May 2016 Running Challenge

mbaker566

I got close to my April goals so I will try for it again.
starting the month with a sore knee and a half on Saturday

May

1-0
2-stretching





RACES:
Jan 16-Frosty 5k-33:43:123 (gun time-don't have chip time)
Feb 13-Steve Cullen Run 8k chip time: 53:37
Feb 15 Puppy Love Virtual Run 10k runkeeper time: 1:13:20
Mar 12-Great Pi Run 5k 32:17
May 7-Door County Half Marathon
May 28-29-Global 5k Run Virtual
May 28-Top Gun Run 5k Virtual
June 11-Rock n Sole 1/4 Marathon?
June 19th through Sunday, July 10th SHE Power Virtual Half
July 20-Cream Puff 5k?
July 30-National Watermelon Day 5k?

WhatMeRunning

@Ohhim - Fantastic post race report! You are a beast! No wait...you are THE BEAST as you carried the number of it and all!

EvgeniZyntx

@ohhim excellent report and interesting read on your train and goals.

@kristinegift it would seem that the cramping issue you are having isn't related to hydration and electrolytes. I'd suggest to look elsewhere, in particular capacity at effort. It seems your legs just aren't used to that kind of effort. Have you looked at how much protein you are getting and are you doing any regular progressive strength training with your legs?

Training without proper nutrition is going to lead to the type of issues you describe.

AdrianChr92

Did another test run today. No pain whatsoever in my knee. Going to increase mileage very slowly.

I found a trail. Sort off. It's not asphalt. Gotta say it feels much better on the body to run on grass and earth than on asphalt and concrete. Was pretty scary first time since there are like 0 people around there but I went for it and it was awesome. Only saw a flock of sheep (the rams looked at me funny) and some falcons that I managed to scare away.

Here's how it looks like



The terrain is really irregular and I feel it in my feet a lot. I'm sore in the arches of my feet and around the lower portion of my calves. This is new but I like this pain. This is good pain.

Not sure about mileage this month. Don't care for now. As long as I'm back to 100% I'm happy

..Date.....Distance.......Sore spot today
May 01 - rest
May 02 - 4.1 km..........Arches of feet



03/04: Bucharest 10k and Family run 48:28
16/04: Color Run Bucharest
17/04: Forest Run 5k 22:05
08/05: VeterRUN 6.7k

Stoshew71

PoppetsMaster wrote: »

I ran 13 miles today... and as of today I have been running for 5 years. Today's 13 brings my five year mileage to 6,700 miles. Very satisfying.

Happy 5 year Runniversary!!!

instantmartian

Firstly, welcome to all the newbies and congrats to everyone on their races this past weekend. It seems like everyone was very happy with their results, and I can tell you that it truly makes me so much happier to know that others did so well because I know we all have our bad days and our good days, and I really need to remind myself of that right now.

My (long) Sunday recap:
I ran the Broad Street run in Philadelphia. For anyone who may not be familiar with it, it is the largest 10-mile road race in the US with somewhere around 40,000 entrants. It's a race that has been on my bucket list since I started running about six years ago. I won a spot in the lottery last year, but I injured my hip about a month before the race and had to defer. My injury hung me up for about four months - it just wouldn't heal. Deferment meant that I was guaranteed a race spot this year. I have heard so many awesome things about Broad Street. The race actually nets a slight decline, and it runs straight down Broad Street from Central High School in North Philly to the Navy Yard in South Philly making it flat, fast, straight, and the spectators along the length of the ten miles was supposed to be just awesome. I had myself so much looking forward to this race, and I decided it would probably be a once a done thing for me.

Sunday morning, my boyfriend's mom dropped us off at the start around 7:10am. It was so damn cold and rainy. My boyfriend hung out with me until about 7:45am at which time I got into my corral. I decided to not change corrals and just place myself at the front of my assigned corral, which seemed to actually work very well for me. The race started at 8:00am, but my corral didn't take off until about 4 minutes to 9:00am. By this time, it was pouring, and the temp was somewhere around 45 degrees F. Around mile 2, I decided I had to pee. I think it was just from being cold and wet. I contemplated stopping, still having 8 miles to go, and I decided to do so to be on the safe side. Besides, I was there for "fun" not to beat myself up. I stopped, and it took me almost exactly 10 minutes to get through the line and start back on my way.

It poured, then just rained, the entire time until I got to Center City. A few blocks north of City Hall, it was just drizzling, which was awesome. My boyfriend graduated from Roman Catholic High School for Boys, which is on the corner of Broad and Vine in Center City Philly, so he decided to wait there to see me pass. He actually ran with me, in his jeans while holding an umbrella, for about a quarter mile towards City Hall where he left me to hop on the subway to make his way to the Navy Yard. This was a nice little break in things, because I was starting to get pretty miserable around this point. I was soaked and my body was just tired, though I'm not entirely sure why. His little stretch of encouragement that happened to come shortly after a run through Temple University's campus, where the students were just awesome, helped lift my mood a bit.

By the time I got around City Hall (and made a front-and-center appearance on NBC 10 news), it was outright raining, again, and the rain continued, steadily, for the remainder of the morning. There's really nothing exciting going on between City Hall and the Navy Yard, and pretty much everyone I talked to at the start told me that the second half of the race is not nearly as exciting and interesting as the first half, so I was expecting a whole lot of nothing. I ate my gel, had some Gatorade and a bunch of water, and plugged along.

Somewhere during mile 8, my intestines decided they didn't like me anymore. I knew it wasn't going to be an issue, but it definitely wasn't comfortable. This was something I had never experienced during a race, before. I continued to plug along. Then, I hit the last water stop. Just before I went to take a cup of water, something didn't feel right, and I looked down at my hand. My hand was so swollen, I didn't think I could actually grasp the cup, so I gave the guy a high five and kept running. I think I confused him, but he laughed and wished me luck. Then, shortly after the mile 9 marker, my legs decided to revolt. My joints were getting a little stiff before this point, but now my legs were cramping. It was the weirdest thing I had ever felt in my life - muscles cramping up, but with absolutely no pain. My legs decided to just stop functioning, and I was starting to stiffen up from the waist down. By the time I reached the gate to the Navy Yard (about a quarter mile to the finish line), the toes on my left foot would curl under every time I lifted my leg to take a step. I felt myself losing my balance a few times, so I stopped to walk fearing I would end up on my face. I spotted my boyfriend with is phone facing me, so I jogged past him for his photo or video or whatever he was doing. I then walked for about .15 miles, and decided there was no way I was going to be seen walking across the finish line, so I "booked it" for the last little stretch. I had decided that I would rather look like I was giving it my all and fall flat on my face than copping out at the finish.

I, thankfully, did not fall, but I was swollen, stiff, completely soaked, and freezing. I also must have been a bit out of it because they were handing out mylar blankets and water bottles somewhere after the finish line, and I 100% did not see them or even notice people had these things until after I made my way through the tent where they handed out the medals and bags of foodstuff. Both would have been very nice to have at that point, but I couldn't get back out of the little festival, and I just wanted to get on the shuttle to the subway station. I found my boyfriend, I handed him the bag, he commented on how swollen my hands were, and we went to the shuttle bus. After we tried getting on six different buses and were turned away from each of them, we just walked to the subway. I was quite angry, as were many people around me, but I really just wanted to leave. I figured, at that point, I was already freezing and soaked, so it couldn't get much worse. It was about a mile walk to the subway from where we were. My boyfriend tried giving me his umbrella several times, which was quite sweet, though I was so wet it really made no difference at that point. He, at least, was partially dry, so I told him to just keep it. No point in us both being soaked. I don't think I had ever been so happy to be on a subway car than I was yesterday. It was dry, kind of warm, and I could sit. I froze, again, for the next two-block walk to the car, where I covered myself in a towel and roasted my boyfriend out of the car for the drive back to his parents' where I took a super-hot shower before my boyfriend and I drove over to one of my favorite brunch spots so I could have my favorite French toast.

Today, everything about my legs are sore, and the knee that was giving me trouble last month is in quite a bit of pain. My HRM also ripped a horizontal line into my chest, yesterday, and it is quite painful. I never had this happen, before, but I guess it was from just being outright soaked for so long. My hands are also a little sore - I guess it was from them being so swollen, yesterday? I'm not sure.

I finished with a not so great, but not completely awful finish time, and it would have been improved by 10 minutes had I not had to stop to pee.

I decided I'm going to run Broad Street, again. Maybe I'll do it next year. This was not in my original life plan, but I feel like I have to give it a second shot. What I believed would have been one of the most fun races of my life turned into the downright most miserable one. There were actually a few hundred people who came out to cheer on the runners, which was super admirable, but it was nothing like I had seen on TV for past years. Also, by the fourth sign that said something to the effect of "hurry up, I'm cold" I wanted to punch the person with the sign in the face. Actually, one person at the back of City Hall had a sign and was actually saying this to the runners going past him. The runner directly in front of me yelled over to him "*kitten* you" as she flipped him off and continued on her way. I laughed then looked at the very stunned sign holder and shrugged, but I secretly wanted to high-five the runner in front of me. The energy running through Temple was outright awesome, and it is what I would imagine most of the race being like that had it not been 45 degrees and raining the entire morning. My fingers are crossed that next year, or whenever I managed to snag a lottery spot, again, the weather on Broad Street Run day will be a bit nicer.

EDIT: In all my complaining, I forgot to mention that despite how awful I felt, I actually managed to run in negative splits.

05/01 10.00 mi – Broad Street Run
TOTAL 10.00 mi
GOAL: 45.00 mi

Upcoming Races:
06/04 – Wissahickon Trail Classic (10K)
08/06 – Foreman Foundation Chocolate Tour 10K
09/18 – Rock 'n' Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon
10/09 – 5,000 Yards Dash

MNLittleFinn

Great recap @instantmartian that sounds like a brutal run. Great job pushing through to the finish!

WhatMeRunning

@instantmartian - Wow! That sounds like a brutal run, but you toughed it out when many probably would have given up. I hope your next attempt is much better, and I hope you recover soon.

Stoshew71

kristinegift wrote: »

5/1: 26.2 miles (26.5 according to Garmin!)

First things first: I did not BQ, but I did PR by quite a lot! I ran a 3:49:08, which is a 13.5 minute PR from last fall! I kept getting passed by pace group after pace group after I lost the 3:30 group, and it was all I could do to stay ahead of 3:50 in the last 3 miles!

Today was just not my day. I started out solid and was at 8 miles around 64:30, which was spot on. At 8 miles, I planned to drop to a 7:40-7:55 pace. However I told my legs "Go!" and my legs said, "Uh, how about not." I was really hoping this wasn't going to be the case, but knew it might be because of where I am in my lady cycle right now. So I just went by effort and what my legs/quad cramps would let me do (the cramping started, per usual, around 20-21 miles in, despite 5 gels, a bottle of nuun, plenty of Gatorade/water AND 3 salt cap tablets! idk how to avoid it). Also it was drizzling at the start, then lightly raining the rest of the race and pretty darn windy. My shoes were so heavy that I had to stop and retie them tighter because they were almost falling off! I made a decision about 16 miles in that I was not going to BQ, or try, because I'd been passed handily by the 3:35ers by then, so I just wanted to finish the race feeling happy. So I made it a point to smile at spectators, high-five kids, and grin for the cameras. It wasn't my HARDEST marathon to date, but it was definitely really difficult mentally because my legs just weren't cooperating.

Highlights though! My teammate WON THE WOMEN'S DIVISION! Like #1 woman overall. I was so excited for her! I saw her at the out and back as she came to mile 21 and she looked so strong and happy! She's retiring from marathons (allegedly) after this; Boston was going to be her last but she DNF'd because of the heat (decided at mile 14 to walk off the course to her cousin's house because she wasn't having any fun) but she decided last minute to do this race, so at least her last marathon will be a WIN instead of a DNF. Also one of my other teammates/running buddies ran her first 26.2 today and smashed it with a 3:57!! AND another teammate kicked *kitten* with a 3:31 which qualifies her for Boston. So everyone had a super great race today except me (in terms of goal smashing; I am happy with a 3:49, don't get me wrong!)), but sometimes it's just not your day, you know?

Taking a few days off probably and then running light mileage the rest of the month while I decide what I want to do next. I'm signed up for Philly for this November, so I'll be BQ attempting again there. But what to do for the next six months?!

Hey @kristinegift it, may not have been your day and I know you trained really hard for this. But we are all proud of what you did and a PR is a PR. Awesome job. On the bright side, I will be trying for a BQ in December and now maybe you, me, and maybe a couple of others in this group can all BQ for the same year. I think that would make an awesome Boston experience if a bunch of us were to meet up there.

biscuitnow

Gorgeous weather today and a good first run! I wanted to do 3km but didn't feel like it was a good idea, maybe because I've just recovered from a stomach bug. Maybe next time!

AdrianChr92

@instantmartian What doesn't kill you makes you stronger

kellyship17

In for 80 miles in May!

Stoshew71

@Ohhim Great job with your BQ. I hope the 95 seconds hold up. Awesome costume!!!

I need the 2 race reports from @Ohhim and @instantmartian when I get a chance. I am behind in my reading.

Welcome to all the new people. Sorry if I cannot name you all individually. Just set a reasonable goal for yourselves. Everyone started low. But stick around and be consisitent. We all make this fun and encouraging. Watching the newbies slowly gain miles is pretty much as exciting as watching the long milers and BQers.

biscuitnow

kristinegift wrote: »

I am just finishing my MA thesis, and this forum is a LOVELY source of distraction and procrastination! Highly recommend!

I'll give it a go! I actually love my subject and may end up doing a PhD, but some days, I just need to get away.

By the way, can anyone give me an idea of what a "slow"/beginner's running pace might be? I feel like I'm really slow (which is fine with me, no rush), but I still get out of breath towards the end. I run alone and don't really know how fast people usually are.

Stoshew71

Date Miles today. Miles for May
5/1 REST DAY
5/2 6.2 miles - 6.2 << Taper and cutback week. 5K race Wednesday morning



Upcoming races:
UAH 8K - 3/6 <<< 34:33 3 in AG
Oak Barrel HM - 4/2 <<<< 1:38:00 3 in AG
Bridge Street HM - 4/10 <<< 1:36:33 3 in AG
PEO-AVN Team Day 5K - 5/4
Cotton Row Run 10K - 5/30
Firecracker Chase 10.2 miler 6/25

instantmartian

Thank you, @MNLittleFinn.

@WhatMeRunning: It was certainly the most brutal race I've ever run. Funny thing is that giving up never even crossed my mind. I, too, hope my next attempt is better. I was in it for the experience, and I certainly had quite the experience, though it was not even close to the type of experience I was hoping for. I'm planning on taking the better part of this week off from running, and I'll start my 10K training next week which will include more speedwork and hill training than distance stuff. For now, I see lots of core strength work and foam rolling in my immediate future.

Stoshew71

pthyay wrote: »

kristinegift wrote: »

I am just finishing my MA thesis, and this forum is a LOVELY source of distraction and procrastination! Highly recommend!

I'll give it a go! I actually love my subject and may end up doing a PhD, but some days, I just need to get away.

By the way, can anyone give me an idea of what a "slow"/beginner's running pace might be? I feel like I'm really slow (which is fine with me, no rush), but I still get out of breath towards the end. I run alone and don't really know how fast people usually are.

Run at a conversational pace.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veAQ73OJdwY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ccBcCTlrPU

Ohhim

@kristinegift - Thanks for the kudos. It was pretty consistently raining for the first hour. Otherwise, just occasional rain, although it seemed to clear up for the second half but the clouds stuck around providing lots of much needed shade. Good race report, and although it wasn't a perfect outcome, you did manage to pull off a pretty signifciant PR! If you want to give qualifying for this year another shot, Lehigh Valley (if still available) may be your best bet, and Erie isn't an awful weekend rental car ride away. Definitely sharing your post-race pain (calves moreso for me at the moment).

@michable - I had always had trouble figuring out race pacing. Most of my heart rate strategy as of late is from what I'd call data-driven experience (reviewing numbers info from races that worked & didn't) as most experts seem to agree that paces which produce even splits are your best bet. For me, my max HR is 190, so I'm starting the race around 85%, running miles 10-20 closer to 88%, then pushing up to my threshold levels (90-95%) at the end. Still, I'm usually pretty careful not to vary my heart rate much within a mile as the second I hit my "threshold" rate (even for a hill or surge), I get in trouble. When I ran my first marathon 2 years ago at a 4:45 pace, I was closer to 80-85% for the meat of the race and was pretty close to even splits. Still, all of that data might just be handicapping me, but having run a few miserable races where I started too fast has sent me down this analytical path.

@Elise4270 - Always happy to see everyone on this forum! For the race, I wore both the bib and tail on my fuel belt.

@skippygirlsmom - The LED blinking worked pretty well at the start, but it became dimmer as the race wore on. Still, the overcast conditions kept it visible. As a I started dunking water on my head later in the race, I turned off the lights as they were very dim and I didn't want to shock myself.

@MobyCarp - Hoping to see you there as well! Not sure the 95 seconds will be enough, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed for the next 4 months and hope the experts who spend way too much time looking at this are right about Boston's heat making it easier for next year. Still, if Chicago goes similarly well in October, I'll have an extra 5 minutes in the bank as a 40-44 year old runner in 2018.

@instantmartian - Sorry things didn't go as expected. Broad street in 2013 was my first "big" longer race and it got me hooked on racing past marching bands, music, cheering spectators, and started me down my long dark path. Still, with the rain, definitely much less crowd support, and much more chafing (more on that later) at east coast races this weekend.

Otherwise, big thanks for the support/congrads ( @WhatMeRunning , @MNLittleFinn , @kimlight2 , @ddmom0811 , @_nikkiwolf_ , @dennie24, @michable , @Orphia , @EvgeniZyntx ) as this forum definitely keeps me pretty motivated, accountable, and entertained!

biscuitnow

@kristinegift Just read your report - I do hope you realise that baby runners like me are still IN AWE of your marathon, even if it wasn't your best one ever. Congrats!

instantmartian

@AdrianChr92: You are right. I feel stronger, I didn't die, and I certainly have a story for years to come. It was an accomplishment, and a great test of my will to finish. As I noted earlier, the thought of not doing it and not finishing never even crossed my mind until @WhatMeRunning pointed out that others may have been inclined to give up.

@Ohhim: I've had lots of people tell me similar things about Broad Street, which is why I wanted to do it in the first place, and which is why I decided I need to give it another shot, even though I planned for it to be a once-and-done race for me. I want to experience the cheering spectators and the bands (there were a couple). I want to run past funny signs on Broad Street and not ones that the people holding think are funny but are annoying to the runners. I do have to say, though, I was pleasantly surprised by some of the Philly cops. Several of them were cheering on runners, blooping their sirens in support, and even high-fiving people. This was the first time I've experienced more than a couple police officers doing this during any race, and were actions I would have expected more from small-town cops as opposed to city police. Their enthusiasm coupled with positive energy exuded by the students and people at Temple made me believe a nice-weather Broad Street run is something quite special, and something I most definitely need to experience. By the way, congrats on the BQ. I hope it holds for you! I admire the dedication of marathoners. I'm not sure I'd ever be up for running one, let alone striving for a BQ. It sounds like you had a great run!