Losing the Fun Run

       

I read an article by Jen Van Allen in the October 2011 issue of Running Times Magazine.  It was absolutely perfect in regards to what I’ve been feeling lately.  The gist of it is, don’t lose the point of why you run and run for yourself, not for others. 

When we begin to get faster and start receiving awards for our running achievements, sometimes perspective is lost.  We want more.   Then we begin to get scared because we have to work harder, time is not on our side with each added year, we begin to hear the expectations of others when we enter a race.   That’s when we might push a bit too hard and the race is not fun. 

I was terrified when I entered my first 5K over 8 years ago.  I was also very lucky because I ran without pushing myself and got third in that very first race.  Yes, I started later in life so I had an age group advantage, especially since I’ve always been active and healthy, free from injury.  But I had never, EVER won anything athletically before.  It was new to me and it felt great.  What more could I do?! 

Over the years I entered more races but still enjoyed the run while placing in the top 4 or 5 of my age group.  I’m not sure when it hit, maybe that first marathon.  I remember coach saying, “You came to me asking for a program so you could JUST finish 26.2 miles.  Now you are setting time goals.  Let’s keep the focus on simply completing your first marathon. You’ll do great.”   I did do great. I qualified for Boston in my first marathon and I didn’t struggle, hit “the wall”, “bonk”, or any of those horrible scenarios others go through while struggling with marathon miles.  It was fun and I wanted more, but I wanted faster.

I ran Boston six months later, only 23 seconds off from my first marathon.  It was a little more difficult in the last 4 to 5 miles but nothing to really complain about.  I still wanted MORE.  Gosh! How would it feel to finish in the top 100 women?!

As I ran the races this year,  2011, I tried to PR every time and it finally bit me big time.  I struggled through the last couple of half marathons basically back to the pace times I ran in my first half marathons.  So now what?   Now I’m going to do what Jen Van Allen has done and run just for fun.  I won’t toss my bib or chip away like she did. But I won’t focus on my pace, my time, or being in the awards.  I’m going to run for enjoyment. 

I’m a middle of the road runner. I’m not elite status and I will never break a 3 hour marathon, darn it all, I probably won’t even break a 3:30 marathon but I will keep running towards the finish and be proud of my achievements. Proud that I can be out there running with the pack.

If you get the chance, read Jen’s story.  I wish I could link to it, but couldn’t find the link other than the magazine site. 

What’s your story?  Do you still run for fun or are you beginning to set some time goals?

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The ARC Half Marathon 2011

It wasn't what I wanted but I do have to be pleased with myself because I didn't quit.  This half marathon could have very easily been my first DNF.

The day started with a hiccup. I forgot my banana and energy bar which is my pre half marathon ritual food.  I would have to make do with Hammer Gels to fuel my run.  Hammer Nutrition always comes through for me so I wasn't too upset about it. Solid food would have been nice though. 

We got to the Long Branch Park and I felt good but anxious.  The voices of all the people on the grounds were making me nervous.  I sat in the car thinking, "I don't want to run this race."  An argument within me ensued:  "But you were so psyched for this race."  "You want to PR and get a good time for NY City 2012".  "I could back out."  The never, ever quit part of me won out and I walked to the starting line.

I started fast and felt good. Something happened three quarter ways into that first mile.  I was stricken with severe stomach cramps.  I thought of taking off my bib and turning back towards the start.  I thought of diving into long, concealing bushes or off on one of the side streets.  I then thought of a blogger who had severe cramps but continued on and the discomfort went away.  I would continue on.  I wouldn't quit. If things got unbearably bad, I would end it when the course looped back on itself around the 6 1/2 to 7 mile point, near the start.

When I reached 6 miles, the cramping had subsided but I was uncomfortable.  I just wanted to stop, to end this race.  I continued on.

At the 9 mile point, I saw my husband, he took a photo

Seeing friends and family always helps to give me a push.  Unfortunately, the surge of energy from seeing Ted on this day only lasted about half a mile.  Still, I continued on.

I walked four times during this race.  I never walk.  I stopped through three of the water stops.  I never stop, but during this race, they had plastic, not paper cups.  I wasn't able to pinch the cup together so as not to spill all over myself.  Stopping was mandatory.  I wanted to quit ... the entire....13.1 .....miles!  I soldiered on.

At 12 miles, I knew I could do it.  I could push through.  The final .1 mile, I had enough left in me to sprint across the finish line.  The clock showed no where near my goal of 1:44, but it WAS a finish.

Time:  1:47:56, 8:14 pace,  109th out of 438 finishers.  25th female of 221 females.  4th in my age group. 
Split times:

• 7.33
• 8:04
• 7:50
• 7:30
• 8:02
• 8:14
• 8:05
• 8:39
• 8:46
• 8:21
• 8:57
• 8:37
• 8:12

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Just Try Again

After reviewing the week preceding my last half marathon, I knew I had sabotaged my performance.

1. I paid no attention to my nutrition, even had wine the evening before the race.
2. I took the course for granted assuming it would be flat and unchallenging.
3. I took my training for granted.  Since 16 to 18 milers had been run prior to my half marathon, it was in my mind that I could easily accomplish 13.1. 
4. There was no taper in my schedule. In fact, a 32 mile bike ride, a 5K race (even though it was slow) and a full 12 hour day on my feet a day prior to the race was just plain STUPIDITY.

Instead of sitting around wondering what COULD have been, I signed up for another Half Marathon and will set myself up right. The race is Saturday, September 10th:  ARC Race 2011.  The course is certified by the USATF and it's in support of people with developmental disabilities. 

My training week:
Monday:  8 mile run with 2 minute x 9 Fartleks.  15 minutes warm up and a 30 minute cool down.
Tuesday:  7 mile run.  4 miles running at 10K pace and 3 minutes easy to finish.
Wednesday:  4 1/2 miles. 35 minutes of building up from an easy pace to a 5K pace.
Thursday:  6 mile run.  Minimum of 30 minutes in between 5K and 10K pace. Finish at an easy but working pace.
Friday:  OFF
Saturday at 9AM = Truth will tell.

Nutrition: 
Clean, low fat diet.
Breakfast: Oatmeal and fresh fruit start each day coupled with a whey isolate protein shake.
Snack foods are plain, Greek yogurt with 1 TBS raisins and 1 TBS almonds or mixed nuts.  In the morning, a Hammer Nutrition Bar.
Lunch: A large fresh green salad with carrots and hummus, beans or sweet potato for carbohydrates, and tuna, salmon, or vegetarian patties for protein.
Dinner: One 4 oz serving of fish or vegetarian protein coupled with cooked vegetables.
For exercise supplements, I take Hammer Gels. 

They taste clean and light. I will begin each run with either Hammer Perpetuem or Sustained Energy.  *The liquids are easy to digest when exercising so early in the morning.

The plan is in place. I won't do anything to jeopardize my race.  If I don't achieve my goal time, I will  need to adjust training paces for the up coming marathon in November.  Why?  Because if a person trains at paces too fast for their ability, they set themselves up for injury.  There is a difference between pushing your self and fooling yourself.  It's not giving up, it's being smart.

Check back to see the results after the race and... wish me luck!

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