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Saturday, June 18, 2011
I Got Inked!
Sent from my BlackBerry device on the Rogers Wireless Network
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Best Part of the Month of May
4:27:53...I am still so happy about my Sub 4:30:00 can't believe that training for Chicago is already here! HAPPY NATIONAL RUNNING DAY!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Running in the Heat
I run in the heat...I like running after work which usually means the hottest time of the day...
Here are some of my tips for Running in the Heat...I just completed 6km and it was 30 degrees (86) but felt more like 40 degrees (102)
1. Wear good technical clothing...no cotton...that is rotten
2. HAT or Visor!!!!!!
3. Wear Sunscreen
4. Hydrate!!!...but most importantly BRING EXTRA (Today I ran with my Camel Back as it holds more)
5. Wear a Heart Rate Monitor....keep track of where your heart is at...
6. Take breaks when needed!!
7. Run to a SPLASH PAD...these things are the best...the kids always get a kick out of me running through them too...
8. Run early in the morning or later at night (I ran at 4:45pm tonight...not smart...but I love having the rest of my night free)
9. Bring some cash with you on your run so you can stop for a cold drink, freezie, Popsicle etc...I didn't do it this time but I am having a craving for a blue freezie!!
10. Replace those electrolytes....don't forget to hydrate with a water substitute if needed...On days like today I will have a V8 with my lunch just to make sure I have enough sodium for my run!
Do you run in the HEAT? Any other tips or suggestions???
Here are some of my tips for Running in the Heat...I just completed 6km and it was 30 degrees (86) but felt more like 40 degrees (102)
1. Wear good technical clothing...no cotton...that is rotten
2. HAT or Visor!!!!!!
3. Wear Sunscreen
4. Hydrate!!!...but most importantly BRING EXTRA (Today I ran with my Camel Back as it holds more)
5. Wear a Heart Rate Monitor....keep track of where your heart is at...
6. Take breaks when needed!!
7. Run to a SPLASH PAD...these things are the best...the kids always get a kick out of me running through them too...
8. Run early in the morning or later at night (I ran at 4:45pm tonight...not smart...but I love having the rest of my night free)
9. Bring some cash with you on your run so you can stop for a cold drink, freezie, Popsicle etc...I didn't do it this time but I am having a craving for a blue freezie!!
10. Replace those electrolytes....don't forget to hydrate with a water substitute if needed...On days like today I will have a V8 with my lunch just to make sure I have enough sodium for my run!
Do you run in the HEAT? Any other tips or suggestions???
Monday, May 16, 2011
Mississauga Marathon Race Report
The past two weeks have been an absolute blur...Life got in the way and it was crazy...I am hoping that things will settle down a little this week!
Training wise I did great during the taper...probably the best I have felt on a taper ever...I plan on adjusting my Taper again for Chicago...
From Chicago last time I RAN nothing the week prior...this time I had a sports massage on the Tuesday which was AWESOME...I feel like this really helped...Wednesday I ran 10km ( @ race pace) followed by rest days Thursday/Friday and a 3km run on Sat. morning. I was feeling extremely confident going into this marathon that I could beat my Chicago Time of 4:49:08 and was hoping to run between a 4:35:00-4:45:00...I threw those plans out the door once I saw the weather..
COLD, WET, RAINY and WINDY....instead I shifted my game plan and I just wanted to have a solid run where I could be upright and smiling at the end...I made a 4:35:00 pace band on Friday and planned to use that and if it didn't work out then no biggie after all Chicago is where I want to kill it ....
Friday Night:
I had a Sushi Friday FEAST with the Hubby, Catherine, Lindsay and James
We headed home and I went to bed really early and had a very restful sleep...Sat. I woke up and did and easy peasy 3km and then the Hubby and I headed to the Expo for packet pick up...It was a small expo I picked up a few things...
We then headed to my brother's house for the evening. It was so nice to be able to stay with Family for this event...he lives about 15mins from the start. The hubby and I had a great early pasta dinner...I stuffed my face with lots of yummy carbs...
I was actually able to get some sleep in that night...since the race started at 7:30am I was able to sleep in until 6:00am. It was pretty sweet...I made some last minute race day outfit decisions and decided to wear my arm warmers to help with the weather...It ended up being a really smart decision for me...
Here is me just before we left...obviously still VERY SLEEPY...My brother and hubby dropped me off about 15mins before the race began...I waited in line for a port-o-potty but I spotted the 4:30 pace bunny and thought I wanted to be closer to him...the line ups were crazy and at that point I didn't really have to go...I met the pacer...he was pretty frazzled. He had borrowed someones Garmin and was wanting to know how to set it 5mins before the gun went off...then said he was running 6:00min Km's...It didn't add up to me...he was also doing a Run 10min/Walk 1min...I do often do this but in races I walk the Water stations...
We were off! It only took me 3mins to get to the start....the Pace Bunny took off and I focused on keeping my own pace...The weather was horrible...but I was excited...
The first 8km went by really FAST: The timing mat was 50: 09...I was feeling good and knew I was slightly faster than my 4:35 pace band...I was playing Leap Frog with the 4:30 pacer...he had lost everyone and I had passed them...He dropped his sign and was walking and encouraging people...I figured he was giving up...On I went...We hit a small incline between 10-11km....It was not as bad as I thought it would be....
At 13km we split from the half-marathoners...This is where it got to be a bit lonely...I ran with a few friendly people..including this one AMAZING lady who has completed a TON of Marathons and now was into ultras...It was her 8th consecutive year running the Mississauga Marathon and she had just completed a 100km Ultra the weekend before...she was super nice to talk and listen to...
At 17km I needed a pit stop...luckily I spotted an empty port-o-potty and hopped in quickly...it was 1min total...I quickly sped up to make up some time and luckily was able to recover my average pace....
Before I knew it I had crossed the half way mark at 2:13:27....It gave me a predicted finish of 2:26:00ish....This was an out and back section...I was a little worried about this because I tend to HATE out and backs but I was able to see Marlene and cheer her on!! Go and check out her amazing BQ run!!!
The out and back only lasted 4km so it was totally bearable...The worst part of the next half was the wind...It was brutal...my pace had just begun to slow because of it...I was starting to get excited because I knew that I would be able to see my brother and my hubby in between 30-35km...So I saw them in one of the little parks...it was the perfect motivator for me...I knew that I would soon be seeing them again but at the finish line...
I was surprisingly feeling REALLY strong and knew that there was only 7km left...Hubby looked at me and said "You are on pace for a 4:26:XX" still...Keep it up...I was confused at this point because my garmin was not telling me the same thing...at some point I had lost a bit of satellite connection and was measuring quite short between KM markers...earlier I had been measuring over (I always tend to have this as I am a weaver)...
We had another small hill on the Lakeshore which I was fortunate to have my Hubby and Bro drive by honking and cheering...it was awesome! They had an inflatable "Wall" that I ran right through...the wind and rain were bad but the thought of finishing and getting warm was a motivating factor to finish....As we started to head into Port Credit I ran into that 4:30 Pace Bunny AGAIN...he looked at me and said...Keep this up and you'll be under 4:30...Let me tell you it was the LONGEST 3km of my LIFE ...It wasn't until I could see the finish line that I knew that I could get a sub: 4:30....this has been a dream of mine and I thought it would be something that would happen this coming fall in Chicago...
Chip Time: 4:27:53
This next photo is where I began to have an ugly cry....
I am so happy with this race...I feel like my hard work this cycle really paid off...the past month I was trying to be consistent with my pacing and it paid off...I was on par to finish at 4:26 and to be able to finish at 4:27:53....I am just ecstatic....I completed my first Marathon in 5:39:48 and have now taken OVER an HOUR off my first time...I am even more excited for my own potential over this next training cycle....
Thank you so much to all my friends and family who are constantly being so supportive...I am truly blessed....
Training wise I did great during the taper...probably the best I have felt on a taper ever...I plan on adjusting my Taper again for Chicago...
From Chicago last time I RAN nothing the week prior...this time I had a sports massage on the Tuesday which was AWESOME...I feel like this really helped...Wednesday I ran 10km ( @ race pace) followed by rest days Thursday/Friday and a 3km run on Sat. morning. I was feeling extremely confident going into this marathon that I could beat my Chicago Time of 4:49:08 and was hoping to run between a 4:35:00-4:45:00...I threw those plans out the door once I saw the weather..
COLD, WET, RAINY and WINDY....instead I shifted my game plan and I just wanted to have a solid run where I could be upright and smiling at the end...I made a 4:35:00 pace band on Friday and planned to use that and if it didn't work out then no biggie after all Chicago is where I want to kill it ....
Friday Night:
I had a Sushi Friday FEAST with the Hubby, Catherine, Lindsay and James
We headed home and I went to bed really early and had a very restful sleep...Sat. I woke up and did and easy peasy 3km and then the Hubby and I headed to the Expo for packet pick up...It was a small expo I picked up a few things...
We then headed to my brother's house for the evening. It was so nice to be able to stay with Family for this event...he lives about 15mins from the start. The hubby and I had a great early pasta dinner...I stuffed my face with lots of yummy carbs...
I was actually able to get some sleep in that night...since the race started at 7:30am I was able to sleep in until 6:00am. It was pretty sweet...I made some last minute race day outfit decisions and decided to wear my arm warmers to help with the weather...It ended up being a really smart decision for me...
Here is me just before we left...obviously still VERY SLEEPY...My brother and hubby dropped me off about 15mins before the race began...I waited in line for a port-o-potty but I spotted the 4:30 pace bunny and thought I wanted to be closer to him...the line ups were crazy and at that point I didn't really have to go...I met the pacer...he was pretty frazzled. He had borrowed someones Garmin and was wanting to know how to set it 5mins before the gun went off...then said he was running 6:00min Km's...It didn't add up to me...he was also doing a Run 10min/Walk 1min...I do often do this but in races I walk the Water stations...
We were off! It only took me 3mins to get to the start....the Pace Bunny took off and I focused on keeping my own pace...The weather was horrible...but I was excited...
The first 8km went by really FAST: The timing mat was 50: 09...I was feeling good and knew I was slightly faster than my 4:35 pace band...I was playing Leap Frog with the 4:30 pacer...he had lost everyone and I had passed them...He dropped his sign and was walking and encouraging people...I figured he was giving up...On I went...We hit a small incline between 10-11km....It was not as bad as I thought it would be....
At 13km we split from the half-marathoners...This is where it got to be a bit lonely...I ran with a few friendly people..including this one AMAZING lady who has completed a TON of Marathons and now was into ultras...It was her 8th consecutive year running the Mississauga Marathon and she had just completed a 100km Ultra the weekend before...she was super nice to talk and listen to...
At 17km I needed a pit stop...luckily I spotted an empty port-o-potty and hopped in quickly...it was 1min total...I quickly sped up to make up some time and luckily was able to recover my average pace....
Before I knew it I had crossed the half way mark at 2:13:27....It gave me a predicted finish of 2:26:00ish....This was an out and back section...I was a little worried about this because I tend to HATE out and backs but I was able to see Marlene and cheer her on!! Go and check out her amazing BQ run!!!
The out and back only lasted 4km so it was totally bearable...The worst part of the next half was the wind...It was brutal...my pace had just begun to slow because of it...I was starting to get excited because I knew that I would be able to see my brother and my hubby in between 30-35km...So I saw them in one of the little parks...it was the perfect motivator for me...I knew that I would soon be seeing them again but at the finish line...
I was surprisingly feeling REALLY strong and knew that there was only 7km left...Hubby looked at me and said "You are on pace for a 4:26:XX" still...Keep it up...I was confused at this point because my garmin was not telling me the same thing...at some point I had lost a bit of satellite connection and was measuring quite short between KM markers...earlier I had been measuring over (I always tend to have this as I am a weaver)...
We had another small hill on the Lakeshore which I was fortunate to have my Hubby and Bro drive by honking and cheering...it was awesome! They had an inflatable "Wall" that I ran right through...the wind and rain were bad but the thought of finishing and getting warm was a motivating factor to finish....As we started to head into Port Credit I ran into that 4:30 Pace Bunny AGAIN...he looked at me and said...Keep this up and you'll be under 4:30...Let me tell you it was the LONGEST 3km of my LIFE ...It wasn't until I could see the finish line that I knew that I could get a sub: 4:30....this has been a dream of mine and I thought it would be something that would happen this coming fall in Chicago...
Chip Time: 4:27:53
This next photo is where I began to have an ugly cry....
I am so happy with this race...I feel like my hard work this cycle really paid off...the past month I was trying to be consistent with my pacing and it paid off...I was on par to finish at 4:26 and to be able to finish at 4:27:53....I am just ecstatic....I completed my first Marathon in 5:39:48 and have now taken OVER an HOUR off my first time...I am even more excited for my own potential over this next training cycle....
Thank you so much to all my friends and family who are constantly being so supportive...I am truly blessed....
Sunday, May 1, 2011
So Long April...
Total Distance: 209.01/129.87 mi (My Goal was to do 233km...I was so close...the knee started to act up again so I had to take it easy)
# Runs: 15 (I wanted to do 18)
# Non-Run Workouts: 2
# Rest days: 13
Races: Run for Retina Half Marathon
Favourite Run: Run for Retina...Great Weather had so many friends there...local small event!
Book of the Month: Catching up on all of my MAGAZINES! I got really behind at one point!
Song of the Month: Rolling in the Deep: Adele
Shame-Inducing Guilty Pleasure:
Obsession of the Month: Survivor (Go BOSTON ROB)
Indulgence of the Month: Cadbury Mini Eggs (I know still...)
Drink of the Month: Water and G2
Current Wish-List: Decent Weather for May 15th
Current Need:
Triumph of the Month: Half-Marathon PR of 2:04:50
Current Bane of my Existence: Like others from Ontario have said: The WEATHER...I just want some nice days...is that too much to ask???
Current Blessings: Family and Friends
Current Excitement: Mississauga Marathon (13 days until Marathon #3)
Current Goal: Get to the Mississauga Marathon Healthy....
Overall I am pretty happy with the way April Turned out...It was a high mileage month for me but I had an amazing Half Marathon that has really given me the confidence that I need for Marathons....Bring on MAY!!!
# Runs: 15 (I wanted to do 18)
# Non-Run Workouts: 2
# Rest days: 13
Races: Run for Retina Half Marathon
Favourite Run: Run for Retina...Great Weather had so many friends there...local small event!
Book of the Month: Catching up on all of my MAGAZINES! I got really behind at one point!
Song of the Month: Rolling in the Deep: Adele
Shame-Inducing Guilty Pleasure:
Obsession of the Month: Survivor (Go BOSTON ROB)
Indulgence of the Month: Cadbury Mini Eggs (I know still...)
Drink of the Month: Water and G2
Current Wish-List: Decent Weather for May 15th
Current Need:
Triumph of the Month: Half-Marathon PR of 2:04:50
Current Bane of my Existence: Like others from Ontario have said: The WEATHER...I just want some nice days...is that too much to ask???
Current Blessings: Family and Friends
Current Excitement: Mississauga Marathon (13 days until Marathon #3)
Current Goal: Get to the Mississauga Marathon Healthy....
Overall I am pretty happy with the way April Turned out...It was a high mileage month for me but I had an amazing Half Marathon that has really given me the confidence that I need for Marathons....Bring on MAY!!!
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Exciting Week
Hi All,
It has been quite the week...I think I am still on a High after my Half-Marathon PR from last week...if you missed it you can check it out here
The Husband Surprised Me on Wednesday with a Package in the Mail:
What is it?????
A new Garmin Forerunner 305!!! Yay!!! I had an old forerunner 101 and it was starting to go wonky...Hubs rocks...he wanted me to have it before Mississauga and be able to train for Chicago with it...I am still figuring out all the bells and whistles...I am loving it so far! Thanks Hubby!!!
A couple of weeks ago I won a Giveaway by the Fabulous Sandy at Sassy Runner Girl...She rocks...go check her out! I am so excited to use my Lululemon Key Cuff this week :)
I also got my Runnerd Sticker in my mail from Candice over at I Have Run...Go check her out too!!!!
Training Wise
Monday: REST DAY
Tuesday: Recovery 6km
Wednesday: 10km
Thursday: OFF
Friday: OFF/Sports Massage
Saturday: OFF
Sunday: 29km
I am feeling extremely stiff and sore...my legs are not recovery well from the half...this has happened in the past so I am not freaking out too much just yet....I went to my Massage Therapist on Friday...she pretty much beat me up...I was left sore/bruised (this is normal for me :(...). I think I was still recovering from that and that is why today's run was just sluggish and tired...I have taken the time today stretching and now am about to use my new toy...
I use my Pro-Grid Roller for the IT band and I used to use a rolling pin...It wasn't cutting it any more...so far I am quite enjoying this...I need to get a bit better with stretching...I am praying that things start to feel a bit better this week...I don't want to cut back my mileage any more than I have already....stupid sore/tired muscles...Here is hoping for a better week with them this week...Next weekend will be my LAST LONG RUN before the taper...I am getting excited!
It has been quite the week...I think I am still on a High after my Half-Marathon PR from last week...if you missed it you can check it out here
The Husband Surprised Me on Wednesday with a Package in the Mail:
What is it?????
A new Garmin Forerunner 305!!! Yay!!! I had an old forerunner 101 and it was starting to go wonky...Hubs rocks...he wanted me to have it before Mississauga and be able to train for Chicago with it...I am still figuring out all the bells and whistles...I am loving it so far! Thanks Hubby!!!
A couple of weeks ago I won a Giveaway by the Fabulous Sandy at Sassy Runner Girl...She rocks...go check her out! I am so excited to use my Lululemon Key Cuff this week :)
I also got my Runnerd Sticker in my mail from Candice over at I Have Run...Go check her out too!!!!
Training Wise
Monday: REST DAY
Tuesday: Recovery 6km
Wednesday: 10km
Thursday: OFF
Friday: OFF/Sports Massage
Saturday: OFF
Sunday: 29km
I am feeling extremely stiff and sore...my legs are not recovery well from the half...this has happened in the past so I am not freaking out too much just yet....I went to my Massage Therapist on Friday...she pretty much beat me up...I was left sore/bruised (this is normal for me :(...). I think I was still recovering from that and that is why today's run was just sluggish and tired...I have taken the time today stretching and now am about to use my new toy...
I use my Pro-Grid Roller for the IT band and I used to use a rolling pin...It wasn't cutting it any more...so far I am quite enjoying this...I need to get a bit better with stretching...I am praying that things start to feel a bit better this week...I don't want to cut back my mileage any more than I have already....stupid sore/tired muscles...Here is hoping for a better week with them this week...Next weekend will be my LAST LONG RUN before the taper...I am getting excited!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Run for Retina Half Marathon Race Recap 2011
Okay...I totally forgot to do a goals post...But here is what I was planning on doing...
Official PR was: 2:15:25 at last year's Run for Retina
Somewhat PR...at the Mid-Summer Nights Run they had a 21.1km check point and I did a 2:12:51 so I was REALLY REALLY hoping for Under 2:11:59...So a Pace of 6:15/km since my pace was just over that for Around the Bay I thought it would be manageable...
Yesterday I relaxed with Family in the Morning and afternoon...went and got my Hair French Braided in Pig Tails (It is my favourite to run in) and then had a yummy pasta dinner with Friends...this was my first time that I didn't really pay attention to my pre-race rituals...I did hydrate some but wasn't too serious like previous races...
Went to bed at a decent time but had a horrible sleep...pretty much was up every few hours...I think it was nerves or the dog...who knows...not a good night sleep...my tummy was somewhat upset this morning but I think it was anxiety based...The hubby dropped me off at the starting line and I mingled with friends while he went and picked up another friend...they were able to come just before the start to get some pictures!
Lindsay, Catherine, Myself and Lindsay's mum Cathy who Ran her FIRST 5km! So excited for her and Lindsay ran it with her...I just love stories like those!!!
PS. That sweet purple mickey mouse sweatshirt with the collar (classy I know) has been in my closet waiting to be thrown away at a race for over a year (I got it at Value Village) however races have been WAY to hot to wear one...TODAY was the day to give it away...however I ended up taking it off before the race and giving back to Catherine and my Hubby to hold...well after the race I was freezing and ended up wearing it again...ugh...still in my possession!
Anyway...RACE.....
The Gang caught me on the way out...
I started off with a woman who was aiming for a 5:50-5:55km pace...I was chatting with her and it was quite congested so I stuck with her for the first 3km...It felt really COMFORTABLE...it was odd...at that time we were doing about a 5:30-5:45km pace so I backed off a bit and wished her luck...
I saw Hubby and Catherine at the 4km mark...
Still feeling REALLY strong at this point...wondering if I was going out too fast...but was super comfortable so I went with it....
I was supposed to see Hubby and Catherine again but they didn't make it...which I think was probably a good thing...for the first time in a race I focused on myself...I got in that zone and just kept going...I told my mum to be at a point by a certain time...unfortunately I was running still at a speedy pace and she missed me...I still think this was a good thing...
I tried hitting the LAP button on my garmin for the first time at each KM mark...but unfortunately I missed some...no biggie...I did find that it helped and do know this is something that I want to do for future races!
7km I took two GU chomps Watermelon...They were good...my stomach was still uneasy but I knew I needed take something...I didn't carry a fuel belt and was relying the the four water stops...Not enough but it all worked out...
At the 10km point I was still feeling really strong and was just aiming for UNDER 6:00 per KM....CRAZY I know since my original goal was to do 6:15per km...It was starting to get hot and humid and I was REALLY worried that I was pushing my luck...
At the 14km mark I took a full GU chocolate mint...this REALLY helped...I felt very rejuvenated and it was just what I needed...since I was taking water and had one cup of e-load at the stops I was getting just enough...
From km 14-17km I felt surprisingly strong...I saw some friends in the park who were volunteering and taking pictures along the route which was great...it kept me going...
At 18km...I started to bonk...I told myself to get to the aid station at 20km and I could walk it...I bribed myself and it worked...the aid stations were so small that it was a 30sec walk at the most...it helped...at 19km there is a gradual hill...followed by another small hill at 20.5km...I told myself that if I power walked the hill I could kill it at the end...So funny that I was passing runners by walking really quickly...at the top of the hill is a bridge...as soon as it became flat I kicked it up a notch and had a 5:37km pace...woot woot!
I look at my watch and realize...if I book it...I can maybe squeeze in under 2:05....
My Garmin said: 2:04:53...AMAZING...
So pumped and excited at this point...I went to check my time on the printed out sheets and it said 2:05:12...both Gun time/Chip time were the same...I spoke with the sport stat people and they cleared the situation up and figure out that I finished in:
2:04:50!!! PR by 10min and 35secs....
I honestly wish that one day I could do a sub 2:10...and then today to do a Sub 2:05...I am on cloud nine...I learned a lot about racing today and leaving it all out on the course...I really couldn't have asked for a better race...It is a good reminder in trusting your training...
Official PR was: 2:15:25 at last year's Run for Retina
Somewhat PR...at the Mid-Summer Nights Run they had a 21.1km check point and I did a 2:12:51 so I was REALLY REALLY hoping for Under 2:11:59...So a Pace of 6:15/km since my pace was just over that for Around the Bay I thought it would be manageable...
Yesterday I relaxed with Family in the Morning and afternoon...went and got my Hair French Braided in Pig Tails (It is my favourite to run in) and then had a yummy pasta dinner with Friends...this was my first time that I didn't really pay attention to my pre-race rituals...I did hydrate some but wasn't too serious like previous races...
Went to bed at a decent time but had a horrible sleep...pretty much was up every few hours...I think it was nerves or the dog...who knows...not a good night sleep...my tummy was somewhat upset this morning but I think it was anxiety based...The hubby dropped me off at the starting line and I mingled with friends while he went and picked up another friend...they were able to come just before the start to get some pictures!
Lindsay, Catherine, Myself and Lindsay's mum Cathy who Ran her FIRST 5km! So excited for her and Lindsay ran it with her...I just love stories like those!!!
PS. That sweet purple mickey mouse sweatshirt with the collar (classy I know) has been in my closet waiting to be thrown away at a race for over a year (I got it at Value Village) however races have been WAY to hot to wear one...TODAY was the day to give it away...however I ended up taking it off before the race and giving back to Catherine and my Hubby to hold...well after the race I was freezing and ended up wearing it again...ugh...still in my possession!
Anyway...RACE.....
The Gang caught me on the way out...
I started off with a woman who was aiming for a 5:50-5:55km pace...I was chatting with her and it was quite congested so I stuck with her for the first 3km...It felt really COMFORTABLE...it was odd...at that time we were doing about a 5:30-5:45km pace so I backed off a bit and wished her luck...
I saw Hubby and Catherine at the 4km mark...
Still feeling REALLY strong at this point...wondering if I was going out too fast...but was super comfortable so I went with it....
I was supposed to see Hubby and Catherine again but they didn't make it...which I think was probably a good thing...for the first time in a race I focused on myself...I got in that zone and just kept going...I told my mum to be at a point by a certain time...unfortunately I was running still at a speedy pace and she missed me...I still think this was a good thing...
I tried hitting the LAP button on my garmin for the first time at each KM mark...but unfortunately I missed some...no biggie...I did find that it helped and do know this is something that I want to do for future races!
7km I took two GU chomps Watermelon...They were good...my stomach was still uneasy but I knew I needed take something...I didn't carry a fuel belt and was relying the the four water stops...Not enough but it all worked out...
At the 10km point I was still feeling really strong and was just aiming for UNDER 6:00 per KM....CRAZY I know since my original goal was to do 6:15per km...It was starting to get hot and humid and I was REALLY worried that I was pushing my luck...
At the 14km mark I took a full GU chocolate mint...this REALLY helped...I felt very rejuvenated and it was just what I needed...since I was taking water and had one cup of e-load at the stops I was getting just enough...
From km 14-17km I felt surprisingly strong...I saw some friends in the park who were volunteering and taking pictures along the route which was great...it kept me going...
At 18km...I started to bonk...I told myself to get to the aid station at 20km and I could walk it...I bribed myself and it worked...the aid stations were so small that it was a 30sec walk at the most...it helped...at 19km there is a gradual hill...followed by another small hill at 20.5km...I told myself that if I power walked the hill I could kill it at the end...So funny that I was passing runners by walking really quickly...at the top of the hill is a bridge...as soon as it became flat I kicked it up a notch and had a 5:37km pace...woot woot!
I look at my watch and realize...if I book it...I can maybe squeeze in under 2:05....
My Garmin said: 2:04:53...AMAZING...
So pumped and excited at this point...I went to check my time on the printed out sheets and it said 2:05:12...both Gun time/Chip time were the same...I spoke with the sport stat people and they cleared the situation up and figure out that I finished in:
2:04:50!!! PR by 10min and 35secs....
I honestly wish that one day I could do a sub 2:10...and then today to do a Sub 2:05...I am on cloud nine...I learned a lot about racing today and leaving it all out on the course...I really couldn't have asked for a better race...It is a good reminder in trusting your training...
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