Racing | SC Loves to Run!

Don’t Try This (Unless You’re a Complete Idiot)

June 29, 2008 at 3:31 am | Posted in Racing, running | 1 Comment

Today I pulled one of the most idiotic moves in my life as a runner: I ran a race with the stomach bug. That’s right, I ran a 10k on one of most humid days ever this morning with severe stomach cramps and after getting sick twice before I left home. No, really, I’m not kidding. Yes, you read correctly. Let me repeat: I’ve never done anything (related to running, that is) as brainless before.

The first mile was okay, not great, but I was holding my own. Then, around the two mile mark I felt like I was going to drop. My legs cramped up, my stomach hurt, my body felt like a dishrag. But, there was no good place to exit the course and get a lift back to the finish. So, I kept plugging along, all the while feeling like I was about to collapse. With each mile marker I said, “Please God, let me get this over with quickly.” However, the race seemed anything but quick, especially when everyone began passing me. People I typically beat by 3 or 4 minutes spanked me today. It was so demoralizing.

Finally, the finish was in sight. I literally crossed the line and begged for water. I felt like passing out but, thankfully, I didn’t. Then came the chills. So, I left the race totally embarrassed and sicker than a dog.

What was my time, you ask? A humiliating 52:44. Learn from my stupidity: never EVER run with a stomach bug!!

Harborfest 10k

June 24, 2008 at 6:25 pm | Posted in friends, Racing, running | 2 Comments

One of my favorite races in Rochester took place Sunday morning: the Harborfest 10k. This race starts and ends (in the sand, I might add!) at the scenic Charlotte Beach. The atmosphere is festive, fun, and relaxed; the course is beautiful and challenging; the cost is a very reasonable $10. I just love this race!

This is a tricky little course with lots of twists and turns and one very steep but short hill. Of course, the sand finish slows you down significantly just when you’re really picking up the pace. Needless to say, this is not a PR course, but it’s a gorgeous course.

When I woke up Sunday morning, my legs were as stiff as boards and a bit achy. I think the 90 minute deep tissue massage I had late Friday evening caused the heaviness in my legs. So, when I got to the beach I decided to just let go of the idea of “racing”, opting instead to run at a comfortable pace and enjoy the day.

With my mind fixed on fun rather than time, I lined up to begin the race. I smiled at and chatted with many runners and ran an easy first mile in 8:00 flat. With heavy legs and an eager mind, I plugged on and started passing a few people, one of whom was a man who really didn’t want me to pass him. In fact, he pushed me and then said, “Pardon me, Madame.” Boy, was I glad that I beat him by a good 4 minutes!

Just before the half way point there’s a very steep short hill that most people opted to walk. Then, came a nice, long down hill that allowed me to make up some time. Around the 4 mile mark, I began to pick up my pace and get my stride. Before I knew it, there was the sign for 5 miles and my friend, Pete, yelling out my time – 40:45. I realized that I had indeed been running slowly, but, oh well!

The above picture of me was taken with about 3/4 of a mile to go. At this point I was feeling excited and ready to finish. But a challenge still lay ahead. I could see the finish and Ibegan picking up the pace, but, wait! I had to run around the bath house? I forgot about that!! Oh well! I told myself to shut up and run. Thankfully, my friend Darren was strategically positioned to encourage me to “move my feet” and then, a wonderful surprise. My new friend, Charlie, was standing right by the sand finish and cheered me on.

My time was a slow 50:44 but I had a ball. Sometimes it’s good just to go to a race and have fun.

Training Week for May 5 – 11, 2008

May 13, 2008 at 5:10 am | Posted in Marathon training, Racing, running | 1 Comment

It’s amazing to watch my body recover from the traumas it’s been through. It seems as though each time I head out for a run I feel a bit spunkier and a bit stronger. Below reflects my training for this past week.

Monday, May 5 – Ran 8.20 from Mom’s house in Brighton. Felt so exhausted when I was finished that it took all of my strength to shower, drive home, eat a salad, brush my teeth, and climb into bed.

Tuesday, May 6 – No run, not feeling well.

Wednesday, May 7 – 11.10 miles. Ran 5 in the morning including 3 x 1200 meters in 5:00. Ran 6.10 after school in Greece. Good running!

Thursday, May 8 – 5.50 miles at an easy pace.

Friday, May 9 – REST

Saturday, May 10 – Run for the Young 5k plus warm-up and cool-down for a total of 8.12 miles. Did a pub run to benefit the American Cancer Society in memory of Charlie McMullen in the evening. While I had a great time and was glad to support a worthy cause, I certainly wouldn’t count this distance in my training log. That’s okay – sometimes it’s good just to run and have fun!

Sunday, May 11 – 11.50 miles. Ran from Mom’s again. Great run!

TOTAL FOR THE WEEK = 44.34 Miles

Run for the Young 5k

May 10, 2008 at 9:54 pm | Posted in Racing, running | 1 Comment

Well, after last Saturday’s disasterous race I thought I’d get back out there and try again at the Run for the Young 5k in Greece, NY. This race benefits the Diocese, so I really felt obligated to show my support.

Boy, I sure am glad I did! Today I ran much stronger (not quite back yet, but getting there). My time was 24:23 and I placed 1st in my age group (all of the really fast ladies stayed home!). Lots of fun for a good cause!

The 3.3 Mile 5k Race

May 4, 2008 at 5:25 pm | Posted in 1, friends, Racing, running | Leave a comment

This morning I set out to run my first 5k race since my surgeries. Admittedly, I was feeling a bit trepidacious about it. I’m certainly not the fastest runner at the races, but I can usually do okay (that is, depending on who shows up!). I knew that today would not be a PR for me, not by a long shot, but I also knew that I needed to overcome my nervousness about racing. The best way to do that is to race!

The 5k for Kenya was held in my town and the money collected was going to help build schools in Kenya. That sealed the deal for me; I would run no matter how slow or fast I did it. So, I lined up at the starting line with my friends Jean-Paul and Karin and with a few butterflies zipping around in my stomach.

The village of Fairport is such a quaint, peaceful little place, kind of reminds me of the town in the musical, The Music Man. While I enjoyed running around my town, I’ve got to tell you that I was seriously slow. I’m talking turtle-pace slow. Almost never do I run at anything over an 8:00 pace for a 5k, never. Not today, though. It was such a challenge to get my feet moving!

When I came down the hill to the finish, I couldn’t believe the time clock – 27:23! WHAT!! This was by far the slowest 5k I’d ever run! My mind was immediately flooded with disappointment. But then, my friends told me to look at my Garmin. The actual distance was 3.31 miles, not 3.1. It may sound silly, but I breathed an audible sigh of relief.

Later on I thought about how much importance I place on fitness. To some, it may seem ridiculous and self-centered. But after a lifetime of giving to everyone else on the planet and placing myself dead last, I think it’s time for me to do things that I enjoy, too. Racing is one of those things. While I know that I’m not the best on any course, I love working hard to be the best that I can be.

Next week, and for the next several weeks, there are many races in Rochester. I’m going to get back out there and try to run a little faster. If I can just keep working and remembering to be patient with myself, I’ll see improvement. Really, there is no hurry – I have a lifetime!

Tough Day at the Races!

March 23, 2008 at 12:13 am | Posted in Half Marathon, Racing | 2 Comments

Until Friday morning I was undecided as to whether or not I’d run the CATS Half Marathon at Mendon Ponds Park today. Karin’s lovely email helped me make my decision. Yes, I crawled..er, ran it. This is by far the hardest half I’ve ever run – it’s literally one challenging hill after another.This is how my morning went.

1:20 – Wake up. WHAT! It’s only 1:20! I’ve got to go back to sleep!! Please, stop that thinking, Mind!

3:00 – Finally dozed back to sleep. Ahhhh!!

7:30 – OH MY GOD! IT’S 7:30..I’VE OVERSLEPT!! No time to eat, no time for coffee, no time for anything but a very quick shower.

8:00 – I think I have everything I need – GU, hydration belt, ipod – let’s go!

8:20 – Arrive at race but still have to register. But where’s registration? Out of the back of a car. No wonder this half only costs $20!

8:45 – Find Karin and sit in my car and wait for the race to start. Man, it’s cold 22 degrees!

9:00 – And we’re off! But much too fast. I tell Karin that we’d better slow down as the course gets really, really challenging with one hill after another. However, we’d don’t slow down and run the first 5 miles in 39 and change. Actually, Karin runs ahead as she’s feeling good at this point. Realizing that I just can’t keep that pace, I slow down. Around mile 7.5 I start to feel pretty good again. At mile 9ish I run into Karin who’s not feeling at all well, so, we agree to stay together and we slow down our pace considerably. (When I say that this is a tough course, I mean it’s a TOUGH, kick-your-butt course!!) Poor Karin is really, really hurting at 10.5 miles and tells me to go ahead. We hug and I take off finishing in 1:57:02 – one of my slowest 1/2s ever. Also, one of the most challenging races I’ve ever run!

As always, I’m glad I ran the race but so disappointed with the way I ran it. I know better than to run fast at the start – I only end up bonking in the end!

One Race Down…

March 16, 2008 at 3:43 am | Posted in Change, friends, Racing, running | 1 Comment

Today’s weather was perfect for a race (40°) and nearly 1,000 runners turned out for the 2008 Johnny’s Runnin’ O’ the Green – a fantastic showing!

Prior to a race I usually run 3 to 5 miles and do yoga. Not today, though. Instead, I warmed up with three of my closest friends Karin, Kathy, and Jean-Paul for 1.25 miles just before the race. Although it was strange to not run longer in the early morning, I think this helped me. Also, I didn’t run with music today and I will say that I missed my tunes.

I ran the 5 mile course in 39:01 (according to my GPS, not sure what the clock said) and placed 10th in my age group. A bit disappointing, but it is what it is. As always, it was great to spend time talking with friends after the race.

Following the race, I ran couple of cool-down miles with Karin and her husband, Matt.

A Weekend of Running

March 15, 2008 at 5:31 am | Posted in Early morning run, friends, Long Run, Marathon training, Racing | Leave a comment

A busy weekend looms ahead – laundry, cleaning, packing, and, oh yeah, running.

Tomorrow’s 5 mile Runnin’ of the Green marks the first official race of the spring running season in Rochester, NY. I’m looking forward to seeing my girlfriends and, hopefully, running with my friend, Karin. The predicted weather forecast looks favorable and my legs are feeling fresh but in my mind I’m just looking to have fun.

Sunday I’m scheduled for a 17 mile run with the last 3 miles at goal pace. Since it’s Palm Sunday and I’m expected to be at church by 9:00 to sing for 10:00 Mass, I’ll be up before dawn to complete this run. I’m looking forward to shuffling along the streets of my town in the early hours before most folks are even contemplating rising from their sleep.

It’s Like a Heatwave!

February 18, 2008 at 7:29 am | Posted in Breast Cancer Marathon, Half Marathon, Racing | 2 Comments

Today’s half marathon was AWESOME but hot, Hot, HOT! Especially for this NY gal who’s used to 20 – 35 degree running weather.

Approximately 8,000 runners lined up at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida for the 8:30 a.m. start. Imagine my surprise when I ran into a fellow hill runner from Fleet Feet in Rochester! Darlene and I both commented on the heat and agreed that we may need to adjust our goals for the day. Jeff Galloway spoke to the crowd and warned us to run slowly as the temp was already in the mid 70s and was expected to climb into the low to mid 80s by 12:00. Thankfully, I knew I’d be finished well before then but still my heart went out to my fellow marathoners who would endure the hot, hot sun.

The course was mainly flat with only a few insignificant climbs, two of which were in the last 4 miles. However, there was no relief from the sun along the course and the long sections run along the highway were like running in a furnace. Although I was initially petrified to run the 2.5 miles in the sand along the ocean, this proved to be my favorite part of the run. Yes, the sand slowed me down but the ocean breeze was delightful.

Many thanks to the organizers for an outstanding job with water stations. I’ve never run a race with as many! Also, if you’re looking for a mid-sized marathon with outstanding crowd support, this race is for you.

Out of the 3,856 finishers of today’s half, I placed 210 overall. My time was 1:51:23 and I placed 14th out of 444 women in my age group. Not bad! Okay, now I’ll share my goal time. It was 1:45 (that would’ve qualified me for NY) but, hey, you can’t control the weather, can you?

My girlfriend, Karin, ran a fantastic race at the A1A Marathon in Fort Lauderdale and placed 5th in the 40 – 44 age group with a time of 3:56ish. Way to go, Girlfriend! What I want to know is how Matt (her husband) ran a 3:15? Outstanding!

All in all, it was a very successful day for NYers running in the HOT Sunshine State!

Angels

January 31, 2008 at 3:28 pm | Posted in Encouragement, friends, Racing | 1 Comment

The beauty of running is that it is truly a sport in which you are competing against one: yourself. With each race we enter, we nearly always have a goal of setting a personal record for that distance. Admittedly, there are times when we just race for the heck of it or because it’s a tradition or just to see friends. For many of us who fit the category of the “competitive recreational runner”, however, we often find ourselves competing with others in our age group. Friendly, spirited competition that more often than not, winds up in collegiality and friendship.

Truly, runners are an amazing collection of people. Even the most competitive cheers on and celebrates the efforts of others and recognizes when milestones are achieved and personal records are set. But during a race, it is unusual for another runner to attempt to assist someone in their age group with whom they are somewhat competitive. However, last Saturday at a very challenging race I had two angels help me.

If you’ve read my posts, you know that I’ve had a very rough few months battling injuries, severe intestinal trouble and other personal issues I haven’t shared. Admittedly, it is easy to lose speed, resulting in poor race times and a bit of the blues. Feeling much better and wanting to run one of the most challenging 10k-ish runs in Rochester (it’s actually 6.385 miles) I ventured out for Powder Mills Park.

At the start of the race I told myself just to take it easy and use the race as a training run. After the first couple of rolling hills I remember that the monster hills were yet to come and I needed to conserve my energy. So, I started to walk up a rather long hill when two very kind women came up from behind me and said, “Come on!”

That’s all I needed – a little encouragement. Together we ran the rest of the race (well, we mostly ran together). In my entire racing career I’ve never encountered another female in my age group who would be so kind and so helpful.

This experience renewed my faith in humanity. Simply put, it was one of my best running moments ever. So, thank you, Karin and Pam. Now it’s my turn to pay it forward!