Training update, weeks one and two

I wrote out a training plan for the Buffalo Half Marathon, focusing on a few things that I need to target more to hopefully push me past my rut and closer to a nice shiny PR.  It includes faster paced intervals, longer tempo runs, and higher mileage than I've been doing as of late.  I'm also supposed to be supplementing my running with more strength training, to provide better overall fitness, help with endurance/power, and hopefully help avoid injury.

Week one was tough, no lie.  I wrote in three major workouts:

• 6x.25 @ 9.0 mph(6:40) on the treadmill. incline 1%
• Tempo/progressive run: 6 miles starting at 7.8-8.3 and back down until mileage was finished. incline 1-1.5%  did 6.3 miles.
• Long run of 10 miles.
• Overall mileage: 40.0

I do a lot of my pace runs on the treadmill in order to keep it controlled.  I actually did better with the interval workout than I thought I would and decided to throw a seventh rep in.  My long run felt good, and I was happy with a sub 9:00 pace.  

Love my Pro Compression socks for tough
workouts!

My tempo run KICKED. MY.  BUTT.  I hurt. I probably was pushing the pace too much with how tired I was after, but it was so motivating to succeed and push the pace, things I haven't been feeling much of lately.  I failed on the strength training.  My week was ridiculously busy, with something pretty much every evening after work, so fitting in my runs was a challenge.

Week two:  

• 8x.25@ 9.0 (6:40) inc 1.5%
• Tempo/progressive run: 7 miles starting at 7.8-8.3 and back down until mileage was finished. incline 1-1.5% 
• Long run of 12 miles
• overall mileage 42.3

My tempo run from week 1, which I did on Sunday, left my legs dead for a few days and I didn't do my next workout until Thursday, the intervals.  I was nervous about increasing the incline .5, but was able to do the 8 reps, so I was happy.  The long run was strong on Saturday.  

Fastest 7 mile run ever!

The tempo was today, and I was quite nervous about it. After how I felt last week, I was anxious that adding .7 on was going to be too hard, but I nailed it.  I even spent more time at a higher incline.  Comparing my Fitbit Charge HR 2 data from both runs (I know, not totally accurate, but I figure good for comparison), I spent less time in my "peak" heart rate zone.  That just confirms that the run was easier. So I'm already showing improvement.

I also did better with strength training. I did the P90X3 pilates workout and a butt/leg strengthening workout.  The pilates was a great core workout, leaving me a little sore for a day or two.  I did the legs/butt today, so we will see how that goes.  

Hoping my next two weeks of training go as well.  This week is going to be a hard one to fit runs in, but I'm determined to make it work.  I start an online Graduate class this week, may get called to jury duty, have my normal teaching and coaching schedule, on top of driving out to a State Championship meet for my gymnasts all day Sunday.  So getting the longer workouts may be trickier than normal, but will just make it more rewarding when it gets done.

Escaping the Plateau

I'm frustrated.

I love running.  It's truly like the one thing I do for myself, generally my stress relief, and my outlet for my competitive drive that often ruins game nights because I like to play to win.  Nothing makes me happier than achieving a goal in running, setting that shiny new PR...

Pre-5k on Sunday

Only, that hasn't been happening.  I've been trying to figure out what my most recent PR is, and I think the last one I got was in early 2015.  I'm actually afraid to look, because I think that will make me feel even worse.  It's been nearly two years since I've been overly excited about my time, really felt like I achieved something.  I often feel that in longer distances something has gotten in the way- weather, injuries, illness,etc.  But saying that makes me feel like I'm just making excuses, finding something to blame.

The Polar Bear wanted a selfie

All last week I was sick.  As a teacher on my February break, let me tell you I WAS NOT excited to spend my time off on the couch, but it is what it is.  On Wednesday I went out to run because it was 60 degrees in Western New York in February, and I thought I was going to die.  On an easy three miler.  I had been planning on doing a small 5k on Sunday and ended up doing it despite not being recovered. It was easily my worst 5k in four or so years and did not help my mental status.  I know, I was sick, body was recovering, blah blah blah.  It just felt like another hit, another excuse for another sub par performance.

I know to break plateaus you need to change up what you are doing in order to get new results, so I've been doing a lot of thinking and I'm looking to make three tweaks to my running, targeting the Buffalo Half Marathon in May as my goal race.


Changes to hopefully escape the evil plateau I'm trapped in:

1. Run more.  I used to throw down 200+ mile months and I am currently around 150-160 on average.  As I haven't seen a PR since my mileage has dropped, I am looking to increase my mileage.  Maybe not 200, but I'd like consistently be pushing it.
2. Faster intervals.  I like to do my intervals on the treadmill for control in the speed, so I'm going to really start hauling butt in them and increase the incline on them to make them harder and hopefully reap more benefits.
3. Consistently strength train.  I love lifting weights and doing different strength workouts.  However, it has not been a priority for me lately and I can tell I am not as strong as I used to be.  I want to rectify that for injury prevention and hopefully to improve my endurance and power, equating to faster running.

I'm going to do some 5ks and a 10k a long the way to gauge how it's going, and hopefully I will see some improvements to encourage me a long the way.  I'm not planning on racing at all in March, so I'll have some time to get some training in before I start testing.

Wish me luck as I try to break my frustrating race trend!

Surviving The Dreadmill

After a lot of deliberation, I really think that running a 5k this weekend would not be in my best interest.  Last week I said I wanted to do it, but after running 10.5 and 3.5 miles outdoors last weekend, I've been suffering from a sore foot.  There were points in the beginning of the week where I struggled to stand or walk in bare feet, though I was able to run without little pain on the treadmill with my more cushioned running shoes.

Dr. Google brought mixed results.  Metatarsalagia/capsulitis seemed to be the most likely culprits. It's doing a lot better this morning and I think I'll attempt a 10 miler on the treadmill, but I'm not ready to subject it to the pounding of pavement yet.  I'm hoping I can get out for the 5k next weekend instead.

Running on the treadmill all week brings me to write this week's post.  I run on the treadmill.  A lot.  I think it's the reason I have been able to maintain a run streak for 5 years and counting.  I'm not always pounding my joints outside.  Plus, I find there's a lot of benefits of it.

First off, I like the convenience.  Bad weather?  No problem.  I don't like running out in the rain or slippery conditions.  I also hate running in the dark, and with my job it's still dark when I leave the house and in the winter I don't have a lot of daylight left when I get home.  I also like that I can watch tv, movies, and catch up on my DVR, things I don't always have time for when life gets super busy.  I also like how I can control paces on it.  Outside there's a lot of variables, but for pace specific workouts I can set it and go, not worrying about cars/other things that could get in the way.  I know the pace is not always accurate, but I adjust so that it feels solid.

They are not always fun runs, which I know many runners can agree with.  I've done up to 22 miles on my treadmill, so I know three plus hours of running in place can be tedious, but I've got a number of things I've done to make it a little more tolerable.

First off, I recommend using at least a little incline on the treadmill to help make it feel more like outside.  There's a lot of theories on it, how much you need to counteract the lack of wind resistance and the fact that the treadmill belt is moving so you aren't actually propelling yourself forward, and I've found that 1.5-2% works best to replicate outdoor running for me.  I play with incline through workouts because running at the constant incline can be stressful on your shins/ankle/feet, but I usually try to do a lot of running at a minimum of those.

Different ways to keep yourself from dying from boredom...

• Fartlek style: This one I've been doing a lot lately and you need access to a tv.  I start at a speed, usually a slower one for me.  Let's use 6.0 (10:00 mile pace).  I run that pace for 5:00, then bump up .1 for the next 5:00 chunk (0-5 @ 6, 5-10 @ 6.1, 10-15 @6.2, etc).  I will run that pace for 5:00- UNLESS a commercial comes on.  Then I bump up .5 (so in this case 6.5) for the duration of the commercial break.  Once the show is back on I return to what speed I should be going during that 5:00 chunk.  So if a commercial goes from 4:00-6:00, I'll resume at 6.1 when it stops.  It keeps me busy because it is constantly changing, no workout is exactly the same, and you can play with a lot of factors: time at each pace, how much you bump up, even incline.  I usually start slow so it doesn't become a full workout, just enough change to make the time go faster.

•  Another fartlek I've used is similar, but with playing cards.  I stick them on the console and flip one over.  I run my starting pace for however many minutes the card dictates.  Number cards equal their number, and I put face cards at 10:00.  Next card is an increase in speed or incline for that time period.  I've done the up and down paced work out above (up .5 then down .4, working my way up) and just a steady climb to decline in pace.  Once again, you don't know what to expect, so it keeps it a little more interesting.

•  Long run: I've used both workouts above for long runs, as well as this one, which I modified from one on the Internet.   It's great because it changes a lot, trains specific paces, and pushes you to run fast on tired legs at the end, challenging, but makes me feel like a champ at the end!

•  0:00-20:00: start low and go up.1 every minute for 10:00 and the down .1 a minute until you hit 20:00 

•  20:00-40:00:  at marathon pace.

•  40:00-50:00: recovery pace

•  50:00-65:00: half marathon pace.     

• 65:00-75:00: recovery pace. 

• 75:00-85:00: 10k pace

• 85:00-90:00: recovery pace. 

• 90:00-95:00: 5k pace   

• 95:00-100:00: recovery, cool down pace

•  Intervals:  Many runners who follow training plans/work to improve race times do intervals.  They are some of my favorites.  It's great because it once again changes paces, challenges you mentally, and makes time fly.  A basic one is quarter mile repeats, but you can do this at any distance.  You do a mile warm up, then run .25 at a pace that is challenging, usually faster than 5k pace, but it doesn't kill you on the first few reps.  The last few should feel hard.   It may take a few tries to try and find the perfect pace.  Then you do .25 recovery at a slower, conversational pace.  Start with 4-6 and work your way up to 12 repeats for 5k, more for further distances.  I try to do one of these a week at varying distances. 

• Tempo run:  These are good for building your stamina at harder paces.  A lot of coaches/programs tell you to do this at roughly 10k pace.  I like to do more of a progression tempo run.  I'll start at a little slower than 10k pace and increase pace every .25/.5/etc until I am at 5k pace or even a little faster.  I like this one because it doesn't give you a rest period like interval or fartleks, so it pushes you mentally.  

I've mentioned workouts that talk about pacing.  If you are unsure I have found this to be helpful: McMillan Running Calculator.  It gives you training paces and race time predictions.  It's a good starting point.

I hope someone finds some of these workouts helpful, interesting!  On that note, I think it is time to go prep for my run.  Happy running, everyone! 😊😊😊😊😊

Race nerves

Shorts in January?  Crazy!

First, I just want to celebrate... The fact that it was in the 50s here in Upstage New York on January 21st is quite amazing.  I did a great 10.5 miler out on a bike path near me and it was great to see tons of people out enjoying it.  We return to the normal cold and snow this week,  so it was great to break out the shorts and go.

Now, to what I've been thinking about a lot this week.

I haven't run a 5k race since the beginning of October.

After my last 5k

That might seem normal to most people, but not to me.  In my area there's a 5k almost every weekend and people race between 100-200 a year!  That's never been my style, nor could I afford it with the races I like to travel to, but I used to do at least one a month.  The 5k used to be my favorite distance.  I loved pushing myself hard, setting new PRS, hanging out with runner friends at the after parties.

Now I just get nervous, and my anxiety makes me not want to do them.

I feel stupid typing that, but it is true.  I am not sure what it is exactly.  Perhaps the idea that I might fail myself?  That I can't live up to my own expectations?  My own hopes?  At the start line the nerves kick in and the doubt begins to creep into my brain once the gun goes off.  You're legs feel heavy... Why are you breathing so hard?  You should be better than this!  All these thoughts circle in my brain as I run, eventually resulting in me not hitting paces I know I can, falling below expectations, continuing the cycle.  It sounds stupid, but I beat myself up afterwards, knowing I could have done better and that I screwed myself, which is not really fun.

A cross country 5k, placed even
though I didn't race well.

I want to get over this.  I think part will come from training, pushing workouts hard and lots of easier miles, but honestly I think I need to get out and race.  Avoiding will not make it better.


There's a race next weekend that I might run, if my legs are recovered enough from the marathon.  They still feel a tad heavy, but I'm slowly getting back.    If not, then I'm planning on doing one on Super Bowl Sunday.  They probably won't be great, since I have been doing mostly long slower runs for the marathon.  But they will get me out there, give me a starting point.

And if anyone has any tips on how to fix my brain (short of surgery), I'm all ears!

The Goofy Challenge that Wasn't

One week ago I finished my third marathon, my first one in three years.

The path to getting there left a lot to be desired.  I had high aspirations for this race, even thought about making it a Boston qualifying attempt, but life got the way, and slowly that dream drifted away and was replaced with lower expectations and revised hopes.

I signed up for the Goofy Challenge with my husband the day the registration opened.  This would be my husband's first marathon, so why not run a half the day before?  We were going to run/walk the half together, stop for all the character pics, and actually enjoy a Disney race versus always trying to PR or go for a decent time.  Then we would both do our own thing for the full.

My running at the midpoint of 2016 felt flat and uninspired.  I sought out a coach (who is awesome and I am hoping to use again this year) to target some races in September, but one was derailed by a calf cramp that left me in pain for my back up race and through much of October. I went into the Wine and Dine weekend undertrained and stressed, teaching was taking a lot out of me, and trying to juggle school, coaching gymnastics, running, and life continued to take a toll.  I woke up my first morning in Disney in November sick.  I tried to race the 10k and realized early on that my body was not going to allow it.  I ended up pulling back in the 10k and running the half for fun, having a great time, but not getting the race times I had been hoping.

I spent most of December on the treadmill, trying to recover from my illness and I don't like running when it's dark, so due to my schedule it was often the only option.  Then the week before Christmas I started sparking a fever, missing my last 20 miler, after once again feeling very undertrained.  Just a few days before Christmas the fever came back, even higher this time, leading me to go to the doctor and get diagnosed with bronchitis. I was forced to slow down my training runs, cutting many short.  I pushed on, trying to stay optimistic, hoping for the best.

My husband left for Disney Tuesday night.  We had gotten the Race Retreat, so we had the VIP expo pass, so he took advantage and went and got me race merchandise he thought I would like.

Expos are way more expensive now that we both run

 I didn't go down until Thursday night.  My school was amazing and actually let me leave early because a storm was entering the area and I was worried it would cancel my flight.  I ended up landing in MCO before my flight even would have taken off.

One of my fav routes:  the lake at Pop

We had a great room at POP for my first night there.  I did a nice cool run around the resort to shake out my legs and we checked out before heading to the expo so I could pick up my bib.  We were switching to Beach Club, one of our fav resorts, for the rest of the trip,

I was impressed with the amount of merchandise left at the expo when we arrived, and the ease with which I got my bib.  I heard horror stories of the first day of pick up, but luckily by Friday there were no issues.  I got my stuff, we hit up Epcot for bit, where we got the notice that the half was cancelled.

Opening of the Expo on Friday

To state I was devastated is an understatement.  I was looking forward to the fun half almost more than the marathon, so to find out it was cancelled was disappointing.  It was amusing when we went back to the resort because there were tons of upset half marathoners in the resort bar and up getting to talk to some nice people.  I guess when runners can't run, they drink, right?

We're going to run when we don't have to!

Making our own photo stops

We got up in the morning and went out to run a few miles. I had debated doing 13 miles on my own, but was clinging to the idea of a marathon PR, so I decided against it.  It was truly awesome to see all of the people out running that morning, some in costume, some with their bibs.  There were spectators out, people providing race support, as we circled the Boardwalk area, and people went out to officially earn their race medals.  It made me want to keep running, but I restrained myself.

We laid low most of the day, getting lunch at Portabellos in Disney Springs, hitting up the expo so I could return my Goofy stuff and see if they had any marathon stuff, and we hit up Magic Kingdom for a bit.

Sunday we made sure we were on the first bus and I was THANKFUL we had the race retreat.  It was only 40 degrees with wind chills in the 20's.  Plus some super nice people had a pile of throw away clothes to pick from, so I got extra pants and my husband found retro Buffalo Bills sweatshirt.  Go figure!

We stayed in the race retreat as long as possible and then started the nearly 30 minute walk to the corrals.  I always forget how long it is, but it was nice not to have to wait too long before starting.

In usual Disney splendor, we were set on our way with great fireworks and fanfare.  Of course my nervous bladder acted up, and I stopped at the first set of porta-potties. I felt so much better after that and was able to get in a groove as people spread out.

I worked hard to maintain my new modified goal pace, a good PR pace.  I always like to go way too fast at the beginning, so it was hard to reign in my enthusiasm.  I felt good.  I hit the Magic Kingdom mile 5ish) feeling awesome, slightly below pace, and happy.  I stopped for my castle pic, and loved the miles through the park.

The ensuing miles were boring, and around mile 7 I felt my bronchitis starting to bother me bit.  I kept looking forward to Animal Kingdom, roughly mile 11, looking for some entertainment.  I saw my husband in a little out and back part of the course and noticed him grimacing a bit.  I hoped he was ok, and continued on.

At this point I was still rocking my pace.  I was noticing some pain in my hip/butt area, and I think the hills in Animal Kingdom really aggravated it.  Leaving the park I was focused on the next destination, ESPN.

Around mile 16 I started putting more walk breaks in to try and get my leg to hurt less.  My pace dropped, but I was still trying really hard to hold on to my PR,but ESPN got the best of me.

I literally squealed for Donald!

I stopped for few pictures, and by the time I came out of the complex I knew my PR hopes were gone.  At times I feel like I looked drunk.  My leg was not quite working right, to the point where I bet I looked drunk at times, and of course mile 20/21 were into a major head wind.

My husband texted me around this time saying he was struggling, and I guess misery loves company, because it made me feel better that I wasn't the only one hating life.  I pushed to get to my favorite parts of the course, Hollywood Studios, through the boardwalk, around the world in Epcot, and to the end. 

Trying to act like I'm not in pain

 At this point my walk breaks were frequent and not just through water stations like they were up until mile 20 or so,

The finish is so close!

but I was able to run across the finish line smiling and giving Minnie Mouse a high five.


While I sat waiting for my husband to finish I felt a rush of disappointment.  I didn't achieve any of my goals.  I felt like I had failed, and I fought to keep the mindset that it is our struggles that make us stronger, better.  This struggle proved that I wouldn't let anything beat me, not bronchitis, not physical pain, not stressful life.

Woooo!  Minnie Mouse!!!!

Now I'm looking to 2017, figuring out some new goals, some new hopes.  I am going to try for a half PR sometime this spring, and I have Chicago in October.  The hubs and I just signed up for Wine and Dine Half again, and we are considering returning to marathon weekend in 2018, both thinking about seeking redemption, and we have the transfer to use from the cancelled half.  Not sure if I want to go for Dopey again, like I did for the inaugural year, or do Goofy,  I am just hoping 2017 brings me a better running year so I can go into whatever race feeling more confident and prepared!

Hot summer training

Well, some how the summer has drifted along and I go back to school in a little over a week.  One week of training and staff only days, then it's bring on the kids!  Yikes!

This summer was very different for me.  First of all I didn't spend it filling out applications and interviewing.  That was a refreshing change after all the interviews I had last year.  I also did not pick up a full time job.  I only coached gymnastics two evenings a week for a total of four hours a week.  It's definitely been nice to have most of two months to myself.  

Now normally when I have extra time I run more, but I'm training with a new coach who has me doing lower mileage than I'm used to doing.  That's been a little weird, but with the rut I was in, I decided to give it a try.  I've been following her training plan almost perfectly- only a few days flopped around and four days of training out of state for school where I just did what I could.  

But my times were not responding.  Why, you might ask.  I'm following a training plan, doing a weekly strength work out, plenty of recovery and relaxation time- yet my times were were way off where I want them to be. 

This summer has really emphasized something I kind of already knew- I'm not a warm weather runner.  I've always known that I like racing in colder weather- I love high 40s at race start!  So this constant high 80s or 90s with a fair amount of humidity has kicked my butt.  I've struggled to hit paces.  While that may not sound hot to some parts of the country, this upstate NY girl hasn't had summers quite like this before.  

So when temps were a TAD cooler last weekend I watched my 5k time drop by 30 seconds in less than a week on what I would consider a harder course.  I also experienced better pacing on a long run the following day.  These things have shown me that my training IS doing something... Even if I can't see it because I'm drowning in sweat.

I will say I have been mental lately, too, in my head and doubting myself.  But last weekend has helped with that too.  I'm seeing that all this work isn't just for nothing, that I can still run decently and I just need to trust my ability.  

I have started hitting the treadmill more

In the last week or two as well.  It's come to struggling in the heat outside, or running where it's a little cooler and actually hitting paces I want, like a tempo run I moved to inside and hit and maintained paces I haven't run in awhile. I know some people claim treadmills are easier and what not, but I put the incline up to 1.5-2% and enjoy the ability to practice pacing.  I usually have good success translating treadmill training to outdoor racing.

This weekend was supposed to be two big races for me.  Originally a cold front was supposed to go through, but the forecast seems to have changed and they are calling for warmer temps and rain (perfect timing since we are in a drought) for both races I'm doing.  We will see how these races go!

This summer girl is ALMOST looking forward to the fall to see what cooler temps will do to my race times, but I'm not quite ready for that yet!

 

Tink 10k and Tink Half!

Life has been so crazy (end of the school year insanity) and today is my first full day of summer vacation, so what better way to start it off than get my delayed race review done?

Tink weekend is definitely one of my favorite race weekends.  I absolutely love the courses, particularly the 10k course.  You spend so much time in the park, vs running down random highways like you do in the world.  I haven't done Tink since 2013, so the start line and course was a little different, but I still enjoyed it.

One thing I love about Tink weekend is being able to walk from the hotel to the race.  No annoying 3am bus rides.  Plus, being from the East, I don't feel like the race is overly early.  The 10k morning started with a chance of rain, and of course it started to pour RIGHT AFTER I checked my gear.  I hid under a tent, trying to wait it out.  Of course I was wearing my new RunDisney Tink shoes, so I was kicking myself as I didn't want to destroy them the first day.  Eventually the rain slowed and I made my way to the start line.

The first mile of the race has some overpasses and such before you enter the parks to loop around, so it's definitely my least favorite part of the race.  And my shoe came untied!  That never happens.  Guess this is why you never wear something new on race day.  I tied it and got back in my groove, entering the backstage area of the park.  Less than a mile later the same shoe came undone again!  I knotted it like four times and hurried along, knowing the PR I was eying had drifted out of reach.

The hubs ended up coming to the race unexpectedly, so he got a pic of my running through Downtown Disney.  I loved how many people were out cheering us along.  

After the race we changed and wandered back to the expo for a bit and then spent the afternoon in California Adventure.  Needless to say, with all the walking, I was not anticipating a half PR.

The staging for the half was much more chaotic than the 10k.  They had a narrow walkway to the start line area lined with not nearly enough portapotties... So you A.) walked into a brick wall of people waiting in line and B.) likely didn't have a chance to get through the lines if you were in a front corral.  I found it very stressful.  I eventually made it to corral A, with little time to spare.

I carried my phone in my hand for the race, which I don't normally do, but I had bought a RooSport pouch to carry my 10k medal in so I'd have it for finish line pictures.  The RooSport worked really well.  I liked how it was magnetic, so no belt, and it didn't move.  Usually I'm messing with my belt every mile or so.  It was also nice to have my phone in my hand because I kept getting text updates about how my husband was doing behind me, which motivated me to run a little faster at times.  

We decided to do the photopass option for the day of the half.  For $40 per day, we were able to link our bibs to the same account and get all our pics from the day.  SO much better than their old system!  Plus, I actually got decent castle shots for once.

I did stop for pictures with Goofy and at the water.  I am not usually a big stopper, but I couldn't resist those two shots and there was no wait.

The roads of Anaheim were a little boring, but I knew the Red Hat Ladies were coming around mile 8.  Talk about an energy boost!  These women are amazing, sitting outside so early and cheering us along- I can't even describe it.  They make you feel awesome, like you are famous or something.

Biggest complaint about the course was where mile 5 and mile 12 ran parallel to each other.  As I was nearing the end I had to dodge walkers from mile 5 who decided to walk in the mile 12 area.  I found that frustrating.  Later, in the results, I also saw that so e women actually ended up cutting the course there and just finishing the race.  Some even supposedly took some of the top places.  RunDisney quickly altered the results, but behavior like this angers me.  If you are going to sign up for a half then TRAIN.  Don't cut the course, parade around in your medal, and live a lie.  This may upset people, but I'm about integrity.  If you can't earn it this time, try again next year.  That's the end of my rant.

For some reason I really struggled in mile 11, but I finished strong, highfiving Mickey at the end.  I then hovered, knowing my husband was only a few minutes behind.  I walked as slow as possible and kept stopping in inconspicuous areas until someone would tell me to keep moving, then I would find another discreet spot to wait in.  He eventually caught up and we got our pic together.  

We got our medals engraved and hung out at the finish area for a bit before heading back to the hotel. That's when I realized I had checked all of my Glass Slipper Medals to do a full pink coast to coast picture.  My husband helped me stage a nice picture, which had many people looking at me funny as I laid In he walkway with medals spread out all around me.  

Tink is definitely a race weekend I can recommend to anyone who can make the trek out to California. I love how it is so much more relaxed than the World races.  Starting from the expo, where there was no extreme chaos or nasty people, to being able to wander leisurely from the hotels to the start and enjoy the race courses.  A few small issues didn't ruin the awesome experience and I hope I can save up enough money to do this race again sometime.

Tink Half Marathon Weekend: getting there and expo!

Being from New York, travelling to California took nearly 12 hours.  We were up at 3-3:30 am on Wednesday morning and didn't arrive in Cali until after 11:00, which would correlate to 2pm our time.  It was a long morning and was quite a relief when we landed at SNA.  We will always try to fly to SNA from now on.  Last time we did LAX, and it was a nightmare trying to get to Anaheim from there.  SNA was an easy airport to get through and an easy drive.

We decided to rent a car as the hubs found a cheap deal online.  We got stuck in a little traffic, which was easy to reroute around, and soon we were at the Tropicana.

We booked there through Jim and Pat Stone (Acclaim Travel) and got a great deal.  It is on South Harbor, pretty much across the street from the pedestrian walkway to Disney.  It's location was ideal- it was a 10-15 minute walk to the downtown area, with a few restaurants around so we didn't have to drive anywhere.  

The rooms were decent for the cost and had a fridge and microwave, a major plus.  There was a nice pool and hot tub area.  There was parking, which you paid a nightly fee for, and if it was full there was valet who helped out, all of whom were very friendly and greeted us whenever we came back.  The only thing I wished it had was a continental breakfast, but that is a small flaw for us.

For the expo I started to hear that people would be getting there around seven AM.  I was shocked.  I was thinking 8 or 8:30, an hour and a half or so before the doors opened, but apparently that would be too late.  I got up around 6:15, did a quick run, then headed over and got there around 7:15.  A bunch of people were already there.

DLand has it right as far as expos.  They took us to the basement of the hotel where they had lines taped down.  I was given an orange wristband and put in the third row.  I sat down and prepared for a long wait, which wasn't too bad as I had some good conversations with people around me.  Around 9 they started moving people.  They took the first two lines upstairs and shifted everyone over.   About 10 minutes later we also went upstairs and joined them in more lines outside of the expo.  When 9:30 hit we went inside and found more lines outside the official merchandise area.  They let a few people in at a time, but we were moving fairly well.  When I got in it was very relaxed in there, unlike the Princess mayhem.  I was able to look over everything and didn't have to rush for everything.  There were no ladies fighting over wineglasses, but sadly there was no Tinkerbell Tervis.  I grabbed capris, the blue jacket, a hoodie for the hubs, the wineglass, a tank, and a water bottle.  Check out was easy, but expensive (thank god for the VISA discount), and I went back downstairs for my bib.

Bib pick up was uncrowded and easy as well.  I was surprised when they put two C2C bands on my wrist.  I had thought I would get my blue one when I return to DWorld for Wine and Dine, but something was up and we got them there.  I took mine then, but plan on bringing it to Wine and Dine because I feel that is where I will have earned it.

ANYWAYS, there was another line for preordered merchandise and that is where I picked up my first preorder jacket that I absolutely LOVE.  Hopefully RunDisney keeps going in this direction and makes nice preorder stuff.

I finally was able to go back upstairs to meet the hubs in the expo area.  He had already paid to get the back of our medals engraved with our times so we just wandered a bit.  We had time to kill because I had randomly signed up for the RunDisney NB virtual que and got 10:30 and 11:00 slots.  My time came late and I went in and tried on the Tink shoes.  I had always loved them and had heard this might be the last chance for them.  I ended up liking the feel of them and bought them.  The hubs passed when he tried on.  He liked the Mickey shoes, but they were too supportive for him.

After that we found the RunDisney beer cups that a bartender had and both enjoyed a Pixie Hollow drink.  The hubs was happy because he had gotten a few at our last few DWorld races and was hoping to get a Dland one.  It was nice to sit on a comfy couch, put my feet up, and actually enjoy a relaxing moment at an expo.  So different from the insanity at Princess, where we rushed out after getting through the merchandise lines because it was just so frustrating.

One week freak out

I used to always question football players when I heard they weren't playing due to turf toe.  Really?  You're making mega bucks and can't play because of a TOE? Toughen up, Buttercup!  

Cue the big toe pain...

I don't know what happened. 

I finished the Flower City Half feeling good.  Confident for Tink weekend.  I did 1 mile Monday and Tuesday to keep my streak alive and 2 on Wednesday.  I was noticing a little soreness in my left big toe, but didn't think much of it.

Yesterday it was still sore, but jumped on the treadmill and ROCKED a short tempo run.  I mean, it was the kind of run where I was flying high and felt like I owned the world.  Epic music played as I finished the run and people cheered for its greatness.

Then my night went on.  Slowly I noticed more and more pain in my toe.  I went to bed thinking that staying off of it over night would make me better, but this morning it still hurt.  Just random motions, and very generalized.  I couldn't pinpoint what hurt.  A day on my feet at school teaching didn't help, though when I got home I was at least able to point to two painful regions.  The top of my toe, one that seemed to run the top tendon, and the ball of the foot immediately under the toe.

Now tonight was supposed to be my last 10 miler before race weekend.  It's killing me not to do it.  Especially after my day at school.  Running is my stress release when my students suffer from justendtgeschoolyearalready-itis. 

 I did 1.5 miles on the treadmill and stopped to play it safe.  I hate doing the "right" grown up thing.  I wanted to continue plodding on.  Honestly, it's not overly painful running, but afterwards it hurts like a beast.  I must say, I apologize to all football players who I ever judged for not playing with turf toe.  

Now Pixie Dust Challenge starts in about one week.  I was planning on racing the 10k hard and the half moderately, with my goal half two weeks after that.  Now I'm worried about being able to run, let alone race.  So I guess for now I'll suck it up and do the right thing, taking it easy and icing and such.  Just hoping my stupid toe will be cooperative next week 😡.

The Flower City Challenge

So the Flower City Challenge in Rochester, NY has come and gone.  I had a great time, but it was definitely challenging!  My first du ended up being harder than I thought and that made the half a little more tiring!  Overall I had a great weekend, it was such a well run race, and I highly recommend it!

The Expo

We went to packet pick up Friday night.  It was in a Fleetfeet store in Rochester.  It was neat because they have multiple rooms, so they were still able to set up a small expo in one room.  There were several vendors, some free samples of GU, and some nice volunteers to help you get your bib and shirts.  They also had some race merchandise, but it was pretty limited in sizes when we got there, so I didn't buy anything.

Day One: The Du

5k run 20 mile bike 5k run

I was very anxious for this race.  Since it was my first I didn't really like not being used to prepping a transition and being so new to the logistics.  Of course it was easy.  The hubs and I snagged a spot towards the one end and set up camp.  As I'm such a newbie, I really had nothing to set up, which took some stress off.

The race started across the streets and guys and girls started separately so I started before the hubs, which meant we raced alone.  I started fast, but the legs felt heavy, so I toned it down.  It was a nice route along the river and my watch had it a little shorter than a 5k, but I was near the front as far as female competitors and was feeling optimistic.

Then I got on my bike.

I don't have a road bike and this race showed me how much harder it is for hybrid bikes out there.  Everyone was flying by me on the course.  I'll admit I was rather under trained, but even at the beginning I knew it was going to be rough.  Then I hit the hills.  

Having trained on flat ground, a few colorful words may have escaped my mouth during some of the climbs.  I would watch people fly by on their nice bikes while I just prayed to get to the top.    

It probably doesn't look too bad, especially if you are a seasoned cyclist, but I swore to someone I'd rather run those hills than bike any day.  

After the bike I was definitely near the back of the pack and it was so cold my feet were numb.  As I started running I felt like a pirate on peg legs, like I was stumping along.  It took nearly two miles to warm up.  I focused on just trying to pick people off and successfully passed some as we went back around the river.  I was so happy crossing the finish line.  They announced that I was going to do the half as I crossed the line, which I thought was a nice touch.

I ended up placing by default, with only two in my age group, and we received nice beer steins with the race logo.  Once I got the award we left, we were both so cold and exhausted from the race.

We kept our bikes up in our hotel room.  It was quite interesting getting them from the parking garage, up some stairs, on the elevator, and to our room on the eleventh floor.  

Our hotel was only a few minutes from the du by car and a five minute walk to the half start, so it was a great location.  Plus it had some spectacular views!

Day Two: The Half Marathon

I love this half.  The volunteers are always super supportive, and it starts next to an arena, so you can hide from the cold and use the restrooms up to pretty close to the start of the race.

This year it was crisp and sunny, perfect running weather.  The sun made it feel so much better than the day before.

I lined up with the 2:00 pacer.  It felt weird.  I'm used to running farther up, but as I was using this as my final long run before Tink and my legs were already tired, I was trying to hold back.  I also didn't run with my water belt- the first half in a long time that I didn't use it.  I walked through water stations, accidentally taking the GU water (which was yummy) a few times.  

The course is nice, lots to look at, and they have neighborhood spirit competitions so there are a lot of spectators out cheering you on.  It gets hilly in the middle, which I wanted since we don't have loads of hills around my house.

At the 8 or so mile mark you get to the Mt Hope cemetery, which is really pretty.  

Shortly after you leave the cemetery you see this.  It made me happy.

You then hit up some bike path until you return to the streets, being greeted by lots of spectators and finishing right near where you started.

They had some chiropractors, pizza and other food, and some merchandise inside the arena.  I took advantage of the chiropractors, who were really nice and thorough, despite all the people.  

The Flower City Challenge is really a great race.  It's well run with awesome volunteers on the courses, great medals and shirts, and a positive and inciting atmosphere all the way though.  I recommend either race!