Ft Myers Marathon

November 9, 2014
Ft Myers, FL

What a great summer of training. I followed a more aggressive training plan over the summer. Many weeks of high 40 and low 50 mile training weeks. Finally, it's the weekend to put all that training into practice. I eagerly checked on the weather forcast in the days leading up to the race. Every time I checked, the morning low showed low 60s and rain. Not good. In the back of my mind, I knew this could turn into a training run, since I have Space Coast Marathon in 3 weeks.
Gina and I headed down to Ft Myers early Saturday afternoon. It was only a 1.5 hour trip, we could have driven the morning of the race, but a friend said we could stay with her Saturday night, so why not get down there and sleep a little later in the morning. We got to the race expo, after a little detour around the downtown area. Not much of an expo. There were some booths set up in the parking lot and then 4 booths in the event room of the host restaurant. We were in and out in about 15 minutes. We had time, so we wondered around the local mall before heading to my friends house. We hung out for a bit before heading to Outback to meet Darlene, Carolyn, Ariana and Wendy for our pre race dinner. After a great dinner, it was back to the house and then to bed early. Race morning, we were out the door before 6am. Quick stop at Starbucks for a coffee and then on to the race site. We got there earlier enough to get a great spot a block from the starting line. We got all our gear ready, then headed over to the restaurant to meet everyone. A big group was here from Sarasota! After lots of pre race photos, we headed outside, where thankfully it wasn't raining, and waited for the race to start.

Running over the first bridge.

Carolyn, Gina, Darlene, Ariana and I all started off together. We had run most of our long training runs together, so we figured we would stick together for at least part of the race. I felt pretty good right from the get go. The rain started within a mile of the start. Thankfully, it was pretty light, so not an issue. The half marathoners and marathon runners all started together. We had a two lane road to use, so it was never over crowded. There was a strange turn around, early, for just the marathoners. So when we turned, we were able to see some our friends who were behind us. After a couple of miles, I was finding it hard to hold back my pace. I told Gina I wanted to run a little faster. I pulled ahead of the group, but figured they were not far behind. Mile 2 is also the start of the first bridge. We take the Caloosahatchee Bridge over the Caloosahatchee River. This is a 4 lane bridge, with one of the two northern lanes closed for the runners. Just a line of cones holding the cars away from runners. I stay to the right. I don't trust drivers in this rain. Because it's still early, there are not many cars out yet. We run along Cleveland Ave for a couple of miles, before turning right. We are on this road for about half a mile, before we turn left on Tamiami Trail. At this corner is a sign saying "first lap, left. Second lap, left. Third lap, right." What?!? A half a milish down the road, we turn right. At the end of this road is a water stop. We turn right at the end of this road turn left, taking us back to Cleveland Ave, were we head back to that sign for the second loop. Along this stretch. I catch up with a guy (Joe) who has on a Bill's Beer Run shirt. We start talking. He is from Sarasota too! We end up running a mile or so together before he pulls ahead while we are on Tamiami Trail again. As I head into that water stop, I see Joe ahead, running straight on the road past the water station, instead of turning right. I stop and ask one of the volunteers, which way I'm supposed to go. The girl says to go straight. Signs would have been helpful!! I make the left turn back onto Cleveland Ave, make the left on to the other road, then finally turn right on Tamiami trail, instead of running another loop. What a depressing area we have been running in so far. Cleveland Ave was OK, but Tamiami Trail had a lot of closed businesses or run down buildings. Not much to look at around here. Just before mile 11, we make our way over the other bridge. We make a right onto the road that runs along the water. Just after mile 12, we turn to the left, while the half marathoners head straight, on their way to the finish.
Splits for miles 1 through 12 - 9:37, 9:33, 9:00, 9:18, 9:16, 9:22, 9:07, 9:18, 9:19, 9:05, 9:09, 9:13

I go over the map in my mind, thinking we should be running on this side of the river for a while. This does not happen. We make a right turn, starting the climb up the Caloosahatchee Bridge again! This was not on the race course map! This is not good. I make my way over the bridge, hoping that we don't have to run that strange 2 loop course again. We do make a right turn on the same road as before, but stay to the southern side of the road. No double loop! We get to the end of this road and make another right turn on Tamiami Trail, heading back to that second bridge. This explains the 16 mile marker sign I saw on the bridge earlier. This will be bridge crossing #4. Just before getting to the bridge, I see runners on the other side of the road, heading off the bridge. This really shocks me, because now I realize we will have to cross this bridge again. Twice, because we will need to get back over to get to the finish line. I was not prepared for 6 bridge crossings! As I make my way down the bridge, my legs are already starting to feel sore. At the bottom of the bridge, we make a left turn and then a short while later, make another left, to head back up the 3rd bridge. Bottom of the bridge is mile 17. As I am slowly making my way up, I hear a couple of women talking behind me. One sounds like Gina. I turn my head and sure enough, it's her! She yells out that she is trying to catch up. I tell her, she will have no problem! She does catch me at some point on the down hill. My legs are really cramping and my bladder (which has been giving me problems for a couple of hours now) is full. I need a porta pottie! Gina and I run together for a few minutes, before I tell her not to slow down for me. I tell her to go on with out me. She is having an awesome race. I feel happy for her! We make a right turn off Tamiami into a neighborhood. Just before mile 19, I see a water stop and a porta pottie. Thankfully, there is no one inside. I try to make it quick, but with the stop there and then water, a banana and walking after the stop, I add a minute and a half to the pace I had been keeping up to this point. :(
Splits for miles 13 through 19 - 9:35, 9:30, 9:40, 9:33, 9:55, 9:53, 11:34

One of the 3 bridges we crossed.

I thought the stop and little bit of walking and stretching might help give me a boost for the last 10K, but this did not happen. If anything, I started to feel more tight and stiff. My running really slowed. I needed to take more walking breaks. We ran two big loops through this neighborhood, before heading back to the main road. On my second loop, I caught up with Darlene. Her fiance was on his bike giving her water. She wasn't have such a great race. We shared a few words, before I continued my slow run. Finally, I was heading back to the bridge, for my last crossing. I was not feeling good, and head to tell myself over and over to not stop, keep running until the uphill portion. I managed to get through the flat part of the bridge, before walking up the hill part. Slow run down, my quads were on fire!, and then a turn to the right. At the water stop here, I suddenly feel very light headed. I drink down my water and continue on, with hopes I will be ok. Another right turn took us to the base of the second bridge. Thankfully, we made a left turn here. No more bridge crossings! Back along the road bordering the river. Finally, I can see the finish line. It is very far away, almost a mile, but it is there. I tell myself that I can no longer walk. I look at my watch, to see that I have a very small window to still pull off a PR, but it would only be by seconds, not by 5-7 minutes I had been hoping for. I try to pick up the pace a little, finishing with a grimace and not the smile I always try to finish with. Gina and Wendy are there at the finish to great me. We grab some water and food, before heading into the Restaurants meeting room.
Splits for miles 20 through 26.2 - 11:07, 10:16, 12:24, 10:26, 13:28, 10:29, 3:08
Finish: 4:22:08

So, in the end, no PR for me today. I was off of my best time by 5 seconds! I know I am a much stronger and faster runner, than I was earlier this year when I ran my best marathon time, so I plan on recovering this week and getting that PR at Space Coast at the end of the month! :)

Download of the course from my Garmin.

Double race weekend

Boo Run 5K and Bill's Beer Run
October 25-26, 2014

I don't normally like to run two races in one weekend, but I really wanted to run Boo Run this year, so I decided a couple of months ago to go ahead and sign up for it. It's part of a 3 race seriers, so I needed to get it in. Plus, I had heard it was a great race. Of course I had to run the Manasota Track Clubs biggest race of the year on Sunday. Bill's Beer run brings out almost all of the local runners. It's a great race and fun party after.

Boo Run: I wasn't able to pick up my packet ahead of time, so I got out to Lakewood Ranch an hour and a half before race start. There is a Starbucks in the Main Street shops area, so I stopped in there, before walking over to get my packet and timing chip. Headed back to the car to finish getting ready and to stay warm. Temps in the low 60s. Thankfully, cooler Fall weather has made it to Florida! After getting a text message from Gina, we meet up and then head over to the race area. We hang out a bit, talking to people we know, before leaving our keys and extra clothing at the Fit2Run table. Since I've been so tight for the first mile or so of my runs lately, I decide to go out for a slow warm up mile about 15 minutes before race start. The easy paced mile feels good. I get back to the start area as they are playing the national anthem. I manage to find Gina in the crowd and moments later it is go time!

I head out fast. I figure I'm going to give it my all today, so that I can take it easier tomorrow. Normally, I'm kind of conservative the first mile or so, but I decide to push it right from the start. The course is out and back. Completely flat. I felt pretty good through mile one, but did slow it down a little. I knew Gina was behind me, so I just tried to stay ahead of her. I figured if I was ahead of her, I must be doing well, since she is always kicking my bootie in these races! I pass the water stop without getting any water. I can make 3 miles without it. Stopping just slows me down. I haven't mastered the grab and drink yet. I always spill it all over or the water goes up my nose! By the last mile, I can feel myself slowing a little, but looking at my Garmin, I am still under an 8 min mile pace, so I am happy. We make the last turn and I can see the finish line down the road. I start pushing it hard. I feel my stomach start to give me troubles. This may be the first time I throw up at the finish! I cross the finish line, so happy to see that I made it in under 24 minutes!

Gina comes in soon after me. We get food and drink and then hang out until results are posted. We both place in the top 3 of our age group! Gina gets 2nd and I get 3rd. So happy! We hang out Donna and her friend until awards are presented. Donna is suprised to hear her name called for Grand master winner. We each get a Tervis mug with the race logo inside. Such a great race. Excited for day two tomorrow.

Finish - 23:54
Splits - 7:28, 7:38, 7:53, 0:47

Gina, Donna and me.

Bill's Beer Run, 5 miler, Casey Key, FL

Once again, I headed down to the race venue, early. The parking lot is smallish for the amount of runners, so I wanted to make sure I got a spot. I parked in the southern part of the lot, with a great view of the water and the sun rise. I hung out in my car for a bit, before Gina arrived. We hung out for a little longer, before hitting the bathrooms and walking over to find friends. Once again, I lost Gina, and had to search for her in the started area. :) I decided not to do a warm up run this morning. I didn't have any big goals, since I had a great race the day before. I figured I would just try to keep last years pace, which I though was around a 40 min finish.

This is a much larger race, than the previous day's event. We were tightly packed for a little longer this morning, but after half a mile or so, the crowd thinned out. Gina and I were near each other for the first half mile, but then I lost her. Wasn't sure if she was ahead or behind. I felt pretty good keeping a comfortably hard pace, but not pushing it. The course runs down Casey Key, which is lined with beautiful houses. There are a few open spots on the Gulf side, were we get a view of the beach and water. Before reaching the half way point, I am seeing lots of the speedy runners passing by on my left, heading back to the finish line. I love this race because I see so many familiar faces. I love calling out to everyone, shouting a "Hi" or calling someones name. I hit the turn around and head back. I see more friends, more shouting and waving. This is the best part of the race! Soon enough, there are no more runners to see on the otherside of the road, and it is time to put focus back on my pace. My left hamstring is starting to tighten up. It worries me a little. I'm only a couple of weeks from marathon weekend. I don't want an injury! I slow it down a little, but try to keep it around an 8 min mile pace. I grab a cup of water during the 4th mile, walking for a few seconds (which you can see with my slower split time). I try to keep pace with the runners who have been around me for a while and as I get close to the finish, I pick up the pace, trying to pass a few. Turning the corner towards the finish line, I manage to pass one more guy before finishing!

Super happy with my finish time again today! I didn't realize until I got home, and looked at last year's time, that I managed another PR! Took over 40 seconds off of my time from last year. Placed 8th in my age group. Very proud of that, This is a fast group of runners!

Finish- 40:06
Splits - 7:53, 7:55, 7:58, 8:11, 7:55

Mammoth Half marathon

June 22, 2014, Mammoth Lakes, CA

For my 50^th half marathon, I wanted to find a race that would be challenging, yet have a great course. I picked a good one, as Mammoth Half Marathon fit both those wish list items. Aidan and I flew into San Francisco on the Thursday before the race. My mom met us near baggage pickup and waited with us while we searched in vain for our suitcase. Once again (second year in a row!), the airline had misplaced out checked luggage. Thankfully, I had packed my running shoes and race gear in my carryon. Otherwise, I would have been super upset! We filled out the necessary paper-work and then headed out. I knew getting our bag this year would be a pain, as we were not going directly to my mom’s house, but going to Mammoth Lakes, 5.5 hours away, first. We left the airport, stopped a couple of hours later for lunch, and then at a Target to pick up a change of clothing and supplies, before continuing on our journey. A couple of wrong turns and a total of 8 hours later, we finally pulled into the parking lot of the condo in Mammoth Lakes.  Friday, we spent a fun day at Mammoth Mountain, walking the trails and enjoying the beautiful scenery. Saturday, I met up with Kathy at the expo. We met Deena Kastor, who was going to lead the 1:45 pace group during the race Sunday. This was my goal pace! I was really excited, even though I wasn’t sure how the very high (9,000 feet) altitude would affect me. Deena talked race strategy and said the altitude might not affect me. Kathy and I hung out for a bit, before I headed back to the condo. Later, Aidan and my mom and I went for a drive up the mountain to where the race would start. Beautiful!

Kathy, Deena Kastor and Me!

Race Morning: I got up at 5 am, after a ressless night of sleep. I headed over to the starbucks for a cup of coffee, before going back to the condo. The shuttle from one of the host hotels, was 2 blocks from the condo we were staying at. This was also the location of the finish line, so Aidan and my mom could walk down and see me finish. I headed over to the shuttle at 6 am, waited in line for a bit, before catching the next shuttle which took us to the start. The start area was at a lake, about 8 miles from the finish. I found a small group of half fanatics by the lake, so wandered over to get a photo with them. I then found Kathy, near the porta-potties, after a photo, we headed over to the checked bag area. They were giving us mylar blankets to use, once we checked out bags. This was a great thing, because it was pretty cold up there at 9000 feet! I had on a tank top, skirt and gloves. I didn’t wear my arm sleeves because the weather channel said the temp was low 50s, and I knew I wouldn’t need them once I started running. Well, it must have been cooler higher in the mountain, because I could have used them! About 5 minutes before race start, I said goodbye to Kathy, before getting into corral one. I could see Deena off to the side, outside the corral. I wasn’t sure what she was going to do for the race, maybe head in right before the start? I didn’t see a sign with her. Most pace leaders hold a sign showing what pace they will be running. The announcer made some statements, the national anthem was sung and then Deena walked to the front of the corral, right before the gun went off!

Miles 1-3: Right away, I tried to pick up speed, so that I could catch up to Deena. But I could tell, that the altitude was going to hurt. It was really hard to keep a fast pace, right from the start. About a mile in, I finally caught up to Deena and her small group of runners. I stayed with them for only a few minutes before backing down and trying to catch my breath. My lungs were hurting! And, my heart felt like it was going to burst from my chest. Just before mile 2, there was a steepish hill. Normally, this early on, I would have pushed up it with no problem. Today, I had to walk! I could not catch my breath. I knew then, that this was really not going to be the race I wanted. We ran a loop around the lake, before heading back to the main road. I knew once we got to the downhill section, I had a chance of making up some time. Splits – 8:27, 9:39, 9:23

Deena Kastor, on the right, leading the 1:45 pace group.

Miles 4-7: Once I started the long run downhill, I felt stronger. I was able to breath better. Not sure why, but it just felt easier. I was running faster and faster during this stretch. At the mile 6 water stop, I tossed off my gloves, because I was finally starting to feel warmer. Up to this point, my lower lip and left side of my face were numb from the cold. Of to the right, we had a great few of the city of Mammoth below us and the tall, snow peaked mountain range. We reached the bottom of the hill, which was at the edge of the town. We turned right, where the road flattened out. Right away, I started to have a hard time with my breathing again. Just before mile 7, we hit a steep uphill. A couple of medical/first aid volunteer runners stop and walk with me, asking if I’m OK. I have a hard time talking, even while walking, but tell them I’m ok, just trying to catch my breath. They ask me if I need any water or food, but I tell them I’m fine and the continue on. Since I am walking, I figure it’s a good time to take a GU. It’s my first one of the race. Normally I take one every 5 miles, but my stomach wasn’t really up to eating anything until now. At the top of the hill (mile 7) I start running again. Splits – 7:49, 8:09, 7:57, 9:33

Miles 8-10: We turn into a golfing neighborhood. We follow a road for a little while, before making a u-turn and running along the sidewalk next to the road. We weave through the development and then join the Town Loop, which is a paved running/biking trail that I had discovered near our condo a couple of days before. We stay on this for a bit, before getting back onto the streets. We are now running on a rolling uphill/downhill course. I run the downhills when I get a chance, but I have to walk the uphills, even though we are at a lower elevation, around 7500-8000 feet. It’s still not sea level! We pass a fire station, that is spraying water into the air for the runners. The sun is out and it’s probably pretty warm for a lot of runners, but for me, I am still kind of cold! My lip and left side of my lower face is still numb. I run to the far right side of the water, so I don’t get wet. We come up to mile 10, where we can see the start line for the 5K. All those runners have left by now, of course. Splits – 12:27, 10:23, 9:17

Mile 11-13.17: We enter the Town Loop pathway again. This is familiar, since it is the same area I walked a couple of days before. Lots of small up and downhills still. A lot of people are walking them, so it makes it easier for me to do it too. I glance at my watch and realize there is no way I am going to make it in under 2 hours. Kind of disappointed about it, but decide there is nothing I can do. This isn’t a mental thing that I can push through. I can’t help the fact that I can’t breath! The last mile is tough. It’s all pretty much uphill. It’s not steep, but I still have not been able to get my breathing under control. I do a run/walk thing for the last mile. Once I turn the corner and see the finish line, I tell myself to start running at the beginning of the finish line shoot. That’s what I do. I hear the announcer say my name and where I’m from, which motivates me to finish strong and with a smile on my face. I raise my arms in the air as I cross the finish line. Splits – 10:36, 11:25, 13:44, 2:09 
Finish - 2:11

After I finished, I walked around a little bit looking for Aidan and my mom. Since it took me a lot longer to finish, they were not there, but back at the condo getting everything packed up. We had to be out by 10 am! I finished at 9:41. Thankfully I was close to the condo. I got back with 10 minutes left to wash my face, clean up a bit and change my clothing. I stretched a little before getting in the car, but not enough. Of course, my compression pants, that I had planned on wearing on the long drive to my mom's house, were in the suitcase that was still M.I.A.

Overall, I would recommend this race. Just don't plan on a PR! It's a beautiful course, lots of water stops, great set up at start and finish line. Very nice finisher medal. Long sleeved shirt and drawstring backpack given at packed pickup.

Citrus Trail 50K

March 16, 2014
Inverness, FL

This is the weekend I've been waiting for/dreading for a while. My second 50K run. I did not get in the training that I should have. My longest run was a road marathon in January. I'd only got out on the local trails a few times, the longest distance was 12 miles! Plus, a couple of people had told me it was a hilly race. I did 6-8 hill repeats out at celery fields a couple of times, but that was not even close to what was going to be out there on the trail for this race.

I drove up to The Inverness area Saturday afternoon. After driving out to the race area to pick up my shirt and race bib, I stopped at the local Publix, to pick up dinner, then headed to my hotel. There were few hotel options just off the interstate, so I went with the one that looked the best online, a Days Inn. My room seemed clean at first glance, but then I noticed the stains on the beadspread, floor and sofa. Yuck. I kept my flip flops on and tried not to put much on the bed itself. After eating and watching some TV, I turned in for the night, taking that nasty beadspread off completely and making due with sheets. I didn't sleep very well. I kept dreaming that I was late for the race! Finally, at 5:30, I got up, got dressed, packed up everything, filled my little cooler with Ice and then headed out. A quick stop across the street to the big gas station mart for coffee and I was on my way. I big, full moon helped to light my way to the race venue. I am glad I went out the day before, so I knew where to look for the turn off the main road. I had to make a few stops at the porta pottie, (note to self, do not eat baked lays the night before a race. They do a number on the stomach!) before heading back to the car to finish getting everything ready. I took my drop bag over to the bin and then listened to the race instructions given by Kip. We all gathered at the start line and then we were off!

First loop is the yellow path.

We headed down the dirt road, following Kip on his bike. We turned left and then a bit further down the road we took a right onto the trail. We are all pretty close for the next few miles. I had my music going, but decided to turn it off, save the battery, and just enjoy the company of runners while I had it. We pass the "Smile Zone" where there is a photographer set up and then we are on to the first aid station. I had water with me, so I ran past without stopping. Now, the hills start. We go up and down a few times before we cross State Road 44. Just before the crossing, I see the bones of a large animal. A fully intact rib cage, plus lots of various bones. Yuck! I've seen a couple of runners heading back already, but as we get closer to the aid station, more and more pass. As I get to the aid station, I grab a water, and head out quickly. By my count, I am 5th female runner, with number 6, pretty close behind. That's pretty cool, but I'm not to concerned with where I'm placed. Runners are spreading out a bit more now. The guy I had been running behind for a couple of miles, dropped back at one point, so I was on my own for a little. I got up to the main junction, where there were a ton of signs, (thanks Kip!) and turned right. I am now on the main circle of the course.

First time running by the photographer.

The next miles are hilly. Well, the whole rest of the course is very hilly, with minor sections of flat parts. But, the trail itself, is nicely packed down, with little to no roots. The kind of trail I love to run on! We did have some great shade early on. The first couple of hours were cool with temps (probably) still in the low 60s. I was happy to see aid station B, as I was pretty close to being out of water. One water bottle has been leaking the entire time, making the left side of my skirt very wet! I re-filled my bottles, deciding to hold the leaky one for a while. It seemed to hold the water better when it wasn't in the waist belt. I pass one woman and then another during this section. Now, by my calculations, I am third female! This feels pretty cool, and motivates me a lot. I figure I have a chance at an age group award. In these type of races, it's a 10 year age group, with just first place getting an award.

The second loop is much longer.

Still feeling good at aid station C!

As I finish the first loop, I see a few guys standing at the signs showing where to go for first and second loop and the finish. One guy looks at me and I say "we aren't done yet! One more loop." So we turn slightly to the left and keep going. I chat with one of the guys for a little while before I leave him at aid station A. I probably should have stopped and topped off my bottles, because it ended up being a long stretch with no water break. We have just a short out and back, before heading back out on the main loop. For the next few miles, I have one guy just ahead of me and then 2 other guys catch up and hang out behind me. It's nice to have some company. Finally we see the sign that has us turning to the right, instead of the left (first loop), We are now on new ground and the hills are still plentiful. We all pretty much pull into Aid station C about the same time. I eagerly pull out my drop bag, getting my banana, small bag of turkey jerky and a dry wash cloth. I fill up my bottles, drink some gatorade, snap a few photos and then head out ahead of the guys. I've now run about 19 miles. I'm still feeling pretty good. I have been walking most of the hills and I think this has helped. I pass one woman soon, but I don't remember her from before, so I figure she is running the marathon, which started after the 50K did. Pretty soon, the guys come up behind me and pass me. It's the last I see of them until the finish. I am now on my own.

Aid station C at around mile 19

The most memorable part of the next section is the run through a large area of burned out park land. Not sure if it was controlled burn or caused by someone, but it wasn't so great to run through. The wind was getting pretty brisk, so the ash was blowing around a lot. I hadn't had to wear my sunglasses up to this point, but now I was happy that I had them. They helped to keep the dust of the ash out of my eyes. This seemed like a super long stretch, but according to the map, was just under 6 miles. I was very happy to get to the aid station D. I filled up my bottles again, ate another half a banana and chatted with the volunteer a little. He looked at his clip board and told me I was 4th female. Hmm, I thought I was 3rd, but figured I'd probably counted wrong. It was no big deal, I was more concerned with finishing at a faster time than last years 50K. I thanked him for helping out and then headed out. These last miles where rough for me. I was starting to feel stiff, hot and tired. I pulled my phone out to snap a photo of my time at 26.2, which was faster than the trail marathon last year, when I saw a text from my friend Gina. She asked how I was doing and I told her how I was feeling. I snapped a photo of my watch and then a photo of a guy who came out of now where and passed me. That's the thing about trails, you can feel all alone and then all of a sudden, there is another runner! To bad I couldn't run at his speed.

Mile 26.2. This is the last person I see until mile 30.

I keep on going, more of a run/walk thing going on now. This is a major mental game. I need to learn some key phrases to keep me going, cause I have a hard time pushing through the mental breakdown late in a race like this. Even though I filled both bottles and should have had plenty for 5.5 miles, I was drinking more than normal and was pretty much out for almost a mile. I hit the last aid station, feeling very thirsty. One of the volunteers took my bottles and filled them for me as I drank a couple of small cups of gatorade. I must have looked a bit dazed, because the volunteer asked me a couple of times if I was OK. I assured her I was going to make it. Not much left to go! I grabbed a small piece of watermelon (yummy!) before heading back out.

Lots of tall weeds on the trail, which were annoying to run through. My feet were not being lifted as high as they were in the beginning, so I was hitting all those weeds with my feet. I knew I didn't have much to go (2.5 miles) before getting to the sign pointing us to the right and to the finish, so I tried to push all doubts out (not easy) and just keep going. I checked my phone at some point during this time and see a text from Gina. She tells me "Hang in there!!! U got this!!! U can do it! Stay strong!!" That was the best thing to see at this point! What a boost. I'm not much of a crier, but I felt like I was going to start crying right then! Finally, finally!, I see the sign pointing us to the right. I have never been so happy to see a sign and once again, I feel like crying. I know that I have just under a mile to the finish line! I can get through a mile, no problem! Just a little after I pass the sign, I hear someone come up behind me. I move over to the right a bit and look over my shoulder. It's a woman passing me! She is running strong and fast. I have no idea if she is in the 50K or marathon, so I just keep doing my own thing. Finally, I make the left turn off of the trail. A short while later, I make a right turn, running down the dirt road to the finish. I see some people up ahead cheering, so I try to pick up my pace a little. I make the turn to the right and then quickly to the left and run it in under the finish sign. Done! And, with about a 50 minute PR! Woot, Woot!! :)
Time: 6:03:59

Finishing my second 50K with a smile and a PR!

I get my finisher medal and finishers hat, grab some cold soda and a water and then hang out for a little, watching other runners finish. I had a long drive ahead of me, so I didn't stay long. I got some photos and then changed in the back seat of my car. I grab my protein drink and then hit the road.

A couple of days later, I find out that I came in second overall female runner! The woman who passed me with less than a mile to go, won! I guess that there had only been two women ahead of me (like I thought) and both pulled out of the race. If I had know I was in first, I would have pushed harder! I guess I should always push harder and try my best. :) Very happy with my 2nd place and 1st place age group. :)

SpringFest 12K

March 1, 2014, Sarasota

Heading into the finish.

One week post Gasparilla, I wasn't sure how I was going to feel for this race, but I got out there and tried my best. It was a beautiful morning for a race. Temps in the low 50s. I hung out with friends before the race got started, then headed over to the start area, were I crammed myself into the large group of runners. The national anthem was played and we were off!

I got a good start, out from the big pack, but after a few minutes, slowed my pace a little. The first part of the race winds through a couple of neighborhoods, before we turn onto the Legacy Trail. Just after making the turn to on the trail, I noticed my shoe is untied. Really! I take the 10-20 seconds to tie my shoe, before getting back into my run. Still feeling pretty good.

As we run the last mile or so, back through the neighborhood, I start to feel the fatigue from all the races the previous weekend. I push through, picking up the speed as we run down the road leading to the finish. As we take a right, I step up the curb and run the last bit in on the grass to the finish.

Very happy with my finish and time. I placed 3rd in my age group, which was awesome!

7.56 miles - Splits: 7:52, 7:57, 8:04, 8:06, 8:21, 8:20, 8:06,
Finish: 1:01:12

Gasparilla Distance Classic

Michelob Ultra Challenge - 2 Days - 30.4 miles
February 22-23, 2014

Day one - 15K and 5K: Carolyn and I stayed the night in Tampa Friday, which allowed us to get a good night of sleep and then walk to the convention center and start line Saturday morning. It was great! I had worked at the expo until 8 p.m. Friday, so staying the night seemed like a good idea. So happy I used my American Express points to get a room at the Westin.

Me and Carolyn before the 15K start.

We found the start line, after asking a few people, but we were not allowed to get in at the front, like we had been told we could do. So, we had to walk down the street, pretty far, got into the corral, and then made our way forward. We didn't have long to wait before we heard the national anthem and we were off!

My plan for the 15K was to try and run a pace close to what I want to run for my half marathon in June. So, I started off with a pretty fast pace, but slowed down as we ran over the bridge, about a quarter of a mile in. The race announcer had told us the grating was wet and slippery. I didn't want to take any chances of falling so early in the race! Once we got to the other side of the bridge, we turned left and then headed out along Bayshore Blvd. We would see a lot of this road in the two days of racing! Despite the heat, I felt pretty good for the first few miles. There were a lot of people race, but I tried not to weave in and out of runners. I loved seeing the race leaders heading back on the other side of the road. I yelled out to Matt when I saw him pass and then yelled out to J.B., when I saw her go by. Both looked strong and speedy! At the end of Bayshore, we make a right turn onto W. Gandy Blvd, but only run on this road for a block or two, before making a u-turn and heading back.
Miles 1 through 5 - 8:16, 8:10, 8:13, 8:18, 8:22

I start to see a lot more people I know now. Chris is not to far ahead of me. But I know I will not catch him. He is to fast! I miss seeing Carolyn, but I do spot Darlene. My pace is slowing down a bit. A little slower than my goal pace, but I am fine with it. I knew it would be hard to keep in this humidity! I push the pace, but not too hard, as I know I have a lot of running ahead of me still. As I head towards the finish, this younger woman, to my left, takes a peek at me and speeds up. I keep on her heels and then I'm right next to her again. She notices me and picks up the pace even more. I gun it too, and we finish side by side. I congratulate her on a strong finish, telling her it's fun to have someone push you at the end. :)
Miles 6 through 9 - 8:36, 8:34, 8:33, 8:17
Overall pace - 8:18
Finish time - 1:18:59



5K race: After the 15K, we had about a half hour to get some food, water and make our way to the start line of the 5K. It was the same start as the previous race, so we knew were to go. :) We were able to get in at the front of the coral, which was awesome! They had the front portion seperated from all of the rest of the 9 am start group, so we went to the back of the front section, to let all the really speedy people have a clear start. Just before we started, they took down the barrier and we quickly became packed in. Thankfully, this didn't last long. After the national anthem, we were off!

Once again, we ran over that slippery bridge, so I took it easy, then picked up speed on the down hill. The course was the same as the 15K, we just turned around earlier. This race was very tightly packed. People were pushing and shoving to get through, thankfully, it wasn't too big of a problem for me, but I hear it was pretty rough a little further back in the pack. I made the turn around and could then see how bad it was behind me. There was a center divider in the road, but some people had run across it and were running on my side of the road! My first mile was the fastest, but I couldn't keep if for long. I did keep a pretty decent pace and overall, I was really happy with my finish.
Miles 1 through 3 - 7:56, 8:11, 8:23. Overall pace- 8:06
Finish - 25:47

Day 2: Half marathon and 8K race.

I was not so fortunate to be able to stay in Tampa Saturday night, so I got up super early Sunday and then headed up with Carolyn, Darlene and Gina. We got there around 5am, an hour before race start. This was good, as it gave us time to get to the bathrooms, check a bag and get prepared. About 5:40, we started the walk over to the start. It was a few blocks from the convention center, but didn't take to long to get there. We made our way up through the large group of people, to get as close to the start as we could, which wasn't very close! We had a short wait, before we heard the national anthem and then we were off!

The first couple of miles were tough. The course was very tightly packed for that long. It was hard to move around and get past the slower runners. We run a large loop around Davis Island. I loose Gina somewhere around mile 4. During mile 4, a woman wearing a crazy costume with a lot of items clanging together, runs up behind me and hangs out for a while. I listened to that for almost a mile before I had to pick up the pace to leave her behind. I thought I was going to go crazy listening to that racket!
Miles 1 through 5 - 9:02, 8:36, 8:42, 8:47, 8:58

Feeling pretty strong for the half.

We leave Davis Island at the 5 mile mark. As we run down the bridge, and enter Bayshore Blvd, we encounter lots of great crowd support. I am feeling pretty good here. We get a nice breeze off the water, and since we have 2 lanes, plus a bike lane, the runners are able to spread out. While running on the right side of the road, I see a little girl start to run across the street, dragging her big dog behind her. Her dad and another child stay on the right side and he says nothing to her! She almost makes it across the road without hitting someone. One older lady, running on the far left, doesn't see the girl and dog coming. She has to stop short in order to keep from running into the dog. I catch up to her later, and ask her how she is doing. She had been limping. Se said she hurt her leg a bit, but was more angry than anything.
Miles 6 through 9 - 8:56, 9:06, 9:08, 9:14

Just after mile 9.5, we get to the turnaround, and start making our way back to the finish. I see Carolyn and Gina on the otherside of the road soon after the turn. Not long after seeing them, I see Darlene and wave to her. The 2 hour pacer catches up to me. She has a large group with her, I decide I will run with her for a while, since I was pretty close to a 2 hour finish pace. I ran with them for a brief time and then fell back. He pace was 8:40! Way to fast. Maybe she was trying to make up time for slower early miles. The last few miles were a little tough. The heat was really getting to me, but I tried to keep a good pace up. I was so surprised to see the clock showing 2 hours! I looked at my watch as I crossed the finish line, finishing under 2 hours with just a couple of seconds to spare! :)
Miles 10 through 13 - 9:09, 9:03, 9:04, 8:56
Overall pace - 8:55
Finish - 1:59:58

New outfit for the 8K.

8K race: After the half marathon was over, I had about an hour before the start of this last race. I met up with Carolyn, Gina and Darlene, got a quick photo, then the three of us left Gina in the food line and headed to the bag check. I changed my outfit, because I was so sweaty. It felt great to get into dry clothes, but it wasn't easy getting that skirt, with the compression shorts on sweaty thighs! We hung out for a while, then met the ladies from my fit2run training group. They were all excited to get their race underway. We all walked over to the start area together. We got as close to the start area as we could, which wasn't very close. I guess we could have gone to the front and entered that way again, but I wanted to stay with Judy, who was one of the ladies I had trained for this race. We had a short wait and then we were off!

I had a good first couple of miles, but I knew right away, this was not going to be a speedy run. It was so hot and humid! This was, by far, the toughest of the four races. I don't have much to say about the course, it was the fourth time running out and back on Bayshore Blvd! I just tried to keep as fast as a pace as I could and ran it in. I was so happy to be done!
Miles 1 through 5: 8:55, 9:04, 9:11, 9:31, 9:34
Overall pace - 9:11
Finish - 47:01

YMCA Ground Hog Jog 5K

February 1, 2014
Lakewood Ranch

I decided early in the week leading up to the race to run it, even though I was still recovering from my last marathon. I got a comp entry, so why not? :)

That's me on the front line, next to J.B.

Me, Jen, J.B. and Gina

There was a smallish turnout for this race. The usual speedy people were not here, so I had a good shot at an age group placement! There were a lot of younger kids lining up near the front of the start line, so I went ahead and got right in front. I don't usually do this, but I didn't want to trip over any kids when they decided to just stop running about a quarter of a mile in! Once we got going, I soon realized the folly of starting at the front, I was running way to fast! I slowed down a little, to get my breath back. Gina passed me, so I dug in and caught up to here. We had a long stretch of road leading from the YMCA, to a new housing development. We turned right into the development, then followed the road around and through it. Very strange to be running through the neighborhood with only a few houses actually built. We had one small out and back section. I was able to see Gina, who was now behind me, and also see that I had a good lead on anyone looking to be close to my age. I felt pretty good the first two miles, but definalty felt myself slow down a little in that last mile. I did manage to pick up some speed again on that last straight, leading to the finish. No PR, but I did manage to get Overall Female Masters Winner!

Finish - 24:44