My First Marathon

This past weekend, I did my first Marathon!  I am now just coming off my marathon high!  I ran the first inaugural race of Chasing Jefferson Davis Marathon in Abbeville, Georgia.  The race turned out to be very small with maybe 30 marathon runners.  There were three other people also running their first marathon!  For the most part, I was not nervous about the race until my drive in that morning.  One of the many benefits of running a small race is I can arrive 20 minutes before race time, get a good parking spot, use the restroom, have my energy drink and still make it to the starting time on time!  At 6:30 or so, (in conjunction with the half marathons at a different location) the cannons were fired and off we went.  The course consisted of mainly back roads with approximately 6 miles of dirt road.

The first half mile or so, it seemed like the other runners were also running at a slower, easy pace.  I briefly chatted with a few runners who passed me.  Mile 1 passed pretty quickly and because of my pride, I could not let myself walk.  My plan is to ( loosely follow the galloway plan) 1 mile run and 1 minute walk.  Mile 2 also went by very quickly but I knew this was going to be a long race, 26.2 miles after all!  If I wanted to finish, I better stick with my plan.  So reluctantly, I took about a 50 second walk break and continued on.  I'm not sure when exactly the dirt roads started (mile 3, mile 4???) but I rather enjoy running on the dirt road.  There were some areas with loose dirt/sand but it was mostly shaded.   I ran some parts of the race by myself and had 2 other runners pass me.  I was glad they passed me because I could hear them talking and I like the solitude.  I listed to my music with one ear bud and taking in the scenery.  At that point, I was enjoying the running, the experience.  Back on the road, I had to cross over to the other road.  There were several people standing around chatting and no one bothered to look up or direct traffic.  There was no traffic anyways so I continued on.  I must admit I was annoyed by this.  I continued on and made my way to my first water stop.  The people were nice and I thanked them for the water.  Around this time, I met up with another runner we chatted on and off for a while before he eventually passed me.  Being out on the open roads, there were no shades and it was hot, hot, hot!  Also, the gnats were terrible.  They would literally swarm around me!!  I had never experienced that before.   For the next 5 miles maybe, it was a solitary race.  I could now see 2 other runners way ahead of me.

I did start to feel better about the race.  The people at the water stops were friendly and nice.  (Some even filled my water bottles for me, offering me GU and fruit).  Law enforcement, race personnel and other drivers checking on me, waving, beeping and giving me the thumbs up.  Around mile 17 or 18, the heat finally hit me.  I was able to catch up to one of the runners.  For the next several miles, it was great to have another runner there!  I think the heat was getting to him too).  My legs were starting to cramp and I worry I would have a repeat performance like my first half marathon.  (flash back to my first half marathon:  running great until mile 7 and calf cramp.  Bad!!!  I could not run at all not even to cross the finish line).  Panic did set in.  I took out my biofreeze and rubbed them on both of my calves.  It felt better and I was able to run some.  I remembered later, being stopped at the railroad tracks to wait for the train to go by.  One of the race staff (in his car) handed me a powerade.  I was happy to accept it.  I know, don't try anything new on race day but with the calf cramp and heat, I took it.  I dranked some and I waited (along with my fellow runner) for the train to pass.  It was a great excuse to rest!  When the train passed, I did not want to liter so I asked the police officer if I could give him my powerade bottle.  I tried to run some more and later, my other calf started to cramp up!  Not good.  I rubbed more biofreeze on my calves.  At the next water stop, I poured water on my arms and legs and I felt better.  I was able to run a little more.  During these miles, it was nice to get encouragement from the other runner and we chatted about our families.  We had some things in common and I talked about my daughter.  I think talking about her gave me the strength to continue on.  I looked at my watch and I knew I had if I stayed at it, I could still complete this marathon within the 5 1/2 hours.  I started to run again, if only for a minute and walked.  I continued on like this and kept going.  I eventually passed another runner.  Ok, for the record he was walking.  He too was suffering from cramping.  (I did offer him my biofreeze).  I was thrilled to see a sign for mile 25!  Finally mile 26, with 2 very enthusiastic girls working the water booth.  On my last mile, a runner passed me...it seemed like out of no where!  One last hill to go (ugh) but then I see a sign to turn onto a dirt/grass road.  Yes, I am close I see the trailed taped off by ribbons and I hear cow bells.  Crossing the finish line and I said Thank God, I'm finished! A wonderful lady gave me water and sat me in a chair in front of the fan.  She then gave me a cold wet paper towel.  Someone else came over and helped me fill out my place card.  A big thank you ladies!!!!

Some things I wanted to add. There were very few spectators but I really enjoyed reading the race signs placed along the way.  I  looked forward to reading them during the race.  Despite my initial reaction, this was a very friendly race with great support from race staff, law enforcement and emergency response.  It turned out to be a great experience.  I was able to catch a shuttle back to my car shortly after finishing the race.  I was eager to make the drive home.

When I got home, hubby had water ready for me n the juuzzi tub and I got a nice message afterwards.  I also got a beautiful card from my daughter and hubby.

It is now Thursday and I am fully recovered?  My quads were hurting for several days and my lower back was also sore but by Wednesday, I was feeling much better.  I am also ready to sign up for my next marathon.  I am thinking in November, I will run another marathon!

Final thoughts.  Training:  I have trained on running mostly 3 days a week.  Mainly because of injury (Achilles) but for my next race I would like to train 4 days.  I think on my next marathon, I will follow Hal Hidgon's plan more closely but still incorporate walk breaks.  I think I am less sore because of the walk breaks.  For hydration, I may try something different.  Instead of Nunn, try tailwind.  I like the thought of not having to carry GU and blok.  Not sure how I would avoid the cramping but maybe tailwind will help with that.  I would keep up the carbo loading the week before the race and maybe more gatorade week before race.  Music or no music?  Though I always trained with music, during this race I wore1 earbud and last 5 miles without.... I was surprised I could run without music!

That's it, a very long race race report with all my thoughts.   I am sooo proud of myself.  To have a goal (a hard goal) and achieve it.  Completing a marathon is hard, it is both mental and physical and I dd it!  I am proud.  I look forward to my next marathon and I hope to better my time!

No race photos!

First Marathon Training...thoughts

I have been comprehensive for a while about my upcoming marathon, my first marathon!!! I picked this marathon because at the time it was the one closest to home (ok still at a 5-6 hour drive), small but established race and a beautiful scenic route. Upon further research, the course is extremely tough course with evelation of +-1400 feet! Yikes. I think my comprehension increased even further after running my last (hilly) half marathon. Looking around at marathon schedules, I recently found an inaugural race closer to home. It would be a 2 hour drive with rolling hills vs.running up a mountain. Again, I found myself at the same crossroads as to which race to do like my first half marathon. After much debate, I decided to stay with my original plan. After all, I had already paid my entry fee! For a week, I felt good about sticking to my plan...but yet there was still that nagging doubt in the back of my head. After last week's long run of approx. 19 miles, all the doubts came creeping in. Was I making the right decision? After all, running 26.2 is hard. Do I want to make it even harder by running a super tough course? I believe I could do it but will I have a good experience? Will I finished before the cut off time? Am I setting myself up for failure? Poor hubby, had to hear once again about my doubts. He is good like that, listening with patience and always, a voice of reason. So once again, I am changing my plans. I have decided to run the marathon closer to home. I have paid for my entry fee and the new hotel reservation is made. I am feeling much more at ease and I know this is the best choice for me. I can go into this marathon with a more relaxed mind set. Just run this marathon to complete it (hey, course is open for 8 hours)!!! It's point to point which I like...I like the unknown instead of dreading "that hill" on the way back and best of all, it's only about a 2 hour drive. On top of that I have another week more to train. This is the winner. I know the other marathon will be added to my bucket list. When I become more confident at running marathons, I know I will want to tackle that mountain and conquer it!

I am still trying to tweek my diet, for optional performance. I have been feeling more tired lately and low energy. I am trying to add more carbs, yeah pasta to keep my energy level up during training runs. I still have to decide if I want to carry any electrolyte or water on my run. I have however, found what works for me in terms of fueling during a race, (GU) is best. It's all still so new! Surprisingly, several of the halfs I did, I did not bring any fuel or water. I found that I did not need it and the water stops along the way was sufficient to finish the race. (Everyone is different so find what works best for you and stick with it during race day).

 With Hubby's insane work schedule, I have had almost no free time.  I am soooo looking forward to some me time! I am ready to start a knitting project, go shopping, running (without pressing for time)!!! I can't really complain too much though....Life IS good.

My 5th Half-Marathon Completed

Yesterday, I ran in a half marathon.  This was the 5th half marathon I completed since September.  I first embarked on my half marathon training in June after completing a 10k.

The past 2 half marathon races have been great races.  I went into the races feeling very calm and have done well in both races.  I must admit that I have gotten too relax in my training routine because I got too comfortable.  I have been keeping up with the "running" part but everything else I neglected.  Running a race also requires mental training.  I have been neglecting that along with being too relaxed on my vitamin/supplement and getting acupuncture treatments for my injured Achilles.  (Not everyone requires the last part but for me it is a vital part to keeping me healthy).

I have been comprehensive about this upcoming race.  It is a small semi-local race.  It is a Run for Christ series and I have enjoyed running these races.  (They are small races but well organized).  My comprehension about running this race is that 1/3 of the race has hills, lots of hills.  Ugh!  Also my last long training run of 3 hours of approx 18 miles was the toughest run ever (or so it seems).  Anyways, I have not been running my best these past few weeks.

On race day, packet pick up was a breeze. At 8:30, I was lined up at the start line (4 mile, 8 mile and half all started at the same time). I did not warm up or stretch a lot before hand so I was a bit stiff for the first 1/2 mile.  The first 2 miles went okay and at miles 3 to 4 it was hilly. Mile 6 and 7 were challenging with even more hills.  Around mile 7 was the turn around and I was not looking forward to the (more) hills on the second half of the race.  I regret not taking more walk breaks during the first half of the race because I found the second half of the race to be very challenging.  I didn't have as much energy and I felt I ran at a much slower pace.  I just wanted to be done with the race!  I did however, kicked it in on the last 50 yards.  Overall, my time was about 8 minutes slower than my previous 2 races.

I'm glad I did the race.  It is a good experience for the marathon I am training for in May.  There will be lots of hills!  Next time, I need to stick to my plan, that means walk breaks, at least stop for water at every water station ~ every 2 miles. Don't let my ego get in the way, and run smarter.  Stick to my training regime, all aspect of it!

That's it, keep up my training and keep prepare for my marathon in May!!!!

My next Half Marathon

Wow, my next half marathon is almost here!  The second one ever!  My training for this next half marathon is so different from my first.  I am training smarter, hydrating more and I will eat better this time.

My last long run was on Thursday of around 9 miles.  Yesterday, I ran 60 minutes on the treadmill at a steady good pace with no walk breaks.  I will probably run another 30 minutes in the treadmill today.  I will finish my training with 2 more runs on the treadmill of 30 minutes each before my race.

I am feeling physically good this morning.  I have no pain in my feet!  I am so thrilled.  I think a combination of things attributed to this pain free morning!  The CEP 2.0 running compression socks I wore during my run, the stretching and acupuncture treatments.

I'm going to keep a positive attitude this week and next time blog more about my training regime and the race itself.

In between training, teaching and cooking, I also found time to knit.  This week I finished my sweater I had been working on to wear during my race weekend.   This sweater was very challenging for me starting out but I was determined to get it done.  Once I figured out the right stitch placements and how to do the right/left lifts correctly,  the sweater became much easier to knit.  The sweater is called Bloomsbury and I purchased the pattern from Ravelry.

Pictures of front and back.  I love the sleeves and the laces in the back.  What a beautiful design!

Food and Running

Last Saturday,  I made the trip to Doraville to the Asian supermarket.  It was a late start and I arrived there around 1:30pm.  The place was super crowded so I picked up mostly essentials, few Asian vegetables, pho soup broth, etc.  I had to finish my trip with a stop to the bakery for my boba tea and pastry.  To my surprise, my favorite bakery was open.  I think it is called the Hong Kong Bakery located in the Asian Square.  It is a small bakery down from the Sweet Hut.  I purchased some fresh (and very delicious) pastry then I stopped by the Sweet Hut for some Boba Tea and Thai tea.  It was a good way to finish the trip.  It was a long car ride (over 4 hours round trip) but well worth it.  Here is what I bought from the bakery:

This is my first full week back into half marathon training.  I am still not at 100% so I want to ease back gently into my training.  Friday is suppose to be my long run day of 6 miles.  By the time I got to the trail, it had turned into a cloudy humid day.  At mile 1, I was not feeling it at all.  It had been a super stressful day and I did not want to run.  I made it for a few laps and finally called it before mile 3.  It was frustrating and when I have really bad running days like this, I wonder if I should stop running all togetherness, not run the half in November.  I was in full feeling sorry for myself mode.  Besides, my heel was slightly hurting.  I ended up taking Saturday off  and today, I resumed my training. Sometimes I just need some time to get a new perspective.  Today, (no sitter) I had to do my run on the treadmill and decided to aim for 6 miles again.  I set the incline to 1 and went to running.  First 3 miles were a little bit of a struggle but mile 4 felt good.  Around mile 5, I was having to push myself to keep going.  Sometimes, those voices want me to just quit and walk!  Not today!!!!  I was able finish my run at a consistent pace without any walk breaks.  This has been my longest run since my last race.  I want to continue increasing my long runs by 1 mile per week until race week.  That's about 5 or 6 weeks away.  I figure if I can run 10 or 11 miles by then,  I won't have any trouble finishing the half...  I am trying to be real careful about not overdoing it and getting hurt.  

I recently purchased a pair of compression socks.  I have noticed a few runners wearing them at races but I have never owned a pair.  I think with my Achilles/heel/foot/calf issues I recently encountered,  I am willing to trying anything.  The compression socks were costly but I wanted to give them a try.  I opted for the CEP 2.0 compression socks.  I wasn't sure if I would like them but when I put them on, it felt good.  It could feel the extra cushion on the bottom of my feet and the compression on my Achilles and calf.  I think I will probably wear them during my race!  I have also ordered a pair of heel lift and I am looking forward to trying them too.

Crochet Top and Running!!!!

Today was my first run in almost 2 weeks.  My last run was at the half marathon.  I have been letting my Achilles heal getting daily acupuncture treatment and taking herbal medicine to repair it.  It helps to have a family member who is licensed Both in Acupuncture and herbal medicine!  I have been taking it easy for some time now, even before my half marathon race.  My Achilles has not been hurting and I was going to take a few months off.  After talking with hubby, he suggested I go for a run and see how it feels.  Makes sense to me, especially since he is the one who is the voice of reason and has lots of knowledge on sports injury.

This afternoon, I set out for my favorite running trail.  I wanted to run 4 miles, if possible and see how it goes.  I didn't want to get injured so I set out at an easy pace.  I actually felt good during the first 2 miles. It felt great to run again.  After mile 2, I took a short 1 minute walk break and resumed my running.  Mile 3 and 4 also went well and I finished at about 4.65 miles according to my runkeeper.  Taking 2 more 1 minute walk breaks before I was finished.  My Achilles felt fine after my run.  I am hoping tomorrow it will still be feeling good, that will be the true test.  I have been icing it, just in case.  I'll just have to wait to see how it feels tomorrow!  It's nice to feel hope again that I may be able to run my half marathon in November!  If I do, I will train smarter this time and not over train!

My crochet/knitting has been on the back burner since I've been concentrating on running.  The crochet top, "In The Shade" has been on hold for a while.  I started this crochet top in late July.  I think I also got bored with the pattern.  Yesterday, I decided to finish the last few row.  It is now complete!  Here it is:

First Half Marathon Completed!!!!

I completed my first half marathon last Saturday and I am now finally ready to blog about my experience.

I had been looking forward to my first half marathon for so long so when the day became closer, I found that I was not as excited about it.  On Friday, I was driving to the expo.  I arrived in Peachtree City around 4 pm, picked up my packet and looked around the expo.  I purchased a handana and a pair of super light glasses.  Next was check in and I was disappointed to find out the hotel may not have enough shuttle to race site in the morning because they did not know they were suppose to provide this service.  It was disappointing and so after settling in, I went to find where the race shuttle site was and pick up dinner.  By the time I returned to the hotel with my dinner, it was after 8:00.  It was way later than I wanted to eat.  I did not get any chance to buy snacks or water for the morning.

That night, I tossed and turned.  I did not get any sleep!  I think I was too nervous and not to mention dehydrated.  I had not hydrated well in the last few days like I should of.  The wake up call was set for 4 am but I was already up.  I got ready and I was out the door around 5.  On the way to my car, the hotel shuttle was there and I decided to take the shuttle at the last minute.  I had wanted to wear my other sneakers because the pair I was wearing felt lose.  (I had just gotten them on Thursday and I only ran 1 mile in them).  Once on the shuttle, everyone seemed confused to where the start was.  Fortunately, it was the right place.  Arriving so early (5:30), I had so much time.  Around 7:05, I decided to make the last port-a-potty run before my race starts at 7:30 since I was in the first corral.  I was shocked in a matter of minutes, how long the lines were.  Everyone had the same idea.  Anyways, by the time, I was in the starting line, I had literally 2 minutes before the start!

On that Saturday, it was still unusually humid and warm for September.  Normally, September is when it cools off but this week has been hot and humid!

I was set to run in the first group.  I was surprised that I was not nervous at all.  The first few miles, I ran at a good pace, not going out too fast.  I took my energy gel at mile 3.  Around mile 5, I could feel the fatigue start to set in.  Mile 5 and 6 were tough, which is surprising because miles 3 to 6 are usually my best miles.  The course turned out to be quite hilly, unlike what was described, as flat and fast.  It was not flat!  At mile 7, I was on track to meet my time for the half.  That's when I was in trouble.  I tried to run about 10 steps and my calf muscle would tighten up.  Every time I attempted to run, it would tighten up and give out.  I was worried that I would not be able to walk.  I attempted to stretch a few times and even started to drink Gatorade at the water stops but it didn't help.  It was frustrating knowing that I would have to walk for the rest of the race.  The spectators on the course were supportive and I wish that I could of kept running.  I was so happy to see the finish line and I wished that I could of run it in but I knew I couldn't.  I was greatful that I was able to cross the finish line without myAchilles  giving out but I wish that I was able to run most of the course.  My time was disappointing, under 3 hours.  Yes, I finished and completed my first half marathon but I was so disappointed with myself.  I was fighting too many battles, both mental and physical...

Back at the hotel, I had realized that I needed to turn this negative attitude around and focus on the positive and what I learned.  I learned so many lessons that I would not otherwise have learned.  Here are some of the key things I learned.  Not necessarily in this order:  I needed to have a positive attitude and make sure mentally I am prepared for the race, to not get distracted.  Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate days before the race and especially the night before!  Yes, I read this and I was told to hydrate but I didn't.  Make sure to eat enough calories and carb load a few days ahead of time.  Bring water and snacks with me for the trip, don't count on getting it the day before the race in a new town. Get to expo and eat early so I can relax and unwind.  Don't wear new sneakers the day of the race.  Again, I read this, don't try anything new on race day!  So true!

I remember thinking that I would not do this race again next year but after a few days, I realized that I want and will do this race again next year.  Redemption, to do it right and to conquer the hills!  So for now, I will rest my Achilles and look forward to when I can once again run and get back to running!