Air Force Half Marathon - Race Recap!

Another 13.1 under my belt and another medal to hang on my wall.

I wasn't sure what to expect of the Air Force half marathon, I had heard there were a few gnarly hills and there wasn't a ton of crowd support due to it mostly being on the Wright Patterson Air Force Base, but I hadn't ran it before and it was only about an hour from home so I added it to my race calendar for the year.

I went to the expo Friday at the Wright State University Nutter Center.  I love going to them and seeing cool new race gear, trying to win things (I was crossing my fingers that I would win the free Lasik eye surgery but I didn't hear from them), and getting a feel of the crowd.  The vendors were lined along the outside of the arena and we had to go down onto the floor to pick up our race packs.  They had a runner's yoga session going on and more vendors down there.  I was eyeballing a race jacket but didn't want to drop that kind of cash on a first time event.  I was in and out in about 20 minutes.

I had my new favorite pre-race steak dinner (thanks to Kelsey and Brittney!) and called it a night.  I've heard horror stories of the traffic nightmare to get in and I didn't want any part of that!  They also split up the start of the race with the full marathon and 10K runners starting at 7:30 and the half at 8:30.  I decided to leave at 5:30AM to make sure I got on the road, could pick up a bagel at Panera on the way, and hopefully get in easily.  I sat in a bit of traffic but was in and parked by 7:07 and was happy. 

Flat Lindsay ready to go!

The start/finish area was literally a mile away from where we parked.  The finish line was set up with all these cool old planes that you were going to be running under the wings as you finished the race.  Getting onto the base there wasn't any real security measures but getting into the race area we had to go through metal detectors.  Usually the runner corrals are roped off and there aren't spectators and family allowed in with them but this had a much more casual feel, families were with their runners until the gun went off, and there was no corral system.  It was hairy at the beginning with lots of walkers - the race had a 6 hour half marathon time limit so I think that drew extra walkers to the crowd, and no corral system had them everywhere.  As a former walker, I appreciate the extra time they offered but it was a little crazy for the half set up.  I wasn't sure about splitting up the groups but it actually worked out really well.  

The start of the race people were jam packed as expected.  We were given a single lane of a road and then onto a path that was about 3 people wide and there were about 10,000 runners between civilians and active duty members running the half.  In the first mile was the first big hill that had people slowing to walk already, and I put my head down and told myself the more I walked, the longer this would take, so I kept on.  Immediately after there was a nice downhill to follow.  There were duty men and women who were running the water stations and directing people.  They were cheering US on, in their uniforms, telling us how awesome we were doing, how great we were, and that we were looking good.  It was truly humbling to have people who are active duty in our military, in the current state of the world, cheering us on.  It gave me chills, I smiled and thanked each one and high fived as many as possible.  

We were out in open stretches of the base, and eventually at about the half way point were in the small, residential portion of the base with some beautiful homes and families clapping and cheering. We were lead through the golf course on base and out into a small part of the town, Fairborn, where we ascended a highway ramp (BIG HILL. Yikes) and made our way the last few miles back onto base and to the homestretch.  The half and full marathon courses merged when we came off the ramp at around half mile 8 and full mile 22.  I felt like they should have kept the lanes separate because those of us that were meeting marathoners at that point were in the back portion of the half, and in the middle front portion of the full with pacers at 8:30-9:30 minute/miles for the marathoners.  They were getting tangled up with the half run/walkers at this point and having to dodge and weave through them and I'm sure at 22+ miles that's the last thing they needed.  Hense why the half marathon course could be open for 6 hours.

The feeling coming back on to the base was electric.  There were flag signs lining the fence to mark the course boundaries, you could hear the announcer and music, and most of all the cheering crowds waiting for their loved ones to finish.  There was a long stretch of pavement, a 90 degree turn with increasingly more people for about a tenth of a mile, and then the final home stretch.  We ran under the wings of the planes full of history.  The crowds were loud, the many veterans spectating and running were inspiring.  I got goosebumps crossing the finish just like I did walking in just a few hours before.  There was a large number of hand-bike riding disabled veterans participating and seeing the determination as they worked to get themselves up the hills was amazing.

Then came the part that really brought me to tears - and I'm usually always pretty emotional at the finish anyway - but I finished and got into a line marked for the half and was greeted by an Air Force Officer who congratulated me, put the medal on me, and shook my hand and told me "well done".  I was humbled and this just capped the whole experience for me.  I headed to the refreshment area and was given water, G2, a banana, and best of all some HOT LaRosa's pizza which I quickly inhaled.  I am not usually hungry after long runs til I've settled for a little while but I could feel my blood sugar was low and it was a welcomed treat.  I hiked the mile back to my car, plugged in my dead iPhone that had left me without music since mile 11.68 right in the middle of a Beyonce song.  I had gotten everything in me but the G2 and I was glad I had it because I was starting to cramp up.  I didn't do a great job of hydrating this week and I was paying for it, but it helped within a few minutes and the cramping subsided and I was on my way home.

Overall, it was a great race and a great experience.  The weather got a bit warm having started an hour later than usual but it ended up being tolerable.  I didn't really have any major issues with the traffic and parking, however I didn't love that to make it work I had to be there so much earlier than needed and I was awake for 3.5 hours before I started running.  I'm a get up and go kind of girl.  The medals were cool, the crowds we did encounter were great, and the military personnel assisting with the event was a neat touch.  It's probably not an every year race for me, but definitely one to experience if you haven't before.  Thanks to the soldiers and volunteers of the United States Air Force for making it a great race!

Garmin time - 3:01:47

Official chip time (13.2 miles) - 3:03:34

No news isn't necessarily good news.

I thought this week I'd be back up and running, literally. I started Monday with some PiYo (one of the newest Beachbody programs combining yoga and pilates) and went to a 90 minute Zumba class put on by 3 super awesome instructors and had so much fun.  I planned on running in the evening but I was totally wiped out.  Despite all the sleep during my week of sickness I wasn't fully 100% like I thought I was.  I worked extra on Tuesday, then was scheduled to work day shift Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.  It was a particularly difficult week on the work front and I'm privileged to do what I do and be with my patients and their families during some of the happiest and saddest moments in life.  I'm so glad I still had some waterproof mascara in my arsenal because I would have looked a hot mess without it.

I have really been debating whether or not I'm going to be ready for this marathon. You know, the one I'm running in like 40-something days.  Many of my high mileage training weeks are falling on half marathon weekends and I honestly can't see myself coming home and running the extra 3-8 miles that are scheduled after running a half.  BUT, I've said I was going to do this and unless illness or injury prevents it otherwise, I'm still going to finish what I started.  It may be an even less fun recovery than last time, but I know I can do it because I've done it before.

With that begin said - I'm imagining how bad my legs are going to hurt this coming week.  No pain, no gain.

I wish I had some fun pictures or something to share with you, but I'll just leave you with my rest-of-marathon-training-mantra -

(Photo cred - Alex and Ani)

Wedding Wednesday - September Edition.

Fall is coming, fall is coming!  Which means winter will be here and this fabulous December wedding we've been planning will be coming to life before our eyes.

In the last month we've received our HUGE 19 pound box of invitations and adored them from afar while I planned an "invitation party" with my bridesmaids to number the backs of RSVP cards for all those who don't put their names on them and get them in envelopes with postage. They are gorgeous and I love them and the fact that I had so much input in the designing process.  A huge thanks again to Jenn at All That Glitters for the smooth process and beautiful custom invitations!

We sat down and made a nice, long "to do" list for EVERYTHING that still needs done.  It's mostly just little things like programs and things to do with the rehearsal dinner and fittings, but it all needs done.  I'm so glad I wasn't a big DIY bride because I'd be big time stressing over all the execution details of the day that I don't think I would have enjoyed any of this, let alone had any time to make and craft centerpieces or anything like that.

All the bridesmaids have their dresses, dates are being set for my bridal shower and bachelorette party, final payments are being made, and we have an appointment to choose our wedding bands!  I think that's the last time Kyle is going to let me in the jewelry store for awhile…good thing I have my own jewelry business :)

What am I forgetting?!  Tell me…what did you forget to do/plan for your wedding?

A restful week.

I've been down this whole week.  I had a sore throat the evening before last week's Emerald City half marathon and woke up with one but thought it was from the cold air in the room. I ran the race and figured it was just the humidity dragging me down, but it was probably (most certainly) the plague that was brewing inside my sinuses.

I haven't taken a full week off from working out since the Columbus Marathon almost a year ago.  Like, completely completely off.  I came home from the race, we had a cookout with Kyle's family, and then I went to take a nap.  That lasted 12 hours when I had to get up for work at 4:30AM. I nearly fell asleep on the couch when I got home from work at 8PM and worked Tuesday as well.  I slept 10 hours that night and the next, worked Friday in the OR and was home at 4.. took a "nap" at 5pm that turned into another 12 hour nap.  I think my crazy life finally caught up with me and it hit me hard.  I haven't slept as much in a whole month as I have in the last week. My nose felt like a faucet, my taste was gone (probably a good thing), and I was coughing up my left lung.

It also gave me time to make a plan.  I'm on the upward swing and I'm ready to crush some goals in September.  I've gained back about 8-10 pounds from my lowest weight. I've been lazy and not sticking to a diet plan since I had to break up with my trainer, Darin. I'm doing a September challenge to keep myself accountable and working towards a short term goal.  I find I am more successful than looking at the larger picture ahead.  I've written in my planner workouts for every week from now through the wedding so I can take things truly one week at a time.  I made a meal plan for myself for the first week and we'll go from there.  I know most of the 8-10 pounds isn't true weight gain but from my lack of water intake when my body is used to the gallon+ a day I've been drinking for a long time, so those pounds should come back off easily (especially since my clothes really don't fit any differently). I'm hoping to be 5-8 pounds lower than my original lowest weight and be 180-183 by October 1st.  It's not all about the number, but seeing that number in comparison to the 245 that it used to read is a big win for me.

So that's the game plan for the next month, and it's all about consistency.  Consistent in my eating, running, and keeping active in general without sneaking to the cafeteria for cookies or pizza.  I know the progress I made last year in a months time and I know I can do it again.  Seriously - if you know me in real life and you see me trying to deviate from my plan - SAY SOMETHING. Seriously.  I do better when I know I have eyes on me and eat what's in my lunch box.

Tomorrow I have some miles to run and I'm going to a 90 minute Zumba class while I have the day off.  Starting September off the right way.

What are your September goals?

Emerald City Half Marathon Recap

Another race, another recap! I was pretty excited for this race with the unseasonably cool temperatures we had been having...notice I say HAD. The week of the Emerald City race was the hottest and most humid of the whole summer.

I spent Saurday evening in the suburb of Columbus near the race start. It is about 25 minutes from where I grew up and it's always good to be "home". I had my new favorite pre-race steak dinner (thanks to Kelsey and Brittney!) at Outback with my bridesmaid and beautiful friend Karley. Afterward we went to play with some puppies.

I wanted this little girl in a bad way, but our apartment can't handle two huskies.

I headed to bed around 9:00 and my alarm was set for 5:30. My throat felt a little sore after dinner but I thought it was just due to my love of the air conditioner keeping everything at below-arctic temperatures. I laid out my "flat Lindsat" and was ready to run with 3500 new friends in the morning.

5:30 came and I still had my sore throat but otherwise felt okay. I chugged water the day before trying to ensure I'd be hydrated and woke up to chug another liter. It was 70 degrees and 90% humidity at the starting line at 6:45AM. Yikes. It wasn't too long before I spotted Julie who I had met on Instagram and we had planned to see each other at the race. She was so so sweet and I immediately felt like we'd known each other for years. 

The race started at 7:00 after the national anthem was played. It was advertised as a flat course, a welcome change from hilly Cincinnati. The Columbus Marathon only has 100 feet of elevation change throughout the whole course and I was expecting something similar for this race. I was a little bit wrong but I made it through. 

My goal as I had been talking about was to run this entire race. I felt super good the whole time and was pacing myself appropriately, averaging a pace around 11:50 minute/mile. At the water stop around mile 10 I sort of lost my mojo. I had been keeping up with a gentleman and chatting with him off and on as we went. I run through water stops but I made the mistake of slowing down and just couldn't get myself consistently running again. It was so, so humid, I was DRENCHED in sweat, and the race was pretty small so the crowd support was limited out on the course. (I do have to give a big shout out to Corinne, Mrs. Loose, and Julie for being awesome cheerleaders! Corinne even made me a sign and waited the whole race for me to finish!)

I saw the firefighter relay running in FULL GEAR and using oxygen tanks out on the course, ahead of me, and that was pretty inspiring to say the least, especially considering the heat of the day. They also finished before me. Holy smokes.

(Photo credit to Corinne)

I found myself rounding the last corner and seeing civilization again and ran to the finish - 2:50:41 - and 10 minutes better than the Flying Pig and only 4 minutes from a PR. As the temps start to fall I fully expect to beat my PR at least once this race season.

I enjoyed the race and would definitely do it again! On to the Air Force half in Dayton in September!

Columbus Marathon Training - Double Time.

Last week ended up getting all sorts of crazy. I got some (not all as I wanted to) runs in, my 12 mile long run got cut to 8 miles due to getting massively sunburnt in the process. Yes, I wore sunscreen and am currently scratching my back on the edges of walls and door frames due to my skin peeling and being incredibly itchy. This week I've got another short 4 miles to do tonight when it hopefully cools down some as we're having the hottest week of the summer so far. I have my next half marathon, the Emerald City half, on Sunday and the race director already sent out a weather warning. It starts at 7AM so I'm hoping to make it through the race without becoming completely dehydrated. This week was supposed to be a 14 mile long run but 13.1 will have to do. My average pace has been staying around 11:30 without too much trouble and I even picked it up and started my long run last week in the 12's and finished overall at an 11:49 average minute/mile. Happy with that! My big goal is to run this entire half - something I've yet to do. The Little Miami half last August (and also the week I reached One-derland!) I almost ran the whole thing minus a mile or so in total and that's as close as I've come. I'm going to focus less on pace, more about enjoying the race and keeping my feet moving. When I get home after my 2 hour drive my future family & in-laws will be here for a cookout and I'll have enough hands to complete my simultaneous ALS ice bucket challenge AND Pie in the face for HD! Should be fun!

I'll leave you with some pictures from the past two weeks - I'll definitely get a race recap up ASAP after Sunday!

Ouch.

My welcome committee when I got home from a run :)

Columbus Marathon Training - Week 6.

Week 6 wasn't awesome. I'll lead with that.

I had two 4 milers, a 5 mile, and an 11 mile long run scheduled. I didn't make my distances, any of them, but I did run 4 times. I won't even break down my runs or my pace. I thought I may have developed a stress fracture when I cut my 11 mile run short to 3.5 miles Saturday morning due to some intense pain. I took two days off and went for a short run today and I feel like I'm okay. 

I have a half marathon next weekend and I want to be healthy for that and want to run the whole thing - that's my only goal. I'm nervous for the heat but it starts at 7:00 so it shouldn't be too bad. The mornings lately have been cool.

I'll leave you with some snapshots of the week. Hey, week 7, please be nice, okay?