The Chicago Marathon

The Chicago Marathon!! ~ Never did I think I would say I ran the Chicago Marathon! It was kind of surreal being there after watching online the past 2 years. It was amazing being there, there was such an energetic atmosphere all over the city!
So this might be a long post so, sorry about that! But I will include some pictures through out to break up the words a bit!

I thought about signing up for the Chicago Marathon around mile 21 at the Detroit marathon, while I was running alone on Belle Isle. Ok not alone, but there were no spectators! and that was when I thought I really want to do Chicago. Don't ask how I remember that, but that was one of the things going through my brain back then! Before I signed up for the marathon, I really wanted to be able to run in one of the corrals that went in the 1st wave, and in order to do that I would have to get a PR in either a half or full before the deadline of August, but I really wanted it before I even registered. So that was one of the reasons why I went and ran the Mercedes Half Marathon (read recap here). SO I had my half PR which also allowed me to be in the C corral and 1st wave start. And then registration was the Tuesday after the race, perfect timing! In regards to registration, I was one of the lucky ones who after about an hour, did get in the 1st day even with all the madness. I really do hope it does not go to a lotto system next year, because I would like to run it again. But even if it does, I will most likely enter or run for a charity (which does seem to have some decent perks about it!)

Onto the weekend....I drove down from East Lansing on Friday afternoon. One of the other highlights of this weekend, in addition to the race, and played a huge role in making it an amazing weekend, was meeting up with so many of my runner friends from Alabama!

Photo Op during our Shake out Run

It was amazing to see all of them, and having their support made the weekend even more special! On Friday when we (my most amazing husband came with me) got there on Friday, he went to go sit in the bar while I explored the Expo. It was the most amazing and most organized expo ever! I didn't really spend that much time there, just enough to take most of it in and get some Nike swag (that I bought). I would had stood in line for a picture, but after being in the car and then being around so many people I was just ready to be done. So guess I have to go next year for that! That night we went out for dinner and it was nice to catch up with everyone. On Saturday we did our 3 mile shake out run around Grant Park. Then my husband and I went to Navy Pier for lunch and then I spent the rest of day off my feet being a bum, and drinking fluids and eating carbs!

Race day layout

Good Night Chicago

Then the morning came! And Holy Shit Balls it's RACE DAY! Before I get into the race, I need to preface a bit. And I guess it goes with why I have blogged much, running this summer has not been the greatest. It's been a challenge after the Flying Pig, winter running, mental battles, and stress of work. Of those, the stress of work is gone and for the last month life has felt good again and it reflected how I felt on the road as well.  I really did not know how I was going to do, but I was going to give it all I had and be happy with what ever I got. I had goals, A) 3:55, B)3:59, C)finish with a smile & PR. Will get to the finish in a bit.....

Good Morning...Let's do this!

Resolute Running Teammates Becca & Michael! 

We met up in the lobby at 5:20am to get the shuttle to take us as close as possible to Grant Park. {***They(Chicago Marathon) did such an amazing job keeping everything safe and secure with little hassle***}
Once we got there, myself, Michael & Julie and I walked to our gate entrance while we dropped the other runners with us at the charity tents. We then found a spot along a fence to pop a squat for a bit with a couple potty stops on the way. When the sun final rose we decided it was time to really get this day started! One last potty stop and bag check then we were off to the corrals! and then it hit me, WOW it is amazing! We were still trying to get in the corral when the National Anthem was going on but we were able to hear & see the fly over.

Michael, Julie & I in Corral C. It's Go Time! (thanks Julie for the pic)

And then it was run time....and running out of the chute was amazing, even more amazing then I had imagined after watching the start so many other times. Now onto the run.....It started AWESOME! I felt amazing, I was a bit faster then I should had been, (and that may have haunted me at the end) But it felt easy and steady! I was not breathing hard, I was taking everything in, I felt amazing! The only thing I didn't like of the whole run were the bridges, but I was able to figure out quickly find the rugs to run on! But the crowd support was every where, it was a perfect day to run the weather was awesome the sun was shining! I had no issues with hydration or nutrition, today's run fail was all mental. Around 18-19 is when I started to realize how much was left (and I have to say up until this point I had not looked at any of the mileage markers!) and I also looked at my watch and realized that I was on target to hit my goal and then I freaked out! I panicked, I started breathing really heavy, tears were welling up and I lost it. Things were started to move really slow & I guess I was too because a few people tapped my shoulder to ask if I was ok. I said yes, but was I?! It's kind of strange as I looked at the pictures from the course and I can see a really dazed look on my face and my hands were not in a good form, as they were in the earlier miles. I tried so hard to regroup myself, but somehow I was not able to get my self back, and then when I realized I was going to miss A and B goal I sunk again. So I guess I hit the wall.....and it sucks! It is so true, the marathon is not just a physical battle it is as much a mental battle. and on this day the mental battle beat me. I have now experienced everything that could go wrong in a marathon, Injured (stupid IT band), Some GI issues on the course, & Winter training, then Hills & Humidity on race day. So Lucky Number 5 will be the one! the one to get that sub-4 monkey off my back! 

I was able to get myself back enough to still get a 5 minute PR (finish at 4:06) but not the goal I had originally had for the race. Am I disappointed, yes a bit, but I am still very thankful and happy with my PR. And I am not devastated, especially knowing  I can do it (And WILL), and knowing I didn't have the greatest running year. I still would not had been able to do this with out the help of my Coach Alex! Even though he may live in Alabama, his support along with the whole Resolute Running team helps me in so many ways! 

!

So it is onto the next one....So far Cleveland Marathon is on the schedule, but Rock n Roll New Orleans might be happening first! 

Sorry for the long post & thanks for reading! 

~ Jen

Did you run the Chicago Marathon? Thoughts?

Have you ever hit the mental wall? How did you react? 

Group (solo) Runs

Running is a solo sport...
so why do we feel the need to be with a group?

So this is a thought I have been dealing with lately on my long runs! I love running alone, especially on those runs that coach Alex makes not so easy! I feel that I have to runs the RX paces to what he gave to me and I want to make them without failure, and I don't want to feel that I am either holding others up or running a pace that others can't (or shouldn't) do, so I run them solo. But long runs are just that LONG.....
I had a little melt down on my long run today, at mile 8 (of 18) I realized I was alone, completely alone, and I stopped and cried, The only time I cry on a run is at the finish line not mid run! So i had to talk myself back into the run. I was close to calling my husband (yep carried my phone today not a normal thing) to come pick me up. But then I talked my self up to keep running I thought...When I go to Chicago in a 6 weeks, yes I will be with 45,000 of my closest friends, but I will be alone. I will be alone with my goals, my own run, my RACE!
I realized (after my meltdown) that I have to train for myself and my goals. and I thought about it later in the afternoon (post run) I am running the paces that will give me that goal I WANT!! After my long runs, I am not sore (ok a little) , I am not injured, I am running these runs for me (with or with out people)! Part of my break down today,  I thought back to my time when I was living in Alabama. And I think about my "family" that that I have there and miss them! I know I have a "family" here, but there a days its just not the same.  I miss Randy who never leaves anyone behind, or Michael who will meet anyone any time of day, & Tanya my northern friend I didn't get enough time to have fun with, and so many more!!

So even though I may be in the back of the pack today come race day I will know I did everything I needed to do!  And I will leave nothing out on there on those Chicago streets!

I will always run happy, when I am not happy I quit & today is not that day!

What the Pig Taught Me.....

The Flying Pig marathon was a race that humbled me and made once again realize that running a marathon is work! Not only physically but mentally as well! 

Before I go into what I learned let me say that I really loved this whole event!! The expo was amazing!! It was huge, and even though I didn't spend a whole of time there, it had everything you ever wanted! The swag that came from the race was awesome! A great shirt (that fits!), the annual poster that goes with the race, & nice big cooler that will be nice to hold cold adult beverages! But it was the crowd support that was amazing! There were people everywhere and that was so awesome! It made me get a feel of what Chicago will be like. These people go all out for this race and that was so cool! The best water stops were on the long stretch of the highway....Michigan fans were handing out Gu nice to yell Go Blue! and right after them was the Parrot Head club..Fins Up! __/)__ And after crossing the the Finish Swine the after party was amazing. Even though I couldn't focus to much it was easy to navigate to where to go. 

Would I do this race again? ---> Yes! Maybe only half of it. 
Would I recommend anyone to do it?---> Yes!! 

So what did I learn:

• Running a marathon is work! You can do all the training you want but come race day "it just doesn't happen"
• Seeing that I know live and run in the flat land of Michigan find a race that is not so hilly! The hills would been 'easier' had I still lived in Alabama where you can't get away from the hills.
• Maybe look for a spring marathon later in the spring, to allow for more time to get adjusted to the weather change. 5 days of above 40 degrees is not enough time for your body to get adjusted to warmer temps come race day! 
• I learned how to hydrate during the race a whole lot better then my time in Detroit! 
• I learned that oranges never tasted so good! 
• I need to try something other then Gu, I couldn't suck down a whole packet.
• I need to keep my brain in it! It was brain that quit before my body....but I still finished and I was not going to Quit!!!
• And 12 hours later, the main thing I learned is that it is OK to not reach your goal, as long as you come away from it learning something!

No I did not reach my goal time, but I FINISHED my 3rd marathon!! Something I thought I would NEVER be able to say.

Medal and Beer...well earned!

I now have a big chip on my shoulder and ready to Dig Deep and Dream Big for the Chicago Marathon in October. 

 Coach Alex is well aware of this and I'm ready for what ever he throws at me!

So no the race didn't go as I would had liked, but I am at peace with it and ready to tackle the next one! I still have the drive to finish the next one, Stronger and better then ever!!

Winter Running Blues...

I am officially over all this Michigan weather! Please bring on real spring weather!
This is my little rant on the weather and how I have been trying to deal with it....
Michigan's mother nature of weather this winter has been playing a horrible joke or very rude welcome back to the north on my part. Looking back I am still very impressed that I really did run through out the entire winter! At times I will did wonder about my sanity!
In December and January I have to say it was 'kindof' cute and a novelty to run in the snow! I was not a runner when I used live in Michigan, so when I returned and was now a runner it was an adventure. I was able to say I ran in the snow. And I ran in it, but it felt like I ran in over and over and over again, with no end in sight. As the months went by and the sidewalks were not being shoveled as well and the ice was not salted running was a challenge! But during those months I was training for the Mercedes Half Marathon, and somewhat for the spring marathon, Flying Pig. So I kept going. And there were some horrible runs, it was cold, windy, wet, and slippery. But somehow I still managed to make it through and got a nice new PR along the way.

1st run in the snow

yes..that is a single digit

February the only break from the weather I had was my trip to Alabama. And it was a nice break to get out of the winter conditions, that I realized I really did not miss it all when I live in Alabama. And yes I started questioning my husband of why did we move back?! I did try to run on a treadmill a few times, but I hate the treadmill! My mom was getting rid of hers so I took it and put it in my garage, which I only used a 3 times. Maybe I would had used it more if I could actually get my wi-fi to reach and be able to watch stuff on my iPad. But doing over 4 miles is really difficult for me on the treadmill, I definitely like being on the road a whole lot more.

Thankful to have a great running partner while running in the snow!

There were a few breaks in the weather, and occasionally the sun came out...but that was far and few between. I was very lucky to have found a great running partner and friend when I moved up here. And she was a part of most of the fun and interesting Saturday long runs! And yes, Michigan found it cute to snow on Friday to Saturday's the most often. It's like it knew we had a long run to run so why not make it even more challenging! 

So in March the snow did slowly start to melt, but the sun was still hiding and the temperatures were still low. And the wind....oh the wind! It seems as if it never wants to stop, and every time I went to run it seemed as if it would change its direction to make sure it was always in my face, even when I would change directions. And it was never a little breeze, it was the take your breath away wind and I was trying to run..not fun! But I was still out there!

It's Melting!

So now into April...1 month to go till the Flying Pig Marathon. And the training should be going great. It's April, it's spring....right?! Well Michigan weather has decided that its not done with winter weather. It's still cold, we have gotten above freezing but still cold. And now instead of snow we have rain! and a lot of it....it has now been 4 days in a row of rain and not just a shower here and there, but all day rain. So now yet another thing I thought I would Never do...go run in the rain.

But it rained every day this week, & i ran everyday in it. But yesterday was the most challenging run I think I have had. And after it I am really starting to wonder and question myself as a runner. Yesterday was my weekly speedwork day, and it was a workout that should had been run on a track. Well, getting onto a track here is not easy, they have either been snowed covered or locked gates. So I have had to run all my speed workouts on the road. Which can be difficult, especially with snow/ice on the ground... Last week was my 1st decent speed work out I had for a long time. So I thought the winter running blues (as I had called them) were gone. But yesterday, it was cold, wet, and gray outside. But I thought I could fight through it. Coach Alex, sent the workout...and I went out with some hopes of being able to do it. I tried to get on a track, but the gates were locked up. So I did few circles around a block on MSU campus. But it wasn't really the running that was hard, ok yes it was, but the fact that when I started running there was no rain, but mile 3 and the start of the intervals the rain stating coming down strong and of course my friend the wind started as well. I had to keep my head down the entire time otherwise there was rain in my eyes. 

I was never able to make any of the targets that I was supposed to. And I really really wanted to. Over this whole winter I feel as if I have been failing a bit on the speed work, and I am hoping it really has been the weather. I know I can do it, I did all summer and fall long. But lately I have felt I can't do it. And the part that stinks is that I have been feeling really strong on all my other runs, but when it comes to speed day the weather seems to not want to corporate, which I know is a factor, but it is really playing with my mindset! So needless to say I am really looking forward to Spring....which I hope shows up soon! 

I have always told my self the day running is no longer a happy place I will stop....I'm not there yet but these past few months are really starting to test me! I want to continue to Run Happy but lately its been a challenge! I just need to keep going knowing that the weather will change, it has to!! Plus I am signed up for the Chicago Marathon!! And with the spring/summer to train in is what I am looking forward to. Knowing this is helping me to keep going.

If you read all of this, thanks for reading my little rant on the weather and how I have been dealing with this weather.

And to go along with this little weather rant you will be happy to know that Michigan is forcasting yet another wet day tomorrow even with that evil word...Snow! And yes I have 22 miles to run, so nothing like testing my running soul!

Tomorrow's running forcast...who's coming along?!

Mercedes Half Marathon, fun times with a PR on the side!

So how did that race go, well......It was Awesome!!

Finish Line in Sight, and yes that is a smile! 

I had signed up and decided to run the Mercedes Half Marathon back in October. It was to be a weekend to race but more importantly a weekend to see friends down in Alabama. This would be the 1st half marathon that I had actually trained for. The past few half's that I have run, I was in the middle of training for the Detroit Marathon, so they were at training pace plus additional miles before or after. And the half's that I had run before were before I knew some proper ways to train, I just went out and ran.

I started my training plan for Mercedes from Coach Alex back in December. And in December the weather was not horrible, yes it was cold. But there was no snow/ice like there has been the last couple months here in Michigan. Mother Nature has not been so nice since my return back to Michigan after being gone for a few years, I guess payback's a bitch!

Saturday morning Long run in Feb.

But even with the crazy not so great weather, I still was able to get in my runs and tried as hard as I could to stick to the plan that was given. Some of the speed works outs were tough! And not the workout, the actually conditions, one of the runs it was -8 with the windchill, and that was at 2 in the afternoon! Yes, I could had gone on a treadmill, but I really really dislike the treadmill, 3 miles is .5miles to far on a treadmill! But I still got out there everyday, and every weekend to get my runs in, and some were not pretty! But at least I got them done.

Needless to say, I was nervous when I got down there. Race weekend was here, and I did not feel ready. And then on Saturday am while doing a nice and easy 3 miles with Vann and Tanya, I forgot about the hills. I didn't really forget about the hills, but I don't know what hills are anymore living in the flat land of Michigan! So I then got a little nervous about the race even more! Plus I was nervous of how I would do, I had high hopes about this race, and I was in town with a bunch of people I knew!

Race morning, was the most relaxed I have ever been. Actually the whole weekend, I was very relaxed! It helped being in company of great easy people! And a huge thanks to Allison for opening her home for the weekend. As well as to Abigail and Allison for inviting me for cake I mean lunch at Olexas, in Mountain Brook. I still think it was the vanilla cake that brought the PR on Sunday!

The race started at 7:03 am, and we got down to Boutwell (startline area) around 6:15. There was time for pictures and a little race prep. Of the Resolute Running team, there were only a handful of us racing, the others were running in relays (the relay teams were for the Bell Center) as they were off to New Orleans the next weekend for their races.
And even once I got there, I had nerves, but not really that bad.

Thanks Michael for getting some time in the Bank

I think the company and everyone being so relaxed helped me not get so worked up about what I was about to do. So the plan was to run and shot for a 1:49:59. Keep the pace at 8:20. Michael was leading off his relay team, Team Daniel The Dynamites, and was kind enough to pace me for the 1st 6 miles. And we were a bit faster then pace I was going for, but it was some time in the bank for when the "real" hills would arrive. And I have to say, those 6 miles felt great! if only the hills didn't come....

Vann helping me be Powerful

After his 1st leg of the relay, Vann was nice enough to help pace me for the next 4 miles before his relay leg! And those were some tough miles, the hills came...but having Vann reminding me to be Powerful was a huge help! Well he ended up doing almost 6 miles, and almost missed his relay leg, but he did get a ride to his relay leg! So somehow I ended being lucky enough to have 2 great people help me get me to my goal time and actually crush that goal time! I can't thank them enough!
I actually crossed the finish line with a smile on my face, and I held back the tears. I was beyond shocked and happy with my time. My goal was 1:49:59 but official time of crossing the line....1:46:55!! I was a bit happy!! (Then of course, those damn hills, had they not come into play I would have been in at least 1:45 or better! but I can do that in another time!)One of the 1st people I saw after crossing the line was Coach Alex! And that was when the tears were actually in my eyes!

Me, Alex, & Emily. (Emily also ran a huge PR)

 It was true, I really had accomplished yet another goal!

This whole weekend was a blast, and the half marathon PR was just icing on the cake! I hope to make it down to Alabama at least once a year, either for a race or just a fun weekend with some running involved!

Now onto the next race....Flying Pig Marathon in May. But the big one Chicago in October! :)

The weight of a PR

I know it has been forever since I have written a blog post. I have all good intentions and great ideas..then I get busy or just lazy! So this might be a long one or even a two parter!
This past weekend I went down to my "2nd home" of Birmingham, Alabama! I went for a long weekend of visiting and running! Yes, I went down to run in the Mercedes Marathon, well not the 26.2 just the 13.1 of it! It's kind of funny in the past 2 almost 3 years of running, I never ran in that race because it is ran during my husbands birthday weekend and we usually would be out of town. But this year, still his birthday weekend I was the one who went out of town without him to run in the race. I promise to make it up with a special weekend get away of his choice soon!
I arrived in the warmth of Alabama on Thursday night, and spent the 1st night with my running friend, Liz, in Helena. We were the early (running) birds of the Helena area and were ~Freaklishy Amazing~!

Liz & I...

It was wonderful to catch up with her! And to hear of all the great stuff going on in her life! & at the time I saw her she just had a boyfriend and by the end of the weekend she had a finance! I am so happy for her!!

On Friday, I enjoyed another warm wonderful day, and I started wondering why did we move north again?! But I enjoyed a few hours with my old work people before heading downtown to go to the expo and see the rest of the running crew.

Friday night I got to spend time with my running team. Yep, team. I have been lucky enough for the past (almost year) to have an awesome running coach who is building a great team, the Resolute Runners. No I may not live in town anymore, but with the great world of technology I can still feel like a part of it.

RR Team Pic prior to Race

Plus I got to start to know most of them after spending a little weekend running from Atlanta to Birmingham as part of the Dixie 200 relay. So for me seeing and catching up with everyone Friday night was a perfect way to start the weekend.

Saturday I needed to get a nice easy 3 miles in before the big race on Sunday. So Vann, Tanya (Tanya's Blog that you really need to follow! click here), & I set out on little run through downtown Birmingham.

Tanya & I, with a little view of Bham

And I got to re-learn what real hills are....oh how I used to hate them, and now living in the flat land I missed them. But those 3 miles seems so short, because it was with great peeps and good conversation! Afterwards we had a delish breakfast and more  chatting! Plus it was so amazing to see so many other runners I haven't seen since I left Birmingham a few months ago.

I will get to the race on the next part, but going back to the title of this post....I have not really spoke much about weight, but that is one of the main reasons I got into running. Now I just keep running not only for weight management but also because I actually kind of love it! But over the last few months I have slacked a bit on what I have been eating, the post marathon, the holidays, the winter, & yes the excuses! But sadly like most others its a picture that speaks to us. I am so happy to have pics from this past weekend, great memories, but memories of a not as healthy me. And I am super happy that I made my PR, but I know I need to make a change back to old new me!  SO when I got back I told my self that I will go back to a veggie diet! I did that as part of my training for Detroit and I felt great! Plus I need to get myself back into a workout other then running routine. I will be going and trying yoga and make use of my bosu ball that I bought a few months ago. I know I can do it, I just need to get myself back on that saddle! I have some lofty goals for my next couple races so I train hard, win big, then play big! oh and by the way one of those races will be the Chicago Marathon! Yes I was 1 of the lucky to get in before the big crash!!
I do also promise myself as getting back at it also means blogging my journey to the next accomplishment. If you wish to follow keep an eye out for the next posts and beyond. Next one will be a recap of the actually huge PR on my Half Marathon in Birmingham at the Mercedes Marathon.

Running towards that PR! 

the week after Detroit Marathon

It is now over a week post the Detroit Marathon. And I am able to walk with out a gimp any longer and I have even gotten a few runs in! On Saturday I went on my 1st run back, and yes it felt slow and the legs a little heavy but no pain or discomfort! So I was happy to be able to run seeing that I had the Wicked Halloween 10k race to run in on Sunday. Yes it was a race, but I was not racing it, it was for yet another easy recovery run. It was fun I traveled with one of my friends, Kristen, from East Lansing and meet up with Sharry who I met via twitter but finally in person at the Detroit Expo. & we got into the full occasion of the event! I also go to finally met Megan from Watch Me Go Run.

Megan as the Bee, me as Dorothy, Sharry as Pippi, & Kristen as Minnie

It was a really nice route and great set up for a race. Next year the running company who puts this on is doing a Triple Crown with their races! Run all 3 get an extra medal! It's all about the bling right!!

But since the real race has come and gone, I have time to reflect on the race. And think of what I did right and wrong.

I feel that my training was spot on! With a huge thanks to my coach Alex with Resolute Running. My carb loading was spot on as well, and this was the first time I did it the proper way. Eating a bowl of spaghetti the night before is just not enough I found out! My hydration was great ---the day before and the morning of the race. Where I went wrong was during the race! I kept reminding those I was running with to get water at the aid stations, but I who was holding my own water bottle did not drink enough. I think that is why my nausea/vomit issues came into play. At least I have learned and will improve on the next one! As for the next one (Marathon), it will be at Flying Pig Marathon. I have other races starting to get lined up...but that's another post to follow next week sometime! 

26.2 miles around Detroit!

Mine all Mine!!!

WOW!!! That is how I am starting this off! Detroit Marathon is in the books and I am still smiling about it. I would say I'm jumping up and down with joy but that is NOT happening today, walking is hard enough right now! So in my previous post I did not actually state my goals. This time I will. My goals were simple....
A- Finish and have fun!
B- Finish at 4:00
C- Finish at 4:15
D- Finish at 4:20

Official Results!! Acomplished Goal A and a mixture of B & C!

This was only my 2nd marathon, and I have learned a lot from this one. And I know I have so much more to learn as well! I am really proud of my accomplishment! I have so many people to thank for the support and encougement along the way to this point! My husband, for dealing with my crazy runner self! Stefanie for being there and giving my the courage to run my 1st marathon in March. The Helena Endurance Running Group, for being my 1st running group. Alex for being an awesome coach even from afar! The whole Resolute Running team!! The Village Runners for their support from 700 miles away. And my new running friends here in Michigan. Yes running is a solo sport, but you can not deny the fact that having support is also a huge part in running as well.

One of my friends and Resolute Running team mate came up from Alabama to run the Detroit Marathon! He was also looking to get a PR and he CRUSHED his goal time by 2mins! Why go 3:30 when you can go 3:28?! Vann Rocked it!!

Team RR prior to the Race!

As for the race....it was awesome! I felt great went right to plan just as it was planned out. Yes I was a little fast at times but what can you do. The only down fall was some stomach issues. I had a few bouts of vomit and dry heaves (after the vomit). This started around mile 17-18. When I hit Belle Islle which were miles 19-22 is when I had to focus and recoup some. I made sure to walk and drink a full cup of water and gatorade at each of the water stops. I think that had I not done that I would have had a much harder time finishing! When I got to mile 22-23 I felt better and I then dug as deep as I possible could and finished hard and strong! I hit the last water stop at 24 and ran and drank and then I just took off for the finish. Looking at my garmin I knew with 3 miles left I still could break 4:15 mark! I truely believe that had it not been for the stomach issues I would had been right on for that 4hour mark, but "it is what it is" and I will now have a new goal to achieve! I am still really proud of this time though, I am not second guessing anything I did yesterday! I know I gave it my all!!

I ran this race with one of my new friends here in Michigan. It was Chelsea's  1st marathon and she ROCKED it! I wish I could have finished with her, but with my own issues she did get a few minutes ahead of me. 

Chelsea & I Prior to the start!

Next year I think I will run the half and enjoy it, and take some pictures of all the amazing sights of Canada and America all in one race! 

All DONE!! 

Now to enjoy a little rest.......

& get back on the roads later this weekend for a fun Halloween run! I got my Dorothy costume all ready to go! I think I should be able to run 6miles this weekend (i hope!!) 

And of course start making my goals for 2013!

Fall is arriving and a Half Marathon

So the weather has begun to change here in Michigan. Fall is slowly but surely making it’s appearance. This is my first real fall in over 8 years! The crisp cool weather in the morning and evening, with a slight bit of warmth in the afternoon.  But with this cooler weather I am slowly learning that my blood has also became very thin from my time living down in Alabama. Most of the runners here in Michigan are starting to love the cooler weather, and probably still in their shorts and t-shirts for their runs, me I am starting to break out my cold weather gear. I actually enjoy running in the 60’s, I am one of the odd people! I would much prefer to run comfortably in shorts and tanks then gloves, and 3 layers of tops! I will say I am happy that the cooler weather is starting now, so that I can start to get adjusted to it well before the Detroit Marathon in October. But don’t worry I am very aware I live in Michigan there is always a small chance of warm October day that can occur!  The one sad thing of fall and winter weather is that all the cute Lulu summer running wear must go into the bottom of the drawer. 

Kristen, Chelsea & I prior to race. Can you tell who the cold one is!?

Over the weekend, it was a fun and great running weekend. It was the Capital City River Run half marathon . It is 6 weeks out from Detroit Marathon so I get to race to see how I am feeling going into the marathon. The scheduled actually called for 22 miles on this day, but got the approval from the coach to get at least 20 in for the day! So I started with a 1.75 mile warm up prior to the half marathon. I had hoped that warm up would had actually made me warm, but not so much! I was still a fridged soul at the begining of the race.  The plan for the race was to plan for a 2 hour half marathon. It was also my 1st race running with my new running buddy's!!  Chelsea and Kristen were hoping to break the 2 hour mark for the 1st time! So we got into the 9min pace group. And we set off at 8:30am. It was great weather for racing, after the 2nd mile I was warm enough and very happy that I went with tank and shorts. Over the first few miles I was happy to be in the pace group, it did not allow me to go all out as I sometimes do at the start of any run, the rush of starting! So we kept great strides and conversations through out. At mile 4 Kristen had to make a porta-potty break, but told us to keep on. So Chelsea and I kept on. We both kept with in the pace group, conversation pace, and both had said to each other "this feels great". So at mile 7 we decided that if we still feel like this towards the end we would pick it up a bit. At first I thought ok, pick it up at mile 11 or 12. But by mile 10 as I looked at my Garmin we already started to pick it up to an 8:45 pace, so we just kept with it. And the last 2 miles went in between 8:30-8:45 pace. She had an awesome sprint to the finish!! 

Into the finish

We finished at 1:56 and some change. She had busted the 2hour mark, and had almost 8 min PR (or more!) as for Kristen....She didn't catch up with us, but once we crossed the finish line, we had a chug of chocolate milk and water, we went back up the course to run the finish in with Kristen! She may not had broken the 2hour mark, but she did have a 10min PR and came in at 2:06! I was very happy and proud of them!! 

As for me, I was very happy and pleased with how I ran. This was my 2nd fastest half marathon since I started running! And it felt easy! And that's how I had hoped that running at 9min pace would. I feel 6 weeks out from Detroit I am right where I need to be! I feel that all the training and guideness that I have been doing and given from Coach Alex is paying off! I am really excited to get to the Detroit and get into the 4hour marathon pace group! 

After the race, there were still miles to get in! Chelsea who is also training for Detroit had more miles to run as well. So we started off to get our extra 6 miles in! And let me tell you those were some slow slow miles! But we got them done!

With 5 weeks until the Detroit Marathon I am feeling great and ready for it! In 2 weeks I am going to go run in the Brooksie Half Marathon +8 miles! Marathon training doesn't stop just for a half marathon. But with that one, I will be at training pace no race style pace that day! Plus it will be a hilly route which will be good seeing that I have been in the flat lands here in East Lansing. And I get to meet some new running, twitter Friends,! But, I did get to finally meet Jen @redheadrunning even if it was for a short meeting...those silly marathon additional miles got in the way of talking longer! But I think for my next race I need to run with her a few times....she's got speed!!


How was your running weekend?

What is your favorite season to run in?

........until next time always Run Happy :)

10 Miler & 10 Thoughts Tuesday

I know it has been such a while since I have last blogged. But life just got in the way! & I have to admit when I had down time I was just lazy about writing! But I can Promise I have been running!! Actually just finished my 10th week of my training for the Detroit Marathon! And still feeling great and feeling strong. Today I had a 10mile run scheduled and while I ran it I thought I would do a list of 10 things going on in life!

10. We are finally fully moved in and unpacked in our new house! Such a nice feeling to feel back to a normal life since we have made our move from Alabama back to Michigan.

9. It's the start of Football season!! One of my favorite times of year! & it all starts off this weekend with Michigan vs. Alabama. GO BLUE!! and seeing that I have just moved from Alabama there has been a little back and forth 'smack' talk going on! Even have a small little wager with Michael, from Alabama. That when MICHIGAN WINS he will have to wear a Michigan Shirt for at least 1 mile with his Running Group, the Village Runners. And if (by chance) Alabama wins then I have to wear a Bama shirt while running in East Lansing. 

8. The weather!! Oh my I am loving it! Just perfect!! I have already had one run in Capri's and long sleeves! I am so ready for fall. but check back with me when Michigan winter comes around!

7. Signed up for another marathon!! Flying Pig Marathon!! It has been a race I have looked at for awhile, so one day I just signed up for it! Plus it will keep me running during the Michigan winter.

6. Trip to LA!! Our good friends got married a couple weeks ago. I also had 19 miles scheduled for the Saturday of the wedding. But with my luck we were less then a mile from the beach! So 19 miles on Venice beach, Santa Monica, Marina Del Ray made for the best sight seeing trip ever!

19miles along the Pacific Ocean!

5. Few weeks back, signed up and ran a 5k Race here in Lansing! It was a great race. I ended up with a 

huge PR! A 2min PR from Last year!!  Also was 1st in my age group! yes it was a small race, but still 1st is 1st!  In addition to running the race, I had the rest of my training run to finish, 9miles after the run. Not the greatest way to do a recovery run, but had to get the miles in!

4. Have made some new running friends with the Mid Michigan Running Group. Great group and like most runners have one thing in common in addition to running, beer! Wednesday night runs ending with beer always a good idea!

3. Still on the hunt for an actually job, but not having a job has been nice for me and getting my runs in! No early early wake up calls! :)

2. Training plan. I have been asked by a few I have run with what plan do I use. Well I am using the plan from Resolute Running. Coach Alex devised the plan to tailor the needs for my goal and pace. I met Alex in Alabama and we discussed being my running coach for the Detroit Marathon well before I knew I was moving. I am very thankful that he still took me on as a 'student' even though moving to Michigan. I have learned so much from this training cycle and still have so much to learn. I am very excited to see the end result! which is only 2 months away!

1. I will try to blog more often, I do have the time to do so again! 

But until the next post Run Happy!!

~~Summer is coming to end....are you ready for Fall to Start?

~~What type of training plan do you use? 

~~It's FOOTBALL season....Are YOU READY!?

~~Are you training for a full or half Marathon for the fall? How is your training going?