To race or not to race, that is the question

I am signed up for the Martian Half Marathon on Saturday and I am not sure how I intend to run this race.  My training schedule has a long run of 17 miles for this weekend.  I refuse to run the half and not get in the additional 4 miles I need to meet my scheduled long run.  As much as I'd like to beat my previous half time from March 20th, I doubt I will be able to.

I have come up with a few options for Saturday, I just need to choose which one will work best for me.

Option #1: arrive extra early to run 4 slow & easy miles prior to the race.  run the half as fast as I possibly can. 

Option #2: arrive at my normal time (1 hour prior) and run 4 slow & easy miles after the race.  run the half has fast as I possibly can.

Option #3: use this half as a training run and stay out on the course for an extra 4 miles. (instead of turning around at the half turn around point, continue on for another 2 miles before turning back).  My time will show much slower than the norm for a half but I will know this is because I actually ran 17.1, not 13.1.

Option #4: arrive at my normal time (1 hour prior) and run 2 slow & easy miles before the race and another 2 slow & easy miles after the race.  Run the half as fast as I possibly can.


So there you have it.  My break down on how I want to run the Martian half.  I told myself that I must know how I intend to "race" this event by Friday evening.

How do you think I should run this half marathon?

Completed; Week 9 of marathon training

I had cut back in mileage this week.  I needed it. Not only was I sore the day after my half marathon, but my legs felt very heavy and tired when I did start running again.  I also hit the trails for the first time this year.  Definitely tougher than road running!  Felt good to change up the terrain. 

Monday scheduled: 4 mile run
Monday actual: core work, stretching. my hip & back were pretty sore from the previous days half marathon

Tuesday scheduled: 5 mile run
Tuesday actual: 5 mile run on treadmill 42:34 8:30 pace, upper body strength training, push ups

Wednesday scheduled: 4 mile run
Wednesday actual: 5 mile run on treadmill w/ incline work 1% 2% & 5% 43:00 8:36 pace, push ups

Thursday scheduled: rest day
Thursday actual: 6 mile run on the treadmill 48:54 8:09 pace (jog/tempo/push work out), push ups

Friday scheduled: 7 mile mgp
Friday actual: 5 miles on indoor track 41:03 8:12 pace

Saturday scheduled: 11 mile run
Saturday actual: 11.30 mile trail run 1:35:39 8:27 pace - ran with dad at Wildwood in Toldeo, OH-

Sunday scheduled: cross train
Sunday actual: 40 minutes/9.05 miles stationary bike, core work, strength training for back & biceps, push ups, foam rolled

Schedule Total Mileage: 31 miles
Actual Total Mileage: 32.42 miles
Weight: ?

Completed; Week 7 & Week 8 of Marathon Training

Week 7; March 7th - 13th

Monday scheduled: 4 mile run
Monday actual: 5.25 mile run on treadmill at 1% incline w/ 8x400's 42:47 8:08 pace

Tuesday scheduled: 7 mile run
Tuesday actual: 6 mile run on treadmill 49:50 8:18 pace , core work, push ups 6 x 10

Wednesday scheduled: 4 mile run
Wednesday actual: 5.1 mile run on treadmill (1M 8:25 pace, 3.1M 7:30 pace, 1M 8:20 pace - Virtual 5K), upper body lifting, legs

Thursday scheduled: rest day
Thursday actual: rest day

Friday scheduled: 7 mile mgp
Friday actual: 7.20 mile run on treadmill at 1% incline 60:00 8:20 pace (slower than mgp)

Saturday scheduled: 14 mile run
Saturday actual: JM Yoga Melt Down (spent the day at my son's wrestling tournament, had to rearrange my long run days)

Sunday scheduled: cross train
Sunday actual: 14.25 mile run 1:58:46 8:20 pace w/ a new running group, JM Yoga Melt Down, JM 6 week 6 pack

Schedule Total Mileage: 36 miles
Actual Total Mileage: 37.80 miles
Weight: 122lbs


Week 8; March 14th - 20th
 

Monday scheduled: 4 mile run
Monday actual: 5 mile run (3M on treadmill, 2M on track) 42:20 8:28 pace- sore legs, foam rolled, push ups 5 x 10

Tuesday scheduled: 7 mile run
Tuesday actual: P90X Ab Ripper X, P90X Back & Biceps, free weights for shoulders, core work, foam rolled - sore shins

Wednesday scheduled: 4 mile run
Wednesday actual: 7.11 mile run outside! 54:06 7:37 pace

Thursday scheduled: rest day
Thursday actual: 5 mile run on treadmill 40:34 8:06 pace, core work, push ups 4 x 15

Friday scheduled: 7 mile mgp
Friday actual: 7.12 mile run on treadmill at 1% incline 60:00 8:25 pace (slower than mgp)

Saturday scheduled: 15 mile run
Saturday actual: rest day

Sunday scheduled: cross train
Sunday actual: Rock CF Rivers Half Marathon 13.1 miles 1:37:31 7:27 pace

Schedule Total Mileage: 37 miles
Actual Total Mileage: 37.33 miles
Weight: 122lbs

Rock CF Rivers Half Marathon Results

What an awesome event.  I must say, for being a first time race, it was one of the most organized races I have participated in. I am so impressed on how this came together.  And all for a great cause. 

I was up early Sunday (5:30am), ate breakfast and was out the door by 10 after 6.  I had to meet my dad and head over to the island.  No need to take 2 cars.  We ended up parking fairly close to the high school where the race start and finish was.  They had the school open so we could hang inside and stay warm before the race.  I was able to meet to fellow bloggers before the race too!
Jeff/Detroit Runner and Rose/Hacker Half Marathon  Jeff had his camera and made sure to get a picture of us 3 together.

My dad and I had plans on running the entire race together.  I really wanted to break 1:40.  I've been trying to break a 1:40 half since June 2010.  I wasn't so sure today would be my day, but we were going to push for it anyway.  We both run this course quite a bit so we are very familiar with the road conditions and where the wind will strike.  Mother Nature was on our side.  Usually once you make the turn from West River to East River, the wind hits regardless of the weather.  Not this day.  It was very calm.  Perfect conditions, although I would have liked the temps to be a bit warmer. 

I felt great the entire race.  My left hip bothered me a bit but I ignored it and eventually I didn't even feel any discomfort.  When we hit the 11 mile mark, my dad told he was going to maintain his current pace and if I had any gas in the tank to go.  I responded with "I am not leaving you".  but that didn't last long.  I was a few strides ahead of him.  I felt bad going ahead of his since he had just paced me for 11 miles!  How can I leave him?  I pushed on and tried to pick it up a bit more at the 12 mile mark.  I knew my dad was behind me, but I wasn't sure how far back.  I knew if I turned to look, I would have waited for him so instead I kept on.  I made the turn on to the high school track where the finish line was, heard them announce my number, name and city I live in, kicked up my speed as fast as I could and crossed the finish line at 1:37:31!!  I did it!  I broke 1:40.  A new PR!  My dad cruised in behind me at 1:37:55.  Not only did I crush my goal, I beat my dad.  I NEVER beat my dad in any race before. I know it's only by 24 seconds but being able to do this is a huge accomplishment for me.  My dad is such a strong, fast runner.  Being able to beat him was the proof that I needed to show myself that my hard work is paying off.  It makes me want to push myself even more!

Here are a few photos that I borrowed from a local running web site. 

I really need to buy a new L/S 1/4 zip. I have worn this purple one for both races this year. I love it. It's my favorite cold weather running top. But I also do not want every cold weather running photo to look the same!  I need to learn how to not have monster face when running.  It's scary.

Dad between mile 12 & the finish line

Official Results:

Time: 1:37:31

Pace: 7:27

A/G Place: 3rd / 71

Overall: 90 / 712

Rock CF Half Marathon

My first (of many) half of 2011 is finally here!  http://www.outruncf.com/

I love racing this distance and love the location of the event.  Its being held on Grosse Ile, an island that I do a lot of my long runs on.  Not only is the location great, but so is the reason this event is taking place.  You may have read this article in the September 2010 RW's. Emily Schaller  Well, she is the one who organized this event.  It is the first time this event is being held, and over 1200 runners are registered!  What an amazing turn out this will be. 

Now, I was not going to set a time goal.  I was just going to run hard and use this as a training run but.... I really want to break 1:40.  I have been trying to do this for a year now!  I came so close at the last half I ran just missing it by a few seconds.  Hopefully my dad can pace me and get me there!  I am hoping that the weather is calm on Sunday.  The west side of the island tends to be windy even on a calm, non-windy day!  Right now they are calling for low 30's.  I would have liked to see low 40's but as long as it is above freezing, I can't complain!

Foam Roller and New Shoes

Have I mentioned how much I love running warehouse?

Recently I received an email from them for an additional 20% off on competition shoes, winter clothing, etc... After reviewing some of the road racing shoes they have on sale, I settled on a close out pair of Nike LunaRacer+ 2's. For $47, you can't beat it! I just hope I like them. I've never run in any other shoe but Brooks Adrenaline's. I've been considering a flat racing style shoe for some time now, but was going to hold off until I could make it to the running store. The price drew me in and I did something I never do with running shoes...purchased on a whim. I also purchased a foam roller. I can't wait for it to arrive so I can begin using it. I really think my left hamstring and hip will thank me! I've been having some tightness and discomfort in my left leg after I run and am hoping that foam rolling will help ease the tension!

Virtual 5K Results

Jeff, a favorite local blogger of mine, organized a virtual 5K. Each person signs up via Jeff's blog and runs their 5K during the dates set. We then report back our results to Jeff and are entered in for various prizes that he is giving away. How cool is that? No registration fees but you still can win goodies. I'm in!

I ran my 5K this morning. My training called for 4 miles, but I was 1 mile short on yesterday's run so I upped it to 5. Since I need to run my virtual 5K I logged 5.1 miles total; 1 mile warm up at 8:25 pace, 3.1 miles at 7:30 pace and 1 mile cool down at 8:20 pace. Total time for 5.1 miles 40 minutes.

Here is Jeff's blog. http://detroitrunner.blogspot.com/ He's also training for his first marathon!!

Thanks for organizing this event Jeff!

Complete: Week 6 of Marathon Training

Monday scheduled: 3 mile run
Monday actual: 4.25 miles 38:13 alternating 1% & 5% incline

Tuesday scheduled: 5 mile run
Tuesday actual: 5.25 mile run 42:00 8:00 pace 1% incline

Wednesday scheduled: 3 mile run
Wednesday actual: 4.5 mile run 37:25 8:18 pace 1% incline, push ups 6 x 15

Thursday scheduled: rest day
Thursday actual: rest day

Friday scheduled: 6 mile mgp run
Friday actual: 4 mile mgp run 32:37 8:09 pace (ran into some car trouble in the morning and was on limited time)

Saturday scheduled: 9 mile run
Saturday actual: 11 mile run on treadmill 1% incline 1:33 8:27 pace (thanks to mother nature this made for my longest run on the treamdill to date. made up my 2 miles that I missed on Friday as well)

Sunday scheduled: cross train
Sunday actual: 45 minutes stationary bike 26 miles, strength training for biceps, triceps, shoulders, chest and core work, push ups 4 x 10

Schedule Total Mileage: 26 miles
Actual Total Mileage: 29 miles
Weight: ?

~Five Favorites Friday~

This week I am going to base my 5's on shopping! Here are five of my favorite places to shop where I feel I can get great deals.

In no particular order;

#1: Running Warehouse

I love the deals I am able to find on this site. You can't beat free 2 day shipping and free shipping on returns either!

#2:
Do I really need to elaborate on this one? I don't think so!

#3:
Another store wear I can score some killer deals! I rarely buy anything full price at Dick's. I always use a $10 off $50 or purchase off their clearance racks. Between Dick's and RW, I've never paid more than $20 per pair for my favorite running shorts.

#4:
I am a huge fan of Macy's. But again, I rarely buy anything at full price. I always wait until the have a big sale and make sure the coupons (when charging on your Macy's card) I receive in the mail.

#5:
I simply love this store. From bedding, to rugs, to drinking glass, to organization, this store is great! And, yet again, the price is right.

February Stats and Highlights

February Miles: 120.31
February Strength Training/Core Days: 14 (average of 3.5 days per week)

February Highlights:

First race of the 2011 season! Riverview Winter Fest 4 mile. met my goal of breaking 30 minutes. Finished in 28:45, 7:12 pace and placed 2nd in my age group!




Finally got back out there with my dad!



We did two of our long runs together; first being at Wildwood in Toledo and second one on Grosse Ile running the Rock CF Half course.







I am looking forward to seeing what March brings!