Rock n Roll Madrid, Spain 1/2 Marathon Recap

Posted by hellyontherun in Half Marathon, Race, Running and tagged with Half Marathon, Maraton, Memories, Race, Racing Abroad, Rock n Roll Marathon, Runcation, Running, Spain May 6, 2014

What a week!

I’m so happy to be back in the states! Traveling is so much fun but there truly is no place like home 🙂

We left on Friday afternoon catching a 12:30 flight from Phoenix to Dallas, TX. From Dallas, we flew out at around 6 p.m. to Madrid, Spain where we arrived at 10:30 Saturday morning (1:30 a.m. Phoenix time). From the airport we took a taxi to our hotel in downtown Madrid.

My husband and I speak Spanish fluently so we were able to communicate with our driver easily and sparked up a good convo with him. He was actually a runner! He asked us what our times were and when we answered, immediately told us we had a lot of work to do–his 1/2 marathon PR was 1:25!!

When we arrived at our hotel, we dropped off our luggage and headed out to find the Expo. After consulting a map, it seemed like taking the Metro was the way to go. My first Metro experience!

The Expo was a happening place and we had to wait in line for about an hour to get inside. Once we did, it was easy to get our bib and race goodies.

I learned that their size medium is actually a U.S. small lol

We hung out for a little bit but we were starving so we headed back to our hotel. We ate at a restaurant nearby and then walked around downtown for a couple of hours before we decided to head back to our room and get a good nights rest. We hadn’t really slept since the night before!

We managed to immediately crash as we were pretty exhausted and woke up around 6. The race started at 9 a.m. so we had plenty of time to get ready and walk the mile to the start line. When we got there, we noticed how there wasn’t a whole lot happening and wondered where all the people were at. We walked around for a while and then decided to drop off our bag at gear check. We looked at our map and realized it was about another mile away near the finish line! We immediately bolted towards it–it wasn’t an easy warm-up run either with hills along the way. (A preview of what awaited us). When we got there, we saw that this was where everyone was at; gear check was packed! We hurried, dropped it off, and headed back–it was getting close to go time.

A quick pic before the race 🙂

My husband was in Corral 2 and I was in Corral 4. I hung out with him for a little while but then headed to my corral with about 10 minutes to go.

The vibe was really energetic. There were people everywhere! We heard the announcer start to count down and then the elites were off! It wasn’t too long after that it was our turn (It turned out that once they said “Go!” all corrals went. There weren’t actual wave starts). So with “Highway to Hell” blasting from the speakers, I began to run.

It was the typical crowded start. I tried navigating my way around people but we were pretty elbow to elbow. I hoped it’d dissipate after a while but it never really did. At mile 3, I was still bumper to bumper with people and knew that any chance of PRing was out of the question. It wouldn’t have happened any way because the course was H-I-L-L-Y.

Side note: There were no port-a-pottys. I mean, there were some at the start line but none throughout the race. Within the first mile, I saw a ton of guys just stop along the side and hang out with trees. It was crazy!

Moving on. Once I decided this was going to be a race that would challenge my hill limits, I set my focus on maintaining a decent pace. I wanted to stay in the 10:00 minute and under range and was able to do that with the exception of one 10:27 hilly mile.

I slowed at each water station and was surprised by something else. They gave out bottles of water instead of water cups. I saw hundreds of people take one swig from the bottle and then toss it. 😦 It made me so sad to see all of it go to waste. When I got to the Powerade station same thing. 😦

At mile 8, the full marathoners separated from the halfs and it was only then that you had room to maneuver around people. Of course by that time I was too exhausted to even make an attempt lol! (Although I did muster up a 9:00 minute 11 miler.)

My new goal was to finish under 2:15 and I could tell that I was well on my way to do so, so I changed my goal to under 2:10. This would take some major mental strength but at mile 12 I knew that I had I gotten it.

I wanted to finish strong so the last half mile I picked up my pace to surge the last bit. Almost immediately, I felt my calves clench and felt intense pain shoot up my legs. It almost made me stop dead in my tracks but I told myself that I was SO close–the finish line was just right there! I forced myself to keep going and I did, grimacing the entire way. I knew that finish line photo wasn’t going to be pretty.

I crossed the line with a frozen smile at 2:08:26. I was incredibly happy with my overall time and pace (9:43) considering the race had started at 9 a.m. (midnight back home) and it being a tougher course than what I was used to. I met up with my husband and he did awesome finishing better than what he expected.

I was so exhausted the only thing I wanted to do was lay down. So I did. For like 30 minutes.

This was only Day 2 of my trip and it was already such an incredible experience. Getting to run a race in a different country was something I only dreamed of doing and it had become a reality. I loved every minute of it. I loved that it was hard. I loved that so much about it was different than what I was used to. I loved that I got to share the experience with my husband. And I love that this will be a memory that will absolutely last a lifetime.

I’ll be recapping the rest of the trip in the next few days 🙂

–Have you ran a race in a different country than you live?

–If not, if you could choose anywhere in the world, where would you like to run a race?

–What’s the randomest/grossest/weirdest thing you’ve seen during a race? (Those guys peeing along the course was just crazy to me lol!)

A Family 5k Affair {Recap}

Posted by hellyontherun in 5k, Family, Fitness, Race, Running and tagged with 5k, Family, PR, Race, Rain, Running April 1, 2014

I’m back and boy does it feel good to be home.

I don’t get to visit my mom, sister or brother often. Most of the time, they trek out here to Arizona–I mean, who goes to the cold when you can come to the warm beautiful weather here in Arizona?? Ja! Anyway, it was nice to go there for a change and see them in their element.

The morning after we got there, my sister (who we stayed with) took me to her gym for one of her regular group classes she takes. I’m not much of a class taker but more of a solo workout gal. I don’t mind them and like them when I do do them but it’s not something I would choose over going for a run by myself.

Anyway, this class was a strength and stability class which I though was perfect. If you remember a way earlier post where I shared my sister’s story, she doesn’t have full feeling in the left side of her body. She likes this class because it helps her balance and helps build strength using her own body. Let me tell you, this was not an easy class. It was 60 minutes of non-stop work and I was winded a third of they way through. I loved seeing my sister in action though and would often just look at her go through the movements. I don’t think she’ll ever fully know how much I admire her strength and how much I look up to her. She’s so amazing.

We had our 5k on Saturday and one thing my sister told me was that Ohio weather is schizophrenic. Thursday when we went to her gym, it was cloudy and sprinkling. Friday was absolutely beautiful. Cold but sunny. Saturday was a full out pouring rain and cold festival. I felt so bad having coerced my brother and sister (and my husband) to sign up for the race. They were all-in though, and we bundled up in my sister’s car and headed over.

The race was an out and back inside a mall parking lot. We were worried about slipping on the asphalt with all the rain but decided we’d go ahead and just take it easy making sure we were careful.

Everyone waited inside the mall’s food court until go-time as to avoid getting drenched–it was inevitable. With about a two minutes til the start, a volunteer began ushering us outside. My husband and I are got as close to the front as possible to hopefully avoid the crowds that typically gather at the beginning. My brother and sister were in the middle.

We all had mini goals with the 5k but nothing we’d be upset not reaching–my husband and I always hope to PR (but we weren’t expecting to with the inclement weather), my brother hoped to finish in around the 45 minute mark and my sister’s goal is always to finish strong.

The announcer let out the go signal and we were off!

It was raining right from the get-go and I was so glad I had decided last minute to wear a hat. I could feel the water start to seep inside my shoes as I ran. I tried to avoid the puddles that gather in parking lots but it’s pretty unavoidable. My shoes eventually filled with water but I just ran anyway.

My watch never picked up signal; I figured the weather had something to do with it. I was kind of glad in a way. I wouldn’t be concerned with my time and could just run at what felt like a good pace to me naturally.

When I reached the mile mark, I saw my husband already heading back and yelled out a “Great job!” but he was in focused mode. I kept going and finally it was my turn to head back. On my way, I saw my sister and we waved. She was doing awesome. Not too far behind her, I saw my brother! He was running! He saw me and we high-fived–I seriously got teary eyed with pride. I was so happy seeing him do something challenging and rocking at it. And with a smile on his face!! (As if he’d do anything differently–he’s such a good natured guy.)

Focused, I picked up my pace knowing I was getting close to the end. We turned a corner and started up the last up hill towards the finish. I could see the time ticking on the big clock and saw the first two numbers: 24. What?? Yes!!! I was going to get my sub 25!!! I hustled the last bit and saw 24:20 over my head as I crossed (my official time ended up being 24:18). I was so happy and in complete shock because it was definitely an uncomfortable run. Nonetheless, I was ecstatic and felt like having continued to run and train and be committed has helped me prepare for times like this when things aren’t always working in your favor. You can still succeed 🙂

As soon as I crossed, I went inside the mall to dry off. I was 100% soaked. I met my husband and asked how he did–a new PR for him too–21:49!

After doing as much as we could, we went back out and I went to the finish to wait for my sister. I could see her coming up hill and cheered her on to the finish. We immediately turned around and headed back to look for our brother. We were about to jump over a divider when we saw him turn the corner towards the finish! Holy smokes, he was killing it! We ran back and yelled the entire last point one. He had the biggest grin when he saw us and he pushed it to the very end finishing in 35:10. Ten minutes better than what he had expected! He. Did. Awesome.

My brother on the run

As soon as it was over, he gave us a big hug and told us that he’d had fun 🙂 It was hard but that he felt like he pushed himself. Oh my goodness, I was just so, so happy.

A few minutes later, my happiness increased when I realized BOTH my husband and I had placed! He placed third in his age group and I placed second in mine–our first double placement 😀

It was such a fun race despite the horrible weather. On the way home, my brother was even talking to my sister about potential 5Ks in the future! Looks like the bug bit!

Our after pic 🙂

–Have you ran with soaked shoes before?

–Would you rather run in snow or rain? (We were told we were lucky it wasn’t snowing lol!)

Lost Dutchman 10k Race Recap

Posted by hellyontherun in 10k, Giveaway, Race, Running and tagged with 10K, Arizona, Lost Dutchman, Marathon Training, Mental Game, Race, Running, Third Place February 18, 2014

This race had been on my list for quite some time as I’ve always heard people rave about it. The race has uh-mazing views and an awesome atmosphere. The story behind it is that it’s the rumored site of the legendary Lost Dutchman Gold Mine. Pre-race, there’s a campfire and racers get together and chat. I didn’t make it to that but I did get there pretty early. It’s a bit of a hike from where I live, about 30 minutes, but you’re driving to mountain views and that’s what you’re looking at when you run : )

Morning View
Photo by: M. Kerschbaum

Photo by: M. Kerschbaum

I arrived about an hour early than my start time. Quite a few members of my run club were set to run the 1/2 marathon which started before my 10k and I wanted to cheer them on.

After they were off, I was on my own and I just hung out and stretched. As go time neared, I made my wait to the corrals–there were no official set corrals, you kinda just chose your minute pace and hung out in that area. I was in the 8 minute corral when I found a friend–she’s the one that took those awesome pics ^. We talked all the way up to when they shot the gun; I had completely forgotten about the race because I was so caught up in catching up with her! lol!

Once I realized I had to get a move on, I started my Garmin and off I went. I had in my mind an 8:30 pace and wanted to try my hardest to maintain it. As I turned the first corner, I was met by Mr. Hill. Yep, a hill at the very beginning of the race. Of course I had looked at the race map but it’s still different when you see the hill in person. The race description read slight uphill the first half with a slight downhill the second. It was an out and back course which I actually like since that’s what I had trained doing.

Anyway, I battled that hill and then turned the second corner. Ahhh, once you turned that corner you were met with such a beautiful view. This is what you were running towards:

Source

It truly was such a gorgeous thing to look at. It was about a mile and a half of running towards that and then you had one last turn which led you to the turn around.

As I was approaching mile two, I hadn’t yet reached mile two, I already saw the first runner running back!! He was just hauling it! I could hear people around me murmur, “Wow!” “No way!” All I could muster was a shake of my head.

I kept going and was feeling okay. I could feel the uphill and knew this wasn’t going to be my best run. I definitely need to work more hills in my training. I didn’t feel like I was doing horribly; I felt good with my pace. I was getting closer to the turn around spot and could see people already coming from the other direction. I started counting off the women as they passed and then stopped at 15. I knew at my pace I wasn’t getting any overall awards but I was still crossing my fingers for an age group, but, after seeing so many girls pass me, I started to let that go.

I reached the spot and turn the other direction. I started to see a few of my run club friends running towards the turn and we high fived. I love high fives : ) I also saw my starting line buddy and we shared a high five too.

I was hearing my Garmin beep the miles and my splits were all over the place. There was zero consistency in my pace and I was started to feel that in my body as I ran. I was just so tired. I started to think about how nice my bed sounded, how nice it’d be to stop and drink some cold water, how nice just not doing this sounded like. I even started to think about how I was looking forward to being done with training. It’s amazing what fatigue and struggle does to the mind.

Towards the back end of the race, you run through a “brick wall” where there are photogs. It makes for a pretty cool picture.

Source

It was around this time I started to fall apart. Mile 5 was my worst mile at 8:47. I was just so tired. I was getting close to that downhill (where it was uphill at the very beginning) and I just let my body roll with it.

I turned the corner to start running towards the finish line and I told myself to finish strong. The last .2 I wanted to give whatever I had left. I crossed and stopped my Garmin at 53:01. I hoped to finish under that and crossed my fingers my official time would be a high 52 minuter. Either way, I saw my average pace was 8:32 and I was so happy!! For me that was a win since that was my goal. It didn’t feel like my best race but I was pleased nonetheless.

I made my way to my run club’s tent and saw that the screens with the rolling times were close by. I walked towards them and began looking for my name. Then I saw it: 52:57. YES!! I got it under 53 : ) Then I saw something else. THIRD PLACE in my age group!! I was in complete and total shock and disbelief. I seriously thought I had no chance considering how I felt during the race. I immediately called my husband and told him the news..

YAY!!

I’m so happy with how that race turned out. I had such negative thoughts as I was running and to still do well surprised me. I know that I need to work on my mental strength and add that to my training. It’s so easy to make sure you’re doing speed drills, tempo runs, hill work, that you eat right, get enough sleep, etc. etc. but it’s also so important to believe in yourself. That mental tug-of-war can trump any hard training you’ve done if you let it. I don’t want it to. Especially during my next race: My first marathon!!

–How do you deal with mental struggles during a race?

Don’t forget, the runningluv giveaway is still happening!! Click here to enter. The contest ends at midnight and tomorrow, a winner is announced!!