Women's Basketball Hall of Fame 4Kay - Race Report

This past weekend I had the pleasure of walking the WBHOF 4K for Kay with my mother.  The race is held every year in honor of Kay Yow, former NC state women's basketball coach, who died of cancer in 2009.

We arrived 30 minutes early to get registered and settle in. 

I made a point to have my camera there for pictures.  I rarely get good race photos and knew that walking this one meant I had a better opportunity.  We posed for pictures before hand, but my dad said we were smiling too big in the pictures.  This pose was especially for him.



We made our way toward the back to get in position.  I hate getting stuck behind walkers when I'm trying to run a race, and I think we did a great job picking a spot this time.  We were out of the way of the runners, but positioned in the front of the most of the other walkers.  As we crossed the start line, I noticed our cheering section going wild.

That's my dad in the brown t-shirt and Jay in the WV hat.  That's as wild as they get.  My dad has made us travel all across the country visiting other sports hall of fame's, but had never visited this one - despite it being right next door.  The HOF was open (and free) so Jay and Daddy took advantage of that while we raced.

One of the few walkers we didn't get in front of at the start was the 92 year old man who set a state 5K record the last race I did.   His 5K time was better than my parents' 5K PR.   "We have to beat him!"

That's right, our main goal was beating a 92 year old.  Our secondary goal was beating the pace my parents walked the Covenant 5K last year.  She's sworn since the race that she could have done it faster but that Daddy was dragging her down.  This was her chance to prove it.

We  talked with a couple of other walkers as we went. Its a family thing - we can't not talk.  Even to strangers.  Its the south though, everyone down here is use to it.  :P

My mom wanted to jog a time or two, in an attempt to catch up with the walker-walker and by the turn around spot we caught him.  I'll admit that there were a couple times on the way back in that we might have said "I hear the wheels of the walker - let's jog!"

I was really proud of how hard she pushed herself (or I pushed her and she let me) this race.  Its her first since her surgery earlier in the year and she did a great job.  We stayed together until the end.  It was a non-chipped/shoot finish so she had me go slightly ahead of her.

We finished in 36:30 by my watch - that's a sub 15 m/m pace! We definitely achieved both of our goals for the race.  Then it was time to head inside for the award ceremony.  No shock that we didn't win, but I was surprised to find out our rabbit didn't win the 80-99 age group.  Apparently there was another 80+ man in the race! 

You know I can't pass up an opportunity to cheese for the camera!

After the awards we hung out so that we could meet/get autographs of the Hall of Fame class of 2011.  In the bottom level of the HOF, they have a "past, present, and future" interactive section.  "Past" has an old school hoop (complete with net that doesn't release the ball), "Present" a standard basket, and "future" is a lowered basket for kids.

Since the other two were taken, Jay and I shot on the "past" hoop.  Given the nature of the net, Jay got a to use his vertical skills - hitting the ball out of the hoop backwards with each made shot.

Then it was time for autographs.

"
To be honest, I don't follow sports much so I didn't know any of these ladies.  It was still fun meeting them all and getting my bib signed.

All in all it was a great race/morning!

Did you race this weekend?

Law Enforcement Memorial 5K - Race Report

Every year I run the Smoky Mountain Area Rescue Ministry 5K in May.  It was my first race ever and is sort of a new tradition.  After all running the same race year after year is the best way to track progress.

Unfortunately this year it was over Mother's Day and I was nice enough to skip it so that my husband could travel to Ohio to see his parents.

Although my employer hosted a local triathlon this weekend, I skipped it because the "difficult" hill scared me.  I know hard and easy are relative, but when the coworker/fitness instructor that is a total workout bad ass says something is challenging, I believe her.  And know better than to think my poorly training biking legs and my sad little mountain bike can handle "challenging".

Instead I signed up for the Law Enforcement Memorial 5K.  Race registration was held at Volunteer Landing and the race traveled along the river - promising to be one of the flattest races possible in this area.

(source)

I laid out my clothing the night before, and knew that my camera was right beside the door and I could grab it on my way out. Unfortunately, I didn't realize that it was in pieces thanks to my darling hubby, and while the battery was in the charger nearby, the memory card was no where to be found.

He offered to let me borrow his camera, but its the fancy kind with appature settings and the like, so it was far too bulky to carry with me in a race.  (Why my husband borrows "my" camera when he has his own plus a droid is something you'll have to take up with him.)

My tummy wasn't cooperating, so I ate a very light breakfast and hoped for the best.  Thankfully it wasn't an issue I had to deal with race day.

As always when racing in Knoxville, I got lost.  I took the proper exit, but remembered my dad telling me to follow the road until it hit where I needed to be.  I was mistaken, although I did feel pretty confident when I figured out where I was and how I should get to where I needed to be.

Traveling downtown Knoxville isn't my strong suit and I always build in getting lost time into my schedule.  I still arrived in plenty of time to get warmed up, stand in line for the one and only real toilet, and get registered.

I asked a random lady to take my picture with my phone.  Gotta love the picture quality of those 1980s cell phones!!

In the past, I put myself somewhere mid pack for the start.  I don't want to get in the way of other runners, so I try to be considerate.  What typically happens is I spend the first mile passing people with jogging strollers and walkers.  Annoying when that only leaves 2 miles for racing. 

This race was different - I positioned myself in the front.  Just behind the sponsored runners.  While it was nice not having to fight around people, it was a bit discouraging to be passed by so many people in the first mile.  Especially when that douche dude knocked me out of the way.  I'm not talking grazing my shoulder, but knocking me out of the way hard enough to make me "ouch".  (Although I'll admit I am a bit of a wimp, so its not like a bruised or anything.)

I'd discussed race strategy with a friend the day before and she'd said that I got too preoccupied at running XX:XX pace instead of just going out and running hard.  I reasoned that even if I went out at a full sprint and had to walk that would still be faster than a jog.

Ashley had another great suggestion - try to run at just a few notches below a full sprint.  I tried my best, and only a couple minutes into the race I was already breathing hard.

The path took me by Thompson Bowling Arena - home of the University of Tennessee Volunteer basketball teams.

(source)

By the one mile marker, I was wheezing.  Gotta love that asthma.  Thankfully I'd left the Asthma Girl mentality in the bathroom - Super Boo was running this race.  Wheezing and all I finished the first mile in 9:20.

I have to admit that had I seen a less incredible time, I would have been seriously discouraged.  My body was screaming, but the great pace meant it was all worth it.  I kept pushing and tried not to listen to myself breathe.

When we passed the KUB sewer plant I tried not to breathe at all.  Thankfully that section of the race was short and didn't last very long.  Around that point the leaders had already reached the turn around and were passing me heading towards the finish. 

Coming the opposite direction was a dude that I had chatted with a bit before the race, so I took a breath to encourage him as he passed me.  At the turn around, I glanced at my watch again - if this was the half way point I was on track for a new PR and a chance at a sub 30 race.  Sub 30 was my real goal, but I was afraid to hope for it.

After the turn around I tried to encourage people, but sometimes its hard to know what to say.  I couldn't resist cheering when I saw and old man with a walker participating in the 5K.  Dude wasn't even last!!  I was just amazed that he was able to walk, much less beat people decades younger than him.

Mile 2 and my watch said I had only been out 18 minutes and change.  Barring anything unforeseen I was going to do this!!  Unfortunately the 3 mile spot wasn't marked, so I had no clue when to kick in the afterburners.  Once I rounded the corner and saw the finished I kicked it into high gear.  Only high gear wasn't all that much faster than what I had been running.

I suppose my dazzling "sprint to the finish"es have always just meant I didn't give it my all during the rest of the race.  That was not the case here.  As I crossed the finish I looked down to stop my watch 29:21.

I had a new PR AND had finally broken into the world of sub 30 minute 5Ks. 

And I had flem in my lungs that I desperately needed to expel.

No, my phone isn't the best camera in the world but...Yes, my face really is that red.  After a good run it takes me at least an hour if not more for the redness to go away. 

I decided to stay for the awards.  (My time was 5 minutes off placing so there was no danger of that.)  I'm glad I did because I learned a little about that old man with the walker.  He is 92 years old and in that race set a state record.  He walked the 5K in 47 minutes and some change.

If you're not a runner/walker - that's better (by several minutes) than the pace my 50 somethings parents walked their last 5K in.  

That added an extra layer of awesomeness to the race for me.  I totally wanna be him when I grow up! 

According to the official race site my chip time was 29:20 - I'll certainly take that extra second off! 

Mountain Man Memorial March - Race Report

Over a year ago I trained with a group of friends to compete in the Mountain Man Memorial March – 26.2 miles of walk/jogging/hiking through downtown Gatlinburg, going into the country and hitting some pretty steep, hilly roads.


At the time Jay made fun “You don’t have to train just to walk that race.” I insisted that doing anything for 26.2 miles required some sort of training. Then and there the bet was made – in one year’s time we’d enter the same race. He’d prove to me that training wasn’t necessary. And I’d sit back prideful knowing I was right, and that the distance couldn’t be completed without the proper preparation.

The night before I went out with some girlfriends – I had the teriyaki steak, peppers, & onions with mashed potatoes and green beans. Fairly healthy for a meal out. Jay made himself 42 pizza rolls and washed them down with 6 bottles of Natty Ice.

I was a lock to win.

The next morning it was still storming as I got up and dressed Jay lay in bed “I think I just forfeit now.” For some reason I talked him out of bed. We got a later start than I wanted, but we still stopped for breakfast on the way and made it in time to pick up our race numbers.

I got teary eyed looking at the people surrounding me. A host of military & ROTC personnel in full uniform. Most would be making this trek wearing 40 pound back packs. I’m sure there is some good reason for those military boots, but mostly they just look uncomfortable.

Once the race got started, we headed down the streets of Gatlinburg. On the sidewalk and looking from hotel balconies on River Road we were showered with cheers and well-wishers. “Thank you for coming out this morning.” I said to a couple as we passed.

“They aren’t cheering for you – their cheering for the military people.” Jay snapped.

“I don’t care who they are here for, it was sweet of them to come out and I wanted to thank them.” I bit back.

He and I stayed together for the first mile or mile and a half. “I hate to leave you, “ he said “should we try to stay together?”

“It’s a race – do what you need to do.” As he pulled away I assured myself I’d be able to reel him back in later. I trotted down the hills, as was my strategy, but he just kept getting further and further away.

As we turned down 321, I started to get bored. Putting in my IPod for the first time I realized I’d made a mistake. Downloading an audio book with head phones with no volume control = bad mistake. As the cars zoomed past us I couldn’t hear the author as she was reading. Thankfully we’d be on back roads soon and I’d be able to enjoy the book then.

In the mean time, I struck up conversation with some Boy Scouts, given their age they had to be Eagle Scouts or higher up in the ranks. I chatted with them for a bit as I munched on my Teddy Grahams I’d packed for the race. I felt like class mom or something when I offered them some.

I could tell I was an old lady cramping their style so we split company. At the half marathon turn around point, I caught up with a crew from the University of Dayton as well as a civilian marching in memory of a soldier killed in action. I’d seen a member of his team carrying a Purple Heart flag. The back of his shirt had a picture of a young man and Dec 2006 date. Underneath the date the shirt read “It can’t always be someone else’s son.”

As I spoke to this man I explained how I was racing my husband. About how last year I did it in honor of a friend’s husband who was overseas but this year it was a competition. How the hubby didn’t realize how hard the middle portion of the race would be.

He told me that he was a nearby local, but not from this county. How his son asked him to hike Mt. LeConte with him and how difficult it was when he did it without training. He said the next year his son mentioned hiking the Appalachian Trail (the Smoky Mountains portion), so he trained to prepare for it. When he asked his son when they would hike it, his son informed him that he had joined the military and there wouldn’t be an opportunity.

This gentleman never got to hike the AT with his son.

Instead, every year he returns to Gatlinburg to march this course in his son’s memory. He assured me that one day he’d be able to hike again with his son before chastising himself for becoming too sentimental. I assured him that was quite already and he’d earned the right.

He dropped back to check in on his team members and I continued ahead. Except for the portions of the road too close to the river & its rushing water from the night before’s storm, the audio book kept me company.

(i don't know why blogger isn't cooperating - this picture should be rotated left & it is everywhere until I upload it.  grrrr!)

At mile 12 there was a 9% grade. This is why I laughed at the old lady at Disney that called an underpass a “hill”. A 4% grade (and there were plenty of those) is considered substantial for a running course. This one was almost unmanageable.

(for full effect please either turn your computer sideways or view them on facebook)

Once I reached the aid station at the top, I took my shoes off to survey my feet. As suspected, a blister had formed on the insides of my heels on each foot. A medic fixed me up with some mole skin and I was ready to go. As I put my shoes & socks back on I heard a soldier ask for padded moleskin – he said his heels were hot but the balls were just absorbing too much pressure from hitting so hard. The medic advised him to put the padded moleskin between his inner thighs and the soldier just starred at him.

“Um, I meant the balls of my feet.”

Silly boys!

Most of the rest of the race was uneventful. The outsides of my hips started getting sore just past the half way point and I had to stop several times to stretch. At mile 20 I was starting to get discouraged, Jay was still well ahead of me.

In an effort to hydrate, I did too good of a job an around mile 22 I was desperate to pee. Despite being back on the main road, I couldn’t jog because of the state of my bladder. While my legs were crying to run, my bladder was threatening to wet me if I tried as much as a jog. I had to wait until the 24.5 marker before seeing a porta-potty.

It was just me and my thoughts since my Ipod wasn’t cooperating, and they weren’t happy ones. I heard my phone beep at the 6:20 hour point and I assumed it was Jay telling me he was done. It was my mother instead, but I didn’t get it before the call went to voicemail. Shortly after I got the call from Jay – he never said he was done but I knew it by my voice.

Although the sun was behind the clouds, I put my sunglasses on so I could cry. Didn’t want a passing car to mistake me for someone in physical pain.

What a failure I am I told myself. Worked two years to get here and Jay can beat me straight off the couch. I’ve been such a fool, been so proud of all I’ve achieved and in one day he proves that nothing I’ve done means anything. Anyone could walk 26 miles – you don’t even have to train for it, he said, then got out and proved it. I should just give up.

When I reached the last water station I asked how far it was to the finish. I honestly considered calling it quits. It was only another 1.5 miles, so I trudged on. Wogging from point to point, trying to remember the layout of the city and if the finish was just around the corner.

When I saw the guitar on the front of the Hard Rock Café I knew it was time to jog one final time. As I headed down the hill I heard cheering, knowing this time it was for me. I rounded the corner and headed toward the finish line. Jay popped out of the crowd, told me he was proud of me and crossed the finish with me.

I wanted to hit him.

My watch time said 7:50:54 – I think the official clock was a minute slower, but that didn’t account for the time it took to cross the start line. Official results haven’t yet been posted, but Jay thinks he might have placed in the civilian light marcher division. I’m going to do a post about how proud of him I am, but I just can’t stomach it right now.

Yes I’m still pouting.

This sucks.

Out loud.

Operation Priceless Countdown

The Mountain Man Memorial March is only 4 days away.

Eek!

I'm starting to get scared.  We didn't do nearly enough hikes together to prepare, nor did I go out by myself and do long walks like I ought to have.

I have no doubt I can do this distance.  I've done it before and in worse physical shape.  I'm only starting to doubt my ability to do it well.  Last year we finished in over 8 hours.  This year I was hoping for a sub 7 time.  Right now I just don't see it happening.

For all my trash talk, I'm also starting to waver in my confidence that I'll beat Jay.  I know he'll be ahead of me at the half way point.  Will I let this wear me down?  If I let this get under my skin, I could end up letting it beat me.

I decided last week that I need to download an audiobook to my Ipod for the race.  I enjoy listening to books and all my music is just too fast for the walking I'll be doing most of the race.  (I do plan on jogging downhills, but that's about it.)

Only I can't find my charger/usb connector.  Its not in my desk drawer at work (where I normally charge it).  I looked in the first aid bag at home where I normally stash it for trips and it wasn't there either.  Tonight I'm going to do a thorough search of all workout bags and luggage.  Not sure if it ever got unpacked from the Hawaii trip. 

This is a must.  I'll get too bored on the course without something in my ear.  Sure I'm gonna pack my bluetooth and make calls like I did for Disney, but no one is going to talk to me over 7 hours straight!

I need your help. 

1. Is there a place (in person) that replacement chargers can be purchased.  Online wouldn't get here in time.
2. What audiobooks (around 6-8 hours in length) would you recommend?
3. I'm looking for a race verse.  The one below seems somewhat appropriate, but I doubt hoping to beat your husband in a race is what God had in mind.
4. Any words of wisdom for race day?

Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) - “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”

Covenant 5K - Race report

It takes a certain kinda crazy to set your alarm for 5:45 and leave the house before the sun rises.  Just so that you can make it early morning run you've paid $30 for the privilege of running.

Especially when said morning is unseasonably cool. 

All your insanity is justified when you arrive race day to see that the starting line is beside a national regional local landmark.

The dedication of the elite athletes as well as the hand chair competitors is enough to get you pumped for the start.

My goal for this race was to beat last year's time.  Actually it was a new PR, but I was so nervous that I wouldn't be able to meet that, I padded it by giving lip service to the slightly easier goal.

Either way this was my corral.

Too bad I was the only one that really paid attention to the corrals.  I spent the first half mile of the race passing people.  I mean really?  The dude walking in jeans thought that he belonged in the sub 10 m/m corral? 

The down hill portion of the race started shortly before the 1 mile marker.  I checked my watch: 10:15 - on pace for a PR.  I knew that the uphill was coming though, so I wasn't going to get excited just yet.  I tried to ride out the downhill, but still the congestion of the crowd made it difficult for me to pick up any good momentum.  Then again the lack of that speed also kept me from tumbling down the hill.  I guess that's a lose/win situation.

At the bottom of the hill it was time to turn around and head back.  I can tell that I haven't been doing any hill work lately because my breathing got a lot tougher during this part.  Just short of the top of the hill was the 2 mile marker. 

Watch check - 20: 29.  I was still on pace for a PR.  Then another downhill.  This time the crowd had thinned out enough that I was able to run my race and go the faster downhill speed that I wanted.  Rounding the corner at Cumberland and Kingston Pike I had one last downhill, then the end was near.

As ominous as that sounds - its really that bad.

This is the home stretch.  I'd guess its the 2.5 mark or so.  Towards the top of this hill there is a  26 mile marker for the marathon folks.  I took that as my "almost there" tip off to kick it up a notch.  Then of course the 3/13 mile marker told me it was time to sprint.  I passed several people sprinting into the stadium.  I hadn't known how I was going pace wise, so just before I crossed I noticed that the 5K clock read 32 minutes and some change.

A NEW PR!!

I kept sprinting until after the finish line (not stopping my watch immediately for pictures) and a moment later I stopped my watch.

I had forgotten about the delayed start.  I didn't just set a new PR - I crushed the old one!  My old PR was 33:08 - not a bad improvement for someone who hasn't trained all that much!

My official chip time was 31:35. 

Which means my goal of a sub 30 minute 5K isn't all that out of reach.  If only I could find a flat course around here! (Fat chance.)

I'm excited to see the official race photos - I hope mine crossing the finish line turns out.

Now its time to get back to training for the SMARM 5K.  Maybe with a consistent month I'll hit my goal for that race too.

Flashback Friday - the 2010 5K Edition

This weekend I have my first 5K of the year.  I'm hoping for a new PR...but I know after the disappointment I felt at this same race last year to not get my hopes up.  I've been through a lot this past year or so, so I'm interested to see how this year's time compares with last year's.

I started the year with the Race Against Racism 5K on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.  After a bit of prerace drama, I set a new (and my current) PR of 33:08.

For those non-runner types out there PR = personal record. 

Was I anemic then?  Its possible, but if so it was definitely mild and in the early stages. 

My next 5K was the doosy for the year - the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon.  I chose the 5K option.  All Knoxville races are hilly.  This one was a monster.  Right down to the last uphill heading into Neyland Stadium.

Despite my speed work, training, and prediction on my motivational board, I didn't PR on this race.  I was pretty disgusted with my time until I sat down to write out my race report.  It was super cool to have my husband and my parents join me for the race.

That's an honor I don't have this year - my mom still isn't back to 100% on her walking game since her thyroid surgery and my dad just had shoulder surgery this week.  (He's doing pretty good.  Thanks for all the prayers.)

Was I anemic then?  Most likely.  Although once again it wasn't as bad as it would eventually get.

Next up on my training schedule was the SMARM 5K.  I was still bummed about my Covenant short fall and determined to PR in this race.  The previous year was the inaugural race as well as my first race ever.  Surely a new personal best would be fitting for the race. 

Only I struggled more than I ever had.  Even more so than fresh off the Couch to 5K program.  There were times I had to stop and walk - unheard of for me at the 5K distance.  I thought it was allergies, because I kept having trouble catching my breath.  It was scary, although I had no clue how scared I should have been.

Was I anemic then?  Most definitely.  I'm luck that I didn't do serious damage to my body pushing through the lack of oxygen getting to my brain.  Yes, at points in the race I was light headed.

The following week I did my worst 5K ever.  Thankfully it wasn't a timed race and as soon as I crossed the finish line I erased that awful time off my watch.

I don't remember the timing on it, but I do know that shortly there after I got my blood work done for the wellness program at work and found out my hemoglobin was dangerously low.  I was promptly told to stop training (two weeks shy of my first triathlon).

It took a couple months of test and a few rounds of B12 shots and iron infusions to get me filled back up to normal levels.

My first race back was the Marine Corp Mud Run.  It was a 5K, but with a few challenges along the way.  Definitely not a PR course, but probably the most fun race I've ever done.

Last fall I finally tackled my first triathlon, set a new half marathon PR, and trained for the Disney marathon.  Through all of that I didn't run a single 5K. 

I did run the On Cosby Moonshine Run - a 3.2 mile race.  Why in the world they added that 0.1 I have no clue.  It was an insanely flat course.  I placed 2nd in my age group and my 3.2 mile time (30:23) would have been sub 30 at the 5K distance.

That leads us to this weekend. Once again I'll be running the Covenant 5K.  Once again there will be killer hills.  My goal is to beat last years chip time 33:37.  I would be thrilled with a PR.  I'll be highly disappointed with a slower time.

I'll certainly let you know!

Walt Disney World Marathon - Race Report Part 2

For the first part of the race click here.  Although I got a little ahead of my self.  Let me jump back a couple miles before my mother called.

As I said, I felt the call of nature while sitting in the coral, but when I got my first porta-potty opportunity it was evident that I wasn't the only one.  At about the mile and a half mark, there were a dozen or so toilets, but there was also a line.  Figuring that I'd held it that long, I could wait a while longer. 

My patience paid off, as we ran through Epcot (mile 3ish) and there were some real, non-portable toilets open for runners to use.  I even got to wash my hands in a real sink!

Okay so around mile 5 or 6 my parents called to check in.   Along the way we had marching bands encouraging us, as well as Disney workers (through Epcot) cheering us on.  Personally I'd be pissed if some stupid runner made me have to go into work at 4AM, but they were very good spirited about it.

Bari, called me near the Magic Kingdom section and chatted with me for a bit.   My legs were still cold, even though I'd been racing for 2 hours or so, but to that point it was my only complaint.  As I approached Cinderella's castle, I asked her to call me back in 30 minutes.  I stopped (because I don't know the settings on my camera well enough to get a good "in motion" shot) and took a picture of the castle.

I was disappointed that my favorite princess wasn't around her home, but I was glad that race photographers and Disney staff were there to take pictures of racers in front of the castle.  I got in the short-ish line and posed a couple times.

While in the Magic Kingdom I also had my picture taken with the Little Man's favorite character, Buzz Lightyear.  LM says "to infity an yond."

The highway sections of the race weren't nearly as interesting.  In fact, the hardest part of the race for me was between miles 17-20.  My sister had called me a couple times after the Magic Kingdom and I confessed to her that I was starting to get discouraged.  My pace was off what I was hoping for. 

She, BIL, the Princess, and the LM all spoke to me on the phone to help me along the way.  The Princess was disinterested in the run, but the Disney talk had her wanting to play Princess so she dressed her baby brother up in feather trimmed shoes and a lipstick.

Around mile 19, I saw a couple in front of me hold hands.  "Aww, how sweet.  They are doing the race together."  The closer I got it, I noticed that the woman had on wings and a pink tutu.  It was Christie O and hubby.  I snapped a picture of them (hopefully it turned out well) and continued on.

They caught up with me around mile 20 and we crossed over the check point within a few seconds of one another.  :Leading up to the race miles 20.1 through 26.2 had me worried.  Instead of being scared as I tackled them, they made me confident.  With each step, I knew I was traveling further and further still than I ever had before.

Right before the 21 mile marker, Viva Las Vegas came on my IPod.  I had chosen that song because its one of our favorites to compete on the Wii "Just Dance 2" game.  It made me smile thinking about how much fun we had playing that game (and me winning consistently) over Christmas.  It pepped me up and I had to break out the finger guns.  (Those of you who've played will understand why.)

Earlier in the day, I overheard someone say "oh...she's on the phone" as if they thought I was crazy and talking to myself.  Those crazy confirmations were really confirmed when i was shooting my pistols instead of hitting reported wall.

Also around miles 21-22?  My ass started hurting.  More specifically my tail bone.  I debated in my head the merits of stopping, sitting down, and cracking my back, or just continuing on.  The fear, of course, was that after sitting I wouldn't be able to stand.  I chose to risk it, not thinking I could bear the discomfort for the rest of the race.

TO BE CONTINUED
(Click here to continue to part 3)

Walt Disney World Marathon - Race Report

The whole Disney experience was great: meeting for the first time IRL some awesome chicas, experiencing the "magic of Disney", and getting away from the cold weather/snow storm back home for a weekend.

But those are all things to talk about in a different blog.

The race.

I was very glad to have those awesome chicas (and chicos) around me race morning.  Christie O. had heard the day before about people missing the buses to the race because they stopped running at the 4AM cut off time (not that they arrived late, they just stopped running at 4 despite the line).

Kirsten decided to set the alarm for 2:30 to try and catch the bus around 3ish.  We'd packed our bags to check the night before and laid out or race gear.  The only morning of prep work that remained was popping an English Muffin in the toaster and getting dressed.

As we were walking to the main building, I noticed a couple ladies carrying their refillable Disney mugs back to their rooms.   Which (thankfully) triggered in my mind that I'd forgotten my hand held water bottle.  It was the only thing not with the rest of my stuff (I'd left it filled and in the cooler overnight).

A bit flustered, I headed back to our building and got on the elevator with a fellow racer.  I got off when the doors opened and went to room --08.  Banging on the door (we'd left all our keys with Jay) I waited to be  let in.  Then I noticed there was a "privacy please" sign on the door.

Only I was the last person out.

And I hadn't put the sign on the door.

Looking over I noticed I was at 4608 instead of 4508. 

I had just banged on the wrong door.

Before anyone came to the door I took off in a run.  Thankfully I made it around the corner before seeing if they answered the knock.  I felt bad, until later when Kirsten informed me of their loud activities had been obnoxious the night before.  Guess I was tired because while Tim and Jay confirmed that they were really loud.  I hadn't heard anything.

Loading the bus was thankfully drama free.  We were off to the starting gates.  Here was where I was thankful to have my Shrinking Jeans hookers around me (plus Christie O's friend Nicole and Mr. Christie O. and Mr. Kirsten.)  We arrived early, but it just took a few potty breaks to eat up that time and we were off to the corals.

Seemed that there was a porta-potty on every turn.  Except in the coral.  So guess where the urge hit me?  While I'm not above peeing in a bush, there are just some things a girl needs a proper bathroom for.

Also?  It was a COLD morning.  Maybe not by Tennessee in January standards, but by I'm-in-Florida-dressed-in-shorts-and-a-thin-long-sleeved-shirt standards.  When I went to sit down in the coral (I was going to be there waiting for our start for an hour), my legs were so cold and stiff my skin hurt.

I had dressed in a tank, with a thin zip pullover, and a pair of shorts for the promised 70 degree weather.  I was under dressed for sitting around in the cool morning air.  Once the first runners started, the excitement really started.  In less than 30 minutes I'd take my official first steps of the journey I'd been anticipating for the past year.

I was glad to have Christie O. and her Mr. in my coral, it really helped with the wait.  I knew that once we crossed the start line we'd be running our own race.  I was use to running alone.  I'd never practiced sitting in a coral for an hour by myself.

By the time my first scheduled incoming phone call came in, the sun was up, but I was still freezing.  My mom and dad called with their words of support and encouragement before they headed to church.  As I ran through one of the mile markers, my mom asked what all that racket was. 

That racket, was the sound system that the race officials had set up to play music at intervals along the way.  Later in the race, that racket would mess up my race mojo.


TO BE CONTINUED
(Click Here to continue to part 2)

(I don't want to bore you to tears.  We'll be in the park soon I promise.)

Race Report - Secret City Half Marathon

Since last year, I've been excited to repeat my half marathon experience from last November.  It was my first 13.1 miler, I had vacationed two weeks prior (and missed a whole week of training), and almost came in last.  (But I didn't.)

I was disappointed when I went to register for the race - not only had they changed the name (it was the Oak Ridge Half Marathon last year), but also the course.  This wouldn't be an apples to apples comparison.

My tune changed, however, when I learned that a friend of mine from college would be coming in for the race.  Something new to get excited about!  I hadn't seen her in over 6 years (I'd like to think I haven't been out of college that long, unfortunately, I'll be graduated a decade this time next year.)  and was excited to be able to race with her.

I did my standard race routine - laid out my stuff the night before.  Gave myself 30 minutes to get dressed, eat breakfast and get on the road.  When I arrived at the race headquarters, my race tears arrived also.  I always cry during race.  I hate it, but that's just how I roll.

As I went to register I couldn't help but tear up.  What a difference a year makes!  At my first (and only other) half, my sister drove her family in from 2 hours away so that the Princess and the Little Man could be there at the finish line for me.

This year, Jay didn't even bother to get out of bed. 

13.1 miles was no longer a milestone.  It was just another stop on the way to 26.2.

After picking up my packet I headed back to my car.  I wondered how I was going to meet up with Lisa and her mom before the race - I hadn't even gotten her phone number. As I sat in my car pinning on my race bib, something made me look up.

Who was parked right in front of me but Lisa and her mom.  We smiled, laughed, and waved before getting out for hugs and pictures.  (Most of which are on her camera.  I plan on stealing them from Facebook as soon as she gets them posted.)

The race was fairly straight forward.  It was billed as a flat course, which was mostly the case.  There were a few tiny hills here and there, highlighted only by the flatness of the rest of the course.  I noticed another lady running beside me around miles 3-4.  At mile 5, a race volunteer said the official time was 54:58.  "I'll take that!"  I said to my new found running partner.

"Yeah, those people behind us said that you were an 11 minute-miler, and I'm wanting to finish in under 2:30 so I thought I'd pace off of you."

Big Gulp.

She was using me as a pacer?  That wasn't the moment to tell her that my Half Marathon PR was 2:44.  For the next few miles we were pretty consistent.  After the first loop, around mile 8 or so, I felt the wheels starting to loosen.  By that time, "those people behind us" joined our group.

I'll just be honest - if not for them I would have probably slowed considerably.  I kept at it though, pushing myself to keep up with them.  By my 11.5 I hit the "leaking oil stage".  My dad, who watches far too much Nascar, called it that while we were watching the New York City marathon together.  Its that part in the race where you know you've pushed yourself as much as possible and you're just hoping to coast across the finish?  Yeah that was me.

By mile 12 we started to break apart.  Our group has served all of us well.  It was weird to talk during a run.  Weird, but nice.  I had helped keep them steady during the first party, they helped me from backing off too much at the end. 

It was now time to run our own race.  They ended up finishing before me, but the 4 of us all smoked our "under 2:30 goal".   My official race time was 2:26:45.  I could have sprinted across the finish line (as is my signature in all my races) but there was a couple right before me and I would have had to pass them with 10 feet to go. 

Instead I crossed with my head held high, knowing that I'd well surpassed my hopes for a great race.  Afterward I refueled and waited on my friend Lisa to finish.

One of the ladies that I had ran with also had a friend behind her in the race, so around the 3 hour mark we decided to head back out onto the course and find our friends.

(Lisa's mom on the right, my new found running buddy on the left)

I came up on Lisa just a little before the 13 mile marker.  I'll just tell ya know that last tenth of a mile wasn't any short the 2nd time around!  She trotted for a little bit, but was having some foot pain, so we walked most of the last stretch.  As she turned the corner she picked it up to a run to the finish.  I dropped back to get some pictures.

I'm still sore.  I guess that's what happens when I think of a half marathon as a race, rather than just another training run to get through.

Next stop - 26.2 through Disney!

On Cosby Moonshine Run - Race Report

My mom, Jay and I had all registered for this 3.2 mile race.

Mama wanted to walk it for the t-shirt (which I don't have a picture of unfortunately), but started getting nervous the night before.  None of the paperwork said it was walker friendly.  It also didn't list a time limit, so I assured her that walking was fine.

It was false confidence - I had Karena's horror of a half marathon in the back of my mind.  But I certainly wasn't going to tell my mother that.  If need be, I'd go back after her and walk the final part with her.  My middle finger works just as well as any one's. 

(Did I tell you I was all decked out in my wedding veil and flipped someone off on the way to the church?  Yeah not exactly one of my finer moments, but he deserved it.)

Besides I had almost landed in the Cocke County Jail once this past weekend - my dad reffed the Cocke County/Morristown East game.  One of the plays moved very quickly and he couldn't get out of the way fast enough.  He went down hard and from the stands I could see his head bounce off the field.  Some jerk a few seats away from me started laughing.

I'm the first person in line to make fun of my dad - but you're certainly not allowed to do it.  I glared his way and said "Its not beeping funny." Not in a whisper nor a yell.  Either he didn't hear me, or didn't feel like getting blood on his new knife, cause he never turned around.

I made it through the game without hurting anyone, and my mom made it through the evening with a little anxiety.  My dad walked away from the field with 3 cleat marks in his hand.

Jay & I spent the night with my parents since both the football game and race were on their side of town.  Rather than driving back to our house late Friday night and again early Saturday morning, we just crashed in my old room.

When we checked in my mom had me ask if the course was open to walkers.  They assured her it was, and while they didn't know the slowest times from last year, they assured her that most every year someone walks the race.

That's my mom in the coral fleece and navy hat.  I'm to the left of her in my polka dot bondi, white tee, and black shorts.  We don't look like we're in the same climate do we?  It was 40 degrees at race start, so I could have probably gotten by with pants but otherwise I felt comfortable.

(I like that picture b/c I think my legs look skinny.)

The gun sounded and off we went!  Jay was in front (no picture - sawry) then I was shortly behind.

(I'm behind the kid.)  Followed by my mom.

There were 2 other walkers, both about 2 decades younger than her...

It was an out and back course that went about a half mile on the main road (yes, from what I understand this 2 lane road is the "main road") then cut back to the left and went on a back road that ran along side the creek.

When I made the turn, I thought my pace was off.  The race director had said about a half mile until the turn and I made it around the 6 minute mark.  When I got to the first mile marker, I realized he was off.  I'd completed my first mile in 9:17.  Knowing that this pace wasn't sustainable for me over a long stretch, I decided to keep it up as long as possible.

I started passing runners coming the opposite direct and kept my eye out for Jay.  The closer I got to the turn around the more I started to worry.  He doesn't train for these things, then takes off in an almost sprint on cold muscles.  When I reached the "Moonshiner" directing the turn around, I saw Jay crouched down.

Me: "Are you okay?"
Jay: "Yeah I'm fine, just waiting for your mom."

I figured one of 2 things had happened - he'd gotten hurt and didn't want to ruin my race.  Or else he wasn't as fast as he'd hoped and packed it in early using my mom as an excuses.

I kept running and checked my time at the 2 mile mark.  I can't remember exactly what it was, but it was sub 20 minutes.  At that point between my lungs and my head I started having doubts.  My goal was to beat my 5K time despite the extra tenth of a mile in race distance.

"You're not this fast.  You can't keep this up.  You're not going to beat your time.  Why do you set yourself up for failure."
Up until that point, I hadn't turned my IPod on, but I had the ear buds in ready to go just in case I needed a boost.  When the negative voices in my head started telling me that I couldn't, I cranked the music up and blasted those thoughts away.

When I got back on the main road I realized I could really do it - my time was good enough that I had a shot at me beating my PR.  I kept up the faster pace.  When I got back to the school, I couldn't see the finish.  When the race workers directed me onto the walking track, I asked how much further.  I wanted to know if it was time to kick on the afterburners. 

They didn't know the distance, just told me to follow the path.  I held up on kicking it into high gear until I rounded the corner and saw the finish line.

I sprinted out the last tenth of a mile and crossed the finish line in 30:23.

That's supposed to be me crossing.  No one ever said my dad was an expert photographer.

I grabbed some water and a banana and went back to the finish line to stretch and wait for Mama & Jay.  My dad was regretting not walking - his knees, especially during football season, give him problems.  He hadn't signed up for the race out of fear that he'd be hurting from the night before.

As I explained to him how flat the course was, and how there were no hills, and how it was the easiest course I'd ever done, a lady behind me chimed in.  "There was a hill - it was from the turn around until about the 2.5 mile mark."
Oops.  Guess I stuck my foot in my mouth again.  Remember when my lungs and head were screaming at me?  That was during the so-gradual-I-didn't-even-notice-it uphill portion of the race.

I started cheering as soon as I saw Jay and my mom on the walking track.  In both of her races she has sworn to walk it all, only to trot across the finish line.  See the way Jay's walking to my mom's jog?  He does that to me all the time - it drives me nuts!

They crossed in 47:46 - a minute and a half off her 5K PR.  If you've never believed me before that the hills in this area can be killer - this should be your proof!

We stuck around for door prizes and awards, neither of us thinking we would place in our age group, but she hadn't caught her time crossing the finish line and was hoping that after everything was handed out the race director could tell her what her official time was.

We were in for a surprise!  Female 30-34 second place with a time of 30:23 Brooke F!

(Now that the race was over I was cold, so I borrowed my dad's sweatshirt.  Not the most flattering look but I didn't care.)  Look at the giddy "omgIcouldcrapmypants" look on my face.

Speaking of.  As it turns out the real reason Jay didn't finish is because he was plagued by the same problem that has been plaguing runners for decades.  Since there were no portapotties on the course and he refused my mom's suggestion of just going in the creek, he walked the 2nd half of the race.

Female ages 55-59, 3rd place:

Sure she was 3rd out of 3 in her age group - that just means that she was more brave than all the other grandmas that stayed at home that morning!!

Jay's time was on pace to place in his age group, had he been able to maintain it.  The race didn't go as he'd anticipated and my dad was still his normal grumpy self, so while my mom and I celebrated, the mean weren't as excited and proud for us as they should have been.

(Notice the lovely bandage on his right hand?  That's old people crepe skin for ya.  A 200 pounder steps on you wearing a cleat and you have to make a big deal of it.)

I'm very proud of this picture and I hope she is too.  Followed by our fish tale:

The race winner and the over all prize.

And us returning them to their rightful owners.  My dad had struck up a conversation with one of the kids, thinking he recognized him from the night before.  Turns out it was a different dude, same hair style.  My mom ask him if we could borrow his moonshine jug for a picture, then this little boy offered to let us hold his race winner trophy as well.

Yes, they were kids - quite a few members of the Cocke County High School cross country team participated in the race.

Just a week or so ago, I was asking Lightening McHooker if she thought that a sub 30 minute 5K was really possible for me.  She said I'd need to do some speed work, but if I worked on it after the marathon I could get there.

Had this race been a true 5K, I would have been sub 30 minutes - so I'm guessing its not that far fetch of a goal after all!!

Race Report - CrossKnox 10 Miler

This race sucked out loud.

I hate to say it but that's just the reality of it.  I had been a little lax in my triathlon training, and that hadn't hurt me any, so I was carrying that same attitude into my marathon training.  Last week I got lazy and skipped a run.  Then I missed another.  At the end of the week I only had 4 miles under my belt and 2 weights classes.  The rest of the training calendar was disappointingly empty.

Then there was the prerace nutrition.  I had very little water the day before the race.  Saturday was the day of the indoor yard sale and while I did remember to pack a cooler, I had no one to watch my booth.  Which mean any time spent in the bathroom was time that I could potentially be missing a sale.  I had 16 oz of water, 12 oz of Diet Mtn Dew, 20 oz of Toasted Almond Iced Coffee, and probably 20 oz of orange soda.

Just in case you are wondering that's a very bad hydration plan.

My eating wasn't much better.  An English muffin chased with a creme filled chocolate covered donut for breakfast.  Pizza and chips for lunch was my yard sale lunch.  Jay offered to take me out Saturday night because I was feeling pretty blah, but I decided we needed to stay home and eat in.

(With a twitter suggestion from Bari) I cleared the table of all electronics, turned off the overhead light, turned on the table lamp and lit a candle.  I was going to get out the "company's coming" dishes, but Jay already had our standard every day stuff pulled out and piled high with Jambalaya.

Sunday morning I ate a quick bowl of oatmeal and almonds before church, then packed a PB&J sandwich and an apple for my prerace lunch. 

Only it was Homecoming at church.  And they invited everyone to stay after for a potluck lunch.  I had two choices (due to tourist traffic where I live going home wasn't an option) - I could leave church, sit in my car for an hour and a half and eat my PB&J sandwich OR I could stay at church and enjoy some good country home cooking.

I promised myself I wouldn't eat a lot, southern potluck food isn't the lightest of fare.  But then I saw the lasagna and the chicken and dumplings and I just couldn't resist.  I capped off the meal with a slim piece of chocolate pie, a brownie, and a rice crispy treat and it was time for me to hit the road.

As always with Knoxville races, I got lost.  Thankfully Jay was home and near a computer and was able to guide me where I needed to be.

(Crap this is already a long post and the race hasn't even started!)

I had allotted myself 30 minutes to get to the race and 30 to register.  I hadn't allotted 15 minutes of getting lost time.  I was left with 15 minutes to register and the parking site was a block away from race registration.  I was in a bit of a rush and forgot my super cool water bottle.

This isn't my exact bottle.  Thanks to a google image search I found the picture here.  But it gives you an idea about what I was working with.  Typically I just slip it on my wrist and go.  It was about 8 minutes before the race start when I realized I had forgotten it in the car.  Assured that there were water stations on the course, I decided against a mad dash back to my vehicle.  I'd just drink what they provided.

Big mistake.

Although it was a race on Knoxville's "greenway" system, the first several miles were in the blazing sun.  Unseasonably warm - it was 85 degrees at the start of the race.  By the first aid station only 2 miles in, I was already parched.  The 1 oz of water provided by the volunteers did nothing to quench my thirst. 

Thankfully I got to the second aid station in time.  A run/walker caught up with me around the 5 mile marker.  She told a race volunteer that the 2nd station had ran out of cups and they need more.  She had advised them to pick up the cups and reuse them.  (Note to self: work on speed so that never happens to you.) 

Shortly there after I had to take my first walk breaks.  I know some of you swear by them, but my body just doesn't like to stop and walk.  Or rather it doesn't like running again after a walk break.  But I was so hot and thirsty I just couldn't keep running without a little bit of rest. 

By the third station I didn't care about my time anymore.  Fearful that they too would run out of cups, I stopped, drank, refilled, and drank some more.  Murder on both my time and my legs but it had to be done. 

Around mile 6 I started feeling better.  I remember what my husband had said about the mileage - I told him that I hadn't worked up to 10 miles and that I'd probably stop and walk a mile or two.  He responded with quite possibly the only kind words he's ever said about my running.

"You know how you get, after a few miles you just keep going and don't think about it.  You'll do all 10 miles no problem."

That gave me the extra umph I needed.  He didn't just say that to be nice.  I know when he comments about my running (for better or worse) he means what he says.

During mile 7 I heard a clatter.  Gosh this dehydration is worse than I though.  I'm starting to hear things.  The clatter got louder and louder.  A spectator had a cow bell - she was ringing it for all the runners as they went by.  This was the only part of the course with a turn around (its normally a 15K race but they added a little to make it 10 miles for 10-10-10) and as I passed her a 2nd time I spoke to her.

"I forgot my 'I need more cowbell' necklace at home.  Thanks for that!" 

After a few quick tears it was settled, I was going to own the last 3 miles of the race.  I didn't have anything left for my standard sprint to the finish, but I was able to pick it up a little more as soon as I saw the big "FINISH" banner.

I thought I was going to die stopping immediately after crossing the finish line to put my foot up on a 5 gallon bucket so my timing chip could be removed.  Unfortunately they had ran out of bottled water, but they were able to take the water coolers to a house nearby and fill them up.  I got a cup, walked, walked back, refilled X 5 before finally taking a seat in the grass to wait for a shuttle back.

This was my first point to point race and besides the constant changing scenery I wasn't a big fan.  Actually I wasn't a big fan of this race at all.  As hot as the day was with the sun directly overhead, there should have been more water stops.  There was no fruit at the finish line - just organic suckers and Carmel popcorn from Earthfare.

Back at the race start/awards ceremony there were Subway sandwiches and cookies, but still no fruit.  What's a girl gotta do to get some post race fruit??

What I'm banking from this race:

1. I do not want to run on the Knoxville greenways without an escort. 
2. This would be a good 20 miler (assuming I've got Jay or another family member on a bike with me) because of the permanent restrooms and water fountains along the way.
3. I really need to step up my training if I wanna shave 15 minutes off my half time from last year.
4. I need to take Disney more seriously.  I think because I've covered the mileage already I'm not as intimidated as I should be.
5. Race day its PB&J all the way!!!