JFK 50 miler

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.

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?

training update

July 23, 2013 by Kristy 11 Comments

Training for what exactly? For a comeback in 2014? For a healthy, active pregnancy? To justify my raging sweet tooth? It changes each day but it’s definitely motivating me to get my butt out of bed each morning.

I alluded to 2014 plans a few weeks ago and many of you asked for specifics. My due date (1/1/14) is the perfect time for “comeback” training. I figure January and February will be spent on the treadmill walking/running and trying to acclimate to life with a newborn. Then, as the weather gets nicer, I can get back to running outside. My goal is to focus on getting my endurance back first and foremost and, with that, my speed will creep back eventually. I would love to BQ again but I’m being realistic. So I have my eyes on a 50-miler (JFK?) and maybe a marathon as training run. I have no idea what my fitness level will be like postpartum so I’m just going to roll with it and see where it takes me.

Now back to the present. Running is still going fairly well, although the non-stop humidity has been frustrating. I’m averaging 30-35 miles per week with long runs of 8-10 miles. I can’t really go any further without significant help from the treadmill, which I despise in the summer time (even though it’s in my basement). I can’t wait for a break in the humidity to put some decent miles in…although by the time that happens I’ll be pretty rotund!

Speaking of rotund…

I noticed a big difference in my stomach over the past few weeks and now I can see why. I also think my butt is getting larger? Or does everything just feel tighter in that region because my stomach takes up so much space in the front? Either way it’s bizarre to see your body undergo such rapid changes that you cannot control. Note: these pictures are taken pre-run on Sunday mornings…hence the perpetual half-asleep look.

Advice for postpartum comebacks? Other than slow and steady wins the race?

Any 50-miler options? JFK is at the top of my list but I’m terribly afraid of heights and, after reading the course description, I’m terrified.