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

Clearwater Marathon

January 19, 2014
Marathon #17

Me and Carolyn before the race. Bridge 1 of 6 is behind us.

After missing last year's race, which was a return of the marathon after years of construction delaying the return, I was very happy to be running this morning! Donna, Carolyn and I arrived about an hour before race start. We got our timing chips, then went back to the car to keep warm. Temps were in the mid 40s. Carolyn tries to start the car, but discovers the battery has died! It's something we decided to deal with after the race. We leave the car just before 6:30, to get to the spot of the planned Maniac photo. Only a few people are there and they all plan the early start, so we take a few photos, then walk over to the start area. Donna decides to take an early start too, so we take another photo, before Carolyn and I head back to the porta-potties and then the car. We get our gear together, then head to the start. She gives me her key fob, since we think I will finish before her. I put it in my back skirt pocket with my PowerBar gel blasts. I am loaded down. enduolytes in one short pocket and a gu in the other. More Gu's in the pocket of my iFitness belt. We get another photo of the two of us before getting into the start corral area. The early start group had gone out late, so our start time got pushed to 7:19 from 7:05. I guess they had to start exactly 30 minutes apart for timing purposes. It didn't feel as cool as we thought it would be, I had a feeling I would be tossing my jacket pretty early. We heard the National Anthem and then we were off!

One of the 6 bridges.

Miles 1 through 7 - So, my plan this morning is to try to run for a 4:15 to a 4:20 finish time. I had printed out a 4:15 pace band and figured I would just go for it. Only 2.5 weeks after my last marathon, I wasn't sure how my body was going to handle the speed and distance, but why not try for one more PR before my last marathon of the winter. We start out next to the water, turn to the left, running up a short hill. We turn right and then right again a few blocks later. The bridge is soon in view. I've run this many times before and it wasn't any easier this morning. I am already think that I should have done hill/bridge work in the last couple of months! We hit mile one at the top of the bridge. Even with two uphills, I am ahead of the 9:43 min mile pace! I make good time on the down hill, keeping pace with all of the faster marathoners and half marathoners. I keep looking at my watch, seeing the fast pace and trying to slow down, only to get caught up in the fast pace again! At the water stop next to the beach, I toss my jacket. We head away from the beach and soon hit bridge #2, the Clearwater Pass Bridge, which rises 75 feet. This one is steep. I get up that sucker, and make up any time that I lost, on the down hill. We take a right into Sand Key Park, running a loop through the Park. I see Greg as I am about to leave, so I yell out a hi. We take a right, after leaving the park, heading south on the Island. I soon see Della and her husband on the otherside of the road. The half marathoners have an out and back course. So there are runners on both sides of the road now. I have my eye on the course split, knowing I will be able to control my pace a bit more when there are less runners on the road with me. Just after mile 7, the half marathoners turn and head back. As my splits show, I ran much faster than the 9:43 min mile pace I should have run! Splits - 8:43, 8:19, 8:46, 9:24, 8:39, 9:08, 9:20.

View of part of the course on the island.

Miles 8 through 16 - The next few miles are flat, for which I am thankful! The sun is out shinning on us. I am starting to warm up quick. I roll down my arm sleeves and take off my gloves. I wish I had attached safty pins to them, so that I could have attached them to my waist pack, but I had forgotten. Juli and her friend come up from behind. I say hi to them, before they pass. At the next water stop, I toss my gloves and fill up my water bottle. As we hit mile 13, I look at my watch to see 2:00. Yikes, that's way ahead of pace! A bit further down the road, we make a u-turn and pass another water table, where I see Doug, a local race director. I yell out a "hi" to him, before I keep going. We make a turn to the right, heading over the Park Blvd Bridge, which is only 25 feet. This is the easiest of all the bridges. I soon realize the area looks familiar. I am now running the same course as the Holiday Halfathon, which starts south, in Madera Beach. I am happy I didn't just run this race in December. I'm not a fan of the many miles on the Pinellas Trail. We turn right into a neighborhood and then a few blocks later, we turn left onto Oakhurst Road. Lots of great houses on this road. I still have some minutes in the bank ahead of my 4:15 pace chart. Splits - 9:31, 9:31, 9:27, 9:33, 9:36, 9:40, 9:36, 9:29, 9:42

Miles 17 through 20 - Finally, we make our way into the park that attaches to the Pinellas trail. I refill my water at the water stop and head on down the road. I know the first bridge will be soon. When I hit the first pedestrian bridge, I figure I will do my best to get up it, but walk if I have too. Thankfully, I make it up the bridge and over, with no problem, but I am definitely feeling slower. The next few miles I slow a little, getting water at the aid stations. I am feeling pretty warm and my legs are starting to tighten up. Time at mile 20 -  3:09. pace band time for mile 20 is 3:13. Splits - 9:50, 10:26, 10:09, 10:14

Finishing with a smile. :)

Miles 21 through 26.2 - This is were the race goes down hill for me. First, I loose the signal on my Polar GPS watch. WTF! I keep looking at it, hoping that it will pop back up, but it doesn't. At least I still have my overall time, but I needed that min mile pace to keep me on track! Now, I just go by feel, which is slower and slower. I start walking through the water stops. It is a struggle to start running again. I walk both of the next two pedestrian over passes, and struggle to run down the other side. My legs are feeling so stiff! Just after mile 23, we exit the Trail, running now on a road that is sectioned off for us, but still has cars driving past. I had made the mistake of taking an orange slice at two different water stations earlier. They tasted so good, but by mile 24, my stomach is not liking them so much. A very kind volunteer at the mile 24 stop lets me have one of her bananas, after I spot them on the ground and ask for one. It's just what I have been craving! I eat half of that and manage to start running again. Carolyn passes me soon after. She is looking strong and fast! She is on course for a PR! I try to keep her in my sights, but she pulls even further ahead of me as I get close to mile 25. We are now in a nicely shaded neighborhood. I take a drink at the next water stop and then try to keep running, but only make it a few blocks, before taking a walk break. After a couple of blocks of walking, I tell myself that I have less than a mile, I can run it in! So, I start my slow shuffle again. We make our way out of the neighborhood, make a left on the main road and head up the first bridge again. Thankfully, we don't go very far, before we make a turn onto the pedestrian downhill, spiral walkway, that will take us to the waterfront park. I hit the bottom and try to pick up the pace. I see the mile 26 sign, and try to pick up my pace even more. I see two women ahead of me, and decide to try and catch them. As we get closer to the finish, I pass one woman and then the other, before crossing the finish line. Doing the math, It took me an 1:18 to run 6.2 miles! :(
Finish - 4:27:20

Even though I am really disappointed with the last 6 miles of this race, I am happy that I managed to keep my finish in under 4:30. This is my second fastest marathon. I am pretty happy with it. I am thinking that in the future, I may need a little more recovery time between marathons if I want to push the pace that much. I've also figured out, that once I start walking, I stiffen up. It's happened before. If I keep running, I tend to stay looser. It's a big mental game late in the race. I need to not listen to that voice in my head telling me to stop! :)

Me, Donna and Carolyn after the race. PR for Carolyn!

Savage Seven Marathon

January 1, 2014 - Day 7

This is my second time running one day of the 7 day series of marathons. One day, I may actually run all seven! This year, the event was moved to the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway, in Silver Springs, just east of Ocala. The park had a wide, paved, 5 mile loop path, perfect for running. I debated with my self about driving up the night before or the morning of, but in the end, I decided it would be safer to drive up the night before. I stayed at the Day's Inn, the host hotel. I found a restaurant that served Gluten Free pasta and pizzas, so as I entered Ocala, I pulled over to call in my take out order. I stopped in at Blue Highway, picked up my Pesto Pasta with Chicken and then headed to the hotel. I got checked in, got everything in the room and then dug into that pasta. It smelled delicious and tasted even better! After dinner, I pulled out my computer and looked for a movie to watch on netflix. I thought about watching Spirit of the Marathon again (for the 5th time!) but instead, watched Run for your Life, the Fred Lebow Story. This would have been a great movie to watch before running the New York City marathon! I enjoyed it and it got me in the mood to run a marathon the next morning. :)

Race morning: I got up with my alarm at 4:30 am. Got my coffee made, got dressed and then climbed back into bed with my laptop. The race site was only 6 miles away, and with such a small race, I didn't need to be there super early. So at 5:30, I walked over to the Denny's, which was attached to the hotel, got a cup of coffee, and headed over to the park. I actually found the park pretty easily. I was worried, because it was so dark out still. I pulled into a parking spot and walked over to the covered area were packet pick up was located. I got my shirt and bib, said hi to Bettie, Jim and Melissa, then went back to my car to finish getting prepared. After a bathroom stop, where I found Melissa again, who gave me her extra iFitness bottle to use (I forgot mine!), I rushed back to the car to get water and then walked over to the start line. Thankfully, I had been warned to bring a headlight, because it was still very dark at race start. After a few course directions from the RD, Chuck Savage, we were off!

The first part of the race is run through the parking lot. We run to the end, loop around a grassy island, then head back towards the start. The RD is standing in the middle of the road, over a cone, to show us where to turn. I run around him and back out to the end of the road, loop around the grassy island again and head back. We now enter the park pathway to our right. I have my first little off course moment here, when I run to the left, instead of going to the right of the aid station. I stop, before getting to far, when I realize the course doens't look right. The women at the aid station notice me and yell over that I'm going the wrong way. I turn around and head back over to the right section of the course. I didn't loose much time and now 3 other guys had caught up to me, so I had some company. I had been in second place, with the lead guy way ahead. One of the guys, who I ended up running a a mile or so with, was Cowboy Jim! He had volunteered at last years race and ran a few laps with me late in the race, when I wasn't feeling so great. He was on day two and running really well. The course is still very dark. I could see the little section of path my light was showing me. I could not see any elevation change, only feel it once it started! About half a mile before the turn around, Cowboy Jim stopped to walk and told me to go ahead. Now I was on my own in the dark! I could see the  light of the two guys ahead of me, but I didn't want to look up too much, I needed to keep an eye on the ground so I wouldn't miss the white arrows that were marked on the course. We exited the park, took a left, ran to the end of the street where the aid station was, then headed back to the park, to run back. The entire rest of this loop, I am on my own. It is gradually getting lighter, which I am thankful for, as I am running up the last hill of this loop, it is light enough to turn off my light. I head into the main aid station, grab some water and head back out. It has been misting on us for most of this loop, I had taken my maniac jacket off during the first loop and tied it around my waist. I decide to keep it with me one more lap, just in case it gets really cold. Miles 1-6 - 9:15, 9:29, 9:22, 9:35, 9:21, 9:27

A couple of minutes after leaving the aide station, I see the next two female runners. I still have my lead, but not by a lot. I don't care too much about that, my only goal is to run a good race and PR if I can. It starts raining hard about a quarter of a mile in on the second lap. I see a few other runners, but the course is set up, so that there is only a small portion of out and back. As you can see from the map, there is a giant loop where you don't see anyone unless you are passed or pass someone. So, I am on my own for a good chunk of the race. While on the second part of the loop, I am trying to put my water bottle back in to the back pocket, when I make a right turn on the path. I wasn't paying attention to the ground. Most of the time we take the right turns on the paths, but on this one, we were supposed to go straight! I realized this when I hit the end of it, which is a parking lot. It could have been a lot further, so I am thankful that it was only about a quarter of a mile, but I am still really upset about the added time, when I am trying to PR! It takes me a bit to get out of this funk that sets in when I know I've just added a couple of minutes to my overall time. I speed up a bit to try and make up some time, but I know it's not a good idea to do this for long. I head back into the main aid station, stop and take off my jacket and hide it under the table, grab some water and then head back out. Miles 7 through 12 - 9:04, 9:27, 9:23, 9:14, 9:11, 9:28

As I head out for lap number 3, I see that my lead on the next woman runner has decreased. Oh, well. I just work on my own pace. I pass Bettie on the course, telling her how I took a wront turn. She then tells me that the course is also a little long. Ah, man. That's going to add even more time to my overall finish time! I am happy that she told me though. I'd rather know ahead of time. During the second part of this 3rd lap, the woman who had been behind me, catches up. She is running with another guy and they are looking strong! She asks about my pacing and tells me I'm doing great and that I'll take overall female. I say, no, that will be you! She then tells me that she plans to finish this third lap and then walk the rest. She is training for another race, that is her goal race. I think to myself, "yeah, right. I'll believe the walking when I see it!" Sure enough, I see her as I come into the aid station. She takes off running right as I come in! Lap 4 goes pretty well. It has been raining off and on all morning. My feet are cold and wet, but I keep plugging away. The little hills are starting to get a little tougher to power up, but I do my best. As seen in the splits I've listed, I start to slow down during this lap. Miles 13 through 22 - 9:27, 9:11, 9: 35, 9:34, 9: 35, 9:27, 940, 10:10, 9:49, 10:17

One of the little hills on the first part of the loop.

The last lap: I head out on the last lap feeling happy. I know I can get this PR! I am way ahead of time based on my 4:30 pace band. Even with the added distance of the wrong turn and longer course, I know I should have it. I just need to focus and not hit the wall like I do in many of my marathons! I take the hills on the way out, much slower than I have been, but I keep going. I pass by the guy who had been running with the lead woman. I ask him how he is doing and what happened to his friend. He tells me that she just could help herself and decided to keep running. I knew it! :) When I get to the last aid station, half way through the loop, I grab some water, and walk a bit. I walk a little to long. I walk down the road and back onto the path, telling myself to get moving! Finally I do start running again. That was a long break! Which is why that was a 12:06 minute mile! Ah well. I try to run a good pace the last couple of miles. I keep thinking of this awesome PR I will have, and that helps to keep me moving. Once my watch shows 26.2, I look to see my time. 4:16!!! Wow! Now I just need to get that as an official time! I get up that one last hill, then take the little down hill and power it into the finish. So happy! Miles 23 through 26.98 - 10:08, 10:29, 12:06, 10:36, 10:28

Finish: 4:22:23

Chuck Savage, who is waiting at the finish line, gives me my medal. We get a photo taken of us by one of the volunteers and then I slowly walk over to the aid tables, grab a banana and cup of chocolate milk and then head to a bench to sit. I am feeling a bit nauseous. I had wanted to go back to the hotel, shower and head back out to cheer in the other runners, but by the time I got to the hotel, I was shaking so badly from the cold, I blasted the heater and tried to get warm. That was the roughest post race I've ever had. Cold, upset stomach. Thankfully, I was feeling a bit better after resting for about an hour. I decided it would be a good idea to hit the road and get back home.

Overall, I am super happy with my 7 minute PR! I guess I run well in the rain. I think the cooler temps really helped. Look forward to my next marathon!

The course. You can see my little detour near the mile 10 marker.