How time flies

It is that time again. Time to stop goofing off and get back to business. Training time has begun once again. Officially training for the OKC Memorial half. Also running the first leg in my family's relay. Mark is looking to possibly pick up a leg this year. Mom will be running one of the 5k spots, Haley is doing a 10k, and C.J. is gonna run the 12k. Best of luck to us all! We are officially keeping track of our training so we can all be held accountable.

My goal is to run in under 2 hours again. Wish me luck!!

Update Time

It is time to make more updates! I ran in the Spirit of Survival Holy Half-Marathon. What an interesting run. I am positive that I ran uphill the whole time both ways (it was an out and back). There were some really big hills with several of them being at a gradual incline. So, not only did you have to run up a hill, you had to run up a hill that covered what seemed like miles of road. And when you weren't running up a hill you were running on a banked turn so in theory you were still running on an incline. The atmosphere of the race was nice. There were only about 300 people that ran the race. It was nice and small. No elbowing my way through a crowd. Everyone had plenty of room to spread out and run. The one major complaint I had was that traffic was still allowed on the road we were running on. So, periodically we would all have to switch to either the right or left lane to allow traffic through. I really wish they would have rerouted them. The temp was in the low 50s and it was a constant drizzle throughout the race. At one point we ran past Mt. Scott, and you couldn't see the top b/c the clouds were hanging down so low. I was surprised that I finished in under 2 hours (only slightly 1:59:14) considering the weather and hill conditions. I might try it again at some point. It is worth going and running when there aren't clouds so I can see the scenery.

Next up, I ran the Tulsa Run. This was my first time to even run a 15k so I had no time goal in mind. I did relatively well, I thought. I finished in 1:14:59. It was a really fun run. I enjoyed it the whole time. I kept a fast pace (8:03) throughout the race, and never felt winded or tired (except at the end). Plus, the race was held on my favorite holiday! And we got quite a selection of candy bars at the finish line. Not that candy was my first thought at the finish, but it was really nice for later. I was excited to recognize so many faces. It was like a runner's reunion at the finish line. Can't wait for next year!

Lastly, Ashley, Kelly, Ashley's aunt (don't remember her name), Megan, and I ran the Route 66 Marathon Relay. None of us were real thrilled to run the full or even the half so we all decided to get together and do the relay so we could at least have some part in the race. We did really well. Overall we finished in 4:01:54. I was the third leg of 7.75 miles. I ran it in 1:02:27. Once again, I was pretty happy with my leg time. The portion that I ran was actually not too bad. I might have actually enjoyed running at least the half marathon. If they keep this same course for next year, I might run the half. The weather was wonderful. Sunny as could be. I was able to run in shorts, tank, and jacket. I got warm at one point, but once I hit Riverside there was a bit of a breeze so I was thankful I had my jacket.

Now, on to my next venture this weekend. My first full MARATHON!!! I hope it goes well. I also hope it doesn't take me a couple months to finally blog about it. Wish me luck! See you once I get back, Lord willing.

No more complaints

I recently had people (Brian) complaining that I had not updated my blog in a while. So, here you go.

Yesterday I ran the Ladies First 5k. I won 2nd in my age group and was the 15th female finisher. I had a lousy time, though. I finished in 25:44. I haven't had that bad of a 5k time since the first one I ever ran. I was huffing and puffing and passing all sorts of people. I thought I had done really well. I am going to blame it on the fact that I ran 6 miles yesterday morning, and that I didn't run any this past week. At least I can justify it that way.
I am really gonna have to hit it hard this week. The Spirit of Survival half-marathon is October 4th. I hope to keep my 2 hour mark. Considering it is supposed to be pretty hilly, though, I will allow some leeway. I am excited about this race. Mom and C.J. are running the 5k, so they will be able to cheer me in when they are done. And the scenery should be quite pleasant. Rolling hills, animals roaming the range freely, nature all around....doesn't get any better than that. I will let everyone know how that race goes.
For now, I am going to end. I guess this is why I haven't posted lately. I haven't had exciting running news. I'll try to dredge up something for the next post.

This Time Around

I have dedicated myself to another round of training, but this time it is for a marathon. This time around has been much easier, and I am having more fun. I think this is partly due to the fact that I was not quite committed to running a marathon or half this year, but when I went to the second Saturday morning run I decided to just go out and run with the marathon group and see what happened. I ran into a couple of girls--Sarah and Rachael--and asked if they minded my tagging along. They were strong runners, and I really enjoyed their pace. After that, I allowed Ashley to talk me into running the San Antonio marathon. I then started making several new friends in the running group, and nearly have a different person to run with each day. Plus, I am really thrilled about the hill workouts that we have been doing on Monday evenings. (We meet at 11th and Riverside at 5:45PM if anyone is interested!)
Speaking of new friends, I am really excited about the strong, fast runners that I have met. I love the fact that they push me to try even harder. It might kill me as I run, but I know it is making me stronger and faster. Thanks to Paul, Andy, Dustin, Dustin, Sarah, and Dave for constantly pushing me.
Now I am excited about the training. I am trying to fill the in between time with a half marathon so I can be prepared for the full. I am also excited because my friend Stephanie, whom I could never find at OKC half, is running the same half and full as I am in the fall. We are determined to make sure we see each other this time.
I felt special today as I was running along the river trail. I had to run early so I missed running with the group, but I passed them as I was coming back. Brian hollered, "Hi, Kace. How are you?" It felt really good to be recognized. I wasn't sure if I would be seen as just another runner amongst the sea, or if I would be "special" enough to be remembered. Apparently, I am special! :) It may seem small to some of you, but to me it is a big deal. Hearing another runner holler my name in passing is really cool. I do not feel like just one of the people I pass and slightly nod or wave to. I feel like a runner that actually knows other runners, and can meet those people in places and call each other by name. It is a great feeling.
I was long overdue on writing an update, so this is a short, sweet write up. Enjoy. Hopefully, I will have more to write about as the training continues!

Aquarium Run

On May 16th, I ran the Aquarium Run. When I woke up at 6:00 AM, I did not feel that this race was going to go well. I was tired. Ashley, Kelly, and Pat met at my apartment, then we carpooled to the race. The morning started out cool. I wore shorts, singlet, and a jacket (which I later ditched). After we all dealt with the issue of getting our timing devices strapped on our shoes, we headed outside to the starting line. As soon as the gun went off, we all went our separate ways. Ashley and I ran with each other for a while. Like I said, I was not feeling too good about running this race so I was not planning on any big finish. I wanted someone's company more than anything. I've yet to run a race with a friend (other than Mark and we didn't fully run). We started at the aquarium in Jenks, crossed the bridge and started on Riverside, headed down to 81st street where we made a right, ran down to Lewis and made a u-turn and ran back down 81st, and made a left back onto Riverside. At this point, Ashley and I were keeping a pretty good pace. We were both confused with the running course, though. We thought we were supposed to run down the trail along the Arkansas river. We were running nowhere near there. We then started to realize that we were going to double back somewhere in Jenks and head back out along the river trail. The thought of this became daunting. We were getting tired of running back and forth along the same path. Sure enough, as soon as we crossed back over the 96th street bridge into Jenks, we made another u-turn near Louie's and headed over the bridge for the 3rd time and then onto the river trail. Shortly after crossing the bridge, I broke away from Ashley. I was bummed to no longer have any company, but Mark and Penny (our boxer) graced us with their presence along the river trail. I was glad to see Mark because I decided to shed my jacket. Ashley was glad too, because she had been trying to shed her outer layers for a while. We then made our way along the trail to the 71st street bridge, made another u-turn, ran back to Jenks crossing the 96th street bridge for the 4th time (not that I'm counting or anything), and ended back at the aquarium. The finish line was a nice sight. I was ready to be done. I hadn't quite hit the wall like I did in OKC, but I'm still always ready for the end. As I made my way to the finish, I realized I was going to come in under 2 hours! I was super excited, kicking on the turbo so I could finish even faster. I came in at 1:58!!! My new PR (personal record)! I then waited around for my other friends to finish. Pat finished way before anyone in 1:36. I found him, and we cheered in Ashley. Then, the three of us waited around for Kelly to finish. We sat for a while and never saw her. We started to get worried and wondered if she'd dropped out. She had been having knee problems. At one point we decided to head indoors to see if there was a shuttle dropping racers off, hoping we would be able to find Kelly. I just happened to go back outside as Kelly made her way to the finish line. I ran and cheered her on then we went inside to find Ashley and Pat. To our disappointment, they ran out of finisher's medals. We waited a bit longer for the awards annoucement--Pat won 3rd in his age group--then we made our way home. I was ready to get home and shower. Then, I took an amazing nap the rest of the day!

Full Moon 5k

So, I've gotten a little backed-up. Time to give an update on past races. On May 9th, Mark and I ran the Full Moon 5k. (Called that b/c the Full Moon bar is the sponsor.) I finally suckered Mark into running a race with me. I told him I'd go easy on him, and actually run at his pace versus running at mine. The day started out a little cool and overcast, but it made for enjoyable running conditions. After Mark and I strapped on our timing chips and met some friends that were running as well, we headed towards the starting line at Veterans Park. Mark was a little nervous considering this was his first race to ever run. I was so proud that he was at least going through with it. The gun sounded, and we were off. We started out heading up a small incline (I didn't notice it, but Mark informed me off the hill especially since I swore there would be no hills), then made our way onto Riverside. It was a pleasant view of Zink Lake. Mark and I ran and walked. I tried holding a conversation, but Mark wasn't in the mood. I told him to give me a hand signal when he needed to stop running and start walking. I'm not going to lie, it killed me to run so slow and especially to walk. Mark kept informing me that this race was not about me, but about US. So, I stayed by his side the whole time. In the last half mile, Mark ran across an old high school friend. They chatted it up to the finish. Each trying to motivate the other to finish before an hour. I informed them that our chances were good of making it in under 45 minutes and even 40 minutes. They both agreed to push it out hard at the end. Once again, there was groaning as we had to cross the hill again towards the finish line. With the last bit of yardage ahead of us, I took off in a dead sprint for the finish, but just before crossing, I turned back because I promised Mark we would cross the finish together. And we did! Our finish time was 38:16. I was so proud of Mark! He could barely walk and wanted to curse me, but later informed me that he was glad he did that race. He actually had fun doing it. I looked about as happy as a mother watching her baby take its first step! He was sore for about a week after the race, but did somewhat agree to running another 5k in the future. I can't wait!

Half-Marathon Completion

Sunday, April 26th, was the OKC Memorial Marathon. I ran the half-marathon, and had a goal of running it in 2 hours.
Despite the throngs of people (every running/walking event was sold out!), no parking spots (I had to make my own), and the mess of trying to squeeze into the starting corral (don't even get me started on this one!), I finally was ready to go. I was not able to find my friend, Stephanie, with whom I was supposed to run. We had agreed to meet at the 2 hour pace group, but I was not able to start with the group, and knew I would have to play catch-up. After the wait between the gun going off and eventually crossing the starting line, I elbowed (not literally) my way through the crowd to find the 2 hour pace group. Being at 5'2" it was hard to see over the sea of runners. I kept trying to look for the yellow ballons. A couple of times I thought I had seen them only to have the balloons turn out to be yellow hats that runners were wearing. I eventually found the pace group, thankfully, before we hit the first incline. Much to my surprise, I was sweating profusely, and we had only run a mile. It was very humid, and we started out with the wind at our backs. We had no breeze to cool us off.
I kept trying to look around for Stephanie, but I never did find her. Not even after the race. (We are already making plans to have a better meeting spot for next year.) I did, however, make some new running buddies along the way. I met one girl named Mary Beth from Norman. A 27-year-old mom running her first half-marathon and who couldn't find her running buddy (whose name was conveniently Kacie). I told her I'd be her buddy if she'd be mine. She agreed. We kinda made small talk along the way. We witnessed a guy have a run-in with a cone. The poor guy wiped-out on the road. As we all continued running some people behind us starting giving a friend a hard time saying they saw her push him. Everyone kinda chuckled. Mary Beth was suffering from allergies so while her body felt good, her head did not. I tried to keep her motivated. About mile 6 she hit "the wall". We were still pushing hard staying on the pacer's heels, and I think she was not as prepared as she thought. I told her she could do it. I kept trying to throw out bits of motivation. She said it helped, but she was already losing it. She told me not to let her hold me back. I felt bad leaving her behind, but I had set a time goal, and I seriously wanted to meet it. So, somewhere between mile 6 and 7, I lost Mary Beth. I kept on the pacer's heels. There were a couple other runners that had stayed up with us and I used the "regulars" and the pacer to help pull me. I told myself that the pacer was my anchor, and I was attached to her waist. I had to keep up, otherwise, she was going to drag me. Every water stop she stopped at, I did too. Any that she missed (which only turned out to be one), I missed. I was pretty much her shadow. She was especially helpful to have when we hit the wind head-on. It was hard to push against it, but she kept me going. About mile 9 I met another girl. She was from Bartlesville. She ran the half in 1:56 last year, but knew she was not going to better her time this year. She informed me that she felt sluggish from the start. She was glad to have caught up to the pace group, and knew she could finish in 2 hours. Somewhere between mile 9 and 10, I lost her.
At mile 10, I hit "the wall". I no longer had the motivation to continue. My knees were hurting; my breathing was horrible. I began questioning why I had signed up for the half and not the 5k. I really began hating running at this point, and decided to stop running forever after the race. I saw a medical aid station, and actually contemplated stopping and letting them haul me to the finish. I no longer cared to finish. I told myself that I still have next year to complete my goal. It would be no big deal to stop now. But in another swift second, I slapped myself out of it. I had already run the worst part of it. I only had 3 miles left to go. Plus, I had a goal to keep. I could not feel pleased with myself until I had finished. Somehow I made my legs keep pushing. The longest mile in my life was from mile 11 to mile 12. I knew after mile 12 the finish would be near, but getting to 12 from 11 was miserable. I had no energy. My legs hurts, my lungs hurt, my tummy even hurt. At mile 12 I slowed down. I no longer ran on the pacer's heels. I looked at my watch at one point and saw I was at 1:56. I knew I had 4 minutes to play around with. I was no longer concerned with making my time goal. I just wanted to finish. Once we rounded that last corner and I could see the FINISH line in the distance, I found my last amount of strength. I forced myself to look straight ahead at the finish line. And before I knew it, I was pushing it out...running fast...really giving it my ALL. I crossed the finish line with the clock reading 2:03 according to the gun time. But according to chip time, I finished that race in 2:00:28!!!!! I made my goal!!!
I felt miserable afterwards. My muscles and joints were tingling and buzzing. I was sick for the rest of the day, and was dehydrated. I had to drink a lot of Gatorade to replenish my electrolytes. Even as I write this, my abs and diaphragm are still sore. According to the results website, I kept a pace of 9:12. I've never run that fast for that long, EVER. This was a new thing for me. It felt great, and I can't wait to run my next half. Plus, I have decided to keep up the running. It turns out that it is much more rewarding at the end!