And it's over

I am still a jumble of emotions today, two days after mostly running Grandma's Marathon. I feel like I need to put something down now so I don't forget some details.

The day started out cool and foggy, just like last year. The temperature was ideal. The humidity, not so much. I could tell when the humidity went down in that I was able to breathe more freely, and my steps were lighter and without as much effort. It wasn't very often that this happened, unfortunately.

I got a ride to the starting point with friends instead of taking the bus. This was pretty nice because it was way more comfortable and a lot less stressful. Plus I was with friends, so that was pretty cool too. Here's a picture of us before we head out on our way to Two Harbors:

We're looking way too happy considering what comes next

The area at the starting line was, to me, surprisingly large. There were plenty of port-o-potties so I didn't have to wait too long to get in and out. For how much space there was at the beginning I was amazed at how cramped it felt. The music at the starting line... left much to be desired. It wasn't the kind of pump-you-up music that I remember from the half in the previous years.

And then there was the race itself. I started out way, WAY too fast - the first 5-6 miles were at sub-8:30 pace. It wasn't that hard, but the extra effort at the beginning, when I was supposed to build up to a faster pace, really sapped my strength later on. The humidity did a number on me, but it wasn't as emotionally draining as it was last year. Probably because my cheerleader Ben stayed with me through the half way point. Which really helped me keep going.

Starting at Mile 15 I walked through the aid stations, just to make sure I was hydrating well and to give my poor, old, achy body a rest. Once in town, it was easier to get through between the aid stations but it was by no means easy at all. My body hit a wall around Mile 22, where the pain was just so intense I had to will myself to continue on.

I think the highlight of the race was when I saw my wonderful husband and The Boy on Superior Street. I knew about where they were going to be standing, so I started scanning the sidewalk when I got close. I started to panic when I didn't see them and didn't see them. And then, there they were. I'm starting to tear up right now just thinking about it. I know I would have started crying then if I had any tears in me, but there wasn't any. I stopped and gave The Boy a hug, and I think I said something like "This hurts so bad!" with a catch in my voice (little did I know Aaron was recording me coming up to them - but I should have guessed he would). Aaron told me he was proud of me and that I could do it, so I continued on, stopping to walk for a little bit a half block later because I couldn't catch my breath because I wanted to cry so much.

The last 2-plus miles were a blur, and then I saw my boys at the corner to the final stretch, which was a surprise because I totally forgot they were going to do that. I got my finisher's medal, and my shirt, and a flower, which was really nice and made me almost cry again. I quick got my gear bag and went to meet my cheering squad and then to go home.

Yesterday, the pain was pretty intense. My whole body ached. The refreshed chafing on my left arm was so tender I didn't want to move that side of my body. I had two strange blisters, one on each foot, but those didn't bother me too much. Stairs continue to be especially hard, in that my left quad is very VERY angry with me. And my right hip.

And how am I feeling about how I did? I am so proud that I finished, that I pushed through when all I wanted to do was curl up and die. I finished a lot slower than I thought I would, but then again I didn't really comprehend before the physical toll running 26.2 miles puts on your body. Now I know, and I feel so happy with just finishing.

But will I do it again? Not for a very long time, if at all. I am no spring chicken, and the time commitment it takes to train for a marathon is so insane. But I rose up to the challenge that I set for myself, and I was successful, and NO ONE can take that away from me.

 The Boy with the medal. He is very proud of his mama.

Saturday's Run

On Saturday, I ran my first full marathon, 26.2 miles, in 4:12:48. And now I need another nap.

You may be right, I may be crazy...

It takes a special sort of someone to voluntarily go outside when it is below 0F outside. It takes an even rarer beast to voluntarily go outside when it's below 0F and go running. I guess I am that rare beast.

When I signed Barbado and myself up for a fun run to be held on March 1st, the idea that it would be frostbite-inducing cold on that date didn't even cross my mind. So when I woke up Saturday morning, and saw the forecast for the day was a high of 0F with a wind chill warning for the whole day (where you could get frostbite in 20 minutes or less) I seriously questioned the wisdom in participating in a fun run outside.

In the end, Barbado and I decided to participate in the 3rd Annual Mustache March Run. This is a 2.65 mile fun run on the Lakewalk where it is (essentially) required that you sport a mustache of some sort. I think mine is much better.

Post-run.  I look smashing with a grey 'stache.

Thoughts on this run:

• There was a HUGE turnout considering how ungodly cold it was out. Which is pretty awesome.
• At $25, the entry fee was a little steep for a fun run. But part of the proceeds went to Wildwoods, a non-profit that aids injured wild animals, so that was pretty cool.
• Instead of a t-shirt, you get a pint glass as swag. AND a beanie. Both of which are pretty cool looking. And more usable than a t-shirt. So bonus on the swag.
• Finally, there was a ton of awesome prizes awarded randomly for participating in the run, and the best mustaches got a prize as well. Barbado won a gift card to Duluth Running Company, which I covet greatly. Oh, and you got a free pint at Pizza Luce too.

Would I do this fun run again? Possibly. The only negatives were the weather, which can't be controlled, and the entry fee, which made up for itself if you won a prize. So I guess it will come down to how I'm feeling next February as to whether I will do this one again.

Yesterday's Runs

That's right - runs PLURAL.  In the morning, when it was a blustery -8F outside (with wind chill to boot) I went on my normal Saturday group run.  Since I knew I was going to be out in the evening running/jogging again, I decided to do the shorter workout.  In the morning I ran 4.54 miles in 40:00, for an average pace of 8:48.

In the evening, at the balmy temp of 0F outside (still with wind chills), I did the Mustache March Run.  This one I purposely stayed with Barbado, since this was his first week back into running and he's a trooper for agreeing to do this with me. Needless to say, there was a bit of walking involved, but much less than I had anticipated, which is pretty awesome for him.  In the evening I walked/jogged 2.65 miles in 27:17, for an average pace of 10:17.  Kinda messes with my average pace for the year, but it was a LOT of fun and I'm glad I decided to keep pace with the honey.  Even though he cut me off at the end and claims he won.

Happy Turkey Day!

It's the official American holiday of overindulgence, so of course that means I ran a race this morning. This is the second time I've run the Gobble Gallop 5k here in Duluth, and I must say the first time was a better experience than this time.  Some thoughts on this race:

• There were a LOT of people out for this race, over 2000.  Which wouldn't necessarily be a problem, but the walkers and runners were in one big group, so I spent a good portion of my time bobbing and weaving around the walkers.  Which is no good when in the back of your mind you want to PR...
• The swag was pretty nice.  Runners got a really nice long sleeve tech shirt, which is good for winter running, and some coupons to local stores.  I especially appreciate the $20 off a new pair of running shoes.
• The route was flat and fast, as it was down and back on Superior Street.  Which would have been good for a PR, but see bullet #1
• I didn't partake in any of the post-race food and beverages, as I was a meat popsicle and just wanted to get inside. But from what I understand it was fruit, bagels, water and coffee.  Pretty standard fare.
• One huge bonus is the race offered free child care during the race on a first-come-first-served basis.  I have never seen another race offer this, and I was grateful for this as I did not have anyone to watch The Boy.  He said he had a good time as well.
• The price was a bit high for a 5k, at $30 for the registration with the tech shirt.  Part of the proceeds go to the Second Harvest Food Bank, which kinda makes it worth it.

I'm not sure if I'll do this one in the future, as the whole walkers not lining up at the rear thing kinda pissed me off.  Plus the price is at the top end of what I want to spend for a 5k.  Besides that it was put together well and is a race Duluthians need to try at least once.

As for this holiday, I am thankful for so many things in my life.  I great job that allows me to work a normal schedule and still provide for my family.  A roof over my head, and food in my belly.  Friends and family that care for me, and that I care for in return.  And this year, I am most thankful that I met a special someone, someone that is truly amazing and that I am so extremely happy to have in my life.

Today's Run

Today I ran a 5k (approximately 3.1 miles) in XX:XX 24:11, for an average pace of X:XX 7:47.  I started a bit back in the pack, and did not see the clock as I was passing the finish line, so I have to wait for the official results to know how I did.  Which feels weird and is liberating at the same time.  It was extremely cold out this morning, and the wind was brutal.  And I saw a lot of people from last spring's running group at the race, and it was nice to catch up with all of them.

*Update 11/28/2013: Just got an email with the official results.  Definitely not a PR, but way better than I thought I had done.

Why is this place so damn hilly?

Today I ran my first race since the half at Grandma's in June.  I did do a fun run in August - and it was fun - but I wasn't try to place or PR or anything like that.  So how did I do?

Silver is my favorite metal - besides platinum, of course

Yes, I got second place in my division.  Pretty darn respectable I think, especially since I have never been very good at 5k's.   My observations for this race (I'm a sucker for a list):

• The website stated all registrants would get a long-sleeved tech shirt.  What they provided was long-sleeved, but it was definitely not a tech shirt.  It was a pretty cheap, thin cotton shirt.  AND they ran out of women's shirts.  AND they were safety yellow (yuck). So I just got a shirt for The Boy and called it good.  At least they were good about letting me get a size that I didn't register for.
• The route was nice in that it went for a good part by the St. Louis River (hence River Run).  But there were a lot of loops and, man, was it hilly.  The hills there's nothing you can do about.  I would think they would try to make a course that didn't go in circles quite so much.
• The post-race food was damn nice - water, gatorade, fruit, yogurt, bagels, granola bars, and I don't know what else.  Way more than you'd expect for a local 5k.
• The price was extremely reasonable - $20 if you pre-registered.  Not too shabby.

Overall, it was worth it to try it out.  And the proceeds went to a good cause - the tech and wellness fund for the local elementary school.  Would I do it again?  Maybe, but there are a lot of good runs in September up here that I'd like to try before I'd do this one again.

Today's Run

Today I ran 5k (or approximately 3.1 miles) in an official time of 24:47 24:51, for an average pace of 7:58 8:00.  Going out was pretty much downhill, so I did the first mile in 7:15.  Coming back, well, I pretty much died on the uphill so that brought my average pace WAY down.  But it was good enough for 2nd in my division so I got another medal.  Yay!  Not a PR though; my best 5k time was 23:52.  Boo. :-(

And with today's run I have officially hit 400 miles run this year.  And I have over 3 months to add on another 119 and beat last year's total mileage.  I think I can do it...

Update (9/30/2013): The official results were posted online and were slightly different than the results posted post-race; unfortunately the final result was a few seconds slower.  Didn't change the placing, so I guess I can't be too disappointed.