Bayshore Marathon Race Results & Review

Short Story:

I ran the absolute perfect race both mentally and physically.  Finished in 3:28:59, placing 11th out of 117 in my age group (30-34) and qualifying for Boston!  My dad finished 3:30:06 placing 11th out of 66 in his age group (55-59) and also qualified for Boston. 

Long Story:

My dad picked me up from work Thursday afternoon and we headed to his house.  We were going to be hitting the road first thing Friday morning, so I figured it would be best to just stay the night.  We had a delicious breakfast of cinnamon raisin french toast Friday morning and were on the road before 10am.  We made it to Traverse City around 2:30pm, stopped for lunch and checked into our hotel.  Since we had a few hours to kill before packet pick up, we headed to the downtown area of Traverse City to check out some of the local shops and to stop in Running Fit.  They had some really nice Bayshore tops and I am kicking myself now that I did not pick one up.  Hopefully I can order one on line.

After about 2 hours of roaming around downtown, we headed over to the high school to pick up our race packet.  The packet pick up was very quick.  We were in and out within 5 minutes.  The shirts are fairly nice too and actually fit me well.  The back lists the two sponsors of the marathon; Brooks and Running Fit.

After we picked up our packets, we stopped to get a few essentials for the morning; coffee, water, chocolate milk and bagels!  We dropped everything at the hotel and headed out for our last meal before the big event.  Like my dad, I always try to keep my pre-race meal something that is easy on the stomach.  We chose Ruby Tuesday's since it was close and we figured we could get a basic chicken and carb dish.  Dad and I both ordered a grilled chicken breast w/ mashed potatoes and spaghetti squash.  After dinner we headed back to the hotel to lay out all of our race day gear. 

Race Day:

I was wide awake at 4:50am, 10 minutes before the alarm clock went off.  I brushed my teeth, ate my bagel and drank my coffee.  We got dressed and headed to the college campus.  We both had a throw away sweatshirt and poncho.  What a blessing those would be.  It started to rain before the start and it was nice to be warm and dry!  With about 2 minutes to go, we stripped off the poncho and sweatshirt, threw them aside and were on our way. 

The first few miles were around the campus and through the neighborhood before turning and heading out on to the east arm of Grand Traverse Bay.  Around Mile 4, my dad and I came upon Dan & Jay, two of my Red Eye Relay teammates!  We ended up running most of the marathon with them.  I think having the small group to chit chat with really helped me stay out of my own head.  I have had problems in the past with the mental factors of a long race really getting to me but I managed to stay out of my own head for the entire marathon.  I was pumped when we hit the turn around point of the out and back course. 

I slapped hands with the spectators, continued to make small talk with dad, Dan & Jay, took in the view of the water and beautiful homes, etc... 

At about mile 20 my dad started to slow slightly and told me not to slow down.  "No way, we trained together, we finish together" I told him.  He picked the pace back up a bit, but again slowed around mile marker 22.  and again he said "do not slow down".  So I didn't.  I ended up running the last 4 miles by myself.   I was trying so hard not to pay attention to my Garmin, but it was impossible.  I was on pace to finish around 3:30!  I kept telling myself to keep this pace, you can do it, think of everyone who has supported you.  I rounded towards the entrance to the high school track and received that one last push I needed; there was Jaclyn shooting my name yelling "yeah Steph, Boston!!". I turned and smiled, waved to her and ran as hard as I could on to the track and to the finish line.  They announced my name as I crossed the finish line and I put my arms in the air.

I cried.  Not only did a run a sub-3:40, not only did I reach my unspoken goal of 3:37, but I crushed them both and finished in 3:28:59!!  And it was pain free!  I received my medal and just then I heard them announce "Steve Edwards".  I looked at the volunteer handing out the medals and yelled "that's my dad" and ran over to the finish line to greet my dad.  and, of course, cried again. 

Dad finished in 3:30:06.  We both smoked our previous marathon PR's and qualified for the Boston Marathon.  I beat my previous PR by 15:03 (3:44:00 at Chicago last year) and my dad beat his previous PR by 10:00 (3:40:49).

It's Tuesday and I am still beaming from ear to ear over how well this race went.  From start to finish, I wouldn't change a thing!  I could not have had a more perfect race both mentally and physically.  I feel fully recovered and can not wait to get out and run! 

I am marking my calendar for September 14th.  This is day 3 of the Boston Marathon registration.  That is when anyone who ran a qualifying time 10 minutes or faster than the set time by the B.A.A. can register.  Here's to hoping it doesn't close before then because dad and I have plans of running this together!!

Official Results:

Time: 3:28:59

Pace: 7:59

AG Place: 11 / 117

Overall: 237 / 1464

Splits: 1:44:17 & 1:44:42

Boston!!

*i am on my phone so this will be quick. thanks to each and every one of you for the support!

I qualified for Boston!

Official finish time 3:28:57! not only did I BQ, but I crushed my goal! I also PR-ed by 15:03 minutes!! my previous PR was 3:44:00.

More to come when I get home.

2 days....

Only 2 more days and I will have my 3rd marathon under my belt.  I am so very excited but yet extremely nervous.  I know what I want the outcome to be and am trying to stay focused without stressing over my ultimate goal.  I put so much pressure on myself when it comes to running.  I am just lucky that this time I will have my dad there with me.  It's so nice to have someone by your side during a race keeping you focused and helping you reach your goal. 

I refuse to question my training.  I am staying positive.  I know I put in hard work and I know it will pay off!   I made a very cool observation this morning while on my last training run.  My easy 3.1 mile run is faster than my first ever 5K!  Since we are being hammered with storms & rain, the treadmill was my only option.  I ran 3.1 miles at an easy pace of 8:37 per mile, 26:45. 

I have my bags packed and will be leaving at 3pm this afternoon.  My dad will pick me up from work and I will stay at his house tonight.  Tomorrow morning we will have breakfast and then make the 4 hour drive to Traverse City.


Thanks to each and every one of you for following my blog.  You have all posted so many words of encouragement!  I appreciate it so much!

5 days to go!! and Completed; Week 17 of Marathon Training

Bib #1893!

The count down is on.  In 5 more days, I will have marathon #3 under my belt.  Am I ready?  I have no choice but to be ready.  I did some reflecting yesterday evening.  I flipped through every single page of my training log and as I read the various distances, paces, terrain, etc... I really began to feel like I can do this.  I know I can run a marathon. I've done it twice. I just want to be able to meet the goal that I've been working so hard for.  Thank god I will have my dad running with me.  He really knows how to push me and I know having him by my side will make this experience a great one.  

As of now, the weather says high 64, low 51 with 30% chance of showers.  I can handle that. 

I only have a few short & easy runs planned this week.  I ran an easy 3.5 miles this morning.  I plan to run an easy 4 tomorrow and an easy 3-4 on Thursday.  I am going to get to bed at least 30 minutes earlier each night and I am really paying attention to what I eat.  It's my last ditch efforts in ensuring my body is ready come race day!

Here is how last weeks (week 17) training went.

Monday scheduled: 4 mile run
Monday actual:  unplanned rest day, I was exhausted! so I listened to my body.

Tuesday scheduled: 5 mile run
Tuesday actual: 6 mile run 48:34 8:05 pace, push ups 4 x 15, various core exercises

Wednesday scheduled: 4 mile run
Wednesday actual: 6 mile run w/ speed work 48:15 avg. pace 8:02, push ups 3 x 18

Thursday scheduled: rest day
Thursday actual: rest day

Friday scheduled: 3 mile 
Friday actual: 6.04 mile run, 46:30 7:42 pace, 10lb slimdown yoga (25 minutes), 10 minute dancer abs, push ups 3 x 20

Saturday scheduled: 8 mile run
Saturday actual: 8.05 mile run with dad on the Wildwood Trails 1:03:59 7:57 pace

Sunday scheduled: cross train
Sunday actual: Full body strength training (bi's, tri's, shoulders, back, chest), 30 minutes/6.60 miles stationary bike, push ups 5 x 10, various core exercises

Schedule Total Mileage: 24 miles
Actual Total Mileage: 26.09 miles
Weight: 124lbs

CICK Review

If you recall, I recently received a sample of CLICK protein mix. 

I decided to save it and use it as my recovery drink after my 12 mile run on Saturday.  I had received a packet of the vanilla latte mix.  Oh goodness, if you love coffee or those expensive iced coffee drinks, you will love this stuff!  I blender mine with a little ice and a dash of skim milk. It reminded me so much of a Starbucks Frappaccino.  And I LOVE coffee after a long run or hard work out!

Not only does it taste delicious, but with only 120 calories, 1.5 grams of fat and 15 grams of protein, it's the perfect recovery drink!  I am going to order a packet of the mocha to compare with the vanilla latte.  Once I determine which I like best, I fully intend on ordering a canister.

Completed; Week 16 of Marathon Training

Less than 2 weeks to go!

Monday scheduled: 5 mile run
Monday actual: 6.06 mile run (lunch hour, work neighborhood) 48:28 8:00 pace

Tuesday scheduled: 6 mile run
Tuesday actual: 5.33 mile run treadmill 44:00 8:15 pace, P90X YogaX, Planks 2 x 1:20

Wednesday scheduled: 5 mile run
Wednesday actual: Jillian Michael's 6 week 6 pack, push ups 3 x 15, various core exercises. sore right foot, rest & ice

Thursday scheduled: rest day
Thursday actual: 6 mile run (lunch hour, work neighborhood) 47:37 7:56 pace, push ups 4 x 16, foam roll

Friday scheduled: 4 mile MGP
Friday actual: 4.3 miles treadmill 35:00 8:08 pace

Saturday scheduled: 12 mile run
Saturday actual: AM Run: 8 miles treadmill at 1% incline 66:00 8:15 pace, PM Run: 4.16 miles neighborhood 31:57 7:40 pace = 12.16 miles (had to break it into 2 work outs since I ran out of time in the morning before having to stop to be somewhere/prior engagements)

Sunday scheduled: cross train
Sunday actual: Full body strength training at the gym (bi's, tri's, shoulders, back, legs, core), push ups 3 x 15

Schedule Total Mileage: 32 miles
Actual Total Mileage: 33.85 miles
Weight: ?

Click!

I follow this fabulous blog Skinny Runner and you all should too!  Seriously, I want to be her best friend.  :-)  She has such great style and is a die hard runner!

SR is a huge fan of CLICK and they were offering free samples to the first so many to 'like' and post on their face book page.  Lucky me!  I finally won something!  I was given the option of mocha or vanilla latte.  I chose the vanilla latte flavor.  I plan on trying it on Saturday after my 12 mile run and will report back with a full review.  if it's as good as Skinny Runner says it is, I have a feeling I will be placing an order for some that day!  I am a suck for coffee after a run, so coffee flavored protein shakes sound like the perfect recovery drink for me.

Completed: Week 15 of Marathon Training

Ah, less than 3 weeks and I will be running my 3rd marathon.  Am I ready?  I hope so!!

I have to say this week was a success. I ran my longest training run to date and topped out just over 50 miles for the week!

Monday scheduled: 5 mile run
Monday actual: Rest - sore quads from the previous days trail half

Tuesday scheduled: 8 mile run
Tuesday actual: 6..5 mile run 55:42 8:34 pace, core work, push ups 4 x 15, foam roll

Wednesday scheduled: 5 mile run
Wednesday actual: two-a-day!  AM Run: 6 miles 49:03 8:10 pace, PM Run: 5.41 miles 41:09 7:37 pace total 11.41 miles, push ups 3 x 15, foam roll

Thursday scheduled: rest day
Thursday actual: 9.15 miles 1:12:43 7:57 pace, push ups 5 x 10, foam roll

Friday scheduled: 5 mile run
Friday actual: unplanned rest day

Saturday scheduled: 20 mile run
Saturday actual: 23.05 mile run!  2:59:52 8:33 pace with Dad, 2 mile run w/ dad and my dad's 80 year old uncle!! 

Sunday scheduled: cross train
Sunday actual: Yoga Works Slim, 10lbs Slim Abs, decline bench sit ups 3 x 25, push ups 4 x 15

Schedule Total Mileage: 43 miles
Actual Total Mileage: 50.11 miles
Weight: ? - didn't weigh in

Taper Time!

And so it begins. 

Although I am only 2 days into my 3 week taper, I am already freaking out!  The thought of reducing my mileage is driving me crazy.  I loved tackling long runs and having high mileage weeks.  I know rest will do me good, but it's a hard adjustment.  Do you have an idea how badly I want to run this evening?  I already ran 5.33 miles today (I had 5 on my schedule) so I don't think I should do a two-a-day.  Especially since the taper is time for my muscles to repair and my body to store all it can for me to have a great (optimistic here!) marathon experience.

Next week will be the hardest.  I am only scheduled to run a total of 24 miles.  24 MILES!!  I ran 23 miles for my long run last week!!  Only 1 mile less than what I am supposed to do in a week. 

I need to keep telling myself to stick to the taper schedule.  More rest is better than over training myself. 

I still need to update with last weeks schedule/actual work outs and running but my log is at home.  I'll save that for tomorrow.

Trail Half Marathon Results

I was trying to hold off until some pictures were uploaded, but I can always add them at a later date.

Anyway...

This is my 2nd year running the Trail Half marathon on the Potawatomi Trail in Pinckney, MI.  Any of you that subscribe to RW, may recognize the trail name as it was in the top 25 trails listed in the RW Trail edition.  It's a technical mountain bike trail with lots of hills, stone/rocks, root covered single lane trails, sand pits, etc...  Definitely a tough run!

This ended up being another long course.  This race is put on by the same company that put in on the Martian Half Marathon that I ran on April 2nd.  Randy Step, with Running Fit, announced that the trail course was actually 13.30 miles, not 13.10.  Ah well, we got an extra .20 miles out of the event.  

I really wanted to beat my time from last years event (2:03:40) and break 2 hours.  I was only able to achieve one of my 2 goals.  I did beat last years time, but did not break 2 hours.  I rolled my ankle pretty good about 3-4 miles in. I was also dealing with some hip pain on my right hip that was annoying.  And I was hot!  I had originally planned to wear shorts and a short sleeve top.  Then at the last minute I put a long sleeve top on under my short sleeve.  Of course, these are all just excuses on why I did not run faster.  Truth is, I think I held myself back a bit. Even though I really wanted to finish under 2 hours, I knew I could not risk injury since the marathon is in 4 weeks. 

I ended up crossing the finish line in 2:02:10 for13.30 miles and placed 2nd in my age group.  It's a new PR, so I'll take it.  My dad also placed 2nd in his age group and had a speedy finish of 1:55:34!

Official Results:

Time: 2:02:10 - 13.30 miles
Pace: 9:11 pace
AG Place: 2nd/41
Overall: 133/662

Complete: Week 14 of Marathon Training and April Stats

Monday scheduled: 5 mile run
Monday actual: 6 mile run 49:22 8:13 pace

Tuesday scheduled: 5 mile run
Tuesday actual: 5.60 mile run - speed work (even Steven short work out found in RT) on treadmill 1% incline 45:58 8:12 pace, core work, upper body lifting, push ups 4 x 15

Wednesday scheduled: 5 mile run
Wednesday actual: 7 mile run 56:13 8:01 pace

Thursday scheduled: rest day
Thursday actual: 5.25 mile run on treadmill 1% incline 44:11 8:24 pace, push ups 4 x 18, core work

Friday scheduled: 8 mile run
Friday actual: 5 mile run 40:05 8:01 pace, core work, push ups 2 x 20

Saturday scheduled: 12 mile run
Saturday actual: 45 minutes Yoga

Sunday scheduled: cross train
Sunday actual: Trail Half Marathon 13.30 miles (course measured long) 2:02:10 9:11 pace, 2nd out of 41 in my age group. New Trail Half PR. 

Schedule Total Mileage: 35 miles
Actual Total Mileage: 42.15 miles
Weight: ? - didn't weigh in

~~~~~~~~~~~~April Stats~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

April Mileage: 177.46
April Strength training/core: 13