North Olympic Discovery Marathon combo. I had run a similar double last year and swore once was enough. This time, though, it was much easier. In fact I even enjoyed it. After the June double I turned to trail marathons for the remainder of the summer. One of the trail marathons, Haulin’ Aspen, was held on the same day Across the Years selections were to be announced. I was so excited that I carried my Blackberry with me so I could check my email while on the trail. Every 5 miles I stop, pull out the Blackberry and look for the anticipated message. Finally, with a little over 3 miles left to race, that message came: I’d been accepted!
I topped off my training with one final double marathon weekend in late October: the Columbia River Power Marathon/Tri-Cities Marathon Combo. My combined time was 45 minutes faster than my June double and my recovery was rapid, so I knew I was as ready. The only thing left was to formulate a race day strategy and maintain my fitness. Maintaining fitness was the easy part: a 20 mile run every other weekend and a final marathon 3+weeks from race day.
My race strategy was a little more difficult to formulate. I read reports from others who specialized in fixed time events and tried out their strategies during my long runs. I finally settled on running the first 5 miles to warm up, switch to a 1 lap walk/2 lap run ratio until I hit 50k, then adjust the walk/run ratio as needed to hit my 50 mile goal. After that I would give myself permission to quit or just move forward in any manner possible.
December 31st: Into the Great Unknown
Ric, my loyal crew, and I arrived at Nardini Manner just a few minutes before the pre race meeting. We were given a few quick instructions, mainly to watch out for the 72-hour runners since most them were running in their sleep. At 9 sharp I took off around the track while Ric set up my personal aid station. I elected to have only a chair, sleeping bag, a few warm clothes and 3 pairs of shoes at my station along with the usual electrolyte tablets, pain killers and cell phone. I didn’t want my station to be too comfortable and lull me into resting longer than absolutely necessary.
On my first lap, I started to realize I was a mere mortal running among ultra marathon giants. I came upon Daniel, an amputee that was featured in The Distance of Truth movie, we chatted a bit or rather he offered up bits of wisdom and I listen intently. Next was Lisa, the 2006 Badwater women’s champion. Then there was John, a 48-hour record hold who came to Across the Years to set the 72-hour record. John was hobbling badly but telling the most endearing stories to a 7 year old who walk beside him. I later found out that John was injured early the first day, but decided to keep going in whatever way possible to complete the race. Once when I passed John he was telling his young companion: “I have my 300 mile belt buckle, my 200 mile buckle and this year I can complete my collection with the 100 mile buckle.”
There were lots of world class athletes from over seas in attendance, too. At first the German women intimidated me…. They were strong, they were experienced, they were determined and they held all sorts of world records. Yikes! Then, a few hours later I was running past the most terrifying of them and heard the sweetest voice sing out “well hello Marilou, goodbye heart…” After that, Heinke would sing my name every time I passed, sometimes accompanied by other words of encouragement or a pat on the back, a slap of the hands.
Wars were being waged on the track as well. There was a mentally bloody battle going on between the 72 hour record holder, Martina from Germany, and American Juli. Juli was fast but also took many breaks and slept several hours at night. Martina never slept, she just kept going at a relatively slow but incredibly consistent pace. I found myself smack dab in the middle of this battle as Martina decided I was a good person to voice her frustrations to. Laps would go by while I listened to Martina… there alone without crew, talk about her racing and sleepless nights and determination to beat Juli. Then a little while later, Juli would come by and give me uplifting words of encouragement, never once talking about her own race, never once talking about Martina. I admired them both for their courage and for approaching the race their own way and didn’t know whom to root for, so I rooted for both.
My own race was like a blur. I covered the first 50 miles in a little over 11 hours following my pre race strategy and felt strong going into the night. Then when I sat down to change shoes and put on warmer clothing, I couldn’t get back up again. Thankfully Ric joined me at 9:00 p.m. , got me moving, then ran/walked with me for the next 5 miles. Right after Ric left, I caught a second wind and made my way to 100K (62 miles) fairly easily. Everyone warned me about running at night and how hard it was. I found that it was my favorite part of the race. At midnight the race director passed out hats and horns to all the runners and ushered us to the center of the track. He had champagne waiting, we toasted in the New Year then headed out for a celebratory lap together as fireworks launched from the surrounding cotton fields. Not too long after, I found myself mostly walking. I kept telling myself to just tick off the miles… keep moving. One by one runners left the course for the comfort and warmth of the big, heated tent. I started playing motivational games with myself: one more lap and I can read my mail (friends could leave me messages over the internet and they would be delivered to a track side mailbox). One more mile and I could call Mariposa and check in. One more lap and I can have a burrito, one more mile and I can have a cup of coffee, one more lap and I can sit by the fire for a moment. And so it went throughout the night. By 3:00 just a hand full of runners were left. At 4:30 the neighborhood roosters started to crow and stiff, sleepy runners emerged from their tents. Pancakes and oatmeal were brought trackside to help those hardy enough to stay on the course, missing the buffet served in the heated tent. As the sun was rising, I approached mile 80 with a smile on my face. Thirty miles over my minimum goal, ten miles over my stretch goal.
My Best Motivator is Unfinished Business
I decided to complete my race at mile 80 and over two hours early. I did this for several reasons. First, I had exceeded my goal. I was cold, tired and my feet felt like someone had taken a cheese grater to the soles. Secondly, I knew I couldn’t cover 20 miles in the next 2 hours, so 80 seemed like a good round number. Thirdly, nothing motivates me like unfinished business. Had I raced the full 24 hours, even if I didn’t reach 100 miles, I would have felt I found my limit. Leaving something undone, like running only 22 hours, gave me something to strive for next year.
The Real Test: Post Race Recovery
A lot of people judge their fitness and performance based only on how well they did at their goal event. I think there is more to it than that. I look at how I feel during the race. Is my heart rate good? Do my legs have spring and strength? Do I still feel like I want to race again at the finish? Then I look at my recovery. How quickly do my legs bounce back? My strength? My appetite? Can I walk the next day? Run two days later? I like quick recovery and value that above speed. To me, it means that I am not doing irreparable damage to my system. So how did I do at Across the Years? I was stiff the same day I finished the race and could barely walk. I took lots of naps, I had no appetite. The next day, my appetite came roaring back. I could navigate stairs and went on a 2 mile walk. By day three I was feeling almost normal except my right foot (still raw with blisters). I walked a total of 6 miles, although I did run out of energy the last ¼ mile. All and all, I think my recovery was pretty rapid. Day four found me registering for my next 50k.
And what of that original quest?
One just has to go there at the end of December to know that the soil of Nardini Manor, trampled a million times over by the soles and souls of ultra running icons, contains the answer to one of life’s greatest mysteries. Peer into the gentle but determined eyes of one of the legendary runners and you will see that they know the meaning of life. Maybe next year, I’ll find it too, somewhere beyond 100 miles.
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