Sorry. No Math today.
We decided to take a last minute vacation down to the beach. I wanted to get at least 2 short runs in since I had the Monte Sano 15k coming up on Saturday. Sunday before we left I got up at sunrise and was able to get a crisp 3 miler in with a friend before church. Friend runs are my favorite. It is easy to keep the pace relaxed when you are chatting. Right now I need to focus on running easy, because every time I do speed work or sprint, I end up feeling awful the rest of the day.
By Wednesday we were already enjoying our vacation, but I was feeling antsy having not run in 2 days. Partially because I knew I had a race coming up, but mostly because I knew I would set off a migraine if I let too many days go in between runs. The hotel we were staying in had a nice TM, but I opted for a barefoot 3 miler on the beach. Sand running is both freeing and terrible, in that it's all "yay, beach!" But "oh god, my Achilles." You sort of run on a slant, and I felt an old injury in my right foot protesting at mile 2, but I was still a mile away from our spot on the beach, so I kept running. Thankfully no lasting pain resulted, and I got the best view! Also, no ear buds needed when you have the sound of waves. I should just listen to an ocean recording when I run from now on.
I passed a few private homes, but then it was nothing but dunes. Super peaceful!
On Friday we headed home. I tried to keep hydrated and failed miserably. When you have a 6 hour drive turned like 8 thanks to traffic jams, it is hard to be motivated to down water. I was stiff from sitting so long and super thirsty that night. I only got down about 16 oz. Rookie Race Mistake #1.
The next morning I downed a little more water, and opted to skip coffee before the race, which brings us to Rookie Race Mistake #2. While I was on a roll, I decided to wear my new shoes that I had just bought the night before. This could have been another rookie mistake, but running in shoes as over mileage as my previous ones were would have probably been worse, so I chose the lesser evil.
It was pouring down rain all morning, and even lightening for a while, but amazingly it stopped by the time I got to the start. I ate a half a PB sandwich before and forgot any other fuel for during (hello #3.) As you can see, I could have only been less prepared had I shown up naked. I was sleep deprived and just ready to run. Thankfully the race itself was pumping me full of adrenaline. It is one of my favorite courses despite the challenge of not-so -gently-rolling hills. I got to meet up and start the race with another good running buddy, J. We lost each other in the crowd pretty much immediately due to the fact that we like to bob and weave out of the first big pack at the start of every race.
Around mile 4 I was painfully reminded that I had neglected my yoga the past couple of weeks. My left hip flexor started to ache, then burn, then slowly extend painfully down to my knee. At that point I slowed my pace and focused on my form. Amazingly I didn't walk any. I thought for sure with the pain starting up that early that I would be forced to, but it was easier just to keep a steady pace and forge on. My calves were healthily aching by the 10k mark, but the procompression socks really seemed to help with that! After the race I had no aching like I usually do in that area. And bonus, no getting up early to shave my legs before the race, which is clearly a selling point in itself.
At mile 7 it started to drizzle, but mostly was just foggy and humid with a cool breeze. It was a very comfortable race weather wise. I was starting to feel those rolling hills and was feeling pretty done by mile 8. At one point I didn't notice which way the runners in front of me went and asked the girl next to me, "wait, which way did they go?" Which gave her a good laugh as she pointed. Then I saw the giant sign with an arrow. I have the worst sense of direction, which isn't the greatest trait to have as a runner. I get lost A LOT.
At the very end I got a boost of energy and started to sprint the last half mile or so. As I passed our awesome local race photographer, he said something about me sprinting for the camera. I yelled out, "just passed the pizza guy, gotta get that pizza!!" Which is true. So thank you dominos pizza guy, who pushed me through the last mile. Never underestimate the power of carbs.
I finished strong in 1:35:12, just 7 minutes slower than last year. I averaged a 10:07 pace. I expected it to be around 11, so I was pleasantly surprised. MS15K 2014, a success!
I came away from this race with some painful reminders about longer distance racing. Hydrate and fuel! Good God, the race was wonderful, but the recovery was terrible. I was so exhausted and ended up with a persistent dehydration headache until that evening. I was just thanking God I didn't trigger a migraine. With The HSV Half coming up in less than a month, I am reminded how important fueling is! I cannot even go 2 hours in the day without a snack, so I should have carried my raisins or honey stinger chews at the very least. I did get to test out Nuun tabs in my water directly after, and I think I will carry that in my next half for during the race. The fizziness helped settle my stomach, and the taste was easier to handle than plain water. I hate to carry water when I run and usually just use the water stations, but I think it will help keep my electrolytes in check during the race. They usually only have gatorade at the aid stations, and my stomach does not handle the sugar and chemicals in those type drinks. I would also like to experiment with run/walk intervals some more. I plan to stay around the 2:30, 2:20 pace groups in this next half. My goal is to finish feeling good, not to PR or worry about speed. I am just not trained up enough for any sort of time goal right now. If I feel good after the 10k mark, I will speed up some. I just want to enjoy and respect the distance, and you know, remain upright afterwards.
I started my week off good today with 45 minutes of vinyasa yoga. My hip flexor is no longer angry, so it is back to running tomorrow!
-Teacup Runner
"I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken."-Psalm 16:8 NIV
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