Rock CF Race Results

Sunday was the 2nd running of the Rock CF Half Marathon & 5K on Grosse Ile.  I ran this race last year (it's inaugural year) and this course is where I hold my current half PR (1:37).  I knew this years race would be even bigger than last year.  There were about 1600 runners, 500 more than last year.  They changed the course slightly, had nicer shirts and sweet medals!   Chris had originally trained for this to be his first half marathon but after a bone contusion in his foot left him sidelined for 8 weeks, running this was dicey.  In the end, he decided that since I am pregnant and require multiple port-a-potty and walk breaks, he could do.  And he did.  He ran by my side the entire time!

It was such a great day for my last race while being pregnant.  So many of my running friends were there, my dad ran the half (and PR-ed w/ a 1:33!!), my mom & aunt walked the 5K, I had such awesome support from fellow runners & spectators out on the course and even received 2 medals when I crossed the finish line; one for me and one for baby!  I got to meet Katie from Runs for Cookies.  Thanks for introducing yourself and congrats on the PR!  I also got to see Rose from Hacker Half Marathon that I met last year at this same race.  Again, congrats to you too on the PR.  I swear, yesterday was the day of PR's. 

The was another PR for me too; my slowest half marathon ever!  LOL!!  It was also race #7 to add to baby's pre-birth racing list/my pregnancy racing list.  Am I sad that racing is over until after I give birth?  Absolutely.  I love running races, even if I am not technically "racing" them.  I love being surrounded by others who have a passion for the same thing I do; running!!  But I also know it's now time to cut back.   

Here are my official results and a few pictures.

Finish Time: 2:11:04
Pace: 10:00
A/G Place: 45/75

Chris, baby and I finishing the half!  :-)

 After the race w/ my 2 medals; one for me & one for baby!

a profile shot of the baby bump.  all smiles!

Chris and I getting our picture taken

a handful of my running friends! 

Baby's got another race

Or should I call it a run?  I am technically not racing. 

Anyway, this Sunday is the 2nd running of the Rock CF Half Marathon.  This also happens to be the same course that I hold my current half PR (1:37:31).  I will be lucky if I can complete the half in 2 hours.  My, how things have changed in a year.  I am really looking forward to this event.  There will be so many people that I know from the running community running this race.  And I get to add another race to the baby's list!

Unfortunately, Chris will not be running. After taking 7 weeks off due to a bone contusion, he just started running again last week.  I was hoping he would be healed enough to at least keep my company on the course, but he's making the right decision to not run it at all.  He'll get a shirt out of the deal and the money goes to a good cause!

As I mentioned, I get to add another race to the baby's list.  So far she has participated in a trail ultra, a marathon, a 10K, 2-4 mile races, a 5K and now a half marathon.  This will probably be her last race before she arrives.  That is, until I get the OK from the pediatrician to start running her in the jogging stroller, then she will be back at it. 

A baby bump photo!

24 weeks and 3 days, taken Tuesday night after my 7 mile run on the treadmill.

Boston Marathon Training: Week 7

Here I am 24 weeks pregnant and 7 weeks into marathon training.  Will I even be able to run the marathon?  Who knows, but I am enjoying the fact that I am pregnant but still having weekly long runs while carrying an additional 18lbs on my once slim frame.  It makes me laugh when I think of the few emotional break downs I've had during this pregnancy.  Each on has to do with running. 

Last week went pretty well. My mileage was lower than where I wanted it to be, but I am still satisfied since I only ran 4 times. 

Here is how the week's training went.

Monday: 15 minutes stair stepper, 25 minutes AMT machine (intervals at 20% resistance & 4 % resistance), Upper body strength training (bicep curls, tricep dips, lateral pull down)
Tuesday: Rest Day
Wednesday: 8.28 mile run outside early AM, upper body strenth training (shoulder press, lateral raises, upright row, push ups, planks) PM
Thursday: 6.5 mile run treadmill early AM
Friday: 3 mile run treadmill & yoga class 45 minutes, early AM
Saturday: 18 mile run outside AM, ran the Rock CF Half marathon course + 5 miles, VERY windy!!
Sunday: 45 minutes elliptical (intervals 4% resistance/1% incline & 8% resistance/10% incline), Upper body strength training (biceps, tricpes, shoulders, chest) afternoon gym session
Total Mileage: 35.78 miles

Boston Marathon Training: Week 5 & Week 6

I am not so sure I should be using this is a title.  I highly doubt I will be traveling to Boston, but until I know that's 100% a no-go, I guess it's ok to keep this title.  Technically, I am still training as if I will be running a marathon. 

Aside from my emotional break down last week, the past 2 weeks have gone fairly well.  I've been attending yoga on Friday mornings and really trying to get at least 1-2 good strength training sessions in.  I had a great 17 mile run during week 5 and ran my first race of the year during week 6.  It was only a 4 mile race, but with how my pace has been, I was almost embarrassed to run it considering last year my time was 28 minutes for 4 miles!  I actually have a  much better time than I expected!

Here is how my last couple weeks wrapped up.

Week 5 (Jan. 30-Feb. 5)
Monday: Pilates, biceps
Tuesday: 8.27 mile run - early morning outside; stretched & foam rolled PM
Wednesday: 8 mile run - early morning outside; push ups, foam rolled, stretched PM
Thursday: 3.35 mile run - PM outside testing out new shoes, push ups
Friday: Yoga - early morning
Saturday: 17 mile run - AM outside at Willow Metro Park
Sunday: 7.2 miles stationary bike, upper body lifting (biceps, triceps, shoulders), Abs - AM Gym
Total Mileage: 36.62 miles

Week 6 (Feb. 6-Feb.12)
Monday: 6.2 miles - PM outside, windy!!
Tuesday: push ups
Wednesday: 7.25 miles - PM treadmill, slow w/ walk breaks
Thursday: Circuit training at home - PM (biceps, shoulders, triceps, chest, abs, squats)
Friday: Yoga & 3 mile run - early morning at the Gym
Saturday: 9 mile run - AM treadmill at the gym
Sunday: Riverview Winter Fest 4 mile + 1 mile warm up (race results below)
Total Mileage: 30.45 miles

Riverview Winter Fest Race Results:
Time: 34:59
Pace: 8:44
A/G Place: 8th/29

Here is a picture of my running buddy Jeff and I after the race.  The #1 is because he is celebrating his victory of finally beating me at a race.  It took me getting pregnant for him to do so. LOL!!

Link to other photos

Finish Line photo

One mile mark

another one mile mark photo



I cried at the gym.

Yesterday I made the decision to run on the treadmill. When I run in the afternoon and evenings I have to pee more frequently than I do in the mornings. I needed to be near a restroom at all times.

Anyway, Chris was there lifting weights and I was running on the TM. Well, my run was going awful. I had a pain in my right foot, gas cramps in my stomach, stopped to pee twice within the first 2 miles and I was getting completely frustrated.  Chris walked over to talk to me and I lost it. I started crying, telling him how frustrating it is to see how slow and how hard running is when it used to come so easily and I could run much faster than I am now. So here I am sobbing while running on the treadmill!   People must have thought I was nuts.

Needless to say, after 3.5 miles and having a good cry, my last 3.75 miles were faster and pain free.

I also cried Monday when out for a run with Chris. It was the first time in 5 years that he was faster than me and it upset me so much that I started to cry. I told him how upset it made me to see his backside since running is MY thing.   I am the fast one, not him. 

On a positive note, I did run 132 miles for the month of January. 

Boston Marathon Training: Week 4

or should I title it "non-Boston Marathon Training"? 

Last week wasn't what I had hoped for.  5 days of running turned into 3 days of running.  36 miles turned into 28 miles.  and 2-3 x's of strength training turned into a couple days of doing push ups and 1 day of core work.  I wish I had a good reason why last week turned to crap, but I don't.  I was lazy and slacked off.  I chose sleep over running.  I did attend an early morning yoga class that I will be adding to my weekly training/work outs.  So that is a plus!  I also turned a 14 mile run into a 16 mile trail run.  so again, another plus.  But still, not anywhere near the mileage I wanted to be at.  I will definitely use this coming week to get back on track.  No more slacking off!

Here is how last weeks running and training went.

Monday: 4 mile run - treadmill PM at the gym, push ups 4 x 10
Tuesday: core work; modified planks, straight arm planks, side oblique crunches, seated crunches, Russian twists w/ 5lb weight
Wednesday: 8.02 mile run - outside early AM
Thursday: push ups 6 x 10
Friday: yoga class
Saturday: 16 mile trail run - snowy, icy, wet
Sunday: not a thing!  hello laziness!!
Total Mileage: 28.02 miles

Pathetic.

The road to Boston...a dead end?

As I get further along in my pregnancy, the more I am starting to realize that Boston may not happen for me this year.  I've shed many tears over this.  This journey was 2 years in the making and now I may have to bow out.  I know it is only a marathon and I know I can work hard to qualify again but its still hard to swallow.

My dad and husband have both made very valid points on why I may want to consider not going.  I am going to take it day by day because, as of now, I feel great!  I am much slower than I used to be (most long runs being around a 9 minute per mile pace), but otherwise I am running all my scheduled training runs using the same plan I used to BQ.  I have had to omit the tough hill and speed work I used to do, but have supplemented by adding quick pick ups to my shorter runs. 

I don't know.  Part of me thinks I can do this but another part of my thinks that maybe holding off is the best thing to do.  Do I really want to walk majority of the marathon?  Probably not.  But to cross the finish line, earn that medal and buy my 2012 jacket makes me think absolutely, I'll walk for that! 

Only time will tell. 

Boston Marathon Training: Week 3

Another week done.  Although, my road to Boston may be more like a dead end.  I'll get more into that another time.

My shins have really been bothering me lately.  Almost every time I run, they hurt until about 2-3 miles in, then the pain goes away. I've tried everything to alleviate it but I personally think its the pregnancy. I think my body, stride and form is changing to compensate for the extra weight.

Anyway, here is how last weeks training went.  it was a cut back week but I still managed closed to 30 miles.

Monday: 4.5 miles run - afternoon on the treadmill, triceps
Tuesday: 5.5 mile run - AM 2 miles on treadmill, 3.5 miles on indoor track
Wednesday: core work
Thursday: 6.5 mile run - AM treadmill, planks, crunches, push ups - PM
Friday: scheduled rest day
Saturday: 3.1 mile run - AM treadmill, upper body lifting
Sunday: 10.30 mile run outside on the snow covered roads. 
Total Mileage: 29.31 miles
Total Strength Training: 4

I'll leave you with a couple photos taken Sunday after our run.  I am definitely showing!! 

Yes, I am alive!

It's been almost 1 month exact since my last update.  Not a whole lot has been going on.  I am still running as much as I can.  lately its only be about 30 miles a week, including a weekend long run.  I still have not told very many people about the baby either.  But, that will all change Christmas eve when we announce it at our big family party.  I also plan on finally telling our closest friends when we see them for Christmas and NYE.  It's been so hard keeping it a secret.  I can't wait to share our excitement with everyone. 

I do not have any races on the calendar until February.  I am running an organized event on the 31st out on the Poto trail. That will be a great way to kick off NYE morning.  I also start Boston marathon training January 1st.  So expect to start seeing more updates!

Please stick around.  I plan to make this blog more exciting come the first of the year!

Detroit Turkey Trot

Thanksgiving morning was my 4th year running the Detroit Turkey Trot.  The event offers three distances; 1 mile aka Mashed Potato Mile, 5K aka Stuffing Strut and 10K aka Turkey Trot.  I have ran the 10K each of the 4 years I've registered. 

I wasn't feeling this race at all that morning.  I was cold, I knew I would be slow and had kind of wish I had just stayed in bed.  This is unlike me.  I love races.  Lately my pace has been so slow that it has really done a number on my confidence with running.  I had registered to start in the first wave but opted to go with the 2nd.  Big mistake.  Every year I am weaving in and out of people, dodging walkers and this was no different!  I kept reminding myself that I didn't care about my time, but my legs felt fresh and strong. 

Around 3 miles in I caught up to one of my running buddies from the YMCA.  We ran the last half together.  At the end, my Garmin read 6.37 miles, 48:27 with a 7:37 pace.  Not my fastest 10K but definitely one of the fastest runs I have had since being pregnant.  Maybe those slow weekly runs are what I need to get a fast race in!

Jeff (one of my running friends) & I after the 10K, sporting our other friends running team shirts.

Official Results:
Finish Time: 48:23
Pace: 7:47 (my Garmin read 6.37 miles with a 7:37 pace)
AG Place: 27/563

Missing in Action?

It has been a month since my last update.  A lot has been going on since the Detroit marathon.  I have not ran any races but I am staying consistant with running about 30 miles per week, including a long run of 10 miles on the weekends.  I've also added a day of full body strength training that kicks my butt.  I Spend 2 + hours with the weights on Sundays and have now made Mondays my rest days.  I am so sore. 

I've also gained 4 pounds since the marathon. I've got a good excuse though.

I found out 5 days after the Detroit marathon that I am pregnant.  Not only was I pregnant for the Detroit marathon but I was pregnant for Dance with Dirt 50K! 

As of today, I am 11 weeks & 2 days with a due date of June 9, 2012.  This definitely affects my future race plans but I am very excited to start this new chapter in my life.  I've only told my parents so far.   Everyone else will find out around Christmas time and I am keeping it off facebook as long as I can!  I have quite a few family and friends I want to tell personally before they go reading it on a social networking site!  Who would have thought that my son would turning 14 in January and having a new baby sister or brother a few short months later. 

Recently I have noticed that my pace has slowed.  It's ok though. I am running for two.  I am going to continue with my race plans and continue to train for Boston.  My training will just be altered to fit the slower paces and to make sure I do not harm the baby.  I've done a lot of research on women who run marathons pregnant, specifically Boston.  In 2002, April Nolan was 46 years old and 32 weeks pregnant.  She finished the Boston marathon in 6:46.  not an official Boston finishing time, but she did receive 2 medals when she crossed the finish line; one for her and one for her baby.  If I can complete the course 32 weeks pregnant in 6 hours, it will require me to maitain an average pace of 13:45.  I think that is totally doable.  So far my doctor is supportive of my running.  I will continue to talk to him about it at each appointment.   My dad is very supportive and frequently reminds me that I need to listen to my doctor and my body.  If I can't run Boston, it won't be the end of the world.  I'll work hard to BQ again.  Ask me today though and I think I can do it.  But we will see how I feel come April 16, 2012.