Spring Valley 4 Miler

This year I signed up to run the York Road Runners Club Winter Series. There are eight races for one {very low} price that I figured would keep me out on the roads for training. The first race I had to miss due to a wedding we attended, but this past Sunday I was able to attend the Spring Valley 4 Miler.

This race had me a tiny bit worried because it was the first one I attended on my own. Every race I have run, hubby and I attended together, whether he ran it or not. He's run a few without me, but this was the first one I went to alone. It's against my introvert/perfectionist {to make hubby happy - he says I'm Type A} nature.

So, I headed off to Spring Valley to run a distance I know I can run....just slowly. I got to the park and picked up my bib. The interesting this about the bib is in order to run all the races, you need to wear the same bib every time.

I don't know if I've ever had a number this low for a race. LOL! In order to keep the bib in good shape, I needed to wear it on my leg because I always mess up the ones on my stomach. So far, so good. The bib stayed in good condition to the end.

I had plenty of time to wait for the race to start. I didn't know anyone, so I wandered around. Nerves were hitting pretty heavy. I found the course map, but since I didn't know the area, it didn't help much. LOL!

I also took the obligatory pre-race selfie. It's not the best, but at least I tried.

The location for the race was pretty. Though driving in and seeing where we were had me nervous. I had a feeling this was going to be a bad race. It was hilly in the area and I started to think the race was going to be rough.

Pretty isn't it? The problem is those are hills. I'm not great at hills and I haven't been training on hills lately. Also, my hip flexor doesn't like hills. It always gives me trouble when I run them.

The race started a little later than I thought. Each race of the series has a one mile run as well as the longer race. I thought the one mile race was after the start of the longer race, but it was before. So we started later than I anticipated, which put me more on edge. Yes, this is not good for me.

We finally did get started and off we went! Down a small little hill, then up a ridiculous uphill. And that's when I knew it was going to be a horrible race for me. Not that I wasn't giving it my all, but I was out of my {running} league. Initially, I was in front of a few people, but I was at the back of the pack...not surprising.

And shortly after that, I went to the back of the pack. Before we hit mile 1, I was last. I was running my best, but still at the back of the pack...literally. I ran the downhills and flats, walked the hills. I started to see the person in front of my further and further away. A couple times I lost sight of him and wasn't sure I was following the right path. I admit this is always my complaint in races, not making race courses clear enough for all runners. If the back of the pack people lose sight of each other, how do they know they are still on the right track...especially when the course is hilly and windy.

Anyway... I finally reached the turn that led me back to the finish line and watched all the cars leaving the race. Oh it was disheartening. It was also a little dangerous as it was a downhill for them, an uphill for me on a very narrow road. I made it, with a high five from someone I knew from racing in the area. She is such a sweetheart!

I finished the race just under 60 minutes {I believe 57:--}. I don't know. Honestly, I don't care either. The goal had been under 55 minutes based on my 4 mile time at the Rocky Run a few weeks ago and had it not been for the horrible hills, I might have made it. Of course, I still would have been one of the back of the pack racers.

Post-race selfie. Don't let that smile fool you, I was pretty upset over this race. Not only did I finish last, but again having no idea on the course in terms of where I was going. I've only had that happen one other time and I DNF a duathlon because of it.

This race made me think of a few things as I was out there alone.

* About mile two I wanted to quit, but since it was a 4 mile race if I turned back I had to go the same distance as if I kept going forward. I went forward.
* The running people of York County are fast.
* For all the cheers I received when I crossed the line, I didn't feel like they were necessary.
* I know if I lost weight I would run faster. I kept thinking how much faster as I was walking up the hills.
* I need to get better at consistent training. Sure, I can run 4 miles, but not at a good speed. Sometimes races like this make me realize what a "bad" runner I am. {You don't have to tell me just going out there is the important thing, when you are last, it hurts.}

The next Winter Series race is a 10k. I have a feeling I will be last for that one too...


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Boordy Vineyards Trail 5k Race Recap

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Sunday night hubby and I ran the Boordy Vineyards Trail Run 5k. It was our first night race (yes, we've run the Harrisburg Mile, but this was a distance race). We chose to pick up our packets at the race rather than drive into MD early to get them. So, we headed to Hydes, MD about 3:45 p.m. to make sure we got there before the 5:30 p.m. arrival requirement and with plenty of time to park the car, get our bibs, and make it back to the start line.

We arrived with plenty of time, probably about an hour. LOL! We parked and headed over the main buildings to pick up our packet. It was a little chaotic, but we found our numbers (700 & 701), grabbed our bags which included a shirt and a Boordy Vineyards glass, then headed back to the car to get ready.

This is what our car faced. How pretty is that? We got our bibs on and took our obligatory self-portrait.

We had to wait a bit for the start, which totally not their fault, it was ours for overestimating how long it would take for us to get there. LOL! We did line up about 10 minutes before the race and went towards the back. I needed that but, hubby decided to stick with me due to his lack of running this summer and his injuries.

Just as we were wondering what time we were going to get started (6:00 p.m. start time), we actually started. It may have been 6:01 p.m. according to our watch, but really not bad for getting started on time. We ran through the start and onto the winery grounds.

We ran around this area of grapes, then hit the road. I was a little surprised as I thought it was a trail run, but in reality we ran less than a mile on the winery grounds total (about .4 miles at the start, then the same .4 miles on the way back). We hit the road in front of the winery and hit the hills. Ugh. So not a hill girl.

I'll be honest, the hills did me in. I did more walking than I wanted to. I'm not going to complain too much, I haven't run more than 2 miles in 2 months. How can I bitch that I should have run more of the race? I was really glad hubby decided to run with me. It was nice to have someone to be with. We were at the end of the pack, but we did have a good time chatting and running.

Here are some photos from along the course:

Hello hills

Look! A good race photo!

Yea...we would have been arrested for not coming CLOSE to the speed limit!

Oh look, more hills

Up hill to the end. Why are all races this way?

The finish line is within sight!

We crossed the finish line and headed to get our timing chips removed when hubby realized he never put his on. It was not intentional. He made fun of me putting mine on, somehow he just forgot to do the same. Oops! It's ok. We finished so slow that it wasn't worth the timing chip. LOL! Both of our Garmins said 42:29, but officially I came in (and unofficially so did he) at 42:27.

We grabbed a water each, then back to the car to grab our wine glasses and hubby changed shirts. We grabbed his unused timing chip so he didn't get charged for losing it. Once that was returned we headed off for after run food and wine. We arrived back to the winery buildings and had no idea where to go or what to do. There were no signs or volunteers. You couldn't see where post-race food was or where the wine would be. We got in a line that led into the barn, but had no idea what the line was for - food, wine, unrelated? The line was so slow too! Too many people in too small a space. Once we were inside, it turned out to be food. There were vegetables, crackers, bread rounds, red and green grapes, and cheese. The problem was that the runners who finished first took huge amounts of cheese and there was very little left by the time the slow runners got to the end. By the time we got there, we were told we could only have 2 pieces of cheese so everyone could get some. Ugh.

Once we got our food, we moved onto wine. We had no idea what we were to do, but went over to the sign that said wine tasting. Hubby changed his shirt after the race, but didn't bring is bib. When we got to the tasting, they said he couldn't do one without the bib. Huh? So, he went back to get it. That was a bit frustrating, especially when someone asked if their friend could get a sample and the same guy who refused my husband said he could get a small plastic cup for free. We eventually tasted about 6 wines, but if we wanted a glass, we had to buy a bottle. So, we bought a bottle of their blush wine to have with our snacks. We found a spot on the stone wall and sat.

The wine was tasty and one we could agree on. The food was yummy and now makes me want a meal of cheese, crackers, and grapes. LOL! We listened to the band, which was pretty good. They did offer a larger BBQ meal we could purchase, but by the time we finished, got through the food line and did the wine thing, we were ready to head back.

On the way home, we saw the most beautiful sunset. Honestly. It was the best one we have seen since the ones we saw in Negril, Jamaica, which has some of the most incredible sunsets in the world.

Straight out of camera from my point and shoot. Seriously. Did NOTHING to enhance it.

So, while I had a good time with the race because I got to share it with hubby I'm not sure this the overall experience was that great. It was a tad frustrating at times. But, it really was a fun time with Brian.

What did I learn from this race? A couple things actually.

1. I learned I need to lose weight. This was the first race that I really felt the pounds I've gained. Maybe it was the hills, maybe it's because I haven't run in ages. I don't know, but whatever it was, I knew I would have felt better, maybe even run faster if I weighed less. I'm not saying this as a pity thing. I'm saying this as a fact thing. Just a strong realization.

2. I hate hills. Seriously. What did the race teach me? I need to incorporate hills into my training. Now, sure, I haven't run in two months, so I'm sure that had something to do with it, but the last few races with hills have messed with me. I know as much as I don't like them, I need them. So, this running season, I will actually focus a bit more on hills.

I will say I want to know what's up with the shirts this year at races? I haven't gained or lost that much this year, I gained it all last year. The first races of the year, the shirts fit fine. Since June, every shirt I have picked up is WAY too small. I even upped the size the BWC shirt and it's still too tight. I know that girl shirts are fitted, but what the heck is going on with them being cut 2 sizes smaller than what the size should be? I know as I lose weight the shirts will fit better, but the fact that I can't wear them NOW when I ran the race is disappointing.

Overall, there were really good things about this race, things I loved. On the other hand, there were things that I really didn't like. It's kinda strange at how there was no middle ground - I either loved aspects or hated aspects. I'm not sure I would do this one again, but I'm glad I did get the chance to run it this time around.

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Baltimore Women's Classic 5k Race Recap

Sunday, I ran the Baltimore Women's Classic 5k for the 5th time (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012). It was the very first 5k race I ever ran. I chose it honestly because it was an all-women's race. I didn't want to deal with the whole man macho thing for my first race. I knew I wouldn't be fast. The goal was to cross the finish line. Nothing more, nothing less. Which I did! I crossed at 45:25. I rocked it!

Each year, as long as I'm able I will run this race. 2013 is my 5th year running it and it was a good year! But, that's a bit ahead of the story. Let's take a step back and start from the beginning.

We stayed in Baltimore the night before because I am fairly lazy. Actually, we did it as a celebration of my first 5k in 2009 and we now look forward to it each year. So, why not? But, it is about an hour and 15 minutes to Baltimore from our house, so it would be a really early morning if we drove down day of.

We walked over to the Inner Harbor about 7:15 a.m. When we got to Rash Field, it was about 7:30 a.m. and the pre-race warm-up was going on. I did some stretching on my own and got my pre-race pic taken.

Shortly after, they called us to head to the start. The start is next to Rash Field on Key Highway. We walked over together and I got in line at the 13+ area, while hubby hit Federal Hill to get some pics. I felt I would run the race faster than the 13+ time, but I don't want to mess anyone else's race up and not having run since June 1st I wasn't sure how fast or slow I would be. So, 13+ minute mile pace it was!

I have no idea when we started because I was messing with my stupid Nano...again! This happened at Zooma too. Frustrating. Finally got it to play when I switched to radio, then back to playlist. Whatever. It started working before the start line. This way I could concentrate on starting Garmin when my feet crossed the mat. Priorities.

As I ran along Key Highway, past Federal Hill, I saw hubby on the wall waiting. It's always nice to have your own personal photographer!

Off we went, along Key Highway, then into the neighborhoods. Now, I quickly realized that the 13+ minute mile pace was a bad decision. Not that I'm a speed demon or anything, but I was passing people left and right. I couldn't believe how much quicker than usual I was running. Before we made the turn into the neighborhoods, I ran on the sidewalks to get away from all the slower runners and walkers. I do not say this meanly. I am a slow runner, but it seems as if most runners really had no idea where they should have been.

I made the turn and hit the only real hill in the race. I ran some of it, then realized it was too steep. Whatever. I power walked it, passing many a runner on the hill. Apparently, I rock at power walking! At the top of the hill, I started running again and off I went. Other than being hot, it wasn't a bad run. A couple times my quads were hurting, but I thought to my TRX trainer and powered through.

I will say that I think the course was either short or mismarked. I had my Garmin going and while not perfect, I hit the 1 mile marker on the course at .78. Which seemed really short. Then I hit the 2 mile marker about .88. Ok, so we're picking up. Right about when Garmin said I hit 2 miles, another runner mentioned that her mileage wasn't meshing with the course markers. So, it wasn't just me. Again, it could be that the markers were not in the right spot, but it seemed weird.

I seemed to be running well. I didn't think my split times were that great, but I felt good (if hot). I stopped at both water stops for water. Totally needed it! I got an email from the race saying the start temps were 73 degrees. Seemed hotter than that... My goal had been to race PR it, I knew I didn't necessarily have a 5k PR in me.

As I came back to Key Highway, I started looking for the hubby. He said he would wait until I passed before heading to the finish. He was basically where he was earlier and again, I saw him first. Then again, I was looking for one male in an orange shirt, while he was looking for me out of tons of runners. I saw him and got another race pic!

From here, we head back up Key Highway to a condo development where we run along the water to the finish line. It really is a beautiful view of Inner Harbor. I remember last year I stopped along this area. I was tired and hot then. Well, I was hot this year, but I felt ok in terms of running, so I kept it up. I even passed some people on the way to the finish. I ran along the water enjoying the view, then turned off towards the finish line.

Hubby managed to make it and I saw him just as I came up to the last stretch. He put the camera in the air as he was a row behind people and took pics hoping to get something. This one turned out, even if you can't tell what I'm doing at all.

He got some better shots of my butt, though I'm not sure they are what I want taken. LOL!

I crossed the line, turned off Garmin, and breathed a sigh of relief. I say this because I was sweating like crazy and I knew two things were waiting for me - a bottle of cold water and a cold, wet towel. :-) How's that for post-race?? I got my water, yea! Then I got my towel, yea! Next was my rose, yea! Finally I got my gorgeous medal! Woot! It rocks. No doubt!

I found hubby quickly and I was about to die. I was still breathing heavy and needed that water! He asked how I did and Garmin said 38:18. Hmmm...did I race PR??? I think I did, but I totally forgot to check last year's time! Oh the humanity!

We headed off to the food and I grabbed an orange and a piece of watermelon. Honestly, the orange was better than the watermelon.

The juice was ah-mazing!  I loved it! Hubby thought this look was flattering. I don't know. My hair looks kinda flat...

I'm going to back up a tiny little bit. I thought this past week that the race has grown so much they should have one of those big plastic sheets with BWC on it for people to get their pic taken with. Cue the ironic music, there was one this year! So, we got in line so I could get my pic taken. Sure, it's a 5k but it's an awesome 5k.

While waiting I got a text from a Twitter friend about meeting up. Sadly, I missed it originally and by the time I checked my phone she was already at her car. :-( I'm sorry I missed you Meghan! We will meet up! I did touch base with another runner friend Amy who was at the race. We checked in to see how each other did and then parted ways as she was headed home.

Hubby and I left shortly thereafter because it was hot and I was smelly. But, before we did I got my pic with my swag at the Inner Harbor.

After this, we headed back to the hotel for a shower. Yea! We then hit B&O Brassiere for brunch. They have an all-you-can-drink Mimosa special for Sunday brunch.

I had a delicious breakfast of cheesy eggs, hash browns, toast, and really crispy bacon! I wore my medal the whole time. LOL! No one asked me about it though. I was surprised. Unless people of Baltimore are just used to people walking around wearing medals. Could be...

I have now embarked upon year 5 of my running career! And how will I celebrate? By taking off July and August. LOL! That's ok. I know the fall and winter will be good. Here's to another successful BWC!

Oh and that race PR? Yea, I got it...by 47 seconds! Woot!

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Armed Forces 5k Race Recap and Review

Yesterday I ran the Armed Forces 5k in Harrisburg, PA. Hubby and I ran this race last year and I liked it. Since he's not allowed to run currently, I ran this one solo this year.

We got there plenty early because it was day-of packet pick-up. I was number 275 and it was a quick pick-up as they had the bibs in groups of about 25. The shirts this year were new and they are nice. Same design as last year, but a pretty blue color that is very soft. It's not a tech tee, but it is comfy and I may wear it Thursday to the Rev's game for Armed Forces night.

This year, there is a real starting line. I was happy about this since last year there wasn't one. I had no idea when to start Garmin because as much as they had chip timing, it was just a gun time chip timing. Turns out the same this year, but at least I knew when to hit start.

As I walked to the start, I chatted with a nice lady who was also running. We talked about our normal race routines and wished each other luck as we heard the air horn. I crossed the line and just couldn't move. Too many people in too narrow a space. The course was different than last year and we ran counter clock-wise around City Island, then over the pedestrian bridge. Up the steep hill we came and I saw hubby waiting for me. He grabbed a couple pics and then off I went with everyone else past Metro Bank Stadium to the end of City Island, around the bend, past the mini golf course, and back where we started from.

This is the first time around. The building in the background is the Harrisburg Senators ball park. They are the minor league affiliate of the Washington Nationals.

After we did a lap around the park, we headed off to the bridge. 

Once over the bridge, we stayed to the top path along Front Street and crossed across the Walnut Street Bridge. Then we kept going until we hit the turn around point. We headed back and went down to the path along the water front.

As we went down the path to the waterfront, there was a gentleman who kept asking the volunteers where we were on the course in terms of distance. I yelled back 2.4 according to my Garmin. He ran up to me and said thank you. He continued on to say that he had been using me as his pace runner, saying to himself follow the girl in the white shirt and black pants. Now he was going to run with me to the finish. Wow. I'm a slow runner. I do not say that to put myself down, I say that because my times are slow. I'm ok with this. Sure, I'd like to be a bit faster, but I'm still out there and that's what counts.

So, my new friend and I were off! We ran for a bit when he stopped to walk. I kept going, then he caught up. We then basically ran the rest of the race together. I learned that this was his first race. He mostly does lifting, but tries to add in the elliptical. He then said his name was Chris. Ummm...what? I had to laugh when I said, "Me too." How ironic, huh?

We both walked up the last steep hill before the bridge, then we turned the corner and ran. I was feeling a bit tired at this point. But, we were off across the bridge and came up to the finish line.

There's me in the white t-shirt and there's my new friend Chris to my right. We came up to the finish line and he kicked it a bit and finished just before me. I'm ok with that. He was so happy to have someone to run with at the end that I was happy for him.

There's me just before the finish. It was a good run. I was really happy with all my times, except my finish time. I know that doesn't make much sense, but...here's why:

.5 mile: 5:33

1 mile: 11:11

1.5 mile: 17:23

2 mile: 23:--

2.5 mile: 30:16

3.1 mile: 37:29

Those early times are crazy fast for me. I don't ever remember running a half mile time at 5:33. I guess helping Chris that last half a mile is what caused me to slow up and miss my goals. Initially my goal was a sub-35 minute, but I know I didn't train for it. Going into the race, I wanted to beat last year's "official" time of 37:09. I missed both.

But, here's the thing. I ran this race in honor of my dad and my grandpop who were both in the military. My shirt is the Coast Guard logo since my dad was in the Coast Guard when I was born. He also served in the army during Korea, but that was a bit before my time. My grandpop served in the Air Force during WWII. Both had since passed away, which is sad, but I like running this race in their memory and honor. I really wanted to PR it for them. But, after thinking about it, I think they would both be proud of me for helping someone else in their first race. Someone who wasn't sure how this whole race thing worked. (At one point, I was asked if there would be water at the finish.) 

So, I still ran this race in their honor and memory. And while I didn't actually achieve either of my race goals, I think I achieved something just as special. 

Pros:

* Nice, new shirt (very soft)

* Course different from every other race in Harrisburg

* Military members free (not me, but I think it's a great thing!)

Cons:

* No early packet pick-up

* No chip timing (start and finish)

* Food/water far from finish line with no signs/volunteers to direct you

I like this race basically for what it stands for - honoring the military - and that it raises money for the YMCA. They do good work. I'll do it again next year, schedule permitting. It's a good race and it's local. I like the local part. Maybe sometime soon there will be start and finish chip timing.

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Sole of the City 10k - Race Recap and Review

I thought I had shared the Sole of the City 10k race last weekend. Hubby asked me yesterday if I was going to talk about it. Oops! Guess I didn't.

Last year Charm City Run in Baltimore hosted the first Sole of the City 10k - The Day Runners Get The Right Of Way. I had never run a 10k before, so we signed up. Then I ran the Hershey 10k the weekend before and that whole first 10k went out the window. LOL! It was a fun race, with some friends and a PR.

This year, we signed up again. There was a slight course change, but I didn't think anything of it. We got there early for packet pick-up because they changed the packet pick-up locations from last year and living a little over an hour away means it's more difficult for us than those who live in the Baltimore area to grab our stuff. We got there about 7:15 a.m. and very easily grabbed our bag and jackets. Yes, this race doesn't do t-shirts, they do jackets! You can register without the premium, but it's such a great jacket, why would you???

Photo taken from Sole of the City 10k Facebook page

 

It was a chilly morning, so I decided to wear my jacket for the race. The race was the Saturday following the bombings at the Boston Marathon, so they asked runners to wear blue and yellow. Hubby and I complied. 

The race was a little less organized than last year and we weren't sure where to line up. Last year we lined up on the street, but this year we lined up behind the finish arch. We waited and waited and waited for the start. They were talking, but we couldn't hear anything. The sound system did not work as far back as we were. By the time the race started, it was about 15 minutes past the designated start time.

Hubby started the race with me as he's been doing the past few races. Once he got himself into a rhythm, he headed off to run his race. I kept my pace. Nothing too crazy. I hoped to PR, but you never know.

I had good splits for me as I ran along. I skipped my first walk break as I usually do during a race. I always feel that it's silly to stop at the half mile mark during a race. Anyway... I kept going and felt like I was running a really good race. I felt good. I felt fast. 

Then we came to the alternate course from last year. We had to go through Rash Field. We came off Key Highway, through a short underground tunnel, then around American Ninja Warrior set-up to the bricks of Inner Harbor. Once off Key Highway, where I was in the crowd literally came to a slow crawl. Then once we could run again (once through the tunnel) it was too crowded due to narrowness of course to get back up to speed until we were on the path to Inner Harbor. Worse.Alternate.Course.Ever.

We got around the Inner Harbor, then around the Aquarium pier. As we came along the back of the Aquarium, there was the first water stop. I stopped for water. While it was cold, I knew I needed the water. From here, we turned onto Pratt Street and ran against traffic in one of the car lanes. Heehee! Past the warehouses, we turned back onto Key Highway to wind our way back to the finish. This stretch kinda makes me smile honestly. They stop traffic on Key Highway so runners can cross back into the neighborhoods. Drivers just get out of their cars and stare at us with a look of, "why are we stopped on a major road in Baltimore for this?" Heehee!

Back to the neighborhood area and the same course as last year. It was filled with hills. Ugh. Honestly, give me the hills at the beginning, not the end of a race thank.you.very.much. There was another water stop around mile 4, which I partook again. Then it was just running to the finish. On the last huge hill before turning to the finish, there was this adorable little boy banging his toy drum as we ran by. Too cute! Everyone I asked if they saw him said they did and how cute was he??? 

Turned the corner and headed to the finish. Literally steps before the finish line is a fire station and a good number of the guys were out on the sidewalk cheering us in. I thanked them for being there and they thanked me. Silly boys. Turned to the finish and saw my time. Sadness. I know it was gun time, but still...

Hubby and I found each other and headed to the beer/food area. It was not set up the same as last year. Not happy about that. We got in line for food - granola bar (S'Mores), banana, chips/pretzels, sandwich (ham or veggie). Then got in the beer line. It wasn't too bad, but it was Bud Light. 

Once we stopped running, we were cold again. LOL! It was windy! We drank our beer quickly, put our stuff in the car (did I mention the parking garage behind McHenry Row was free?? Nice!), and headed to Dunkin Donuts. We always get DD after a long run on Sat. so it was perfect! When we got to the front of the line, the gentleman behind the counter said, "Medium iced coffee..." LOL! Apparently, every runner had come in and ordered the same thing. Guess all runners are alike. :)

So, what did I think of this year's race? 

1. I love the giveaway! It's comfy, soft, and stretchy. On Sunday, I saw a gentleman in his jacket and had a really nice conversation with him at the Orioles game. :) Ahhhh...runners...

 

2. The late start and not being able to hear the announcements at the beginning of the race. I've noticed this at several races lately, that the announcements are garbled towards the back of the line of runners. Maybe adding in additional speakers along the starting area so those announcements can be heard. We had no idea what was going on. It was like listening to Charlie Brown's teacher. 

3. The alternate route cost me a PR. I needed to run a sub 1:17:52. This year? I ran 1:18:38. I'm pretty sure if I didn't have to walk through the tunnel and slow down around Rash Field I would have PRed. Argh...

4. The course is challenging. I personally think it's mean when race directors put a crazy steep hill at the very end of a race. I know the fast people don't care, but us back of the packers struggle on those. I'm not saying yea or nay, it just hurts at the end.

5. Did not like the post-race area. There was no direction, it was confusing. I will give them props for adding the veggie sandwich option this year because last year it was chicken and ham, neither of which I eat. But, last year, the post-race food was in a nice box that you grabbed from the table near The Greene Turtle. This year, the food was on long tables in the middle of the street. You went down and grabbed what you wanted. I did not like this. Normally I don't care, but last year was just so much better. It was impressive. This year? Eh. I also heard the sandwiches weren't that good. I ended up not eating my veggie one so I can't speak to it.

6. For us slow runners, by the time we finished a lot of the faster runners were leaving. Ok. No problem. The problem for me is that people were leaving the parking garage and having to go on the road where runners were walking after finishing the race, where they were grabbing food, and where they were congregating with friends. It was not that safe considering the line for food was so long when I got there that we had to continuously move out of the way of cars trying to leave. Having parking literally three feet from the start is amazing, but they really needed to direct people out a different way.

7. I liked they honored their $10 off a purchase of $10+ that day in the store. I did not use mine because they took the bib when you used it, but I saw tons of people using it in the store picking up stuff. The girl at the register got a bunch of energy items and paid like 12 cents. It was a great added giveaway. I wish they would have just make a big X through the coupon and let you keep the bib though. Not complaining too much honestly. I just think this would have been nicer. 

Overall, I like this race. It's a fun race, a distance that isn't too common, and a great run around Baltimore. The only thing that would make the course better is if they got the stadiums in somehow, but I have no idea how they would do that. The give away really is the best and unless there's some weird thing going on, I look forward to running it next year...and PRing!!

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Reflections on the Philly Half Marathon

Pro

1. It was my second half marathon!  Woohoo!  Very exciting to know I trained and completed two half marathons in one year!!

 2. This half marathon was in one of my favorite cities, Philadelphia.  I was so looking forward to running the streets and seeing all the cool sites. Philly has such a rich history and it was fabulous to see it while running.

3.  The first 9 miles flew by.  It was amazing.  I couldn't believe how quickly they went and how little effort it seemed to take.  I was shocked.  I was happy, but shocked.  Even the hills between miles 7 and 9 were fine.  I'm not a huge hill person, but they didn't seem impossible.

4. I PRed.  I ran basically the race time-wise I expected to run and PRed by 5 minutes.  I will say slight disappointment that my 10k estimated my finished to be 16 minutes faster than I actually ran, but eh.  It is what it is and I have a new PR.

5. The crowd support.  I'm not one for being excited about people cheering me on.  I run by myself in my training runs and crowds yelling for me usually turn me off, but the crowds in Philly were different.  They called my name, they cheered loudly, they had fun signs.  I even joked with some people and high-fived others.

Cons

1. The hill between miles 9 and 10.  Seriously.  The worst hill I've ever dealt with.  Worse than the hill between Mount Wolf and Manchester.  Without that hill this race would have been 100 times better!  And I would have had a better finish time!

2. The lack of directions at the start for the corrals.  It was chaotic and hard to find where I was supposed to line up.  Good thing I'm slow and I knew to just walk to the back.  The signs for the corrals were not as well marked as they could have been.

3. Lack of port-a-potties on the course itself.  The start and finish areas were packed with them, but once out on the course, it was hard to find.  I stopped about mile 5 to use one because I didn't know when the next one would be available.  Not good when you have 25,000 people running at the same time.

4. Post-finish line had several issues:

1. By the time I finished I was given a Marathon medal.  While sweet, I ran the half.  There should have been separate finish lines for the full and half so each race received the right medal.  And when I finished there were only three half medals left.  There were some pretty darn upset people I'm sure after me because there were more than 3 people on the course when I finished.
2. It was crowded with too many volunteers at the same spot - handing out water, handing out medals, directing traffic.  The water people should have been further along.  The congestion was incredible and I've never seen the like.  It was impossible to understand/see/know where to go.
3. With all the people handing out water, there were only two people handing out the blankets.  The ratio was a bit skewed.  It was almost impossible to get a blanket.
4. Food. Big fail.  I got in line, waited close to 5 minutes without getting close to the food, then got out of line because I felt sick.  The set up was completely wrong.  I just ran 13.1 miles (others ran 26.2) and we have to wait 10 or more minutes for a granola bar or banana?  Come on!  More areas where food is located, more space, and quicker lines.  
5. The photo station should be before the water, blankets, etc.  I got my photo taken and had to dump everything I had to get it shot.  
6. Overall, it seemed like once you crossed the finish line everything was just one big cluster you-know-what.  Too crowded, no organization, and too many people.

 Overall Impression

Overall, I really enjoyed the race.  I loved the first 9 miles and I think miles 11 through 13.1 would have been more enjoyable had there not been a 90 degree angle hill I had to go up from miles 9 to 10.  I felt as I ran through Old City, along Delaware Avenue, and up Chestnut Street that this really was an amazing race.  One I would recommend to anyone.  Now, I would recommend it, with the caveat that you have to do hill training.  They say this course is flat and for the most part it is, but miles 7 through 10 have elevation and that mile between 9 and 10 is just killer.

But, if you want to see the best of Philadelphia, go for it!  It's a wonderful way to see the city, get your run on, and have a fun Sunday morning.  

And as much as I am complaining about mile 9 to 10, I'm still happy I PRed.  I'm still happy I ran it.  I'm still happy I felt practically normal come Monday.  I obviously trained better this time around than last.  
 So thank you to everyone who organized and volunteered.  Thank you to the police, fire fighters, and EMTs at the race.  Thank you to all the friends and family who cheered not only their loved ones, but everyone who ran by them.  Thank you to all those who hung signs on the side of the road and those who carried them as they cheered.  And thank you to all my friends and family who believed I could run a half marathon even when I didn't!

This is going to be painful - Keystone Warrior Duathlon Recap

More for me than you, honestly.  As you know, I've been training for several months for the Keystone Warrior Duathlon.  This past Saturday was D-Day (huh, how ironic that the letters work...) for me.  My lovely friend Maryrose drove from NJ to come cheer me on and hubby (like always) was there as well.

When we got up Saturday morning, at the ungodly hour of 4 something in the morning (see, hubby was up at 4:00 a.m., but I wasn't up until 4:45 a.m.), it was raining.  Which was a little nerve wracking, since I didn't know what this would mean for the race itself.  On our way to the race (about an hour north of home), there was thunder and lightening.  This did not bode well. 

We arrived at the park and I got my stuff together from the car.  We walked over to the starting area, which was where packet pick-up from the night before was.  The path there was mud and standing water.  The storm was nasty up there and just messed with everything.  I got to the transition area and put my stuff down.  They did not have specific bike spots based on your bib number, you could put your bike and supplies anywhere you liked.  A nice gentleman who was doing his fourth triathlon helped me figure out what to do with my bike.  Then I headed over to get my tag and get written on.  LOL!  Yes, you have your number on your bib, but they also mark your number on your arm (and apparently, your age on your leg).  I'm not sure why for the du people, but whatever.

After that, we found out that the bike course was being changed.  The storm that blew through at 3:00 a.m. there caused massive flooding and debris on some of the roads designated for the race.  So, race officials pushed back the start from 7:00 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. in order to determine the new bike course.  Which was fine.  I wasn't really that nervous honestly, which surprised me.  I expected to be jumping out of my skin at this point.  But, I was fine. 

About 7:20 a.m. they called everyone together for some last minute instructions, a check presentation and the national anthem.  Oddly enough, there was no mention of how far the bike course would now be.  This would factor into things for me later.  The few duathlon people there went to the run starting line, while the tri people headed towards the water.  The horn went off and so did we.  The first part of the duathlon was a 3 mile run...which was a trail run.  I vaguely remembered this, but didn't think much of it.  Until I got on the course and it was muddy, slippery, and had several deep holes filled with water.  I was not prepared for that.  And then, the hills.  There were several steep hills that I didn't expect.  After running through mud and deep puddles, the hills were killer.  It was not a pleasant 3 miles and I told one of the race volunteers I was not looking forward to running this again at the end.  Little did I know what was to come...

I arrived back at the transition area about 43 minutes after I started.  A slow pace for me, but not my slowest.  Went to get my bike and there were people putting their bikes away and starting on the run portion.  This was totally deflating.  I did not expect that.  Mine was the only bike still there that was there because I hadn't started.  But, I grabbed my bike, headed out of the transition area and started riding.  I followed the people cheering because there wasn't much else for me to follow.  There were no markers and there were no volunteers until I hit the cross-street.  When I arrived at the major turn in the bike portion there was a volunteer and a cop directing those coming back in.  It took a moment for them to realize I was racing and I was just starting.  I finally am allowed through the intersection and head off.

And throughout the rest of my ride, there are no mile markers, no volunteers, no support.  I had no idea where I was going, whether I was on the right path, should I turn somewhere, or had I missed the turn around point.  At some point, a gentleman in a truck drove up next to me to say that when I came to a green cone, that was the turn around point.  It's a little less than a mile ahead.  He lied.  Not only was there no cone a little less than a mile away, there was no turn around point.  I rode a good 2-2.5 miles before hitting the turn around point in the race.  Now, how did I know where to turn around?  Well, because another gentleman in a truck rode up next to me to tell me I had passed the turn around point.  Yes, I missed the turn around point because there was no green cone and no volunteers.  I was left to my own devices as to know where to turn.  So, I check traffic, crossed the street, and headed back.  The gentleman in the truck kept ahead of me, making sure I was still coming, but not close enough for me to flag him down to call it quits. 

So, I rode.  And honestly, the ride back was easier than the ride out.  I guess it's that same feeling when you're going somewhere - it seems to take forever to get where you are going, but the return trips seems much faster.  And so I rode.  And kept riding until the same gentleman in the truck pulled up next to me to say I had missed the turn in point for the park.  The cop and volunteer from earlier when I set out?  They had left.  There was no indication as to where I was to turn to go back to the park.  I know I was the last rider, I know I'm slow, I know I didn't know what I was doing, but shouldn't someone have been waiting to direct the last person in?  Am I not just as important as the person who came in first?  I believe I paid the same amount of money to race that they did. 

At this point I was done.  I literally bowed my head over my handle bars and cried.  I was so stressed out and so upset that I knew I was not finishing this race.  I knew when I got back to the transition area I was taking my timing chip to the finish line and leaving.  This feeling only intensified as I rode my bike back to the transition area.  I was seeing people who finished leaving.  Spectators were clogging up the side of the road making it difficult to ride the bike where I was supposed to ride.  I had nothing left.

I took the bike to my spot, told hubby and Maryrose I was done, and headed off to hand in my timing chip.  All I wanted to do was sit down on the ground and cry.  Not only was I frustrated over what happened on the course, but this was the first time I would have not finished a race.  I have never done that.  I have done 5ks, an 8k, a marathon relay, and a half marathon.  I have finished them all.  But this, something I thought I could do (albeit slowly and in last place) brought me down.  I couldn't do it.  I physically did not have it in me to finish.  Maybe I could have walked the last 3 miles, maybe I could have run/walked it.  Maybe I should have.  But I didn't.  I felt let-down and defeated. 

And in all honesty, I still do.  I feel like I was let down by the race officials who didn't keep people on the course, even though they told me they knew I was out there.  I felt let down by myself for letting the bike portion effect the second run portion.  I feel let down by how badly I am letting this affect me.  I now question my ability to run.  I have a 5k coming up in 2 weeks and I question whether I can run it.  Will I finish?  Will I be able to reach the finish line or will I quit?  I've already paid for it (and the hotel is now booked), so I'll go.  I'll start the race and see what happens, but now there's doubt in my mind about being able to finish.  Others have told me to get back out there and do the duathlon I've been thinking about in July.  Is this a good idea?  I couldn't complete the one I just started, what makes me (or anyone else for that matter) think I can complete one at all?  I get it's the whole get back on the horse that threw you mentality, but what if the horse just really doesn't like me?  What if it really is me and not the horse?  I'm just not sure anymore...

The Preakness 5k

Yesterday, hubby and I hit up Baltimore for The People's Preakness 5k.  The race setting consisted of the race track and surrounding streets at Pimlico Park, where the Preakness horse race is run (the second leg of the Triple Crown).  I saw this race last month and because of it's unique location, I kinda wanted to run it.  Convinced the hubby (which really didn't take too much convincing) and we got all signed up.

I liked the location and time the time of day (10:30 a.m. start), since I'm so not a morning person.  LOL!  We got ourselves up and wondered a bit about the race as the sky looked ominous.  But, we got in the car and headed down.  After being caught in traffic that we swore would keep us from getting to the race on time (we did and there was no cause for the delay we could see).

Parked the car and headed to registration where we picked up our bibs.  They were designed like jockey bibs with our number and a horse name. 

How fun is that?  I was really hoping for a diamond design, but eh.  It's ok.  It was still a cool bib.  Across the bottom are three pull-tabs.  The raffle ticket to hand in when you finish to qualify for some Preakness related raffle prizes, you hand in your premium (t-shirt or blanket) ticket after the race rather than before, and of course the all important beer ticket.  I put on my bib and magically became Materialistic Flack.  ;-)  I was hoping for a better name, but whatever.  It was cool.

My thigh muscle was not too happy with me Friday and it felt the same Saturday morning.  So, my goal simply was to run as much of the race as I could and enjoy the funness of the course.  After we stretched out, we headed to the starting area, but not before getting our picture taken in the starting gates!

I headed to the back, which is my typical starting spot.  I'm not a fast runner and I actually appreciated the announcer calling me a jogger.  It's all good.  I had a nice conversation with a couple of ladies about running and the positives and negatives of warm vs. cold weather running.  Oh, did I mention it was kinda raining?  Yea, a nice strong mist was happening all this time.  I was feeling hard-core for running a 5k in the rain.  LOL!

Then we heard the starter gun, which was actually the sound they make at the start of a horse race.  Having never been to a race before, I have no idea what it's called, but it wasn't just a boring old gun!  To go over the chip mats, you ran through those gates and over the mats.  As we did so, the rain starting coming down and wow.  I was nervous about the up-coming track portion of the race.  But, just as we came around the corner and hit the sand on the track, the rain slowed down and it went back to misting.  Phew!

The track.  It was rough.  I'm not going to lie.  It reminded me of the beach...and not the part down bear the water where it's easy to walk.  No.  This is the area that got wet from high tide, then started to dry out.  It wasn't easy and it was a little over a mile long.  As we came around the grandstand area, there was an announcer calling out names.  Because I was somewhat alone when I passed the volunteer, they called my name over the loud speaker, "Here comes Christina ------ riding Materialistic Flack from Mancester, PA!"  It was kinda funny.

We ran along the track here.  By the time I took this photo, they had cleaned up the track.

We left the track and ran along the stables.  I saw a few horses in their stalls, but not many.  We headed into the streets and to eat up miles, ran down one side of the street, turned around at the fence and ran up the other side.  I stopped at the water stop (there was only one) and grabbed a water.  Another runner stopped to drink and we started chatting, then took off together.  It was nice having someone to chat with as I ran.  I've never really had that before.  Being such a slow runner, there usually isn't anyone I know who runs at my pace.  When he hit the 2 mile marker (which was the first one I saw), my new running friend had to slow to a walk because the track did a number on her ankles.  So, off I went alone.

I came across a mom and son, whom I had been either following or leading for about a half a mile.  We had a fun little "competition" with the son.  I would say I couldn't believe he couldn't run faster than me, then he would take off.  It was kinda fun.  Sadly, at some point, I passed them because he just stopped caring.  Mom didn't though.  I felt bad for her. 

I turned the corner and thought I was almost at the finish line.  Go down the side street, turn into the stadium, and BOOM!  Done.  Got down the street, and headed into the stadium.  And kept running.  And running.  I passed a lovely lady and jokingly told her she shouldn't let me pass her.  Turns out, she had surgery 3 weeks ago and was worried about her stitches.  I felt awful.  So, I told her to walk and not catch me.  LOL!  I kept going and ahead of me was a tunnel.  Apparently, the race took you through an underground tunnel to the inside track.  I was nervous honestly because it was steep and kinda muddy from all the sneakers ahead of me.  I came up from the tunnel and turned right, thinking the finish line would be right there.  

The tunnel is back where that tent is towards the back of the photo.

Nope. Ugh.  Did see hubby cheering me on at that point.  Yea!  He took the above photo of me.  I need to raise my legs a bit more when I run.  LOL!  Went down this path and then it curved.  The lady behind me was my friend with the injury.  As I came up to the finish line, she caught up and said she was going to run in with me.  OK!  We picked up our feet and finished strong!  My gun time was 44:22, but my chip time was 43:29.  By no means was it a good run for me time wise, but it wasn't my worse either.  I was dealing with my right thigh muscle being in pain the whole time and dealing with the knee scrape.  Oddly enough, the elbow injury hurt when I was done.  Odd...

After the race, hubby handed me a water (THANK YOU!) and I grabbed a yummy Fruit Bites snack.  We then asked a nice lady to take our photo at the finishing line.

We then grabbed our shirts and beer.  There was a fun band playing and we wandered the inner circle area at Pimlico race track.  Who knows if we would have the chance to do that again?  Overall, it was a fun race and I'm glad we went for it.  The race track itself was challenging, but once done, it is kinda cool to say I've run the horse track at Pimlico.