Training, races and other ramblings

I am going to apologize in advance at how "all over the map" this post will be!

I have an ultra marathon in less than 7 weeks.  Am I ready?  Not at all.  I am following Hal Higdon's intermediate I marathon training since I am running the Detroit Marathon in less than 10 weeks but have altered the program to include my races as well as trail running.  I really need to get some distance running done on the trails or I will never survive Dances with Dirt!   The longest I have run on the trail is 13 miles.  That won't cut it!!

I had a long run of 15 miles this past weekend.  My goal was to force myself to run 30-60 seconds per mile slower than my marathon goal pace.  I ended up running an 8:00 pace.  Not only did I run much faster than I intended, but I did it in the sunshine and humidity.  As much as I know long runs should be runner slower, I really needed this.  I've felt so sluggish over the past few weeks so this was definitely the boost of confidence I needed.

Here are my splits for my 15 mile run I did on Sunday on Grosse Ile. 

Mile 1:    8:05
Mile 2:    7:52
Mile 3:    8:00
Mile 4:    8:01
Mile 5:    7:53
Mile 6:    7:54
Mile 7:    7:50
Mile 8:    8:08
Mile 9:    8:01
Mile 10:  8:06
Mile 11:  8:26
Mile 12:  7:51
Mile 13:  7:57
Mile 14:  8:05
Mile 15:  8:08
Mile .01: 7:30

I've been running with a group from the YMCA.  Last week I ran with one of the runners only twice and spent the rest of the time on my own.  It definitely made me realize how I miss running alone.  I was always a solo runner, unless I ran with my dad.  I recently began running with a group at the gym every morning at 5am.  As much as I enjoy the company, I need to get out on my own too!  I was able to get a great speed work out in (on the treadmill), had a fast long run and even hit the track.  Now, to break it to the group that I just can't run with them every day. 
I have a 10 mile race this weekend.  I am really looking forward to this race.  The course is quite hilly and I could use a good hill work out.  I have decided to use this as a training run and not race it.  Wish me luck on sticking to that goal!  I will be arriving to the location bright and early that morning to help out.  It's my uncle's race and he can use the assistance.  My dad is arriving at 4am to set up all the water stops on the 4.8 and 10 mile courses.  I really hope this race has a great turn out.  In years past, prior to the 3 year hiatus, they had close to 1300 runners.  From what I have heard, there are only 300 registered.  :-(  
 
Another thing that has been on my mind a ton lately are shoes.  I love my Brooks Adrenaline's but I need something lighter in weight for speed work and tempo runs.  I really want to try these from the Brooks PureProject line, but they do not come out until October.  I also like the look of the Saucony Mirage and Saucony Kinvara.  Running Warehouse also has Nike Free 3.0 for $64.88 and I can use a code to get an additional 10% off.  What to do, what to do.  I know the simple answer.  Head up to Running Fit and see what they suggest!

If it isn't broke...

Ordering the neutral Brooks Ghost 3's was a mistake.  First I ordered a size 9 narrow but my right toe was at the end so I ordered a 9.5 narrow, which also happens to be the size I wear in Brooks Adrenaline.  Well, they were too big!  not only was the toe box HUGE but I had to pull the laces much more than with the Adrenaline's.  I gave them a chance though and ran 6 miles in them on Thursday morning.  It just didn't work out so I sent them back. 

Luckily, I had placed an order at my local running store for a pair of Brooks Adrenaline's on Saturday and was able to pick them up Thursday evening.  I headed back out to run 4 more miles.  Such a smoother ride. 

I've tried 4 times now to run in a different shoes but keep coming back to the Adrenaline's.  I've tried Asics, Mizuno, Nike and the Brooks Ghosts.  I really want to find a light weight racer for tempo runs or speed work though.  I am starting to wonder if there will even be a brand out there for me!!

Rollie Hopgood 5K race results and new running stuff

I made a last minute decision to race a 5K on Saturday.  I've been running daily, but not putting in the time or energy to do any speed work.  I figured a 5K would be a great way to force myself to run fast.  I got to the race site about 45 minutes before the 9am start.  I hit the rest room and then ran a 1 mile warm up.  I made my way to the start line and tried to push towards the front.  at 9am sharp, we were off.  When we reached the one mile marker the volunteer reading the times yelled out 6:40.  Crap.  No way can I keep that pace.  I am not sure what I was at when we reached the 2 miles marker.  I was extremely hot and did not want to look down at my Garmin.  Around 2.25 miles, we ducked into the woods.  What a relief.  Out of the sun and into the shade.  I was trying to keep up with this guy who had been just in front of me the entire race.  I passed him, but a few strides later he passed me.  I ended up crossing the finish line in 21:55, 7:04 pace.  I had wanted to break my previous 5K PR of 21:38, but today wasn't the day.  My time was good enough for 1st place in my age group and there was only 1:09 between me and first female overall.

After the race I did a 1 mile cool down and spotted my Uncle, Harrison Hensley.  He looked great!!  I hope that I can still run a race at his age.  He's 79!  He took 2nd in his age group. 

Here's my gold medal.  :-) 

Official Results:

Time: 21:55

Pace: 7:04

Place: 1st / 17 in Age Group

Overall: 39/284

In other running news, I purchased some new gear.  I ordered a pair of Brooks Ghost 3's on a whim.  I have always ran in Brooks Adrenaline which are a stability shoe.  I found the Ghosts, a neutral shoe, on Running Warehouse for $59 plus an additional 20% off!  Not only that, but they come in a narrow!  So for that price, I figured I would order them.  Of course, I ordered the wrong size.  I like a little more room in the toe box.  I ordered another pair in a half size bigger and shipped back the ones that were too small.  I hope they work out.  If not, I will return them since I also ordered a pair of Brooks Adrenalines from my local running store.  They never seem to carry narrows in stock. 

The Brooks Ghost shoes I ordered

I am sure you can see Kara's book in the background of the photo.  I had a 40% off coupon for one full price book for Border's.  I was having such a hard time trying to decide which book to buy.  I had the Runner's Palate, Runner's Diet, Complete Book of Running for Women and Kara's book in my hand.  I decided to go with Kara's book.  I am saving it to read while camping at the end of the month. 

I also ordered 2 singlets and 1 short sleeve running top from Running Warehouse.  Again, it was a steal!  $39 for all 3.  They should arrive tomorrow so I hope they fit.  If not, RW has free shipping on all returns so no sweat if I need to ship them back.

Marathon Gear

Here is what I will have on me during the marathon tomorrow! Except I forgot to put my shoes in the picture. Oh well. They will for sure be on me too. :-)

blue l/s mock neck zip up
white s/s compression top
white sports bra
smartwool socks
under armor tights
pink under armor headband
purple ironman triathlon watch
2 bottle fuel belt
3 hammer gels
2 hammer heeds
1 cliff shot