Catching up

I haven't posted in quite some time. This winter has been an interesting one with multiple snow/ice storms, bad weather days, etc. Though I took time off to recoup from the marathon I still wanted to keep up a base and also be ready for the NYC Half which I ran last Sunday. I found it really hard to stick to a consistent schedule. I did virtually no speed training but did a little hill work. I having been shooting for a 2:15 half since RnR Philly but it became pretty evident that wasn't going to happen with the NYC half. My first race this year was the Gridiron Class 4 Mile on Super Bowl Sunday. I didn't even try to beat my 4 mile PR of 38:20 so I was happy with my 41 and change finish. Though not as well prepared I was looking forward to the NYC Half. Initially the weather reports were looking good but as the time got closer the weather started to look very similar to last March during the Allstate 13.1. On race day it started out at 31 degrees and even dropped down to 29 before heading up again. My plan was to take it easy in the park because of the crowds and the hills. I did pretty well with that and even ran up Harlem Hill nice and steady. The course had a change from previous years. We started right on Cat Hill and continued up before exiting the park at 110 and Lenox before coming back into to head up Harlem Hill. Things were tight on the round about back into the park. My least favorite portion of Central Park is the rolling hills. My pace naturally slowed but before long I was headed out of the part to the most exciting part: Times Square. It was pretty awesome running downing the center of Broadway. We turned on 42 Street to head over to the West Side Highway and this is where trouble began for me. I was able to get into my origin corral so I was slightly back and located pretty close to the 2:30 pacer. Right while on 42 street I noticed the pacer pacing me which did not make sense because I knew I was running under that pace. I let doubt get the best of me and I speed up to 9:40 miles for 2 miles which brought me right to the point where I got smacked hard with head winds on the West Side Highway. I knew that the pacer was running under pace but still the competitive edge of me would let me stick to a good pace. The West Side Highway was tortuous. Windy and boring. I eventually picked up a little speed and before long I was headed to that tunnel near the Battery Park after you pack the WTC. I was thrown off my how dark the tunnel was (plus I was wearing my transitional lens glasses) and how long it seemed. I felt as if I ran a mile in the darkness. It was a bit scary because you could barely make out what was in front of you. After exiting the tunnel I had to pleasure to run up and a hill but fortunately just after that was the 800 meters to go sign. I crossed the finish in 2:26:24, nearly 5 minutes slower than my last half in September. I wasn't too disappointed considering how I felt, but really has me questioning ever doing another half marathon in the NYC area during March. Next up is the Philadelphia Love Run on March 30.

Trenton Doublecross 10K

I was very hesitant to sign up for this race.   It was 13 days after MCM.  It was being widely publicized as a BGR! national event with the opportunity to earn double bling.  I was worried about pushing myself too hard in my post marathon recovery.   I am so glad I signed up.  It was a great road trip.  I headed down Friday afternoon with my morning running buddy and sole sister.  We were able to pick up our races packs which included a cute tech shirt.  We then headed over to Rho for a meet and greet.  It was a nice space and for $10 we got a nice buffett.  There was a live band playing but unfortunately their selections were a little too country.  The band took a break and the Dj started spinning and BGR! hit the floor.  He played the "Wobble" and it was on.  We didn't stay too late because of course we had a race to run.  Saturday morning was chilly but it warmed my heart to see all my BGR sisters and some of our brothers from Black Men Run.  I ran the 10K but there was a half marathon as well.  It was quite a sight to see the group of 700+ of us together trying to take pre-race photos.  We ended taking pictures in city sections.  Trenton was not ready for us.  Every other runner around me was BGR!.   The course took us over two bridges and across two states.  I didn't particularly like the bridges because their surface allowed you to see the Delaware River beneath and messed with my gait.   I had to hold myself back for going out to fast but I had fun.   I loved the post race pretzel.  Apparently there was a whole spread lsid out at Rho but we had plans for a NBMA/BGR! brunch.  It was yummy!   I wouldn't mind running it again but if it is one week post the NYC marathon I may have strong reservations. 

The 2013 New York City Marathon-volunteer/spectator view

One week after completing my own first marathon I volunteered at the mile 16 water station for the NYC marathon. I knew many people running it this year; including many of my sole sisters who were running their very first marathon. The days leading up to the marathon were exciting. There was such a buzz in the city. I went to the expo on Thursday when it first opened to check it out and see how it was. I did not really get to spend much time at the MCM expo given all the waiting I had to do. There were so many people and so many languages being spoken. There was a long line to go through security but it moved fast. The expo space was huge! I walked around check out the merchandise and looking for freebies. Alot of the gear was nice (and expensive) and I wished I could buy some but I will just have to wait for 2014. I did buy a pair of new mizuno thermal gloves. They heat up when you hands get a little sweaty. I got a discount on them, so the price was right. I picked up several freebies: a megaphone and orange sunglasses from ING. Bam Bams and neck warmers from Grano Padano, gatorade samples, packs of mixed nuts from fresh direct, other goodies. Sunday was the big day. My shift was from 7:30-3:30. I arrived a little after 7 am. One of the things I learned from racing/volunteering is that there can be some much chaos involved in getting a giant race set up. I initially didn't plan to be at the Gatorade section but worked with several of my BGR sisters. We had to mix the formula: 1 bottle of the gatorade solution with 5 bottles of water, add to a huge can and then stack of 4 sections high of cups in a honey comb pattern. We had to make sure the the Gatorade branding was visible on the front cups. The handcyclists came throught first and we made tons of noise at 1st ave and 61st as they came off the Queensborough bridge which is a tough one to cross. It is long, has a big incline and quiet because no spectators are allowed. It is often said the the NYC marathon begins at mile 16. Not too long after came the elite women. What a site to see. Deba who has made the Bronx here home was in the lead followed closely by her training partners. The rest of the pack was quite a ways behind at that point. I noted several other elites: Firewhot Dado, Kim Smith, Amy Hastings, and another local elite Aziza. Only one of them took water from the station. Next came the men. The men's elite pack was very tight at that point. I don't even remember who was leading. The crowd went wild when Meb came flying by. He was blowing kisses as he came by. I later learned that he wanted to drop out at mile 20. He was just coming back from a injury to his knee and a torn calf muscle. He didn't get to training beyond a 15 mile long run. You would have never known we he went by at mile 16. The rest of the runners began trickling in. We cheered loudly for them as well. We were calling out the names of runners who had placed their names on their shirts. The best parts where seeing my fellow BGRers on the course as well as some of NBMA local NYC runners. There was so much emotion, hugs, and kisses to ladies who I have run and trained with. Most inspiring was seeing the runners with disabilities who were completing the race; a reminder that anyone who really wants to can complete a marathon. Waves and waves of runners came in. Things began to space out a bit. Around 3:00 we had to start breaking down the station. I felt bad about that because runners who had been on their feet already nearly 5 hours were coming in. It was about to get to the point where they would have to finish the race on the sidewalks. We got word that the first runner with Down's Syndrome to complete the NYC marathon was about to come through. He received thunderous applause and cheers when he came through with his guide. I was so impressed by the determination to finish and not give up seen on the faces of those at the end of the pack. After breaking down the station, with tired feet and sore throats a group of us BGR volunteers went to grab a bite to eat and talk about the day. At least one of us who didn't plan on running the NYC marathon was now set on making that happenend. I have one more race to complete to finalize my guaranteed entry into the 2014 (now to be called) TCS NYC marathon. God willing, that will be the highlight of 2014 for me. I will make sure to get my family and friends out on the course to see me in action. I already know my BGR! family will be there. Marine Corps was a great marathon but I don't think it has the magic that the New York marathon has.

I'm a marathoner!

Well today is two days post my completion of my first ever marathon, Marine Corps 2013. It was one of the hardest and best things I've ever done. The MCM weekend for me started with a very early (6:45am) train down to D.C. The nervousness I had about the event had given away to sheer excitement. I arrived at the DC Armory around 11am Saturday morning to unfortunately find a very long line just to pick up my bib. It took a hour for me to get inside of the tent. Once inside I found out why things were taking so long, they had lost power. The tent was dark except for the lights of the computers used to check our entry. After making sure my bib would be recognized I left to wait in yet another line just to enter the expo. I would have skipped the expo but that was the only way to get my shirt and bag. This line moved faster; only a 20-25 minute wait. They really should not have separated the bib and shirt pick up like that. At this point I didn't want to spend too much more time on my feet so I quickly got my shirt and then went to the Brooks store (to see what merchandise was actually left in my size). I had seen prior posts on facebook about the ridiculous lines for official Brooks MCM gear. I picked a short sleeve and long sleeve shirt and thankfully the line to pay wasn't that bad. I walked around the expo but did not stay long. I had my luggage and it was too crowded. I would have liked to get another item, something that said 26.2 on it but wasn't in the mood. I was hungry and didn't want to end up with a headache by delaying eating. I went to my hotel and had difficulty getting from the metro stop to it (despite it being only 0.4 miles). Once I was finally checked in, I drop off my things and then went to search for food. I ended up at BBQ joint, I was tempted to go for some wings, but knew that would be a bad idea. I had a turkey salad with a side of mashed potatoes. I did get an order of banana pudding to go. I ate a little bit of it later (it was good) and saved the rest for post marathon. I relaxed, layed out my race day outfit,and hydrated. I was in bed around 9:15 and definitely fell asleep before 9:45. I woke up around 12:15 to use the bathroom. I woke up again at around 2 am. I finally got up for 4:30am with my alarm to get ready. I had oatmeal for breakfast and drank a very slight amount of water. I was dressed and ready to go by 5:30. I headed out to the metro (it was very dark, so I walked past it initially). I got on the metro around 5:45-5:50. The train was packed and hot. I got off at the Pentagon stop with all the others and then made the nearly 1 mile walk to Runners Village. I headed straight to bag check out to have to wait around because the UPS workers were not there to open the trucks. Our Marines were there prepared to take out bags but to no avail. Apparently the UPS workers were supposed to be there at 6am. They didn't start showing up till 6:20. I saw some of them carrying Dunkin Donuts boxes (that made me angry). I wanted to quickly drop my bag, use the porta potty (before they became gross) and meet up with BGR for a photo. The worker for my truck got there around 6:30. As soon as I dropped my bag I headed to the potties and thankfully didn't have to wait. Next step was finding my sole sisters. We posed for a couple of pics and then dispered. It was chilly that morning. I had a sweatshirt as my outer layer over my singlet (with tank underneath), arm sleeves and gloves. I was glad I chose to wear my tights rather than shorts with calf sleeves under my camo skirt. I wish I had brought one of my heat sheets from a prior race with me. I headed over the start to wait. One of the most spectaular things about the MCM was the wounded Army and Marine servicemen who parachuted into the start area with American flags attached to them. That was a sight to see. 7:55 came and the howitzer went off. It took nearly 15 minutes for me to cross the start. I already knew that there were significant hills in the first 4 miles so I made sure to hold back. I started off with straight running for the first mile and then started my 3:1 intervals after that first mile. I shedded my sweatshirt around the 2nd mile. Those early hills were difficult and I was glad I took it easy. Of course plenty of people were bobbing and weaving around but I made sure to not do that. Early on I woman taped me on the shoulder and said "I thought we had Michelle Obama running with us".  That made my day but would have really got me going if that was at mile 22.     I saw my morning running buddy and sole sister Shidah a little after mile 8, right after the turn around on Rock Creek parkway. At this stretch there was a little incline and a handcyclist was having some difficulty getting up but everyone was cheering him on. I wasn't running with music; I had planned to carry my ipod and play it throught the speaker if I felt I need a boost in the last few miles but ended up leaving it with my armband in my checked bag. I am glad I don't need music to run. One thing that was upsetting was that people running were so tuned in that they didn't hear the call to keep left or right for the handcyclists. One guy was so tuned out another runner had to tap him on his shoulder. When we got to West Potomac Park and Hains Point, I knew this could be a problem stretch from my prior runs during the Cherry Blossom and Nike Women's Half. There are sections that are very isolated with no crowd support. Similar to Nike there were lots of signs to distract you and also a row of signs showing lost service men and women. It was very serene. There were tons of funny signs throught out the course as well. "You run better than the government." "Run faster, I just farted." "Look at all these people dressed up as sexy runners." "Run like a Jamician. Repeat 422 times." "The Kenyans are already done."  And one of my favorites "Never trust a fart during a race." I was holding a consistent pace until mile 21 when I developed a sharp pain in my right pinky toe. I thought my toenail might have split in two. I never had toe issues during all on my long train runs. I kept going for a bit(extending my walk breaks and shortening my run interval) but a little after mile 22 I had to pull over to the sidewalk and take off my right sock. I didn't even look to see what was the issue I just put my sneaker back on and kept going. In retrospect, I should have just reverted to 1:1.  The fact that I was walking more and running for shorter intervals lead to my quadriceps stiffening and becoming tight. While I didn't hit the dreaded wall, I couldn't stick to 3:1.  I walked alot of last 5+ miles and I wasn't alone. It seemed to take forever to get to that mile 26 sign. I already knew what was waiting, that final hill up to the finish at Iwo Jima. I dug dig and said I would run up that hill no matter what. It is not a particular long hill but after running 26 miles it is hard. After getting up the hill I slowed a bit but then I saw the finish line ahead. I couldn't help it, the tears began to fall and I started sobbing. This was really it, I was about to finish my very first marathon! I crossed the finish and then had a little walk to meet the Marines who were placing the medals around our necks. They saluted us and said great job.  Next was the line to take a finisher photo in front of the memorial.  I proudly posed for my photo after chatting with a fellow first-time in the queue. I then head through the lines to get out post race goodies and finsher jacket. There was still more of a walk to get to baggage check and the finish festival. I got my bag and quickly put on my hoodie as I was started to cool down. I grabbed some delicious free watermelon and posed for another photo at the USAA tent. The finish area was crowded. The lines to get on the metro or get a shuttle back to Crystal City strecthed for blocks. I very happy I paid extra for a hotel in walking distance. It meant walking up a hill but it was worth it. I didn't stop to used the bathroom during my marathon journey but it was the first thing I did upon getting back to my room. Next came some stretching and then the ice bath. I did alot of facebooking while in the ice bath. That is how I first learned that they ran out of medals for some of the later runners (and I myself at 5:36:15 was a back of the packer) I did some time on the floor with leg inversions. Of course the hunger set in and I headed back to BBQ joint to eat. I had some garlic pepper wings with sweet potato fries and two Lynchburg lemonades (alcohol included of course). While eating a runner walked in and I congratulated him. He asked if I had gotten my medal. I told him I did and how I heard what happened. He said he was one of the ones that didn't get one and how devastated he was about it. That really hurt. I can imagine how hurt particularly a first-timer marathoner would feel to have that happen. In the end it is not about the medal the accomplishment is greater, but that is part of the post marathon experience and you can't get that back. Yes Marine Corps will mail those runners their medal asap but it not feel the same. People had to borrow other runners medals to take a finisher photo. Others were so disappointed they walked away without even taking a finisher photo. This is the second race I participated in that this happened. There was a lot of talk in my various running facebook groups about this issue and I really don't know what the answer is. Overall, I am very happy that MCM was my first marathon experience. Yes I would have loved to run NYC as first as I would have been nice to be able to get my family and NYC friends out of the course but there is always 2014. The Marine Corps Marathon is know as the people's marathon as it does not offer price money for the top finishers. It is really a race for people to achieve something that only 1% of the American population has done. I looked at my marathon fotos pictures (which I will of course purchase despite them being so expensive) unfortunately the main one I was hoping to see the photo in front of Iwo Jima seems to have not made it through. I will make a couple of days to see if shows up.   That makes me sad but I luckily have plenty of others to commemorate that very special day. Yes it's official, I'm a marathoner!

2 weeks to go and a race recap

Yesterday I completed my triple crown race at the Rock and Roll Brooklyn 10K.  If you have read my previous post about RnR Philly, you know that my opinion of the Competitor group has soured.  The expo for the race was lackluster.  Philly was a great expo in comparison.  I didn't go into the race with any particular goals.  I got up a zero dark-thirty and walked over to the park to meet up with BGR! There were ladies from all over including South Florida, LA, San Fran, Atlanta,  Philly, D.C, and North Carolina.  The race started without any issues and off I went.  I ended up seeing two med school friends on the course.  I started a little too fast but settled into a rhythm.  Of course the cheer squad was in effect especially on the hill.  By the time I got to 5.5 miles I realized I was within my PR time and I pushed it.  I finished in 1:03:33 slightly faster than my 1:04:10 at the Mini 10 K in June.   MCM is in sight, 14 days away.  I just needed to keep my runs easy and keep myself from going taper crazy.  

Rock and Roll Phildelphia Half Marathon

I haven't posted here in a while.  I've been living, running, and getting myself prepared for the Marine Corps Marathon next month.  I was excited about Philly give the positive the reviews I had  from those who had run it before and the fact that is is flat.  I was aiming to run 2:15 just under 2 minutes faster than my PR at RnR NOLA in February.   I attended the expo early Saturday morning.  The expo was pretty nice, I picked up some nice freebies, took pictures, and I didn't buy a thing!!!!   I had a nice lunch in the city with some of my sole sisters.  I developed a headache later in the day and made sure to continue hydrating and took some naproxen.  I slept well and was up at 5:30 to get ready.   I met up with the BGR! ladies for a pre-race photo in front of the Art Museum and a warm-up.   I had forgotten my arm sleeves at home but luckily I purchase a 4-pack of black men's sock which I cut to make arm warmers.  It was chilly in the morning but by the time my corral got to the start line I was warmed up and I tossed the sock in the trash.  I had a pace band to try to keep myself on pace but I forgot that while using intervals on my Garmin 210 I would not be able to see the time elapsed but only distance.  I felt good during the run keep at my 3:1 intervals. My initial plan was to stop the intervals at mile 11 and then give a hard effort for the last 2.1.   The course was beautiful and scenic, congested at times, and flat.  I was bothered by a couple of things though.  As I passed the very first water station I saw that it was non-staffed and there were only cups but with no water.  Many runners around me look horrified that there was no water.  I had my 20 ounce amphipod in fuel belt so I was good.   The water stations continued to be a mess throughout the course.  By the last station I was running low so I decided to take one cup which was actually nice and cold.   I didn't end up finishing in 2:15 but I am happy with my efforts but I stuck to a plan and my legs feel good during and after.  The finish was congested and it was getting close to 11:00 am so I grabbed some items and headed back to my hotel to shower and checkout.  I was of course hungry so I headed to Reading Terminal for a chicken cheesesteak and also pickup a delicious looking rocky road fudge cup.   I inhaled my sandwich and later joined a couple of ladies at their post race meal and I had dessert.  I started to get the bad news about what happened at the race for the back of the pack runners.  They ran out of the event day medals and started giving out generic series medal to finishers.  They ran out of chocolate milk, water, etc for these folks as well.  Another finishers posted a picture of how the water was being served, scooped out of trash bag lined trash cans (and other runners not knowing had thrown their used cups in).     Supposedly 1000 medals were stolen.  That explanation really doesn't jive with me because the number of finishers  was over 1000 less than registrants so there still should have been enough medals.  Also, why did they have these "extra" medals on hand.  Hearing the experience of the back of the packers, not to mention issues at past races makes me wary of running further RnR races.  I am doing the Brookyn 10 K next month but it is likely that this may be my last.  I had such a good time in New Orleans and I was hoping to run it again but the Competitor group really needs to get their act together

It's been a little while.

Haven't posted anything in a while. I've been living life and training of course.   I covered some of my longest running distances ever: 14.3, 17, and 18 miles.    The 14.3 mile was hell because it was during the heat wave of July.   The 17 mile was blissful because the weather was great.  I actually felt like I could have kept going. The 18 was supposed to be 19.5 miles.  It felt tougher though again the weather was beautiful.  The route ended with me going up Harlem Hill in Central Park (clockwise direction).   Next up with be 20 miles!   I've decided not to go up 26 miles as the Galloway program suggests.  I will likely cap at 22.5 miles.   Yesterday I ended up doing a local 5K in Riverside Park put on by Urban Athletics.   A special Galloway price got my a coupon for free Feetures socks, a $50 coupon to use toward new shoes, and beer after the run.  I finished in 28:59, a new PR!  I felt good about that considering my last 5K and PR was Coogans at 29:48.  The weather was great but it was still nearly 40 degrees warmer than the Coogans!  There is something to training in the warmer weather.  30 days to Rock and Roll Philly!  72 days until MCM!