I thought that my fifth half was going to be the City of Roses Half in Cape Girardeau, MO on Sept. 18, but I caught wind of this race sponsored by McKendree University, a small liberal arts school in Lebanon, IL. I'm cheap, so the $30 price tag appealed to me and I signed up. Here are my observations from today's race, which I finished 13.1 of in 2:08:50 (more on that later).
1) Sometimes you get lucky and the weather loves you.
I had feared I might be running this in the rain--not just rain, but thundershowers. It didn't happen.
2) It's a small-town race--don't expect a medal.
This race only gave medals to the top finishers in their age groups, and the age groups were huge (39-50?). If you run a race this small, don't expect a finisher's medal. Everyone who pre-registered got one of those wicking T-shirts and one of those 13.1 decals you can put on your car (even though this race was 13.25 miles, not 13.1--more on that later).
3) Okay, so there's a 5K too.
The 5K and the half started at the same time. In order for both races to share the same finish line, the half was slightly longer than 13.1. It was 13.25 miles. A volunteer was positioned at the precise spot of the race that was 13.1 shouting out times, so that's how I know my 13.1 time. I didn't note my time on the giant clock at 13.25 because I was too busy looking for Jon (husband and runner support). [Update: my time for 13.25 miles was 2:10:45]
4) Speaking of volunteers, college kids make great ones.
Lots of volunteers at this race (someone joked that there were more volunteers than runners). I don't know if that was actually true, but there were a lot of McKendree University students, faculty and staff members helping out with the water stations, calling out times, giving out GU, etc. They were sweetly enthusiastic, and many of the runners made sure to thank them as they grabbed water cups. One advantage of a small race is that you don't have to fight to get to the volunteers with the water and the gatorade. I took in water or Gatorade at every single water stop.
5) Speaking of GU, it's awful. Take it anyway.
In my race in Collinsville, IL, I didn't have enough fuel in my system and I bonked on the course at mile 12. I got a PR, but paid for it--recovery was not fast. This was not going to happen today, especially since I am running City of Roses next week. I choked down two Power Bar Energy gels pre-race (slightly less gooey than GU), and during the race, when the volunteers handed out GU, I tucked mine away and ate it during mile 12. Nasty, yes. But did I finish the race strong with no bonk. Yes.
6) This race was hilly. So glad I trained on hills.
This race had a portion called "Hill Country." It began at 8.68 miles and continued until around mile 10. I didn't attack the hills. I kept a steady pace and tried not to let my form deteriorate (small steps, minimal arm swing, and head/torso up). There was a sign that read "You are now leaving Hill Country. Congratulations!"), followed by another sign ("Actually, this is the last hill"). I read it out loud and laughed.
7) For me, doing halfs is about pacing, not racing.
I try to keep a consistent pace. When people pass me, I don't try to catch them. But I do try to keep them within sight, which generally keeps me on pace.
8) Compress me, my love.
I had on compression socks under compression tights. Maybe a little much, but my legs feel pretty good overall. I also avoided blisters with some cocoa butter on my toes.
9) Music or not?
No music. Oh I had earphones on, but didn't play my music. At the pre-race briefing, the race director reminded the runners that this was NOT a closed course. We were running on small one-lane roads, and many drivers had no idea there was a race going on. I actually yelled "CAR" at one point, which I've done during 5Ks but not during a half before. I took what the race director said to heart and didn't listen to music.
10) Halfs always seem to end coming uphill.
I no longer panic when at the end of a half the elevation rises again. Race directors have sadistic little hearts and they want you working hard at race's end. So when I felt a rise at the end of this race, I just kept on chugging.
11) I could never do a marathon and be happy.
People ask me if I'll do a marathon. A very friendly woman runner told me before I did this half that once I did a marathon I'd be hooked. I'm keeping it open as an option, but I love how I can finish a half in about two hours and change, and then go do something else (get lunch, see friends, go shopping!). My goal is to do 13 halfs before the end of 2013. After that goal is met, I will think marathon. But I know if I never do one, I'll be perfectly happy.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Fourth Half Marathon: Paducah Iron Mom, 6/18/11
The Paducah Iron Mom Half Marathon was supposed to be back in May, but the wicked flooding on the Ohio River made the race directors postpone it until today. This morning, I was thinking this race was cursed, because today's weather forecast was predicting serious thunderstorms. Fortunately, no thunderstorms occurred during the race, though there was rain and wind throughout. The rain I referred to as "God's Water Station." I really enjoyed the race--it was flat, and had lovely sections that took the runners through the Paducah Greenway and Bob Noble Park. If I lived in Paducah, those would be regular running spots for me.
I had no trouble spots during the race, but my overall time was slower than any half I'd done before, somewhere around 2:12. I am disappointed, but I have to ask myself, what is it that I am running for? Is it for the end product (fast times, personal records, etc) or is it for the journey? I would have to say that it's for the journey, for the feeling I get of freedom as my body's in motion, for the scenery that changes as I pass by and as time passes by, and for the notion that I can really get somewhere--physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually-- if I just put one foot in front of the other.
The actual race was sweet: lots of enthusiastic volunteers, water stations at every mile, GU available on the course (I still have a heck of a time choking that stuff down, but it does help). My main problem was with the pace groups--there was one available at a 2 hr half pace and another at a 2 hr 20 min half pace. I guess it's not easy to find pacers! My last half in Madison had a 2:10 pace group, which was perfect for me. Had I had the same sort of pace group in Paducah, would I have done better? Who's to know and who really cares? In the end, I had a great run in a pretty little city by a river, and I didn't get hurt or even really get tired.
My next half marathon will be in another pretty little city by a river, the City of Roses Half Marathon in Cape Girardeau, MO. It's not until September though, so I have a bit more time to chase that elusive PR.
I had no trouble spots during the race, but my overall time was slower than any half I'd done before, somewhere around 2:12. I am disappointed, but I have to ask myself, what is it that I am running for? Is it for the end product (fast times, personal records, etc) or is it for the journey? I would have to say that it's for the journey, for the feeling I get of freedom as my body's in motion, for the scenery that changes as I pass by and as time passes by, and for the notion that I can really get somewhere--physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually-- if I just put one foot in front of the other.
The actual race was sweet: lots of enthusiastic volunteers, water stations at every mile, GU available on the course (I still have a heck of a time choking that stuff down, but it does help). My main problem was with the pace groups--there was one available at a 2 hr half pace and another at a 2 hr 20 min half pace. I guess it's not easy to find pacers! My last half in Madison had a 2:10 pace group, which was perfect for me. Had I had the same sort of pace group in Paducah, would I have done better? Who's to know and who really cares? In the end, I had a great run in a pretty little city by a river, and I didn't get hurt or even really get tired.
My next half marathon will be in another pretty little city by a river, the City of Roses Half Marathon in Cape Girardeau, MO. It's not until September though, so I have a bit more time to chase that elusive PR.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Notes on a Third Half Marathon: Madison Half Marathon
For my third half marathon, I chose the Madison Half Marathon, a much larger race than I'd ever done. There were 3479 finishers in the half marathon alone! There was also a wheelchair race (amazing competitors), a full marathon, a quarter marathon (6.55 miles) and a kids' fun race. Here are my observations from this weekend:
1) So glad I chose this race. Though it was bigger than the small races I've done closer to home, it felt intimate, because everyone was friendly. Madison is a city that feels like a town, and that community spirit was evident throughout all the proceedings. Plus, Madison is a great food town!
2) This was my first time at a race with a runner's expo, which is a trade show for runners. There were booths from all sorts of running-related companies, freebies (I got free gels; more on gels later), and information on upcoming races. I could have dropped a lot of money at the expo, but I exercised self control. The expo would be great if you forgot something necessary at home though. This was also my first time with the timing chip you tie onto your shoe.
3) Since I ran a half last week, my legs were still coming around. So I remembered my compression socks and my compression tights and ran in those. Though I felt like I was stuffing myself into a sausage casing, it totally worked and my legs feel so much better after this half than last week's. My stylish lilac top came from Madison's totally awesome Goodwill store on State Street.
4) Last week, I experienced the dreaded runner's bonk--I hit the wall during mile 12 and needed assistance on the course. I got a PR--personal record--but at a cost! I had blisters on my toes, needed a two-hour nap after the race, and was achy for days. I was so sore that I thought I might change to the quarter marathon. But there was no point in going to Madison for something only a bit longer than a 10K. So I rethought all I'd done wrong and didn't do it this time. In Collinsville, I ran faster than I should have. In Madison, I stuck with the 2:10 pace group. If you get the chance to run with a pace group, take it! I really loved the way sticking with the pace group forbade me from running too fast. In Collinsville, I didn't use gels--those packets of sticky-sweet goop that taste like frosting gone wrong--because my weight loss was keyed by sugar reduction. But running 13.1 miles requires sugar from one source or another--or your blood sugar will plummet and you will bonk. So in Madison, I used one of the free gels I got at the expo and used one that was given to me on the course by a volunteer.
5) Speaking of volunteers, this race had great ones in charge of the water/gatorade/gu/orange slice stations. But a bigger race means that it's harder to get to the folks at the water stops--some water stops I passed up because there were too many people in front of me.
6) In addition to proper fueling and hydration, I didn't run with music. Oh I had my headphones and one of my many mp3 players, but I decided early on to listen to what was going on around me, to look at the lovely town of Madison (how can you not love a place with this many lakes) and to appreciate the spectators. It was great seeing people out on the course--most were looking for specific people to cheer for (a lot of "super Mom" signs), but some were just there to cheer people on. My name was on my race bib (first time for that), so I got cheers of "Go Allison" from strangers. The spectator signs were great: "Chuck Norris Never Ran a Marathon," "Nice Ass," "Stop Reading, Keep Running," "Beat Oprah," and many more that made me laugh as I ran. In Collinsville, I ran to music, but the music was faster than I should have used. My new rule: never run a race to music you've not run to before!
7) I worked on my form as I ran. I remember that one thing that caused my bonk in Collinsville was breathing raggedly because I was running too fast and overstriding as a consequence. I deliberately made my stride shorter and quicker, kept my breaths even, and didn't overswing my arms, keeping my upper body stable. I also tried to run from the hips, not from the knees--if that makes any sense at all.
8) Race directors always seem to throw in an extra obstacle at the end of a race. This race started and ended at Wisconsin's state capital. We started off at a decline; so at race's end, we were coming up an incline. It wasn't that bad, but I saw a lot of folks start to walk at that point. I was damned if I was going to walk at that point. But neither was I going to sprint. I just kept on running.
9) The best finish line I have experienced yet: a photographer for post-race pictures, a medal immediately around my neck and lots of free food and drink. Despite the crowds, Jon (husband and runner support) quickly found me, a happy and satisfied me. Happy because this was a hugely entertaining race in a great town; satisfied because even though I didn't PR, I ran a great race my way.
1) So glad I chose this race. Though it was bigger than the small races I've done closer to home, it felt intimate, because everyone was friendly. Madison is a city that feels like a town, and that community spirit was evident throughout all the proceedings. Plus, Madison is a great food town!
2) This was my first time at a race with a runner's expo, which is a trade show for runners. There were booths from all sorts of running-related companies, freebies (I got free gels; more on gels later), and information on upcoming races. I could have dropped a lot of money at the expo, but I exercised self control. The expo would be great if you forgot something necessary at home though. This was also my first time with the timing chip you tie onto your shoe.
3) Since I ran a half last week, my legs were still coming around. So I remembered my compression socks and my compression tights and ran in those. Though I felt like I was stuffing myself into a sausage casing, it totally worked and my legs feel so much better after this half than last week's. My stylish lilac top came from Madison's totally awesome Goodwill store on State Street.
4) Last week, I experienced the dreaded runner's bonk--I hit the wall during mile 12 and needed assistance on the course. I got a PR--personal record--but at a cost! I had blisters on my toes, needed a two-hour nap after the race, and was achy for days. I was so sore that I thought I might change to the quarter marathon. But there was no point in going to Madison for something only a bit longer than a 10K. So I rethought all I'd done wrong and didn't do it this time. In Collinsville, I ran faster than I should have. In Madison, I stuck with the 2:10 pace group. If you get the chance to run with a pace group, take it! I really loved the way sticking with the pace group forbade me from running too fast. In Collinsville, I didn't use gels--those packets of sticky-sweet goop that taste like frosting gone wrong--because my weight loss was keyed by sugar reduction. But running 13.1 miles requires sugar from one source or another--or your blood sugar will plummet and you will bonk. So in Madison, I used one of the free gels I got at the expo and used one that was given to me on the course by a volunteer.
5) Speaking of volunteers, this race had great ones in charge of the water/gatorade/gu/orange slice stations. But a bigger race means that it's harder to get to the folks at the water stops--some water stops I passed up because there were too many people in front of me.
6) In addition to proper fueling and hydration, I didn't run with music. Oh I had my headphones and one of my many mp3 players, but I decided early on to listen to what was going on around me, to look at the lovely town of Madison (how can you not love a place with this many lakes) and to appreciate the spectators. It was great seeing people out on the course--most were looking for specific people to cheer for (a lot of "super Mom" signs), but some were just there to cheer people on. My name was on my race bib (first time for that), so I got cheers of "Go Allison" from strangers. The spectator signs were great: "Chuck Norris Never Ran a Marathon," "Nice Ass," "Stop Reading, Keep Running," "Beat Oprah," and many more that made me laugh as I ran. In Collinsville, I ran to music, but the music was faster than I should have used. My new rule: never run a race to music you've not run to before!
7) I worked on my form as I ran. I remember that one thing that caused my bonk in Collinsville was breathing raggedly because I was running too fast and overstriding as a consequence. I deliberately made my stride shorter and quicker, kept my breaths even, and didn't overswing my arms, keeping my upper body stable. I also tried to run from the hips, not from the knees--if that makes any sense at all.
8) Race directors always seem to throw in an extra obstacle at the end of a race. This race started and ended at Wisconsin's state capital. We started off at a decline; so at race's end, we were coming up an incline. It wasn't that bad, but I saw a lot of folks start to walk at that point. I was damned if I was going to walk at that point. But neither was I going to sprint. I just kept on running.
9) The best finish line I have experienced yet: a photographer for post-race pictures, a medal immediately around my neck and lots of free food and drink. Despite the crowds, Jon (husband and runner support) quickly found me, a happy and satisfied me. Happy because this was a hugely entertaining race in a great town; satisfied because even though I didn't PR, I ran a great race my way.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Allison's Second Half-Marathon: YMCA of Southwest Illinois
Here are a few notes/observations/questions about today: my second half-marathon, May 21, 2011
1) Choosing your second half is as important as choosing your first. This new race, sponsored by the YMCA in Collinsville/Maryville Illinois, was perfect for me. Not much bigger than the races I run further south, and only 2 hours from home, an area of the state we're familiar with. Jon (husband and runner support) got us a room at the Doubletree and since he's a Hilton Honors member, they gave us late checkout. Very important, since it allowed me to nap and shower after the race.
2) The race was about 300 people, not bad for their first time, not bad at all. Lots of it took place on the MCT Trail (http://www.mcttrails.org/index.aspx), which is beautiful this time of year--lush and green. I would urge anyone who runs, bikes or walks in the Collinsville/Maryville/Troy area to get familiar with the trail. Lovely, just lovely. And I would urge anyone living in this area to become part of the YMCA of Southwest Illinois. If I lived in this part of the state, I would totally take advantage of their half-marathon and marathon training. The volunteers were plentiful, enthusiastic and very helpful to me (see next note).
3) There were plenty of aid stations with volunteers offering water and gatorade. I am stubborn, and so I wouldn't stop running to properly drink the water or gatorade, so as a consequence I was probably dehydrated. I kept thinking," well, I didn't need water during my first half." But race comparisons are not always useful. My first half was in February in the cold; my second in May in the humidity and heat. I definitely needed more water. Since I was probably dehydrated, I bonked.
4) In runner's parlance, "bonking" means you run out of gas, you hit the wall, you reach your limit. This happened to me in mile 12. I was shaky during the latter part of 11, but during 12 shaky turned to full-on weaving, dizziness, and a case of the jelly legs. I was like a drunk driver up in this piece. Up until mid-11, I was doing pretty well. But 12 was the first time ever in a race that I've experienced the bonk. Fortunately, it must have been obvious, because a series of race volunteers helped me through that mile. I am stubborn, and I didn't want to walk, but walking was forced upon me by the bonk!
5) Could the bonk have been prevented? Yes, I believe it could have. I had gels (which are gooey packets of sugar that endurance athletes use so they can, well, endure), but I didn't use them during the race. The bonk forced me to use one AFTER the race. If I had used the gels, I would not have experienced the drop in blood sugar that accompanies the bonk. But again, I'm stubborn: I don't use gels on long practice runs, I thought, why I should I use them now? Well, I'm learning again that training and racing are two different things. I usually avoid sugar like the plague, but now I'm thinking it's infinitely useful on race day.
6) The course was basically flat except for a "hill," a pedestrian bridge we had to pass over twice. So cute--the race organizers had cheerleaders from Collinsville Middle School there to cheer for runners on the bridge. Passing over it twice was challenging!
7) I ended up with a PR (personal record) for this distance: 2 hours, 4 mins, 56 seconds. A full five minutes faster than my first half (2:09:58). I am proud of both times, but I've learned comparing them isn't all that useful. During my first half, I was dealing with ice, gravel, mud--winter. That really isn't the same as a race that is on a paved bike trail with just a few moments of running in a residential neighborhood.
8) Since I had that shaky mile 12, I let the EMTs file a report on me. I did not feel so bad that I needed to go to the hospital, but I let them check me out. I'm stubborn, but I'm not stupid. I checked out totally okay--130/60 BP. Both the EMTs staffing the race and the race volunteers were surprised to learn my age. I was not so out of it that I couldn't appreciate the compliment! Again, big ups to the YMCA of Southwest Illinois for their great handling of my situation.
9) Would I trade that new PR for no bonk? Hmm. Let me get back to you on that one. The bonk is something every runner needs to learn to deal with, whether you are doing 5Ks or marathons or ultras. Now that I've experienced it, I'll be better equipped to deal with it when I know it's happening.
10) I hope that the YMCA gets to do this race again next year--I know I'll want to participate. And I'm pretty certain that with another year of running under my belt, there will be no bonk.
1) Choosing your second half is as important as choosing your first. This new race, sponsored by the YMCA in Collinsville/Maryville Illinois, was perfect for me. Not much bigger than the races I run further south, and only 2 hours from home, an area of the state we're familiar with. Jon (husband and runner support) got us a room at the Doubletree and since he's a Hilton Honors member, they gave us late checkout. Very important, since it allowed me to nap and shower after the race.
2) The race was about 300 people, not bad for their first time, not bad at all. Lots of it took place on the MCT Trail (http://www.mcttrails.org/index.aspx), which is beautiful this time of year--lush and green. I would urge anyone who runs, bikes or walks in the Collinsville/Maryville/Troy area to get familiar with the trail. Lovely, just lovely. And I would urge anyone living in this area to become part of the YMCA of Southwest Illinois. If I lived in this part of the state, I would totally take advantage of their half-marathon and marathon training. The volunteers were plentiful, enthusiastic and very helpful to me (see next note).
3) There were plenty of aid stations with volunteers offering water and gatorade. I am stubborn, and so I wouldn't stop running to properly drink the water or gatorade, so as a consequence I was probably dehydrated. I kept thinking," well, I didn't need water during my first half." But race comparisons are not always useful. My first half was in February in the cold; my second in May in the humidity and heat. I definitely needed more water. Since I was probably dehydrated, I bonked.
4) In runner's parlance, "bonking" means you run out of gas, you hit the wall, you reach your limit. This happened to me in mile 12. I was shaky during the latter part of 11, but during 12 shaky turned to full-on weaving, dizziness, and a case of the jelly legs. I was like a drunk driver up in this piece. Up until mid-11, I was doing pretty well. But 12 was the first time ever in a race that I've experienced the bonk. Fortunately, it must have been obvious, because a series of race volunteers helped me through that mile. I am stubborn, and I didn't want to walk, but walking was forced upon me by the bonk!
5) Could the bonk have been prevented? Yes, I believe it could have. I had gels (which are gooey packets of sugar that endurance athletes use so they can, well, endure), but I didn't use them during the race. The bonk forced me to use one AFTER the race. If I had used the gels, I would not have experienced the drop in blood sugar that accompanies the bonk. But again, I'm stubborn: I don't use gels on long practice runs, I thought, why I should I use them now? Well, I'm learning again that training and racing are two different things. I usually avoid sugar like the plague, but now I'm thinking it's infinitely useful on race day.
6) The course was basically flat except for a "hill," a pedestrian bridge we had to pass over twice. So cute--the race organizers had cheerleaders from Collinsville Middle School there to cheer for runners on the bridge. Passing over it twice was challenging!
7) I ended up with a PR (personal record) for this distance: 2 hours, 4 mins, 56 seconds. A full five minutes faster than my first half (2:09:58). I am proud of both times, but I've learned comparing them isn't all that useful. During my first half, I was dealing with ice, gravel, mud--winter. That really isn't the same as a race that is on a paved bike trail with just a few moments of running in a residential neighborhood.
8) Since I had that shaky mile 12, I let the EMTs file a report on me. I did not feel so bad that I needed to go to the hospital, but I let them check me out. I'm stubborn, but I'm not stupid. I checked out totally okay--130/60 BP. Both the EMTs staffing the race and the race volunteers were surprised to learn my age. I was not so out of it that I couldn't appreciate the compliment! Again, big ups to the YMCA of Southwest Illinois for their great handling of my situation.
9) Would I trade that new PR for no bonk? Hmm. Let me get back to you on that one. The bonk is something every runner needs to learn to deal with, whether you are doing 5Ks or marathons or ultras. Now that I've experienced it, I'll be better equipped to deal with it when I know it's happening.
10) I hope that the YMCA gets to do this race again next year--I know I'll want to participate. And I'm pretty certain that with another year of running under my belt, there will be no bonk.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Local Race Alert: For Kids Sake
For Kids' Sake is a Carbondale-based organization committed to helping the orphans of Bangladesh. They will sponsor a 5K/10K Run and Walk for this worthy cause on September 24, 2011.
Details here:
For Kids' Sake Run/Walk
Details here:
For Kids' Sake Run/Walk
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Regional Races: Worth the Trip from Southern Illinois
These races are a bit of a car ride from the Carbondale/Murphysboro/Marion area, but they are all for worthy causes!
AM Run (Adam Morgan Foundation, fundraiser for Autism Research), St. Peters, Missouri, April 30, 2011
AM Fun Run
Knights Easter Eggstraordinaire 5K, O'Fallon, Illinois (benefiting St. Clare School Athletics), April 23, 2011
St. Clare Run
5K Run/Walk sponsored by the Xplosion Softball 12U League, April 16th, 2011
Xplosion Run
5Mile Run/3K Walk Against Racism, the YWCA of Alton, Illinois, May 7, 2011
YWCA Run Against Racism
Second Annual Ella Prickett/St. Baldrick's Foundation 5K run
Run Against Childhood Cancers
AM Run (Adam Morgan Foundation, fundraiser for Autism Research), St. Peters, Missouri, April 30, 2011
AM Fun Run
Knights Easter Eggstraordinaire 5K, O'Fallon, Illinois (benefiting St. Clare School Athletics), April 23, 2011
St. Clare Run
5K Run/Walk sponsored by the Xplosion Softball 12U League, April 16th, 2011
Xplosion Run
5Mile Run/3K Walk Against Racism, the YWCA of Alton, Illinois, May 7, 2011
YWCA Run Against Racism
Second Annual Ella Prickett/St. Baldrick's Foundation 5K run
Run Against Childhood Cancers
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