RunnerGirl’s Training (b)Log

Gu rediscovered

December 27th, 2011

As I mentioned in my last post, I had a big fuel problem at the Space Coast Marathon. During the two weeks after the marathon I was a bit bummed and did not care to talk about it much. When people saw me around town at cross country meets, group runs, and at the running store I cringed when they looked so excited and asked how it went. I think they were excited because they also knew how well prepared I was.

But I gave my standard short version recap of how it was pretty good through 20 miles then I just fell apart and struggled to finish. It almost felt like a script after explaining it to so many people. After Phil and I finished timing and scoring the county championship middle school cross country meet on December 10, we were headed out the gate to the parking lot and got stopped by a good friend who has completed many marathons, half marathons, and has done even more crazy stuff like Ironman and several half Ironman races.

Anyway, when I gave her the scripted recap of the race she then asked, (paraphrasing here) “you didn’t take any Gu?” When I answered “no” and continued to explain my intake of water and Gatorade, her jaw dropped and she looked shocked and amazed. I so wish I had a photo of her face at that moment! We laughed so hard at her reaction. It was the perfect mix of surprise and disbelief. As funny as that moment was, it really stuck with me and got me thinking…

I tried Gu way back in the mid to late 1990s when I was running lots of marathons and I thought it was so disgusting. The consistency was gross and the flavor about made me gag. But as with so many things…they can and do improve over time. I asked around about the flavors that my fellow endurance athlete friends preferred. I even tried eating Sharkies during a long run before I gave in to try Gu again. Although I love Sharkies – taste, consistency, healthy – everything about them! It was too much for my stomach to deal with during a run. I know people who can eat bananas and Clif Bars during training runs and long races; I am just not blessed with that type of iron stomach.

So, here we are on Sunday, December 18 at our group long run. I ran a 10K (about 8 miles total with warm up and cool down) the day before so I only planned to run 12 miles. I took half a packet of Gu with water at six miles. The run was supposed to be easy and I averaged 9:23 for the 12 miles but my last three miles were 8:47, 8:43, 8:24 and I felt pretty good. No stomach issues from the Gu and the Vanilla Bean flavor was not bad. Still not crazy about the consistency but there’s the incentive to get it down quickly! Tuesday and Thursday that week were pretty hard runs followed by acupuncture and massage for my knee and Achilles on Friday in preparation for Saturday’s 20 miler.

The Christmas Eve 20 miler ended up being an awesome group run at the preserve. I think we had over 20 people join in. The 20 miles took 2:54 for an average pace of about 8:44. I took a full Gu packet at mile 8 and mile 14 with water stops about every 3 miles. I felt great and knew I could run more if I had to. I ended the 20 miler with the last 3 miles in 8:34, 8:19, and 8:08. That never happens!

2011 Christmas Eve 20 Miler

So, yes, I have given Gu a second chance and discovered its many benefits. I am a fan! And no longer wondering when my next marathon will be. Gu has worked so well for me in these two training runs that I signed up for the Five Points of Life Marathon on February 19, 2012. I will keep using it in training so I know exactly how much to use on race day. Fueling issues are now under control.

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Tags: Brooks, fuel, Gu, long run, marathon, nutrition, training
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Go long

December 6th, 2011

In keeping with the theme of George Sheehan’s “experiment of one,” I have to say that my experiment of going longer than 20 miles in marathon training definitely worked for me. As I look back on my training for the Space Coast Marathon I see many more long slow runs than I have ever done in any other marathon training before. I took a longer taper of 3+ weeks, did not do much speed work other than the weekend races, ran a few tempo runs, and did a lot more hill work. My 26.2 mile training run on November 1, 2011 was a first for me and was a huge factor in preparing me for Space Coast. I ran it in 3:51 which is about 8:49 pace.

First ever 26.2 mile training run

On race morning I woke up feeling rested and really ready for the Space Coast Marathon. My goal was to run the first 20 miles at 8:00 per mile pace and then hopefully pick it up a little the last 6.2 miles to achieve my goal of running just under 3:30. I was amazed at how good I felt as each mile buzzed on my Garmin: 8:04, 7:54, 7:52, 7:48, 7:54, 7:56, 7:46, 7:56, 7:59, 7:55, 7:54, 8:00, 7:48, 7:50, 7:58. The first half of the course had rolling hills which kept it interesting. We ran north out and back and when I reached 13 miles near the starting line I was still smiling and feeling good. I was happy to see the crowds and hear someone call out my name. Then we headed south on the same course as the half marathoners.

By the time I hit 18 miles my average pace was 7:56. And that’s when I felt it. I knew right then that the miles would no longer feel good and be on pace. Miles 18-20 dropped to 8:10 and 8:20 which took my average pace to exactly 8:00 by mile 20. At that point it was mind over matter. I used every mantra, every bribe, every positive thing I could think of to convince my body that it could give a little more…just 6.2 miles, a 10K, no problem! I focused on one mile at a time. I then focused on just getting to the next water stop. I willed myself to close to mile 25 and then had to walk. My breathing was so labored that I walked for six minutes straight and that labored breathing would not slow down, which had me a little concerned. After walking and drinking some super concentrated Gatorade I somehow started running again and made it to the finish in 3:43:08 which is 8:31 pace.

2011 Space Coast Marathon

Normally I am extremely sore through Thursday after a Sunday marathon. I mean I cannot walk normally until at least Thursday and stairs – forget it! This time I had some soreness Monday and Tuesday but it was not that bad. By Thursday I was out running again. This more than anything has me convinced that I was properly trained for this marathon. Maybe for the first time in my life! This was the first time I ran several 18-20 milers and one 26.2 mile training run. This is very exciting!!!

The reason for my “bonk” at Space Coast around mile 18-20 and eventual walking at mile 25 was lack of proper fuel during the race. At first I was extremely upset and disappointed at missing my goal but after realizing it was not due to training but fuel, I am now determined to figure out how to fix that. I can’t wait to start some long runs again and experiment with Sharkies, PowerBar Energy Bites, Gatorade, and water to figure out the right mix for me during a marathon. I’m not sure when that next marathon will be, but I am already excited to do another so I can see what I am capable of doing now. My marathon PR was set back in 1998 and I have not run close to that 3:18 since then. Yet, my half marathon PR was set in 2010 so I know I still have some fast races in me!

For my next marathon, I will definitely run more long runs of 26, 28, and who knows, maybe close to 30 miles! That is definitely what works for me. And you can bet I will be eating and drinking a lot more than usual during those training runs until I have that down to an exact science for me, in my “experiment of one.”

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Tags: Brooks, experiment of one, fuel, George Sheehan, long run, marathon, mind over matter, nutrition, races
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Fuel up!

November 1st, 2011

I have been running and racing since age 11 and through the years I have learned a lot about the right and wrong ways to train for various distances. Some of this “education” was through trial and error either personally or with the athletes I have coached and a lot of the good stuff has come from coaching education (USA Track & Field Level 2, RRCA, etc.) and learning from the amazing coaches who still contribute to our sport by sharing their research. I feel like I have done my homework in the training part of running and racing.

Where I struggle is with pre-race and pre-training run nutrition and nutrition during a run or race. I have tried many pre-race and pre-run foods over the years and something always gave me heartburn, especially during a hard training run or a race…until I discovered Sharkies Organic Energy Sports Chews. They are amazing! Not only can I eat a bag then immediately go for a run, they also make a delicious and nutritious snack any time of day. They’re pretty cool – “USDA Organic, Natural Source of Electrolytes, Real Fruit for Energy & Endurance, Gluten Free, Wheat Free, Vegetarian.” Sorry to be a bit of a commercial here, but many people have not yet discovered this treasure so I felt the need to get these details out there.

One bag of Sharkies is a serving, which is 45g, Calories 140, Fat Cal. 0, Total Fat 0g, Sodium 110mg, Potassium 30mg, Total Carb. 36g, Dietary Fiber 1g, Sugars 17g, Protein 0g, Iron 2%. Before a training run or short race, one bag and a lot of water and I’m good to go. But before a half marathon I eat two bags for 280 calories, which is usually just right to get me to the finish line with only taking water during the race. So when I returned to racing marathons, I stuck with the two bags of Sharkies pre-race and the same before my long runs of 15-20 miles. My last two marathons left me wondering why I decided to return to marathon racing.

I am currently training for the Space Coast Marathon on November 27, 2011. On October 11^th I ran 20 miles and on October 18^th I ran 21 miles. During both of those training runs I was starving by mile 12-13 and my knees started to hurt as I approached 17-18 miles. It was tough to finish those training runs. I was tired, my legs felt super heavy, and I had no energy once I approached 17-18 miles both times. So after doing more research about marathon training and reading an article that included the “myth of the 20 miler,” I decided that today I would run longer than 20 miles. Perhaps not the 29 miles that the article suggested, but definitely something longer.

Knowing I would run longer, I decided to try something other than my beloved Sharkies and eat 5 PowerBar Energy Bites (Oatmeal Raisin flavor, of course) which is 1 bite more than the serving size on the package. One serving (4 pieces) is 38g, Calories 150, Calories from Fat 25, Total Fat 2.5g, Sodium 110mg, Total Carb. 26g, Dietary Fiber 1g, Sugars 15g, Protein 5g, Calcium 2%, Iron 4%. These Bites are delicious and actually taste like oatmeal cookies. “PowerBar Energy Bites are a great choice for use before and during exercise. They’re made with C2 MAX dual source energy blend for more energy to muscles. In fact, C2 MAX was designed to have the same blend of energy sources shown in breakthrough studies to deliver 20-55% more energy than glucose alone, and in another study to improve athletes’ cycling times by 8%.” Those details are on the back of the bag. In addition to the 5 Energy Bites I had my usual 2 sips of caffeinated drink and about 20 ounces of cold water before I headed to the trail.

When doing a long run on the trails, I repeat a 5 mile route so I only get water and Gatorade at my car every 5 miles. Today I drank Lemonade Gatorade and water at the first two stops. When I reached 13 miles, I did not feel those hunger pains like I normally do. At the 15 mile stop I ate about six Sharkies which is maybe a third or close to half a bag and had the Gatorade and water. By the time I hit 20 miles and was heading back for my final refueling stop, I was a little hungrier than earlier but still not as bad as I used to be by mile 12-13 in the past. So I had a couple more Sharkies, a big gulp of Gatorade, and a lot of water since this was my last stop. I figured I felt so good that I would run 25 miles today, which would be my longest training run ever. Once I completed 25 I then thought about that article and the 29 miler that was suggested and figured that if I covered 26.2 today, I would be well trained and confident for SpaceCoast. Plus I thought it would be cool to tell people I ran a marathon this morning!

The coolest thing about today’s run was that I never felt tired and sluggish, my legs did not feel heavy, my knees did not hurt, and I did not run out of energy like I had on my two long runs in October. I was so excited! I ran slower (obviously) than I will when I race my next marathon, but I was on my feet for 20 minutes longer than my last marathon time. Now I feel ready!

We all know how important marathon training is, but if you’re like me and still figuring out the nutritional side of things, the main thing to remember is to fuel up! Experiment with some of the amazing products out there. I’m so glad I did. As the amazing George Sheehan said, “Each of us is an experiment of one. Each is an expert in the self, a witness of a personal truth, our own best authority.”

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Tags: experiment of one, George Sheehan, long run, marathon, nutrition, training
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Forgetful bliss

July 30th, 2011

I couldn’t agree more with Frank Shorter, 1972 Olympic marathon gold medalist: “You have to forget your last marathon before you try another. Your mind can’t know what’s coming.” I have not felt the inspiration to blog and to be honest, have not really felt it in my running since that last post about Boston either.

One thing that triggered my inspiration to write was delivered by the mail carrier this week: 2011 Boston Marathon Racers’ Record Book and certificate of completion with my official time and place. Results on the web specifically state that they are unofficial until we receive this book and certificate in the mail. The B.A.A. is clever. They know that whether you had a good or bad race at Boston, the experience and the memories are the good things that we remember. By mid July, enough time has passed since the race so we forget how much it may have hurt. Now we have this record of wonderful memories, results, photos, and that certificate.

And to be honest, I have forgotten how painful my last 4 miles at Boston were. I mean, I know they hurt, but it’s not a vivid memory where I can practically still feel that pain. In May, I was still feeling it. But now, I just think about how I can better prepare for the next one. Yes, there will be a next one. I guess that’s the thing about runners. We just can’t stop trying to attain those P.R.s or reach whatever other goals we may set.

I have reviewed my training for Boston and have made notes about what to do differently when training for my next marathon in November. The marathon is such a major life event. Even if you are just running it for “fun” or running it with someone and helping to pace them, you still have hours, months, and many, many miles to devote to it. Marathon training, adequate sleep, and proper nutrition are all demands that end up taking time away from family, friends, work, school, and social life. When race day rolls around, I often think about all the time devoted to the training. That coupled with the pain during the race make me swear off marathons! Then enough time passes and I seem to be signing up for that next one. When will I learn?

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Tags: Boston Marathon, humble, mind over matter, races, racing tips, trail racing, Why Do I Run?
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Boston a Bust

May 5th, 2011

I cannot remember being more excited for a race than I was during the many weeks preceding the Boston Marathon. I trained for it, thought about it, talked about it, read about it, and was genuinely excited for it!

I don’t know if all that pre-race excitement resulted in me feeling burnt out on race day or if it was the emotional, stressful trip that surrounded the race or maybe I’m just really done with marathons. Or maybe it was some unfortunate combination…

It was a mistake to surround my Boston Marathon trip with helping my grandmother pack up her house before and after the race. My grandparents lived in that house for about 50 years…well longer than I have been alive. So you can imagine the memories, mementos, and heirlooms that accumulated during those 50 amazing years. My grandfather passed away a couple of years ago so grandma decided she needed a change of scenery. Can’t blame her there…so many memories in that house!

But being immersed in that emotionally charged house for a week before heading to Boston did take its toll. Once we arrived in Boston I no longer felt the excitement. My head was definitely not in race mode. If you can believe it, I didn’t even look around the expo – picked up my number, bag, and shirt then headed out.

On race morning, I was lucky to get the last seat in our hotel’s free shuttle to the marathon buses at Boston Common. It took at least five rotations of buses before I was on my way to Hopkinton. Once I arrived at athlete’s village, I spent my time in the port-o-potty line then did a quick warm up, dropped my bag at the baggage bus, then started the walk to the starting line. I initially thought I would jog but the crowd did not allow for that. Once I arrived at the start and was able to get in my assigned corral, it was just minutes until the starting gun.

The race started on time and all I could think about was how crowded it was. After a couple miles of weaving in and out of people, I was hoping it would thin out a little so I could settle into a pace. But that didn’t happen. I kept checking my Garmin as I weaved around people and felt pretty good, pretty confident about my pace. I felt comfortable right around my goal pace.

When I reached about halfway, still very close to goal pace, still feeling quite good, I did step back (not literally) and kind of look around to take it all in. I thought about my friend and fellow coach at MHS Dave who told me to have fun. So I made sure to smile for at least one of the photographers. The problem was, I felt bad because I know Boston is an amazing experience – just to be there, especially based on how difficult it is to get there now with registration filling up in 8 hours. I knew others around me were having the time of their lives. Why wasn’t I?

Regardless, I stayed on pace right until we reached Newton where I decided to attack the hills since I felt so good! Combine that little error with running the first half maybe a little too fast considering it was a lot of downhill. Once I reached mile 22 I was hurting. Those last four miles were painful and all I could think about was stopping. I was struggling to move my legs and my pace really slowed. I just wanted it to be over! But, I have to admit that once I made that left turn onto Boylston Street I did feel the excitement and was able to pick up the pace slightly all the way to the finish.

My goal, based on recent half marathons and other races, was 3:20 to 3:30. I finished in 3:31.

After the finish line I made my way through the water, Gatorade, food, Mylar blankets, finisher medals, then found my baggage bus, and finally found Phil at the family meeting area, all I could say was “I don’t ever want to do this again.” I spent the rest of the day in bed. I honestly cannot remember my legs hurting as much as they did that entire afternoon and evening. I have completed 14 marathons and some were painful, but none like this. Maybe I have spent too many years away from the New England hills of my youth. My best option for hill training in Florida was the Ringling Bridge. It’s not like when you live in a hilly area and your quads get used to the ups and downs on a regular basis.

After two days in Boston it was back to grandma’s house for more packing then we headed home. On the plane, I told Phil that I wanted to find a flat, fast marathon in Florida to see what I can really do. How quickly we runners forget the pain of that last marathon and look to the next one.

So many people congratulated me and asked me how Boston was. I felt bad and a little guilty that I did not share the excitement of the other 2011 Boston Marathoners I knew. Now I know to never again combine an emotionally charged family event with a race!

While Boston 2011 did feel like a bust for me, I would like to try it again in a couple of years when I have a few more recent marathons under my belt and I can make the marathon trip all about the marathon and just stay in Boston.

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Tags: Boston Marathon, family, marathon, races, trail racing
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The fine line

March 17th, 2011

Just under five weeks left until Boston. Months ago I planned out an amazing training program for myself. I clipped it to the front of my file folder that sits next to my computer so it would be a daily reminder. A reminder that training runs are a priority and how everything else I hope or plan to do might influence that training and my goal.

I followed the schedule so well for the first four to five weeks, doing the long runs at the proper pace, doing the tempo runs, and doing the speed workouts on the weeks I did not race. I was feeling very confident in my training plan and my ability to execute it.

Then the racing calendar really started to fill in. I realize that I am in control of what races I sign up for but they did seem to creep up on me. It’s hard to say “no” to the trail races (my true passion) and I also wanted to get some fast times on the roads so I knew where I stood. Before I knew it I was racing almost every weekend from late January through mid March. I was feeling pretty strong and almost invincible.

Then on February 13^th during a 10 mile trail race my left foot slipped off a root and I twisted my mid and forefoot. It happened around mile 7 or 8 and REALLY hurt but I guess I had enough adrenaline pulsing through my body that I was able to finish fairly strongly. After the race I hopped in the car and during the hour drive home, my foot started hurting like I had tied my shoe way too tight. So I untied the shoe and loosened up the laces yet it still hurt. When I arrived home, I saw how swollen the foot was. After a week of resting, icing, elevating, and no running, I tested it out on a ten mile training run on the trails near my house.

With that week off I was concerned about the Gasparilla 8K on February 27^th and worried how the missed training was going to affect me at Boston. I decided to wear my training shoes instead of racing shoes for the Gasparilla 8K and ended up second overall female with a new PR. I guess that week off was a nice recovery for me!

The following week I was back on track with the Boston Marathon training plan which included a 20 miler, some hills, a 15K trail race, and a tempo run. Also throw in there standing for hours and hours at track meets and track practice each day. So my left knee and both lower legs in the tibial tendon/shin area started to hurt a bit. Now I’m worried again that I’m not going to be able to finish all my training for Boston or even worse, end up injured on the starting line.

After three days of rest I debated whether to run the Sarasota Half Marathon on March 13^th. It was a tough decision but I ended up running. I think that was why my mile splits for the first nine miles were so erratic. I was not able to go into the race with a solid plan. Once I hit mile nine, I put the hammer down, mostly out of frustration of the inconsistent first nine mile splits. My last four miles were my fastest and most consistent in 6:59, 7:03, 6:54, and 6:51.

This week I am still in recovery mode from that race. One easy three mile run, a spin class, strength training, a massage, and acupuncture. Now I feel ready to jump back into the training plan on Friday with a 10 mile run at goal marathon pace.

I have not trained on this fine line in a very long time. It is exciting and scary at the same time. My goal now with less than five weeks to go is to stay healthy. It’s a lot more difficult than it sounds. I also want to be race ready on April 18^th so I can really race at Boston. Between now and then I have to get in those hard training runs, but I will have to do it carefully by getting enough sleep, eating right, taking a recovery day when I feel that ache or pain, and doing the necessary body maintenance of massage and acupuncture. Training is definitely a balancing act and my goal is to do it without slipping off that fine line.

With a little luck and some common sense, I’ll be fine.

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Tags: health, humble, long run, marathon, races, trail racing, training
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Why do I run?

February 6th, 2011

At mile 11 of my long run today I stopped and walked onto the beach since it was low tide. I looked north across Tampa Bay to see the Sunshine Skyway bridge. It was so calm, peaceful, still, and cloudy with a light rain. I just looked around at all the beauty and felt at ease. Robinson Preserve is one of my favorite places to run because of how calm and peaceful it is. I love taking in all the sights and sounds of the wind, birds chirping, fish jumping out of the water, pelicans diving in, and unknown little critters scurrying in the bushes.

I started my run slower today and decided not to focus on pace since I raced yesterday. I ran easy and really enjoyed letting my thoughts wander. My marathon training plan calls for very specific paces on all three of my key runs each week. But since I did race yesterday and ran a total of 8 miles I gave myself a day off from pace so I could enjoy a true Long Slow Distance run with no pressure.

At the end of this 18 mile run I actually ran faster. My last two miles were the fastest of the day at 7:59 and 7:47 respectively. I just ran how I felt. I guess I was feeling negative splits! My long run goal pace was supposed to be 8:40 for this run…if I hadn’t raced the day before. I ended up at 8:47 pace without checking the Garmin during the run, starting out slower, and just running how I felt. I was totally amazed. I was able to just run, let my mind wander, enjoy the experience, and still be pretty close to my scheduled pace.

Runs like today remind me why I run. I think it’s important to find meaning in running. “Running one might say is basically an absurd pastime upon which to be exhausting ourselves. But if you can find meaning in the kind of running you have to do to stay on this team, chances are you’ll be able to find meaning in another absurd pastime: life.” – Bill Bowerman

Today reminded me of one reason I run. Why do you run? To inspire others? To win awards? To set Personal Records? For personal satisfaction? To slow down the aging process? We all seek peer recognition from time to time but ultimately, is what others think of us our reason to run? Why do you lace up those shoes and head out the door each day, week, month, year?

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Tags: Bill Bowerman, fun, inspiration, long run, passion, thankful, training
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Up to the challenge

January 31st, 2011

Sunday’s Florida Challenge Trail Run 5K at Alafia River State Park in Lithia is the toughest 5K trail race I have ever done. This year I was defending my overall female winner title. This year seemed tougher than last. Maybe it was the fatigue and soreness lingering from Saturday’s Warrior Dash or the fact that the course was reversed this year or maybe I forgot the course just enough from last year…

The race starts on a paved road and basically you have to sprint a little over a quarter mile to get out fast enough to get in the position you want because once you enter the woods, it is all single track. It is nearly impossible to pass in the woods. The course is run over the most difficult of the mountain bike trails at Alafia. The trails are single track, narrow, winding, zipping up and down short steep hills, covered with rocks and roots, and oh yeah, don’t forget to duck under the low hanging trees!

The trails are so challenging that you really cannot look up to see where the competition is or to glance at your Garmin. You literally have to keep looking down so you know where your next step will go. You are not able to get any kind of rhythm going either. I think that’s what makes it so exciting. You can’t really tell your pace. I did wear my Garmin to record my data but I did not look at it once. My knees were beat up enough from the Warrior Dash that I did not want to risk trail diving. I kept telling myself that as long as I was sucking wind then I was running hard enough. If I let up and the breathing got easier, I knew to press on and pick up the pace. Somewhere in the middle of the trail section, which makes up 90-95% of the race, I cruised down a short steep hill and tried to use that momentum to get up the very steep uphill covered with wet, light colored dirt. This was the only part of the trail that I found slippery, but then again, it all went by so fast. I ran the race in my Brooks Adrenaline ASR trail shoes. I am so thankful that I did! The extra traction in the forefoot is what saved me on that steep, slippery uphill. If I did not have that extra traction, I know I definitely would have slipped; it was that close.

That’s another cool thing about trail racing. It seems more primitive – back to our roots. You race against the clock, yourself, and certainly your competition, but the main competitor is the trail itself. How you navigate the uneven terrain, sharp twists and turns, rocks, roots, and the many short, steep up and down hills will determine your success or failure.

Sunday when we were deep into the trail I felt like I could have been in the middle of the woods anywhere. It was just woods all around us as we twisted and turned following the single track trail. I tried to keep pushing the pace based on effort and breathing alone. I did finally catch up to a guy during the last third of the race, maybe in the last half mile or so, I really couldn’t be sure. But it was single track so I was not able to pass. That is the only frustrating part of single track racing – being held back by others. But as soon as the trail changed from rocks and roots to the more sandy area, it widened slightly so I sprinted by him partly on the trail and the other part of me was crashing through the bushes on the right.

Once out of the woods I was [doing what felt like] sprinting for the finish even though I was not exactly sure how far away that finish line was. I thought I was in second place ever since we entered the woods so I finished strong but not as strong as usual. The TampaRaces.com races offer a very cool trophy to overall and masters and then the top 30-40 receive a nice finisher award like a campfire mug or hat. So thinking I was second overall female, I just cruised into the finish chute and when the finish card was handed to me, the scorer said “first female.” I was definitely surprised and very happy to hear those words, especially since back in the woods I had already settled for second place in my mind. I was thinking “all or nothing” and I am okay with second since I can’t even see anyone ahead of me.

The course was run in the reverse direction on the trails from last year. I don’t know if that made it more difficult or about the same but my time was about a minute slower this year from last year. Maybe it was the fatigue and soreness in my legs from the Warrior Dash the day before. Whatever the reason, I was just delighted to have repeated as the overall female winner. That’s one of the cool things about trail races – time does not really matter. It gives you a chance to just run.

A few years ago at our Florida Athletic Coaches Association summer cross country coaching clinic, we were fortunate to have the featured guest speaker Coach Dan Green of The Woodlands High in Texas. I learned a lot from him but one thing he said about cross country racing has really stuck with me. He was talking about how the terrain varies so trying to compare XC times on different courses was nothing like comparing track times since everyone runs on a 400 meter track. But he basically said in cross country you just get out there and race – try to beat the guy next to you. Don’t get fixated on splits or times, just race. It was so simple, yet with all the technology we have now and the focus on pacing and splits, I think we forget to just race. I challenge you to just race – against your competitors or that voice in your head that tells you the terrain is just too tough. Once in a while, don’t look at the watch or Garmin, don’t figure out your splits, just run hard, just race, and be satisfied with the effort. The Florida Challenge Trail Run or any trail race near you can give you the perfect opportunity to just race.

Results | Photos

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Tags: Brooks, cross country, fun, races, running shoes, trail racing
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The “old” warrior

January 30th, 2011

This weekend was the second one of the year where I raced both Saturday and Sunday. I am not a big fan of back to back racing and would not recommend it to others. But sometimes when wanting to always race my favorite races (trail races by TampaRaces.com) and try a new race or run one that is part of a series or whatever other reason I can think of to justify it, I feel it just has to be done.

Luckily on Saturday I was running with Sayuri who was the one who talked me into doing this Warrior Dash in the first place. This way I could focus on spending time with her, enjoying the whole warrior experience, and saving a little to try to defend my title at Sunday’s Florida Challenge Trail Run 5K.

The title of this entry refers to how I felt on Saturday and not my actual age, despite what the teenagers I coach say! I am only 37 and far from old, but the obstacles at the Warrior Dash really pushed me out of my comfort zone and made me realize that I am not a teenager anymore! I no longer feel invincible and was overly cautious and slow on all of the obstacles that took me off the ground and required balancing several feet up off the ground over thin boards, huge nets, scaling walls, crawling under barbed wire, etc.

The photos of me at the end of the Warrior Dash show a huge smile as I jumped over fire and then dove into black, smelly, muddy water to crawl on hands and knees under real barbed wire. So many people have commented on my big smile. I tell them I was simply happy, delighted, relieved, and overjoyed that it was over! As I approached the fire, I could see the finish line so I jumped over two fire pits and gladly dove into the nasty water because I was near the end.

Sayuri is only 22 and I think the years that separate us made all the difference in the world in our differing opinions of the race. She cruised through all the obstacles with no fear. I had to use the sections of trail running in between the obstacles to catch up to her since I was so slow on the obstacles. She had a blast and would do it again in a heartbeat. I definitely had fun and am glad that I did it, but once was definitely enough for me. I will proudly display my Warrior Dash finisher’s medal and wear the T-shirt. I would definitely take a group or travel with a group to this event again in the future but next time I would happily serve as photographer and support crew. It is a fun and crazy event, but once is enough for this “old” warrior.

I will stick with the challenge of trail racing, like Sunday’s Florida Challenge Trail Run 5K at Alafia River State Park in Lithia. This year I am defending my overall female title on the toughest 5K trail course I have ever run…

I raced in a purple and white Brooks Sprint singlet, black Brooks Infiniti short tights, and white Brooks Adrenaline shoes. I kept the short tights and they seemed to come clean, although they are black so it’s tough to tell. I thought I could wash the mud out of the tank but that was pretty much useless so it hit the road along with the shoes. Luckily the shoes were on their final miles anyway so the Warrior Dash was a fitting farewell…their final challenge. If you plan to do this race, definitely wear something you don’t plan to keep!

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Tags: Brooks, cross country, fun, play, races, trail racing
Posted in race results, run inspired thoughts | No Comments »

Running clubs and why I run

January 16th, 2011

When I first started running I guess it was as part of a club – my Girl Scout troop was working towards a fitness badge. The next year I joined my school’s cross country team. I raced as part of a team in high school but also raced as an individual in road races and track since we did not have a track team. Then off to college where I raced as part of Brown University’s team in cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track, but I also raced as an individual in a few road races. After graduating in 1995, I decided to tackle the marathon and so began my long solo journey into road racing.

For years I trained and raced alone in Florida and enjoyed it. In 2001 I moved to the south of France to attend the International University of Monaco’s MBA program and had high hopes of joining their athletics team and training on the beautiful all weather track inside Stade Louis II. But it just didn’t work out due to the vibe of the team, the language barrier, and my crazy MBA schedule. So I looked for the next best thing – road races! I went online to search for local road races to train for and only found the Monaco Marathon. So I trained solo for that, raced it, and thoroughly enjoyed it with my future husband and MBA friends/classmates there to meet me at the finish line which was on the track inside Stade Louis II. So I did get to run on that beautiful track!

But by November 2001 the Monaco Marathon was over and there were no other local races to do. So when I went home for Christmas break I searched the race calendar in the good old USA. I chose races I could do over Spring break when I would be back in the states and also looked ahead past graduation when I would be home in the summer of 2002. This gave me something to focus my training on when I was back in Monaco, studying, going to class, and enjoying the amazing Riviera.

Flash forward past the June 2002 MBA graduation, a little travel in July with my fiancé, then back to Florida to finalize the August wedding preparations and race more! After the wedding we were back in Chicago since that was where my hubby’s job was and I was settling into my new city, being back in the USA, and of course seeking out the local running scene. Chicago has an amazing running scene! So many specialty running stores, running clubs, and so many road races!!!! I’m not sure why I never joined any of the running clubs, maybe because I had so much more success and fewer injuries when I trained by myself and could listen to my body rather than do whatever a coach told me or do whatever the rest of the team was doing.

In December 2002 I joined my first running club as an adult because they offered a discounted entry fee for club members for this race I wanted to run in when I was going to be in Florida for Christmas. I knew we would move back home to Florida eventually, which is why I decided to get involved with this Florida running club even though I was still living in Chicago.

Once we moved back to Florida in 2003 I was very actively involved in the club for many years and became very good friends with other members. Part of me thought, why didn’t I do this sooner?!? As the years went by I was more invested and started to get defensive if I ever heard criticism of the club – positive or negative. After many active years with this club I recently stepped back and dialed down my involvement to let others have a chance at leading the way and carrying the workload.

The most important thing I realize now is that running clubs can be amazing, life changing, friend finding, support systems but they can also suck the life out of you if you’re not careful with how much you give. So I urge everyone to seek out all the running clubs in your area and join them! Step up once in a while and do your part to support the greater mission of those clubs – promoting health, fitness, running, walking, etc. Support your community! Be part of the good that those clubs are doing.

Just remember as with any group or club out there, don’t let the politics and pettiness of a few members spoil things for you. Don’t let the club take over your life and define you. It’s easy to let it happen when you are so passionate about running.

Take that step back and remember why you run – for yourself, for your own health, fitness, well being, sanity, and family, to satisfy a competitive drive within you, to run away from disease, to rack up the hardware and PRs, to make your life more fulfilling, to spend time with friends, or whatever your reasons may be. I run to be free. I run to become the person I am meant to be each day. Sometimes when fully invested in a running club it might be difficult to find our personal running identity. When I took a step back, it was actually refreshing to find myself again and to run on my own, to run away, if you will. I still run with the club when it fits my schedule but I no longer feel the obligation to go to all the club training runs. I now remember why I run.

I have since joined three other local running clubs and thoroughly enjoy the camaraderie and great friends I have made in all of the clubs. I have the opportunity to drop in at a wide variety of group training runs, run in a variety of races put on by these clubs, and enjoy reading all of their club newsletters and web sites and sharing in the experiences of so many different members. Being a member of multiple running clubs is definitely the best of both worlds – running clubs and running alone. You can share in the running community, training runs, races, and social events while training however you choose (solo, with a partner, or with a group). Just don’t let the excitement of joining a running club and belonging to a group that seems as passionate as you are about running turn into obligation down the road. Be supportive of your club but keep your personal mission and goals a priority. Always remember why you run. And seriously, keep it fun!!!

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Tags: fun, running clubs, Why Do I Run?
Posted in run inspired thoughts | 1 Comment »

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