mile markers – Page 25 – The Celiathlete

May 4, 2012

My first half marathon of the year…and it’s a BIG one!

OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini Marathon, Indianapolis, IN

The day has finally arrived. Since February, I’ve put a lot of miles on my feet and a lot of time into training for this. In some areas, I’ve fallen short (hello, strength training!). In other areas, I’ve really seen improvements. I’ve run through injury. I’ve run through rain. I’ve run in the cold. And I’ve slogged it out on the treadmill…all for this.

The nation’s largest half marathon. Yes. As in the biggest one in the country. And the best part is…it’s close to home. Just a short drive north to Indianapolis.

Tomorrow, my dear friends, I’ll be lining up in corral O and anticipating the start of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini Marathon. I’ve had my eye on this race for awhile. And, unlike last year when I ran my first half marathon ever (Chicago), this time I have trained properly and even learned a thing or two in the process. Amazing how that happens.

I’m not going to lie…those pre-race butterflies are already kicking in. I’m giddy with excitement. I love running half marathons (despite only doing one and barely surviving). I love a good endurance race. And this one is a BIG deal. I mean…it’s the largest in the United States. Somewhere near 40,000 people run in this race. That’s not an exaggeration. And this year…I am one of them.

The weather on Saturday morning…hot and humid. Yeah. And it will only heat up as the day goes on. I’ve done some running on hot days, and I tend to wilt. So, I plan to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Just like I did when I ran the equally as hot Chicago Half Marathon back in September. It worked then…I hope it works now.

I also know, now, that I have to eat more than a serving of cereal before running 13.1 miles. So, last night I went to pick up a packet of peanut butter to throw on a banana pre-race. I’ll also have my cereal and that should see me through. If I need a boost while out running, I have one lonely pack of Annie’s vegan/gluten-free fruit snacks. I’m still not very good at eating while on the run. I have yet to master it without something upsetting my stomach or bringing on cramps. But as I’m aiming for a marathon in the very near future, well, I best learn what works and learn how to do it.

This morning, I was up early to pack up my race clothes, shoes, and my overnight bag. Right after work, I’m heading up to Indianapolis, stopping into the race expo, picking up my packet, walking around, drinking it all in, then grabbing something for dinner that won’t wreak havoc on my stomach, and then turning in for the night. As I’m staying outside of the downtown area, it means rising earlier than I would like to head into the city, get the parking garage I hope to get, and getting to that start line.

I have quite a few friends who are running in this race with me. One is in my corral. The other one hasn’t told me where she is positioned, but I hope to run into her either pre-race or after. This is her first half marathon and I want to wish her luck and congratulate her on finishing. I hope it happens.

I have goals this year when it comes to my distance races. Due to the heat that they are expecting tomorrow, I don’t think I’ll hit it on my first (of four) half marathon this year. But…there is time to improve, time to work through some kinks, and other races that I can aim for those goals during. I’d rather run smart in the heat then push too hard and not make it to the finish because of it.

So…first half marathon of the year and I’m doing it in a big way.

To all those running with me…best of luck!! See you at the finish!

April 28, 2012

Hitting 350 miles

I’ve put a lot of time, energy, strength, sweat, tears, and bruises into my half marathon training. I’ve continued to run races around the area and…in Colorado (because I am crazy!)…while maintaining my training program and keeping up with the mileage that is required on certain days. And I have had a blast doing it.

Well, today was my last long run before I kick off my first (of four, so far) half marathon of the year. I’m totally excited to be doing another half marathon. This will only be the second one that I have run, but I have trained smart for it…really listened to my body…and have found my runs improving. It makes me feel really good.

But today, something else happened on my last long run. Well, I discovered my water bottle was leaking…but that’s beside the point. As I rounded up my 10 mile run today, after an easy 5 miles followed by the last 5 miles with hills (I’m apparently a masochist when it comes to my training runs), I hit the 350 mile mark on my journey to run 500 miles this year. I couldn’t be more proud of this achievement either. This hasn’t been an easy road. I’ve even had to run on a sore Achilles tendon (I slowed down and didn’t push it on hills or for speed). I’ve worried about injuries, endured minor ones, one major one, and kept on going despite it. Why? Because I have a half marathon next weekend and I want to be ready for it.

When I ran my first half marathon last year in Chicago, I wasn’t prepared for it. I was straight off of a stress fracture to my foot and horrible runner’s knee in my right knee. Training wasn’t an option…I could barely run a mile on a treadmill at a slow speed. So, it was a miracle I finished. I didn’t eat right for it. I didn’t train. And yet…I got to that finish line in a respectable time.

My goal…to only improve on that.

So, having 350 miles behind me already feels great. I feel great. I couldn’t be more excited about hitting the road in Indianapolis next Saturday for the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini Marathon. I think it will be a good race. I think I will run a good race. And, I have 350 miles of training to thank for that.

Only 150 more to go. Looks like I might have to increase my goal for the year.

And that, my dearest friends, is how you can tell that I run for the love of it. I don’t make myself go out and run. I willingly go and put in the miles. It makes me feel better about life when I do it because I run because I love to run. And there is no better reason to run than because you love it. If you don’t love doing it…you’ll stop doing it. And I hope to be doing this for a very long time.

April 16, 2012

300 miles of road behind me

It feels like just the other day I was touting my accomplishment of hitting the halfway mark to my goal of 500 miles this year. It seems that the mileage ramp-up to my first half marathon has been inching me further and further up the mileage chart.

It only seems fitting then that I struck my 300 mile mark during my long run on Sunday morning. In fact, I hit 300 miles in mile 6 of my long run. I just wasn’t aware of it at the time. I was focusing on my breathing, my footfall, and taking it easy on a tight, sore Achilles tendon that has been giving me some grief over the past week.

It’s the middle of April and in a couple of weeks the taper starts as the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon will be kicking off. It’s the largest mini-marathon in the United States and it runs up in Indianapolis. I am thrilled to be a part of it. I’ve trained hard for this race. I’m still working on proper fueling on long runs, but I’m getting the endurance part down. I think I’ll do better here than in Chicago, where I ran my first half marathon last September, completely untrained and completely lacking the knowledge of how to properly fuel and prepare for 13.1 miles of constant running.

This is my hope anyway.

A lot of my ability to work toward my mileage goal for the year just happens to be a direct result of my half marathon training. I honestly hope it pays off in the end.

That being said, I’m still looking ahead. Any one thing can derail a streak like this. And while you try not to dwell on it, accidents happen. Injuries happen. I hope that I can continue to run safe and smart.

300 miles down…200 more to go. Every mile closer feels so good!

April 14, 2012

Returning to a race with high expectations

Tomorrow's Children 5K Fun Run and Walk, Frankfort, KY

It’s difficult, as a runner, not to try to compare races. And normally races do stand on their own. No race is exactly like another. Weather, people, and even how you feel that day can affect performance and overall mood.

But this is a first for me…because I am returning to a race for the first time. Ever.

Last year, I ran in the Tomorrow’s Children 5K race in Frankfort, Kentucky. The race basically benefits people in the Frankfort community who are struggling with infertility. It’s held as a fundraiser and a way to bring awareness of the organization to the community. I have quite a few friends who struggle with infertility…so, this was a good cause to run for.

Back in 2011, this was my second 5K I ever ran. Ever. As in the history of my running career…which at that point consisted of a couple months of running around the track at the YMCA…little runs on the treadmill at the gym…and one 5K race a couple weeks prior. So, I was still quite the newbie to the racing scene. And, the drive out there was interesting as we had s a bit of thunder, some lightning, and a lot of rain. The lightning was gone by the time we got to packet pickup, but the rain was still constant. Up until the race was about to begin. Then…there was a lull.

But that only lasted a moment. No sooner had the race kicked off, but the sky opened up again and down came the rain. But, runners run in rain all the time. This was a new experience for me. And guess what…it was kinda fun too.

Dripping wet, I crossed the finish line in 27:04.

And won first in my division.

In my second 5K race…ever.

So, let’s put it this way…I’m nervous about not living up to that this year. The weather is supposed to be good…during the race. Keeping with tradition of me running in Frankfort, Kentucky…rain is scheduled for that day…just after the race is run. So, the turnout might be better. The runners…might be stronger. And, I feel like I have to prove to myself that winning that division title wasn’t just a fluke of bad weather and a small turn-out. I feel like I need to prove that I rightfully earned it…even with it being my second race ever.

Yeah, that’s a little bit of pressure weighing on my shoulders. And, of course, I might feel like a little bit of a failure should I not clinch the title this year too. But, you know, I don’t run to win divisions or place. I run because it’s something I enjoy and love to do. But, a part of me feels like I have a crown to defend here. And, despite having been nursing a sore Achilles tendon all week, a part of me wants to run like I’ve never run before tomorrow and just see what comes of it.

In the end, I’ll run a smart race. And whether I place at all won’t matter in the end. What matters is that I finish…be it first or last. And that’s the hardest lesson for some runners to bring to each race…and take home from each race too.

Do I feel like I have something to prove tomorrow? Yes. It’s only natural.

But if I walk away just another finisher…I’m okay with that too. I’m a winner just for taking part and finishing. And if I can do so without limping due to a sore tendon…all the better.

Second verse…same as the first? We’ll find out tomorrow.

April 1, 2012

Halfway to 500 miles!

A milestone was set during the race I ran yesterday. Yes. At Mile Marker 8, as I turned into a very strong wind and was nearing the final two miles of the Papa John’s 10 Miler in Louisville, Kentucky…

250 MILES!!

It’s just now heading into April, and here I am at the halfway mark to my goal of running 500 miles this year. Let me tell you, I’m happy with where I stand on that…and extremely proud of the hard work, and runs, that have gotten me here. Whether these miles were clocked on the dreadmill, the road, or a race, they have led me to a fantastic halfway mark.

Here’s what I have gotten out of this so far…several races, new PRs, and that fantastic feeling I get when I lace up my shoes and just head on out to hit the road. Nothing in life makes me happier than the feeling I get when I’m running. I am not the fastest person out there. I don’t aim to be fast. I just aim to meet my goals. And every time I head out, I set one. It doesn’t matter how short or how long the run, how hard or how easy, whether I do hill repeats or just take to the flat lands, I find joy in every run.

After such a fantastic race yesterday, hitting that 250 mile mark is just the icing on my gluten-free cake! I am really doing this. I am really making some great progress and headway. And I’m loving every footfall, every breath, and, yes, even every hill. Because what this all is doing is just…making me better. I can see it when I finish strong. I can see it when I set a new PR. And even when I don’t, I can feel it in my stride, my breathing, everything about how I run.

So, here I sit…halfway there…and I couldn’t be prouder.

For all of you who set your own goals this year…I hope you find your hard work paying off as well.

March 30, 2012

The final leg of the Louisville Triple Crown of Running

Today, on my lunch break, I’m heading into Louisville to stop in at Papa John’s Stadium. Packet pick-up is going on, along with a race expo, for the final race in the Louisville Triple Crown of Running.

What’s on deck for Saturday?

The Papa John’s 10 Miler.

I’m super excited about the race. I have a goal in mind, and hope to stay on pace to achieve it. It’s been awhile since I’ve run this far in a race. The last long race I had was just 3.1 miles further…the Chicago Half Marathon. So, this race will also give me some key information on how I’ll do in my first half marathon, which happens in May.

The Louisville Triple Crown of Running has been a lot of fun to participate in. I can see why it draws so many people and has so many spectators along the way. I hope there are a good number of them out there this weekend, because 10 miles is a long time and some stranger in the crowd just cheering you on does help give you that extra push.

I was actually a bit concerned about this race yesterday, mainly because when I was hauling trash down at the office I twisted my knee weird and it was twinging the rest of the day. This meant my afternoon run in the park was nixed, which I hated to do, but knew I needed to or else risk not being able to run on Saturday. As it stands, I iced it a couple times last night and this morning it feels great. So hopefully that will continue throughout the rest of the day. Unfortunately, today is a rest day, so no running. I’m despise rest days, but understand the importance of them.

So…I’ve come this far. I have had really great races for the Anthem 5K Fitness Classic and the Rodes City Run 10K over the past couple of weeks. This race is the one I have been anticipating. Up until yesterday, they were predicting rain. I was grumbley about that, because, honestly, 10 miles in the rain does not sound like fun. But, it seems the weather moves through today instead which leaves beautiful temperatures and weather for the race on Saturday morning.

This will also be my first time running while wearing a GPS watch. My Garmin is going to get road tested immediately in a race since I wasn’t able to go out and give it a whirl last night on a run. I’m hoping the Garmin (which I named Dean after the Ultramarathonman, Dean Karnazes) will help me maintain a good pace throughout instead of having me go out way too fast (something I notice I do a lot on my training runs).

So, stay tuned. My first ever go at the Louisville Triple Crown of Running is about to come to an end. And I’ve really, really enjoyed myself throughout.

Papa John’s 10 Miler…I’ll see you on Saturday!

March 22, 2012

Surpassing 200 miles

It happened on Saturday as I was making my way through the first two miles of the Rodes City Run 10K. I hit 200 miles officially logged and run for the year. That leaves me with a grand total of just under 300 to go.

Ever since taking up a proper half marathon training regimen, I’ve been off my run a little every day kick. So now, I do my easy runs, I do my long runs, I cross-train with some yoga, I (started to & need to get back into) work on strength training, and yes…I take a rest day. I am now making sure I get my long runs in as specified. It’s funny what a goal will do to your outlook.

So, this journey started in January and by March 22, I’m sitting at 217 miles for the year. I’m loving this. My excitement is still there. I love each run, yes…even the hard ones. And with the weather being so great right now, running outside has sparked my enjoyment, brought my smile back, and challenged me with pollen, allergens, hills, and all that fun stuff that runners contend with. But, in the end it only makes me better at running, so I push through all of it, give myself pep talks as I go, pump up the tunes, and try to pay attention to my breathing, posture, and footfalls.

I’m not saying I love every run, or that getting out for those long runs is what really makes my day. But the fact of the matter is…I’m out there running. And nothing quite makes me feel as free or as alive as when I’m hitting the paths, the streets, the sidewalks with my trusty running shoes and adding some well-deserved, much needed miles to my day. Rest days are the days where I’m edgy. I hate having to rest. I understand the necessity for it, but…it’s so hard to turn off that part of my brain that makes me want to go, go, go…and run.

I’ve been enjoying my little journey toward 500 miles and can’t wait to get to that halfway mark. My speed in doing so may have slowed, but my drive hasn’t. So I’m going to keep this going and keep on pushing it. Almost halfway there…

March 18, 2012

A good introduction to a triathlon

Tri at the Y, Indoor Triathlon, Jeffersonville, IN

Another early morning this weekend. And why not keep the activities going with one more little event before I kick up my feet and relax a little? Because why stop after a 10K and a 3K the day before?

This morning I am participating in a local YMCA’s Tri at the Y, which is an indoor triathlon. This is my first attempt at anything triathlon-like. Honestly, the thought of running, biking and swimming has always sort of…worn me out just thinking about it. The same can be said for this indoor one…except I’m fairly confident the run and biking parts will go well. It’s that swim…

And, to make things even more interesting for me, this event runs all day in 2-person heats. I’m am paired up with, naturally, the Aquatics Director of that very YMCA. Because the swim wasn’t daunting enough, right?

Ah well…I think it will be fun and a fantastic way to get a feel for triathlons. I’m actually pretty excited about it.

So expect a couple of race reports this week…including one from my first ever triathlon!

March 17, 2012

Race #2 of the Louisville Triple Crown and Race #1 of the Frankfort Trifecta

Today…is one of my crazy days.

I’m signed up for two races. This is the second time I have done this in my running career. So, I think I’ll have some very tired legs tomorrow morning…just in time for my indoor triathlon. No rest for the runner. That’s what Friday was for.

That being said, I am up and sitting on the couch, relaxing and getting in a bit of hydration before eating a light breakfast and heading into Louisville for the Rodes City Run 10K, which is the second race in the Louisville Triple Crown of Running. This sounds like it’s going to be a fantastic and very fun event.

According to the Web site, this race is run on a fast, flat course. Sweet. No hills! In addition, it attracts nearly 10,000 runners and around 20,000 spectators each year. And this is the 32nd year that it has been run. It’s going to be a lot of fun to be a part of this tradition this year. And to think…up until last year, I didn’t even know this series of races existed. Then again, I only began to seriously run last year so any race was completely off my map unless I was in a city one was happening in and just happened to see runners go by wearing their bib numbers. That happened in Indianapolis more than it did in Louisville.

So, the plan this morning is to eat a light breakfast, finish getting ready, and then head downtown so we have time to find parking and get situated for the race. My roommate is coming along and will see me off at the start and then hustle on down to the finish line. Hopefully I’ll be able to find her afterwards. There are going to be a LOT of people here. Me not having my cell phone with me might make it even more of a challenge. We’ll manage. After I run, stretch out, and settle a bit, we’re off for brunch at North End Café, because they have a trusted gluten-free menu and I need to make sure I don’t eat something that will make me sick because…

…at 6:30 p.m., I am participating in the first race of the Frankfort Trifecta – the Run for the Gold 3K. This will be my first 3K race, which is about 1.89 miles. I’ve run Frankfort often (and every single time on a rainy day…and yes…there is rain in the forecast today), so I’m really looking forward to participating in this series. Last year I only did the last race in the Trifecta, the Activate America 5 Mile Race, where I ended up with a stress fracture and knee injury that took until August to start feeling better. This year I’m running smart and healthy and am looking forward to these races.

So, today is going to be a day made for running. It will total out to about 8 miles total when all is said and done. Not bad at all. I’ve been pretty excited about doing these race series and I’m waking up in a fantastic mood this morning. I didn’t dread getting out of bed. I got dressed for my morning race and have been sipping on some water and writing up this post since then. I’m feeling ready to run today, and that has been seriously lacking in my past couple of races. This…is a good feeling.

So, expect a few race updates this coming week because my weekend doesn’t stop there. Sunday morning is my indoor (yes, indoor) triathlon…which I’m super nervous about. Not so much the running and biking…but the swimming part. So, here’s to a good series of races this weekend.

And please…stay tuned.

March 2, 2012

Kicking off the Louisville Triple Crown of Running

Anthem 5K Fitness Classic, Louisville, KY

You gotta love a city that puts on a series of events in an effort to promote and help more runners and walkers in the area embrace a healthy lifestyle and work towards a goal of completing a three-series race series. That, in a nutshell, is the Louisville Triple Crown of Running in Louisville, Kentucky. This annual event takes place in downtown Louisville every year, with three different legs of the series, all of different lengths. And tomorrow…it kicks off.

The races are the Anthem 5K Fitness Classic, which kicks off the entire series, tomorrow, March 3rd. March 17th is the Rodes City Run 10K. And on March 31st, the Papa John’s 10 Miler caps off the series.

I am registered for all three of the races in the series. This will be my first time running in the Triple Crown and I’m quite excited about it.

Today, Louisville is filled with thunderstorms and severe weather. Tornado warnings are everywhere. People are in a panic. But…I’m playing it cool. I’m actually not too worried about it.

And tomorrow, with the front moving through, we’re cooling down from our unseasonably mild winter weather to some cooler temperatures. It will be a good morning for a run. And I’m really anticipating being a part of this growing event. Last year, over 8,000 people ran in the Anthem 5K Fitness Classic. This year, there are more. And I’m so proud to be one of them!

Then, the next race will be one of two that I am running that day. The other is part of another racing series (Frankfort Trifecta in Frankfort, KY) that I am participating in. And at the end of the month, coinciding with a long run for my half marathon training…the 10 mile run. It’s a good build up for my first (of four) half marathons I am participating in this year.

That being said, I love a big, popular race and I really am looking forward to hitting the streets with local runners, and those who have traveled in to be a part of this. I’m ready to run. I’m excited to run. It’s races like this that make me call myself a runner.

Stay tuned…because I’m sure I’ll have some stories to share from the road.

And for those out there who are participating in this as well…good luck!

But…no running today for me. Day of rest. I need strong legs to carry me through what is called a fast, flat course. Here’s to hoping for some run magic.