Run for Boston 5K Race Recap

23:41 - Garmin only measured 2.92

This morning I ran the Run for Boston 5k at the Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville.  I signed up for the race right away as soon as I found out that 100% of the proceeds go to the Who Says I Can't Foundation to help those that lost limbs a a result of the Boston Marathon bombing.  Also, I was super excited that the race was held in Libertyville, which is the town next to mine.  Yay for local races!  I convinced my parents to run the race too so it became a family affair.

We headed to Independence Grove around 8 and snagged some free parking, which was conveniently located right by the start line.  My dad picked up our packets the day before, but they were also handing them out at the race too.

It was somewhat cold - in the low 60s and it looked like it was going to ran.  I had time to kill so I decided to walk/jog a bit so I could get the blood flowing to my legs.  I did not want to be sore after the race like after the North Shore Half.  That wasn't pretty at all.  Illinois Bone and Joint (a PT place) was out and they lead a pre-race warmup, which was really helpful.   I did a few of the exercises before I decided I was warm enough.

The founder of Who Says I Can't, Jothy Rosenberg was at the race!  He thanked all of us for participating and assured us that our race fees would go to a great cause and help people get back on their feet.  After that, we had a moment of silence for Boston, which was very touching.

And then we were off!  The race was not chip timed, but I still decided to start my Garmin as I crossed the starting line.  The course was basically a big loop through the forest preserve and was ran on the path and not on the trails.

Source

I hate looped courses for several reasons.  First, you can see the other runners ahead of you.  Second, you can see where you are versus where you have to be and it seems so far away.  Third, I like to be surprised, which happens more with point to point courses, I think.

Can you find me?

Mile 1: low 8s:  The start was a little crowded as most race starts are.  I was able to get into the groove once I dodged past slower runners.  I wanted to be conservative with the first mile, but not run it too slow since this race was only a 5K.  I was pleased to see a time in the low 8s, which I haven't seen in ages.

Mile 2: 7:48:  A sub-8 split?!  What?!  Who am I??  Needless to say, I was pleased since I haven't run a mile under 8 minutes in ages as well.  After Mile 1, I tried to hang with two women who looked about my age.  But, they were too speedy for me.  I passed up a few people on the way to Mile 3, but other than that, I was pretty much running alone.  I also kinda wish I had stopped for water at the aid station past mile 1, but again, it is only a 5K so I could do without it.

Trying to keep up :-/

WTF is up with my arms?! :-o

Mile 3 to 3.1:  We climbed up a bit hill and the finish area was to our left.  However, we had to run around this circle to get back to it.  I was less then pleased.

The bad thing about running with headphones is that you can hear the sound of feet pounding and approaching you.  I had been running alone for quite some time and was like, "Ok, well let's just get it under 24 if you can and not let any other people pass you. If it's a guy, ok, but not a woman."

DOH.  Spoke too soon.  All of a sudden this chick comes up behind me and she is really gunning it.  I mean, like hardcore - good form, wide strides, arms pumping - the whole shebang.  I, on the other hand, am just dragging my ass toward the finish at this point having already exerted myself in the miles prior.

But, in the back of my mind I'm like, "Ha, I have an epic sprint in the bag so as long as I stay close I can reel her in and take her down!"  She must have read my mind because she sped up really fast after I surged a tiny little bit ahead of her.  She had the epic sprint that I was hoping for and finished ahead of me.  Boo.  Oh well, shit happens sometimes, I guess.  I can say that I didn't want to kill it and have that groin pain I had post North Shore Half, but let's face it - I just didn't challenge her because I couldn't.

Where'd that chick go?
Oh, shit, she is way in front of me!  Oh well.

Are we there yet?!

Checking Garmin as per usual

I watched my dad finish the race.  He ended up with a 29:xx.  I then tried to watch my mom finish, but missed it since I overestimated how fast she would run.  After the race, we munched on some great post-race goodies which included bananas, Oreos, pizza and 312 beer.  

Dad in yellow running along

And, I took a picture with the Chicago Running Bloggers!  I definitely saw some familiar faces since I read their blogs.  And, I introduced myself to Pete B (aka The Lakefront Trail) who has commented on my blog before.


Chicago Running Bloggers post-race

Overall, it was an excellent and well-organized race.  I definitely would run it again if they decide to make it a yearly thing.

An Ode to Dad: the guy who got me up and running

The race results from yesterday's Run for Boston 5k still aren't posted (boo) so I'll hold off on that until I have my official results.  So, here's a little post in honor of Father's Day.

Dad and I post SF 10 Miler this past May

My dad has always been a runner.  He served in the military (Army - both active and reserves) and they had to do a lot of running.  So, it stuck with him and he continued to run.  My dad is also a very consistent runner.  He runs at least three times a week.  And, he's never been seriously injured either.  He's diligent about stretching and does ab work.  I look at him as the runner I want to be when I'm 65 years old.  He's managed to incorporate it into his lifestyle.

Dad finishing the Run for Boston 5K

My running background can be found here.  I was a cross country runner, but not a long distance runner by any means.  I could run about 3 miles tops.  Thoughts of a marathon never crossed my mind since I always wrote myself off as a poor runner since I wasn't particularly good at it in cross country.

At one point, my dad started training for a half marathon.  He started going out on much longer runs.  One day, he mentioned that he was going to run 5 miles.  I'd never run 5 before, but asked if I could tag along.  I still vividly recall that run that we took on a route that he mapped around our neighborhood, which was basically one big loop.  His pace worked for me and I was able to keep up.  He told me where each mile was as well.  These were in the days before I ran with a Garmin.  While out on the run, I was bite and scratched by an overexcited dog.  Thankfully, the bite wasn't serious and Dad and I just kept on running.  We didn't even bother to get the dog owner's contact information much to my mother's chagrin.

In 2010, my dad and I began racing regularly.  My dad has run our town's 5K before and convinced me to sign up.  I was so worried that I would not perform well and I'd finish dead last.  My outcome was quite the opposite.  I won the women's race and have been racing ever since.

We completed several 5ks and 10ks.  He came out to support me as I struggled to complete my first half marathon.  In 2011, we were at it again running more 5ks, 10ks and half marathons for me not for Dad yet).  In 2012, I got to see him cross the finish line of his first half marathon and I was extremely proud of him.  He came out to watch me run the Chicago Marathon last October and he was extremely proud of me after I finished.

My dad and I even convinced my mom to come out and run with us.  She's definitely not a runner per se, but I think part of her enjoys it.  I mean, she's crazy enough to run them again and again.  I think she's done with it for now, but who knows.  Last race, she was harping about it not being chip timed.  That's a lot to say for someone who supposedly doesn't care to run anymore, IMO.

Anyway, my Dad is my partner in crime when it comes to running.  His support has motivated me to go for my goals and keep running even though I sometimes fall out of love with it.  I'm extremely proud of him for all his accomplishments.  And, I cannot wait to see him after Chicago in October with a medal draped around his neck.  I can't wait to stand next to him and have the bf take our picture together.

Belated North Shore Half Marathon Race Recap

1:57:40 (8:59 average pace)

Post race showing off my medal

This race was a course PR since I have never run it before and most importantly, it was the first sub-2 that I've run since the Big Sur Half Marathon back in November 2011.  So, needless to say, I was pleased with my performance and results.

The day, however, did not start out well.  It was cold and it was drizzling.  These are good conditions to run in, but having to wait to run was not fun.  Thankfully the wait was nowhere near as bad as the wait for the Soldier Field 10 Miler.  I only had to wait 9 minutes as opposed to 26 minutes.  My legs were definitely stiff since I wasn't warm.  I really have to do something about this in the future.  Maybe I need to get there earlier so I have time to run around some so I can warm up a bit.  I was also very worried that it'd start to rain harder, but thankfully, the rain held off.

While waiting, I could have sworn that I saw this guy my mom and I chatted with last year after we all ran the 5K.  He was waiting for his "lady friend" to finish the race and he brought his awesome dog with him.  I saw them in my corral for the half.  I wanted to say something since I think he noticed me, but didn't want to be creepy so I left it alone.  I never saw them on the course so I assume that they ran faster than me.

Anyway, I had no expectations going into the race.  The 10 miler went well, but my longest runs haven't gone over that so I didn't know what to expect.  I figured that I'd go for a sub-2 since the weather was good for running.  If all else failed, I really did not want to go over 2:05 and if even worse than that - just sub-10s.

Splits per Garmin:

Miles 1 & 2: 9:28 & 9:02: The first two miles of the course were run through part of downtown Highland Park and by Ravinia.  I recognized some of the paths I ran on when I raced a 10K there in 2011.  This was the same race where an overweight man flew past me on the way to the finish.  My boyfriend was shocked upon finding out that he had finished before me.  Running along that dirt trail brought back memories of him blowing past me, but eh, it happens.  I also ran past Baker Boys and I really wanted to pull off and shove my face with cupcakes.  Alas, a pit stop was not in the cards...

Miles 3, 4 & 5: 9:02, 8:52 & 8:48: Along the way, I saw a woman wearing a shirt that says "Stronger people are harder to kill".  I decided that I didn't want her to finish ahead of me.  (Spoiler alert: she didn't!)  At this point, I also decided that I hate Sheridan Road with a burning passion.  The course had these slight elevation changes that kicked my ass.  The roads were also a little windy so I wasn't sure when we'd get off the elevation and onto some flat roads.  I thought I was going to scream if I saw another incline.  Spoiler alert: there were more of them...

Miles 6 & 7: 8:57 & 9:01: I freaked out when I thought my Garmin wasn't working because evidently I can't read the signs correctly.  I saw the 1 Mile Maker for the 5K and thought it was Mile 6 for me.  My Garmin was way off so I was starting to panic since I've become so dependent on Garmin nowadays.  Thankfully I saw Mile 6 and knew that I was still on pace to go sub-2. 

Also, what genius decided to include a hill on the course after running 7 miles?!?!  That is just wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong!!  I knew it was coming since I'm a 5K vet (2010, 2011 and 2012) and have seen this hill before.  But, I like to block it out since it kicks my ass every single time.  I tried with all my might to slow myself down on the downhill leading up to it, but I could only go so much slower.  I rounded the corner to meet my fate with the mother of all hills.  *BIG SIGH*  I knew that I had to trot up it even if it hurt since walking would cost me a lot of time.  I managed to "run" up the hill at a slower pace of 9:30 so I was pleased.

Mile 8: 9:05: Shockingly enough, the hill didn't slow me down that much.  Nevertheless, I was still desperately seeking some flatter roads.  I knew they would come as soon as I got to Fort Sheridan.

Miles 9 & 10: 8:54 & 8:56: The last split time worried me a little so I tried to speed it up some.  Along the way I saw a man running without shoes.  We ran past a group cheering and they cheered loudly for him.  He had his chip tied around his ankle.  First of all, that's got to hurt.  And second, I don't want a guy without shoes to beat me.  I think I was ahead of him, but I'm not sure.  I saw my dad entering the Fort Sheridan area as I was leaving.  We acknowledged each other and he told me to hurry.  It was nice to see him and get some support.

Miles 11 & 12: 9:02 & 8:59:  My inevitable crap out started around Mile 11 and the course just seemed to keep going and going.  However, I knew that I would break 2 hours even if it took me 20 minutes to run 2.1 miles, which I hoped would not be the case.  I bumped into two guys who were trying to keep their pace at sub-9.  We chatted for a little bit and they said I could try to hang on with them.  I tried, but they surged ahead of me.  Part of me thinks they sped up so I wouldn't chick them.

Mile 13: 8:49 & 0.12 sprint to the finish was completed in 48.30 seconds for a crazy fast pace of 6:37: On the way to the finish, I see J from my marathon training group this summer blow by me.  I was pretty much fading.  I wanted to keep up with him, but there was no use.  I finally saw the mile marker for 13 approaching and then I gunned it to the finish picking off a bunch of people with my trademark epic sprint.  Sub-2 accomplished!

After the race, I bumped into J and another runner from my marathon training group (R) as I was trying to get my finisher picture taken.  I was super excited to see them again so we took pictures together and chatted for a while.  They're both training again this summer with CARA in Libertyville.  J's moving up to the 9:30s, but R is still going to run with the 10:00s, I think.  I was excited to see familiar faces.

R and I post-race!

Unfortunately, it was not my dad's day and he took longer than he intended so I had plenty of time to wait for him.  In retrospect, I should have taken the time to stretch and get warm.

Funny/Cool things I saw while spectating:
- I saw two men finishing the race wearing Running Sucks shirts.  My first thought was to wonder why they are running the race, but I found them more hilarious than anything.  I really want to get one and run the Chicago Marathon wearing it.  But, I think it would be bad mojo... and goodness knows I need all the good mojo I can get for that one.

- Runners in matching outfits finishing the race together.  Tutus always make me smile for some reason.

- Little kids helping their parents run to the finish line & a sprint off between a kid and his dad.  I think the kid won too.


Bottom line: great race and I'd consider running it again (especially if the weather is nice and cool like this year).  The course is pretty and challenging, which made finishing it in under 2 hours feel a lot sweeter.

Post Race Week:

My legs hurt really bad post race.  Normally, they aren't sore and I can do something two days later.  However, it took me a long time to recover.  My legs hurt really bad Tuesday and my right hamstring was spasming - probably because I was dehydrated as well.  Stretching pre or post race and hydrating pre, during and post race unfortunately have never been my fortes and I definitely was paying for it.

So, I decided to enjoy the stress-free life of a runner not training for a marathon.  I decided to blow off the last week entirely and will start up again this week.  I'm using this training program.  In addition, I need to sign up for CARA's marathon training and get an injury screening so I can see what's going on with my legs.

Would someone like to lend me theirs for the summer so I can run the marathon??  I promise I'll give them back to you and I'll try to keep the black toes/ ITB issues to a minimum!

Soldier Field 10 Miler Race Recap

Official Time: 1:27:59 (8:48 average mile pace) (44:22 at 5 miles) - 10 Mile Distance PR & Course PR since this is my first 10 mile race.  The temps were in the high 40s to low 50s and somewhat cloudy, which is the perfect weather for a long run.

• Mile 1: 10:03 - In retrospect, I started out too slow.  But, I wanted to conserve my energy.  And, we ran under a tunnel by McCormick Place which was dark and scary.  The road was also not paved particularly well and I did not want to fall.  On the way, I saw a sign that said Smile if You're Not Wearing Underwear".  That made me chuckle.

• Mile 2: 8:30 - Another hilarious thing I saw was a guy running decked out in Packer gear.  He got another runner to take a picture of him giving a thumbs down behind the back of another runner wearing a Walter Payton jersey.

• Mile 3: 8:21 - Best mile of the day! - I think part of this was that I didn't want to see any more men pulling off to pee off to the side of this bridge that we ran under.  I'm super jealous that men can pee standing up where as we women have to wait to use an actual restroom.  Though I did find this hilarious article for those of you who may want to give it a shot.  I will pass!  Along the way, I stopped by aid station #2 for some water and was pleased with myself for being able to keep running while drinking from my cup.  I liked how trash cans were placed by the aid stations so I was able to put my cup there instead of dropping it on the ground.

• Mile 4: 8:27 & Mile 5: 8:38: I slowed down a tad bit, but overall, I still felt pretty good.  We climbed over a little curb to get to the lakefront trail at the turnaround point.  I liked how the race organizers put a ramp over it and there was a huge sign that told us to be careful going over the curb.

• Mile 6: 8:47 & Mile 7: 8:37: My left leg decided to act up a little bit after Mile 5 and I started to panic a little bit.  Once again, it was my ITB and my leg was a little stiff, but what the hell.  I decided to just push through the pain and slow it down some.  I tried to focus on my form hoping that would fix the problem.  For the most part it worked.  My split times were still good and I was still on pace to finish under 1:30.

• Mile 8: 8:41 & Mile 9: 8:49: The wheels began to fall off the bus a little bit at this point.  There are parts of the course that are also very tight and narrow.  So, you really have to watch where you're going especially if you are trying to pass other runners.  I never like to run right in the middle whenever I run a race - I like to be on the far left or right.  Mainly, I have less people by me and also so I can pass more.  I was pleased with myself for being able to pass and not get into any accidents.  I came into Mile 8 at around 1:09 and I knew that I'd break 1:30 because there was no way that I'd run the last 2 miles in 20 minutes.

• Mile 10.03: 8:58: Second slowest mile of the day, which is really no shock to me since I tend to crap out toward the end of the race.  I tend to take it out too fast in the beginning and am just struggling to hold on at the end.  I knew we were getting close after I hit Museum Campus drive where my corral was.  We went into another tunnel and I could see the light coming and other runners turning the corner.  The field was coming up soon!  As I hit the field, it felt exhilarating running where the Bears play.  I had a pretty epic sprint to finish up the race as well and passed by a good amount of other runners.

After the race, I picked up a couple bottles of water and called my boyfriend from inside the tunnel.  He  was able to see my finish on the Jumbotron!  We decided to meet at our meeting point, which was by the Naked Juice truck.  I grabbed my medal and finisher bag and met him outside.

It was SO COLD so I'm glad that I brought some warmer clothes with me.  I exchanged my shirt for a larger size and went back into the stands to try to watch my dad finish.

Turns out he finished in 1:49:10 (10:55 mile pace) (clock time of 2:37:14).  Jim and I missed him finishing and I was getting really worried since the clock was approaching 3 hours before I finally got a text from him.  He had finished and was already over at the post-race tailgate section having a beer.  So, we left the stadium to meet up with him.

Overall, I had a great time at the race and I was glad that I did it.  I was really pleased with my time as well.  I'm still worried about my ITBs so I probably will have them checked (again).  Oh, and sorry about the weird pictures - I have no idea why they came out like that.

Upcoming Races: 

North Shore Half Marathon on June 2nd in Highland Park

Run for Boston 5K on June 15 in Libertyville

I Sit Next to A BQ Marathoner...

So, our newest attorney is a marathoner who has run a 3:31 in her second marathon.  Color me impressed.

Her office is next to mine and we share a wall.  Hopefully the powers of osmosis will transfer over to me and send some of her speed my way.  That, or her good running mojo will keep me running happy and injury free.

Haha, here's to hoping...

Great Week of Training!

The events at Boston really opened my eyes and helped get me back into running.  I ran all my scheduled miles this week so I am very proud of myself.

My boyfriend got me a Garmin 210 for my birthday and I have been using it to track my runs.  I'm also attempting to run without music since I intend on running the marathon without it.  I did not use music for the long runs with my training group either.  It's nice to be able to look and my wrist and adjust my pace if need be.

On a side note, my local 5k was yesterday.  I've participated in the race for the past 3 years and make it my first race to start the season.  I skipped out on it this year mainly because I don't think that I'm in shape run a 5k around the same time that I ran it last year.  I feel kinda bad that I skipped it, but I think it was a good decision in the end.

The plan for the week was as follows:

Monday: 3 mile run with The Runner's Edge in Libertyville to show support for Boston Marathon victims.  The run ended up being 2.62 only.

Tuesday & Thursday: planned rest.  Of course I took that.

Wednesday: 5 miles.  I was able to get outside and the temps were PERFECT!  In the low 40s!  I ran it in 44:46, which is FAST for me since I haven't been doing much running.  Needless to say, I was pleased with myself.

Friday: 2 miles.  I decided to run 2.38 since the run on Monday was .38 short from 3 miles.  Also, I'm a super weird person that likes whole numbers.  Total so far is 10 miles.

Sunday: 7 mile long run.  I got in 5 out of the 7 miles.  I ran about 2 with my boyfriend who is not a runner whatsoever and hasn't been physically active due to a demanding job located very far away from home.  I was proud of him for being able to run/walk 2 miles.  I ran 3 pretty much on my own save for a little strut with him.  We walked home the rest of the way.  I will tack on 2 miles one of my lower mileage days this week or run the two another day to make up for it.

Total Miles: 15 out of 17

I am confident that if I can maintain this running schedule that I will be race ready come the end of May and early June.

Perspective from a Total Stranger

First of all, my thoughts and prayers go out to all those who were affected by last week's events.  I don't know what else I can really say about it so I'm not going to say much.

I went through a roller coster of emotions last week.  I was pissed that there would be people out there that would ruin such a positive event and shatter the innocence of the event.  I'm relieved that they have been caught.  I'm thankful to all the volunteers, bystanders and first responders who rushed to the aid of those in need.  Lastly, I'm happy that the running community really has really come together to host events and collect donations for the various charity groups.

Today a lot of running stores and groups all over the country held runs in solidarity for those affected by the events in Boston.  I was able to tweak my schedule and attend a 2.62 mile run at a local store close to home.  There was a good turnout and some past and present Boston marathoners also participated in the run.

As for me, I have really been struggling to find any sort of motivation post the marathon.  I managed to finish the Big Sur Half, which was a surprise to me since I really did not do much leading up to it.  My workouts from November on have pretty much come in spurts.  I'll get hot and workout for a while and then I'll fall off the grid again.  Needless to say, my runs are shorter and my pace is slower.  Certainly not a good sign.  I have the Soldier Field 10 Miler on May 25th and the North Shore Half Marathon on June 2nd.  So, I have to get moving NOW.  Last week's runs were 2 Tuesday, 5 Thursday and 2 Friday.  The 5 mile run was somewhat tough due to the inactivity, but at least I completed it.

I ran with a man named Terry who really put things into perspective for me.  He's in his 50s and has run 7 marathons, completed many triathlons and an Ironman.  Very impressive!  I talked to him about my marathon disappointment and how I've sort of fallen off the grid with my running.  I can't pinpoint why my motivation is lacking, but it just is.

He told me that I have to basically cut the bullshit and get over my mental hurdles.  I can't keep beating myself up for not achieving my goal time.  I have to push through the times where I just want to lay around doing nothing.  A 10 minute run is better than no run at all.  He talked to me about how important is it to incorporate cross-training, core work and strength training into my workouts so I can be a better runner.  He reminded me that I should be proud of myself for finishing a full marathon since not a lot of people can say that they have done that.  He told me that I have potential to be a good runner if I want it.  Everything he said is true and I have to get out of my mental rut and get out there.  I really do love running (we're trying to get back together now) and I want to improve my marathon time.

Hope everyone got at least a run or two in for Boston and a happy running week to all!