Bay Shore Marathon

Bay Shore Marathon

Marathon #3

Time: 5:51:28; Average Pace: 13:24

Overall :1665 / 1708 Gender :741 / 770 Category (F 41-44) :116 / 121

Splits

Split Name Time From Prev Leg Dist Done Pace Start 00:02:09.8 0 min/m 5M 01:01:58.5 5 12:23 min/m 10M 02:06:09.1 10 12:36 min/m 13.1M 02:46:56.4 13.1 12:44 min/m 16.2M 03:29:30.4 16.2 12:55 min/m 21.2M 21.2 Finish 05:51:28.3 26.2 13:24 min/m

This marathon was rough. A rough nightmare really. An nightmare that went on for nearly 6 hours. I was under trained and it showed out there on the course. I have learned my lesson and wont ever train for a marathon alone again. Ever. Probably. Training started early in the year. I was really excited at first, tacking on extra miles to half marathon training. The longest long run was only 15.5 miles. After half training ended I couldn't get my ass out the door to run. Even though I made the decision to enter this marathon it's like I was resisting something.

I have a real problem with people telling me what to do. I was every one's bitch at work and at the bottom of the totem pole. Outside of work, things were on my term but I guess being the training schedule's bitch was making me resist. It was a really rough year. I found out in January that I was losing my job and it wasn't until the middle of April when I found out my last day was going to be June 2.

Beth and I drove up together on Friday. It was about a 5 hour scenic drive. I had the option of spending the rest of the week at her parents vacation home about an hour north but the following Friday was my last day of work forever so I opted to drive back with Nikki and Renee the next day.

The start line was so small. No official corrals. In fact, the pace leaders only went up to a 10 minute mile. This was disappointing for a slow runner like myself. Not that I needed a pacer but I knew I was going to be alone out there at some point. I think less than 2000 ran the full. The half marathon started at the turn around point for the marathon and the 10k, which Beth was running, started 15 minutes after me. The 10k folks started to pass me at one point and then around mile 8, the half runners started to come from the opposite direction followed by the fast marathoners so the course was desolate for the last 10 miles. Not too horrible.

The course was out and back and ran alongside the Grand Traverse Bay. I was worried about the course being boring. The F^3 half marathon is an out and back along Lake Michigan and it's positively boring. The scenery for this was was so beautiful. In the early miles there was a fog that sat over the lake showcasing the hilly landscape in silhouette.

I don't know what was going on with my stomach but I stopped at the port-o-potty at least 3 times! It was ridiculous. If you look at my runkeeper time, which pauses when inactive, and then look at my official finish time, you'll see I lost 13 minutes! Odd since there wasn't the crazy lines like in a larger race.

I stared to lose my mind before the turn around. I really lost it around mile 15. After the turn around I could see how many people were behind me. Not many. At least I wasn't going to be last! As I carried on the aid/water station started breaking down. I begged them to not take away the water from the folks still coming.

My dad has a great knack off calling me when I just finish running or at the end of a long run. Today, he called me between miles 15 and 16. "Hi Dad, I'm running a marathon right now." That made the girl next to me chuckle. This poor woman had no idea what mile we were on. She must not have been wearing a watch and not paying attention to the mile markers. She asked what run/walk intervals I was doing and then decided to follow me. This is where I was losing it and readjusting my intervals. I tried to stay on track for her sake but I couldn't do it.

At one point as I was walking I thought that my legs would shatter if I started running again. I walked most of mile 24. For such a small race, the locals came out and were really supportive. This wasn't like running through a Chicago hood. This was a hood of people with enough money to afford a house that faces a lake. These were big beautiful houses who had their own private beaches. No one goes here except residents and us runners. I was so thankful for these people because they had ice, and orange slices and candy! The only problem is that on the way back we were on the lake side of the street and they stayed on their side handing out goodies. I didn't want to take any more steps than necessary. I recall trying to muster out a shout of, "please don't make me go over to you to get that water!" It was to a kid handing out water. Kids have lots of energy. One man had a cooler full of ice. I took handfuls and shoved it down my compression pants.

The race started on a college campus. We parked on campus next to a man who was something like 75 and trying to BQ for his third Boston. At first sight because of his age, I thought I had a running ally but when he said was trying to finish in under 4 something he became my hero instead. I passed him around mile 25. I felt really bad for him as I knew he hadnt BQd. Beth was talking to his wife while waiting for me and foound out he has stomach issues.

Right before I saw him a Martina McBride song came up on the run playlist and  I started getting all emotional. The end was coming near and I was so happy to get thing thing over with that I started crying. Crazy things happen during a marathon.

Pockets of cheering people guided me into a running track finish. I saw Beth, she took my photo. I'm glad she was there as there are no other photos of my running. The photographers often forget about the slow folks at smaller races. No finish line photo. No finish line beer. There was supposed to be ice cream from a local maker but they packed up an hour earlier. Another woman finished with me so I asked her to get my picture.


I headed all the way back to where I saw Beth but she wasn't there. She had walked to the tent not so near but ish the finish line. Apparently thats where the pretzels and chips were. No bananas. She volunteered to gather up some goodies for me and met me where I was. We got Culvers and put our feet in the lake then headed back to the hotel for showers and a nap. I had to wait to have my celebratory beer.

Illinois Half Marathon

Illinois Half Marathon - 10th 1/2 marathon

Champaign, IL

Time: 2:49:06 Pace: 12:54

Place: Age 156/203; gender 1782/2096; overall 3367/3783

Yay! My worst half marathon time yet! I don't know what happened between my PR last November until now but I needed to get to the bottom of it. I ended up having a chest X-ray to rule out anything serious shortly after this race. I was fine which was a major relief since I smoked for 25 years. I don't think It's my heart as at the time I'm writing this post I ran a full marathon 3weeks ago and didn't die.  I truly belief it's allergy and sinus issues. I'm having a bunch of blood tests next week. we'll see.

I ran this race by heart rate because I had no idea what was wrong with me. I work a heart monitor around my torso that sent signals to my Garmin. I walked when the rate got to a certain number and ran when it went back down.

I'm so glad I drove to Champaign and I'm so glad for Target and it's late hours. I was getting my flat Kym ready at 8:30 pm when I realized I had not packed my sports bra. I ran to Target and bought one. When I first started running Target didnt sell a decent bra to support larger girls but they've come a long way. I got a nice zip front number that I was super impressed with until I wore the same bra at the Bay Shore marathon and had the worst case of boob chafing ever!

The course was fantastic! It started on the U of I campus outside the football field and wound through downtown, the charming neighborhood streets of Urbana, a new housing development which seemed to be in the middle of nowhere, a nature preserve (true midwest prairie!) and finished on the University's football field. The finish was a million times better than finishing in Soldier Field.

Some where around mile 7 or 8 when were running though a neighborhood I noticed a cop driving a 4 wheeler. The sound of the motor and the faint smell of the fumes were driving me bananas! He was ruining my run. I turned my head and made a comment like the fumes were not good for my asthma. I don't recall think I have asthma but he was annoying me. He motored on but kept showing up. I felt like he was trailing me. I couldn't figure out why he wouldn't just move the hell on.

Then we get onto the prairie path where his little vehicle was really in the way. What was this guy doing? I kept making comments that he needed to zoom ahead and how the fumes weren't good for runners, get a bicycle instead, etc.

Finally after I annoyed HIM to death he came up beside me and said "I know you think I 'm following you but I'm not." Turns out he was assigned to follow the last person in the marathon and she was ahead of me. I don't think that was correct because I talked to a woman around mile 5 who was running the full - her first! She looked like she was having a bit of a hard time so I gave her some words of encouragement. I zoomed past her. Maybe she dropped out.

I took my photos, downed a bottle of water and walked up the bleachers to the concession area. Boy oh boy were they giving the food away! Full size bottles of prezels, pizza, pasta, electrolyte water and some other stuff I can't recall. No beer though. Through the wind, while carrying my goodies and trying to keep the foil blanket wrapped around me in tact I made my way out the parking lot to find my car. I was so proud of myself. I really thought I knew exactly where I going.

 I realized I was lost when I got a few blocks away and had no clue where I was. The nice cops helped me figure it out and I actually found my car!!! I'm not good at finding things so this was a total miracle.  I stopped at a liquor store on the way back to the hotel to get my celebratory shower beer. I gobbled down some snacks, showered, napped and then headed out for an actual meal.

3M Half Marathon Austin January 2017

3M Half Marathon - 9th 1/2 marathon

Austin, Texas

1.22.2017

Time: 2:37:36, Pace 12:01

Place: overall 4236/5168; F40-44 387/496; female 2322/3013

It was amazing to be in a place in January where I could wear a short sleeved shirt to a race! It started out very cold but the body warms up about 20 degrees while running so I knew I'd be OK. Plus it was overcast when we started and ended ups bright and sunny day.

The hotel was about 100 feet from the start line. Races are always easier to get to when I travel than when I'm at home!

I was having breathing issues 2 days prior when I went for a run around Ladybird Lake in Austin. I think I have allergies and it just plain sucks. I didnt have any issues during this race but I was really tired because I didnt sleep the night before. My roommate snores...

I was a little disappointed with the course. It started almost 13 miles north of downtown Austin. We ran alongside the highway, through a boring neighborhood most of the way.

The finish line was downtown and faced the Capitol Building. I finished a head of Beth so I grabbed a beer and danced alone in the beer tent. Then I headed over to the Capitol Building and took a look around. 

We took the shuttle back to the hotel. Beth was feeling nauseous but never puked. I chatted with a guy who was interested in moving to Chicago.

Turkey Trot 2016 (4 year runaversary)

Bonfield Express 5K - 16th 5k

September 24, 2016

Downers Grove, IL

Time: 31:01; Average Pace 9:59

Place: Overall 1623/5229; Div (F40-49) 61/413; Female 545/2748

I just went on their website to find my race photos and the photographer set it up so you have to painfully watch each and every single photo in a slide show format to see your photo. I gave up so I have nothing. Obviously this person is not a runner, or a thoughtful photographer.

This was the race to commemorate my 4 year run-aversary. I hate to travel so far for a 5k but I'm going to run out of options soon so why not?

I lined up with the 9:30 group because I can run pretty fast for three miles. I didn't quite make it at that pace but I was close. I was super mad at myself for not running faster. I even walked for a minute or two. Really? In a 5k? I just completed a friggin' marathon 6 weeks prior what was my issue?

The course was pretty cool. Melanie lives in Downers Grove; over the years I've been there a million times but not down the streets of the course. She was there toward the end of the course. It was pretty cool having someone come out to cheer me on for a 5k!

We got coffee after and walked around DG. It was nice.

Chicago Marathon 2016

Chicago Marathon, Marathon #2

Chicago, Illinois

October 9. 2016

Time: 5:22:40 (PR!); average pace 12:18

Place: overall 32418; female 13605; div 1946

I'm glad last year was my first marathon because the ending of this year's was a little bit of a bummer.  Last year Emily finished 2 minutes ahead of me and she waited for me. We had our picture taken together, got our celebratory beer and walked that long, dreadful, walk into Grant park together. Emily was injured this year so she came in an hour after me. I wasn't able to wait for her in the finish shoot but we caught up at the CARA compound later.

This year I was a group leader for marathon training. I'm in the slower group which always attracts the hardest working new comers! we had a bunch of first timers. I love the first timers and new runners. Giving my best advice based on my one whole marathon and 7 halfs makes me feel good. Preparing for a marathon is serious business and everyone is so busy these days I know not everyone is taking the time to read a billion things on the internet plus books abut marathons to prepare. thats what I'm here for! What else are you going to during these long runs that last for hours?

Having the CARA compound this year was super nice! Last year I started out with my charity at some school off State Street. I didnt know anyone and didnt feel all hyped up. But at the CARA compound at the Palmer House I found a good portion of my training crew. It was exciting getting ready with everyone.  The mistake CARA made was placing us in a room that, in order to get there, you had to go down some stairs and then up. Fine pre race but post race, stairs are the last thing you want!

This year wasn't quite as hot as last year. Thank God! Of course this made last minute decisions about what to wear even more worrisome. I ended up going with the same outfit as last year; tank top and shorts. I found 5" compression shorts with side pockets. They are pretty awesome for a quick reach of Kleenex or lip balm but because all the crap stuffed in there I looked a little lumpy in the photos. I don't have the thinnest thighs in the first place!

The photos are from a little camera I had clipped onto my tank top. It takes a photo every 30 seconds.

I ran the Chicago half this year in September. It was pretty cool as part of the course was on Lake Shore Drive. Afterwards I headed over to Jamie's house for a marathon shirt party. Jamie is super into crafting and she's quite good at it too! She used her special die cut machine to make iron on letters and put them on all our marathon shirts. I also had her put "put a bird on it" (from Portlandia) but she accidentally misaligned the letters. I didnt realize it until the week before the marathon. Thanks to google, I was able to get the letters off and redo it.

The Chicago marathon 2015 was my first and I really took my training seriously. I made nearly all of my weekly miles. I ate right, foam rolled, got regular massages and did yoga at least weekly. 2016 was a little different. I had a lot more going on and I wasn't able to meet the demands of the training schedule. I was able, however, able to stick to regular massages! It's really the best part. Instead of three weekly runs I only did two but tacked on a few more miles to each run. in 2015 I headed to yoga on the beach after many of the long runs. in 2016 they changed the start time for yoga and it conflicted with when we finished running so I made it to a few beach sessions on Sunday mornings. My body really felt it.

I was having tons of foot pain and tight ham strings like mad! Certain toes were going numb so badly that I'd have to stop mid run and adjust my socks and shoes. I experimented with different shoes and KT tape. At one point I remember crying to a friend that I may not be able to run again and m life would be over. I think I'm ok now but in the back of my head I know I wont be able to run forever and that's a little scary.

I had three people I was counting on to bring me food en route. Beth was my first stop. She was a course marshal around mile 9 in Lakeview. She texted me with her exact location so I couldn't miss her. I was set on pickles this year. It's never advised to try anything new during a marathon from new socks to food. Eh, what the heck? Those rules aren't for me! I don't have a sensitive stomach like others I know. Experimentation should be no big deal. And it was.

 Beth had one of those giant pickes in a bag generally found at the cash register of drug and corner stores. I ripped the bag open, started gnawing away while we briefly chatted. I continued running and chomping on my pickle. I was getting close to the end of the pickle. I squeezed the pickle swimming in pickle juice up the bag and whoops, it fell right out and onto the street.

The next person I was supposed to see was Zuzana. I had a round about idea of where she was going to be and she was tracking me on the app but I never saw her! She had pickles too. I wasn't too hungry so it wasn't a devastating loss but it would have been nice to see her.

The last person(s) was my Mom, Steve and Randy. This one was easy as they were at the same location as last year; in Little Italy at mile 18 on the south side of the street.

My uncle thinks he funny. He also doesn't know when to not be funny. He sends me a text around mile 13 to tell me they were on the highway and ask if I could slow down so they don't miss me. Ha ha. Seriously?

I've worked hard over the years to become more light hearted but this was really not the time and I was just annoyed.

 Then I get a text from him a few miles later saying they were parking, slow down. At this point I'm thinking, "we'll it really sucks for them to have driven all the way down here and miss me." I was on a good trajectory for a PR!

I saw my step dad looking in the other direction. I  saw my uncle in a chair looking at his camera. Then I see my mom far back from the curb bent over her phone trying to text me.

 I was looking forward to my uncle getting a photo of me running but noooooo!

 He wanted me to go back and do it again. No.

 Then we're posing for what should be a quick photo and the professional photographer in him is posing us.

 So he's telling us to move a little to the right and I'm shouting how there's no time for all of that just take the stinking' photo!!!!

 My mom brought me fig bars and Nuun!

I ran into Chuck about 2 miles later in Chinatown at the 20 mile mark. From Chuck's 70th birthday in  March to the marathon Chuck ran 73 races of varying distances in honor of his brother in law who passed away from Alzheimers who would have been 73 this year.

He and a course marshal were gripping each other's arms and Chuck was breathing pretty heavily.  I felt like I needed to stop but I was about to PR in 6 miles! What should I do? I asked if he was OK and if there was anything I could do? He said he was going to be fine and to keep going. OK! You don't have to tell me twice!

 Fast forward 2 months and Chuck has a heart attack the day after Christmas. He got right back out there a few short months later and will run a half marathon in May. That Chuck is one tough nut!

I hate cords. Of all kinds. Especially the vacuum cleaner cord but that's a different story for a different blog. I use wireless head phones to avoid the headphone cord. When I first started running I was constantly catching the cord with my had and ripping the head phones out of my ears.

Technology specs will usually tell you how many hours the product will run before it needs to be charged. I believe my headphones are good for 8 hours. Of course, over time, that number goes down.   That is why I always bring a corded pair tucked safely away in the side of my bra. I hadn't used it yet, until this marathon. Failure happened around mile 23. I was so over this race and to add having to fiddle with headphones was just making me mad.

I can't recall exactly what happened but the music app on my phone stopped working too. Good thing I had music back up item #2; iPod shuffle!

 Michigan Avenue is the final long stretch in the course. At the end, at Roosevelt before we make that turn and go up the dreaded hill, there are a bunch of countdown signs. They couldn't come fast enough. I was done with the cheering crowd. Done with the clanking of cowbells for the past 5 hours. Done with the whole deal. I cranked up the music and ran the whole stretch. no more run/walk intervals. Let's get this thing done!

I got to the end and crossed the finish line. It was anticlimactic. Emily wasnt waiting like last year. I had already done this before. It wasnt new. Of course I was still excited; it just wasnt the same. Oh, and my time wasnt official yet but I was pretty sure it was going to be a PR kind of a day.

This year the marathon had an almost real time app to track runners. I say almost real time because it can only estimate where a runner is based on the last timing pad they crossed. I saw that Katie was pretty close. It was her first marathon and I thought I'd pay forward Emily's kind gesture of wating for me last year.

I missed her. There is still a decent number of people coming in even after 5 hours. I moved on to get my medal and photos and most importantly, my beer. I grabbed two.  Is someone going to deny me a second beer after running a marathon?

I made my way through Grant Park while talking to my dad on the phone and juggling my beers. I found the unofficial time tent. Yes! It was a PR. I looked at FB on my phone as I was finishing the last of my beer, reveling in my 4 minute PR and I see all the congratulatory messages. I got really emotional about it. Running does that. It gets you high and then makes you cry.

Emily was injured and probably shouldn't have been running this race. We knew she'd take a long time so I made it my duty to get her bag from CARA's gear check at the hotel if she wasn't going to make it back by the time they close at 3. I even had her record a video giving me permission to get her bag.  This didn't give me much time to hang around Grant Park. I kind of wanted to take it all in.

I got back to CARA in enough time to get stretched out and snag some snacks. Emily arrived and got cleaned up and we headed out on the El to the Bad Apple for burgers and beer.

CARA made a big mistake by having us in a room where you have to climb down a short flight of stairs and then up again, coming and going this was a muscular nightmare. The stairs to the El was pretty bad too.

I took an Uber home from dinner. It was around 7 PM. It's amazing how on a day where I ran 26.2 miles I only had one meal (plus 4 beers) and stayed awake until 9 pm. The body can take more than one thinks!