Place: 4617/4915
Bib: 3016
Time: 4:03:45.0
Chip time: 3:58:29.7
Pace: 8:08
Category: F35-39
Category place: 346/371
Gender place: 2154/2295
10K split: 1:20:38
15K split: 2:01:11
20K split: 2:40:23
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Chilly Half Marathon
Today, I ran my second Half Marathon – the Burlington Chilly Half Marathon. And the race lived up to its name – CHILLY!
It was -15 overnight, so when the race was starting at around 10:00am, it was probably around -11, plus there was a windchill. I stayed huddled in the hotel until there was about 10 minutes to go, then ventured out with an extra scarf tied around my face to protect it from the wind. And, of course, as I was heading toward the start line, there was a guy dressed in shorts! I actually saw a few people wearing shorts over the course of the race and seriously questioned their sanity.
I, on the other hand, was fully prepared in my winter tights, long sleeved shirt, sweater and windproof jacket (and gloves, earmuffs and scarf). It wasn’t too cold waiting for the race to start… lots of bodies huddled close together.
We started right at 10:05 (not sure why 10:05 for the start time…) and within 10 minutes, I was nice and toasty. My scarf has a new home on a tree somewhere on New Street – I’m sure some homeless person will appreciate it.
I was really hoping to finish this race in under 2:30. I was only over that in Miami by less than 2 minutes and I figured the conditions were perfect for a new PB – flat, cool, I was feeling good… Things were going great for the first 14km. I hit the halfway mark in 1:13 after not really pushing myself that hard and was planning to continue coasting till about the 16 km mark and then really push it.
Unfortunately, at around the 14km mark, I developed a cramp in the muscle on the outside of my left leg (I believe that would be my glute, but could be wrong). I tried every stretch possible (well, except for the one I should have done) to get rid of it but nothing was working. I was able to continue running, but I stopped 3 separate times to stretch, plus I had to walk way more frequently than I otherwise would have. My pace for the last third of the race was pathetic.
Anyway, I finished in just under 2:35 which, considering the fact that I wanted to stop and sit down at about 19km, isn’t bad. I guess I just wasn’t meant to get under 2:30 today. I’m not sure what I did wrong. I probably didn’t drink as much water yesterday as I should have, so that may have been the problem, or maybe I didn’t drink enough on the course. Regardless, it’s done… on to the next.
The next HM is the Blue Nose in Halifax in May. I’m not even going to try for a PB there, as the course is somewhat hilly. My next big race is the Around the Bay 30K at the end of March. At least there I’m guaranteed a PB since I’ve never done it before!
It was -15 overnight, so when the race was starting at around 10:00am, it was probably around -11, plus there was a windchill. I stayed huddled in the hotel until there was about 10 minutes to go, then ventured out with an extra scarf tied around my face to protect it from the wind. And, of course, as I was heading toward the start line, there was a guy dressed in shorts! I actually saw a few people wearing shorts over the course of the race and seriously questioned their sanity.
I, on the other hand, was fully prepared in my winter tights, long sleeved shirt, sweater and windproof jacket (and gloves, earmuffs and scarf). It wasn’t too cold waiting for the race to start… lots of bodies huddled close together.
We started right at 10:05 (not sure why 10:05 for the start time…) and within 10 minutes, I was nice and toasty. My scarf has a new home on a tree somewhere on New Street – I’m sure some homeless person will appreciate it.
I was really hoping to finish this race in under 2:30. I was only over that in Miami by less than 2 minutes and I figured the conditions were perfect for a new PB – flat, cool, I was feeling good… Things were going great for the first 14km. I hit the halfway mark in 1:13 after not really pushing myself that hard and was planning to continue coasting till about the 16 km mark and then really push it.
Unfortunately, at around the 14km mark, I developed a cramp in the muscle on the outside of my left leg (I believe that would be my glute, but could be wrong). I tried every stretch possible (well, except for the one I should have done) to get rid of it but nothing was working. I was able to continue running, but I stopped 3 separate times to stretch, plus I had to walk way more frequently than I otherwise would have. My pace for the last third of the race was pathetic.
Anyway, I finished in just under 2:35 which, considering the fact that I wanted to stop and sit down at about 19km, isn’t bad. I guess I just wasn’t meant to get under 2:30 today. I’m not sure what I did wrong. I probably didn’t drink as much water yesterday as I should have, so that may have been the problem, or maybe I didn’t drink enough on the course. Regardless, it’s done… on to the next.
The next HM is the Blue Nose in Halifax in May. I’m not even going to try for a PB there, as the course is somewhat hilly. My next big race is the Around the Bay 30K at the end of March. At least there I’m guaranteed a PB since I’ve never done it before!
Chilly Half Marathon Results
Place: 2074/2259
Bib: 230
Gun Time: 2:36:50
Class: F35-39
Class Placing: 189/218
Gender Place: 1111/1262
Pace/km: 7:26
Chip Time: 2:34:55
Bib: 230
Gun Time: 2:36:50
Class: F35-39
Class Placing: 189/218
Gender Place: 1111/1262
Pace/km: 7:26
Chip Time: 2:34:55
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Getting closer to my 2nd half!
Only 5 days to go till the Chilly Half!
I did 10km today, and felt REALLY good, so I think I should be in decent shape for the race. I'd love to beat my time from Miami but with the lack of training I've been doing that may not be realistic, but oh well.... not the end of the world!
I did 10km today, and felt REALLY good, so I think I should be in decent shape for the race. I'd love to beat my time from Miami but with the lack of training I've been doing that may not be realistic, but oh well.... not the end of the world!
Friday, February 20, 2009
I have resigned myself to the fact that...
I'm just not going to be as prepared as I should be for next weekend. I got out Monday and ran a whole 4.5 km (and was miserable the entire way), then didn't run till yesterday. I did 7 km yesterday and it was actually a really good run so at least I know that I haven't completely un-done all my hard work!
No running today... too cold and windy. My plan is to get out Sunday for 6, then 10 Tuesday, 6 Wednesday and 4 Friday. We'll see if I actually manage to do them all.
No running today... too cold and windy. My plan is to get out Sunday for 6, then 10 Tuesday, 6 Wednesday and 4 Friday. We'll see if I actually manage to do them all.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
So much for that
My last post, that is. Since those 14K I've been sitting on my behind and doing nothing. I had a terrible weekend in terms of eating and feel like I've gained 10 pounds.
I am going to FORCE myself to get out and do my long run (18-20 km) tomorrow. The Chilly Half is only 2 weeks away so I should be starting to taper, but the fact is, I've been tapering for the past 2 weeks... not good...
Why am I feeling so unmotivated these days????
I am going to FORCE myself to get out and do my long run (18-20 km) tomorrow. The Chilly Half is only 2 weeks away so I should be starting to taper, but the fact is, I've been tapering for the past 2 weeks... not good...
Why am I feeling so unmotivated these days????
Sunday, February 8, 2009
My second half marathon!
Is coming up in exactly 3 weeks!
I slacked off a bit with the running this past week, as the weather was pretty yucky, plus I was away for 2 days, but got back to it today and did my 14 km I was supposed to do. It was actually pretty nice for running - around 0 degrees and sunny - but the sidewalks were a bit slippery, which is never a good thing.
I plan to get in ALL of my training runs for the next few weeks, in the hopes of shaving that minute and 39 seconds off my time!
I slacked off a bit with the running this past week, as the weather was pretty yucky, plus I was away for 2 days, but got back to it today and did my 14 km I was supposed to do. It was actually pretty nice for running - around 0 degrees and sunny - but the sidewalks were a bit slippery, which is never a good thing.
I plan to get in ALL of my training runs for the next few weeks, in the hopes of shaving that minute and 39 seconds off my time!
Monday, February 2, 2009
First real run since Miami
Other than our pathetic (1 mile) attempt to run on the cruise, I haven't been out at all since the half marathon. I got out and did 11km today and it felt really good. The temperature was above freezing for a change so that was nice... the sidewalks were in pretty icky condition... slushy/icy in some places and 6 inches of water in others, but it was still a good run, despite the wet cold feet.
I have my Chilly Half Marathom coming up on March 1st, so I'm trying to basically continue my training without taking too much of a break or a reduction in mileage. I'm cutting back a bit on my shorter runs, as I don't want to end up with an injury but I'm trying to keep up the distance with the long ones.
It's supposed to be ok weather tomorrow but then Wednesday is supposed to be a high of -13. Yuck! I think Wednesday might be my day off for this week!
I have my Chilly Half Marathom coming up on March 1st, so I'm trying to basically continue my training without taking too much of a break or a reduction in mileage. I'm cutting back a bit on my shorter runs, as I don't want to end up with an injury but I'm trying to keep up the distance with the long ones.
It's supposed to be ok weather tomorrow but then Wednesday is supposed to be a high of -13. Yuck! I think Wednesday might be my day off for this week!
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Miami Half Marathon
I can now say I'm officially a Half Marathoner! What an amazing race!
We started out before dawn (had to be in the corrals by 5:55) but neither of us could sleep anyway so getting up wasn't a big deal. There were 15,500 people running so it was a bit of a zoo near the start line, although it was very well-organized. The atmosphere was great - everyone was excited to be there. The temperature was also perfect - about 13 degrees.
The race started at 6:15 but because of the number of people, it was almost 6:30 before we even reached the start line. The first part of the course was incredible, running across the bridge beside the cruise ships. Because it was so early, it was still dark but the ships were all lit up and looked so pretty! The support along the course was good too - there was a police boat in the water along beside us, sounding its siren at everyone. There were 3 helicoptors hovering above us as we ran across the bridge. Really neat!
Running along Ocean Drive was fun - all kinds of little cafes and restaurants, with people sitting outside cheering us on.
At about the 18km mark, I was starting to get really tired. I knew I'd be able to finish but my pace was starting to slow down and I felt like I needed more frequent walk breaks. Luckily, it was also at about that point when there started to be more people lining the course and cheering us on so that motivated me to keep moving.
I finished in 2:31:39. I had been hoping for 2:30 but since it was my first one, I was happy just to have finished it.
All in all, it was a great race and one I wouldn't mind doing again some year.
Miami Half Marathon Results
Bib Number: 20479
Chip Time: 2:31:39
Place: 6415/9677
Gender Place: 3002/5250
Division Place (F35-39): 544/849
Chip Time: 2:31:39
Place: 6415/9677
Gender Place: 3002/5250
Division Place (F35-39): 544/849
Thursday, January 22, 2009
3 days and counting
I'm now less than 72 hours from starting (and finishing) my first half marathon and less than 24 hours from leaving for Miami. Everything is packed except for the last minute stuff and I'm ready to go!
The weather in Miami is still looking good for the race - lots of sun and not too hot.
Getting really excited now!
The weather in Miami is still looking good for the race - lots of sun and not too hot.
Getting really excited now!
Less than 24 hours till I'm off to Miami
Yep, only 21 hours to go till I'll be well on my way to Miami. I'm so excited about this trip! Not only do I get to run my first half marathon ever, but I get to spend a week somewhere warm, go on a cruise, and spend a week with Mel! What more could I ask for?
So... about the race. I'm ready. It's funny... when I started training, my goal was just to complete it. They (whoever "they" are) say that that should be your goal for your first one. But then I hit the point where I realized there was no question that I could complete it. I ran 20K in a training run and made it without much trouble so I know I can do 21.1. So now my goal is to complete it in 2:30. That might be a bit optimistic and if I don't make it, I won't beat myself up but I needed some sort of challenge for myself.
We've signed up for the 5K race on Saturday as well. We're supposed to run 3K that day anyway and when we found out the 5K'ers get a medal, we decided we had to do it! We're not going to race it, just treat it as a slow run.
Anyway, my suitcases are calling my name (actually, I think it's a cat IN the suitcase that's calling) so I'd better get packing.
So... about the race. I'm ready. It's funny... when I started training, my goal was just to complete it. They (whoever "they" are) say that that should be your goal for your first one. But then I hit the point where I realized there was no question that I could complete it. I ran 20K in a training run and made it without much trouble so I know I can do 21.1. So now my goal is to complete it in 2:30. That might be a bit optimistic and if I don't make it, I won't beat myself up but I needed some sort of challenge for myself.
We've signed up for the 5K race on Saturday as well. We're supposed to run 3K that day anyway and when we found out the 5K'ers get a medal, we decided we had to do it! We're not going to race it, just treat it as a slow run.
Anyway, my suitcases are calling my name (actually, I think it's a cat IN the suitcase that's calling) so I'd better get packing.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Sick
I've been bad the last couple of days and haven't been running. I started coming down with a cold on Friday and it hit me with full force yesterday. I could have gone running, even with the cold, but then I took cold medication which make me so dopey, I would have been dangerous on a treadmill!!
Today I'm feeling a little better but I just couldn't make myself get out there.
I'll get back to it tomorrow and do the 6K I was supposed to do today, then do my scheduled runs Tuesday and Wednesday. At least I'll only have missed one day.
So... a week from now, I'll have completed my first half marathon!!! I'm getting so excited!!!
Today I'm feeling a little better but I just couldn't make myself get out there.
I'll get back to it tomorrow and do the 6K I was supposed to do today, then do my scheduled runs Tuesday and Wednesday. At least I'll only have missed one day.
So... a week from now, I'll have completed my first half marathon!!! I'm getting so excited!!!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Treadmill is growing on me
My run today wasn't as bad... still boring but I think I'm starting to get used to the treadmill. Tomorrow's a day off, thank heavens!
I'm happy to report that I still have all my toenails and none are hurting, unlike somebody I know... :-)
We leave a week from tomorrow... yay!
I'm happy to report that I still have all my toenails and none are hurting, unlike somebody I know... :-)
We leave a week from tomorrow... yay!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Hateful hateful thing!
The treadmill, that is. I did 6K on it today and even with my iPod it was horrible! I should be able to run faster on the TM than outside like most normal people do but I'm WAY slower! It took me almost an hour to do 6km!!
Tomorrow is another 6... yuck! It's supposed to be even colder tomorrow too, so there's no chance of doing it outside.
The good news is that I only have 5 more runs till Miami... yay!
Tomorrow is another 6... yuck! It's supposed to be even colder tomorrow too, so there's no chance of doing it outside.
The good news is that I only have 5 more runs till Miami... yay!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
I hate treadmills!
I did my 8km today on the treadmill at the gym. That was partly because it was snowing and yucky and -20 outside and partly because I figure I should try to get my body used to running in warmer weather before I head to Miami.
Can you say BORING???? I forgot my iPod so I was using the headphones from my Blackberry and had them plugged into the TV but the gym really doesn't have a wide variety of channels. It was a choice of Cable Pulse News or soap operas that I don't watch. How exciting. So I watched the news but they kept repeating the top stories so by 20 minutes in, I was hearing for the third time about how cold it was outside.
I'm going to make sure to remember my iPod tomorrow... it still won't be as good as running outside but at least I'll have my music.
12 days to go!!
Can you say BORING???? I forgot my iPod so I was using the headphones from my Blackberry and had them plugged into the TV but the gym really doesn't have a wide variety of channels. It was a choice of Cable Pulse News or soap operas that I don't watch. How exciting. So I watched the news but they kept repeating the top stories so by 20 minutes in, I was hearing for the third time about how cold it was outside.
I'm going to make sure to remember my iPod tomorrow... it still won't be as good as running outside but at least I'll have my music.
12 days to go!!
Monday, January 5, 2009
Less than 3 weeks to go!
And I actually think I'm going to be ready. I did 19km on the weekend and managed to do it in less than 2.5 hours and I really wasn't pushing myself (just running at my usual pace!).
I just have to make myself totally keep up with my training for the next 20 days... I'm aiming to get in every single one of my runs and every single km I'm supposed to run in those next 20 days.
I had a crappy run today... I did just under the 6km I was supposed to do but it was really hard. Tomorrow is only 4, which is good, but the next day is 8, so if tomorrow is going well, I might just keep going and do the 8 and save 4 for the next day.
The good news - only 1 long run left before the race!!! Yay!
I just have to make myself totally keep up with my training for the next 20 days... I'm aiming to get in every single one of my runs and every single km I'm supposed to run in those next 20 days.
I had a crappy run today... I did just under the 6km I was supposed to do but it was really hard. Tomorrow is only 4, which is good, but the next day is 8, so if tomorrow is going well, I might just keep going and do the 8 and save 4 for the next day.
The good news - only 1 long run left before the race!!! Yay!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
