A few weeks ago my friend Dawn asked me if I would be interested in joining her Ragnar Relay team. Someone was injured and they needed another runner. I jumped at the chance after Mojo Loco fell apart.
I was unable to attend a team meeting and last Monday I was finally able to connect with my van-mates in Van #2. We had a meeting to plan the logistics of who was bringing what and where we were meeting Friday morning.
Friday morning we met at the Sheraton in Maitland. By 9:15 we were headed for Land O Lakes for our first "Major Exchange". The major exchanges are the places where the Vans leapfrog. Every six exchanges. We had some time to spare while waiting for Van #1. We had an opportunity to get some lunch and talk. There were people in the parking lot tossing Frisbees and footballs. It kind of looked like tailgating - all in the parking lot of a Winn-Dixie.
The exchange was made around 2:00 PM - I think. While our van-mates were running we played support crew and drove ahead and then waited to give what our runners needed. Water, Gels, High-Fives. We would then move on the exchange so the next runner could prepare for their run.
I was feeling fortunate that I was the last leg. Our first runner, Max, ran through some pretty tough heat. Our second runner, Heather ran against some pretty busy traffic in Wesley Chapel. Our Third Runner, Megan had a nice route that seemed pretty flat, although she said an old lady almost ran her over. Our next runner, Danny tackled some really big hills that just kept coming. It was after 4:30 by this time and we were required to run with headlamps, butt lamps and a reflective vest. Krishna was up next for three miles. Based on our "Race Bible" we though she had a negative incline change and that she would be running downhill. She said later she didn't feel any downhills on her run.
We met Krishna at the halfway point and she gave us a thumbs up. We rushed to the next exchange and there was little time for me to get ready to go. I had enough time to go to bathroom, do a little stretching and then it was time for me to start running. In my haste, I didn't hit the start button on my Garmin - which actually turned out to be a good thing. It was pitch black out. We were on a state highway with a decent shoulder for running. Cars and semi trucks were whizzing by and I just kept moving forward.
My team met me two miles in and had water waiting for me. I kept the bottle with me and exchanged it for a fresh one at mile four. I was feeling really good. I had no idea how fast I was going, and the only way I knew how far I had gone was when my team was waiting for me.
The route turned onto a new, less busy road. There were other teams waiting at the corner and someone shouted out that it was we were five miles in. I just kept going. A few yards ahead the shoulder was a little uneven and my left foot hit half on and half off the shoulder. I took a digger. My hands went out in front of me and took the brunt of the fall. I popped back up and my ankle was hurting. Other teams had been standing on the our side of road and they started to walk toward me. "I'm okay". I yelled.
"Are you sure?" They asked.
"I'm good! Thanks!" I answered back.
And then I was running again. My ankle was back in business and my hands were stinging, but I just kept moving along. I had no idea if I was bleeding or not, although I thought I might be.
My team met me a mile down the road for a final water bottle exchange. I had just 2.8 miles to go.
It was kind of cool to be running in the dark I was focused on what I was doing and I was in the zone. I just kept going. I soon passed the one mile to go sign. And then I was at the exchange! I ran 8.8 miles in the dark in 1:40:00. I was pleased with this time - especially because I fell.
We passed off to our other van, I got my hands cleaned up - they were cut up and had been bleeding a little bit. My first ever running fall! Battle wounds!
We hurried to Clermont to a Publix, where we got our clothes changed, grabbed some subs and then headed back to Mascotte to sleep and wait for the next Major Exchange.
Next Up: Saturday - Ragnar Relay - Volume 2
Monday, November 23, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Catching Up
I'm behind again. Behind on reading your blogs, behind on posting on mine. So we may go with the Cliffs Notes version to get up to speed.
I ran a half marathon on Halloween. Meh. It was at Ft. DeSoto Park near St. Pete Beach. St. Pete Beach is one of my favorite places, so it was a lot of fun to be there and it was a pretty course, but it was hot and I was slow. My slowest half marathon of the year. What was important to me was that I toughed it out and just kept going.
Before the race I was able to meet up with Morgan and B.o.B.. It was nice to chat with the speedsters before we got things going. I love to meet up with running friends!
I have been continuing to struggle just a bit with my training. Yet I refuse to give up. Things are looking up though, and I'm excited about the next several months and beyond.
Once again, I am committing to post more frequently here and catch up with you all too.
Run well!
I ran a half marathon on Halloween. Meh. It was at Ft. DeSoto Park near St. Pete Beach. St. Pete Beach is one of my favorite places, so it was a lot of fun to be there and it was a pretty course, but it was hot and I was slow. My slowest half marathon of the year. What was important to me was that I toughed it out and just kept going.
Before the race I was able to meet up with Morgan and B.o.B.. It was nice to chat with the speedsters before we got things going. I love to meet up with running friends!
I have been continuing to struggle just a bit with my training. Yet I refuse to give up. Things are looking up though, and I'm excited about the next several months and beyond.
Once again, I am committing to post more frequently here and catch up with you all too.
Run well!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
That's What Friends Are For
My training continues to be spotty. Boo. What I am finding is that when I can make the time to run, it may be slower than I would like or what I'm accustomed to, but it's pretty darn good.
My company's annual user-conference brought me back to San Diego two weeks ago and I had two decent runs in Mission Valley and two FANTASTIC runs along the Embarcadero with a colleague and a client. The weather was perfect and it was just really good to get out on the road.
Last week was crazy with work and I could never find a good time to run. I decided that something had to give and for the weekend I made the time.
Saturday morning, my alarm went off at 4:00 AM, I got ready to go for my first chance to meet Morgan. We have been trying to meet for quite a while and at 5:30 AM Saturday morning we made it happen. We ran on the Cady Way trail, which is pretty darn dark at 5:30 in the morning. We talked and talked and talked and talked and ran and ran and ran and ran. Before I knew it, we were at our turn-around point and we headed back. Eight miles in the bag! It was great to finally meet her and run together. Hopefully, it won't be the last time! I love my running friends!
After Our run, I headed home, took a shower and we were on the road to Port Saint Lucie to Mr. H's uncle's birthday party. We spent a few hours there and then we headed home. I wanted to make it an early night, because my alarm was set for 4:00 AM for Sunday too.
Sunday morning it was a similar routine. I was up, and soon out the door. This time I was headed to Marathon Chris' house. From there we went to the University of Central Florida for the Race for a Cure. We got there early and quickly found a parking place, and walked over to packet pick up. There was no line and we things went quickly. Chris and I stopped back at my car and then we were off for a pre-race run. We made a loop around campus and 2.75 miles later we were back near packet pick up. I was so glad we got there early. It was a madhouse. There were at least 7,000 people registered for the race.
I decided that because the race would be a part of my long run and because there were so many people, I didn't want to push the pace and race, I just wanted to run. Chris and I ran and chatted and kept it comfortable. It was nice.
After we crossed the finish line, we got some water and bagels. We sat down and enjoyed the fantastic weather. And soon we were back on the road. Chris took me on a tour of the Research Park which was really fascinating. I had no idea it was there or the kind of work that was done right in our own backyard.
I had 16 on my schedule. I had a feeling as we got close to eight miles that 16 miles were not in the cards. We decided that 12 miles might be good. And 12 it was.
What a fantastic weekend for running with my friends. I feel like Morgan and Chris helped me over the hump and my running is going to get better and I am going to get stronger. The future is looking bright!
My company's annual user-conference brought me back to San Diego two weeks ago and I had two decent runs in Mission Valley and two FANTASTIC runs along the Embarcadero with a colleague and a client. The weather was perfect and it was just really good to get out on the road.
Last week was crazy with work and I could never find a good time to run. I decided that something had to give and for the weekend I made the time.
Saturday morning, my alarm went off at 4:00 AM, I got ready to go for my first chance to meet Morgan. We have been trying to meet for quite a while and at 5:30 AM Saturday morning we made it happen. We ran on the Cady Way trail, which is pretty darn dark at 5:30 in the morning. We talked and talked and talked and talked and ran and ran and ran and ran. Before I knew it, we were at our turn-around point and we headed back. Eight miles in the bag! It was great to finally meet her and run together. Hopefully, it won't be the last time! I love my running friends!
After Our run, I headed home, took a shower and we were on the road to Port Saint Lucie to Mr. H's uncle's birthday party. We spent a few hours there and then we headed home. I wanted to make it an early night, because my alarm was set for 4:00 AM for Sunday too.
Sunday morning it was a similar routine. I was up, and soon out the door. This time I was headed to Marathon Chris' house. From there we went to the University of Central Florida for the Race for a Cure. We got there early and quickly found a parking place, and walked over to packet pick up. There was no line and we things went quickly. Chris and I stopped back at my car and then we were off for a pre-race run. We made a loop around campus and 2.75 miles later we were back near packet pick up. I was so glad we got there early. It was a madhouse. There were at least 7,000 people registered for the race.
I decided that because the race would be a part of my long run and because there were so many people, I didn't want to push the pace and race, I just wanted to run. Chris and I ran and chatted and kept it comfortable. It was nice.
After we crossed the finish line, we got some water and bagels. We sat down and enjoyed the fantastic weather. And soon we were back on the road. Chris took me on a tour of the Research Park which was really fascinating. I had no idea it was there or the kind of work that was done right in our own backyard.
I had 16 on my schedule. I had a feeling as we got close to eight miles that 16 miles were not in the cards. We decided that 12 miles might be good. And 12 it was.
What a fantastic weekend for running with my friends. I feel like Morgan and Chris helped me over the hump and my running is going to get better and I am going to get stronger. The future is looking bright!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Yoooo Hooooooo! Maaaaadddy!
It's been nearly a month since I've posted anything.
My running has been going okay. Not great and there are some holes in there that I am working to fill with more runs. I mean I am training for Goofy and I refuse to be derailed from that race.
In the middle of September Mr. H had an ATV accident that caused a minor tibia fracture, a torn ACL, a torn MCL and a severely sprained LCL. He spent two days in the hospital and has been ordered to stay off of his leg. The doctor told him that his knee is screwed. We go back to see him on Friday and sometime soon there will be ACL reconstruction surgery.
Mr. H's injury has meant that the the work around the house we normally split all has to be done by me. It's meant little time and energy for myself. I feel like the past few months have been two steps forward and one step back.
I ran a 10K on Saturday. It was a hilly course and really a lot of fun. A much different experience than my last 10K in August. I'm still not running as fast as I used to or as fast as I would like, but I'll get there. One thing at a time...
My running has been going okay. Not great and there are some holes in there that I am working to fill with more runs. I mean I am training for Goofy and I refuse to be derailed from that race.
In the middle of September Mr. H had an ATV accident that caused a minor tibia fracture, a torn ACL, a torn MCL and a severely sprained LCL. He spent two days in the hospital and has been ordered to stay off of his leg. The doctor told him that his knee is screwed. We go back to see him on Friday and sometime soon there will be ACL reconstruction surgery.
Mr. H's injury has meant that the the work around the house we normally split all has to be done by me. It's meant little time and energy for myself. I feel like the past few months have been two steps forward and one step back.
I ran a 10K on Saturday. It was a hilly course and really a lot of fun. A much different experience than my last 10K in August. I'm still not running as fast as I used to or as fast as I would like, but I'll get there. One thing at a time...
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Race For the Cure
You know by now that I'm not running the Marine Corps Marathon. And while I'm bummed about it (and getting over it), I know it was the right choice for me this time around.
The decision to not run that race left a gaping hole in my calendar.
A friend mentioned the Race for the Cure and it fit the hole on my calendar. I've thought about this race before, but have never been able to bring myself to register. I lost my mom eight years ago to breast cancer and it still makes me sad. She was a really awesome lady.
After some thought, encouragement from a friend and some clarity thanks to Lucy g. smooth, I decided to register and run to honor the memory of my mom.
So this is where I could use your help. If you're familiar with the event, it's a fund raising event and I would like to raise a little money for the cause. I would really appreciate it. You can donate by clicking here.
To make the day more fun and maybe a little less emotional I'm planning on meeting up with Marathon Chris We both have just a few more miles than a 5k on our schedules that day, so we're going to run a few, run the race and then run a few more. the plan is to end up somewhere between 13 and 16 miles (I think.)
It should be a great day!
The decision to not run that race left a gaping hole in my calendar.
A friend mentioned the Race for the Cure and it fit the hole on my calendar. I've thought about this race before, but have never been able to bring myself to register. I lost my mom eight years ago to breast cancer and it still makes me sad. She was a really awesome lady.
After some thought, encouragement from a friend and some clarity thanks to Lucy g. smooth, I decided to register and run to honor the memory of my mom.
So this is where I could use your help. If you're familiar with the event, it's a fund raising event and I would like to raise a little money for the cause. I would really appreciate it. You can donate by clicking here.
To make the day more fun and maybe a little less emotional I'm planning on meeting up with Marathon Chris We both have just a few more miles than a 5k on our schedules that day, so we're going to run a few, run the race and then run a few more. the plan is to end up somewhere between 13 and 16 miles (I think.)
It should be a great day!
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Clarity
I had another great run today with Lucy g. smooth. It was five miles with twelve minutes of running followed by a minute and half walk breaks. That minute and half gives me a chance to slow it down, drink some water and wipe the sweat away. When it was time for my second walk bread I really felt like I could just keep going, but I also wanted to stick to my plan.
Toward the end of my run, with a half mile to go instead of taking time for the walk break, I increased the speed and knocked that last half mile out of the way.
During my run I found something that has been missing from my running for months.
Clarity.
I think we're all pretty familiar with the mind clearing effects of a run, but my runs outside often are clouded with watching for traffic, other people and just stuff. I don't usually feel that when I'm running with other people, but that's a different vibe all together because there is generally talking as the miles fly by.
But today, alone with my iPod and Lucy my mind was free to wander. To think about nothing, everything and all that lays between the two.
It was a great feeling I had forgotten about and I am so glad to have it back!
Over the course of my run I decided to commit to a 5K that I was on the fence about (details about that soon).
I'm feeling stronger every day. That's really a good thing (obviously) but it makes me feel more confident about the fall and winter and my running plans.
Toward the end of my run, with a half mile to go instead of taking time for the walk break, I increased the speed and knocked that last half mile out of the way.
During my run I found something that has been missing from my running for months.
Clarity.
I think we're all pretty familiar with the mind clearing effects of a run, but my runs outside often are clouded with watching for traffic, other people and just stuff. I don't usually feel that when I'm running with other people, but that's a different vibe all together because there is generally talking as the miles fly by.
But today, alone with my iPod and Lucy my mind was free to wander. To think about nothing, everything and all that lays between the two.
It was a great feeling I had forgotten about and I am so glad to have it back!
Over the course of my run I decided to commit to a 5K that I was on the fence about (details about that soon).
I'm feeling stronger every day. That's really a good thing (obviously) but it makes me feel more confident about the fall and winter and my running plans.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Bring It
It's amazing how things come back to you.
Am I as fit as I was at the beginning of the summer - directly after San Diego? No. I can admit that I am not. Am I prepared to run a marathon? The answer is also no.
My running train was derailed. With a few tweaks and a few days, it's all coming back to me. The drive, the lunch-time runs, the just plain gettin' it done. I love that feeling. And I am loving Lucy. What a difference!
I'm still slower than I want to be. I know the speed, or my version of it will return. The question is, will it return between now and September 26th for the Miracle Miles 15K? We'll see. I want to and will put forth my best effort although I don't plan on a PR (1:28:02) this race will be a good measuring stick of what I can accomplish in three or so weeks.
My next stop will be the Halloween Halfathon. My Goal for this race will be to run the best Half Marathon of 2009. I've had a few dismal Halfs this year and with eight weeks or so to really focus I'm sure I can top the races I have run this year. Because this race is on Halloween costumes are encouraged. I have never run in a costume before, but I'm willing to try something new. Any suggestions you have for a costume that would allow me run unencumbered, I would love to know.
It's going to be a busy fall all the way through February. But I couldn't be happier about that and the good running it will bring!
Am I as fit as I was at the beginning of the summer - directly after San Diego? No. I can admit that I am not. Am I prepared to run a marathon? The answer is also no.
My running train was derailed. With a few tweaks and a few days, it's all coming back to me. The drive, the lunch-time runs, the just plain gettin' it done. I love that feeling. And I am loving Lucy. What a difference!
I'm still slower than I want to be. I know the speed, or my version of it will return. The question is, will it return between now and September 26th for the Miracle Miles 15K? We'll see. I want to and will put forth my best effort although I don't plan on a PR (1:28:02) this race will be a good measuring stick of what I can accomplish in three or so weeks.
My next stop will be the Halloween Halfathon. My Goal for this race will be to run the best Half Marathon of 2009. I've had a few dismal Halfs this year and with eight weeks or so to really focus I'm sure I can top the races I have run this year. Because this race is on Halloween costumes are encouraged. I have never run in a costume before, but I'm willing to try something new. Any suggestions you have for a costume that would allow me run unencumbered, I would love to know.
It's going to be a busy fall all the way through February. But I couldn't be happier about that and the good running it will bring!
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