Race Updates

I started this blog as a way to reflect (or rant) about the training for my first half marathon.  Now that I have rocked my first half, I have decided that I will attempt to keep up with the blogging.  Again, I'm not sure how often I'll update, but I will give it a whirl!

As you can see, I have changed the blog name to:  Live.  Laugh.  Run.  I figured this would be the best name to go with because I plan on using this blog as a way to talk about life and whatnot, along with running.  And let's be honest,  you can't talk about life and running without a little bit of laughter! 

The Rock n' Roll St. Louis Half Marathon was October 23rd.  I have done a race every weekend since then.  I know, I sound so hardcore, don't I?  I'm not sure what I was thinking when I signed up for all these races right after completing my first half.  Maybe I did it right after I finished a long run and had runner's brain.  Regardless, I did them and had fun, but also learned a few lessons. 

Race Reports

SIU Army ROTC 10k
October 29th
1:02:48

This 10k was just six days after the half marathon.  Um, yeah.  I had never done a 10k before, so I thought after 13.1 mile, 6.2 would be cake.  Ha!  That week, Tim and I met up with Jaime to run the course because we had heard it was a bit confusing.  During this little practice run, I ended hurting myself a bit.  Close to mile 4, I started having sharp pains behind my right knee.  I slowed down and just got through the run.  The next day, that area was a bit tight, but not really painful or bothering me too much, so I just shrugged it off as fatigue. 

Race day was pretty much the same.  I was fine the first 3-4 miles, then the pain sneaked back in along with a bit of side stitch-- my favorite!  On top of that fun, I was very much aware that I was dead last.  Seriously, there were no other runners behind me and if I squinted, I could see 2 others way ahead of me.  Oddly enough, I always have that coming in last fear-- I mean, how embarrassing!  I wasn't too concerned about that for this one because there were only like 30 runners doing the 10k, not like 200.  In the end, I caught up to the runners in front of me and came in only a few seconds after them.   And of course, I smiled as I crossed the finish line!  :) 

Funny enough, my dead last finish was actually a 3rd Place finish in my age group!  Tim rocked it and got 1st and Jaime killed her goal time and came in 2nd! 

Annual 10 Mile Tunnel Hill Trail Run
November 5th
1:46:08 (Official Time)
1:45:12  (Garmin Time)

This was a great race!  Tunnel Hill Trail is a converted railroad path that is now a popular bike trail.  Tim signed us up for it and said that he just wanted to run it with me.  Thank goodness!   I was out of town for work for most of the week and actually got home pretty late the night before this race.  Again, what was I thinking?!?! 

There are a lot of things that I liked about this race.  First, the shirts are super cute.  Okay, so that really doesn't impact the running, but I like the swag.  Seriously, race shirts, medals, free stuff-- it just makes the race experience that more fun!  Also, they had a great post race spread.  From soup to Oreo cookies, plenty of noms for everyone!

The actual run was pretty good.  It was a bit chilly, but the sky was blue and the leaves were full of fall color.  The first 5 miles were pretty easy going.  Tim and I were running a steady pace just talking about my trip, etc.  About halfway into mile 6, the same area behind my knee started hurting.  I pushed through for another mile and then stopped to walk.  Big mistake!  Walking seemed to make me more aware of the pain!  Super annoying stuff!  I slowed down once again and just focused on finishing.  The pain would subside for a bit then come back.  Tim was super supportive during the whole thing and got me through it.  We finished the race strong and although my leg was killing me, I am happy I did it. 

I enjoyed this race because there are more folks like me running than there are real competitors.  Sure, the "elites" were in front racing for a PR or placement, but the bulk of the people that were there seemed to be relaxed and enjoying it.  I know some folks were surprised that Tim ran it with me because he is a bit competitive at these things.  The funny thing about Tim is that he sometimes doesn't even care about time or pace, sometimes he just likes to run-- even at my turtle pace!

Women Together 5k
November 12th
30:27

Okay, I was super dreading this race.  On Tuesday, Tim and I ran the course and it was terrible.  My hamstring on my right leg was still tender and started hurting after about a mile in.  Then, about a quarter mile from finishing, I got a horrible side stitch.  Like, the side stitch that could kill all other side stitches.  I was told by Tim and a physical therapist that my body was over compensating for my injury and to STOP RUNNING.    But, but, but... what do you mean stop running? That is pretty much what I did though.  I wrapped the leg and did a few exercises at work and just told myself that I will just have to see how it felt on Saturday. 

I was thrilled when I woke up on Saturday pain free!  Yippy!  However, running was going to be the real test.  Once again, Tim decided he would run with me.  I told him that I just wanted to get through it and not worry about time.  Which was easy to do because I forgot to turn my watch on!  I happy to report that my leg never started hurting and although I did get a side stitch at the end, it wasn't terrible and I was able to push through.  I was only 19 seconds away from 3rd place!  So close! Oh, I have to give a shout out to Leah on her first run after being injured since the half.  Glad to see you back out there running! 

On a side note, this 5k holds a bit of a special place in my heart.  The proceeds go to The Women's Center, a facility that assists women and children in southern Illinois impacted by domestic violence.  When I was a child, I spent a few weeks there after my parents had some issues.  I don't really remember the details of why we were there, but I do remember being comforted by the people there and that there were a lot of other children there with us.   In a perfect world, we wouldn't need a place like this, but sadly, our world is flawed and I'm just happy to be able to help them raise a little bit of money.

So, that gets me up to date on race reports.  I am signed up for another 10k this weekend.  My leg seems to be fine, so hopefully all will go well.  I have gotten back into strength training, so that should help with avoiding injuries.  I plan on just getting back to a running routine through the holiday season and then get back to a training schedule after the new year.  I am signed up for one half marathon in April, but may sign up for another in February.  Tim keeps asking me about a marathon, but I'm not so sure I'm ready yet!  I think I need to do a few more half marathons before I commit to 26.2 miles!  I can't even wrap my mind about that yet!