Thanksgiving morning I woke up at 4:40 AM so I could get to my race, the 8th annual Catch the Gobbler 5K.  The race started at 7:00 AM, but I wanted to get there as close to 5:30 AM as possible so I could pick up my bib number and retreat back to the warmth of my car quickly.  I knew if I was much later, I would have to stand in a long line and shiver.

I woke to a rumbling tummy, but not necessarily growling out of hunger.  It just seemed a little angry.  I have a sensitive gut (in case you haven’t figured it out based on past references of puking at races/training runs) and this morning it was definitely unhappy.  I don’t know if it’s nerves or what causes the discomfort… since I was just doing this race to have fun and it was a short 3.1 miles, nothing too pressure-filled I wouldn’t assume nerves but maybe it is sub-conscious.  But due to the angry stomach, I didn’t feel like I could eat anything before leaving.

My car told me it was 40 degrees at the park when I arrived at 5:45.  But the line was pretty short so I could easily get my number, timing chip and shirt.  I listened to music in my car while affixing the number and chip, sipping on a bottle of Cytomax in hopes that some liquid calories would give me the fuel I needed to do the race.  Friends joined me in my car as they arrived, we all needed to stay warm!

My friend Jimmy and I were hoping to do the race in 24 minutes.  Both of us are too attuned to distance running… we need a good 3 miles to get warmed up.  If I could figure out a good path to get there, maybe I should try running to the 5K in the future?!  As we got going, neither of us was “feeling it” and knew that we probably wouldn’t hit that 24 minute mark.  I was also having a little struggle with confidence before the race started, doubting whether or not I am actually capable of that kind of performance.  And doubting yourself is not really a good way to go into the race!

By just 1.5 miles I was already feeling kind of lethargic… probably due to only fueling myself with a little sport drink.  I know that’s a mistake, I struggle with fueling myself properly for every distance.  I’m trying to learn what I need and how to meet those needs.  But when there isn’t anything in the tank, it’s hard to really get going.

Around the 2 mile mark I passed a mother running with a small boy.  They really were pushing at a good clip for a kid that size, considering this was 2 miles into the race and I was just passing them then.  But the kid was huffing/puffing/wheezing loudly and as I passed he said, “Mom?  We’re having fun, right?”  The questioning in his voice was so thick… it kind of broke my heart a little.  Perhaps the mom needed to slow it down a little for him?

As I approached the finish line I smiled for a couple pictures and glanced at the race clock and could have sworn it said 27:3x.  I forgot to stop my Garmin as I walked through the finishing shoot and let them take off my timing chip.  When I stopped it after that it said 26:41.  I was kind of confused as to how my time could be so different from the clock.

When I got home I synced my Garmin and when I saw the data from SportsTracks, it clearly says 26:19 for the whole 3.1.  The complete distance that I ended up with on the device was 3.19, which accounts for the extra walking at the end.

But the race results were posted last night and I was pleased to see that my official time was 26:35… much more inline with what I was expecting than the finish line clock.  So perhaps I must have just read it wrong.  My 26:35 was good enough for me to be 8th out of 40 in my age group (Women 30-34).  Last year I did this same race in 28:56 and my previous PR for the 5K distance was 26:51.  Woo Hoo!!! A new PR!

There was turkey served post-race; as well as muffins, danish and bagels.  The race shirts were once again awesome and super attractive, although this year’s was a long-sleeve t-shirt instead of a sweatshirt like last year.  During the race I got to wear my Fleet Feet Sports shirt with a special Thanksgiving motif on the front (same shirt I wore last year) with a turkey and the words “Catch This!”

Post-race with the lovely race t-shirt

(No, I’m not in love with this pic… I gotta stop wearing hats when I run because I really look like a doofus in them.  Plus, with my glasses I really look dorky.  But then, I am a computer geek and perhaps I should just embrace the look!)

I love the whole idea of turkey trots.  Such a fun way to start the holiday!

My imagination is set on a voyage to the past.

 I can see the Athenian thinkers and artists mingling with their Indian counterparts, following the occupation of the Punjab by Alexander the Great. It was a rare coming together of the East and the West, on equal terms, because the Greek conqueror was a visionary, who appreciated nobility, without stamping any one as an enemy.

The following centuries saw an awakening, nowhere else witnessed in the history of the world. The two races produced a hybrid, as marriage between them was encouraged by the Emperor. The plains watered by the R. Sindhu (Indus) and its five tributaries, gained the name panch ab or PUNJAB which produces the food grains, enough to feed the whole of north India!

 What a pity, it is unlawfully divided along communal lines, by short sighted politicians.

Three years ago, I entered a 10 K race in Northern Indiana with 68 other people.

I have to laugh at myself for thinking the Fort Worth YMCA Turkey Trot would be anything similar to that experience. This Turkey Trot could have eaten my first race for breakfast. It would have been a measly blueberry on its giant stack of IHOP pancakes.

Here’s a recap of my inner-monologue during this race:

“There are, like, thousands of people here.

“I am starting out way too slow. This shoulder-to-shoulder mass of runners is practically walking from the starting line. When will this speed up? I will never beat my PR at this ridiculous rate.

“I guess it wouldn’t be very Thanksgiving-like to start throwing ‘bows to get to further ahead in the crowd, would it?

“Hey, that blond-haired girl is wearing shiny lipstick, and huge pearl earrings, and some, like, crazy Dior sunglasses. And her hair is all done up. Geez, this isn’t a sorority fundraiser. Does she even plan on sweating?

“Wouldn’t it be funny if I asked this guy next to me to hoist me up so I could crowd surf? Someone just shouted out that this is what Walmart will look like tomorrow. Well aren’t you clever, sir. How about less talking and more speeding up, please?

Lots of people

“Okay, much better. Time to get into my running groove. Um, where are the mile markers? How am I supposed to pace myself if I don’t know what mile I’m on? If I weren’t such a rookie, I would have remembered to wear my Garmin. If I weren’t such a rookie, maybe my legs would just automatically know where each mile starts and finishes. Like runners’ intuition. Is that a real thing, or did I just make that up? Why isn’t anyone else worried about this? They probably aren’t rookies like me.

“It’s unnatural to produce this much snot. Yuck.

“Some people are stopping to walk already, including blondie with the pearl earrings. That guy looks like he’s seriously going to puke. I wonder how many people went drinking last night, since it’s practically a national bar holiday?”

***45 minutes later***

“Ow, ow, ow. My leg hurts. Keep it up, Jacob, don’t be a wimp.

“I’m going way too slow. I spent too much time on endurance workouts and not enough on speed and tempo. I’ll never beat my PR. I probably won’t even come close. If I don’t beat it, I won’t be mad at myself. I won’t be mad at myself. I won’t be mad at myself…

“Oh, this man on the sidelines is yelling that we’re at mile six. What does that mean? Have we finished six miles, or are we about to start mile six? I can’t tell! Should I burst into an all-out sprint yet?

At the finish line

“Oh, there’s the finish line, I’ll speed it up. Does that overhead clock really say 59:00? Dang it.

“I could have done better. I had it in me to do so much better. I didn’t beat my PR.

“I won’t be mad…”

And I’m not. It turns out my time was actually 57:43, which is better than I initially thought.

I tried to remember that, of all days, this was a time to be grateful for the ability to run 6.2 miles, no matter what the speed.

I just have to keep racing, keep learning, keep on keepin’ on. Piece of cake. Blueberry-flavored.

Finally, about a month later, I have time to think about how the Detroit Freepress Marathon went on October 18th, 2009. Final time: 4 hours, 7 minutes, and 11 seconds. Am I happy with this time? Hell yeah! I would have been happy with anything near 4 hours; truth be told, I was much more concerned with finishing strong and relatively pain free than finishing fast. I consider myself a triathlete much more so than a runner, so I consider my runs (no matter how long) a part of the training for another event.

So first thing is first, what happened over the course of 26.2 miles? Here are the stats:

1. Average pace per mile: 9 min 27 seconds. This is a great pace for me. I averaged about 8:30s for the half marathon at the end of the Lonestar Half Ironman, and though that was half the distance, it was also following a run and swim. Thus I think I can probably bring that time down on my next marathon, but I’m pretty happy with that for a first. See the graph below for the times at each mile marker.
2. Standard deviation in mile pace: 23 seconds. So what the hell does standard deviation mean? Basically, this is how closely you kept to your average mile time. Many people tend to come off the gun sprinting, then have to walk the final six miles, making their pace range dramatically (a high standard deviation). A standard deviation of 23 seconds means that my pace ranged from about 10 minutes to about 9 minutes, so relatively steady. In contrast, for the 13.1 described above, my first 4 miles averaged 7 minutes and 20 seconds (fast) while my last averaged around 10 minutes 20 seconds (the opposite of fast). Runs with this much pace variation tend to be painful (or very very hilly), so I try to keep it as even as possible until the end, then pick it up with whatever I have left. You can see on the graph that mile three and four are largely responsible for the standard deviation; that couldn’t be helped, as mile three was straight up a hill and mile four was straight down.
3. … and indeed, I did have something left at the end, and posted a sub 9-minute mile for mile 26. I find that it is so much better to have a good final time and a kick ass last few miles, than a great final time and a painful and depressing last few miles, so I always try to run more conservatively until the conclusion of the race.
4. Unfortunately, somewhere around mile 10 the arch of my foot started hurting pretty badly. I decided to run through it, but now feel pain in the arch, the tendons on my toes, and my achilles tendon of my right foot.
5. Also of note, I was able to run for 1 mile with one of my personal athletic heroes, Todd Crandall. Todd started Racing for Recovery, a nonprofit organization “with the mission of preventing substance abuse in … individuals and offering a positive alternative to those currently battling addiction.” The “positive alternative” of which Todd speaks….triathlons!  Todd struggled for 13 years with drugs and alcohol before finding that Ironman distance races gave him an alternative to a life of heavy drug use. He holds a half-Ironman tri every summer (in which my bad-ass wife finished 3rd in her age group last summer), as well as 5 and 10ks throughout the year, and is the subject of the book “From Addict to Ironman” and the documentary “Running with Demons,” which chronicles Todd’s completion of the ultra-endurance triathlon totaling 318.6 miles.  Much of my work for my Master in Public Health  revolved around substance abuse and addiction; hence, Todd’s book and work revolve around two of my favorite subjects: triathlons and addiction recovery. I hope to cross paths with him numerous times in the future.

And how did the training break down:

1. First of all, compared to triathlon training, marathon training is not very time demanding at all. I averaged 5.3 hours per week, SD= 1.7 hours, meaning I put in between 3.5 and 7 hours a week, total, for everything, stretching, lifting, and miscellaneous swimming and biking. To top it off, ALL of my weekday runs included the 3.5 mile run from work to home. This run takes about 45 minutes door to door (including changing clothes, leaving the office, etc.); the bus ride home from work also takes about 45 minutes. Running home form work three times a week thus let me get in 10.5 miles for free, without taking time away from my wife and daughter. Since I cant quite swim home (or bike home in the snow), switching to triathlon training will be a much greater demand on family time…. uh oh….
2. I was going with Hal Higdon’s program for Novice runners, as I mentioned in an earlier post, with two weeks building and one week backing off. A mileage graph for this type of  training should look like a wave with greater distance from 0 as you move to the right. This is more or less what my mileage looked like (see right). The few weeks that should be higher mileage and weren’t were the week that I was sick (week 13) and unfortunately missed a long training run, and the week that my daughter was sick (9), and I happily missed a long training run.

I thoroughly enjoyed this marathon, and I hope to do many, many more in the future. Next race???? I’m not quite sure. I would like to do another marathon, but they do leave you feeling pretty tired and beat up,  and aren’t generally recommended en route to a long distance triathlon. Maybe a half marathon or a few mid-distance triathlons will be next.

Hi friends! How was your Turkey Day? Or just your Thursday in general if you are not a citizen of the good ‘ol U.S.A.? Mine was pretty darn good – started with a race and ended with a big old dinner – who could ask for more?

I woke up bright and early in Austin to this:

I ate my pre-race breakfast (peanut butter bagel and banana) packed up my gear and we headed to downtown Austin. We got there pretty early so I could pick up my bib and my chip. It was pretty chilly out – in the 40s – and people actually ran the race with North Face jackets and long pants. Oh, you Southerners – this is nothing! Come up to my neck of the woods in about two months!!

Then we just hung out for about an hour. There were several different events going on – a Kids 1K, the 5-mile Turkey Trot and a 1-mile walk. All three benefitted Caritas, an Austin charity. About 30 minutes before race start, the 5-milers started to line up. I said goodbye to my family and joined the pack. I stretched, tried to zone myself out, ya know. I don’t really have too many pre-race traditions except to say a prayer and just kind of slap my legs (it sounds weird but I did it for my first so I did it again) it’s as if to say c’mon let’s DO THIS! Then I took off!

As I said in an earlier post, my goal in this race was to just finish. I had not researched the course, and I hadn’t really run a good five miles before the race. Guys, I was not prepared. In my first race, I had so much adrenaline, I felt like I floated through the first mile. This time, my legs felt heavy then tight. I didn’t want to be running. I just felt unprepared. I decided to listen to my body rather than focus on other people – and people passing me. It’s so easy to psych yourself out in a race. There were lots of people walking the whole thing, or walking dogs or pushing strollers so I did slow down and walk more than a few times. The course had several hills, which I had never trained on – the stadium loop is flat. I cursed every one.

Did I mention that one of the soft pieces on my ear buds was missing? Yeah. The right side of my headphones simply did not stay put. I cannot run without music, so I just kind of winged it with one and a half.

I honestly didn’t pay attention to the scenery, either. I know it’s a beautiful city that I’ll get to explore more of this weekend. I was just focused on completing the course. I beat myself up a little bit and got discouraged a few times. At one of those points, a man ran by with one of my mantras on his back, “I can do all things through Christ. He strengthens me.” Guys, this is something I chant when I want to give up. It was like a sign – I just pushed on through. Near the end of the course, at another point of discouragement, I turned to see only another hill! I told myself, “Screw this, I am done with the hills.” I sprinted right up that sucker and low and behold – the finish line was in sight!

The crowds cheering helped motivate me – I sprinted through that finish line, threw my arm in the air, pointing my finger up to the sky and screamed, “Yes!” (I’m sure the professional picture will be great.) I finished in just over an hour, which I am satisfied with as it is pretty close to the pace of my first race.

The good thing is I am taking away a lot from this race and I plan to amp up my training. I will be doing a lot more core training, lifting and tackling different terrains. I really want to do a big race this year, but I have a lot of work to do.

After a few minutes, I found my family. It was completely awesome to have them there supporting me. I plan to make this race a tradition and my family wants to participate, too, which. is. awesome. y’all.

My apology to UT fans/alumni – didn’t quite get the Hook ‘Em Horns – I just ran a race people!

Surprisingly, I didn’t feel the urge to sleep the day away. Nor did I have a ravenous appetite. I also was not sore (until today). But, since it was Thanksgiving and all, I did eat some great food. Sorry guys, I only managed to snap a before shot.

P.S. Totally love my parents’ new house.

The little one in the foreground is my brother and sister-in-law’s dog, Norah. She’s a Brussels Griffin/Shih Tzu Mix (Shiffon) and completely CRAZY. She is our lab Loo’s shadow and hyper as can be. Also very tough to get a picture of or with. Here’s my best attempt.

Loo watches her like a hawk and has a slight “sibling rivalry.”

Then we watched the UT vs. Texas A&M game – my s-i-l went there and she and my brother are HUGE fans so lots of cheering and yelling ensued.

I’m not sure what the next two days hold for us. We’ll be shopping, eating out and hitting the town one of these nights. I’ll be posting again soon – have a fantastic Friday!

What are your plans for the weekend? Are you off or did you go Black Friday shopping today? After working retail for years and interviewing shoppers at 4 a.m. I will probably never participate!

Everyone warned me about the hills.

Somehow, the constant rise and swell of the YMCA Bethesda-Chevy Chase Turkey Trot 10K course still took me by surprise. Spectators even held signs saying: “Love those hills!”

Steve and I decided ahead of time we’d be running this race to have a good time, not to run one. My recently adopted chilled-out approach led to a surprisingly good 5K a couple weeks ago — could it lead to a speedy 10K on Thanksgiving morning?

I passed each of the first two mile markers in 7:50 minutes — on pace for a PR and feeling surprisingly great despite the hills. Buoyed by the knowledge that as recently as Tuesday, I’d held a solid 8:10-minute-mile pace in the hills with my running group, I pushed on.

I may have slowed down a bit by mile 3, but it wasn’t until the 4-mile marker that I felt like my muscles literally slammed on the brakes. Soon, my stupid sensitive stomach joined the party by reminding me that I’d spent the day yesterday munching on the Thanksgiving goodies I was prepping rather than carefully monitoring my pre-race diet.It became clear my chilled-out approach wasn’t going to lead to my running a great time this time around.

But it was a turkey trot, for goodness sake — is there any better time to chill out and not worry about one’s time? I was having a terrible race, but I could still have an awesome run. I didn’t stop trying, per se, but I definitely threw a nice, comfortable 9-minute mile in there. I was going slow enough to take in the throngs of students home for the holidays proudly wearing their college sweatshirts and fleeces. I watched dads coaching their tweenage sons to hold a steady pace, and moms tackling the killer hills with double baby joggers. The whole experience gave me a sense of contentment no PR could have, and when I crossed the finish line in 52:46, I couldn’t stop talking about how much fun I’d had.

For a more detailed course and race review, check out my Examiner.com post here.

Steve seconded my easygoing approach, and even one-upped me. When I asked what his time was, he shrugged, and told me he hadn’t even bothered to start his watch.

Easy pace notwithstanding, those hills made sure we still got an awesome workout. And after eating hills for breakfast, our Thanksgiving feast that afternoon tasted even better.

I did a back to back race this weekend. I registered for the race and shine fun run due to its noble intention. I know it is a bit risky on my part since I have been running non-stop for the past week and that I also registered 10k for Botak. Me and some of my office mates decided to register because we believed in its objective and i just had to do it due to a very personal reason. 

before the race...

We arrived at the race venue at around 0545 and I was surprised to see that there were only a bunch of people in the starting line. I had a feeling that very few registered. This could be attributed to the fact that there were two races scheduled for the next day. It was disheartening… I just thought races such as this should be widely supported. 

aj, me, and RD

I saw RD before the start of the race… I introduced myself and asked for a photo-op. I learned that she’ll be running 15k. It was nice to finally meet her. 

me, RD, and febs

The route was fairly simple; there was really no pressure since I only did 5k.  My regret was I forgot to take note of my time. i guess it was sub 30… I hope they will publish the result. It would be a good redemption for the official result that the KOTR published. I still can’t get over the fact that my official time in that race was 41 minutes.

I enjoyed the run; not so many people, no long lines, plenty of drinks, and yummy breakfast.  

lots of vitwater

Finally…

ayoko sanang sumama dito

I felt extremely self-satisfied this morning as I waited for Nadine and Karyn at our pre-Turkey Trot meeting place . Despite oversleeping, I had still managed to shower, get prettied up, eat my usual pre-race breakfast and find a good parking spot near the starting line.  And I was early, which if you know me at all, is as rare as a late November Sabres goal. Then I spotted Nadine, walking towards me clutching her race bib.  SWEET JESUS! I had forgotten my number and my chip! For ten minutes I had been smugly standing amongst thousands of runners, ALL of them wearing race numbers and big orange chip loops on their sneakers, but I was too busy focusing on the cuteness of my Turkey Trot outfit to notice those lesser (but more prepared) people.

Thankfully my husband David met me with the bib and chip, for which I was VERY grateful. (If you want to try a “Race Walk of Shame”, moments before it begins, head in the opposite direction of the race’s starting line. You will pass hordes of fellow runners rushing anxiously towards the race start, all of whom regard you with sympathy and curiosity, wondering why you have quit the race without even trying.)  I rushed back to Nadine and Karyn, who like helpful bridal attendants quickly assisted me in pinning the number to my jacket and in fastening the chip to my sneaker.

Unfortunately my forgetfulness cost us a decent spot at the starting line. (A little background for non-racers: Typically there are minute markers posted along the starting chute designating where runners of varying speeds should begin the race. The fastest runners ideally line up at the very front, and the slowest runners/walkers should be at the WAAAAAY back–maybe even in the next town. Since most races are chipped (meaning you have a computer chip on your sneaker that electronically records the times that you cross the starting and the finishing mats), this lining up is mainly to ensure that the speedy runners are not hampered by pokey people in front of them. However, this system NEVER works because runners are THE BIGGEST BUNCH OF LIARS on the face of this earth. No one pays ANY attention to the minute markers. The inexperienced runners don’t know any better (or are just plain rude). The veteran runners KNOW that all of the rookies are posers and so to gain their rightful competitive edge THEY in turn overestimate their speed. The result is FRUSTRATING chaos at the start of the race because no one is where they are supposed to be.)

It’s probably a little unfair of me to compare the Turkey Trot experience to a regular race. This year’s TT capped at 12,000 registrants, the highest total in its 114 year history.  I spotted runners (and I use this term loosely) dressed like superheroes, turkeys (lots of  ass-waggling feathers), flamingos, Santas (naughty and regular), a giant linked Christmas centipede, Sponge Bob, and 80’s bands. My favorite runners were the four guys racing in Snuggies (although this may be my inner cougar talking, since they were all foxy and 25-ish).

For the first half of the TT Karyn, Nadine and I weaved amongst this interesting throng of racers like some perverse runner’s version of Frogger. (A semi-respectful note to walkers: I fully resent support your participation in races such as the TT. I just REALLY REALLY wish that you would either a.) start at the back of the pack so that I am not forced to constantly find a clear path around you or 2.) not walk down the exact center of the race course so that in my efforts to avoid plowing into you I almost injure myself.  “Keep to the Right” is a saying because it WORKS people.)  Around mile 3 we found our rhythm and some space on the course. We also found a man who ran at our exact pace and had jingle bells attached to his body. At first the bells were cheerful and cute. That changed to annoying REAL FAST.

If it sounds like I am complaining a lot, well, I am. But, truthfully I had an AWESOME time. The weather conditions were perfect, the crowds cheering us were inspirational, and the 5 miles flew by in a blur of funny characters, good conversation and running camaraderie. (Once I know my actual chip time I may edit some bitterness into this post, but for now, all is pretty pink skies.)

Things were even more fun at the post-race party. I ran into tons of people, which completely justified my extensive pre-race primping. The first person I saw was my ex-HSBC usher Dave, who was working security. (I miss him, so I downplayed how much I like his promising replacement Rich.) My friends headed right to the FREE BEER area, but since I (lamely) do not like beer, I drank Vitamin Water. (Luckily they had my favorite flavor, Energy, which I believe–perhaps from experience–miraculously cures hangovers.) Nadine noted that Buffalo may be the only town where runners regularly drink beer after races and 12-year-olds can fetch it for their parents without anyone making a fuss. I think it was also interesting that amongst the available post-race food–cookies, fruit, yogurt–the cookies were the first and only thing to go. Beer and cookies–way to replenish after a race Buffalo!

Before heading home the girls and I watched the race results for various age groups flash across the Convention Center’s large screens. Maybe it was all the beer and the Energy Vitamin Water, but we found it hilarious (and pathetic) that it wasn’t until they showed the times for “Males 80-84″ that we could boast with confidence that we DEFINITELY could have kicked those runners’ saggy asses.

What a beautiful day it’s been in San Jose. My alarm woke me up at 5:00 and at 6:00 exactly, not by design, but since I wanted to charge my Garmin GPS watch a bit more, I left my house for my first Silicon Valley Turkey Trot.

What a difference a year makes! Last year on Thanksgiving, I took the day off fitness wise; having been in Community Bootcamp for only 5 months and not being used to endurance running I didn’t feel up to such a race. This year I ran the longest option, a 10K, and walked there and back, 2.5miles each way. Though it was very dark at 6:00, I knew I’d easily get to the registration tables before they opened. It took roughly 50 minutes to walk it, while red lights slowed me down a bit, this was close to predictions if walking speed on the Web.

All of today’s photos were taken with my iPhone. Everything was so colorful, I had to take lots of photos, and for the first time on this blog, I’m doing an all collage style entry to show them off.

This was the 5th annual race, and the announcer told us that while the first race had had only 1,000 racers, this race, which had had a goal of 9,500 races had 11,000 paid entrants. Before the run we had speakers and a costume contest.

The costume contest was very enjoyable. The holiday themed division won by a mother and daughter team dressed as a hungry pilgrim and scared turkey (wearing a sign proclaiming she wasn’t a turkey), respectively. They’re shown here waiting with the other contestant, another turkey, awaiting results.

The non-themed division was down to a Big Bird and a Human Whoopie Cushion. I love the shots of them trying to get crowd support for votes and especially their reactions.

The winner was the Whoopie Cushion who turned out to be Councilman Sam Liccardo of District 3 in San Jose. Sam ran by me early in the race and when I yelled, “Go, Sam!” even turned around, gave me a thumbs up and tried to encourage me to run faster.

I couldn’t help but notice the newsprint inspired runner. He is Mac Tully, publisher of The San Jose Mercury News, who was gracious enough to let me get a photo taken with him. We talked about journalism a bit, and he assures me the paper will be there next year at this time.

As I was taking a shot of him speaking I was marvelling that no one, not security, or the real press near me with SLRs and a video camera minded that I was there and shooting with my iPhone. Perhaps it helped that I made sure to stay out of their shots. Also in this collage, some runners at the start, and the front and back of the arch, yes it really was that crooked before the start.

The race itself was amazing. Every race I do, I set for myself a reach goal. I usually set them a little too high, and often don’t share them with others. Today’s goal was very special. I wanted to run the whole time, no walk breaks minimal slow downs even for water (there were two stops, no Gu or energy bars, drinks etc.)

I debated how I’d tackle this on my blog if I didn’t make it, since I wanted to write about results no matter what. At the first mile, I felt really accomplished. Then it started getting harder.

My training has been run-walk-run, and I’ve never even tried a 4:1 pace, let alone tried to run straight through. Miles 3 and 4 were the hardest with overlapping portions making it seem even longer. Still I was determined to run, even if it was a slow run until I couldn’t help but walk. The two water stations were even a fast walk/run for minimal seconds. I found myself praying for the first time during a race for strength and endurance.

My left leg felt a little sore at mile 5, still I kept running. I knew at that point I could and would make it. I dismissed the idea of photographing the mile 6 marker as I didn’t want to stop. Seeing the finishing arc, I sprinted the last bit. What an incredible feeling it was reaching this goal and setting a personal record for this distance (1:08:54 tag time with a 11:06 pace). While my Galloway training made me strong, I literally could not have done this today without God’s help, and I am grateful.

After battling a long pushing and shoving swarm to get my technical shirt, beautiful in color and design, I had some quick photos taken of me. Rounding out the last collage are cans signifying the food drive that went on, and the squeaky toy given out to finishers.

This race made this one of my most memorable Thanksgivings ever. I will definitely do it again next year. I am grateful this year for friends, family, my business, my health and fitness, and God. Hope your day was wonderful as well!

The greatest feeling in the world with running is beating a goal. Today all I wanted to do was run a couple of 8-minute miles and finish around 16 minutes in the 2-mile Turkey Trot in Warren, Ohio. Since I haven’t really done much speed work lately and the fact that I haven’t done all that much running since the Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon, I didn’t know what my body would do beyond a mile if I pushed it. The other night my friend Travis and I ran a 7:33 mile as part of a 5-mile run, but I really wondered if I could sustain that for two miles.

Turns out, I can. Today I finished in 14:54.7, a 7:27 pace. In fact, I was actually about 20 seconds faster than that, but since this was not timed with a chip from the beginning, that little bit of extra effort wasn’t “official.” This race did use chips to record the finishers, but there was not a chip timing mat at the beginning. With 1,200 people, and many people starting at the front that shouldn’t have been, a chip mat at the beginning would have been nice to record the times more accurately. Not that I’m complaining — this was actually a very well organized race and all for a good cause. And the long-sleeved shirt is nice too.  

Anyway, this short race felt great. It was a nice, cool, somewhat damp start to the day with temperatures in the low 40s. It was actually raining when I warmed up for a mile, making me want to just go into my car, drive back to my in-laws’ house and go to bed. And after yesterday’s awful car ride, I was just exhausted. But I did it, and I’m so happy with the results. In addition to being happy with my time, I was 127th out of more than 1,200 runners and walkers and finished 6th in my age group out of 34.

The real question I have now is can I sustain a pace like that for next week’s 5k? And can I sustain that pace and improve on it this winter to have good races next year? I certainly hope so.

Questa sarà ricordata come la corsa delle “prime volte”. Ebbene, mettiamo sul tavolo i vari elementi: prima corsa del campionato Indycar, attesissimo campionato targato rLeague; prima apparizione ufficiale di Elio Poggi nei suoi nuovi colori Breval, prima vittoria in Indycar e prima vittoria su ovale! Se non vi basta questo…

Di seguito potete leggere il report di una gara che oltre a bellissimi duelli ha offerto intense emozioni.

Il primo round dell’Indycar League si tiene a Iowa, un ovale corto molto tecnico e frenetico, una dura prova tecnica per tutti i piloti.

Elio Poggi fa subito capire le sue intenzioni sull’evento, segnando una netta pole position.

La gara parte con Poggi al comando, ma  giro dopo giro si capisce quale sarà l’ago della bilancia per capire chi potrà ambire alla vittoria: il consumo delle gomme.

Il pilota Breval, forte di una notevole velocità, soffre però di alcuni problemi sotto questo punto di vista, e si ritrova costretto a pittare più volte rispetto agli avversari. Grazie però all’acume tattico e alla strategia box, riesce a sfruttare occasioni come le safety car, e a riprendersi il comando allungando sugli avversari.

A 50 giri la situazione vede Poggi in testa con ancora un ultimo pit da fare, mentre Pissenati e Frascatani inseguono a pochi secondi ma senza doversi fermare per ulteriori pit. La situazione non è delle più rosee ma Poggi sfrutta l’ennesima safety car per riportarsi in scia al duo a meno di 30 giri dal termine.

Negli ultimi giri il pilota Breval compie un capolavoro passando dapprima Frascatani, portandosi in scia del leader Pissenati e negli ultimi 5 giri a tentare un attacco che riesce all’ultimo giro grazie proprio ad un errore del leader, che lascia un varco aperto dove il pilota belga non esita a infilarsi e a tagliare per primo sotto la bandiera a scacchi.

Una grande vittoria questa per come è arrivata e per la competitività dimostrata da subito, una grande soddisfazione per il team che ha già fatto intendere le sue ambizioni per il proseguio della stagione.

La classifica vede ora Poggi in testa con 90 punti su Pissenati e Frascatani, i primi diretti inseguitori.

Tutti i risultati QUI

Elio Poggi (pilota Breval Racing): “La pista era un ovale corto ed era un po piu tecnica rispetto ai vari speedway perche bisognava mollare leggermente il gas nelle curve, forse è propio per quello che mi sono trovato subito bene riuscendo anche a fare un ottima pole. Essendo la mia prima vittoria su un ovale, la prima con le Indycar e sopratutto la prima con il mio nuovo team, non ci poteva essere migliore inizio!
Ero cosi contento che dopo il traguardo ho deciso di festeggiare in modo un pò “bizzarro”!
Ora la prossima corsa è Laguna Seca, una pista del tutto diversa e per niente facile dove non sono mai andato molto bene, ma prima di domenica non ero mai andato bene su ovale quindi chissà…”

Well, let’s start with the time: 51:49:32 or 10.22/miles.

Which…is not great. But it is okay AND it could have been much, much worse considering I didn’t make it to the gym at all in the last 2 weeks before I moved and my training plan since I moved has been as follows:

1) Walk everywhere. I generally get in about 1 1/2 – 2 miles a day at a pretty brisk pace

2) Take the stairs at work instead of the elevator (Oh, wait, those of you who follow me on Twitter thought I was joking about that? Yeah, no).

3) Think about joining a gym, but put that off by telling myself that I am still adjusting to my work schedule and therefore don’t know when I’ll actually go and that therefore I shouldn’t waste the money right now (because, as it turns out, gyms are expensive! and I am cheap).

4) Think about just going out for a run in the neighborhood, but don’t do that because I am lazy.

So, as you can see, there was really no training plan and this was the first time I’ve run in about 6 weeks. And, actually, it was a pretty easy run (except for the GINOURMOUS hill next to the Browns stadium leading to the finish) so I was pleased about that because I did think I might have to do the last mile or so on pure will power alone* and while I’m not opposed to the pure will power thing, it was nice not to have to rely on the reserves.

There were definitely some things I could have done differently that probably would have improved my time, namely not wearing 4 inch heels all week to work because I suspect there is a direct correlation between said shoes (but they are so cute!) and the searing, cramping pain that started in my arch at about mile three and continued on to spread through the ball of my foot and up through my achilles (any more pre-racing stretching would have been good too). I also did a pretty piss-poor job of hydrating in general this week, which explains why I am starting in on my third 20 oz of gatorade (I know, I know – I should be drinking coconut water or at the very least this, but it’s all that’s in the house) and am still extremely thirsty.

I won’t tell him this because he might attribute this not to his pacing abilities, but the tough love he utilizes when we race together (“You did NOT hit the wall! You do not know what the wall is!”),** but I do run much better with the boyfriend because he is an awesome pacer and keeps us on negative splits when we run together and he pushes me more. Today I ran with two friends of mine and we were definitely not pushing each other.***

Still, even though I know it’s a fine time, I’m still a wee bit embarrassed. I am incredibly extremely intensely mildly competitive (it’s where my type-A-ness really expresses itself), so Turkey Trot 2010, YOU ARE ON NOTICE. Because it will be brought.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE! I hope everyone has a wonderful day wherever you are and with whomever you are celebrating.

*Even when I am going to the gym daily (and by daily, I mean week-daily. I am not a weekend gym kind of girl) the most I run is 3 miles because I have some knee and hip issues.

**In his defense, that particular incident occurred at like mile 4 of 10K when I was being a tad whiny about the freezing rain. He was training for a marathon at the time and regularly cranking out double-digit mile runs. So his lack of sympathy was understandable.

***I did note, which I thought was kind of interesting, that I never was able to find my stride during the run and I think that’s because I was trying to run in line with my friends so we could chat and catch up. Only problem is that they are a good 7 inches shorter than I am, so whereas they were striding comfortably, I was taking really shortened steps. I will have to ask the boyfriend if he feels that way next time we run together (although, I am pretty much all legs so his legs aren’t that much longer than mine). Something to ponder when I go into the post-turkey daze later.

Over the years the one time I have felt truly connected to the Sacramento community is at Thanksgiving. More specifically, at The Run to Feed the Hungry. Sacramento’s Run to Feed the Hungry is the largest Thanksgiving Day race in the nation. It began in 1994 with only 800 participants and 15 years later it has grown to over 30,000 and raised over $800,000 in one day for the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services.


It is truly a phenomenal event that is unlike any other race because it centers around the holiday and the community, not so much finish times and PRs. If you were looking to PR, this is not the event. The crowds make it almost impossible to run at points. It has become a Thanksgiving Day tradition that my mom and I participate in the 5k fun run/walk. We walk, chat, people watch and always find friends to catch up with.


This year I live in town and the race is right in my neighborhood.








And this year, I brought Operation Beautiful to the Run to Feed the Hungry and my community. I knew this would be the perfect day and event to share the OB message. Thanksgiving is famous for people stuffing themselves silly and then feeling guilty the next day. Why not start the day off on the the right foot with positive messages? My mom and I each wore a note on our backs.











Over 30,000 people got to see the notes and we were stopped constantly before during and after the race to ask what Operation Beautiful was. Several people we talked to were teachers or worked with kids and were thrilled to hear about OB. I was even stopped by a new caster who wants to do a story!!! What a great start to one of my favorite holidays! What are you thankful for today?

2 hours after the urkey Trot my belly is still cold–I even took a hot shower and climbed into a warm bed. I feel great!

I was a little nervous about this race since I haven’t run 3 miles in a month and have been on the treadmill but only about 2 miles with no incline. I was also excited to be doing a 5k.

I arrived in Central Park early. I picked up my packet yesterday not to be rushed.  It was in the high 40’s and everyone was wearing tights and sweats.  Not me.  I was still determined to run in shorts and long sleeve tee shirt (with gloves).   I hung around the fireplaces in the pavilion sipping hot cocoa until the start of the race.

There were about 1500 people – not the 6500 that would be in the more popular Troy Turkey Trot.  I bumped into some familiar faces and one of my Mah Jongg friends.

This was my first time on this course (http://www.ellishospital.org/ellisfoundation/main/cardiacclassiccourse.pdf).  It was hilly but I’ve done worse.  I got caught up in the crowd and the beginning of the race.  There was someone calling times at each mile.  My first mile was too good – 9:02 but I slowed down to 19:02 at mile 2.  During the 3rd mile,  I was running out of steam.  Probably because I haven’t run more than 2 miles in a month or my first mile was faster than normal.

I struggled through the finish line - no sprinting this time and crossed around 30:10.  No PR!  No award! But my time was the usual and I am glad I did it. 

I feel great.  Now I can start cooking. 

Happy Thanksgiving fellow runners and bloggers!

SPEEDY TOUR D’ INDONESIA ( NOV. 22 – DEC. 3, 2009 )
NOVEMBER 22, 2009, SUNDAY

JAKARTA CRITERIUM – ( 80 KM )

7TH PLACE: TEAM ROADBIKE PHILIPPINES 7-ELEVEN
13TH PLACE: TEAM LIQUIGAS PHILIPPINES

20 INTERNATIONAL TEAM

GOOD START !!! …

ROADBIKE PHILIPPINES 7 ELEVEN TEAM
TEAM MANAGER: BONG SUAL
TEAM DIRECTOR: RIC RODRIGUEZ
TEAM DIRECTORY: RHYNE MANLAPAZ
ELITE CYCLISTS: VICTOR ESPIRITU
LLOYD RENANTE
MARK GUEVARRA
TOMAS MARTINEZ
SHERWIN DIAMSAY

TO THE ROAD WITH GOD

GARY ADVINCULA
ROADBIKE PHILIPPINES

WORKOUT – (38) Ran outside 60 mins/7.15 miles

Remember how Competitor Group, who does the RocknRoll races sent me a medal for races that I’d already received medals for?

Well, back in October I decided to sign up for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Dallas half marathon.  So before I made the purchase, I looked for a promo code online and found that if you signed up on the 13th of the month, you got $13 off the registration fee.  sweetness.

Seriously, do this before you buy anything online; go google “the store name” promo code.  I’ve saved a butt ton of money this way.  I’ve found free shipping codes, 10% off at hotels.com (saved $26 booking a hotel for San Fran last month), free cinnastix at Dominoes.com (obviously my most important and cherished find), 70% off restaurant.com, 15% off at Road Runner Sports, and on and on.

Anyways, so look what I just got in the mail, a $25 gift card to P.F. Chang’s that I won apparently for signing up for the race on the 13th.  I didn’t even know there was a contest!  I just wanted my $13 off.  Now that’s what I call a double whammy.

Who says that running doesn’t pay big benefits?

Have you ever won any contests or prizes? Jaybob won $5 with a scratch off ticket once.  And $700 at a casino.  Me, nothing.  Well, besides my big win today.  All I gotta say is watch out, Vegas.  Watch out.

Running Stats

Today: 8 miles before work

Weekly Total So Far (Mon-Sun): 18

My run was good….nay, very good today.  I felt light and even had to remember to keep my pace at a reasonable clip.  No sense in burning myself out today when I want to get a few good mileage runs in this week.  The big day is tomorrow….  I’ll be heading over to a co-workers for the festivities.  I’m bringing dessert….which I’m quite happy about.  I do love to bake a pie or two.  (Fig & Pear Pie w/ a Hazelnut Crust and a Waiting for Wilma Pie (Chocolate Caramel Pecan))  I never diet on a holiday.  I mainly just eat whatever I want in moderation so I’m not left feeling like I could burst by the end of the evening.  We shall see how well that plans goes……

Have a great Thanksgiving, everyone!

Race Wednesday

What: Beaver Fun Run

Distance: 5K/1K

Where: Corvallis, OR

When: December 5th, 2009

Cost: $15 Students & $20 Non-Students (includes shirt), $10 (no shirt)

From their website: The Beaver Fun Run 5K/1K is a community run/walk race that begins and ends in Reser Stadium on the OSU campus, in Corvallis, OR. This race benefits Girls on the Run Willamette Valley, a non-profit after-school prevention program for girls in grades 3rd-8th, that combines health education and running. Don’t forget to wear your Girls on the Run or Beaver gear to the race!

Why: Girls on the Run is a program that I hold in very high regard and someday I hope to work with it.

From the Girls on the Run website:

Mission
To educate and prepare girls for a life time of self-respect and healthy living.

• To support a network of Girls on the Run sites across the country
• To provide quality and life-changing programming for girls and women, and to provide quality and life-changing experiences to the women involved in the delivery and development of the program as well
• To support an intensive, nationwide, media campaign that will provide positive, healthy images of girls and women
• To promote an environment that allows girls and women to reach their full potential
  To constantly strive to improve itself by staying open-minded, trusting and flexible, even in the business world
• To enhance the lives of all involved in the program
• To influence literally hundreds of thousands of girls and women in the next 30 years by establishing Girls on the Run sites around the country and the world
• To be a foremost expert on ways to raise and support a healthy girl in these ever-changing times
• To assist in nothing less than a complete transformation in the way girls and women perceive themselves and their place in society.

So many women (myself included) have struggled with the issues that Girls on the Run addresses.  Who doesn’t know a girl/woman who is currently struggling with body issues and eating disorders, depression, or substance abuse?  And who wouldn’t want to give as many girls as possible the chance to identify these issues early on and learn how to feel good enough about themselves to avoid them?  I think this program is completely necessary in times like these….when girls and women are to be scarily thin, model beautiful, smart, successful, a perfect daughter/wife/mom…..all while making it seem like no trouble at all.  I know many men don’t understand, but it is so easy to be a woman and to hate yourself.

Girls on the Run will surely keep many girls from this.

- Jimmie Johnson and Chad “Darth” Knauss make it look easy again in winning their fourth consecutive Sprint Cup championship. Head-scratchers wonder what Chad manages to get away with under the hood of the No. 48, but actually it’s what Jimmie is managing under the sheets with Winnie, the NASCAR’s wild woman of trackside luck.

- Double file restarts make for much on-track messiness and closer finishes; fans love ‘em but they give drivers a severe case of the willies.

- Digger becomes a national symbol of annoyance at NASCAR. Best use for the Gopher cam: track chick upskirts.

- Most notable crash: An airborne Carl Edwards nearly clears the catchfence in the first Talladega race, lands in a pile of wreckage, climbs out unscathed and runs across the finish line. Generic car and drivers 1, aerodynamics 0.

- Other notable crashes: Ryan Newman (going airborne again at the second Talladega race) and Jimmie Johnson (Texas).

- Usually in a wreck: Michael Waltrip and Robbie Gordon.

- Usually starts race but never finishes: “Back row” Joe Nemenchek.

- Jeremy Mayfield’s drug-testing and ban from competition forces dozens of drivers and crew members to stow their stashes closer to the toity.

- Kyle Busch fails to make the Chase by eight points, but kicks ass in almost every Nationwide race. What’s the difference? Kyle also displays a habit for harrumphing off the track after a bad finish without speaking to the media, which he much later explains quoting the words of management theorist Dr. Lawrence J. Peter: “Speak when you are angry, and you’ll make the best speech you’ll ever regret.” Riiiiiiiiight.

- Rankest firesuit: Sprint Cup gal Monica Palumbo’s, after doing photo op duty all afternoon prior to the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona in July. Say rotten cheese…

– Miss USA Kristen Dalton models NASCAR-themed costume for the Miss Universe Pageant. Dalton narrowly beat out Miss California, Carrie Prejean, for the Miss USA crown, a gal whose augmented breasts caused her to be stripped of her Miss California title when they started appearing in nude photos and sex tapes posted on the Internet. (Note to NASCAR: Consider a topless Prejean to wave the starting flag at the next Talladega race.)

- Junebug disappears down a spiraling oubliette of crappy luck. Cousin and crew chief Tony Eury waves bye-bye from the commode, giving NASCAR a final middle finger before disappearing out of sight.

- Tire changer Jimmy Watts chases a tire onto the frontstretch during the Kobalt Tools 500, almost becoming a hood ornament and/or human rotor-rooter down Digger’s track hole.

- AJ Allmendinger gets a DUI prior to the second Talladega race: NASCAR places him on probation; designated drivers for RVs, tracktor trailers and private planes multiply for oh, a week or so.

- Kyle Busch smashes trophy guitar he received after winning the Federated Auto Parts 300 in Nashville on June 6; Les Paul is not amused and soon gives up the ghost.

- Worst national anthem: Jesse McCartney forgets words to the national anthem prior to the Pepsi 500 in Fontana in October. Oddest opening act: Goth-haired and tattooed Buckcherry belts out Deep Purple’s “Highway Star” to seventy thousand gawking rednecks prior to the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona.

- Oddest race: The Amp Energy 500 race in Talladega last October, which begins as a polite single-file parade and ends in royal rumble wrestling match with hapless Jamie McMurray scooting by a 16-car wreck at the finish to take the checkered flag.

- Snoozer race: Lifelock 400 in Michigan.

- Makes for snoozer races: pit row and fuel strategies.

- Snoozer end of a race: Daytona 500, where Matt Kenseth got caught in exactly the right place when the rain started pouring.

- Surprisingly exciting race as well as end to the season: Ford 400 at Homestead, with Jimmy freaking out every time a car got close to him, a six-car pileup – on pit row — and Smoke playing High Noon with Juan Carlos Montoya.

6pm (Saturday Night)
Here we go.  Saturday night. We were exhausted from a bit of sightseeing in Philly,  so decided to order in. I  ordered my usual baked Ziti which I have whenever I need a carbo load with garlic bread for a long run. With my previous Rhabdomyolysis encounter earlier this year, which I was hospitalized 3 days for,  I made it essential to Hydrate! Hydrate ! Hydrate! and get sufficient rest.

8pm
We hit the sack for the evening because we were planning to be up by 4am.  However I didn’t think I feel asleep until about 9-10pm. Many factors may have  been involved, nervousness for one, also thought the room was a bit too humid  at one point, with all the tossing and turning eventually fell asleep. Though I may have not admitted at first, no matter what,  one must be full of anxiety before such a race, especially this being my first marathon. Our longest long run in training was 20miles. We missed a 22  miler suggested by, Bart Yasso’s Runners World Marathon training plan due to schedule  conflicts, but as many veteran marathoners affirmed, a 20 miler would suffice for the marathon.

4am (Sunday Morning – My Birthday – Marathon Day)
Wake up it’s your birthday. We’re up, It’s my birthday, but for what maybe the first time as far as I can recall, the bday is not the priority of the day, all I am able to focus on is the marathon, I am up 3 minutes before the  alarm goes off. I get up and immediately go to my iPhone and logon to  twiiter and see who else in the Philly Marathon world may be up,  sure enough IronBrandon (BrandonsMarathon)  is  also awake, a recent twitter connection, who is also a podcaster, ironman, opera singer, I wish him a final good luck and started putting my gears together.  Our fuel bottles were filled the night before, mine with  Gatorade, Anh choose vitamin water “Power C”. Anh is also up making coffee and  (peanut butter & banana) sandwiches, um.

6am
Final trip to the hotel’s restroom. Also continued sipping on Gatorade diluted with water. We meet Joe, Mary and Ellen in the hotel lobby. Mary wasn’t running  due to injury. Joe and Ellen both are 3:20ish marathoners. I question  them as much as I can on any last possible advice for a newbie. What  miles do you take your PowerGels and so on. Many of the questions I know can only be answered during race base on your conditions, but I inquire anyway.

7am (Official Race Start)
Joe and Ellen are in the “black” corral. The first gun goes off for the only wheelchair participant at the Philly Marathon. Cheers go off for him, I have the deepest admiration for parathletes. Meantime Anh and I are at the potty lines. I was in a faster pace corral “green”, but decided to run in Anh’s corral (note: going forward if we are not required to qualify for any given corral, rule of thumb will be to opt for a faster corral base on our best finish time possible, being in the latter corrals is a true disadvantage, something you may know beforehand, but you go into the race trying to be conservation, but really, one just needs to get out of the starting field and start running their own race, attempting to hurdle your way through the field just takes too much energy, as we did the first 3 miles). So now we find ourselves in the the “purple” corral.

7:15am (Our Corral starts)
Announcers, including, Bart Yasso, who were very animated during the marathon’s opening, gives the go ahead for our corral to begin the race. The Mayor of Philadelphia is at the starting line giving “high fives”, I am not about to get in the melee. I started the race not knowing what to expect, this maybe a cliche, but it’s quite appropriate here, consciously, I know I struggled in our longest training run at mile 19, so given 26.2 miles, I am very cautious. My one and only goal at the start was to finish the race.

Mile 1 -2: I am doing 10mins, it’s harder than I thought to make my way  through the massive crowd. I am still shaky, nervous, an experience I also felt at the New York Road Runners Brooklyn Half Marathon.

Mile 3-4: We’re doing 28 mins, about 3 mins short of our ideal MP (Marathon Pace). We  agreed at this point in the race to part ways and run individually, which in retrospect was the correct call.

Mile 5: My nervousness  is finally over, I’m warmed up, legs are ready. Race is on!

Mile 6-13: At mile 6, I took my first PowerGel at the water station, ripped off gel and drank 2 cups of water.  I am feeling good, but still running a conservative race (remembering to run a positive first split followed by a negative second half). Pee break in the woods at about mile 10.

Mile 13: It’s a treat to see elites finishing off their marathons, John Crews, 25, first American to win the Philadelphia Marathon, since 2000, finishes in 2:17:15.

Mile 14: “Man you’re tall”, a fellow runner shouts out, we chat and run for a while then depart ways. Saw Anh about 5 runners away from me. However wasn’t ready to push my pace to catch up with her. My race was all about defense, how far can I reach before my leg feels likecinder blocks.

Mile 15: Came across and passed the 4:30 pacer. Saw Anh at “u turn” point in the race,  about mile 15, I  just kept running my own race, was not ready to try to make any gains on her.

Mile 16: Took my second PowerGel.

Mile 17: Passed the 4:13 pacer. Yay!

Mile 18: Looking forward to mile 20, what should I expect, no matter  the consequence I am not doing too much walking.

Mile 19: Throughout the race eyed about 3 runners and kept pace with them on all 3 occasions with determination passed them along the way.

Mile 20-21: I also saw Anh, at about mile 20, tried to get her attention, but to no avail. Your beer is served! Smells good, but I am not going for it, not here, not now. Sounds of the “Eye of the Tiger” and “Gonna Fly Now” blasting from boom boxes,  kept the adrenaline flowing. Also continued fan shouts of “Go Alex”, “You rock”, “Go Alex & Anh” (which was printed on my shirt as can see in the pics below), kept my spirits high. With amazement I also came across joggling runners? Yep that’s right, guess it’s a new thing, saw this runner, who I thought also dropped a ball, joggling balls along his run, up to mile 20, Manayunk, which is also a slight incline. Took some extra GU gels from the wonderful volunteers,  at three fluid stations if in case I would need more  and they weren’t available.

Mile 22: Took my third PowerGel. Took the time to walk off a bit. Off  again I go, not to lose any momentum, especially with my legs being a bit heavy now  at that point of the race. Here goes the mental part of the race, “Alex that’s it we came  in with the goal to finish, but it’s on now”, goes this thought in my head. Looked at the CliffPace bracelet on my right wrist, (we took a variety of CliffPace bracelets which we scored from the  marathon expo on Saturday). It reads that I’m in reach of a 3:55 finish time (at mile 22, the 3:50 finish bracelet read 3:13, I was doing 3;17, didn’t mind at all, that only meant sub 4 was in sight). My starting goal just to finish my first marathon was now out the door, a renewed goal was now at hand “sub 4!”

Mile 23-finish: Pushed everything I had left of my quads into a strong finish. Every  mile after mile 23, I pictured myself at home in Astoria, on the couch deciding to go for a run, still being fresh with energy.

Mile 24: Met Anh along the way, and gave her a slight push towards the finish.

Finish: 3:54:00 is my finish. Yay! Sub 4. Who else shouts my name at the finish, but Bart Yasso himself.  “I met Alex yesterday”, he said over the speaker/pa system. Man I felt good hearing those words, maybe I could have gone for a next 5 miles at this point, lol.

Finishing before Anh, I decided to attempt taking a finish photo of her with my iPhone, but before reaching for the phone in my  fuel belt,  out she comes zooming by with a very strong finish 3:54:08, sub 4 as well, celebration are on, our training could not have paid off better dividends. Smiles and all. “We did it Baby”, I shouted, kisses and hugs……..

Now off to the hotel, freshen up and to “Tir Na Nog”, post Marathon meetup with some dailymile friends, Joe, Kristen and Adam, also joining us, was Mary and Ellen. Overall, great first marathon. All the training was tremendously important, hill repeats, Yasso 800s, LSDs, speedworks, etc. Looking forward to the next one.

Philadelphia Marathon 2009 Results

Pictures from top left shirt printed by Anh, bottom left, CliffPace Bracelets, Philly Marathon start, finish pics.

Hi all!! Happy Thanksgiving Eve!! Can you believe the holiday season is upon us? What fun do you have planned for tomorrow – any other big travelers out there like me? Maybe we’ll spot each other in an airport!

I can’t believe my Turkey Trot is tomorrow. Today the nerves started to hit me a little bit. Just check out the start line from last year:Eek! Say a runner’s prayer! I am a bit intimidated, especially since I am running this one solo.

My first race the goal was to finish sub-40 minutes (which we did!) This time around, my goal is to just run as much as possible. I’m not going for speed or time, just to prove to myself that I can, in fact, run five miles. The weather is supposed to cooperate – we shall see! Last night, I packed all of my gear, including race day:

I am representing two things very dear to my heart: Pittsburgh and Livestrong. Livestrong means a lot to me because I lost an aunt and a grandfather to cancer. I also have several relatives and friends who have or are battling the disease now. Tomorrow, my run will be with them in mind. Someday I would love to run a race for the cause and raise money – this is just the “leg work” to get there. I also packed some pre- and post- race fuel like shot bloks, sport beans, and a Marathon Bar.

And speaking of packing..

Meet my newest travel buddy! This is the investment piece I wrote about the other day. Normally I am not a fan of anything that plasters a brand name all over it, but this bag is just the right size and the D&B specialist at Macy’s just happened to be working and just happened to give me a discount. What can I say, I am a sucker for deals!

Love that lil guy!

Then, the packing fairy entered my room and made this..

Disappear into this!

In 25 years, this was my best packing job – and I’ve done some traveling people!

Ooh and I am sure you’re all wondering about the contest from yesterday!! You guys sent me some amazing songs – a lot of stuff I already have (we have great taste in music!) but a lot to add as well!!

It was reeaaaaallly close, but the winner is….

Katie from Faith, Food & Fitness!! Email me your address and I’ll get your prize to you next week!

I added some of the songs you suggested (and yes, I listened to every last one!) Thanks guys! Look for lots more contests in the future!!

Posting will resume tomorrow, post-race. In the meantime, I’ll be Tweeting from the airport – follow me and I will follow you back!

Happy Turkey Day y’all – safe travels!!!

What a day! I got off work at 7 am this morning and slept until noon, then I had to get up to go to my eye doctor appointment. Thank goodness for that though, I haven’t been able to see well at all lately. Unfortunately my eye doctor loves to talk and talk and talk. I was there for 2 1/2 hours!!! Finally I got out of there, but I have to go back Monday to have my eyes dilated. He couldn’t do it today because he didn’t want me driving myself home and Tim wasn’t with me.

Tonight I watched The Biggest Loser and made tacos from leftovers from this weekend. After dinner I made my casseroles for Thanksgiving. I have to work Wednesday night so I figured if I made the casseroles ahead of time all I would have to do on Thursday is pop them in the oven. They are going to be delish! I stole a couple  way too many bites while I was cooking.

Tonight I wanted to talk about how I started running. I get alot of questions from people about how I got to the point I am now with my running, how I run as far as I do, and how I run the speed I do. So I thought I’d share with you what I did. I’ve always hated to exercise believe it or not. I was the kind of person that would rather starve herself than workout. I ran a little when I was in highschool but nothing serious or regular.

In February I started really thinking about getting serious about losing weight, but at that time I was 235 pounds. I knew that I was going to have to start exercising if I was ever going to lose any serious amount of weight. So I bought a Wii and Wii Fit. Everyday before I went to work I would do boxing, step aerobics or hoola hoop on the Wii Fit for about 30 minutes. Then I bought Dance Dance Revolution and started doing that as well. These were fun ways that I could get active without feeling like I was truly exercising.

After a couple of months I started getting bored with the Wii games, but I was happy to see that there was exercise that I could do and enjoy. It wasn’t nearly as unbearable as I remembered. I decided to join the YMCA, and I started going several times a week and using the elliptical. From there I started taking Spin classes. I was really enjoying everything! I couldn’t believe it!

Shortly after I started to get really interested in working out a few girls from work started the Couch to 5K program. I didn’t jump on the bandwagon right away, but it didn’t take long before I joined in. When I first started I would run at 4.0 miles per hour (15 min mile) and I could barely run 1/4 of a mile without stopping. I hated every minute of it at first, but I kept up with the program and I was able to (barely) complete each week. At some point during those weeks I realized that I was really starting to like the way that running made me feel and the weight started seriously dropping off.

I remember the first day I ran 2 miles without stopping. I felt like I had just done something that was AMAZING! And for me it really was amazing at the time. I started experimenting with my speed and kept running the alloted distances. I’d do intervals of 4.0 mph and 5.0 mph on the treadmill. Before long I started trying to see how long I could run at 5 mph, then intervals of 5.0 and 6.0 … and so on and so forth.

I never did try to run outside because everyone told me how hard it was compared to the treadmill and I definitely didn’t want to do anything harder than I absolutely had to. But one of my friends who was doing the program found a 5K and several of us decided to sign up. I figured that if I was going to run in an actual 5K I should probably practice running outside. The very first time I ran outside I was absolutely amazed at how different it was than the treadmill. I was IN LOVE! I found running outside much easier than the treadmill and much less boring, and I was able to run much faster outside than I ever did on the treadmill.

We did our Big Brother/Big Sister 5K and I actually had a fairly decent time. From that point on I was totally hooked. I loved the whole atmosphere of racing and being around the other people. My only goal in that first race was to run the entire thing. I almost threw up! But I did it … and I wanted to get even better. Now I am following the Beginner Half Marathon Training program.

I highly recommend anyone that is interested in starting to run to follow a program such as Couch to 5K. It will give you guidance and help you keep from injuring yourself by doing too much too fast.

Abi & Karen - Mo Sista's

Tony Banfield took on the mighty Mt Coottha recently in the MousDash, here’s how it went:

It was a beautiful morning on Mt Coo’tha. I met up with Karen and Abi and a friend of mine from work. We had a chat and a catch up and got down to business. BTW, Karen and Abi were both sporting very respectable Mo’s as Mo Sistas, and they were’nt even fake! Kidding!

Started run at just past 7am and next thing found Karen up ahead some 200m up the hill. We asked her where Abi was and she said she had charged ahead. So off I went in search of Abi. Found her some 200m further ahead. Stayed and chatted for awhile and then I headed off. This was all on the initial hill of about 2.5 – 3 km long – depends who you ask. Run was up and down from there on in with a good descent lasting about 3 – 4 kms where I think we all took a crash course in racing downhill. I know I did. Some must do it naturally, hey Abi & Karen? Makes me sick!

Thanks to Photo Events for excellent pics.

Tony Banfield took advantage of a recent trip to the running mecca of South Africa. Here’s some race reports from selected races.

I ran two races whilst in South Africa recently. The reason for running these two events was because I was allowed to and to get out and see a couple of ‘old’ running mates. Second object did not work out as well as planned as many ‘old’ mates simply did not show even after agreeing to. I did however meet up with some of the people that I trained with whilst preparing for my first Comrades in 1994. That was special and unexpected.

First one was The Voet (Foot) Of Afrika which took place on Saturday, 03 October 2009. This outing consists of a 10km, 21.1km and a 42.2km. There is also a 4km run on the Friday before which is known as the Toontjie (Toe). If you’re ever in the area at that time of year and want to test yourself on a tough route then this is one for you. I ran with a friend whom I’ve known since approximately age 6 and committed to finishing the run with him and we did. It was a fun outing and you can see more detail of the route and the events in the links below. Below are our results in the 21.1km. I did not purchase photos so they may not be published as a result, but check them out  here, and here.

The second run was the Gun Run on Sunday, 11 October 2009 and this outing consists of a 5km, 10km and a 21.1km. I did the 10km with my niece of 23 and we finished the run in 1hr 04 min. It’s a fun event with plenty of entrants and you can read a bit of the history of the race in the link below. No photos from this event so you’ll just have to take my word for it that the SPS kit made an appearance.