Earth, Rock, Run Half Marathon

May 3- Earth Rock Run Half Marathon in 1:33:39 (7:09 pace)

Splits: Mile 1 6:45

                   2 6:35

                   3 6:23

                   4 7:07

                   5 6:58

                   6 6:48

                   7 7:08

                   8 7:21

                   9 7:45

                   10 7:27

                   11 7:15
                   12 8:30

                   13 6:41

                   .1 0:51

Comments: I felt decent the couple weeks leading up to the half marathon. My goals for the race were: A goal- 1:28:30, B goal- sub 1:30, C goal- 1:31:45. I ended up not only not reaching any of those goals, but also running a personal worst! I thought I was stronger and in better shape that I apparently was.

The race started at 10am, which I originally was grateful for as it allowed me to sleep a bit later (Isaac has been up every couple hours at night to feed lately), pump to get a bottle for Isaac ready (though he still doesn’t take it well, but I wanted Ian to have it in case he really was hungry), get to the race and warm up, and also feed Isaac about 45 minutes before race time. However, the 10am start time also meant temperatures were rising quickly. There were no clouds in the sky, either. I was a bit nervous about the weather, but still thought I could reach my goals.

I started the race out fairly well, but as soon as I started, I though “Oh crap, this is a long race.” My first split was on target for my A goal, but after a few miles, I thought my B or C goal was more realistic. That wasn’t in the cards, either. The course was hillier than I thought (take a look at some of those mile splits I had) and it just felt so hot with the sun baking down and a pretty unshaded course. As women began passing me, I started to feel more and more defeated. Yet, I couldn’t even hang onto them as they passed. I didn’t have the energy.

I also felt like I didn’t get enough liquids, and looking back I think breastfeeding contributed to that. I don’t think I’ve ever gone to every water stop during a race, but I did during this one. My best friend told me she felt a bounce back after stopping breastfeeding, so thinking about that, I do believe that contributed to not feeling like I had to oomph to keep my pace down. Isaac is still exclusively breast fed, and we are waiting until 6 months or after to give him solids. It will be interesting to see if I do feel more energy once he starts taking solids, though of course in the beginning it’s unlikely to make any difference as the amount of solid food will be so minimal.

So now that I’ve been Debbie Downer about the race, I will switch to a more upbeat mode. It was great to have Ian and Isaac there cheering me on, and my mom surprised me by coming as well. I heard her cheering at the start of the race. When I really was struggling during the race, I started to give high fives or waves to the kids who were cheering me on, and it was neat to see them excited about that. I mean, there’s nothing greater than a kid thinking you’re cool. Haha. The race was very well organized, and the course was well marked. There were a lot of police and volunteers, and they were all so kind. Ian did an amazing job keeping Isaac out of the sun, and I did a good job of purring sunscreen on and I only got a teeny sun burn.  I’m glad I ran the race. I took a chance, and even though I didn’t do as well as expected, I’m happy with the start I’ve made, and excited for future races.

Week 24 April 26-May 2

Sunday- 13.25 miles at 8:06 pace

Monday- 0

Tuesday- 8 miles at 7:59 pace

Wednesday- 7 miles at 7:30 pace

          With 5x3 minute pick-ups (3 minutes recovery)

Thursday- 2 miles with Lucy at 8:03 pace

          Then 4.75 miles at 7:58 pace

Friday- 2 miles with Lucy at 8:12 pace

Saturday- 2 miles with Lucy at 8:29 pace

          Then 3.1 miles at 7:55 pace

Total miles: 42

Week 23 April 19-25

Sunday- 15 miles at 7:42 pace

          With 8x3 minutes pick-ups (7 minutes recovery)

Monday- 0

Tuesday- 9 miles at 7:53 pace

Wednesday- 2 miles with Lucy at 8:02 pace

          Then 5 miles at 8:06 pace

Thursday- 8 miles at 8:24 pace

Friday- 7 miles at 7:33 pace

          With 12x1 minute pick-ups (1 minute recovery)

Saturday- 3 miles with Lucy at about 8:45 pace

Total miles: 49