Race Report: Runaway Pumpkin

So the day had finally come... The race that has been my goal race since beginning my training plan with Coach J in July was here. The Runaway Pumpkin Half Marathon in Lebanon, Oregon.

The Robinson Pumpkin-mobile - Photo credit Steve Robinson

I also had a  felt pumpkin cut out on my back, that apparently looked like it was chewing as I ran... 

A motley group of runners met in the drizzling rain in front of Peet's in Bridgeport Village at 6:20 a.m. to catch a ride with the awesome Steve Robinson who offered to drive a group of runners down. What began as a light sprinkle, quickly became a heavy downpour as the morning progressed. We made good time and were at the event a little after 8:00 with plenty of time to pick up our packets, do the bathroom line (in my case- multiple times, bag drop off, and then find shelter to try and stay dry before the race began. I was able to find a spot under a tree to do my warm up/stretches and then lined up at 8:50. The race began right on time - led by a couple of 'runaway pumpkins' who got a jump on the clock.

The beginning of the race took you along gravel and a path the was right next to the river with quite a bit of beginning of the race congestion. I would have liked to have been able to stick closer to my starting goal time, which was to start the race at about 10 min/miles but was able to make up the time and ended up around 10:30 split. As we moved into the neighborhood, things cleared out and we were able to get into our groove. So many great volunteers and townspeople were out cheering on the racers. I had wanted to keep the first half between 9:44 and 10:00 and then slowly speed up the second half. But around 6.5 miles my knee started aching. I tried walking for a bit, but that didn't make it go away. I decided that I would just try and push through the pain. We had water stations at about every 2 miles so I was glad I had decided to leave water at home since I am still trying to find a solution that hydrates me- but doesn't splash all over me like all the belts I have tried or annoy the heck out of me like anything handheld.

Me and Melissa - before the race

Maryalicia (Run Oregon bloggess) had offered to pace me, so I was so thankful to have her with me that second half when I needed to keep my mind off of the pain. She is also the happiest runner I have ever met, and it was infectious running next to someone who was so appreciative (I think she thanked everyone out volunteering) of the support staff and the scenery. It was such a beautiful run (apparently a new route this year- which added a little more hill) but nothing this westside Portlander couldn't handle. This is the first race I have tried to just run through pain.. not soreness- but actual physical pain.. and for 6 miles. I will have to say that I learned I am mentally tougher than I thought I was after this race. After working towards this race for 16 weeks, there was no way I was going to throw in the towel. I knew I wasn't going to be able to sub 9:30's for the second half like I was hoping for - but I knew if I could stay as close to 10s as possible, I could still PR.

That last mile was excruciating  I hoped it wasn't anything that some ice and time off wouldn't heal- I was 90% sure I wasn't doing permanent damage (I am pretty sure I know that difference now?) but I knew I was pushing it. But I felt like I had worked too hard not to. We picked up the pace in that final stretch because I just wanted to be done and somehow was able to do a 9:37.. the final .10 was on gravel. I think I actually yelled - are you kidding me? Gravel? I am supposed to dig deep and sprint on GRAVEL? But thankfully I had Maryalicia running in front of me, yelling at me to dig deep and finish strong. I was tired enough and just wanted to start walking that her "motivation" lit that fire in me to get across the finish line. She was my hero.

I have never wanted to walk so badly in a race before. But I didn't. Plus, it didn't help. Actually  the few times I started to walk, that actually felt worse and I knew I just needed to keep running. I think Maryalicia probably thinks I am insane, because I was muttering Phil 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" over and over again. I reminded myself that Finley didn't give up. Thinking about her really helped me. Nothing like thinking about your baby fighting through their first 30 days of life to make you think 1 hour of discomfort is nothing.

2:13.XX was the time on the clock as I crossed the finish line. I knew since I started back with the 10 min/milers I had a few seconds grace... I knew I had achieved some sort of PR.. but I was already more amazed that I had just powered through 6 miles through considerable pain at a faster pace than my other HMs.

I can't wait to see the finish line photos.. I was so ecstatic to be done. I also could barely walk. I accepted my finishers medal and hobbled over to a waiting masseuse who did a 10 min massage on my ailing knee. It didn't  really help. I got a cute pumpkin "awesome costume' award (above) and personal mini-fan and carried those over to the medical tent to get some ice. Oh blessed ice.

Melissa, my other friend that did this race also came in with a HUGE PR. I think most of our car PRd that morning.

Great food spread afterwards - but I grabbed some chocolate milk and some cookies and didn't really partake. We needed to get back to Portland  and I wanted to get on my compression hose and get cozy with my bag o' ice.

This was a very well organized race, with excellent support. I would highly recommend this race to anyone thinking about it in the future.

I am happy that I surpassed 2 out of 3 of the goals I had set. Of course  I am disappointing I didn't beat 2:08 too, but I know I had/have that in me. I felt like I could have run faster if my knee hadn't been hurting so bad- so I know I have sub 2:08 in me... who knows.. maybe by next year I'll see a sub 2 hour!

Now I am taking it easy for the next 2 weeks- going to let things heal.. Then focus on some strength (while maintaining my base) for the rest of the year before I jump into a focused training plan in January. I think I'll just focus on trying to run strong and healthy and just see what happens for the Holiday Half - without setting any hard pressed goals.

Final thoughts...

**This was my fifth half marathon... in 12 months. I ran my first half marathon just last October in 2:37.

**I PR'd by almost 6 minutes. Wahoo!

**Thank you to Coach J for a great training plan!

**Thank you to so many friends who sent texts, Facebook messages, and called.. I felt so much love and support. Not to mention my wonderful friend Stacy who brought me ice cream Saturday night! (Note to self: Do not run any races over 10K when hubby is out of town again... We survived - but there was a lot of TV for the rest of Saturday.)

Next up is the Cause and Event 5K/10K - this is falling within my 2 week running break/recovery period, so I have opted for the 5K and plan on just running it for fun, not trying to break any PRs. This is going to be a FABULOUS first year event - we have a team formed- Team Ladybug.. you should join us! Or start your own team, or sign up solo.. or volunteer! My friend Amy is the Race Director and I am so excited for her... this is such a great idea and I know it is going to be a huge success. You don't want to miss out on being a part of the first year.. how many people can say.."hey, I've been doing this event since it started.." Be that person!

Taper Gremlins

I suddenly feel this urge to do things I haven't been doing in this training cycle. 

I am filled with doubt about my goal and my ability to accomplish it. 

I am wondering if I really did put in enough miles.

I have butterflies just thinking about the race on Saturday.

This is just silly, right? I decided to write my goal on my hand today and will stare at this number for the rest of the week. I will BELIEVE that I can do this. I will BELIEVE in my training. I've got my 3 goals and I need to just settle my mind and trust.

Today will be my last real work out - doing the same track work out as last week. Thursday is a rest day, Friday I will do a shake things loose: 1 mile walk, 1 mile easy and 4 100s at 5k pace to get those legs ready to run.

We were in Newport and Lincoln City last week and I had the opportunity to run 6 beautiful miles across the Newport bridge and along the waterfront.

I don't love heights. There were moments as I ran over this bridge that I set my sights on the horizon because I had that nervous feeling in my stomach. Oh, and there are these weird metal squares that look like trap doors that open. I jumped over those like a six year old avoids cracks in the sidewalk. The view at the crest made it all worth it. I loved being able to stop and take a few photos and enjoy the view. Something you just can't do when driving over the bridge. I loved the feeling after crossing the bridge of exhilaration of doing something that didn't feel 'comfortable' but seeing that the senseless worry - was in fact senseless. Our pastor said a great line this week, "90% of the things you worry about never happen." We waste so much time being anxious and worrying when we need to set our minds on the positive. Which, ironically, is exactly what I need to do for this weekend. Stop worrying that "I can't" and set my mind on achieving my goals.

My gratitude list for today;
* My family. My girls had a blast last night dancing to that PSY song, "Gangnam Style" and I got the funniest video. It makes my heart SING listening to their little laughs and seeing them be funny and silly together. Sometimes I still have to pinch myself that I have two healthy girls - sisters. I am the luckiest mama in the world. Plus, I have an amazing husband who loves us so much. He really is a great dad.
*My friends.I am blessed to have some very special people in my life that love me for me. In all my craziness, they love me.
*My faith... Being able to pray and let go of any and all worries that come across my mind.
*A mostly healthy body (my hamstring has been bothering me some, but that just seems to ever present) that can run.
* Someone who can watch my girls that I love on Saturday morning so that I can go run a race.

Starting to plan for the races I want to do next year.. Eugene Half, Sonoma to Napa Half, Vancouver, Hood to Coast, Nike Women's Half...what's races are you hoping to do next year?

And why am I planning the next race already?

5 to go...until #5 and other random thoughts

5 workouts until.... Half Marathon #5! Runaway Pumpkin here I come.. I did a test run in my orange Team Sparkle skirt this morning.

Here are my last 2 weeks speed workouts courtesy of Coach J.... I do them on Tuesday and Wednesday.. Monday and Friday are easy 3m, and Saturday is supposed to be 3-5, but last week I ran 6... There has been some walking since I was starting to have some hamstring pain last week - but it is feeling better now.  Just needed to back off a little.

Track: walk 1 mile, jog 2 miles very easy 4 x 100m working on form at 5k pace 1 mile jog walk. (Wear long pants / spandex so legs stay warm)

Track:1 mile walk, 1 mile easy 4 x 800 @ 1/2 marathon pace 1 mile easy 1 mile walk 

Track: walk 1 mile, jog 2 miles very easy 4 x 100m working on form at 5k pace 1 mile jog walk. (Wear long pants / spandex so legs stay warm)

Track: 1 mile walk, 1 mile easy 2 x 800 @ 1/2 marathon pace 1 mile easy 1 mile walk 

I usually go to the track when I have childcare (during my workday) but that didn't work out today since the nanny has the day off.. so Finley got to spend an hour at the track with me today...

As you can see she was very excited about it. I was not even halfway in when she started to scream - "I walk, I walk!!" and I was getting a little worried that I was going to be able to finish my 800s - but then I remembered an amazing invention. Netflix on my phone. Best. thing. ever. Finley, now happily watching Bo, on the go (if you have ever watched this show with your kids, I hope the theme song is stuck in your head like it is mine.) was now quiet while I commenced my speed work pushing my stroller. Does that make it count as a strength work out too? I had a hard time hitting my half marathon pace (9:44) I kept running too fast (9:08-9:15). Is that a problem to be running faster? Raina, I know you will know...

It is strange that now tapering back down to 22 miles per week seems like such a light week, when 15-22 miles per week was a high back in June. It feels good. I've got some aches and pains, but more so probably because I have been slacking about my foam rolling.

You would think this is the 'please be done' look. but this is actually, her 'hurray! I'm free!' look and she walked the final lap around the track with me.

Meet my current arch nemesis. Why are these holiday Reese's so much better than the other ones? I have NO self control. Amanda @ Runninghood wrote about eating all her cookies this week and I can so relate! I cannot have things like this in the house because of it's siren's call. This is why I run.

This is one of my favorite running paths (partly because it is close to home. I run the Fanno Creek trail at least once a week usually. It just makes my heart sing to be on this trail. No matter the pace. I took this photo last week, intending to do some sort of blog post that I felt inspired to write that day, and of course,  never did get to it and lost whatever the thought was. Ah, mommy brain.

So I got written up today as the Run Oregon featured runner: http://networkedblogs.com/DAsSN?a=share. Pretty exciting!! A good motivator to get me to update the blog as well...

Warning: About to get spiritual here, so if that isn't your cup of tea - you may want to close the window.....

Final thought - was listening to our church's podcasts while I ran this week (by the way, how is it that I JUST discovered the awesomeness that is listening to podcasts while running?) and one of the messages was on worry and anxiety.. One of the best thoughts that I got from it was how too often we don't come to God with the really big things AND the really little things. How we underestimate God and what he is capable of. I love the thought that God wants me to bring it all to him. I did that when I was pregnant with Finley and after she was born and in the hospital, but then I don't do that every day now. It is great to be reminded that I don't need to worry about ANYTHING - just give it all to him.

Phil 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Creepers

I was reading a blog post yesterday about a woman being harassed on a run which reminded me of my scariest run ever....(Adult content...beware).

During my first incarnation of trying to be a runner, in my twenties - I went back home to Eugene from a break from college in 1998 or so to visit my parents (I took a sabbatical from college after my first year and went back at the ripe old age of 21as a non-traditional student). I went for a run during the middle of the day- can't remember the day of the week. I know I had my Walkman since this was pre-iPod days. I was near the end of my run and running down a residential road that connects two busier streets (Barger and Royal). I noticed a white car pass by me and it only stood out because I thought, hey - that looks like Mark's car (a friend of an ex). I continue along on my run which is now going by some new home construction. There is a port-a-potty set out pretty close to the sidewalk Now, I am looking ahead at my feet/path kind of a runner and this explains why I didn't notice this until WAY later than I should have...  I see the white car had pulled over to the side of the road. In quick succession my thoughts are "hey, that's weird" "I wonder where the driver is" "oh my there he is in the potty" "why is he standing in the doorway?"

"Oh F$%#, he is holding his wang and is masturbating and looking right at me!!!"


I immediately cross the street and pick up my pace. He gets back in his car and drives down the road.

I keep my eyes on his car wondering what he is going to do next.

"Oh hell," is what I think as I see him make a U-turn and come back towards me. My mind is spinning wondering what is going to happen and beginning to form strategies for various scenarios.  I had the Walkman in my hand ready to beat him over the head if he tried anything. Wondering if I had enough energy to fight off an attack.

I am now running in the grass, as far over away from the road as I can (there is a hedge separating the mobile home community and the sidewalk) and am running as fast as my body will let me. The adrenaline is coursing through my body and I think I might puke.

He passes by slowly in his car and I just keep running. I am now on the street where my parents live and don't see him. My heart is in my throat and race into my parents home and was in total shock over what just happened.

After a few minutes I begin to wonder what I should do. I ended up calling non-emergency and reported the incident and described the vehicle thinking that what if this guy does this a lot in the area, or what if he escalates his creeper ways. I've read that rapists begin with public exposure stuff and escalate from there. But that was the end of that and I never heard anything more from my parents about creeper activity in the area so I don't know what became of him.

This is hands down the strangest, scariest thing that has ever happened to me on a run.

It happened in the middle of the day, in suburban neighborhood. As women, we always need to be aware of our surroundings and take extra precautions. It's annoying - but true. Creepers can be anywhere. Anytime.

*******
I did a track work out at Duniway Track this morning.. There are a lot of homeless that frequent this area. I would probably be nervous there if I went very early in the morning. Thankfully, at 8:30 am there are a lot of runners and walkers there. This is a Speed/Strength week so I did an over-under workout: the plan called for 2 mile warm up, (1000m (2.5 laps) @ 5:48 1 min rest 400m @ 2:08)  5 min rest between sets x 3 sets, 2 mile cool down.

Set 1 - 5:08/1:59
Set 2 - 5:14/2:00
Set 3 - 5:21/2:09

This was a HARD work out. But very fun too. I was a little fast because I didn't figure out what pace 5:48 translated to. Tomorrow is a rest day and then Friday just an easy 3 mile walk and then Saturday will be a 11 mile long run with my girl friends!

5 weeks until Runaway Pumpkin Half Marathon!! And as always I have a few layers of goals....

1. anything better than 2:17
2. Beat 2:15
3. the stretch goal: 2:08

Still need a costume...maybe I should just make a orange tutu? I don't want anything that will mess with my running though....Ideas?

10 Running Related Things about me....

SBS at Another Mother Runner has started a 10-question game and here are my responses...

1. Best run ever:  I really don't have a best run ever. I am not sure if that's because I am a newbie runner, or I can't commit to saying one was better than all the rest. I loved running in San Francisco. I loved running in Hawaii on vacation last month. I had a great run last Wednesday (some interval work at Duniway track and then 2 miles of Terwilliger). I love running in the West hills in Portland on the Wildwood trail. I don't think I can pick out one run as my best run ever..maybe someday when I break that 2 hour half marathon!

2. Three words that describe my running: rewarding, demanding, exhilarating.

3. My go-to running outfit is: lulu tank, handful bra, nike shorts, brooks ghost shoes.

4. Quirky habit while running: I tend to run in a straight line. My feet swing out in front of each other.. I am working to correct this, but it seems to be what my body wants to do.

5. Morning, midday, evening: Morning, usually always morning unless I have to put it off until nap time...

6. I won’t run outside when it’s: Icy. I will run in 10 degree temperatures, in rain, in snow, and even (when absolutely necessary) in the heat. But physics tells me running on ice + my clumsiness = injury.

7. Worst injury—and how I got over it: I've had ITB and a Hamstring strain and I think the hamstring issues were the absolute worst injury ever. The hamstring strain was supposed to be mild-moderate - but it took close to 18 months to even get to 85% and I still struggle with issues with tendinitis at the attachment point. I did PT, Platelet Rich Plasma Injection (yes- I doped!), deep tissue massage, acupuncture, ultrasound, rest, cross training, and then finally quit running, got pregnant, then when I started running again did Couch to 5K and really eased back into it and had frequent Chiro care which really helped. This may not be the most hopeful story to someone who is in the midst of the issues though. But I am now running the highest mileage of my life and I just have to make sure I keep doing my strength exercises and foam rolling!

8. I felt most like a badass mother runner when: I went for a 8 mile run (Springwater corridor for you PDX peeps) with the double stroller (4 year old and 18 month old = 100 pounds + of stroller and kids) in 80+ degree temps. This counts as a 16 mile run, right?

9. Next race is: Cause and Event 10K (http://www.causeandeventportland.com/) and I am super excited to be able to raise money for our nonprofit Ladybug CDH Foundation while doing this run. Our team is called Team Ladybug if you want to join our team.

10. Potential running goal for 2013: More Half Marathons (chasing down that time) maybe even a trail one for fun. I'd also like to do a 15 mile race, and another Relay.

At Race for the Cure 9/16/12 - (notice the BAMR hat!)

Pints to Pasta: 57:01 wooohoooo!!

WE DID IT!

Thanks to some friendly competition, Mel and I pushed each other to an amazing new PR. I beat last years time by 4:30. My time was 57:01 (a 9:11/mile). On my hand that morning I had written 58:30 in ink.Mel thought I was crazy.

I had a few goals going into this race.

Goal 1) Beat last year 1:01:30.
Goal 2) Break 1 hour.. (59:59 would have been acceptable).
Goal 3) This was a stretch. 58:30.

I almost cried after I finished and I saw my Garmin time. I really pushed myself during the race and I so wanted to slow down - but I didn't. (mostly because Melanie was right there next to me running a sub 9 min/mile beginning at mile 3). It was such an amazing feeling to have blown my goals out of the water and knowing that all my training paid off.

The funniest thing was after the race we talked and realized - she wasn't slowing down because she thought I was setting the pace, and I thought she was setting that pace.. Ha!! I kept telling myself if she could keep it up, so could I. I LOVE having a running buddy push you to levels you didn't think were possible. It was also awesome to see my coach J about a 1/2 mile from the end when I wanted to DIE and he told me just to keep running. Seeing him gave me that extra push I needed to keep going.. then when I saw the clock.. I pushed it a little faster to cross the finish line at 57:01. I am still riding that high.

Another great Pints to Pasta. Well organized (always a wait for potties- but we had more than enough time to visit them not once, not twice - but THREE times). Great beer. Good friends.

(My husband who has a cold, has barely trained, and has a bruised knee finished at 53:32. I am envious of his natural running ability. But baby.. watch out...I'm getting faster!!)

with my hubby on the bus to the starting line...

My girls - pre-race

Seizing the day

I have been a bad blogger - I am going to attempt to post more regularly - but August was insane with the Ladybug Race, 2 birthdays, 2 trips, and then getting ready for school. I am happy to be home and I just LOVE fall. I love everything about Fall. But- that is another post... Up first, our Hawaii vacation. 

We had an amazing 10 days in paradise. I ran a lot - thanks to my build schedule and needing to run 30-32 (there was some walking built in there too) miles each week. It was pretty warm and humid but the views really made up for the heat. I was running around 7:00 am every day and it was already quite sticky. I didn't leave the resort area of Ko Olina where we were staying since I already felt bad about taking an hour most days to run.. but since my children kept waking up SUPER early - the runs were also a necessity. Running gives me that extra energy I need when I am sleep deprived. I know that may not make sense - but it does. I learned this when Finley was still waking up a ton.. running would make me feel better.. at least until evening. 

This is me. 

I did something most unlike me on this trip. I am pretty risk averse. I don't really enjoy amusement park rides, skiing/snowboarding - pretty much anything with heights, or where I am out of control. (I tried stand up paddle boarding on this trip and absolutely loved it. Great workout and not all the scary!) Late on Wednesday I heard that a woman I used to take Pilates with died.She was in her mid 30's. They still don't know why. It was such a reminder that we don't know how long we have- we truly don't know what the next moment may bring. For ourselves, or our loved ones. Such a powerful reminder to not let things go unsaid, and seizing each day. So how did I seize Thursday? I jumped off a cliff. 

The last time we were in Oahu I thought about it and frankly the idea turned my stomach. Seeing all those people lined up just gave me the willies. But this time four years later. I am a changed person for a hundred reasons. This time I wanted to jump. (Now don't get me wrong here, I am not suddenly going to go all adrenaline junkie here). But I think it is important to go outside our comfort zones sometimes. Whether it is signing up for a new bigger goal. Trying something new. Or jumping off a cliff. 

The funniest part of jumping off a cliff in front of your two little kids is when your 2 year old screams- 'my turn, my turn' after you get out... 

Today was my oldest's first day of 1/2 day Kindergarten. I teared up a little, but then was amazed that I didn't really cry. Though I will miss her since she will be in school 20 hours a week now. But mostly I am excited for her. For all these new experiences and ways that she will grow. All the things she will learn. How she will continue to become more independent. That's sad- but also so wonderful. Time is passing so quickly - but again I am reminded to just be thankful for each day and try to live in the moments more. 

I think Jon thought I was crazy for making him take photos of me running....

Very proud of myself for my first 6 miler in the heat...

The path that followed the 4 lagoons... who could get sick of this?

Would end most of my runs running along this train track which was .2 miles from our condo.

Family shot

This is the jumping rock at Waimea Bay Beach.

Sunset view from our condo...