Tag Archives: Athlinks

2018 3TV Phoenix 10k

Posted by hellyontherun in 10k, Race, Running and tagged with , , , , ,

This was my first time participating in Phoenix’s longest running 10k so I was super excited to cross it off my list.

The course is great–flat, fast, and PR friendly. And yep, I certainly benefitted from it finishing in 45:41, over a minute and thirty seconds improvement from my last 10k two years ago!

Thank you, Athlinks!

I was ecstatic, obviously, to PR and meet my time goal (which was 45:xx), PRs getting harder to snag and all. But, I have to admit that I was disappointed in my execution.

Oh, Helly….

The plan was to start at or around 7:25 and try to progress from there, but yeah, that didn’t happen. Of course, like most people say when they start out too fast, it felt good at the time, lol! And honestly, I didn’t look at my watch so I didn’t really know how fast I was going until the mile split rang. I knew 6:54 for a first mile was ridiculous, and I did try to slow down, and felt like I did–only to see mile two ring in at 7:01.

I knew I was in trouble then.

It never crossed my mind that perhaps I could maintain that pace. I knew I would slow down and I wanted to try my hardest to soften the damage, PR still in mind.

And sure enough, miles 3 and 4 were a struggle but nothing compared to miles 5 and 6 where I felt like I was running with sand bags for legs. I kept trying to surge, maintain frame, and not fully lose control. But it was hard.

When I turned the final corner (there were a lot of them), I saw the clock and saw that 45 was still there. I ran with whatever was left in me to squeeze in. And I did it!! Some how, some way I managed to not completely fall apart! #WIN

So while I am happy I met the 45:xx, 7:15 avg pace goal I had, I am a teensy bummed it was so ugly, lol! And not even pretty ugly–you know what I mean? I know the rules, I know better, so it’s hard for me to even say this is a lesson learned because I. already. know. this. lesson.

My husband, gosh I love him, told me, “Hey, if you reverse the miles and go backwards, you would’ve loved the splits!”

Which is true–so in my mind from now on, I’ll read the splits in reverse. Ha!

And yes, I will still gladly accept my new 10k PR, Athlinks! ❤

PR!!!!

–Have you gotten an ugly PR?

–Do you suffer from starting-out-too-fast syndrome?

Athlinks sponsored the 10k for me but I assure you, all thoughts and opinions and ugly splits are my own.

 

How Starting a New Job is Like Starting a New Training Plan

Posted by hellyontherun in 10k, Running and tagged with , , , , , , , , , ,

In my last post from a time long ago, I shared the exciting news that I am now a full-time realtor #yay! The past few weeks have found me immersed in all things real estate; it reminded of how I get when I start a new training plan.

When you start a new training plan:

…you write each workout on a calendar
…and cross off each day as you complete it
…you analyze each workout and have no doubts you’ll be able to nail it #igotthis
…you look at each week’s mileage and question if it’s not enough
…you buy new workout clothes because, well, it’s a new training cycle
…every run is exciting because you’ve. got. goals.

Similarly, when you get a new job:

…you start using the fancy calendar in your phone to track your meetings
…and promptly fill it up with events because you need to be at all the things
…you get motivated by all the new, cool stuff you’re learning
…you look at your daily tasks list and triumphantly cross things off as you do them
…you buy new work clothes because you’re #adulting
…every challenge is exciting because you’ve. got. goals.

All this lasts for about a month, right? And then…..

…the novelty wears off and all you really feel is TIRED.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m having a blast learning new things and getting the hang of real estate, but I def feel like this past month has been a bit of a blur. Things are finally beginning to settle down and I’m establishing more of a routine, which is super important to me because I thrive on structure. It’s been tough trying to manage my workouts to fit with my work schedule though, and I’ve had to move things around A LOT, but I’m proud that for the most part, I’ve only been moving and not skipping them.

Summer training was difficult, and now that fall has officially arrived and the weather has at long last shown us good temps, I’ve been able to get some more consistent running in. Of course, all the while, doing this new job thing, lol!!

I’ve got work goals, and I’ve got running goals.

Originally, I had decided to drop out of 3TV Half Marathon, but I’m feeling better about giving a race a shot. So, I’ve decided to give it a go at the 10k! I don’t remember the last time I’ve raced a 10k and I have a feeling it’s going to be painful, but I’m excited that I’m finally excited. I have a goal in mind for this race. You’ll know what it is if I hit it, LOL!! But really, I’m mostly curious to see where I’m at and have a better of idea of my fitness going into Boston Marathon training #omg.

That’s pretty much what’s up in my world. I had a friend the other day (who follows both my work and running Instagram) message me asking how I fit it all in.

One word: Caffeine

Lots of it. And in different forms. I like to go to the three C’s–Coke, Coffee, and Chocolate

Well thanks for catching up! I renewed this blog thing for another year so hopefully you’ll stick around ❤

xoxo,

helly

–Do you get excited about starting a new job and/or training plan? Do you think they’re similar in ways?

–What is your caffeine preference, if any? (If none, HOW??!!)

Pepsi=Ew

 

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When in doubt, race it out

Posted by hellyontherun in 5k, Race, Running and tagged with , , , , , ,

Hiiiii!!!!

Well, I certainly relished my post-marathon BQ recovery, lol!! It was a nice rest, but at the same time my lack of running was because …I was a little sad…

I know, you’re probably thinking: Helly–what the hell?! YOU BOSTON QUALIFIED!!!

3:29:33 BQ — Hells to the yeah!!

But the post-marathon blues are for real, my friends. I had worked for this goal for a long time and now … nothing.

Of course, I knew I needed to rest after my big race. Yet, even after a couple of weeks of no running, getting back into the swing of things was rough. I’m big on plans, routine, consistency…and because I didn’t have anything to work towards, running for fun took a lot of effort.

I truly enjoy the training process. That, for me, is fun.

The post-marathon blues hit its peak two weekends ago when I was supposed to pace 2:00 at Phoenix’s Pride Run Half Marathon. I went to packet pick-up excited, thinking maybe this is what I needed to get back into the groove of things.

But because I had done very little running up to that point, I was really nervous. The night before, I half heartedly set out my gear on the kitchen table. When my alarm went off early the next morning, I wondered why…

I was out the door just after 5 a.m. (it was a super early start time of 6:30)–plenty of time for the drive to the race. But as I was going along the freeway mentally checking off the list, I realized I’d forgotten my bib on the kitchen table!! I had snagged the pace stick that was right next to it, but not the bib!! I debated going back or continuing to the race and seeing if I could find the race director or someone to help me. I finally decided to turn back thinking I’d banked enough time by having left early….I underestimated traffic and closures in downtown Phoenix however, and when I was close to the start, I wasn’t close enough with no parking around. I parked somewhere, anywhere (likely illegal) and thought maybe I could run to the start–but a mile in, I had no idea where I was…or where the start was…I walked back to my car, defeated, knowing I was about to DNS and let the race director and everyone else down.

—————————

 

I sulked for the next couple of days, wondering how I could get myself out of this funk I was in. I had another race, a 5k, the following weekend–one in which last year I PR’d. I knew that with my lack of running, bettering last year’s time was out of the question.

But it’s such a great race, and for such a great cause. The Diamondbacks Race Against Cancer is a 5k my two friends from high school promote in memory of their daughter who passed away from DIPG, a very rare form of cancer that currently has no cure. She would be the same age as my daughter.

So even if a PR was unlikely, I knew this race would be one that could lift my spirits up–I was running for Gianna.

Saturday found me with some of my Moms Run This Town friends and I was happy to have some of my favorite people around. I was excited, regardless of what the outcome might be. Ashley, my BQ training buddy was with me, and I knew I would try to hang on to her as long as I could. Unlike me, she had been running and was in much better post-marathon/post-BQ shape (having won a 5 miler the week before!). I knew I wouldn’t be able to hang on for long, but I loved having her there to push me.

Me and Ash twinning in red

 

And we were off!! I wasn’t sure what pace I would hold and went in with zero plan. I knew that I’d pretty much positive split the race and didn’t care. It felt good feeling the racing rush, the racing pain.

First mile– 6:51. Yeeah, whoa. No.

Second mile–7:04. I said good-bye to Ashley as she went on with her speedy self…

Third mile–7:13. I knew I had a PR chance if I pushed on this last mile and it took every ounce of will power to do it. I thought of Gianna’s parents–whose strength I admire so much. I hugged them at the start, but couldn’t bring myself to say anything…

Point one–6:01. A girl sped passed me just after the third mile and I had her within reach nearing the finish line. I knew I had a little left in me so I surged right passed her telling myself to make it hurt…

My last second surge somehow made it on T.V.

I couldn’t believe I PR’d!!! You know how people say they didn’t expect to do well in a race and you’re like…yeah right…

Well, honest to goodness, I had NO idea I’d be able to pull this off!! But beyond having beat last year’s time, I’m happy to feel again those feelings that make me want to run.

Last year and this year

Sometimes you need a race with ZERO expectations, and bunch of awesome friends, to get you back on your feet ❤

We all ran away with a PR!!

 

–Have you experienced the post-race blues?

–Is it easy for you to run with no training plan?

–How do you get yourself out of a running funk?

–Ever unexpectedly PR?

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