Dear Mike,
In the final days leading up to the Cleveland Marathon I am more excited for you than I am for myself. I already had my opportunity to cross the finish line after running 26.2 miles, and yes, while it did not go the way that I had planned I was still able to call myself a marathoner in the end.
This time, it is all about you.
I have people who I will be dedicating my miles to on Sunday, friends, family, myself and others that I do not even know but the most important person on that list is you.
I wish that I was fast enough to be able to run the entire 26.2 miles with you, because I know that it is going to be an amazing experience for you. Yes, as with all races, there will be challenges and hurdles that you will have to cross, but I know you can do it.
You are stronger now than you were 7 months ago. I have seen you run 20-21 miles, and in the end you look like you could just keep on going. You HAVE 26.2 miles in you, and you are going to conquer it.
I often ask you what you think about while you run, and you tell me nothing. I hope that during the hard times of the marathon that you think of yourself and all of the hard work that you have put into your training.
We woke up early, we went out in the snow and ice and ran mile upon mile. You did a duathlon and then crushed your half marathon PR the next day. If that doesn't classify you as a stronger runner, then I don't know what does.
You are my inspiration. You are the reason that I continue to do this, and the reason that I want to improve.
If you could only do one more thing for me, I would want it to be this:
Go out there and kick that marathon's ASS!
I love you!
Jamie
Friday, May 17, 2013
Monday, May 13, 2013
May Book Club: Devoted
The middle of the month means one thing, it's book club time!
For the month of May we read the book, Devoted: The Story of a Father's Love for His Son by Dick Hoyt.
The book starts out with a brief description of how Dick and Rick Hoyt, affectionately called "Team Hoyt", became an internet sensation. What Dick Hoyt saw was a video of himself and his son, a spastic quadriplegic, finishing their Hawaii Ironman (Kona) set to music.
That video was viewed by millions of people, and in turn thousands of people have contacted the Hoyts telling them what an inspiration they are to them and so many other people.
Dick Hoyt married at a young age and the Hoyts were expecting their first baby shortly after getting married. What was to follow, however, no one expected. Rick Hoyt was born a spastic quadriplegic after complications during birth; his umbilical cord had been wrapped around his neck which caused him to lose oxygen for too long.
Back when Rick was born, there was not a lot of understanding of disabled individuals and the Hoyts were told to forget about him and move on with their lives. Neither Dick nor Rick's mom, Judy, wanted to do that and instead they brought him home. Eventually Dick and Judy had two more sons and they continued to fight for acceptance and equality for their first-born son, Rick.
The story goes on to describe their struggles with getting Rick into school, and how eventually with the help of a TIC (Tufts Interactive Communicator) developed by Tufts University and the passing of new laws he was finally able to attend school.
Dick and Rick Hoyt's running and triathlon life started when Rick attended a basketball game with his classmates and gym teacher. At the basketball game, an announcement was made about a charity run for a basketball player who had become paralyzed after colliding with another player. Rick wanted to run the race.
And the rest, as they say, was history.
Dick and Rick ran that race, with some resistance from the other runners and race coordinators, and they didn't come in last. They came in second to last.
After that moment Dick and Rick practiced and raced as much as they could. They raced almost every weekend and eventually they ran a full marathon. Dick and Rick even participated in the Boston Marathon, unfortunately as bandits at first, numerous times.
They didn't stop there, eventually Dick and Rick started doing triathlons. They even did a few Ironman races, although Dick didn't finish their first attempt at Kona because he drank too much Gatorade before the race.
The story also describes the other milestones in their lives, such as Rick graduating from the Boston University with a degree in Special Education and biking and running across the country to raise money for the Hoyt Fund.
Dick and Rick Hoyt have been inspiring others for years and their love for each other is evident. They truly show that with hardwork and dedication that anyone can do whatever they put their minds to, which is what their motto, "yes, you can", is all about.
For the month of May we read the book, Devoted: The Story of a Father's Love for His Son by Dick Hoyt.
The book starts out with a brief description of how Dick and Rick Hoyt, affectionately called "Team Hoyt", became an internet sensation. What Dick Hoyt saw was a video of himself and his son, a spastic quadriplegic, finishing their Hawaii Ironman (Kona) set to music.
That video was viewed by millions of people, and in turn thousands of people have contacted the Hoyts telling them what an inspiration they are to them and so many other people.
Dick Hoyt married at a young age and the Hoyts were expecting their first baby shortly after getting married. What was to follow, however, no one expected. Rick Hoyt was born a spastic quadriplegic after complications during birth; his umbilical cord had been wrapped around his neck which caused him to lose oxygen for too long.
Back when Rick was born, there was not a lot of understanding of disabled individuals and the Hoyts were told to forget about him and move on with their lives. Neither Dick nor Rick's mom, Judy, wanted to do that and instead they brought him home. Eventually Dick and Judy had two more sons and they continued to fight for acceptance and equality for their first-born son, Rick.
The story goes on to describe their struggles with getting Rick into school, and how eventually with the help of a TIC (Tufts Interactive Communicator) developed by Tufts University and the passing of new laws he was finally able to attend school.
Dick and Rick Hoyt's running and triathlon life started when Rick attended a basketball game with his classmates and gym teacher. At the basketball game, an announcement was made about a charity run for a basketball player who had become paralyzed after colliding with another player. Rick wanted to run the race.
And the rest, as they say, was history.
Dick and Rick ran that race, with some resistance from the other runners and race coordinators, and they didn't come in last. They came in second to last.
After that moment Dick and Rick practiced and raced as much as they could. They raced almost every weekend and eventually they ran a full marathon. Dick and Rick even participated in the Boston Marathon, unfortunately as bandits at first, numerous times.
They didn't stop there, eventually Dick and Rick started doing triathlons. They even did a few Ironman races, although Dick didn't finish their first attempt at Kona because he drank too much Gatorade before the race.
The story also describes the other milestones in their lives, such as Rick graduating from the Boston University with a degree in Special Education and biking and running across the country to raise money for the Hoyt Fund.
Dick and Rick Hoyt have been inspiring others for years and their love for each other is evident. They truly show that with hardwork and dedication that anyone can do whatever they put their minds to, which is what their motto, "yes, you can", is all about.
This past Boston Marathon was supposed to be Dick and Rick's last run, pun intended, at their "hometown" marathon. However, because of what happened they were only able to get to mile 25 this year and have decided that they will run it again next year to honor the victims and survivors.
Here are some other book club members' reviews:
Some discussion questions:
What is something that you thought you weren't capable of doing, but then proved yourself wrong?
Have you ever fought for yourself or others in the face of adversity?
Dick Hoyt was asked if he ever would have run a race without Rick, and he said no even though he probably would have run the races faster. Would you have done the same, why or why not?
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Fundraising Giveaway for Project R12
I mentioned a few weeks ago that Mike and I are running the Cleveland Marathon for a purpose, to raise money for Project R12's SafeHouse in Sala, Uganda.
The marathon is only 8 days away and over the last week I have been in contact with some of my favorite companies to set up an amazing marathon fundraising giveaway for all of you! I would love to get closer to our goal of raising $2,620 for Project R12, therefore, my hope is that most of you will donate to our efforts. However, it is not mandatory for you to donate to enter the giveaway, but you will get extra entries if you do!
If you donate $10, the minimum amount Crowdrise accepts, then you can get 2 extra entries. If you donate any amount above $10, you get the 2 entries for the $10 and then 2 more entries for the amount above $10. To keep it fair for those who cannot/do not want to donate and to help spread the word I have added the option to tweet about the giveaway everyday for a total of 2 entries each day.
If you don't want to enter the giveaway, but really all of the prizes are amazing so you should enter, you can still donate on our fundraising page, here.
Thank you to all who have already donated, and to those who I hope will donate!
Now on to the wonderful items included in the giveaway:
Gen2 Aspaeris Pivot Shorts
I think most of you know how much I adore pivot shorts, I wore them today during our last long run of this training cycle, and one of you could win a pair of Gen2 shorts of your own! I own five pairs, four Gen1 and a pair of Gen2, and I can attest that they are amazing.
$50 Tommie Copper Gift Card
Tommie Copper makes a variety of products ranging from calf sleeves (love them!), shirts, gloves, tights, etc. They have a bunch of fun new colors and if you win this item you will have $50 to spend on anything that your little heart desires. Personally, I love my calf sleeves, knee sleeves, tights and half finger gloves (for interpreting soreness). Mike also has a pair of the men's shorts and he loves those too!
The marathon is only 8 days away and over the last week I have been in contact with some of my favorite companies to set up an amazing marathon fundraising giveaway for all of you! I would love to get closer to our goal of raising $2,620 for Project R12, therefore, my hope is that most of you will donate to our efforts. However, it is not mandatory for you to donate to enter the giveaway, but you will get extra entries if you do!
If you donate $10, the minimum amount Crowdrise accepts, then you can get 2 extra entries. If you donate any amount above $10, you get the 2 entries for the $10 and then 2 more entries for the amount above $10. To keep it fair for those who cannot/do not want to donate and to help spread the word I have added the option to tweet about the giveaway everyday for a total of 2 entries each day.
If you don't want to enter the giveaway, but really all of the prizes are amazing so you should enter, you can still donate on our fundraising page, here.
Thank you to all who have already donated, and to those who I hope will donate!
Now on to the wonderful items included in the giveaway:
Gen2 Aspaeris Pivot Shorts
I think most of you know how much I adore pivot shorts, I wore them today during our last long run of this training cycle, and one of you could win a pair of Gen2 shorts of your own! I own five pairs, four Gen1 and a pair of Gen2, and I can attest that they are amazing.
Wearing my Gen1 during our last half marathon
Even if you don't win a pair of shorts, you can still purchase any of their items for 40% off until the end of May using the discount code, SPRING, at checkout (you need to log in to their site to use the code).
$50 Tommie Copper Gift Card
Tommie Copper makes a variety of products ranging from calf sleeves (love them!), shirts, gloves, tights, etc. They have a bunch of fun new colors and if you win this item you will have $50 to spend on anything that your little heart desires. Personally, I love my calf sleeves, knee sleeves, tights and half finger gloves (for interpreting soreness). Mike also has a pair of the men's shorts and he loves those too!
Finishing up my first marathon wearing TC calf sleeves
Malya Rosa Headband
Recently one of my Reach the Beach teammates, Stephanie, contacted me about trying out one of her headbands for her new company Malya Rosa. The headbands are great for working out, running or even work attire. The ribbons that Malya Rosa uses are cute, fun and can be coordinated with any outfit.
I wore mine to work the other day
Malya Rosa also gives back by donating 5% of every purchase to Dress for Success and The Girl Effect. One person will have the opportunity to win one headband of their choice.
$35 Road ID Gift Card
For my birthday last month, my friend Crystal asked me if I wanted a Road ID. Since I never run with a phone, even when I am not running with Mike, I thought it would be a good idea to have one! Road ID has plenty of options to chose from to accommodate any athlete, and then your family and friends don't have to worry about you as much while you are out working up a sweat! If you win this item you will get a $35 gift card that will help pay for your own Road ID.
My Road ID
4-Pack of Nuun
Again, I think it is easy for anyone to see that I love Nuun! I have tried almost all of the flavors and I have loved most of them (I'm not big on orange)! Mike and I turn to Nuun when we need to hydrate and replenish our electrolytes, but we don't want any extra sugar. We even turned my mom into a Nuun lover! The winner of this item will be able to pick a 4-pack of their choice, personally I would go with a 4-pack of one of their new flavors: cherry limeade, lemonade or watermelon. Yum!
I think it's safe to say we like it
Again, there is no purchase (donation) necessary to enter/win, but any donations are greatly appreciated. The giveaway will remain open until midnight on May 20th and the five winners will be announced later that day.
Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway below for your chance to win one of these amazing items!
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Life Lately
It is the end of the 10th week of the quarter at the college where I work, which if you aren't familiar with the quarter system that is the last week before final exams. This year is a little bit different than normal, however, because it is the LAST quarter ever before we change to semesters in the fall (not including the summer, but summers are always a little different).
I have been a member of the community where I work for 10 years, either as a student or an employee, and all I've known is the quarter system. It is going to be a weird change in the fall and it is definitely going to take some time to get used to, 15 weeks is going to feel like it is dragging compared to 10 weeks!
The end of spring quarter also brings the beginning of a month long break for me, I am only a 10-month employee which has pros and cons. After our marathon on May 19th (so soon!), I will have a week of vacation and then I will work the last four days of May before I am off the entire month of June.
Summer is always an enjoyable time for us because I only work one month, typically July as I am again this year, and we can plan some fun adventures.
Yesterday we solidified some plans for the end of June by registering for this:
Technically we didn't register ourselves, our friend Greg registered us because I was in class interpreting and Mike was busy at work. It took FOREVER to get our confirmations that we were actually in, but we are! Our friends Amber, Greg, Crystal and Joe are also going to be running the 10K.
Mike and I made plans to visit Crystal and Joe, originally to spectate the B.A.A. 10K as Crystal raced, but we changed our minds and wanted to race too. The 10K is already sold-out, it sold-out in record time in just 13 hours.
I don't think I ever announced on the blog our other fun summer plans:
I have been a member of the community where I work for 10 years, either as a student or an employee, and all I've known is the quarter system. It is going to be a weird change in the fall and it is definitely going to take some time to get used to, 15 weeks is going to feel like it is dragging compared to 10 weeks!
The end of spring quarter also brings the beginning of a month long break for me, I am only a 10-month employee which has pros and cons. After our marathon on May 19th (so soon!), I will have a week of vacation and then I will work the last four days of May before I am off the entire month of June.
Summer is always an enjoyable time for us because I only work one month, typically July as I am again this year, and we can plan some fun adventures.
Yesterday we solidified some plans for the end of June by registering for this:
Technically we didn't register ourselves, our friend Greg registered us because I was in class interpreting and Mike was busy at work. It took FOREVER to get our confirmations that we were actually in, but we are! Our friends Amber, Greg, Crystal and Joe are also going to be running the 10K.
Mike and I made plans to visit Crystal and Joe, originally to spectate the B.A.A. 10K as Crystal raced, but we changed our minds and wanted to race too. The 10K is already sold-out, it sold-out in record time in just 13 hours.
I don't think I ever announced on the blog our other fun summer plans:
Made by Crystal
Mike and I are going to continue our reputation as relay lovers by running with four other people during the 100 on 100 Heart of Vermont 100 mile relay in August. Our teammates include Crystal, her husband Joe and their friends Janell and Aaron. I can't wait! We're also planning on going kayaking the day after the relay, which should be a lot of fun.
Other than that Mike and I have just been finishing up our last few weeks of marathon training, we have our last "long run" (8 miles is not long to me anymore) this weekend and then we are only one week out from the Cleveland marathon.
I'm excited about all of our fun races and trips that we have planned this summer!
What have you been up to lately? What are you looking forward to?
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Summer is Here
We have gone from winter right into summer here in Rochester, which unfortunately meant that we skipped my favorite running weather (50 degree temps if you wanted to know).
Since our busy weekend of racing last weekend, Mike and I have been up to a few things. Unfortunately, the Monday right after Flower City we got a stomach bug that caused us to both come home from work early. We basically slept the day away and then because we were so weak on Tuesday, we didn't go into work that day either.
Luckily we are in taper mode for the Cleveland Marathon so this wasn't that big of a deal, and better that it happened this week and not in a few weeks! My runs haven't felt that great since Flower City, but I'm hoping that I will feel better this week.
After recovering, this weekend was full of fun summer activities! We met up with our friend Jess for a 12 mile run yesterday morning, which went alright as I mentioned before, and then we got dressed up for a Derby Day party.
Our friends Eric and Sheila host an annual party on the day of the Kentucky Derby and everyone gets dressed up. I opted to forgo the hat, but I did wear a dress which never happens.
We even made a trip to OTB and placed a few bets, I don't think anyone at the party won any money though!
After going to bed early because of all the sun we got, we were up and ready for a 35 mile ride this morning. The route was extremely hilly, there was almost a 900 foot elevation gain, but it was gorgeous out there today! I enjoyed seeing some horses, cows and I especially liked seeing "Ziggy's Farm" toward the end of the ride.
We ended the ride and quickly got ready to go to our friend Greg's daughter's kid's tri. It was so cute! I loved seeing all the kids swimming, biking and running their hearts out. We brought our cow bell so that we could cheer for everyone.
This weekend was really fun, but exhausting. We only have two more weeks until our next marathon and I can't wait! We're just going to try to enjoy the taper and the summer-like weather!
How is the weather where you are? Did you go to a Derby Day party?
Bernie enjoying the weather
Since our busy weekend of racing last weekend, Mike and I have been up to a few things. Unfortunately, the Monday right after Flower City we got a stomach bug that caused us to both come home from work early. We basically slept the day away and then because we were so weak on Tuesday, we didn't go into work that day either.
Luckily we are in taper mode for the Cleveland Marathon so this wasn't that big of a deal, and better that it happened this week and not in a few weeks! My runs haven't felt that great since Flower City, but I'm hoping that I will feel better this week.
After recovering, this weekend was full of fun summer activities! We met up with our friend Jess for a 12 mile run yesterday morning, which went alright as I mentioned before, and then we got dressed up for a Derby Day party.
Mike in his element
Me and my new friend, Bethany
Our friends Eric and Sheila host an annual party on the day of the Kentucky Derby and everyone gets dressed up. I opted to forgo the hat, but I did wear a dress which never happens.
Mike and Eric at the OTB
The betting group
We even made a trip to OTB and placed a few bets, I don't think anyone at the party won any money though!
Oh yea, check out my tan lines (or sunburn lines)
After going to bed early because of all the sun we got, we were up and ready for a 35 mile ride this morning. The route was extremely hilly, there was almost a 900 foot elevation gain, but it was gorgeous out there today! I enjoyed seeing some horses, cows and I especially liked seeing "Ziggy's Farm" toward the end of the ride.
We ended the ride and quickly got ready to go to our friend Greg's daughter's kid's tri. It was so cute! I loved seeing all the kids swimming, biking and running their hearts out. We brought our cow bell so that we could cheer for everyone.
The transition area
This weekend was really fun, but exhausting. We only have two more weeks until our next marathon and I can't wait! We're just going to try to enjoy the taper and the summer-like weather!
How is the weather where you are? Did you go to a Derby Day party?
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Flower City Challenge Half Marathon Race Recap
Sorry for the delay with my recap, I'm sure you were all waiting on the edge of your seats for it!
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Saturday we raced the duathlon, then we went over to Amber and Greg's to celebrate Amber's daughter's birthday. She is such a little ham! We went home early and just relaxed the rest of the night, I honestly had no idea how I was going to feel in the morning.
Sunday morning we woke up, a little later than on Saturday, and I felt pretty decent. I could tell my quads were slightly sore from the day before but I hoped that they would work themselves out. We got ready and made our way downtown.
After getting a little lost, we found the parking garage that Amber and Greg told us to park in and the streets were already bustling with runners. We went inside Blue Cross Arena, went to the bathroom one final time and put my long sleeve shirt and Mike's water bottle somewhere for safe keeping during the race.
We hadn't found Amber and Greg yet, the plan was for me and Amber to run together, but when we went outside we saw Ron and his wife.
Right before we hit the first mile, this woman was standing on the sidelines yelling, "many, many healthy people! Running through the Susan B. Anthony district!" This made me and Amber laugh.
Miles 2 and 3 were a little fast, at Mile 2 Amber said, "that was 8:22". I tried to reign it in during the 3rd mile but it was almost just as fast. After that Amber told me that we were going to run three easy miles and then we were going to do work.
Right before we got to Park Ave, Mile 4, we turned down this short road and it smelled like mulch. Amber said, "I hate the smell of mulch"! I guess it was a good thing that the road was short!
I took my first energy gel at Mile 4. I was having some issues at the water stops, as per usual, and people kept stopping right in front of me! It was a little frustrating but I just got away from them as quickly as possible and caught back up to Amber.
As we were running I just kept thinking about how we had already run this route before, and how I felt much better than I did that day. As we passed Jine's, such a good restaurant, I could smell bacon and I said out loud, "disgusting!" I think some girls that were near us laughed, but I didn't care. I don't want to smell bacon while I'm running.
I knew that the hills were coming up soon, from running the route before and because other runners kept saying stuff about them. Mile 6 you turn onto Goodman and this is where the fun really begins. I knew that one of my co-workers was going to be out cheering and I made sure to wave as I went by her. Another girl, who I took classes with, cheered me on as I ran by.
As we got to the hill, Amber told me to surge from one blue sign to the next. This was when I started to feel the effects of the duathlon the day before but I did what I was told. Amber was great and kept encouraging me and telling me that I had less than a minute to the top.
When we turned into Highland Park, I got another welcome sight: our friends Sarah and Mark (and their dog Kiva) were out cheering for runners. I waved and Sarah said that we were looking good!
Around Mile 7 I felt a little better because there was a nice downhill. We just coasted down it and then made our way to Mount Hope Cemetery. When we ran the route with Amber and Greg before we didn't include this part, so even though Mike and I have run in the cemetery before this was all new to me!
The worst part of the race, for me, was running up the cobblestone hill. I slowed way down and had to take a few walking steps to get up it. Amber was great and waited for me, and she told me that the worst of it was behind us. There were a few more hills in the cemetery but nothing that bad.
I took my second energy gel at Mile 8, there wasn't a water stop there, and I felt better after that. I was worried that I wouldn't have enough left in me to get to the end, but I knew I had to give it my all. At one point in the cemetery Amber said, "it's a good thing we didn't run in here, we would have gotten lost!" She made a joke about how we would have had to "take a right at the Joseph and Mildred family crypt" and that made me laugh.
I started to struggle again right before we left the cemetery, I had been saying for a little while that I wanted out of there, but then I got another pick-me-up: our friends Eric and Sheila! I heard someone say, "Jamie" and when I turned around they were behind us.
I asked Sheila how she was doing and she said, "not good". I said something about feeling the same and that maybe doing the duathlon the day before wasn't a good idea. Almost in unison, Eric and Amber said, "yes it was!" and Amber added that it would make what I was going to do that much sweeter.
Eric was great and he circled back at one point and told me that I could do it and that made me feel good. They are great friends!
Amber had told me at one point in the cemetery that I was still running sub-9 (average pace). I was in shock when she told me that, and I knew it was going to be tough to keep it up.
We left the cemetery and I was able to get some water. This was the worst water stop and I literally collided with someone's arm. I also dumped some water on myself for the first time and then we made our way toward the Riverway Trail.
Amber asked me if I had run on this part of the course the day before and I said yes. At some point on the trail the 2:00 pacers passed us and I felt a little discouraged. The trail is also really crowded and we had to dodge people. Amber made me do a few surges and at this point I started to complain a little. It was also at this point that some guy had his runkeeper or some similar app running and I could hear what it was saying. I was so frustrated when I heard what it said his current pace was, but I just kept trying to get away from him!
Amber got me water at the last water stop, I think she knew I was having some issues colliding with people, and I took a sip and dumped the rest over my head.
We got to the Ford Street bridge and then turned onto Exchange Street. Right at 11 miles I saw Sarah and Mark again! They cheered me on, said I was going to sub-2 and Amber agreed.
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I really started to feel it in the last mile, but Amber wouldn't let me slow down too much. We did some surges, tried to catch people and just pushed it to the end. I was struggling and felt frustrated because I couldn't see the finish line, but then eventually there it was!
As we got to the end, I saw Mike on the sidelines cheering me on and I tried to give it everything that I could.
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I like this photo of Mike, it's from the last run leg on Saturday
Saturday we raced the duathlon, then we went over to Amber and Greg's to celebrate Amber's daughter's birthday. She is such a little ham! We went home early and just relaxed the rest of the night, I honestly had no idea how I was going to feel in the morning.
Sunday morning we woke up, a little later than on Saturday, and I felt pretty decent. I could tell my quads were slightly sore from the day before but I hoped that they would work themselves out. We got ready and made our way downtown.
After getting a little lost, we found the parking garage that Amber and Greg told us to park in and the streets were already bustling with runners. We went inside Blue Cross Arena, went to the bathroom one final time and put my long sleeve shirt and Mike's water bottle somewhere for safe keeping during the race.
We hadn't found Amber and Greg yet, the plan was for me and Amber to run together, but when we went outside we saw Ron and his wife.
Photo courtesy of Ron
He told us that he saw Amber and Greg and pointed us in their direction, almost immediately after we went to the other side we found them! They came bearing "gifts" for me, some masking tape.
When Amber and I had been talking about running together she asked me if I would consider not wearing my watch, then at the duathlon Greg asked if I would tape my watch so that I could have my splits for after the race but not see them while running. I agreed and after I found satellites I covered my watch's screen.
Greg and Mike went to go line up together, they didn't stay together very long - according to Mike he let Greg leave him after 20 yards, and Amber and I made our way into the masses.
4-15-13
After the National Anthem, the announcer came on and said a few words about Boston and then started playing "Sweet Caroline".
Then it was time to start the race! About a minute after the start Amber and I made our way across the start line. The first mile we struggled to find some space and had to dodge some runners, and people already walking.
Photo courtesy of Ron
Photo courtesy of Ron
Right before we hit the first mile, this woman was standing on the sidelines yelling, "many, many healthy people! Running through the Susan B. Anthony district!" This made me and Amber laugh.
Miles 2 and 3 were a little fast, at Mile 2 Amber said, "that was 8:22". I tried to reign it in during the 3rd mile but it was almost just as fast. After that Amber told me that we were going to run three easy miles and then we were going to do work.
Right before we got to Park Ave, Mile 4, we turned down this short road and it smelled like mulch. Amber said, "I hate the smell of mulch"! I guess it was a good thing that the road was short!
I took my first energy gel at Mile 4. I was having some issues at the water stops, as per usual, and people kept stopping right in front of me! It was a little frustrating but I just got away from them as quickly as possible and caught back up to Amber.
As we were running I just kept thinking about how we had already run this route before, and how I felt much better than I did that day. As we passed Jine's, such a good restaurant, I could smell bacon and I said out loud, "disgusting!" I think some girls that were near us laughed, but I didn't care. I don't want to smell bacon while I'm running.
I knew that the hills were coming up soon, from running the route before and because other runners kept saying stuff about them. Mile 6 you turn onto Goodman and this is where the fun really begins. I knew that one of my co-workers was going to be out cheering and I made sure to wave as I went by her. Another girl, who I took classes with, cheered me on as I ran by.
As we got to the hill, Amber told me to surge from one blue sign to the next. This was when I started to feel the effects of the duathlon the day before but I did what I was told. Amber was great and kept encouraging me and telling me that I had less than a minute to the top.
When we turned into Highland Park, I got another welcome sight: our friends Sarah and Mark (and their dog Kiva) were out cheering for runners. I waved and Sarah said that we were looking good!
Around Mile 7 I felt a little better because there was a nice downhill. We just coasted down it and then made our way to Mount Hope Cemetery. When we ran the route with Amber and Greg before we didn't include this part, so even though Mike and I have run in the cemetery before this was all new to me!
The worst part of the race, for me, was running up the cobblestone hill. I slowed way down and had to take a few walking steps to get up it. Amber was great and waited for me, and she told me that the worst of it was behind us. There were a few more hills in the cemetery but nothing that bad.
I took my second energy gel at Mile 8, there wasn't a water stop there, and I felt better after that. I was worried that I wouldn't have enough left in me to get to the end, but I knew I had to give it my all. At one point in the cemetery Amber said, "it's a good thing we didn't run in here, we would have gotten lost!" She made a joke about how we would have had to "take a right at the Joseph and Mildred family crypt" and that made me laugh.
I started to struggle again right before we left the cemetery, I had been saying for a little while that I wanted out of there, but then I got another pick-me-up: our friends Eric and Sheila! I heard someone say, "Jamie" and when I turned around they were behind us.
Sheila, me and Amber
I asked Sheila how she was doing and she said, "not good". I said something about feeling the same and that maybe doing the duathlon the day before wasn't a good idea. Almost in unison, Eric and Amber said, "yes it was!" and Amber added that it would make what I was going to do that much sweeter.
Eric was great and he circled back at one point and told me that I could do it and that made me feel good. They are great friends!
Amber had told me at one point in the cemetery that I was still running sub-9 (average pace). I was in shock when she told me that, and I knew it was going to be tough to keep it up.
We left the cemetery and I was able to get some water. This was the worst water stop and I literally collided with someone's arm. I also dumped some water on myself for the first time and then we made our way toward the Riverway Trail.
Amber asked me if I had run on this part of the course the day before and I said yes. At some point on the trail the 2:00 pacers passed us and I felt a little discouraged. The trail is also really crowded and we had to dodge people. Amber made me do a few surges and at this point I started to complain a little. It was also at this point that some guy had his runkeeper or some similar app running and I could hear what it was saying. I was so frustrated when I heard what it said his current pace was, but I just kept trying to get away from him!
Amber got me water at the last water stop, I think she knew I was having some issues colliding with people, and I took a sip and dumped the rest over my head.
We got to the Ford Street bridge and then turned onto Exchange Street. Right at 11 miles I saw Sarah and Mark again! They cheered me on, said I was going to sub-2 and Amber agreed.
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Just thinking, get there, get there
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When Mike had gone by them
As we got to the end, I saw Mike on the sidelines cheering me on and I tried to give it everything that I could.
Mike looking strong at the finish
I think my face accurately describes how I felt
We crossed the finish line and I immediately ripped the tape off of my watch. Amber hugged me and then we made our way out of the finish chute. We got some water and met up with the guys.
After some issues with the results, originally I didn't have a chip time so I had to use Amber's and then they updated the results with slower chip times (but now I have one), I found out that I finished in 2:00:44.
Mike did great and ran a 1:45:38.
While I didn't run sub-2, I am really proud of this race. I could have completely given up and just been satisfied with finishing but I pushed myself. I have Amber to thank for this because without her, I'm not sure I could have done it on my own. I know that if we hadn't done the duathlon the day before that both Mike and I would have accomplished our goals (Mike wanted to run sub-1:45).
Now this makes me really excited for the Presque Isle half marathon because I AM going to sub-2 there, hopefully by a lot.
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Flower City Challenge Duathlon Race Recap
This morning Mike and I participated in our first multi-sport event of the year!
When we were planning our racing schedule, we knew we wanted to do the Flower City Challenge. Last year we couldn't do the half because it was the same weekend as Seneca7, but this year they were one week apart!
We signed up for the Double Du which meant that we would do the duathlon on Saturday and the half marathon on Sunday. Great training for our Half Ironman in July!
We got to the transition area around 6:15am and got our chips, we had to wear these tyvek bracelets in order to get our chip and they had to put them on us when we picked up our packets. We picked ours up on Wednesday so by today my bracelet was a little mangled.
We picked an area close to the bike exit/entrance because we didn't want to have to run with our clipless shoes for too long. We saw Laura and her fiance, John, while we were setting up our stuff and then we hit the port-a-potties. While we were checking out the run entrance/exit, we saw one of our friends from college, she was on the swim team with us, and her husband.
After chatting for a bit it was time to get ready and then head to the start. Since there was also a triathlon (paddle, which is why we didn't do it) they had staggered starts. At 7:30 the triathlon men went off, 7:33 the triathlon women and teams, 7:36 the duathlon women and teams and at 7:39 the duathlon men.
We saw our friends Amber and Greg right before it was my turn to start the race, have I mentioned how amazing they are? The rest of the photos in this post are from Greg, and they cheered for us the entire race!
Run Leg 1 (5K): Jamie - 24:25, Mike - 22:22
After the first two groups went off, it was my turn! I lined up with the rest of the women and a few relay teams and at 7:36 we were off! Since we are running the half I didn't want to go too fast but I also wanted to try as hard as I could.
The run legs were all run in Genesee Valley Park along the Riverway Trail, other than a few bridges and small inclines it was primarily flat. The first mile came in at 7:49 and I was running with one of the guys who was on a relay team.
Right before we hit the halfway point, the guys from the men's duathlon wave caught up to us. I didn't know if I would see Mike at all, but he didn't quite catch me on the run. After getting some water at the water stop the second mile came in at 8:23 and I knew that the transition area was going to come up soon.
While the duathlon was advertised as 5K, 20 Mile ride, 5K, the first run leg was a little short. I saw the transition area come in and hit 8:43 pace the last .93 miles. My watch time was a little faster than my official time coming in at 24:18 which is 8:18 pace.
Transition 1: Jamie - 1:29, Mike - 1:04
As I was running to my bike, I kept thinking about what I had to do when I got to my spot. As I was putting on my helmet, I heard Amber say, "smile, Jamie". I was focused!
Since we are new to clipping in, this was the first time I had to change my shoes during transition. I got my running shoes off as quick as possible and then put on my biking shoes. As I was unracking my bike, I saw Mike coming in and I took off!
When we were planning our racing schedule, we knew we wanted to do the Flower City Challenge. Last year we couldn't do the half because it was the same weekend as Seneca7, but this year they were one week apart!
We signed up for the Double Du which meant that we would do the duathlon on Saturday and the half marathon on Sunday. Great training for our Half Ironman in July!
We got to the transition area around 6:15am and got our chips, we had to wear these tyvek bracelets in order to get our chip and they had to put them on us when we picked up our packets. We picked ours up on Wednesday so by today my bracelet was a little mangled.
My new friend the last few days
We picked an area close to the bike exit/entrance because we didn't want to have to run with our clipless shoes for too long. We saw Laura and her fiance, John, while we were setting up our stuff and then we hit the port-a-potties. While we were checking out the run entrance/exit, we saw one of our friends from college, she was on the swim team with us, and her husband.
Transition area
After chatting for a bit it was time to get ready and then head to the start. Since there was also a triathlon (paddle, which is why we didn't do it) they had staggered starts. At 7:30 the triathlon men went off, 7:33 the triathlon women and teams, 7:36 the duathlon women and teams and at 7:39 the duathlon men.
We saw our friends Amber and Greg right before it was my turn to start the race, have I mentioned how amazing they are? The rest of the photos in this post are from Greg, and they cheered for us the entire race!
Run Leg 1 (5K): Jamie - 24:25, Mike - 22:22
After the first two groups went off, it was my turn! I lined up with the rest of the women and a few relay teams and at 7:36 we were off! Since we are running the half I didn't want to go too fast but I also wanted to try as hard as I could.
The run legs were all run in Genesee Valley Park along the Riverway Trail, other than a few bridges and small inclines it was primarily flat. The first mile came in at 7:49 and I was running with one of the guys who was on a relay team.
Right before we hit the halfway point, the guys from the men's duathlon wave caught up to us. I didn't know if I would see Mike at all, but he didn't quite catch me on the run. After getting some water at the water stop the second mile came in at 8:23 and I knew that the transition area was going to come up soon.
While the duathlon was advertised as 5K, 20 Mile ride, 5K, the first run leg was a little short. I saw the transition area come in and hit 8:43 pace the last .93 miles. My watch time was a little faster than my official time coming in at 24:18 which is 8:18 pace.
Transition 1: Jamie - 1:29, Mike - 1:04
As I was running to my bike, I kept thinking about what I had to do when I got to my spot. As I was putting on my helmet, I heard Amber say, "smile, Jamie". I was focused!
Since we are new to clipping in, this was the first time I had to change my shoes during transition. I got my running shoes off as quick as possible and then put on my biking shoes. As I was unracking my bike, I saw Mike coming in and I took off!
Looking at Mike running in
Amber told him to smile too
Changing his shoes
All set to go!
Bike Leg 1 (20 Miles): Jamie - 1:21:41, Mike - 1:15:35
As soon as I got to the mount/dismount line, I got my weak foot clipped in (success!) and then I took off. It did take me a few seconds to get my right foot clipped in but at least I was moving.
The route was a loop that left the park and went out to Henrietta/Scottsville and then back. The first half was pretty hilly, although I told Laura beforehand that it wasn't that hilly - oops!
Mike passed me at about 1 mile and he wished me luck as he went on his way. I could see him for a little while and then he was gone! I passed quite a few people in the beginning and other people passed me as well.
At mile 5, I drank some water. It was a little bit of a struggle to get my water bottle out but it wasn't too bad. The hills were pretty monstrous and some people, who weren't clipped in, were walking up them. I also saw some people who had to pull over because of flat tires.
My plan was to take my energy gel at mile 10, but when the time came I was I having some trouble reaching for it. I put it in my back shirt pocket and I was a little afraid of riding one-handed while clipped in. I gave up for a few miles, and after the worst hill (which is also when a truck scared me after it slammed on its horn at a car in front of it) I tried again. This time I was successful! I ate my energy gel and got some more water.
The last 7-8 miles I was going a lot faster. The route was relatively flat with some downhills and I was picking up speed. Eventually, I got to mile 19 and that's when I knew it was almost time to run again.
Right before turning back into the park, we went by a speed sensor sign and I laughed as cyclists passed it and it told them their speed. When I went by it said 15 mph, which I felt good about.
Coming in to the mount/dismount line
Smiling because I didn't fall
I made the final turn and dismounted without any problems. I ran into the transition area and made my way for the final leg of the day.
Transition 2: Jamie - 1:36 , Mike - 1:29
I racked my bike and as I was getting ready for the final run, Amber asked me how I felt. I told her I felt good, and she said that Mike looked strong.
Changing my shoes
Laughing about how I had snot on my face, ha!
As I was leaving I told her that this run would be a test of how I actually felt, and I was off!
Run Leg 2 (5K): Jamie - 28:33 , Mike - 25:23
The final run leg was in the opposite direction of the first leg, but the same exact route otherwise.
I could tell my legs felt like lead, which is an indication that before Keuka Lake in June I need to do some more brick workouts, but I hoped that the feeling would go away soon.
I passed quite a few people who had passed me on the bike and I made my way along the river. You could see the kayaks and canoes participating in the triathlon, and it was a nice distraction. Mile 1 came in at 8:19 pace.
As I was running I could hear the announcer saying names of people who were crossing the finish line and I wondered if I would hear Mike's name be called (he told me later that he was pretty sure he saw me from across the river).
Mike at the end
Looking strong
Running into the finish
I got to the water stop and then ran over one of the bridges, I knew my pace was slowing but I worked hard to keep it under 9 minute pace, mile 2 came in at 8:56 pace.
The last mile or so I thought about how we would be running on this route again for the half marathon, and I thought about our upcoming marathon and how I would need to push in the end even when I was getting tired. My pace got over 9 minute pace for the first time and even though I tried really hard to get it below, I just couldn't. Mile 3 came in at 9:10 pace.
The second run leg was long, which balanced out the first leg being short, it ended up being 3.26 miles according to my watch.
The end is near
As I got close to the finish, I saw Mike, Amber and Greg cheering me on and I gave it all that I had. I ran toward the finish line and I was done! The last .26 miles were run at 8:25 pace.
Happy to be done!
Making the final turn
Finishing Times: Jamie - 2:17:45 , Mike - 2:05:54
Overall, I am really happy with how this race went! For the first multi-sport race of the year and our first race using clipless pedals, I think it was a success. It definitely gives me a baseline to use so that I can improve in our upcoming races. My goal is to get to faster than 15 mph, today's race was 14.9 mph, on the bike.
Now we're just relaxing and getting ready for the half marathon tomorrow!
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