Ann Arbor Turkey Trot - Recap

What exactly is there to say about a 5K?  Not much.  I had no goals other than to enjoy running free on the streets of Ann Arbor (MI) on Thanksgiving morning, a little sun would have been nice, but it is SE MI in the winter months, so yeah, highly unlikely.

The race started at 8:30 a.m. so I had to be out of my parents house by 7:15 a.m. this is BEFORE the sunrises, which kind of sucks.  I felt like I was sneaking out, I know my parents don't sleep all that soundly and having someone else in the house is disruptive.  Seemed like a reverse of my teenage years, ha ha....

Parking was free and it took me one wrong turn to get my bearings in the one way street grid of A2.  I found what I was looking for and got my bib.  Wow was it weird to see the back  Beth Lazor-Smith, 49, Westerly, RI.  49?  When the HELL did THAT happen?  I can't possibly be that old, although ask my knees and they'll agree.

I was hoping to find some rejected shirts from prior years, as I have found one of the other two times I've run this 5K.  I people watched to pass the time, lots of turkey hats, I left mine at my parents, oh well, too many turkey hats anyhow.  Lots of families and costumes.  Nice to see.

Oh well, no reject shirts, my Nephew loved the shirt I got for him a few years ago, in fact it was his first day of school shirt!

It was a lollipopish route, I managed negative splits so something is going better for me! 33:49, nothing to write home about, however considering how well I haven't been running I'm hanging my hat on the negative splits!



Overall results here, some serious runners and some not so serious in the 3,000 +  runners who gathered to run.

I'll send the Nephew the medal, he will probably like that.  This wasn't a great Thanksgiving for him, he had bronchitis, he and his mom.  Ugh.  Poor kid.

Sincerely,
Beth, on the look out for turkeys

One of the more deluxe 'tree stands' on my parent's property.
Photo by my SIL Judy

Las Vegas Rock n' Roll 10K - Race Recap

I generally shy away from these big races.  Partly the corporatness of them and partly ALL. THE. PEOPLE. 

This was supposed to be a couple weeks after my 100K so I figured it would be a pretty decent 10K race for me, maybe I could PR?  Who knew.  I know I got my 5K PR two weeks after my first marathon, but I was in way better shape back then too... 

In any event, the call went out to the runners in the division to get together to run the 10K, the 1/2, or the Full.  There was NO way I was doing anything more than running for an hour, period.  In the desert in the evening at some elevation higher than the 42 feet I usually run at, no.

Only one of the men figured out they actually had to REGISTER for the race (you know click the link and follow the directions) in order to run it.  They thought by replying to the eMail that gained them entry.  I don't think this is a reflection on men in general, male attorneys, maybe, men in general, no, male attorneys at my company, most definitely yes.  Why is this?  I can only fathom a guess, however I would imagine it has to do with the times dating back to Don Draper and making sure your boss was happy was the key to keeping your job.

In any event 4 of the smartest women in the division decided on the 10K the smart male and one scary intense female decided on the 1/2.  Mike did comment that he wasn't quite ready to run a 1/2 and the course got really boring about the time he was losing steam, all in all a fun time.  Emily, well, she's never happy so I really have no idea what happened on the race but wow I got an earful on how much her room sucked! 

We started at 4 PM PST.  My plane landed at 11ish PST and it was 30 minutes of getting baggage and a shuttle and a 45 minute drive to the hotel.  The gang was leaving for bib pick up at 1:30 p.m. SHARP, this gave me all of 30 minutes to change and grab something to eat.  Yippiee.  Honestly, I knew I'd have time to digest and hydrate in the few hours we had prior to the race, so this wasn't really going to be all that horrible.  Besides in my current shape (round) there is no racing, there is only moving the extra 20 pounds and aging body in the direction of the finish line at a constant pace. 

Goals:
 
A: 70 minutes
B: 75 minutes
C: Don't get married along the course (seriously people get married along the race course, it's a thing)
The sun sets about 4:30 so about 3 miles in the sun was nearly gone and the strip was lighting up.  I hit Old Las Vegas just before then, and really wanted to stop to take it all in.  It seemed so simple and quaint, yeah, I know it's sin city, but still, even sin can be kinda cute, no? 

http://www.bendbulletin.com

Then I was back on the strip and people everywhere, lights every where, runners everywhere, it was REALLY cool.  Taking it all in at a nice even pace.  By mile 5 I was ready to be done.  By mile 5.5 the PM came for a visit.  Are you freaking kidding me?  It's like nearly 5 p.m. you jackass, can I please just get over the finish line and I'll deal with you, please just stop, the finish line is really really close!

I know it is totally wrong to share these watermarked photos.
If it were Scott or George and I liked it, I'd buy it.
I am so happy to see that finish line!!!

At the end of the finish chute (which was a 1/2 mile porta pottyless walk, was The Bellagio, it has really nice bathrooms, and I so uncoothly climbed over the fence to get to them.  Keeping it classy!! 



It is insanity!!

 
The PM behaved himself and we crossed the finish line in a surprising 1:09:27, 69 minutes and 27 seconds.  Wonder if I hadn't walked two water stops what would have happened?  I'm guessing I would have been closer to 75 minutes. 

Sincerely,
Beth, happy to have run the strip it was FUN!!

Big River 1/2 Recap, the year with no course sabotage!

To sum it up:  I went to bad places in my head and for all but a few instances was able to pull myself out.  This race ended up not being about time but about enjoying myself.

Part of the past few months have been to get ready physically and mentally for training for and then to train for and complete a 100K.  I think the thing I remember most about the 50K was the places I went to in my head, I cannot completely block them out, and they lingered through most of 2015 (it started at the one year mark after finishing that 50K) made it a rather miserable year for me (and probably those who had to deal with me).  The last few races have been about not getting so wrapped up in how horrible an athlete I am compared to other people.



Goal A:  2:45
Goal B: 3:00
Goal C:  Do not die

My result:  3:30

Full Results:  here

I think I knew at the 10K split off 3:00 wasn't going to happen, I really struggled with just throwing in the towel and hanging a left on the New London Turnpike and not going back in to the trails.  I gave myself a mile and said, well you could turn around.  But I was running out of water and water was to be had at mile 9.  I only had 3 more miles for water or to be done, suck it up buttercup.

This was about completing 13.1 miles on the trail.  Johnny said his GPS consistently measured 13 miles, and with the in accuracy of GPS on trails lets give it 10% extra, so this was more like 14 miles if it was actually measured.  This was one of the debates in my head for my lack of motivation to keep running and to power walk/hike a considerable amount of the trail in the last half of the course.

I missed this race in 2015 (it was an off year for me in so many aspects), 2014 was 2:54 (after having run most of the course as a warm up to get to my total long run mileage for that training cycle), 2013 incomplete course. All the last three years the course markings were removed for large sections.  Well 2013 I missed a marker, or maybe it was trampled down, in any event...

Let's jump back, A goal of 2:45 wasn't completely unreasonable, 3:00 was more reasonable. But enough of that, it's not about time it's about growth.

The course was great, technical and had lots of flat and fast areas with beautiful views from both areas.  Mike puts on a great race, period.  They have always been unforgettable experiences that challenge me and help me improve my mental toughness.

A big shout out to Seth, manning the aid station at mile 9, he listened to me whine and ask what was the shortest way back and took the most horrible picture (really do I really look like this?  rhetorical, don't answer it)

Anyhoodles, he told me the shortest way back for point to point and reminded me the worst was over.  I sucked it up and rambled down following the orange arrows, for the next few miles when I saw a spot I THOUGHT was the New London Turnpike and could take a straight shot back (with my luck with directions this could have ended badly).  Then I was SURE when it was a slight jog on the NLT.  I went left, back on the marked course, and ran it to the most adorable couple with a friendly and happy black lab.  I petted the lab for a bit and talked to them and then ventured onward. Remembering it was a beautiful day, right foot left foot, and STOP TRIPPING ON THINGS!!!

At the finish I had a nice chat with Mike and a gal I cannot remember her name...  Mike reminded me about my enthusiasm for the series from the beginning, and that made me remember why I started running and truly what it means to me.  It is fun and it makes me feel good, when I let it.  When I don't, I have a year like 2015 that I think may take me a year to recover from!!!

Sincerely,
Beth -- Remembering life is a journey, for some it is far to short, this reminds me to enjoy every step of my journey and to thank all of you who ceaselessly support me, Thank You.

Rutgers Unite 1/2 Marathon - Recap

I can't even remember when Mary Ann and I signed up for this, way back before it got cold I think?  We live close, yet see each other once a year for a race.  It works.

This one would be different because she is near Piscataway NJ and she invited me to stay at her home with her fiancee!  Usually we get a hotel somewhere.  She's been dating H (also a widower) for about 3 years and they got engaged on Christmas Eve when he handed her a big box in the car and said "Here open this."  and she proceeded to open box after box after box till she got to a little ring box.  Rather unconventional however they are in their 60's and unconventional really works for them!!

I never knew Mary Ann's first husband, Richard. He passed away from lung cancer.  He was the reason we met and became friends.  She is a free spirit; it is refreshing and energizing to spend time with her.  To say I was shocked when I found out she was 60 when we met would be an understatement!!  Runners seem to not age or behave like regular people?

Partly this run would be to get in the longest run I've had since October and mostly to see Mary Ann and meet H and spend some time together.

Mary Ann and Me at the finish!

Aren't we adorable?

Rutgers Unite 1/2 is flat, wicked flat, 247 feet of elevation gain!  OMG really?  Neither of us looked at the course map before we started the race minimally we were hoping for no surprise hills.  Well there was one, at the finish... with a course that flat the 30 foot uphill 'grind' was torture!!




Full results here.

My results:
Nothing spectacular - 2:33 

First Male:  1:11 
First Female: 1:25

A goal:  2:25
B goal:  2:35
C goal:  Do not die

My hope (no planning goes into hoping) was to end up with an average pace nothing north of 11:30, to at least not do worse than my 10 mile solo long run.  I'd of liked to (again no planning goes into liked to) manage 10:40 pace (2:20).  It was pretty clear from the first mile that wasn't in the cards for me.  I also suspected I was going to fade in the last 5 miles.  Maybe that set me up for fading?  Who knows...  Yeah, we all know the mind plays one of the biggest parts (other than actual thoughtful planning) in where we land to our goals.

We lined up behind the 11 minute pace group.  They were much faster than 11 for the first few miles.

I have a new water belt; the belt (Ultraspire) holds a 20oz bottle in the center of my back.  I've run with it already, so this wasn't anything new on race day.  Unfortunately I hadn't tightened it up enough and it was bouncing left of center on my back and my left hip and whole leg hurt. I was panicking because I couldn't fix it while running and the pain was getting worse and worse and I wasn't even 2 miles in.  Shit.  I stopped and dorked around with that for a few minutes to get it to tighten up and stop the annoying bouncing. 

Got that all situated and I felt good for the first 1/2 of the 1/2 and then my mind started and I couldn't stop it or I let it do it's thing.  The jury is still out, on what I consciously or unconsciously did (or will admit to - revisionist historians are the best aren't they??).  I think I wanted to test how far I could let it go before I was unrecoverable. 

I never reached unrecoverable, I met it at the brink, we shook hands and parted ways.  I explained to the demon I do this stuff because I enjoy it and what a beautiful course and what nice people!  So buh bye and check in from time to time but don't set up shop in my head.

How to break this down...

Mile by mile?  Seriously?  Not worth your or my time to break it down that much.  The first half I was peppier than the second half.  I had a porta potty stop.  I was a happy camper when it was done, and I was so ready for it to be done.  I left nothing on the course.

It was flat and fast, definitely if I trained I could break 2 hours on this.  Will I do that? Probably not.

It was a well-organized and well managed race, definitely would recommend it.  Rated as one of the top 1/2 Marathons in NJ, and it is deserved.

In the 1/2 there were just over 3K in the 8K just over 900 runners. Not a crowded race, you were never alone and you weren't tripping over people.

The gear bag had a really cool map of most of NY/NJ/CT with races on it.  I don't know if these are CGI (the sponsor of Rutgers 1/2) races or not.  I thought that was a really cool thing worth mentioning, otherwise the gear bag had its usual packet of BioFreeze and other advertisements.  The expo was small, so if you go to a race for the expo, this isn't the one for you!

The one thing, the only thing that bugs me is this Epic Suffer score.

I could not possibly have been running anaerobically for 1:43.  Considering my previous weeks suffer score, where I ran at Tempo pace, it seems odd.  Could the ambient temperatures make a difference? Could the fact I'd already run 23 miles be it?  No I ran 22 before my 10 mile run the weekend previously.

My pace distribution was similar, a little heavier on the endurance on the 10.5,  I would expect a peppier pace for the 1/2 running with people and all between the two runs so the heart rate thing makes no sense.  I trust this more because it is based on a recent 5K of 29:50.

Alas I will figure it out, reccomendations on things to read or people to talk to to understand?

After an always tense drive from NJ through NY through CT and finally back in RI where the traffic was light to non-existant (but wait tourist season is on it's way) I enjoyed this:

Kind of a nifty medal.  Not sure if I'll keep this or it goes in the Medals for Mettle box.

Sincerely,
Beth, not an epic recap, to apparently what my heart rate deemed an epic race, but my mind calls a fun time. 

Cherry Blossom 10 Miler - Recap

November co-worker, Miho, had the brilliant idea of entering the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler.  She set up a team for the lottery, so we either all got in or not.  A few of us did the NYC ½ lottery in 2015 and some of us got in and some of us didn’t, so that wasn’t so much fun.  This would be better!

The lottery closed on December 11th.  That was the day I put my name in.  I was really struggling because I knew I had the Rutgers ½ two weeks after and I don’t like to be gone twice in a month.  Did I really want to use up the last of my credits from when Dave went to Utah for a week leaving me to do solo dog duty for 7 days?

December 14th our team was alerted, we were in!  There were going to be 7 of us gathering in DC to run.  Two women I work with, two sisters of one of the women, a friend and a boyfriend of another woman.  

Those 3 or 4 of you who follow me regularly know that I imploded at Marine Corps in 2013 so the thought of going back to run those same streets was a little overwhelming couple that with my lack of miles and motivation in 2015, my longest run was 13.1 at the watershed Gansett ½ in October.  It was time to get back to enjoying running in 2016.  For me this meant to run races for fun, and not commit to to much in advance.  

I’m not a big fan of huge races or out and backs, so going into this I really had to focus on getting in a good 10 mile run with 16,000 of my closest friends and nothing more than that.

Goals:

A:  1:45
B:  1:50
C:  Do not die

1:45 was easily achievable with a 10:30 pace, a pace I maintain fairly regularly with not much effort.  Could I maintain that pace weaving in and out of people in the 20 MPH NW winds?  

Fortunately it has been windy for my local runs so I knew what the struggle against the wind would be, but maybe would all these people help block the headwind?  Not so much.

Full results here.

My result: 1:47 10:39 pace – pretty darn close to my A goal, honestly I really wasn’t focusing on anything but feeling good while running and not letting the demons I’ve allowed to sabotage me lately win and only checking my watch on occasion.  I had the pace set to the pace at the moment, not the lap pace so it wasn’t much help anyhow!  I could feel when I was lagging and the paces showed me what I felt.  I feel like such a grown up runner girl being able to 'feel' my pace.



I’m pleased with my effort and result.  Mostly how much I was able to change my attitude about the things I like least.

The odds were stacked against this race, overall dislike of huge races, running around people, navigating around people, out and back courses, and my recently acquired (an now gone) fear of completing a 10 mile run.  (Wonder if there is a 10 mile phobia?)

Driving into DC with trusty Waze by my side, Thomas told me I would be in DC in 5 hours and 39 minutes.  I don’t think at 7:30 a.m. he really had accounted for the slow driving due to rain nor the unbelievable traffic in DC or the fact I need to stop to get coffee, food, and gas.  We arrived 7 hours later, two hours before bib pick up closed.  That was my main concern, get to DC before 4:00 so I had 45 minutes to pick up my bib.

Bib pick up was easy; all you needed to know was your number.  My friend was stuck in traffic and wasn’t going to make it to bib pick up.  She forwarded me her confirmation and I was able to pick up her bib also!  Off to get the race shirt and wander around the expo.  All super simple and not over crowded.  

The race also had a great app that helped with directions and questions and runner info.  I’ve never used one of those before and it really was a good resource.

I took a short walk to the start area, the Washington Monument.  I hadn’t been there since Marine Corps 2012 when I met three new friends and we were ‘trapped’ in DC for nearly a week due to Super Storm Sandy knocking out power and flooding train tracks.  It looks even more beautiful on a sunny day with the grounds filled with people flying kites.  Truly amazing to see in our current state of constant chaos; people enjoying themselves.

Our met for dinner at a brew pub, great conversation, laughter, good beer, and good food, just the right stuff to ensure a good night’s sleep!

We arranged to meet at 7:15 a.m. for a quick photo and those that wanted could go off to their corrals.  We decided to all stay in the second to the last corral mostly to stay warm!  It was cold, and windy.  The day before the race the race director made the decision to take down all course signage, timing clocks, tents and eliminate the pre-race activities, all but the singing of the National Anthem, and all post-race activities.  The communication on this was EXCELLENT at the expo, via eMail, and via the app.  Race day greeted us with 20 MPH sustained NW winds with gusts to 50 MPH.  A half marathon in Middletown CT was postponed due to the winds there.  I think their winds were a bit stronger.  Syracuse, on the other hand had their 1/2 in a blizzard (or something like that).

The Group!
Emily, Tanya, Miho, me, Rebecca, Mary, Kelly
Miho's boyfriend took the picture

We got our group picture, Tanya and I snapped a selfie and in the middle of a conversation our wave was off.  Whoops, get the watch started and run silly girl!

Mile 1 (11:01) was as expected weaving in and out, I let the crowd carry me along and didn’t get frustrated with the people walking.  Running into the wind.

Mile 2 (10:21) a pace more like I expected, half way across the bridge, no one blew off in the gusts!  Into the wind most of this mile.

Mile 3 (10:25) off the bridge and back into the wind for our second out and back.  My hands were burning and stinging, they were FINALLY starting to warm up in my gloves, yeah!!

Mile 4 (10:38) and with the wind at our back, my hips were tightening up.  Eat a couple gummy things silly.  SO I did and that felt better. Mental or real?  Who knows, chewing the three gummies kept my mind off of anything but NOT choking on the gummies! Passed the water.  Wow the cups were everywhere what a mess, I wonder how many ended up as litter across DC and into the water?

Mile 5 (10:41) the gummies started kicking in a bit or who really knows. We were on our third out and back and back along the parkway we ran from the start out to the bridge.  Really pretty with all the trees, maybe next time we will get Cherry Blossoms.

Mile 6 (10:40)  and back into the wind to then get to the part where had we run a week earlier the view would be 2,000 cherry trees in bloom.

Mile 7 (11:01)  and along the Potomac, I stopped for water, there wasn’t a choice but to stop and get water and then run again.  It was a ZOO!  I think MCM has water on both sides.  Grabbed Gatorade first, whoops, then some water which was what I really wanted.  I doubt I actually needed a drink it was nice to walk for a bit.  Ate three more gummies, probably a good idea to get back on my fuel at 3 miles plan for longer distances. 

Mile 8 (10:39)  and wind at our backs, people were slowing and walking so there was bobbing and weaving.  Someone was passing out Dixie cups of beer, nearly got tripped by someone cutting cross-ways to get the beer.  I passed on the beer, I had a race to finish and while I wasn’t going to meet my A goal (unless I started my watch a minute early) I really wanted to be done, I was getting a little (ok a LOT) tired of being around people.

Mile 9 (10:48) and we are into the wind, the people weren’t blocking it, which was surprising, no matter where I went I couldn't catch a draft.  WOW! I could imagine how beautiful this was in full bloom.  And oh my, was this the site of the 2013 sweat encrusted porta potty break after the 20K mark of MCM 2013, why yes, yes I think it is.  And then the image of the gal who elbowed me in the gut while screaming something foul about slow people.  Ah yes, not a fun memory.  I moved through it, that was a long long time ago.

Mile 10 (10:18) and no break from the wind. Wait? What?  On this pancake flat course we were experiencing a climb; it was all of 20 feet and felt like a mountain!  Where is the finish line? Was it at the monument or before it?  Oh shit there it is!  Better speed up!  So the race ended like it started -- as a complete surprise to me!

Would I do this one again?  Absolutely!  Yes, it has everything I hate about a race and I loved it and would do it again! What was the difference?  Perhaps because it was a surprise to get in, a surprise to start, and a surprise to finish?

Sincerely,
Beth, surprise!

Brrrrrrrlingame 10 miler - Recap

This is a favorite race of mine, actually all of them in the South County 4th Season Race Series are favorites of mine...

This one brings back good memories, when it was first introduced in 2012 it was a 15K, with a two lap format.  It was my first ever 15K and I do believe it was my first 9 mile run when I'd been a 'runner' for all of 2 years.  That one holds a special place in my heart and I think I've blathered about it before.  I was DFL, my first!!  I was mortified and embarrassed.  I've learned, since then, other runners really don't care that I have no natural talent for running, the fact it hasn't deterred me from continuing to run and to 'race' and to plan and execute on plans seems good enough for them so it should be good enough for me.

Anyhoodles....

Past results:

2015 I missed it - that was an off year for me in a lot of aspects, I probably was in no shape to even consider 5 miles let alone 10.  My blog wasn't very helpful in cluing me in other than I was in one of those moods for the week.
2014 was a good run 2:04
2013 was a snowy sufferfest, I think I opted for the 3 mile course and enjoyed the breath taking views with all the trees overwhelmed with snow
2012 the 15K 1:47  (no blog till May)

All in all decent runs for me on single track.

Goals:

A:  2:00
B:  2:05
C:  Do not die

My result:  2:02
Full results here.

5/5 for my age group
47/50 overall

Rhode Runner was the overall team winner as well as the men
WTAC women took it for the win for the women (no help from me!)

It is a mass start on a wide open space makes it easy to sort out who belongs where.  And we all did a remarkable job; I got passed once and passed two people in the first mile.

Crutch hung with me for about the first mile, we jibber jabbered and that helps me get into my groove... lol...  He was off after a half mile or so.



The first loop (1:00:30) was unremarkable, felt good to be out on trails again.  I really don't do enough of them.  Glad to be at an hour through the first loop a little worried about the second loop.  Glad I didn't get lapped by a front runner.  Took a cup of water and ran off.

First (and first man) 1:01:47
First woman 1:11:54

The second loop (1:01:45) was a bit more interesting, in mile 7 there was a guy ahead of me walking and seemed to be leaning forward.  Hmmmm odd.  I caught up to him asked if he was ok, he had a list of issues, ostly a headache.  I said there was a way back to the start just over there if he needed to bail.  No he was going to stick this out.  His roommate was up ahead.  Would it be ok if he ran with me, it would be nice to have someone to pace off of.  Sure, why not.  We  jibber jabbered about this and that and in mile 9 he spied his roommate and ran off.  He eventually caught up with and passed his buddy.    He helped me through those middle miles, they were peppier than the first lap.  I'm always grateful for small favors.

I failed to come in DFL, again.  Shoot!!!

All in all a fun race.  Mike does a great job with these.

Sincerely,
Beth feels ready to start 100K training after this race!!

Bolton Road Race - Recap

On one of our fall runs Faith asked me to stand up for her at her wedding to Joe.  It would be at the Bolton Road Race in March.  It has a big hill and it usually snows were her selling points.  Not recommending a career in sales for her!

Hills don't really bother me, neither does snow, and well who knew what shape I'd be in 6 months later.  At my age I really thought standing up at a wedding wasn't in the picture.  Thankfully this required matching running shirts (no fruffy fluffy ruffly dress) and the bride provided, even better!  I loaned her my veil and hair piece in exchange for the thoughtfulness of buying the running shirt!  I TOTALLY forgot about the head piece I had, it was wrapped up in the veil (imagine that).  My paternal Grandmother wrapped a piece of wedding cake in her veil.  I found that after she passed in 1987, it was all in rather interesting shape after 46 years.  Good lord, my father didn't have a mother at my age (his father passed in 1989 so he didn't have a father at my age either).  My mother didn't have a mother or a father when she was my age.  How lucky am I?  

"Do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many."

I digress, which generally makes my random smattering of thoughts more interesting?

The wedding was 45 minutes before the race start.  I cried.  What do you say about a ceremony?  It is clear they are very much in love and happy, and that is wonderful to see.  Can't say I've seen that at every wedding I've been to or stood up in. 

The race:

Don decided to run with me.  He wanted a nice easy pace.  Thanks.  Crutch joined in the fun with an easy pace.  Christ guys, it's kind of my every day pace I was going for...



Mile 1 (10:40  GAP 10:01)  Total elevation gain 69 feet.  I didn't warm up I was freaking out running with the guys, what if I really couldn't do this, what if... what if... what if... and shoot I really needed to pee.

Don and Crutch jibber jabbered about this and that and commented on the first hill, is this "THE HILL"  chalk at the bottom assured us it was not "THE HILL"

I urged them to go, they didn't.  Ok... we all jibber jabbered (me not a lot) and in the words of Mikey B "If you're talking you're not working hard enough"  oh whatever.  Goal C people, Goal C - Do not die.

Oh goals.  
A:  50 minutes (ha ha ha)
B:  sub 60 minutes (ok I gave myself way to much room there)
C:  Do not die

We got to the top and there was a nice coasting downhill to complement the up hill.  I could actually talk!

Mile 2 (9:46 GAP 9:55)  Total elevation loss of 52 feet.  I'm including the GAP (Grade Adjusted Pace) because it reflects what I'd be running on flat ground.  Typical for mile 2 of any run I speed up.  Yes, the down hill helped.  I was feeling actually pretty ok about this at this point.

Don, me, Crutch
Oh the faces I make when I run... 
"What are you talking about Crutch and why do you have to run backwards??"
Photo Credit Suzan Weller

Mile 3 (10:01 GAP 10:08) Total elevation loss of 38 feet.  But really there were hills in there, this wasn't a net down hill race!!  But yes mile 3 was a decent downhill and yes it should have matched mile 1 for GAP pace.

Well that doesn't look THAT bad....

Mile 4 (9:54  GAP 10:24) Total elevation loss of 76 feet.  Ok so yeah, appears for the GAP I dogged this one too.  We were talking and I was getting a little nervous about "THE HILL"  the sign at the bottom said "This isn't THE HILL either".

Mile 5 (11:04  GAP 10:03) Total elevation gain 101 feet.  We hit THE HILL at about mile 4:3, it was a nice sharp hill with a twist in it so you didn't see the top from the bottom.  Actually not all that bad.  After 4 miles to warm up my legs and my lungs I was probably good for another few miles after "THE HILL".  

Don and I coming in for the finish!
Photo Credit:  Suzan Weller

Crutch took off to bomb down the hill once we hit the top.  Don stuck with me.  I didn't scream through the finish chute, just ran.  It felt good. 

Chip time:  51:44  10:21 pace (my usual running in the flat lands of the shore) GAP 10:04

238th place, 106th female, 34th in division (note this was a RRCA champion event - lots of state champs - quite an elite group to be running with)

Full Results here

Would I do this again?  If a group went, yes.  Solo?  Not so much, a 90 minute drive a 1 hour race is silly.  However it was a fun race and the hills were enjoyable.  Definitely need to consider warming up before races to get my legs and lungs moving.  I'm starting to see the purpose of this as I progress through what ever phase of running I'm in.

Sincerely
Beth, wishing Faith and Joe happiness in all their years from now till the end. 

The happy couple!
Photo Credit: Don Weller

Kelley's Pace Hare Hop 5K - Recap

Sometimes I think it is silly to do these, and other times I'm glad for the memories they bring when I look back at a race.  So the jury is out.  And welcome to another edition of Rambling Thoughts Tumbling out of Beth's Fingers.

Initially this was going to be running a 5K and pushing JB.  However with her fingers and toes freezing in temps below 40F (Raynaud's Disease) the 29F predicted at start time threw a monkey wrench in to that plan.

Well, ok, I do need to push myself, so yes, I set goals, not grand ones, mind you.  Reasonable ones for the cadence of my runs of late.

A:  Sub 29
B:  Sub 30
C:  Do not die

29:40 5th in Age Group 130 out of 212  Full results here.

I have not done any speed work, maybe a few hills, nothing resembling working on those fast twitch muscles to get them to move.  I was honestly surprised to see 29:46 as the official result.  My watch said 29:49.   Huh..  I did peek when my watch vibrated at each mile and noted the first digit was a 9, who knows what the next two were.  I was only looking for that 9.

The course was an out and back.  With a hill.  Oh fun.



Mile 1 (9:17) Nothing really of note.  I didn't feel like I ran that fast.  Everyone sorted themselves out.  The sorting out on a trail race is far more fun than on a road race.

Mile 2 (9:37) This was 'the hill' it's a long slow 80ish foot climb, some watches measure more some less.  This was my favorite mile.  The front runners were coming back from their trip up 'the hill' and it was great to see so many familiar faces and cheer them on, give or get a high 5 from a few.  Saw Phil M behind me and then in front of me. Per usual, drafting off me the first 2/3 of the race then passing me for the last 1/3 and I can't get it together to catch him.  Ha ha!

Mile 3 (9:26) Watched as the gap between Phil and I grew.  I kept watching the feet in front of me and trying to disengage my brain so I could speed up.  Oh well...

Mile .1 (8:30)  Yeah easy when the end is near.  It was over and I felt good, so I knew I didn't give it my all.

Gave Phil a hard time for beating me once again, jibber jabbered with Crutch on where he was watching the 1/2 from and took off.

After that I was back to Westerly to cheer on bunches of runner friends racing and running a 1/2 marathon.

Sincerely,
Beth, really nothing of note, other than I had fun and yeah I could have worked harder, I suppose.

Belleville Pond 10K - Recap

3rd in the Fourth Season Trail Race Series.

I placed 8th in my age group and 114th overall.  Overall results here. Everyone seems to list that, but I think it is because they finish much higher than me.  But hey, what the hell this is my pace and I own it.  Rhode Runner took over all winner.  The WTAC women took first, for women. Rhode Runner first, for men.  Sorry guys.  

This was a weird race, I got a late start out of the house as Gizmo was having anxiety issues  and Dave and I were running through the list of possible things he wants.  Eventually we figured it out and he settled in and it was ok to leave him.  For the non-pet guardians out there I know this is a difficult concept to grasp, if you are parents think colicky baby.  Gizmo is in the end stages of life, it could be weeks it could be months, I doubt he will make it to 16.  We are at the stage of evaluating his quality of life against the quality of life in his younger years.  Honestly he hasn't changed personality-wise in the last 13 years (we rescued him when he was 2).  Mobility-wise - major changes... this is the not so fun part.

All that aside, I saw Johnny briefly when I arrived 10 minutes before the start.  Then I saw Gazelle in bib pick up line.  Then Gazelle and Jeff before the start and chatted a bit when Galoob was giving race instructions and then whoops everyone started running and THEN the siren to cue us to start went off.  Just weird.  I think I saw Muddy. But not sure, he wasn't doing his usual monkey dance to warm up, but it looked like him...   No sign of Seth.  Carol Ann hip checked me in the porta potty line to say hi and tell me I was under dressed in shorts (and later to tell me she had the beers from the WTAC women's winnings). Denise didn't have on her usual jingle skirt.  See, just weird... 

Mile 1 (10:45), it was a mass start and the crowd thinned itself out and I found myself in a reasonable group of people to start, looking around I could tell who would drop back as the mile went on.  Yellow water bottle was one I pegged for dropping back and she did when her water bottle escaped from it's holder.  She and I passed back and forth for most of the race.  I think eventually she got a head of me.  I'm really not sure.  

Mile 2 (10:10) we got out of the single track, I stumbled a few times, didn't fall so that was good.  On to the trestle road and we all sped up.  Lou and his buddy passed me, and eventually they had to walk and I passed them.  I was really surprised by this.  It was the buddy's first trail race.  Eventually they got it all together and passed me.

Mile 3 (11:59) back into single track and elevation gains and losses.  I also started feeling it at this point.  My daily runs haven't been more than 5 or 6 miles and trails have been non-existent.

Mile 4 (11:13)  The guy that passed me way back was easy to pass and I kept up a good clip following purple hoodie.  I could feel two gals on my heels.  I don't like that.  I never checked my pace but knew I was dragging, we all know that feeling.

Mile 5 (12:39) Eventually the ups and downs go to me and I let the two MASS gals behind me pass.  They offered words of encouragement, I never know how to take that.  Back on to the trestle trail and I could NOT get my feet to turn over any faster.

Mile 6 (12:14) Even with the trestle trail and wider single track lead legs weren't moving.  I knew the speed bump portion with all the roots was coming up but the sharp down hills were killing my knees.  God, how have I gotten this out of shape???  

Mile 0.2 (9:53)  Well that pace really surprises me.  But it was on flat smooth grass and the end was near. 

Who knows what goes on with my hands, but at least I'm picking up my feet so close to the finish line.
Photo by Scott Mason

I navigated back to my car and stayed there.  

The two MASS gals were parked behind me and we chatted about the race, they said we followed you for most of the race and were surprised when you dropped back.  They also commended me on shorts instead of tights, they were overheated in their layers of clothes.  It was nice chatting with them for a few minutes.  

I wondered who else had shown up but never managed to get out of the car, so I cranked the heat and went home.  Sadly I missed meeting a NH runner I have recently been connected with through odd circumstances (ask me).  

Bottom line: This was fun, I really miss running trails, they are more difficult and beautiful than roads, however roads are more convenient.  Alas, I will have to get out there, and sacrifice the convenience of the hard top, if I am actually going to accomplish what I intend on accomplishing in October. 

Carol Ann texted me that she had my beer winnings.  Guess I'll need to swing by and pick them up.  Or maybe forgo my winnings and let her drink them, seeing as I left pre awards.

Sincerely,
Beth, race 3 of the series done and dusted

Charlestown Chili 5K - Recap

A week from nearly a foot of snow fall and there wasn't much snow on the course or the ground!

Jonny was in charge of measuring the race course and watching his Strava feed of running and re-running and measuring and re-measuring the course was amusing.  I was wondering when a slide rule may make the list of ways to measure the course!  It was great to be able to support the Charlestown Early Learning Center, education at all levels is important to me, and a fellow Westerly Track and Athletic Club (WTAC) member.

Gizmo - not to happy to model the hat from the race!

Jennifer texted me on Friday night wondering what my plans were for the race.  Simple, if I was there by myself I'd run to race if she went I'd run with her and what was her goal.  Her goal was 10:30 pace.  I knew that was a stretch for her, she hasn't been running more than a couple miles on the treadmill every couple days or so and running outside in the winter is painful for her.  I see and feel her frustration trying to balance everything going on in her life.  If she was willing to not walk I was willing to help her the best I could and she could call me every name BUT the see (c) yo(u) (n)ext (t)uesday word and we could remain friends and I wouldn't trip her.

We ended up with a 10:39 pace, and well that is in the 10:30 range so I'm calling it good.  We also walked three times (I thought it was only twice until I looked at the Strava).  She made it nearly 2 miles till we walked the first time, I tried just slowing down a bit but she wasn't having any of it.



Mile 1: 10:16 - yes fast, but I knew what was coming, you don't run with someone for nearly 2 years and not learn a thing or two.

Mile 2: 10:56 - we almost made it through the 2nd mile with no walking.  It was a push and I almost managed, but when you can't breathe you can't breathe.  I reminded her there was a fireman behind us...  We made it nearly two miles, so I knew she was serious.

Mile 3: 10:48 - two short bouts of walking (I'm a pushover, obviously).  All in all a good mile.  We passed a couple people, they passed us back, but hey we passed people.  Jennifer said she was laughing in her head when I'd say "watch her feet and we can close the gap" because she knew I'd take off if she let me!

Mile 0.1: 10:11 - picked it up a bit more to finish pretty strong.

I was happy to see the pace.  I couldn't grasp the math in my head for time.  Yes it is rather simple 10:30 is 30 minutes + 1 minute 30 second plus another minute ish for the last 1/10th of a mile  - to get to 32:33  (we were 33:24 and if we hadn't walked who knows we may have made the exact goal pace).

Sincerely,
Beth,  happy Jennifer agreed to let me help her and we had a successful race!

Resolution Beach and Trail 5K - Recap

Resolution Beach and Trail 5K, the second in the South County 4th Season Race Series series by Off Rhode Racing.

My Past Results:

2012  31:59
2013  registered / DNS showed up an hour late!
2014  32:48
2015  28:29
2016  31:47

Full results here

My third best time out of 4 races, not too bad.  I'm sure the course was short for 2015, or it could have been the speed work I was actually doing at the time?

Sub 30 is my standing goal for 5Ks anything lower is gravy.  I'm happy with that.  I can sight-see a little at that pace, and breathe, I like to breathe and not to cough up a lung which is pretty standard of late with the mookus.

I'll work on sub 29 for 2016, perhaps.

This is a favorite race, low key, not a lot of hoopla.  Kinda like a big giant group run with the fast folks in the front and the rest of us tagging along hoping to get dragged along!



Mile 1 is on the beach, in to the wind out and then wind at your back, the latter was nice, the former, not so much.  Kinda like running at my parents house but no beach and no other people, well the milk truck, but um, that's more scary than comforting to see one of them coming at you down a dirt road.... I got passed A LOT.  9:57

Mile 2 the last bit of beach, all beat up from the people ahead of me, some sandy trail, a bit of hard top and then stone crushed trail.  I passed two people.  10:25

Mile 3 back into the wind for stone crushed trail, a bit of mud, (a slight down hill and I mean slight, and the sun in my eyes, and I nearly took a digger!!) through the stone house, over a small bit of water, then back on the beach for 1/2 mile till the finish.  I passed two people. 10:19

Scott Mason was catching people as they left the stone house, he missed me sort of as he was re-positioning, probably tired waiting for all the stragglers?  I like the shots he took and as always, purchase.  He's a talented photographer!

Well this was composed, I was tumbling off the tiny rock ledge I was sure
it would be a picture with my arms all over the place!!
Credit:  Scott Mason Photography

Mile 1/10 beach I was counting backwards from 1,000, it works to get my mind off the discomfort and the wind and the sand - I sucked sand out of my teeth for the rest of the day - gotta keep my mouth closed!!  10:10

Photo Credit:  Jana Walker
I'm totally counting and gritting my teeth!
And yes, I always look like I'm standing still, I'm running, really!!

The taller girl behind me came up to me after the race and thanked me for helping her.  She said she kept the back of my jersey in her sights the whole race and hung on.  That really made me smile! Glad to help someone out!!   Fortunately I can see her bib number and hopefully will remember her name, if I see her again.

Sincerely,
Beth, who ran through the water and the mud and didn't care her feet were soaked, that is the FUN of running off road, right?

Credit:  Scott Mason Photography
I really like this one.