Las Vegas Half Marathon: Race Recap

This is the most fun I have ever had running a race!  There were a few kinks...more for others from what I hear.  But I had an amazing time.

This was a night race so it was a long day.  I slept great the night before.  Probably because I didn't have to worry about getting up early and put no pressure on myself for this race.

Ryan and I ate a fabulous breakfast at Mon Ami Gabi at Paris.  We walked the strip and did some shopping for the kids.  Then we ate lunch at the Bellagio.  Yummy pizza.  Then we went back to the hotel to get some rest.  Pretty soon it was time to get dressed for the race.

Ready to Run!

We took the tram to the start.  So far so good.  Walked into Mandalay Bay and stayed warm.  Then we started out for our corral.  That is when I started to panic.  We walked out to corral 20 and we were in corral 3.  There were so many people that we could not get up to our corral.  We were literally fighting the crowds with many runners to try and get closer to the start.  When the National Anthem started playing, I knew we just needed to get in any corral.  We actually got pretty close, between corral 4 and 5.  The gun went off and so did we...

Very Packed at the Start

My garmin did not have time to warm up and didn't start until about 1 minute after I started running.  So my garmin time was a little off.

Garmin time: 1:52:25 (Pace: 8:35min/mile)

Official time: 1:53:32 (Pace 8:40min/mile)

Mile 1:  (8:32) Wow this is fun!  All the stress went away and I just appreciated what an amazing experience I was having. I am very happy that I didn't start off too fast either.  I am learning.

Amazing!

Mile 2:  (8:27) I was feeling so good.  Running under the lights and on the strip was amazing.

I am on the right.  

Mile 3:  (8:18) Picked up our pace a little.  Passing our hotel... the Bellagio.  Love.

Mile 4:  (8:27) Still running on the strip.

Doesn't that look fun?

Mile 5:  (8:14) Mile 5-8 were off the strip.  It was pretty dark but not too bad.  I am glad I brought my music. (First time ever for me).  It definitely helped keep me going when there wasn't much too look at.

Mile 6: (8:26)

Mile 7: (8:14)

Mile 8: (8:37)

Mile 9:  (8:33) My legs started feeling heavy.  But the strip was now back in few.  This really helped.

Mile 10:  (8:44) Pace slowing but I never felt like walking.  First time ever for me in a half marathon where I had no thoughts of walking.

Mile 11:  (9:18) Only mile with a 9 in front of it.

Mile 12:  (8:53) I really wanted to pick up the pace but my legs were now feeling the effects of my lack of training.

Mile 13: (8:58)
Mile 13.1 (8:15)

We did it!

I felt great when I finished.  Ryan and I got our picture taken, ate some food and more water and then headed back to the hotel.  Luckily we were able take the tram back.  Apparently the taxi line was hours long.  We showered up and then went out to eat at Olives.

I was so happy with how this race went.  I felt great almost the whole time (of course my legs were tired at the end), I enjoyed the scenery, and I wasn't too sore after.  It is ironic to me that I trained about 3x more for my last half marathon and I ran this one faster.  It makes me realize that I put way too much pressure on myself.  Oh yeah, and my foot felt perfect too.  I hope to run this race again!

Fun Times in Las Vegas

After not going on a vacation without the kids for 7 years, Ryan and I decided it was FINALLY time to get away by ourselves.

December 29th will be our 10 year anniversary.  Also Las Vegas was having a half marathon on the strip at night.  Since everyone knows how much I love to run, I thought this would be the perfect way to celebrate our anniversary.

Off to Vegas we went (without the kids)...

We arrived on Thursday and checked in to the Bellagio.

View from our room.  

Bellagio is perfectly located in the center of the strip.

I absolutely loved this hotel!  Our room was great and we had a fantastic view of the strip.  I would definitely stay there again but there are so many great hotels in Vegas so I would probably try another hotel next time.

Thursday night we went out to eat at Fix where we had a great meal and $20 cocktails. (Wow, Vegas is expensive).  Then we saw Ka (a cirque du soleil).

Friday we rented a car and drove to Zion National Park.  This was Ryan's highlight of the trip.  I thought it was spectactular too!  We hiked a total of 6 miles.  2 of those miles were literally straight uphill.  I was sooooo sore from this.  I was more sore from this hike then running the half marathon.

Breathtaking

This is only about half way up.  Yes I climbed this.  Do you see why I was so sore?

We're almost there

This is the part of the trail that literally goes straight up.  You have to hold onto the chain because if you slip you fall of the edge of the cliff and... About 1 person a year dies on this trail.  I did not even make it half way up before I got too scared.

Slowly making my way back down.

A flatter trail

After we were back in Vegas we ate at Scarpetta.  This was the only meal there that I did not like.

Saturday we went to the expo at the Venetian to pick up our bibs.  We found some good running gear there too.  We then did some more shopping along the strip.  I did not buy anything but Ryan did:)  Ryan is like most guys and does not like to go clothes shopping so it was fun to get some new clothes for him.

On Saturday night we met up with our neighbors, Alyssa and Travis along with some more of their friends, and ate at Tao.  It was a fun night!  I of course talked Alyssa's ear off about running.  I think one day she is going to send me a bill for all of the running questions I ask her.

One of our only pictures together and it is blurry...

Sunday was race day.  This day deserves a post of its own.  This was the highlight of the weekend for me.

Monday was our last day in Vegas.  We tried to make the most of the last few hours we had left of our vacation.  We finished it off by eating at Mon Ami Gabi again then it was off to the airport...

Not There Yet...

After my 6.2 miles of pain free running, I thought I had put my foot injury behind me.

No:(

On Saturday, I went for my longest run in a long, long time.  10 miles.  It felt good to run in the double digits again.  However, my foot starting hurting half way into the run.  It still hurts some. The pain is on the bottom of my foot now, around the 3rd metatarsal.  I have no idea what is going on.  I just know that I am frustrated.

The run itself was also discouraging.  I didn't think I was sore at all from the Turkey Trot, but after 3 miles my legs felt really heavy.  It was a slow and painful run.  I am not ready to run a half marathon next week.

But I am ready to go to Vegas!  Not even a bad run can take away my excitement!

Happy Thanksgiving: Turkey Trot Recap

Guess What?  I finished a race!!  Now that is something I am thankful for.

10K Race in 50:38 (8:09min/mile).

After the race photo

What else am I thankful for...

1.  My 3 amazing children!  They are the best things that have ever happened to me.  Pure love=Kaitlyn, Jackson and Nathan

2.  My wonderful husband, Ryan.  Next month will be our 10 year anniversary and we have been together for 16+ years.  I can't imagine going through life without him.

3.  My sister, Katie.  The bond we share is something I will always treasure.  I can be my complete self around her and she loves me no less.

4.  My brothers, Mike,Andrew, and Aaron.  I just wished they lived closer.  Hint, hint...

5.  My parents.  I know they will always be there for me no matter what.  They are also amazing grandparents.

6.  My friends.  I have some pretty wonderful friends from high school through residency and now grown up? friends.  They even let me call them an complain about stupid things like a bad run and listen like they truly care.

7.  My job.  I love my job!  I don't dream of doing anything else (except being a professional runner...ha!)

8.  Running.  Running has changed my life and I can't imagine not having it be a part of my life.  I feel like I can conquer the world after a good morning run.

9.  My healed foot?  Today in over 3 months I ran pain free!  It was amazing!

10.  My life.  It's like that song...What's there to complain about?

So on to my very happy race recap...  It was not a PR and actually is was my slowest 10K time ever (I have only done 3) but I ran pain free.  I forgot how good that feels.

Mile 1:  7:53
Mile 2:  8:09
Mile 3:  8:17
Mile 4:  8:16
Mile 5:  8:20
Mile 6: 8:16
Mile 6.2:  7:17


Mile 1...felt good.  I really didn't want to start out that fast since I have done 0 speed work in months but it is hard to slow down in a race.
Mile 2... Smiling, loving life.  Some down hills that I loved flying down.
Mile 3... Holding strong, still smiling
Mile 4....At this point, I started playing leap frog with a guy.  At the end I pulled away and then he caught me and sprinted past me at the finish.  After the race he turned around and gave me a high five.  I love runners!  It's like we are all in it together and everyone tries to push each other to finish strong:)
Mile 5...This mile was all up hill.  Nothing too steep but constant.
Mile 6... I never felt like I wanted to walk.  I still had the biggest smile on face.  Because did I mention that I was running pain free!
Last .2...I gave it all I had through the finish.

So unfortunately I was not listening at the start of the race and ran over the wrong timing mat (there was also a 5K race) and so my chip time was not recorded only my overall time.  Which was not accurate because I was in the middle of the pack.  So I used my overall garmin time.  My garmin was right on with the mile markers too.

Ryan also ran a great race and Kaitlyn did the 5K and came in 3rd in her age division!

Kaitlyn after finishing her 5K race.  

We had a car full of 9 people that did the Turkey Trot:  Ryan and I did the 10K.  Andrew, Aaron, Kaitlyn, Braedon, Katie, Katie, and Cyndi did the 5K.  Super fun morning!  Followed by a wonderful thanksgiving meal.

I wish I had some more time to actually train properly for my next half marathon in 1 week!  But I am so happy that I finally feel like I am on the right track again with my running.

Happy Thanksgiving!

A Quick Update

It's been awhile since I have written a post.  Probably because I didn't want to sound like a broken record...

My foot is still hurting and I have been doing lots of cross training.

Actually my 2nd metatarsal stress fracture feels great.  However I am having pain in a few different spots in the same foot.  I have been taking the running really easy.  Running only 2-3x/week and very low mileage.

I have been spinning, swimming and ellipticalling.  Not as much fun but I hope it keeps me in descent shape until I can really start running again.

Even though my running has been minimal I have two fun races coming up.  I am doing a 10K Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving and Half Marathon in Vegas in about 2 weeks.  I have to keep telling myself that I am not in racing condition.  I am very competitive with myself and I know my times will not be something that I will be proud of.  But I do not want to push myself and get more hurt either.

I can't wait to start posting some positive reports about running.  Until then I will keep pushing myself in the gym.

Happy Running (and cross training)!

Fall Trip to Brown County

Kaitlyn and Jackson were on fall break this past Thursday and Friday.  We took our third annual trip to Brown County State Park.  It is absolutely beautiful there this time of year.

Brown County State Park

We stayed in a cabin called The Snoozing Moose Lounge for 2 nights this year.  It is so cozy and secluded.  The views from the porches were amazing.

Porch at the Cabin

Warm and Cozy

The kids loved playing around in the leaves, playing family games, and their favorite thing was the hot tub.  My favorite thing was just hanging out with them.

Front Porch

Hot Tub

We also did lots of hiking at the State Park.  Nothing too intense though with a two year old.

Lots of Trails

Climbing Trees

Nathan loves to be outside!

Our dog, Indy

It was a perfect little get away.  I didn't check my phone, email, or blogs for 2 days.  Just what I needed...no feeling bad about how I am not running 10+ miles at at 7 something pace, not worrying about work, laundry, etc.  Just relaxing.

But when I came back to the real world...I had a big present waiting for me.  The pavement!
Yes it has been 3 weeks and my foot is feeling great.  So I did it.

My first run back.  I was scared at first.  Would my legs remember what to do, would my foot hold up, would my lungs be able to keep up.

I felt great for the first mile.  8:20 pace.  I thought...Yes, cross training does work.  Then, oooh, my legs feel heavy, my lungs are burning, and every mile seems to take forever.  But then I remembered how grateful I am to be running at all.  So I slowed down (a lot) and just enjoyed myself.  I did pick it up for the last mile.  I ran just over 5 miles at an average pace of 8:36.

The Monon Trail was Beautiful

I need to work on my endurance.  I need to work on losing these 5+ pounds I have gained while not running.  I need to work on not getting injured again.

But, I love, love, love running.  Yes spinning is ok.  Swimming is fun.  Core work is hard (I did this the first time on Monday and I am still sore).  But nothing compares to running for me.  It is part of me.  I feel complete again.

Happy Running!

My Thoughts on the Gym

I went to the gym 4 times this week.  I am pretty sure that is a record for me.  Even though I love to exercise, I don't love the gym.

I don't feel like I fit in to the gym stereotype.  There are so many cute girls/women there with their cute little outfits and their hair and make up just perfect.  Definitely not me!

But I continue to go because... I can't run.

I  did another spinning class today.  I think I finally found something that will hold me over until I can run again.  I was a sweaty mess.  The class was packed today.  Maybe 50 people.  They actually ran out of spin bikes.

Now even though the class is made up of all shapes and sizes, the front row of girls (and a few guys) are definitely hard core.  I guess some people love biking as much as running.  I don't get it;)

The biggest thing I don't get at the gym is the people that read a book or magazine while they are working out.  Are you there to read or workout?  If I can read then I am not working hard enough.  To me it's like studying while watching TV.  It can be done, but not very well.

There are many other things I don't quite get.  I think I could get burnt out from the gym pretty quick but I have a big goal to reach.  That sub 4 hour marathon will be mine.  Someday!  Until then, I will see you at the gym.

My First Spin Class

Today I took my first spin class.  It was sweatastic!  I have heard from so many people what a great workout spin classes were and it did not disappoint.  My work schedule was flipped around this week and so I had this morning off work.  Ryan also had some free time this morning so we both went to the spin class.

This is the best work out I have had in months.  Since my foot caused me so much pain while running, I was not able to push myself for a long time.  I have been swimming a lot but I still never feel like I get in a great work out.  I felt so good after today's workout.

The instructor was also amazing.  She pushed us but also kept giving inspirational words throughout the work out.  It is very rainy here today and so she said things like, "May you be the sunshine for everyone you meet today."  So cute.

If you are intimated to take a class at the gym, this is the class for you.  First setting up the bike is easy and there will be many people there that can help you.  There are no steps to learn.  Also you could have your resistance at the highest or lowest point and no one will know.  Everyone works at their own pace.

Even though I am excited for my next spin class, I wish I could run so much more.  But still no running for awhile.

Foot update: My foot feels great!  I can finally walk on it with no pain.  I hope to be running again in a couple of weeks.  Until then I will be doing lots of swimming and hopefully spinning too.

My First DNF

I did not finish the Chicago Marathon.  I made it to mile 14 and then I had to stop.  I really knew from mile 3 that I wasn't going to make it.  I think I am glad that I tried though.

Overall, the weekend was a lot of fun.  Ryan and I dropped off the kids at my sister's house.  (I owe a huge thank-you to Katie and Bart for watching my kiddos.  She has three children of her own and had 6 kids under the age of 7 at her house Saturday and Sunday.  Wow-not that is hard work!)

When we arrived in Chicago, we picked up our packet.  Then we ate at Lou Malnatis.  Yummy!  I love deep dish pizza.


I slept ok on Saturday night.  We had the best hotel room possible.  Thanks to my mom who got the room for us!  It was a lot of fun watching them get organized in the morning from our window.

I look ready but I am not

View from our room

I met up with Jacque, Aimee, and Meghan at 6:30 and headed to the start.  The corral was packed.  Their goal was a 4:15 marathon and I was just going to follow them along.  We were so packed in that it was hard to get off to a good start.  Also running with 4 people in such a huge marathon is difficult.  I felt like I was constantly looking around for them.

I never got into a groove during my short run.  My foot was painful from the first step.  My form was off from the first step.  I knew after a few miles that I had the wrong decision to run this race.

The crowds were amazing!  The best cheering I have ever heard!

At mile 10, the pain in my foot really intensified.  Then at mile 12, my right hip started hurting.  I knew this was because my form was so off.  When I saw the medic tent at mile 14, the decision to stop was easy.  I was talking to one guy that had also stopped because he was also running on a stress fracture in his foot.  We described the exact pain.

Moral of the story:  DO NOT RUN ON A STRESS FRACTURE!

Ryan met up with me and we walked back to our hotel room and that was it.

Now it is time for me to take care of this foot.  I will not be running for awhile.  Lots of swimming and biking.

I need some time to heal my foot and my pride.  I have plans to run many more marathons in the future.  I just need to get my body healthy first.

I also think that I will stop blogging for awhile.  Maybe when I start running again, I will start back.

In the meantime, if you run...keep going.   If you are thinking about running...do it!  It may feel hard at first but if you stick with it, I promise it will be worth it.

Happy Running Everyone!

Chicago Marathon Goals

I have ONE goal for this race:  TO FINISH! (with no further injury)

I honestly don't know if I will be able to finish.  I have never said this before a race.  But I will be running on a significant injury.  What if the pain becomes too much?

I will have no time goals for this race.  On one hand this is good because it takes all the pressure off.  But it does make me sad.  I really, really want to run a sub 4 hour marathon.  I know I am capable of it (when healthy).  Someday I will!!!  But this weekend will not be the time.

I usually tell myself-no walking in races.  This weekend, unfortunately, I know there will be lots of walking.  I just don't want to have to start walking early on.  That won't be good for my foot either.

So I guess I am going to start this race.  I hope to finish but don't be surprised if I don't.  Man that is painful to say.

Even though this race will not be what I had planned, overall the journey this summer has been great.

I was able to run with some great running friends and meet some more great running friends.

Me, Lisa and Jacque.  Lisa and Jacque will definitely be kicking butt this  weekend!

Jennifer and Me.  Jennifer will be running her marathon next month.

I can't believe I don't have any pictures with my super speedy friend Alyssa.  Next training cycle...


I ran with a lot of family.  My husband, my daughter, my sister, and even my brother.

Ryan and me after a hot and hilly run at Eagle Creek.  I can't wait to be able to push myself like that again.

The best pacer around-Miss  Kaitlyn

Me and Katie.  She is a natural runner.

Mike and me.  He kicked butt in his first half marathon this summer.  I hope he gets the running bug now.

I even did some hard cross training with a great friend.

Christy making the bike look easy.  Unfortunately Christy also has an injury that will prevent her from running the Chicago Marathon this year.  She will be running her marathon next year.

Not a bad running summer at all.  It's the journey that matters and not the destination, right?

The race is on Sunday.  I am nervous but in a much different way than I normally am before a race.  Until then I will be resting and icing...Maybe that will help?

Weekly Recap: One more week?????

This has been the biggest roller coaster ride...  My training started off slow, then went well, then came the injury, then some recovery, then bam my foot gives out.

I ran my last significant run on Saturday and it finally happened.  My foot crashed!  I knew it was coming. My foot has been hurting more.  When I run I always have a cramping feeling in my foot with occasional shooting pains that last about a minute.  On Saturday, the shooting pain did not go away.  I literally could not walk on it at all over the weekend.  I was even using crutches.

I wanted to get in to see the ortho doctor but he couldn't get me in today.  What?  I guess this is how the real world works.  But as a Pediatrician, this would never happen in our office.  If a patient wants to be seen, we will fit them in.  Anyway, he did order me an xray.  (Which is really just what I wanted anyway.) Xray results:  completely normal.  Still can't see my stress fracture (which is normal).  But at least no further damage was done?

He said... I can run and to use pain as my guide.

So will I run the Chicago Marathon in 6 days?

I don't know yet.  I am not going to run at all this week.  I will just wait and see how much better my foot feels by Sunday.  If my pain does not significantly improve, I will not be able to run.

Weekly Recap:

Monday: 6 miles
Tuesday: Rest
Wednesday: Rest
Thursday: 5 miles
Friday:  Rest
Saturday: 8 miles (My legs felt so good on this run, too bad my foot didn't)
Sunday: Rest

Not much running went on last week so I am not sure why my foot decided to act up.

Dear Foot,

I understand that you are hurt.  I know you are broken and need rest.  However, it is time for you to start feeling better.  It has been six weeks now.  That is long enough to cause pain.  I have given you several weeks of rest.   I have done lots and lots of cross-training to give you more rest.

It is time for you to heal up and make the pain go away.  It is time to run 26.2 miles!  Do you understand?  You can not be selfish anymore.  The rest of your body wants to run.  Your legs are ready, your mind is ready, but are you ready?

I feel you resisting.  You seem to be causing more pain these last few days.  I have given you even more rest.  I let you relax all day in the boot that the rest of your body does not like.

I will even make a deal with you little foot.  If you suck it up and let us run the entire 26.2 miles with little pain, I will give you several weeks more rest when we are done with this thing called the Chicago Marathon.

Thank you,
Your Body

Remembering my First Marathon: Monumental Marathon Recap

I ran my first marathon, The Monumental Marathon, last November 2010.

Since I am about to run my second marathon, I thought now would be a good time to remember what went right and wrong.

Recap (from what I remember about a year later):
The night before I did not sleep at all.  Somehow I need to fix this problem.  Maybe benadryl?  Has any ever tried this before a race?

Ryan and the kids made signs.  That meant so much.

Kaitlyn and her sign.  Love it!

Jackson getting ready to cheer.

That morning I was a nervous wreck.  I was having major GI issues.  Ryan drove me down to the start and I think I made him stop at about 10 different restrooms.


It was freezing!  Upper 20s/Low 30s at the start.  I was so upset at the time.  Now I would love running in that weather.

Waiting at the start.  It was freezing!

I was kind of in a daze waiting in the start corral.  All of the sudden the gun went off.  I felt that I wasn't ready.

At the start.  Can you see me?  I am in the middle of the picture in the pink shirt.

The first 1-2 miles I felt horrible.  My stomach was upset and I felt tired.  Was I going to make it?

Then I got in a groove.  Miles 5-8 were awesome!  I was totally in a runner's high.  Just looking around and loving every minute of it.

I thought my family was going to be at mile 10.  But didn't see them.  That was ok though.  There was good crowd support and as you turned one corner there was a very rowdy group that was giving high fives.  That was great!

About mile 12, I saw my family.  I cannot tell you how much this meant to me.  I loved it!

Hugs for everybody!

I remember crossing the half marathon mat (13.1) miles and the clock read 1:53 something.  I new PR for me.  In a marathon.  I was feeling great still!

At mile 15 the one and only hill came.  I just held strong and made it up just fine.

Mile 16 or 17 the 3:50 pace group passed me.   That was ok.  My goal was only a sub 4 marathon.

Mile 18 I saw my family again.  My legs were feeling really heavy now.  When Jackson went to hug me I almost fell over.  But seeing them gave me another boost.

More hugs:)

Around mile 20, I was tired!  Ryan refilled my gatorade bottle and my friend Jacque joined me.

Mile 21, I hit the wall!  And I mean it knocked me over!  I said time for a walk break.  When I tried to run again, I couldn't.  It was like someone put 50lb weights on both my legs and said run up this hill.  I had never felt that pain before!  I thought that if I sat down and stretched I would feel better.  As I was sitting down, I realized if I sat down I would not get back up.

So the death march began.  Walk a lot,  run a little, walk a lot.  My friend Jacque was awesome.  I really don't remember what she was saying though.  I was so tired!

At some point the 4:00 pace group passed me. That pacer was awesome.  She was trying to get me to join them.  I had nothing left:(

The crowd support was pretty thin the last few miles.  Some good things people were saying:  Looking good,  You are doing it, Nice smile.  Some things that didn't help:  You are almost there, only 3 more miles.  Really 3 miles-that feels like infinity!!!!!!

But really nothing could help me.  I was done.  I knew I would finish but I didn't care what the time said.

My family was at mile 26 again.  That did help!!  I gave it a tiny little push and finished my first marathon!

Here I come...

I look tired.  And I was!

One final push

Getting ready to cross the finish line!

I did it!  I am a marathoner!

Time:  4:17 (and a few seconds).  I honestly thought I had a sub 4 hour marathon in me.  But not on that day.

So thankful my family was there

After the race, I was frozen due to the cold temps!  I thought I might collapse.  I could barely walk to the car.  In the car I turned the heat on full blast.  In a few minutes, I thawed out and was feeling much better.

Freezing

Not exactly how I thought the day would go.  But I was hooked.  I knew I would run another marathon! Now I am going to attempt to run my second marathon in a couple of weeks.