Broad Street Run

ODDyssey Half Marathon Recap

June 13, 2014 by Kristy 6 Comments

I ran the ODDyssey Half Marathon for the second time on Sunday. Last year I was 10 weeks pregnant. This year I’m 5 months postpartum. Same race but 2 very different experiences.

I love Fiona’s arm rolls

I’ll cut right to the chase – it sucked. I ran a 1:57:42 – a far cry from my 1:53:08 in March. And I try not to think too much about how far off it is from my PR.

I have only 1 excuse for my poor performance – utter exhaustion. In hindsight I should have never attempted to “race” this race. I should have kept the pace nice and slow – inline with my 50K training. Matt was away for 2 weeks and came home the day before the race. I had some babysitting help from my parents and niece but I was still exhausted. Fiona is a good sleeper but likes an early start to her day (between 4:00 and 5:00AM in the days leading up to the race). By the time Matt got home I was hurting.

My goal, as with the LOVE Run and Broad Street, was to hide the pace field on my Garmin and run HM effort. I was struggling right from the start. I thought it was the heat so I plugged forward. By mile 5 I wanted to DNF or take a nap under a tree (preferably both). I couldn’t get over how tired and worn out I felt. I knew I had to slow my pace in order to finish. I’d like to say I consciously slowed my pace down but, let’s not kid ourselves, my body shut down at mile 5 and my pace came to a halt.

Splits: 8:18 / 8:12 / 8:09 / 8:13 / 8:52 / 9:23 / 9:00 / 9:05 / 9:18 / 9:18 / 9:16 / 9:01 / 9:23 (hill climb to the finish)

Lesson learned? I’ll never make it through 50K training (or the 50K) if I don’t make sleep a priority. I felt like 5 months of not-so-sound sleep finally caught up to me. Totally caught me off guard too. If Fiona gets up at 5AM (her wake-up time this week), I need to be in bed (asleep) no later than 9PM. (And if you’re wondering, that’s her wake-up time regardless of when she goes to bed…6PM or 8PM.)

On the plus side: my pacing was pretty consistent, I kicked off 50K training, and was able to run a fun race which included a tasty beer at the finish (missed out on that one last year!).

Broad Street Run (Race Recap)

May 15, 2014 by Kristy 5 Comments

It’s been nearly 2 weeks since the Broad Street Run and I’m glad I wasn’t able to recap this race sooner. A little perspective changes everything.

This race is a clusterfuck each year. A nightmare of crowds and congestion to get there and get home. Forty thousand runners packed into a small space. But the course is flat and straight and perfect for a PR. And the crowds are pretty amazing too. That’s why I keep running it each year.

Last year I was 5 weeks pregnant and in PR shape. Common sense prevailed (or rather Matt prevailed) and I ended up not running the race. Of course I could have run it for fun but I’m too stubborn and race results live on the internet forever.

So this year I was excited to get back to Broad despite being nowhere near PR shape. I feel like I’m in this frustrating transition space. I’m no longer pregnant and running races for fun but I’m not 100% yet so PRing is not likely. Lining up for a race is a total guessing game with regard to pace. Hence the reason why I hide the pace field on my Garmin during races and just run based on effort. Effort is the only thing I do know right now.

So many runners. A view of the front and back of my corral.

I can’t say Broad didn’t go as planned because there was no plan. I definitely wasn’t anticipating feeling crappy at mile 1. I tried to turn it around – maybe I needed to warm up – but it still felt hard at mile 5. My lungs burned a bit (I just got over a cold the week before…apparently it was still lingering) and it just wasn’t my day. It sucks when bad runs happen to fall on race day.

I tried to keep my effort consistent and have fun. I wouldn’t say it was a death march but it definitely felt like that at times. I finished in 1:23:41 (8:22 average pace). Splits: 7:52 / 7:57 / 8:16 / 8:21 / 8:21 / 8:27 / 8:33 / 8:42 / 8:39 / 8:24. Maybe I should unhide the pace field…I’m clearly all over the place.

I was initially disappointed with myself until the next day. I woke up with no soreness. This is a far cry from how I felt after the LOVE Run in March. I was sore for 3 days. Like post-marathon sore. The day after Broad I was able to run. Hooray for progress with structural fitness! And I checked out what my “predicted” finish time for a 10-miler would have been based on my 1:53 finish at the LOVE Run – a 1:25. So despite not feeling it at Broad, I still did pretty well. (I do take race predictor charts with a grain of salt…unless I’m faster than the predicted time. Don’t we all?!)

I’m getting there. I just need to keep plugging along.

Unrelated but what’s with the new mamalete hashtag? #motherrunner isn’t enough (or obnoxious enough)?!

Big Plans {revised}

April 16, 2014 by Kristy 8 Comments

In February I posted about my Big Plans for 2014 and then, 6 weeks later, posted about how running kinda sucks. I have updates on both fronts…as I’m sure you are on the edge of your seat in anticiptation!

First let’s talk about running. This is the good news. It’s getting better…dare I say running seems to be clicking again? Maybe it’s the weather and more outdoor running? Maybe I needed to get that first race under my belt? Maybe, structurally, I’m finally adapting to my new normal? Whatever it is, I hope it sticks around. My weekly mileage is still low – 25 to 30 mpw – and I intend to keep it there for at least another month. Lower mileage is giving me ample time for pre-hab (hips and glutes) and core work which is vital right now.

My big plan for this Fall was to run a 50 miler – specifically the JFK 50 miler – in November. Training for an ultra, as opposed to training for a marathon PR, just made sense postpartum. My body cannot handle the rigors of speed work and fast finish long runs this year. Instead I crave long, slow miles…the building blocks for a strong 2015. (Goals for 2015 include a marathon PR and Boston in 2016.)

Registration for JFK opened April 1st and I went back and forth about it. I so wanted to do it but my gut kept telling me to run a 50K instead. Since your gut is always right (always), I registered for the Blues Cruise 50K in October. My primary reason for dropping to the 50K distance? Motherhood is physically exhausting! And I don’t mean in a sleep deprived way…I’m talking about hauling around almost 15 lbs (Fiona’s a good eater!) all day while bending, twisting, and kneeling. By the end of the day, I’m beat up.

The back-to-back long runs needed for a 50 mile race would surely do me in on the weekends and it would require a lot of time away from Fiona (and family time). I just don’t want that right now. A 50K is much more manageable in terms of long runs and overall mileage and I already have experience with the distance and training for it. And the race is an hour from my house and is supposed to be pretty good – a 31 mile loop around a lake that isn’t too technical (but hilly).

I’m excited. And relieved. There are lots of new “firsts” right now and I just don’t want training to be one of them. I also have 3 half marathons scheduled for this year and my goal is to PR at the Philly Half in November.

First things first though – Broad Street on May 4th…

***********************

RTLR Coaching is having a SALE on online coaching services now through April 21st! Now is the time to start planning for your Fall race. More details here.

The LOVE Run Philly {Race Recap}

April 6, 2014 by Kristy 5 Comments

Last Sunday I ran Philly’s first ever LOVE Half Marathon. CGI Racing put together a fantastic half – super organized with wonderful volunteers (who stood outside for hours in a freezing downpour). If you like the Philly Half in November (my favorite race), then you’ll like the LOVE Run. I’m so happy that Philly has another distance race in the Spring…something other than Broad Street.

This race was a lot of firsts for me: first race postpartum, first race in a total downpour, and first race where I didn’t look at my Garmin (not one single time). The weather was awful – freezing, windy, and nonstop rain.

My original plan was to make this a fun run, especially since postpartum running has been very blah lately. Standing at the start, freezing and wet, all I kept thinking was the faster you run, the faster you get done. Screw the fun run, I didn’t want to spend another minute in these conditions if I didn’t have to.

That’s when the strategy changed to let’s run HM effort and not look at the Garmin. I love running by effort (although I rarely do it) – there’s no magic pace to hit, no pace charts to follow, just you and your breath. And not looking at my Garmin was WAY easier than I thought…partially because it was under my windbreaker and I couldn’t see it anyway.

M1 – 8:51
M2 – 8:19
M3 – 8:51
M4 – 8:14
M5 – 8:20
M6 – 8:43
M7 – 8:19
M8 – 8:08
M9 – 8:52
M10 – 8:48
M11 – 8:41
M12 – 8:45
M13 – 8:36

Official time: 1:53:07 (8:38 pace)

Not the most consistent pacing and the wheels came off a bit towards the end but that’s to be expected after a year plus of not racing. I was in total shock when I crossed the finish line and looked at my watch. I was hoping for a (barely) sub-2:00 finish time. If I were eyeing my Garmin I would have freaked out about my pace during the middle miles (what are you doing? You have no business running that fast!). Not looking at my Garmin was the best thing I did that day. And also having absolutely no expectations helps tremendously.

Thanks to Oiselle teammate Danielle for keeping me company for a few miles. It definitely took my mind off the misery of the weather.

Race photos: me, my sister, and sister-in-law pre-race (and rain) and post-race awkward selfie.

Big Plans

February 1, 2014 by Kristy 11 Comments

2013 was a good year in running. A year ago I was running 20 milers for fun (it’s my favorite distance), then got pregnant, and was fortunate enough to run throughout my pregnancy. I truly loved running while pregnant and didn’t miss racing or the pressure of PRing. It was just the break my body and mind needed so that I could enter 2014 fresh, eager, and determined.

I’m a little over 3 weeks postpartum and I’m dying to get back to training. I’m dying to run 20 miles again. I’m dying to have goals again and races on my calendar. But I’m realistic and cautious. I know I’m not running in the same pre-pregnancy body (reminds me of the saying contents may have shifted during flight – the same is true of my pelvis).

I started walking on the treadmill 2 weeks after Fiona was born. After a few days I ran a mile – very slowly – and felt really good. I have slowly worked my way up to 3 miles. Technically, I’m not cleared for exercise yet so I’m going to stick with 3 miles for awhile since it feels good and it’s feasible (Fiona will tolerate her bouncer and nap).

So what are my big plans for 2014? On my calendar right now is the Philly LOVE Run – a half marathon on March 30. This is a new race for Philly and the course looks great. I have NO plans to race. This will purely be a fun run. I want to cover the distance and enjoy myself.

Next up (assuming I get into the lottery) is Broad Street on May 4. I WILL be racing this one. I figure it’ll give me a good idea of where my speed is (or isn’t). Also – this is a shameless plug – RTLR Coaching has a Broad Street training program! Our first training run will be 2/22 (after the lottery is announced). This program is great for first time Broad Street Runners or anyone that would like to train for BSR under the guidance of a running coach. All the details are on my website – check it out!

After that is the ODDyssey Half Marathon on June 8. I ran this for the first time last year (10 weeks pregnant) and fell in love with this race. It’s a small field, great course, and feels more like an ultra because it’s so laid back.

So that brings us to Fall and my big plan – a 50-miler! My second ultra but first “real” ultra. I have been wanting to train for and run this distance for awhile now. And postpartum seems to be the perfect “fit” for an ultra (in my opinion). If I truly am being realistic about my return to training I don’t want the pressure of PRing in a marathon and the harsh training that comes with it. I don’t want myself getting into a too much, too soon scenario and ending up injured (remember…contents may have shifted during flight). Not that training for a 50-mile race is a walk in the park – not at all. But it will allow for a slow, gradual increase in mileage without the punishing workouts. That’s exactly what I need right now.

I have my eyes on JFK but I’m open to other 50-milers (please recommend one!) as long as they are somewhat local to Philly and later in the year (Oct/Nov). I’ll probably run a marathon as a training run for the 50-miler. I’m thinking maybe Steamtown – I was signed up to run it in 2013 – but I’m pretty open on that as well.

I do have plans to PR in the marathon and run Boston again but that’s for 2015. Right now I need to be patient and take baby steps.

What are your big running plans for 2014?

Can you recommend a good 50-miler besides JFK?

1st trimester running

July 7, 2013 by Kristy 21 Comments

Time is flying. I’m just shy of 15 weeks and haven’t even mentioned running yet with my new training partner! Let’s recap the 1^st trimester of running, shall we?

Since I felt pretty good throughout the 1^st trimester I was able to sustain decent mileage (in my opinion).

Miles per week: 35-40*
Long runs: 10-13 miles
Race: ODDyssey Half Marathon
*with occasional drop back weeks of 30 miles

Pace
My pace slowed almost immediately, like I was running through molasses. At first this drove me crazy. I was getting passed by everyone and I was not happy about it. It took me a few weeks to put aside my pride and just enjoy myself. Now I pretend I’m training for an ultra – the slower you go, the better off you are. Just cover the miles and don’t worry about pace. Now that my mindset has been changed, running is pretty damn fun!

Long run fatigue
I didn’t experience much general fatigue in my 1^st trimester but long runs got rough. 13 miles was definitely my limit. I would get so tired I began to walk up hills and incorporate short walk breaks whenever I felt like it…just to cover the distance. This helped immensely.

I also noticed that my standard bedtime on a long run day became 8PM. Party hardy.

Boobs
I didn’t see this one coming! My $15 Champion sports bras were no longer cutting it. I have never really felt my boobs bounce while running (and I prefer it that way!). I swear it happened overnight. I woke up and had boobs. I finally sucked it up and bought more supportive – and expensive – Nike sports bras. I have a new respect for you well-endowed ladies and what you have to endure!

Races
1) Broad Street Run – 5 weeks pregnant (DNS)
I call this “sidelined with a case of pride”. I debated back and forth about this one. Race it? Run it for fun? Racing it was risky. It was so early in my pregnancy and 10-mile race pace is pretty punishing. I had a hard time justifying it and Matt felt the same way. Running it for fun was doable but you know what they say about race results living on the internets forever? I thought my slow pace would raise eyebrows (or maybe no one cared?) so I played it safe and sat out of the whole race. Damn pride.

2) ODDyssey Half Marathon – 10 weeks pregnant (1:59:31)
My first race of 2013! This race was on my bucket list for awhile but I never seemed to fit it in. It’s a small (3000 runners), low-key race in Philly. Runners can dress up in costume and can jump off course to participate in obstacle courses and games (I did neither).

Two remarkable things happened during this race: I didn’t stop to pee AND I didn’t walk. I felt pretty incredible actually. Obviously I had no time goals but secretly I wanted to come in under 2:00. Mission accomplished.

Splits

Elevation profile – sadly this is considered “hilly” by Philly standards.

Around mile 11, I met a RTLR reader (hi Dave!). This was the first time anyone recognized me for the blog and I must admit it was pretty awesome and gave me a nice little boost.

I wonder what I was looking at? And why is that girl on her cell phone?!

A medal that’s also a bottle opener? Perfect…6 months from now.

It feels good to finally recap a race on the blog, even though I didn’t technically “race” it. I have 2 more half marathons scheduled for 2013 – the Philly RnR in September (should be doable) and the Philly Half Marathon in November. I will be about 8 months pregnant so we’ll just have to wait and see with that one. I may be delusional.

And 2014? Oh, I have big, big plans Smile