marathon pace

Rehoboth Beach Marathon Recap

December 11, 2012 by Kristy 21 Comments

Marathon #11 can best be described by one of my Dad’s many sayings: sometimes you get the bear, sometimes the bear gets you. I won’t leave you in any suspense – I didn’t get the bear.

the good
I didn’t have a terrible race. I didn’t go out too fast, didn’t hit the wall, didn’t dehydrate, didn’t develop aches or pains, or didn’t fuel properly. My first 13.1 was run in 1:48 and the second 13.1 in 1:52. A 4-minute positive split. Not terrible – I’ll never be a negative split marathoner – even splits are the way to go for me.

All I can say is that I got tired (no shit, right?). My mind was saying “go, go, go” but my legs could not maintain MP. My pace would slip, I would rally back for a little, and then my pace would slip again.

the bad and the ugly
On paper, a sub-3:40 (8:20 average pace if you’re using 3:39) should have been easy. I just ran a 1:41 half 3 weeks ago (7:45 average pace). My MP would have been 35 seconds slower than my HMP. That’s huge. This was not a stretch goal.

But the marathon is a fickle bitch of a race. Anything can happen. You’re on top of the world for one mile and praying that it will all end the next mile.

miles 1-10

I wanted to use the first 2 miles as a warm-up and then settle into 8:20 pace. I was holding back here. I obsessively checked my Garmin to make sure I wasn’t going out too fast. The first few miles were within RB and then we entered a rails-to-trails section. This was definitely my favorite part of the race. It was gorgeous and the trail running put me at ease.

And then we headed out for a long stretch to Lewes and Cape Henlopen State Park, passing some of the biggest and most beautiful houses I have ever seen.

on my way to DQ…

miles 11-19

I needed to pee. Like real bad. I first noticed it around mile 7 and I thought the feeling would go away. It only got worse. With the exception of my first marathon, I never have to stop and pee during a race. Ever. I gave some serious thought to just peeing myself but my stage fright is way too bad for that. Plus it’s really difficult to “let go” while running!

I HAD to stop at the next porta potty. I was going to lose time either way. If I didn’t pee, the feeling would only get worse and slow me down. I ducked into the next porta potty I saw, peed as fast as I could, and then tried my best to make up for lost time (that’s why mile 18 is 8:53).

Miles 14-16 went through Cape Henlopen State Park. This is where the so-called “hills” were. It was more like gentle rolling hills – nothing that will really break you. The payoff was gorgeous views of the sand dunes and ocean.

miles 20-26.2

This is where the tiredness set in. I didn’t hit the wall; it was just harder to maintain MP. I felt OK and tried to rally back with mile 21 but my paced slipped again in mile 22.

still giving a half-hearted thumbs up…

We made our way back to RB via the rails-to-trails section. I saw Jess around mile 22. I have never met Jess before but we both knew we were running the race. I introduced myself and we ran together for the next 4 miles. We were both having a tough time and although we didn’t talk it was nice to have someone there with you…providing silent encouragement and motivation. Thank you, Jess!

I passed mile 25 in 3:30. I didn’t know how close to 3:31 I was but I remember thinking I can do this. I can run a 3:39. It’s funny how you forget that you have to run 1.2 miles to finish. I would have had to pull the fastest 1.2 miles of my life to get a 3:39.

I saw my Garmin switch over to 3:40 and my heart sank. I was so close…I could see the tent where the finish line was. I crossed the finish line in such a fog I never stopped my Garmin until 30 seconds later.

Official results
3:41:34
Overall – 197/823
Female – 47/323
AG – 10/45

I so badly wanted to run a 3:3x marathon and was totally capable of doing so but it wasn’t my day. I left nothing on that course and did the best I could do on that day…which is all you can really ask for in a marathon.

the race itself
I would definitely, absolutely, positively recommend this race. The course was beautiful (and flat) and RB Running Company organized a small and fantastic race. I lucked out with the weather – it was 100% overcast with no wind. I could see how even the slightest bit of wind could cause havoc on some of the out-and-back portions.

I also got to see Matt about 4-5 times on the course. He kept popping up every couple of miles.

The best thing about the race was the after party. A huge, heated tent with catered food, live music, and beer!

I mentioned this in another post but it’s worth mentioning again. I stayed at Avenue Inn, right around the corner from the start line. The race started at 7AM and I didn’t leave my hotel room until 6:45AM. I was warm, dry, and used the bathroom to my heart’s content.

we ran right by the hotel at the start

Writing this recap has been cathartic. I was hoping it would be. Up until yesterday, all I could think of is how I didn’t run a 3:3x marathon. I hate how that overshadows that fact that I PR’d by 2 minutes. If I were a client I would have looked at those splits and told them they ran a terrific race and they should be proud. I need to listen to my own advice.

On the plus side, I get a break. A real break. Not a let’s-run-a-50K-and-then-another-marathon break (remember how I said I was going to take a break after Boston)? I’m going to focus on barre and running what I want, when I want.

I literally could not keep up with all the comments on FB, Instagram, and Twitter. Thank you, thank you! It really did mean a lot.

Boston Marathon Recap

April 17, 2012 by Kristy 37 Comments

Oh jeez, where do I even begin? Let’s start out by saying the Boston Marathon far exceeded my expectations. I had the time of my life and loved every (hot) second of it.

To be honest, I was terrified of the heat. Each day I tracked the weather, the hotter and hotter it became. I was fearful of a DNF (even though I never DNF’d before). The heat is sneaky. It creeps up on you and before you know it, you’re in the medical tent and getting a ride to the finish line.

I wasn’t about to DNF in Boston. I wanted to run a smart race, enjoy myself, and finish!

I hate lengthy race recaps so here are the highlights:

I was sweating before the race even started! The sun was brutal and the course offered no shade.
I decided to run by feel and started out at 8:45-9:00 pace, knowing I would slow down pretty soon. I was feeling good, enjoying the crowds in Hopkinton, and taking it all in.
My stomach started to feel a little queasy around mile 4. I knew it was from the heat (I had a similar experience last summer). I just tried to ignore it.
The spectators were AMAZING! They doused us with water and handed out ice cubes. I would not have survived the race without their support.
After mile 10, I slowed down significantly. I happily walked through every single water stop, filling up my water bottle. A few miles later, I allowed myself to walk when I needed to.
It’s funny to see so many runners walking so early on during a marathon. This is going to sound cheesy but I felt a kinship, like we’re all in this together.
The Wellesley girls did not disappoint. I heard them cheering at mile 12. Since all the runners were enjoying the “experience” (the B.A.A. refused to call it a race but instead used the term “experience”), I think they got many kisses on Monday. Sweaty kisses, that is.
When we entered Newton, I remember thinking “OK, here come the hills”. I didn’t think they were that bad, although I was running so slow. If I was trying to maintain MP up them, I’m sure my tune would be different.
Heartbreak Hill is not that bad. It’s just a long climb at the worst time (between mile 20-21).
The Boston College kids were great. So drunk, but so encouraging.
After mile 21, I felt like I was going downhill all the time. Again, my perception of the course is a little skewed because of my slow pace.
Best sign? “Honey badger don’t care about the heat”. Hysterical.
Other than being hot (obviously) I felt OK around mile 22. My stomach settled down, my legs felt good, and all the ice and frequent douses with water were keeping me somewhat cool. I was having fun!
I knew I’d see my family and friends around Mile 25, so I started to count down the miles until then.
Surprisingly, I wasn’t too emotional when I saw them (dehydration = no tears?). I stopped, chatted, got some last words of encouragement, and moved along.

Oh, hey there

So deliriously happy

This way?

I had quite the entourage

The next 1.2 miles were incredible. I think I had a smile plastered on my face the entire time. The crowds got even deeper and louder.
Making a right onto Hereford and a left onto Boylston was the best part of the race. I felt like I was on the red carpet.
I just tried to soak up every last bit of it during the final stretch on Boylston. Before I knew it, I crossed the finish line and became a Boston Marathoner!

My official time was 4:33:50. That’s my 4th slowest marathon ever but I have never been prouder. I walked a lot (more than my first marathon!) and I was just so happy to finish strong (and not visit the medical tent).

I have so many people to thank. My family and friends that made the trip up to Boston to see me – Matt, my parents, Karyn, Aidan, Michelle, Paul, Charlotte, Neil, Mr. and Mrs. G – it means the world to me that you were there.

For everyone who sent congrats and words of encouragement via Twitter, FB, text, and email – I read each and every message and it meant so much to me. Thank you.

I definitely want to do Boston again. Get another shot at the course on a much cooler day and race it. But for now, I’m just so happy and plan on riding this out for awhile!

If you’re interested, I posted all my Boston pics on FB.

Boston Week 12 Recap

March 28, 2012 by Kristy 29 Comments

Taper time! Well, taper time mileage-wise that is. I still have 22 miles to bang out on Saturday (the final dress rehearsal) and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a wee bit nervous.

The Boston welcome package came in the mail this weekend and confirmed what I already knew: I’m representin’ the rear of Wave 2!

I can’t be surprised. Remember, I just made the cut-off for Boston.

If a bug flew in my eye or I sneezed violently, I wouldn’t be running Boston.

I’m just so happy to be in Wave 2 Smile

Boston Week 12 Recap
MON: 7 easy – my legs were so tired at the beginning of the week. I kept Monday and Tuesday’s runs easy.
TUE: 8 easy
WED: 11 tempo with 9 at MP – during this run I realized that this was my 5th consecutive day of running, or 52 miles. No wonder I felt like crap.
THU: rest!!!
FRI: 4 easy
SAT: 15 hilly miles (8:32 average pace)
SUN: 5 easy – up bright and early at 6AM to get this in!

So my peak week that wasn’t turned out pretty good! 50 miles total, which I was happy about considering how tired my legs were in the beginning of the week.

Less than 3 weeks to go…

Three Torturous Loops

March 26, 2012 by Kristy 17 Comments

For the past few weeks I’ve been studying the Boston course. A book, YouTube videos, race recaps from other bloggers – you name it, I probably read it.

I’m not so concerned with the quad-thrashing downhills. I ran Steamtown in 2010 – a course where the first 8 miles are practically downhill – and I was fine for the later uphill miles. I’m so glad I had the experience of Steamtown before Boston.

I’m more concerned with my ability to maintain MP over all the hills. Let me rephrase that…I know I won’t be able to maintain MP on all the uphills so I’m worried about it affecting my overall time. Definitely a valid concern.

My typical long run route is a hilly 5-mile loop with the perfect mix of all types of hills: long, windy stretches, short, steep climbs, and rolling hills. The flat stretches are few and far between and rarely last a half mile. I generally do 2 loops and then transition to a flat, paved trail for the final miles.

This week I did 3 torturous loops totaling 15 miles. Whoa, was it tough. I’m hoping this is a worst case scenario and Boston is a bit easier! I climbed the hills strong and tried to pick up the pace in between. I finished in 2:08 (8:32 average pace).

I wore my Oiselle distance shorts and, as suspected, they were perfect.

Taken post-run. I was a sweaty beast.

On Sunday, I spectated the OD Marathon since my sister was running it. Spectating is almost as fun as running one! The race was so small – my sister said they capped it around1500 runners. Can you believe the race wasn’t chip timed? I think that’s terrible for a marathon.

Just before Mile 12

Finishing strong!

My sister did a great job and she said it was the best she has ever felt in a marathon.

Have you ever run a marathon that wasn’t chip timed? Or a half marathon? Luckily, I haven’t. Most of the 5Ks I’ve done were not but that’s expected…and potentially dangerous if you have a large, competitive field. Everyone wants to be in the front but not everyone is going to start off running a 6:00 minute mile.

The peak week that wasn’t…

March 23, 2012 by Kristy 20 Comments

I find it hard to write a post solely on 1 topic these days. It seems my head is bouncing back and forth. It’s going to be a long 3 week taper…bear with me Smile

5 days in-a-row or 52 miles
I generally never run 5 consecutive days. I had to be a little creative with getting all my runs in this week so I ended up with running 5 days in-a-row. I didn’t really realize it until the 5th day, which called for 11 miles with 9 at MP. My legs felt like lead the entire time and MP felt difficult. I couldn’t figure out why until it dawned on me that I ran 52 miles in the last 5 days. No shit my legs are tired. Funny how we can miss the little details.

So my grand plans for hitting 50 miles this week were foiled. Thursday was a much needed rest day and this morning I ran 4 easy miles to be on the safe side. I have 15 tomorrow that I hope to do at MP.

Does all this matter? No. I had a great training cycle and I’m healthy going into the taper. That’s what matters.

Can I freeze time?
I was excited for Boston for so long (or I guess I should say waited for Boston for so long); I’m already a little sad that time is passing so quickly. These next 3 weeks will fly by and before I know it, it’ll all be over. I am going to savor these last few weeks and enjoy each and every mile.

My new love: Oiselle Distance Shorts
Umm, these are awesome. It’s like running without shorts on (that’s the more accurate way I can describe it). The length is perfect, the fit is perfect, they don’t bunch, they don’t chafe. They are perfect. Once I get another long run in them, they will be my marathon shorts.

They run a little big. I have 2 Oiselle tops – a jacket and a long-sleeved T – that run small (I normally wear a small but have a medium in these items). I initially got a size medium thinking they would run small and the mediums were too big. The small fits great (sidenote: if you want to gauge what size to buy I wear a small in the Nike tempo shorts).

Shout-outs
My sister is running the OD Marathon on Sunday! Karyn, you WILL do great. We’ll see you at the halfway point and finish! Run strong!!!

Good luck to Beth who is running her first ultra on Saturday!

Got a favorite pair of running shorts to rave about?

Things that go bump in the night and Boston week 11 recap

March 20, 2012 by Kristy 25 Comments

Thanks to Daylight Savings, my early morning runs begin in complete darkness. Luckily, my neighbor (Maximus, his blog alias) has been running weekdays with me. It’s really nice having a “bodyguard” so to speak. Without him, I would be running a well lit section of trail – a span of about 2 miles – back and forth until the sun came up and I could enter the “woods”.

I call it the “woods” although it’s anything but. Essentially the paved trail moves into a tree lined section. I never enter the “woods” without complete daylight. It’s scary when it’s dark. Even running with Maximus we are both on high alert. Like yesterday when I ran behind Maximus and over to the other side of the trail because I mistook a trash can as a person crouching down and ready to attack (told you it was dark)! I really need to lay off the I Survived the night before a run (sidenote: does anyone watch that show? It’s great!).

Anyways, this week is my last big push mileage-wise before Boston. Most people running Boston are doing their 22-miler this weekend. I’m running 15 this weekend and then 22 next weekend. I do a 3-week taper in terms of mileage but a 2-week taper in terms of my long run. It’s different but it works well for me.

Boston Week 11 Recap
MON: 8 easy
TUE: 10 tempo: 4 faster than MP and 3 at HMP (plus WU and CD miles) + barre class –> I definitely took the bus to crazy town this day. I was exhausted at the end of barre and my legs felt like jello. Never again!
WED: rest!
THU: 7 speed –> and a sub-7:00 min/mi appearance!
FRI: rest
SAT: 20 18 miles –> tough run; my legs were trashed!
SUN: 8 easy

51 miles for the week!

Ever run in the dark and think things like stop signs are out to get you? Or is that just me? We also see bikers with headlights riding 2 across and it looks like a car on the trail coming at us <– that is scary!

Anyone running Boston doing a 2-week taper? Anyone a fan of the 2-week taper?

Boston Week 11 Recap