Heels & Hills & Him Half: Holy Crash-o-la Batgirl!

The great thing about races is that they never fail to teach you some kind of lesson about yourself, your training, or your mental capacity--just to name a few. This Heels & Hills & Him half marathon was no exception. I felt so good coming into this race and felt so strong for 2/3 of the race...then the wheels came flying off in grand fashion!!

I had a good week of moderately paced training runs (although came in with fifteen miles on my feet which is about five more than I am used to thanks to marathon training) and I even had a day off from boot camp due to class being cancelled. So I thought that I was ready to rock out on a race course that was very familiar to me (I think that this was my fifth time to run this course) and was the home of my personal record (PR) in May 2010. Erik always lets me have this race to myself and I told him to head out for his usual Sunday long run instead of waiting around a couple of hours to cheer for me. I arrived at the race, parked with ease, ate my breakfast, listened to some music in my car, and headed over to the start area. The best thing about any of the Heels & Hills races is that so many of my friends are there. While I arrived by myself, I was never really alone (except maybe during the last three miles, but that is for later). It was great to visit with friends, smile for some incredibly dorky pictures, and get focused on the race.

I have not mentioned a major factor in the day yet and that was the dreaded summer heat. It was already 77 degrees when I woke up and I am certain that it had to be near 80 when we started. Cooler than many of our recent summer mornings, but not the weather that makes for running with ease. I have grown so weary of using the heat as an excuse that I decided to totally put it out of my mind. I was just going to run at a quick pace that feels good and I would deal with the heat later (mistake #1). I had used the heat as an excuse for a slower pace all summer and I just decided that I was done. Apparently the heat did not agree with my plan...these races have a way of humbling you!

I always have a goal of finishing a half marathon under two hours and that was my plan again today. I suppose that my "A" goal would have been to hit 1:55 or better, but I am always happy with a 2:00 finish since it has become sort of a benchmark time for me. I started the race just behind the 2:00 pace group with the intention of gradually pulling ahead of them. I felt like I got a good and comfortable start, it wasn't crowded and I didn't have to worry about maneuvering around other runners. I passed the 2:00 group within the first couple of miles and was feeling strong and very confident. I could see running friend Mark L. about 50 yards in front of me and he was setting a great, consistent pace--making him a great "rabbit".

I paused for a brief moment at each water station (there is no way I can drink and run...tried it, not pretty) and made sure to get some salt tabs and gels down at the appropriate times. It felt hot but it wasn't anything that I haven't felt before and it wasn't overwhelming and therefore had not crossed my mind as a factor to consider.

Average pace:
Mile 1 8:49
Mile 2 8:39
Mile 3 8:49
Mile 4 8:50
Mile 5 8:47
Mile 6 8:35
Mile 7 8:57

The turn around on this out-and-back course is at mile 7 and I was feeling pretty good and was on a good pace for a finish somewhere in the neighborhood of 1:55 (7 miles in 1 hour is always a good indicator to me and I hit it in 1:01). It was starting to heat up a bit and I was very grateful for the wet towel that the volunteer handed to me. It was here that my pace started to fall off just a little bit and I lots sight of Mark L, my rabbit. I passed TIR teammate Mel's water station twice in this stretch and she reminded me to hydrate well at her stop.

I was still feeling okay, but I knew that the trip back would not be as easy. I felt that I was slowing off the pace a bit and my goal was to keep up with the people around me. I passed several runners in the first half of the race and some of them were starting to catch me again now. This section of the race is fun because I get to see alot of friendly faces on their way out. It was a great distraction to search for friend's faces in the crowds and call out to them as we passed each other. Out-and-back races are not always my favorites, but this is a great benefit of this kind of race.

Mile 8: 9:06
Mile 9: 9:07

It was clear that my pace had dropped, but even by slowing I knew that I could still finish below 2:00 and meet my top goal for the day. I started to feel a little bit icky and began to take more time at the water stops to make sure I got plenty of fluids and was able to pop a salt tab when I needed. This really shows up in my pace over the last miles.

Mile 10: 9:52
Mile 11: 9:50
Mile 12: 10:00

Oh my goodness....would this race ever end? The last 3 miles of this race have to be the longest I have ever run. At this point there was no shade and the race was entirely on hot concrete. Somebody make it stop!!! I don't think that I have ever really experienced "the wall" before...until this exact point. My legs felt like heavy concrete blocks! One more mile...

Mile 13: 10:15 (holy smokes!)
But then something magical happens when that finish line is in sight. The mind is a funny thing and sometimes it tricks you into thinking that you are done....and then you see a finish line....and you run the last .22 miles in an average pace of 8:12. Hello! I could have used some of that a mile ago!

I have never been so happy to see a finish line and I'm not quite sure I have ever been so grateful to see a bottle of cold water. But my running wasn't finished....remember marathon training is here and I need a couple of more miles left for the day. This is when my rabbit, Mark L., happens by and I mention these miles to him. Turns out he is heading back out on the course to cheer on some first time half runners from his work. So I tagged along with him until we found his friends and then followed them in to the finish. It was really cool to be a part of the end of their first half marathon. I realize that I take so many things for granted after finishing twenty-seven of these half marathons. If you are ever looking for inspiration, head back out to the last couple of miles of an endurance race on a challenging day...it is amazing!!

Marathon training is teaching me so many lessons about running and what I am capable (or not) of doing. There seems to be a big lesson every week and this week it was that I can't expect to build my mileage base and all-out race at the same time. I ran 30.85 miles this week--a new personal record for weekly mileage! I now know that it is unreasonable to train more than I ever have and then come on out on a hot day and expect race magic. See these things are humbling and teach me so many lessons!

So here are the final numbers for the day:
2:01:39
6th out of 47 in my age group

While I didn't meet my goals for the day and I sorta crashed and burned at the end, I am not going to feel ashamed of my efforts. I ran strong for nine miles on a hot day and finished 17 minutes faster than my half marathon in August (which never counts for time because it is crazy hot in Texas in August). I am happy to say that I am still learning lessons....even in my 27th half marathon. That right there is something to be happy about.

What's next? I am enjoying a step-back week before the next big mileage push in marathon training. This means that I only have to run somewhere between 11-13 miles for my long run this weekend. I am looking forward to some laid back miles after two very challenging race weekends in a row.

But look out....in two weeks we are heading to Tyler for the Tyler Rose Half Marathon. This was a favorite from last year, but who knew Tyler had so many hills? Looks like number twenty-eight will bring its own set of challenges.

Hottest Half: Who Keeps Signing Me Up For Summer Races??

I have become an increasingly tardy blogger these days. Perhaps the hot weather that has zapped my will to run has even zapped my will to write about running. Also, this race--the Hottest Half--was timed beautifully with the beginning of the school year. This is a hectic time where I have to make the shift from 10 hour work weeks and afternoon naps to full time work and all that comes with it. My mind gets overwhelmed with all of the back to school details and by the end of the day it has just turned into mush. So enough of the excuses and on with the blog!!

I try to take a different approach to summer races and summer running in general. I run slower in the summer, it is just a fact. This used to freak me out and send me into a tizzy (I'm getting slower! Oh my gosh, I am getting weaker!! Ahh!), but every fall the temperatures drop and my pace picks up and I am a happy runner once again. Last year I started the Hottest Half with good intentions, but soon found myself defeated by the heat and turned the race into my own social run complete with pictures and visits with friends along the way. I decided that it might be a good day to go for a PW (personal worst).

I was happy to take a similar approach to this year's edition of the Hottest Half as well. I was excited about the race because I knew that so many of my running friends (frunners) would be there and that we would have a great time hanging out before the race and that there would be food and more fun after the race.

We arrived early, took our place in the potty line, and quickly found friends to talk and visit with. Frunners EW and Corina are quick with the camera and a flurry of pre-race photos were taken. A sense of dread took over as we lined up at the start, thinking of the many miles that lay before us and realizing that I was sweating before I even ran a step. I knew that I would not be setting any personal records (PRs) and felt content to take a slightly easier pace than I normally would.


Pre Race with Friends

About a mile into the race we crossed the dreaded Mockingbird Bridge...the "mocking" part is so true because the bridge bounces up and down and mocks every step. It will jump up to meet your feet on one step--surprising you as you are not expecting the ground to be so close and then dropping really low the next step--leaving you wondering if your foot would find the ground. The whole time I am thinking that my stomach was not so happy with me and I was thinking that a restroom stop might be in order. I was thinking that I would spend less energy just stopping early rather than worrying about it for a few more miles. So at 1.75 miles I get in the potty line...and I wait...and I wait...even thought I was not racing, it was disheartening to watch so many runners go by and I felt any progress that I had made slipping away. I finally got moving again, 5 minutes later, and felt driven to make up some of the time that I lost. Erik was super fabulous and waited for me during this extended pit stop.


5 minute restroom stop

There really isn't much to say about the race itself....it was hot and we ran. Erik and I made sure to get good drinks at water stations and we also took salt tablets along the way to make up for all that we were losing with sweat. We made up lots of time and began to catch up with some of our friends that had passed while I was delayed. We passed Mary and Debra who were out at the lake for training with Team Tri-Now. Poor Mary caught me off guard with a high five and nearly got punched in the nose! I was carrying a water bottle in my right hand and didn't know how to handle the bottle and a surprise high five. Sorry Mary!!

This is an out and back course and the leaders were starting to pass us now on their way back to the start. I always marvel at their speed and the ease in their running style, I wonder what it feel like to run so fast. The best thing about an out and back is seeing lots of friends along the way and this was the case here too. I was also happy because I knew that the race was more than half way finished at this point.


Heading Back

My next focus point was making it to the North Texas Runners cheering station at mile 11. I knew that Libby and the gang would be there with ice, gummy bears, and friendly faces. I slowed down for a bit, ate a couple of gummies, crunched some ice and talked with Greg and Libby. This was a real pick me up and I knew that the journey was almost complete. Libby tells the story from her side in her blog...check it out!


Give me gummy bears!!

The last two miles were crazy hard as I tried to maintain an even pace and finish with a little bit of grace. The heat was intense and I just focused on putting one foot in front of the other. It was during this stretch that I had a great talk with myself--reminding myself that this was likely the hardest race of the year and that I do this race to prove to myself that I can be tough when necessary. I started running because I wanted to do something hard and this was as hard as it gets. The finish line was in sight soon enough and I ran it in as fast as I could.

I was okay with my time given the five minute restroom break and the intense heat. (Chip Time: 2:18:29 31st of 102 in my age group). This is about 20 minutes slower than my average half marathon pace but speed wasn't the goal today. This race is not and never will be about speed, speed is best saved for a crisp race on a November morning. The Hottest Half is about showing myself that I am tough enough to handle a challenging circumstance. Mission accomplished.

Erik and I cheered some more friends across the finish line and enjoyed a cold beer in the beer garden before packing up and heading to breakfast with our group of frunners. This was the best part of the morning and certainly the number one benefit of running. I have met some amazing people over the last couple of years and it is an honor to call them frunners...and friends.

(Special thanks to Corina, EW, and Libby for the great pictures)

Monday Musings

Gosh it has been so long since I have visited with you! It must be a May thing, because looking through the archives I see the same thing happened last year. My calendar gets a little bit crazy in May with all of the end of school year events. I am not complaining because I create this schedule for myself and I enjoy every minute of it....but it does not allow much time for the little things--like blogging.

May brought so much fun running! It started with back-to-back half marathons, continued with a great North Texas Runners social run, followed by the unofficial monthly gathering of the unofficial Beer and Bagels trail running group(pictured above). All of this brought my running total to 101 miles, my fifth 100 mile month since last August.

I was excited that the North Texas Runners social run was going to be held at Arbor Hills Nature Preserve. This little gem in the middle of the suburbs is just a few miles from my house and includes both paved and trail paths. I have driven by here many times and always wanted to try it out, but just never did it. The views are beautiful and the terrain is fairly challenging as far as elevation goes--at least challenging compared to much of what you find in this area. The trails were closed due to some heavy rain that came the day before, but the paved paths kept us plenty busy. Each loop was approximately 2 miles and we made 3 trips around. Erik and I went back on Memorial Day and enjoyed a 4 mile jaunt...complete with tarantula sighting! I can't wait to explore the trails and spend some time out here running this summer. The only thing I'm sad about is that it took me this long to discover it.


Beautiful Scenery at Arbor Hills


Arbor Hills-I can't wait to run these trails

The following weekend brought another new favorite of ours--the unofficial monthly gathering of the unofficial Beer & Bagels trail running group. I am still pretty new to trail running and I really enjoy the challenge that it brings. We met up at Lake Grapevine again this month, but took a trail heading in a different direction. Our group is made up of runners of various speeds, and Erik and I had a great time running with Michelle and Gretchen. Michelle is an excellent trail guide and had great stories to share about her recent triumph at the Jemez 50K. Be sure to read her race report here, it is a good one! You can also read here for more about the Beer & Bagels May run. We ended up going about 12 miles and just before mile 6 I had my first ever "trail fall." Apparently you aren't a real trail runner until you fall--looks like I can join the club now. Fortunately I did not hurt anything other than a skinned leg and a skinned knee (which are looking especially attractive more than a week later as they turn purple and green). I also suspect that I picked up a little bit of poison oak on that adventure--but it is all worth it, the trails are just awesome. It was also awesomely hot--as summer running in Texas is--and Erik and I both felt so thirsty despite drinking frequently from a handheld bottle. After this run, we promptly began shopping for hydration packs since it is just going to get hotter around here. We capped off the run with a trip down to Little Pete's for breakfast on the deck with Bloody Marys and beer (of course!). I love running with this group and am constantly amazed at what great friends I have made since the beginning of 2011. I feel so lucky to know each of them and am thankful that I decided to start running a few years back. Who knew my circle could grow so much?


B-day boy tumbles too!


Emerging victorious!

Now June is here and it is already unseasonably hot in Texas, I am always grateful for my reduced summer workload but always loathe the heat. I get my miles done in the summer--but I can sure be whiny about it. I am looking forward to more adventures including El Scorcho--a 25K that starts at midnight, and the Liberty By the Lake 5K (my Runnerversary) in July. The summer fun will also continue with more North Texas Runners social runs (I am finally going to make it out to a track night and also a hill night) and keep your eye on your local trails--the Beer & Bagels group will strike when you least expect it!

(A HUGE thanks to Corina for all of the wonderful pictures! This blog would be pretty boring without her.)

Big D Half...A Little Good, Plenty of Bad, and All Kinds of Ugly

The Big D Half Marathon was on Sunday, April 10....but it felt more like June 10. So much for the summer acclimation process, right? When I ran on Tuesday morning it was 39 degrees and when this race started on Sunday it was in the upper 70s with fierce humidity and a stiff wind. Welcome to springtime in Texas! I am starting to get a little bit bitter about all of the weather misfortune that I have had this year. Five half marathons so far in 2011 and 4 of them have been hot and humid. The other one, on New Year's Day, was 25 degrees. Give me 25 degrees.

I had been so tired in the week leading up to the race but I took an extra rest day on Thursday and felt really good coming into the race. I felt great until I stepped outside...even then I did not realize how challenging the day would be. We arrived at Fair Park in plenty of time to talk with lots of running friends and hit the restrooms. We have made lots of friends over the years and this might be my favorite part of running. As we stood outside the Cotton Bowl waiting for the starting gun the race announcer warned us "it is very warm and humid, you will want to adjust your expectations for this race." Ugh....words you never want to hear. Soon enough the sun came out from the Cotton Bowl and I could feel the heat warming the air. I really felt for the people would would be running the full marathon. I can't think of a worse day to take on a marathon. It should be noted that the St Louis marathon was stopped due to conditions very similar to the ones we had here on Sunday.


Runnin' Friends--Thanks for the pic EW!

Erik and I decided to hang together and it was a good thing....it was another race that took all of Team Kennemer. We got off to a good start, but I was afraid to check my watch for pace. I had a feeling that it would be utterly deflating because I knew that the pace would not reflect my perceived efforts. This course is pretty, but fairly hilly--as far as Dallas goes (elevation gain of 340 feet according to Garmin). After a slight downhill we hit White Rock Lake around mile 4 and this is where the marathon split from the half marathon. Just before then I noticed a runner who was visually impaired running with a sighted guide. They were very inspirational and I was even more inspired when I saw that they were continuing on in the full marathon.

The whole "adjust your expectations" thing really started to come true after mile 6. I had come here with hopes of a new PR, then those hopes shifted to a 2 hour finish, then I started to realize that I probably would not make 2 hours today. I could feel my energy waxing and waning, sometimes I felt like I was hitting my stride and sometimes I was thankful to be moving. I took my time and walked the aide stations and used them as a chance to grab a little bit of recovery. After we left White Rock we headed into the hilliest section of this race. There were some really tough stretches and it was challenging to keep my mind pushing forward. My legs were just so heavy! The heat was really taking its toll. At this point I could see that my pace was slowing and I began to accept that this would be one of my slower races, much slower than the 2 hour (or faster) half I had become accustomed to.

Fortunately the course went into a slight downhill for the last few miles and Erik and I just dug in and got it done. The wind was my frien-enemy once again because it was so hard to run into it, but so hot when it was behind me. I usually train shorter runs without music and carry my iPod on long runs. Sometimes I don't use it and sometimes I turn it on in the background. It is not something that I feel like I HAVE to have, but is nice if it is handy. I have given a lot of thought to the music/non-music debate because I am a music therapist and understand the science behind the use of music with physical activity. Personally, it is something that I have chosen not to rely on as part of my routine. Sunday was a whole different story--I can honestly say that I used the heck out of my music in those last couple of miles. I found the songs with the beats per minute that I needed and let them carry my legs (entrainment to you music therapy types out there). I don't know if it has ever been a more valuable tool to me. I am glad that I was able to use it when I needed a big boost. The last mile seemed really long, but we managed a strong negative split (maybe the entrainment worked!) and I feel really good about it. There is always a little more to give no matter how wasted I feel.

Here are the splits (this is where the "ugly" comes in):
Mile 1 9:22
Mile 2 9:06
Mile 3 9:03
Mile 4 8:35 (thought I was hitting my stride!)
Mile 5 9:11
Mile 6 9:20
Mile 7 9:55
Mile 8 10:04
Mile 9 10:14
Mile 10 10:03
Mile 11 10:18
Mile 12 10:05
Mile 13 9:46
last .25 8:51 (Garmin measured 13.25, I didn't run the tangents very well!)
Total Time: 2:07:16
Avg Pace 9:36
23 out of 203 in Age Group
I was surprised to see that I did so well in the age group placings. It looks like everyone was running a little bit slower today!

I believe that there is a lesson in every race and this race held many of them. I think that the biggest reminder is that you really have to adjust your expectations and work with the situation that you are given. Sounds like a good metaphor for life and something that I deal with frequently in my work with kiddos who have special needs. I have a pretty big goal on my mind, and I am still working hard to get there. This race reminded me that it is going to take more than one try to achieve that goal. I am starting to see that it might take me all year to reach that goal, and that is okay. I am having so much fun getting there (okay, so maybe hot races aren't that much fun but you know what I mean).

On another note, the weather that was too hot for running was perfect for having lunch on a patio with Cat and Daniel--new friends that I made at the Texas Independence Relay. And my only expectation there was good food and good company--no adjustments needed.

A Journey of 100 Miles

Who picks the hottest month of the year to log their highest mileage month to date? Yep, that would be this runner! Today marks the end of August and it also marks a bit of a running milestone for me. As I finished up my Tuesday 5 miler, I was also finishing up 100 miles for the month. I have been more aware of my monthly mileage over the last few months because I have set a goal to run 1,000 miles in 2010, and I have been monitoring my progress very carefully. Recently I have been looking ahead at the coming month and totaling the number of miles possible if I don't miss any runs or cut any short. When I was looking at August, I noticed that there was a possible 98-99 miles if I ran all of my planned runs. I made up my mind right then and there that I wanted to run 100 this month. It was the perfect opportunity because I had help from the calendar as August had 5 Sundays and 5 Tuesdays. I typically only run on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday--as you can see the "extra" days really helped bump up my total. I have found that these mileage goals really push me to keep my planned distances or to go a little bit further. It is a good thing and something I intend to keep up in the future. I do best when I have a fixed or concrete goal on my horizon. This morning was pretty brutal too--I was so tired and it was 80 degrees with 90% humidity. On any other day I might have cut this run short--it was just so hard (insert whine here!). However, I could see that big goal in my mind and I couldn't let myself down. I had some peer pressure too because I had been talking about this goal on Facebook and Daily Mile. I am glad that I did it and am pleased with my accomplishment. Those 100 miles were some of the ugliest running that I have ever done. This August was so hot and humid, with the nightly low rarely dropping below 80. I can't wait for cooler weather!

I am happy to see September come because the fall racing season is my favorite time of the year. Coming up on the calendar we have the Tour des Fleur 10K and the Heels and Hills and Him Half Marathon. Two of my favorite races, stay tuned for more stories!

The Hottest Half: Sometimes You Have It....And Sometimes It Is 85 Degrees At Race Time.

The Hottest Half Marathon was very accurately named, however, I have renamed it The Hottest...Race...Ever. I have run this half before and did the 10K one year, but I know that it wasn't this hot on those days. The forecast was calling for the hottest day of the summer and the 16th consecutive day of 100+ degree weather. Perfect! Let's go run a half marathon!

Erik and I arrived early and milled about the start area. We quickly found several of our runner friends: Che, Ben, Liza, DeAfton, Warren, and Rustin. The topic of conversation was, of course, the heat. It was already 85 degrees at 7:00 AM and only promised to heat up from there. Daunting conditions for any run, but especially when you have 13.1 miles staring at you. I was quite happy to see Paula and the Heels and Hills tent and I knew that she would have cold towels and other treats for us at the end.


At The Start Line

The starting horn blew very quickly and we were off! I tried to focus on settling into a comfortable pace, but it was hard from the start. Erik had been sick with a sinus and upper respiratory infection and I was worried about him and could hear him coughing as we started. The first bridge we crossed was so tricky--imagine hundreds of runners passing over a bridge at the same time. It was very bouncy and sometimes it would steal my momentum out from under my feet.


Big Smiles At The Start

I felt okay once we got past the bridges and again tried to focus on a steady pace. It was great to see Libby just before mile 2. I had my eye out for her and the other folks who would be out for the Heels and Hills cheering party. I was moving along at a decent pace, but knew that it was going to be a long race when I saw the mile 4 mark and thought "dang, we are only at mile 4".

Somewhere around the turn around for the 10K race (which was really sounding like a good idea at that time) I heard my name being shouted by two cyclists. Imagine my surprise when I saw Mary and Jan on their bikes with pretty pink pom-poms! I must admit, they kept me on my pace for a while because I wanted to appear strong whenever I saw them.


My Cheerleaders

I saw Mary and Jan again a half mile or a little more before the half way turn around point. This was when I stopped and took their picture--which they found funny, but I was beginning to realize that I was looking for any reason to stop for a minute! I still felt pretty strong at the turn around and took comfort in knowing that I was now headed in the direction of the finish line. It was at the turn around point that I realized that Erik wasn't be behind me. I really began to worry when Mary and Jan said that they hadn't seen him. Erik has had a rough summer with appendicitis and then the sinus infection. I was hoping that had decided to turn around at the 10K point, but I did have that worry that he had fallen out somewhere on the course.

After the turn around I really began to slow down. I took some walk breaks (something I typically do not do) and hoped that my heart rate would come down a little bit. The end seemed impossibly far away and the sun was beating down on me. I knew that we would be running on the sunny side of the lake and that sun was shining so fiercely down on us. I realized that I might be able to get a PW (personal worst) and thought that might be a good goal for the day...haha. I did lots of running/walking intervals until I ran into Erik around mile 11. He was helping a girl who had passed out during the run. I stopped to make sure that Erik was okay and to see if I could help the runner. She looked pretty bad and tried to stand up on wobbly legs. Erik had turned around at the 10K mark and was helping Libby and the Heels and Hills cheer team. I can't tell you how relieved I was to see him! I also stopped to talk with Libby for a bit and enjoy some yummy, sugary gummy bears. Her presence was a huge pick-me-up and I am glad that she braved the heat to cheer for everyone.

More running/walking (ok, maybe more walking than running at this point) until after mile 12, when I ran into Mark O. who was looking for someone to run in. I am glad that Mark was there because who knows how long that last mile would have taken me otherwise! It is amazing how I was suddenly able to run when I had a little bit of support/peer pressure. We heard a couple of sets of sirens as we headed toward the finish line and there was an ambulance less than a half mile from the finish. Mary and Jan were waiting for me at the finish and I managed to find a little bit of a kick for the finish line. I have to finish in style, right? I got some water and some of those wonderful cold towels from Paula and posed for a few pics with Mark. I began to feel a little shaky and really needed to sit down in the shade. I usually don't feel that wobbly after a race, but it usually isn't near 100 degrees at the finish either.


Mark O. Helped Me Finish

My official time was 2:20:28. Was it a new PW? Well, almost, only my 1st half marathon in November 2008 was slower. And today was a full 30 minutes slower than my personal record set back in May. However this was a whole 'nother kind of race. I started to think of it as my "social race" and had fun telling friends about my journey--taking pictures, talking to friends, walking, etc. All things that I would never do during the typical half marathon. I suppose that I should consider myself lucky that I was able to run across the finish line and was still able to smile after the whole ordeal. I can't wait for a fall half marathon--in fact, I am almost giddy thinking about that first crisp fall run. It has to happen soon, right?


Happy that I'm not running anymore!

Was It Too Hot To Handle?

I can't think of a more appropriate name for the Too Hot To Handle 15K, in fact, it might have been the hottest one yet! I'm not sure that I have ever been to a race where I am sweating...BEFORE the race even starts. All that being said, it is still one of my favorite races because I see so many runner friends. I understand that there were over 3,000 registered for the 5K and 15K races.

I woke up at 5:00 am and groaned when I checked the weather report: 80 degrees and 75% humidity--and this was before the sun even came out. North Texas summers are pretty brutal, but this one is exceptional. It is like we have suddenly inherited the humidity of Houston. Ugh.

Erik and I made our way to the race and spent some time milling about before the start. We saw so many of our friends and fellow runners and had a great time talking to everyone while we waited for the race to begin. Erik was signed up to run this race, but was unable to due to an emergency appendectomy last Thursday. He was a real trooper to come out and endure the heat in support of all of us.


Erik received a get well gift from
one of the race sponsors.

After a slight delay we were off and running. I knew going in that there wouldn't be any personal records (PRs) today, and I was just hoping to finish with a decent time somewhere in the 1:25 area. Summer running is a whole 'nother animal and I know that I am not going to run at top speeds. I have learned that summer is about enduring the temperatures while maintaining my miles and overall fitness level. The payoff comes on those cool fall days. My strategy was to settle into a pace that I felt I could maintain all day and then push it a little bit towards the end. I gave myself full permission to take my time a little bit more than usual at water stations. Thank goodness they were plentiful and fully stocked with water and sports drinks.

Spectators can make a huge difference in a race and Libby and her cheering squad was just what we needed during a hot summer race. Since this was an out and back course, we saw her around mile 3 and again around mile 6. It is amazing how seeing a familiar face can really lift my spirits during a tough run. Thanks, Libby, for coming out there and cheering us on! I know that it made a difference to me.


Thanks for the picture Libby!

I checked my watch around mile 9 (the race is 9.3 miles) and saw that I might not make 1:25, but wouldn't be too far over it if I pushed a bit at the end. It always amazes me that no matter how tired I am, there is always just a little bit more to give at the end. I picked out a couple of runners who were in front of me and tried to pass them on the home stretch. That last little bit is so much fun!

I finished the race in 1:26:04, nothing to shout about but within my goal for the day. It is 4+ minutes faster than I ran this same race a year ago and I am pleased with that progress. An interesting look at what heat does to this runner: my 15K PR was at the Too Cold To Hold in January. The Too Cold is the sister to this race and follows approximately the same course. In January my time was 1:19:30--almost 7 minutes faster than today...on the same course! The heat is no joke! Survive the summer and fly in the fall, that is my plan.

One more hot weather race to go, The Hottest Half is next on the calendar. I am betting that it lives up to its name too.