Love the Loop 15K: #PRincess

To say that the 2016 running year is off to a good start would be an understatement.  I don't know where much of this speed has come from, but I'm going to keep on with it as long as I can.  My personal records (PRs) were aging at an alarming rate, but I was able to update my 5K and half marathon PR in January.  When I saw that Dallas Running Club (DRC) was offering up a 15K for the February club race, I knew that I had to seize the opportunity.  My 15K PR was from January 2010, another kindergarten age record!  I'll never forget that race, I very quietly closed in on Mr K and just almost overtook him at the end - but he beat me by a couple of seconds.  That has to be one of my most favorite race stories.  The 15K is a distance that I really enjoy and I try to race them when they show up on the local race calendar.  I have come close to my 15K PR on several occasions, missing it by about 45 seconds last April.

Once I signed up, I reached out to Stude (remember him, he is the one who has "encouraged" me to run as fast as I can in the closing miles of my last three half marathons) to see if he had any advice for racing a 15K.  He threw out some pacing suggestions and a HUGE chart full of numbers and data (swoon!) based on my race time from the 3M Half.  According to the numbers, a 15K PR was well within my reach.  I was interested in putting this to the test as I was starting to wonder if my PR from 3M Half was a bit of an outlier as it was run on a known fast course.  Turns out, Stude was planning on being there too to run the 5K and would provide "encouragement" in the final miles of the race.  I gotta tell you, I was somewhat terrified when I saw this message from him but I was up for the challenge!

The race weather gods have been smiling upon me this year and they provided more great running weather for us with temperatures around 40 degrees at the start.  The race was a sellout at just under 1,000 runners - a Dallas Running Club record!  Safe to say the new "Love the Loop" concept was a hit.  And speaking of loving the loop, I had a serious home field advantage going into this one as Mr K and I typically do our long runs on this loop around White Rock Lake.  I knew it inside and out so there were no surprises.  I planned to follow Meb's "run only one mile at a time and worry only about what needs to be done for that mile" advice until I saw Stude (The Encourager) then I would just run like hell to keep up with him.  I got off to a good start and settled into a good pace hanging out in the 8:20s for the first four miles.  There was a nice hill at mile 3, but I had just done hill repeats on it the week before so I felt very familiar with it.  Home field advantage for the win!

Post Race PR Smiles with Shantel (Pic: Stude)

I picked up the pace a bit starting with mile 5, the wind was at my back and I tried to use that to my advantage as I knew I would turn back into it soon enough.  I picked out a few runners in front of me and kept them in my sight for most of the race.  I hoped to pass them before the finish line, if everything went according to plan.  Miles 5, 6, and 7 were in the 8:10 range - so far, so good!  

As I approached the mile 7 marker, I saw Stude (The Encourager) waiting, it was about to get real, y'all.  I had just run the first 7 miles in under an hour and I knew that the PR was in the bag if I could keep on working for a couple more miles.  Stude was super helpful and set a brisk pace for us, reminding me to keep it even as we ran up the big hill by the spillway.  He even attempted to block the wind as we headed towards Winfrey Point.  Oh sweet Winfrey Point, I have had my share of battles on this sacred stretch of White Rock Lake.  Mile 8 came in at 8:02 and I was totally good with that considering the hill we just climbed.  Just over 2 miles to go and I was fairly certain that I might die!

Smiling as I spotted Stude at mile 7, it was about to get real (Pic: Stude)

I started to pass some of the people that I'd been following during the race and that provided a great boost to me.  I worked hard to stay ahead of them and not let them leap frog me at the end.  It was somewhere in here that Stude mentioned our pace, but I tried not to think too much about it. Sometimes knowing how fast I am going makes my brain go "Wait!  We don't run that fast!!!"  My watch was chiming ahead of the mile markers as I was not doing a great job with tangents and mile 9 showed 7:46.  At this point I knew that I was going to have a huge PR - finish strong, MK!  Be fearless! 

I was searching for a glimpse of the finish line and it was obscured a bit by a bend in the route.  I knew that just seeing it would help me finish strong and I was getting desperate when I finally made the slightest turn and saw it.  Oh. Thank. Heavens. I glanced at my watch and saw 1:16-something and made it my goal to cover those remaining yards before it got to 1:17.  I hit the finish line in 1:16:56 - I did it!

Finish line celebration! (Pic: Stude)

Three races, three PRs, and one new hashtag: #PRincess. (Thanks for that one, Stude).  Somehow I have caught lightning in a bottle.  To say it is exciting would be an understatement and to say that I'm fired up for running would be an even bigger understatement.  I'm not sure how I got here, but I am not going to take it for granted.  My recent success has only made me hungry for more and I'm inspired to work even harder.  Let's see what else these legs have in them!

White Rock Marathon: Beautiful Day

Wow…where to begin?! My experience at the White Rock Marathon was nothing short of amazing. I learned so much about myself and my incredible support system that day. I have run the half marathon at White Rock three times and I have always said that White Rock equals MAGIC and that held true again this year. There was the one year that I was exhausted from a weekend of playing concerts at the Winspear Opera House and woke up just hoping to finish the race….and I broke two hours for the first time, and then last year when I was dealing with some very frustrating hip pain…and ran my third fastest time ever. See? Magic! And it looks like White Rock brought magic again this year. When I work up that morning it was in the upper thirties and raining and I had no reason to truly believe that I would have FUN while running. Yep, you heard me…I had FUN.

The whole week before the race was filled with words of love, support, and encouragement from my friends and family. I remembered thinking that I should run a marathon EVERY week because I have not felt that much positive energy in a long time. I was very calm the whole week leading up to the race; I don’t think that I ever really experienced that “taper madness” that people speak of. I had no doubts that I would finish the race and I had no doubts that I would have a positive experience. I really did trust my training and I knew that I was prepared. The only thing that caused me slight concern was the forecast of rain, but Erik and my runner friends were so positive telling me that the rain was not really a factor and what a great day it would be for running. I really owe them a thank you because they had me believing that a little rain was nothing to freak out about.


Lunch at Taco Joint

The Saturday before the race was filled with friends and food. Several of us met for lunch at Taco Joint before heading to the race expo. It was a big moment when I got to go to the “full marathon” side to pick up my race bib. I have gone to the “half marathon” side so many times and I didn’t really think that I would EVER run a full marathon. The race expo was a blur—I didn’t get to shop very much because we ran into so many running friends (frunners) and had to stop and chat each time. I remember that I felt incredibly lucky to have made so many friends from running—what a great “problem” to have, right? We met some more running folks for a carb-filled dinner at Bucca di Beppo and then it was off to the house to prepare all of my stuff for the race.


The Full Marathon Line...it is for REAL

I was torn over what to wear as I tend to warm up pretty quickly while running, but I also knew that the rain would be a factor. I ended up selecting a long sleeve shirt and running tights over my compression sleeves with a beanie and some gloves. I went back and forth over wearing a jacket, but I have never run in one before and didn’t want to try it on this day. I tucked an 89 cent rain poncho from Academy in my shirt pocket before heading out the door. That 89 cent poncho ended up saving my tail.

I have to mention that SiriusXM radio has a great sense of humor—I heard “No Rain” and “Run To The Water” during my drive to Fair Park and the race starting line. It is things like this that make me laugh at the whole situation. I arrived a little bit later than I planned to and missed the group meet up, but was able to find Gretchen (my marathon race buddy) without too much trouble and we headed to our starting corral. I was thrilled because I saw Mark L, Felix, and Cairo go by on their way to the start. It was great to get a hug and encouragement right before the starting gun fired.

One of the things that I love about White Rock Marathon is how it is just ELECTRIC at the start—fireworks, music, EXCITEMENT! While many of the same effects were still there, it was a bit muted by the rain. Gretchen and I had to wait about twenty minutes to cross the starting line and while we were standing there it started to rain again. The timing of that rain saved my tail…it was then that I decided to get that poncho out of my pocket and put it on…and I didn’t take it off until I was finished and had the medal around my neck.


Meanwhile While I Was Running...

We got off to a good start, the corral system seemed to work well and we didn’t have to get around many slower runners. The rain got heavier a few miles into the race and I knew that it was just going to be something that we would have to deal with all day. I tried really hard to dodge puddles because I wanted my feet to stay dry for as long as possible. I tend to be blister prone and even though I had covered my feet in both Body Glide and Vaseline, I was still worried.

In my last blog entry, I asked for words of advice from experienced marathoners to a rookie. I really drew upon those words during the race and they even carried me at times. So if you were one of those people who shared your wisdom with me…THANKS…you don’t know how much I relied on it during the challenging moments. A common theme was “take it all in” and “smile, have fun” and that is what I did. If a band was playing, I sang the words out loud at the top of my lungs. I tried to look at all of the spectators and take in their faces, signs, and cheers. I knew that standing still in the cold rain was much harder than running. It meant a lot to have them there on a day like that.

Gretchen and I knew that our friends Corina, Marci, and Cassie would be cheering for us at certain points along the course and we really looked forward to seeing their faces along the way. They were dressed in bright yellow tutus (covered by rain ponchos) and were making lots of noise with egg shakers and a tambourine (think that they are friends with a music therapist?) and they called themselves “Operation Sunshine”. They will never know how much their presence helped me along that day. We also knew that Erik would be waiting at the Dolly Pardon Hills (mile 21) with the other Dollys and would be running in with us. The race course really showcases some of the best parts of Dallas and I love running through the Arts District and in front of the stately homes on Beverly Drive. Fall comes a little bit later here in Texas and the trees were beautiful shades of orange and yellow against the backdrop of Christmas decorations.


Operation Sunshine

Gretchen was an amazing race buddy. Early in the race she asked me what words she could say to me if and when I started to struggle. She wanted me to say “suck it up, buttercup” to her and I chose “you are stronger than you think”. We never had to use those phrases on each other, but I know that I thought about mine several times. She also had the race divided by her “9, 9, 9” plan (9 miles, 9 miles, and a little less than 9 at the end) and that really seemed to help. It really began to seem real when we got to the half marathon split…oh how many times had I taken that shorter route…but not today…today I was taking the long way. (Incidentally Dixie Chicks song “Taking The Long Way” came up on my ipod as I got ready to leave for the race). Around mile 11.5 we passed the RAW (Grapevine Runners) aide station and I saw so many frunner faces there. They were all so helpful and welcoming, again another bright spot on the road. Staci (Tini) was super helpful getting water and Gatoraide for Gretchen and me as we passed through. We passed Operation Sunshine again somewhere around mile 12 and I was still taking it all in, smiling, and having an awesome time.

Mile 12 is where we hit White Rock Lake and that is where the challenge really began. Remember those words of advice that I drew from? Cat had a gem for me—don’t ditch your gloves before you get to the lake…remember that the “other” side is often cold and windy. She is pretty brilliant because the wind hit right on cue. My gloves were soaking wet by then and I wondered if it would be better to take them off, but I trusted Cat’s wise words and I’m glad that I did. Mile 12 is also where I started to have an unusual pain that moved from my hip to my hamstring to my knee and back….it was frustrating because I had NEVER experienced this pain before (and I haven’t since). Looking back it was probably caused from running on wet surfaces, jumping puddles, and wearing soaked, heavy shoes. The good news is that as long as I took time at the aide stations to stretch then the pain was very manageable. The bad news is that it added about a minute per mile from 13 until the end (frustrating), but I wasn’t about to let that get me down.


Somewhere Around Mile 12

White Rock Lake was the hardest part of the whole marathon. Erik and I have been coming to White Rock every weekend for our long runs for several years now—so I feel like I know every inch of the path. I knew where it would be windy and I knew just how far it was from one point to the next. It was during this section of the marathon I felt like Gretchen was dragging me and I worked really hard to not hold her back too much. Remember those words of advice—I kept drawing on them and “smile” was in my mind quite often during this stretch. Again, I looked at the volunteers and knew that they were having a much harder time that I was. Winfrey Point is a tough part of the lake for me and a constant thorn in my side. It is a half mile around that point and it is often the most extreme section of the lake (hottest in the summer, windiest in the spring, coldest in the winter, etc). Like clockwork, we approach Winfrey Point and the wind picks up and the rain comes down harder….and my ipod begins playing “Beautiful Day” Seriously? How could I NOT laugh at that!? Awesome Bono, just awesome.

We came off the lake around mile 20 and I stopped for a short restroom break. This was the first time I took off my gloves and I had trouble moving my fingers! I didn’t realize just how cold my hands had gotten. I was working hard to get to mile 21 because those are the Dolly Pardon Hills and that is where Erik would be waiting to run in with me. I also knew that Operation Sunshine would be there with dry gloves and clementines for me. I remember looking at Gretchen and saying “we have just run 20 miles girl!” In some way it seemed as if it had gone by so fast. I heard a spectator say “you are going to make it!” and I started to get excited about getting to that finish line…this was really going to happen!


At The Dolly Pardons-Mile 21

I was so relieved to climb that hill and see Erik, Operation Sunshine, and the Dollys waiting for me. I remember running up and saying “who wants to rub my butt” hoping that someone would be able to work that little ache/cramp out of my muscles. Erik was on it but it didn’t seem to help too much. Marci poked clementines in my mouth, shoved dry gloves on my hands (with hand warmers inside!) and we posed for a few pictures. Poor Erik was shivering and was ready to start running so that he could warm up. We lost Gretchen in the shuffle—she started to get cold when she stopped so she kept on moving. I could see her bright pink calf sleeves just ahead of us for the last few miles of the race.


Erik goes to work...

I never hit “the wall” during this race and I think that Erik was a huge part of that. Having him with me for those last five miles was just what I needed to lift my spirits, he knew just what to say and was so supportive. Frunners Liza and Vi were also nearby and it was great to see some familiar faces. I was still taking stretch breaks at each water stop, but my legs were feeling better as we went. The mind is a funny thing, isn’t it? I should note that I had not been watching my watch any during this race. Gretchen and I just ran a comfortable pace the entire time and we actually stayed fairly consistent. I spare you the long list of splits, miles 1-13 averaged just under 10:00 min miles and 14-26 were in the 11:15 minute range for an average of 10:39 for the whole race and a finish time of 4:42:49

The last five miles are a bit of a blur to me. I remember the beautiful houses along Swiss Avenue, the spectators, and the bands (one was playing Brown Eyed Girl) and focusing on Erik who was running just ahead of me. Soon enough I could see the buildings at Fair Park and I knew that the end was very near. Again, drawing from the advice given to me, I tried to take everything in and really savor the moment. I was about to be a MARATHONER! It was all pretty overwhelming and I started to get a quiver chin as we rounded the bend and entered Fair Park.


A Toast With Gretchen!

Erik peeled away and I went on to cross the finish line…I had done it. I will never forget that feeling as I let the tears come freely. Wow. “Do your best” my dad had said…and I did. The advice that I had heard the most during my training was “don’t set any time goals for yourself on your first marathon” and “finishing should be your only goal” and “run your first one for a good time, not a fast time.” I really tried to draw on that advice and quiet my inner perfectionist. Am I pleased with my time? Not exactly, but I did the best that I could on the day that I was given. That is something running twenty-nine half marathons has taught me. Do I know that I can do better? Heck yes! And I can’t wait to try again…and soon. But for now I will be proud of the fact that I ran a marathon, and I ran it as strongly as I could, and I have recovered well. I ran a marathon on a day when many people chose not to leave their houses because it was so cold and rainy.

I am a marathoner.

(Thanks again to Corina and Gretchen for the pictures!)

You Can't See THAT On a Treadmill!

If you know anything about me as a runner, you know that I DETEST running on a treadmill. I'd rather go outside when it is 25 degrees and windy then go on a treadmill for any amount of time. I just don't like it! However, because I am working on this whole shoe issue (see previous entry) I was forced to hop on a treadmill for a couple of miles on Saturday. I made myself go 2 miles, but I would have jumped off at any moment, I was looking for any excuse to bail--seriously. I got to thinking about this on Sunday while on a 10 miler around White Rock Lake. I was sharing my thoughts about the treadmill with Erik when we saw some birds twittering together near a tree. Then as we progressed we saw a pelican floating lazily in the lake....next we saw a bird fly just over our heads with a fish in his bill. A flock of small birds was startled as we ran upon them and they took flight just inches in front of us. We saw all shapes and sizes of dogs out running with their owners, and we saw some of the early signs of spring in the budding trees. And of course, we saw some of the carnage left behind by the recent snowstorm in all of the fallen tree limbs. All of this happened on a rainy Sunday morning when the lake was far less crowded than usual.

I understand that not every one is like me, lots of people tolerate the treadmill much better, and that it is important to get miles in when and where ever you can. However, I strongly encourage you to get outside...walk, run, meander, ride a bike or stroll. Just get out there and see all that we are missing as we zoom around busily in our cars. It is a beautiful world out there! Enjoy!

Daughters of a Great and Singing Nation...

Today was filled with music and sisterhood with the girls of Sigma Alpha Iota. SAI is the international music fraternity for women to which I belong. I pledged SAI as a freshman at Sam Houston State University and I have been an active member ever since, except for a few transition years during and following my internship. Today was Province Day, an annual event where all the chapters in a region (called Province) gather for a day of music, food, education, and fun. I was somewhat frustrated going into this Province Day--a miscommunication about a performance led me to turn down a chance to speak at Music Therapy Awareness Weekend at SHSU. It turned out to be a lovely day and I am glad that I was able to take part.

It is always interesting to look around the room at any SAI event. There are women from all fields of music, of all ages, and from many backgrounds. For example, today I sat among college members as well as 55 year (that's right, 55 YEARS) members. There were some terrific performers, music educators, music librarians, music therapists, an interior designer, and a math teacher just to name a few. SAI was founded in 1903 at the University of Michigan and I wonder what our founders would think if they could see us today! No doubt they had no idea of the diversity of the future fraternity.

Next up in running world--an "easy" 9 mile run around White Rock Lake tomorrow morning. I haven't been on a regular training run around White Rock in about 6 weeks now, that is not counting the 2 races that I ran out there. I am looking forward to not racing tomorrow--it will be nice to just run and enjoy all of the nature and scenery that the lake provides. Cowtown is less than a week away now, I am starting to get fired up!