Boston Strong

Remembering those who lost their lives, those who were injured and those affected by the horrific events one year ago today. 

 My post from April 2013 with my experience in Boston. http://instephsshoes.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-boston-marathon-2013.html

Rock CF Rivers Half Marathon Race Results

The short; PR BABY!! 

The longer version...

Sunday was the 4th annual Rock CF Rivers Half Marathon on Grosse Ile.  This was my first race of 2014.  I've run this race every year since its inaugural year in 2011.  This race holds a special place in my heart.  I PR-ed every year.  2012 I was 30 weeks pregnant when I ran it, so that was my half marathon pregnancy PR. 

Last year, I ran a 1:36:50. So this year I really wanted to see 1:35.  I would have been extremely happy with 1:35:59.  I wasn't so sure I could do it though.  This winter has been brutal for everyone training for spring events.  I didn't feel like I was in race shape to run a 7:20 pace for 13.1 miles.  I told myself that I would be happy with 1:40 or better. 

The morning was cold, with roughly 10mph winds for the first few miles.  I went out a bit fast with mile 1 being a 7:13 pace.  I felt good though.  I figured I would just run hard for as long as possible and then back off in the later miles if I needed to.  I ended up seeing a guy I met in Ann Arbor a few weeks ago and ran with him for most of the race from about mile 5.  He is a fast runner and my dad had told me that morning that "if you see Stuart, run with him for as long as you can". Stuart was just what I needed.  Even though we didn't really talk, it was nice knowing he was there.  The miles were tough, but I was able to keep pushing along.  The hardest part of the race was about mile 10.5 to 13.  The headwinds were stronger than the start, or they at least felt that way!  My pace dropped really low for mile 12.  it was my slowest mile of the day, but I was able to pick it back up for the last 1.1 miles.  Entering the GI high school track, running towards the finish line was one of the best feelings.  I could see the timing clock and knew I had crushed my previous PR.  I was pumping my fists in the air and could wipe the smile off my face.  I crossed the finish line in 1:34:03, 2:47 faster than my previous PR and well past the goal of 1:35:59!!  Stuart finished about 30 seconds ahead of me.  I thanked him and hugged him.  he didn't know it at the time, but he was a huge help in me pushing the pace for the entire run.  In fact, I think I hugged just about every person I saw and knew at the finish line.  I was (and still am) so happy!!  I really, really needed this run.  I most definitely feel as if I am ready to run Boston.  Not only run it, but hopefully PR!

Here are my splits.  They stayed pretty consistent.  I was really surprised with my middle miles!

Mile 1 7:14

Mile 2 7:17
Mile 3 7:13
Mile 4 7:10
Mile 5 7:09
Mile 6 7:08
Mile 7 7:04
Mile 8 7:03
Mile 9 7:03
Mile 10 7:08
Mile 11 7:13
Mile 12 7:22 - slowest mile of the day
Mile 13 7:13
Mile .10 7:09

Official Time: 1:34:03
Pace: 7:11
A/G Place: 1/99
Gender Place: 7/452
Overall Place: 58/855

The 2 Stephanie's post race.

Pre-Race Group Photo with the 5am runners & friends

So happy with my PR!  Best finish photo I have ever taken.

My PR face! :-)

 

 

 

Am I ready?

 I was feeling pretty discouraged all last week.  This winter has affected everyone's training.  I just don't feel like I've put in the work I need to be able to run the marathon I want to run.

Then Saturday happened, and I have a renewed sense of hope.

I headed out to Ann Arbor to run with my dad and some of my close running friends.  I live in the flat land and Ann Arbor offers tons of elevation.  Rob, of PR Fitness, maps out some great courses for their Saturday morning runs.  This weeks course was my favorite course to date.  Lots of gradual climbs, down hills, flat terrain, everything in one great 10 mile out and back course.  I knew going into this run, that I wanted to push the pace.  My Garmin was not working properly which was probably a good thing.  I wasn't able to look at my pace, just run by feeling.  I was hoping to finish the route with an average sub-8 minute miles.  We actually finished with an average pace of 8:02.  So close to sub-8's.  This was our fastest 20 mile training run to date. 

I felt great after the run too.  A little soreness, but nothing that didn't subside with some stretching and compression gear.  That is what really made me feel as if I may be ready for Boston.  If I can run 20.10 miles at an 8:02 pace and feel good enough to run the next day (I didn't run, but wanted to), then maybe I am ready to tackle the hills of Boston. 

I've got less than a month to go and intend to just keep most of my running easy.  I have the Rock CF Half Marathon on Sunday where I PR-ed last year.  I originally wanted to PR again this year, but I am not so sure I can.  And I am ok with that.  I'll run hard and whatever happens, happens. 

Is anyone there?

Wow, it's been a long time since I have written on this blog.  Late October to be exact.  I toyed with the idea of just shutting it down all together.  It lacks content and it's boring.  But I also enjoy looking back from time to time at my various races, training, etc...  So for now, I will keep it.

Anyway, we are now 5 weeks & 3 days out from the Boston Marathon.  I don't feel ready at all.  Yesterday bib #'s, wave and corral information was posted on the BAA site.  Shit just got real.  I was pretty pumped to see that not only are my dad and I in the same wave and corral.  Not only that, but our bib#'s are only 2 numbers off.  Mine is 16191 and his is 16193. 

At the start of training, I had Plan A (sub-3:20), Plan B (sub-3:25) and Plan C (Sub-3:28).  This winter has really taken a toll on my training, as well as everyone else training for an upcoming race.  I am now just hoping to reach Plan C which would be a PR at Boston.  Plan A is out the window and moved to my fall marathon. I've put in some hard speed sessions, but not enough hard long runs.  With the way the roads have been with ice and snow, my paces have been slower than what I should be running. 

Last weekend I ran 21 miles.  18 was on the roads, but had to be cut short due to ice.  I finished off the run with 3.1 miles on the treadmill.  Not my ideal 21 miler, but I got it done. I had a good run for the 18 miles and it was great tackling the hills of Ann Arbor.

Angie, Dave, myself and Jeff - a few running friends, post 18 mile run

This weekend I plan to run 16-18 miles, but of course, our roads and paths are ice & snow covered.  I'd like to head out to Ann Arbor to run again, but that makes for a very long morning away from home. I was away on business this week, so I'd like to run close to home.  I need to push the pace but also find some elevation.  I live in the flat land, so finding elevation is tough. 

I don't know what to do.  I feel like a student cramming for an exam.

I'm nervous. I'm stressed out. I have not felt this way over a marathon in years!! I'm scared I will fail.

I know I can easily say "hey it's Boston, just go run and have fun".  But that is not me.  I am never one to just "go run and have fun".  I always have fun, but I always have a goal and I must reach that goal. Last year was such a successful running year for me and I want to continue that into 2014. 

I have Rock CF half marathon on March 30th.  Again, another race where I have to change my goals.  I originally hoped to run a sub-1:35.  Last year I finished it in 1:36:50.  I'd love to PR, but now I am not so sure I can even do that. 

I think once the weather breaks and I can get some good paces runs outside, then I will start to feel more confident in my ability to race.  Until then......

Detroit Marathon finishers certificate

That is all.

Detroit Marathon Results

I did it. I finished out my year of racing just the way I had hoped to and celebrated my birthday the way most marathon runners would want to.

I wanted to push hard and keep up my streak of Boston Qualifying marathons. If you read my previous post, you'd see my goal was 3:35 on my 35th birthday. That would give me a 5 minute padding to my BQ time of 3:40 for Boston 2015 (I'm already registered for 2014). I definitely did just that and then some.

Let's start at the beginning though.

Friday evening a small group of us headed downtown to the expo to pick up my race packet, poke around for a bit and go out to dinner.  My friends Jeff & Kristin have a baby 6 months younger than my daughter and they are both named Anna!  Of course we had to get a picture of them with the countdown clock.

Future BFF's and marathon runners (my Anna is on the left)

 

me, Jeff and my dad

Packet pick it up quick, as usual. And the expo was like trick or treating for adults. I left with all kinds of free sample sized Lara bars, granola, pop corn, etc... I picked up a container of PB2. I never tried this stuff and figured it was worth the $5. I also purchased a hooded sweatshirt from the official marathon gear area.

After the expo, we all headed over to the Eastern Market district for Thai and Sushi.  I've never been to the restaurant Jeff chose, Sala Thai but it was very good!  It was so nice to get the expo out of the way on Friday so that I had my Saturday free since Sunday was the marathon.  I spent Saturday visiting my niece and then carb loading on pizza with my dad, step mom and my son & daughter.  We had a slumber party back at my house since it would make Sunday's logistic easier on everyone.  I laid out my race day outfit and hit the sack by 9:30pm. 

 

Sunday morning we were up by 4:15am and to Jeff's house by 5:15am.  We made it downtown and in a structure within a half hour.  We parked next to the Compuware building in Campus Martius.  The Compuware building is open the morning of the marathon so you have a place to hang out, use indoor rest rooms, meet up with other runners, etc... So nice!   We took a quick group photo and headed to the start line at 6:30am for a 7am start.

missing from the photo is my dad, he was in the restroom doing his "thing".  LOL!

 

We started right on time.  I felt good, even though we were off to a quicker pace than we had planned.  When I am feeling good, I like to just go for it.  Why hold back?  One of my favorite parts of the marathon comes within the first few miles.  We cross over the Ambassador bridge into Canada.  Depending on the weather and when you reach the bridge, you can see a really pretty sunrise.  We ran along the Detroit river in Windsor and enter the tunnel at mile 7 to head back into the US.  This is another favorite part of the course.  You hear people chanting "USA, USA", its a nice downhill into the tunnel and you are running 1 mile under water!  it does get pretty warm in there though.  I had my gloves off and sleeves up by the time we made it out.  The course then takes you back into Detroit, through Mexican Town, Corktown and back towards downtown where the half and full split.  Miles 13-18 are the most boring to me.  I do like the MLK High School band and I enjoy looking at the unique homes in the Indian Village portion (miles 16-18).  It was a breezy day and I really felt that head wind from mile 18-26.2.  I knew I had a great pace so I made sure to focus and keep pushing.  My left hamstring was a bit painful, but I was able to not let it get to me.  I felt strong mentally!  I made the turn on to Fort Street, heard "Go Stephanie, Happy Birthday baby, you got this" and saw my friend Susie who just ran a 3:37 in Chicago the week before.  I smiled, waved and crossed the finish line in 3:29:50!  I beat my goal by 5:10 and BQ-ed by 10:10!  Happy Birthday to me!!  My dad crossed just behind me in 3:30:35.  He also BQ-ed by 19:25!!!  

 

I managed to meet my goal and stay strong however, once I finished the pain set in. Oh the pain...  My legs were cramping up pretty badly.  I sat down, had my dad rub my legs out and then rub his out.  We collected our post-race food, took a quick finishers photo and headed straight to the car!  I was cold.  I  just wanted a hot shower and warm sweats.  

 

Detroit ended up being a great way to celebrate my 35th birthday.  I aged up this year too.  I am now in the 35-39 age group.  Time to go scope out my competition.... lol

 

Official Results:

Time: 3:29:50

Pace: 8:00

Age Group Place: 6th/318

Gender Place: 40th/1,898

Overall Place: 304th/4,291

 

Oh and just because, I had to share with you my birthday cake.  We get this every year for my husbands birthday, my son's birthday and my birthday.  It's a 5lb double layer frosted chocolate chip cookie cake.  Yes, that is Dora the Explorer.  :-)

 

 

 

 

The Detroit Free Press Marathon is THIS Sunday!

Sunday, October 20th, is the 36th annual Detroit Marathon.  This will be my 5th marathon this year (6th if we count my 50K, which I usually do).  I signed up for the marathon almost immediately when registration opened.  You can beat the early registration fee! I think I paid $65?  That is really inexpensive compared to most marathon fees.  And, since the event is held on my actual birthday, what better way to spend my 35th birthday than to run a marathon! 

Over the last couple weeks, I was starting to have my doubts on how well I will be able to perform bit now I am super pumped about this race.  The last time I stepped foot on this course was October 16th, 2011.  I ran my 2nd slowest marathon (3:45:30) but it didn't matter.  I had SO much fun that day!  I had carried my camera, took tons of photos along the course, didn't feel bad at any point in the race and, little did I know, I was 7 weeks pregnant!!

Running in the Ontario part of the course

Rick, myself and Jeff - my running friends I ran with that day

Me, my mom and my stepdad

 

 

My goal is to run a 3:35:00 or better.  Every road marathon I have run since having my daughter Anna back in June 1012 has been a BQ time.  I want to keep my streak alive and finish out this year with another BQ.  My marathon times have been the following; Grand Rapids Marathon in October 2012 was a 3:39:02, Boston Marathon in April was a 3:29:46, Pittsburgh Marathon was a 3:33:16 and Ann Arbor Marathon was a 3:30:26.  I know I can pull off a 3:35:00, if my legs feel good.  I've put a lot of miles on my legs over the summer with various races including a trail marathon & 50K, running 220+ miles in July, etc...  So hopefully I don't show up Sunday with dead, heavy legs.  If so, I will have my dad there to pull me along like he does best. 

 

 

I've been trying to make sure I get a little bit more sleep than I usually do, as well have increased my carb intake.  I will be resting my legs Friday and Saturday so that they are fresh on Sunday.  The weather is seeming to cooperate too.  I've done the work, now to push hard and hope for the best. 

Heroes on Hines half marathon results

Saturday was the Heroes on Hines half marathon and 5K race.  The proceeds were to benefit a memorial for fallen first responders.  I decided to make this race Anna's first race in the jogging stroller which my dad and I were going to run together.  Since I knew I'd be taking it easy, I didn't eat right the night before or morning of the race.  Well, mother nature wanted Anna to sit this one out.  It was raining, humid and just not the ideal conditions for a 16 month old to be pushed in the half marathon.  So, I opted to sit her out.  This meant I would now have to run hard. 

We made it to the start line with only a couple minutes to spare.  Which was just long enough to meet a local blogger that I follow named Michelle.   We said hello, wished each other good luck and then we were off.   From the start, my dad pulled away.  I'd say by mile 3, there was no chance I'd be able to run with him.  He was cruising!  It was also at that time I was told I was 2nd female overall.  Not what I needed to hear.  That messed with my mind along with the side stitches, stomach issues and the fact I felt completely zapped of energy.  My friend, Dave, kept trying to encourage me but nothing seemed to work.  It wasn't that it physically hurt, because my legs felt OK, but I just couldn't get into a groove.   I felt like I had zero energy and hills were really taking a toll on me.  I forgot how hilly this end of Hines Drive was.   At mile 8.5 I was 3rd female overall, by mile 9 I was 4th female overall and when I crossed the finish line I finished 6th female overall and 2nd in my age group.  Clearly not my day.  Not only did I get progressively slower with each step, but I ran a disappointing time of 1:42:18.  I know that may not be all that slow of a half marathon, but it's not what I am used to seeing.  I am used to seeing 1:40 or faster.  At least over the past couple years.   I am really trying to not let this get to me, but I have a marathon in 13 days and I am stressing over the fact that this could happen then too!  All my races this year have just come so easily.  I've put up some great times and I do not want to crash and burn on the 20th.  I hope I was able to get out all of the crappy race stuff done and over with this past weekend so that my marathon is as successful as the others I have ran this year. 

Official Results:
Finish Time: 1:42:18
Pace: 7:48
Age Group Place: 2nd/51
Gender Place: 6th/292
Overall Place: 30th/595

My shirt, medal and age group award (water bottle)

 



Speed work, prepping for marathon #13

October 20th marks the day of my 13th marathon (well, 10th 26.2 if I do not count the 50K's but I have been lumping marathons & ultras in one category).  I've been running some high mileage weeks with lots of tempo runs but have not been doing any speed work.  at all. 

I recruited my friend Dave to do some speed work since I am horrible at pacing on the road or track.  I usually do speed work on the treadmill since I can set the paces and just change with a touch to the screen as needed.  So,Tuesday morning a few running friends and I hit the road to run some Yasso 800's.   My goal for the Detroit marathon is to run a 3:35 or faster.  I know I can do it.  All my road marathons this year have been 3:33 or faster.  There is one thing that has me worried and that is how fatigued my legs will be come race day.  I have run some high miles this year.  Will my legs still be 3:35 quality?  I probably should have focused on speed much sooner too. but hey, I haven't been one to really do things the right way when it comes to my training this year.  So better late than never???

Anyway, we were shooting for at least 4 - 5 800's.  I needed to run each 800 in 3 minutes & 35 seconds.  Remember how I said I am horrible at pacing?  Here are my splits for 5-800's:

800 #1: 3:19 - too fast...
800 #2: 3:20 - wow, maybe the first 800 wasn't too fast.  let's see if I can maintain this pace for the rest of them
800 #3: 3:25 - ok, I am not in 3:20 shape
800 #4: 3:27 -  at least I am getting closer to my pace I was supposed to run
800 #5: 3:27 -  yep, definitely started out too fast but at least I stayed consistent with #4

Positive splits.  Not how I am supposed to run this work out.  Oh well.  It felt good.  With warm up and cool down I ran 9 miles.  I will do this again next week, with a goal of 6-7 800's (you are only supposed to increase 1 each week and do the last work out at least 10 days prior to the race).  I also hope to run the correct pace and not go out too fast.  And if I do go out too fast, try to maintain the fast pace for each repeat. 

I'll report back....  :-)

Dances with Dirt 50K results

Another successful DWD, new 50K trail PR of 5:41:22 and 1st in my age group!  

Dances with Dirt offers 3 events; 50K ultra individual, 50M ultra individual or 100M relay.  The main draw to the DWD events are the relay teams.  There was just over 100 runners in the 50K and 50 runners in the 50M.  There were about 50 teams in the relay. 

This is my consecutive year running the 50K.  In 2011 I ran with my dad and our friend Mike, finishing in 6:16:56 and was about 5 weeks pregnant at the time but didn't know it.  Last year in 2012, I ran this with my dad along with my running friends Dave P., Mike, Dave Z. and Angie and we finished in 6:20:50.  I had just given birth about 3.5 months prior so we expected it to be a slower time. 

This year I really wanted us to beat the 2011 finish time and would love if we went under 6 hours.  We started out with a group of 8; myself, my dad, Dave Z., Dave P., Mike, Jessie, Angie and Brandi.  We planned to stick together the entire race. In the end, only 4 of us finished together.  That was me, Dave P., Angie and my dad.  Even though we didn't finish as a group of 8, we all still managed to cross that line in under 6 hours! Not only did we all come in under 6 hours, we all placed in our age groups.  5 of us to 1st and 3 took 2nd!  Definitely a great day overall!!

This was my last race being in the 30-34 age group.  I move up to the 35-39 age group on October 20th.  I'll be celebrating the new age group by running a marathon that day.  :-)

Official Results:
Time: 5:41:22
Pace: 11:00
A/G: 1/6
Gender Overall: 5/38
Overall: 20/115

Angie, Dave P., my dad and me with our awards (beer buckets and pilsner glasses)

Mike, Dave P., Brandi, my dad, Jessie, Dave Z., Angie and me

Another group shot

She's amazing! Run Emz that is.

You must watch this. NOW!

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/run-emz

Run Emz is well into her 24 treadmill run to raise money for education in India.  She's amazing.  This is her 2nd time doing this.  Serious badass!  Love her!

You can donate by going here.

I'm in! Boston 2014!!

 

 

 

I'm a winner!

I did something this weekend I never thought I'd ever do.  I WON A MARATHON!  The Woodstock trail marathon to be exact.  The field was very small with only 47 females and 67 males.  They also had a 5 mile race, half marathon (very popular), 50K, 50 mile, 100K and 100 mile.  Its a hippy themed weekend full of running and camping. 

I went into this race with the intention of using this as a training run for Dances with Dirt 50K on September 21st.   We ran the first loop in about 2:07/2:08.  I don't have the exact numbers since I forgot my Garmin.  Which ended up being a huge blessing!  I was able to run by how I felt versus being absorbed in the numbers showing on my wrist. While out on the 2nd loop, we came to an aide station and I was told I was 3rd female overall.  That is all I needed to hear.  I kicked in into high gear, dropped my dad and focused on pushing hard these last 8 or so miles. 

I crossed the finish line in 4:13:44 with a 9:41 pace.  Not bad for a trail run, that's for sure.  I was then told I was first female overall!!  I knew I had passed a few females out on the course, but I didn't pay attention to which event they were running.  I had to wait to receive my trophy since they needed to verify it.  My dad ended up finishing 20 minutes after me.  This is unheard of!  He is SO strong on trails, so for me to finish ahead of him was a big surprise, let alone it being 20 minutes ahead of him!  He ended up taking a nasty spill on a downhill and jammed his shoulder into a downed tree.  He was feeling a little rough after the race, but is fine now. 

I had one of the BEST trail experiences ever!  I felt fantastic out on the trail.  I had fun!  I didn't fall, which is always a plus when trail running.  and I FREAKING WON A MARATHON!! 

Here are my official results and a few photos from the day.

Finish Time: 4:13:44
Pace: 9:41
Age Group Place: 1/7
First Female Overall: 1/47
Overall Place: 10/114 - yep, only 9 men finished in front of me!  How sweet is that?!

me with my trophy

me & dad

 

 

close up of the tag on the trophy

Revised 2013 race calendar and races in 2014

I've, once again, revised my calendar for 2013.  Originally I planned to run the drumstick double (or whatever it's called) on Thanksgiving in downtown Detroit.  Instead of running the 5K and 10K, I will be running a group 20 miler instead.  A fellow runner from a facebook running group; Southeast Michigan Runners, is organizing a group Turkey Twenty at Willow Metro Park.  I've run the turkey trot for quite a few years and figure what the heck.  I can get a good, long run in and save time and money.  I am glad I didn't sign up for the Turkey Trot!

I am also signed up for my first 50 mile race.  I will be running the North Country 50 Mile trail run on August 23, 2014.  I am really looking forward to this race.  I hear the course is tough but beautiful and I am always up for a challenge.

Boston Marathon registration opens on September 9th.  I get to register on the 11th since I am sub-11 minutes on my BQ time.  I feel confident that I will earn a spot with that BQ time.  So add that to 2014 as well. 

Of course I will be running the Dances with Dirt 50K in September 2014.  It's just a fun event that I refuse to miss out on.  Plus Jeff is making this his first 50K and I definitely won't miss out on running with him.

I am also researching late fall marathons for 2014.  I really want to train hard and shoot for a 3:19 marathon.  I need a flat, fast, fall course.  I am open to suggestions, within reasonable traveling distance! 

Somerset Stampede Race Results

Saturday, August 17th I ran the Somerset Stampede half marathon.  This was my 4th time running this very hilly and challenging course.  It is a very small race field.  I finished 3rd female overall, so that shows you  just how small it is.  All I hoped for was a course PR.  I knew a distance PR was not obtainable. 

Here are my previous years finish times:

2009 1:46:26, 8:07 pace 3rd in age group
2010 1:40:02, 7:38 pace 2nd in age group
2011 1:44:24, 7:58 pace 1st in age group

Official Results for 2013:

Time: 1:39:00
Pace: 7:33
Age Group Place: 1/16
3rd female overall
Overall: 16/140

Run thru Hell 10 Mile race results

Saturday, August 10th, was the annual Run Thru Hell 10 mile & 4.8 mile race.  This is an event my dad's uncle has been putting on for over 30 years!  In fact, my Unc just turned 81 years old on the day of the event.  He still runs a 5K or two every weekend.  I hope I am still running at that age!

This year the course gave me same as it always does, lots of challenging hills.  You get a nice variety of hill running; steep climbs, small rolling hills, hills that you think you've reached the top but really you haven't, steep down hills, etc...  I am not very good at hills and wasn't sure how I would do this day.  We had to be up at 2:30am so we could be out the door by 3am, to be to the race site by 4am so Chris could help set up the water stops.  I brought older shoes on the verge of retirement with the intentions that I would just treat this as a work out and not race it.  I actually felt good when we took off and was able to run harder and faster than I thought I'd be able to.

I finished in 1:15:11, good for 2nd place in my age group and a new course PR.  It's also a distance PR but I've only run 3-10 mile races and they have all been Run thru Hell.  Maybe I'll try a flat 10 mile race and see what kind of time I can put up?  Chris, of course, beat me again for the 2nd week in a row.  He's just so darn strong at hills!  He finished in 1:13:50.  We have a hilly half marathon on the 17th, which I fully expect him to finish before me.

A handful of my running friends ran this race as well.  It's always so much more fun when you get to run and race with friends!! 

Official Race Results:
Time: 1:15:11
Pace: 7:32
A/G Place: 2nd/21
Overall: 81/438

Here are a few photos from the event.

Hell Creek Ranch, where the event takes place

Running in towards the finish line

Anna & my dad watching us finish

Mike, Anna & My dad (on the right)

Anna at her first Run thru Hell race

Chris, myself, Dave (5am runner), Adam (Dave's son who ran a 6:58 pace!) and Angie (5am runner)

Chris & I with our awards

Angie, Adam and myself with our awards - the 3 of use placed 2nd in our age groups

Clark Lake Run 12K race results

Saturday, August 3rd, was my 3rd time running the Clark Lake Run 12K.  7.456 miles for those who care not to do the math. :-)

It's a challenging course with lots of rolling hills.  My goal was to start out fast and hang on for as long as I can. May not be the smartest race day strategy but whatever. 

I really, really wanted to run a 7:10 pace.  This would give me a 53:26 finish time.  My first two miles were negative splits; 7:05 & 7:02  Great!  Now to hang on there. Well, that didn't happen.  After the first two miles, my splits were all over the place with one of the remaining miles at 7:24! I think that may have actually been mile 3, then they fluctuated between 7:13-7:16 through the rest of the course. 

I ended up crossing the finish line in 53:50, 7:13 pace.  I am satisfied with those results.  It gave me a new 12K PR and course PR.  Downfall?  My husband beat me by 10 seconds.  He's not a runner.  He's extremely fit, but not a runner.  He lifts weights and has big muscles, while running is MY thing.  He is so strong at hills though.  I wish I could run hills the way he does.  He makes it look so effortless!   We are running 2 more hilly courses over the next couple weeks; Run thru Hell 10 mile on the 10th and Somerset Stampede Half on the 17th.  I may have to quit running if he beats me at these 2 races.  Not really, but I am extremely competitive.  I don't like when he beats me.  My dad made a good point though, I have been so focused on distance running that I don't know what its like to run a short, fast race (like the 12K last weekend).  Here's to hoping I can push it hard at Run thru Hell.

So, my 53:50 finish time at Clark Lake was good for 2nd place in my age group.  They always give out a nice award too.  The previous years I ran, we received tall ceramic mugs.  This year we received pilsner glasses.  I love when I receive an award I can actually use!

Official Results:
Time: 53:50
Pace: 7:13
A/G Place: 2nd/17
Overall: 45th/256

265.90

My totals miles for the month of July.  265.90 miles!!!!  My highest ever!  That averages out to be 8.5 miles per day. 

How did I do this?  I, along with 5 of my running friends, challenged ourselves to run everyday for the entire month of July.  We would rise in wee hours of the morning (sometimes 4:30am) to run various distances, do hill repeats, etc... Together, we were able to motivate each other and stay dedicated to this challenge.  Together we were able to hold each accountable for our daily run.  Together we managed to run a total of 1,412.84 miles for the month.

I love my 5am run group.  It's such a great group of talented runners.  I am honored to call each and every one of them my friend!

What I've been up to; running, future races, new shoes.

Running, running and more running.

After the Ann Arbor Marathon, I decided to take the entire month of July off from racing.  It has been marathon training and marathon racing January - June and I needed a break. 

That break didn't last too long...

I created a self challenge and the recruited a few running friends to join in the "fun".  Run everyday for the month of July.  So much for "taking it easy".  It's been fun, so far and for their efforts, I will give the person with the highest mileage for the month a little runners good bag. 

We started on July 1st, which was a Monday (perfect for me since I prefer to have my weeks go mon-sun).  Yesterday was the last day of week #2 and I am currently at 110.90 miles for the month so far.  Week #1 was 53.95 miles and week #2 was 56.95 miles.  I wish I had paid closer attention to my totals so that I could have made it an even 54 and 57 for each week.  Anyway, this weeks goal is to hit 60 miles.  If I can keep this up, July of 2013 will make my highest mileage month ever. 

I have also finalized my 2013 race calendar.  I still need to register for a few of these, but once I know I plan on running a specific race, I never back out.

Here's what I have for the balance of 2013;

August 3rd: Run Clark Lake 12K
August 10th: Run thru Hell 10 mile
August 17th: Somerset Stampede half marathon - my cousin will be coming to town from Illinois and this will be her first half!!
September 7th: Run Woodstock Marathon (trail) - running this as part of our 50K training.
September 21st: Dances with Dirt 50K (trail)
September 29th: Brooksie Way half marathon
October 20th: Detroit Marathon
November 10th: Monroe half marathon
November 28th: Detroit turkey trot drumstick double (5K & 10K)

I need a second job to start funding my race addiction!

Thanks to my loving husband, I recently received my 2nd pair of Adidas Energy Boost.  I love these shoes.  My last pair has over 650 miles on them (and 3 marathons!) and they just now began giving my aches and pains.  Adidas has put out some fun colors for the new models.  I love how bright these are!

 I am also considering the Adidas Bostons as a shoe to add to my rotation.  They are a neutral shoe and light weight.  I would use them for hill work and easy paced runs, while running the Boosts on speed days, faster long runs and races.  For years I have spent all my time running in a support shoe.  I needed it when I started.  I over-pronate.  The Energy Boost are a cross between neutral w/ some support for those who over-pronate.  When I run in my other shoes, they feel bulky and uncomfortable.  Should I be going neutral?  Who knows.  Only time will tell once I start phasing out my others while adding the Bostons.

Ann Arbor Marathon Results

Real quick, just to get this down on paper!

Garmin distance: 26.44
Garmin Time: 3:30:36
Pace: 7:58

Official Results:
Time: 3:30:26
Pace: 8:01
Age Group Place: 2nd / 24
Gender Place: 6 / 141
Overall Place: 44 / 402

I met a reader on the course and I wish I had caught her name.  If you are reading this, thanks for saying hello!  I hope you had a great race.