Chicago's North Shore Half Marathon-Jun 22, 2011

The North Shore Half Marathon located 30minutes north of Chicago in Highland Park is a half marathon and 5K held by RAM Racing that donates $5 from every registration to Misericodia Heart of Mercy , a mental and physical disability house for kids and adults.

Approximately 2500 runners came out to participate in the half marathon and 800 for the 5K. It was a perfect running conditions day. The day before was chilly so the morning air was still brisk. It was to be a high of 65 and sunny.

I found myself at the starting line with a sore foot and little sleep, as I had spent the day before exploring the windy city of downtown Chicago. My first time there, and with little time, I had to squeeze in what I could, which included the Blues Fest at Grant Park, the Navy Pier, Michigan Ave, Magnificent Mile and the Art Fest in Old Town, as well as exploring Rush St for late night dinner of Chicago Pizza and brews. The four hours of sleep was not enough time to heal the ball of my left foot that was tender to walk on. I debated double socking it for cushion, but just went with my regular compression sleeve socks. I didn’t really worry about it much since I didn’t see any blisters.

I arrived early, and parking was extremely easy, so I turned off the car, and took a 20 minute nap. The start of the race was a little awkward. I saw everyone with coffee, but no coffee being handed out, they must have brought their own. One of these trips I will remember to make coffee in the hotel room at 3am. Usually I am getting ready half asleep, so my brain doesn’t even think about it, til Im out the door!

The porta potty situation was crazy! There were two rows, one on the right and one on the left, but they were so close together, that the lines from each would merge together, leaving everyone clueless on where the end was. Even more difficult, they put these at the entrance, so there was practically no way to walk through to get to start without having to walk in front of the porta potties, hoping that one doesn’t fling open and hit you in the face!

They started the 5K first and then set up pace corals for the half marathon. I put myself in the back, planning to start off slow. I met a couple people in line up who asked about my tutu. One lady is actually trying to put together a group/website/organization that gets cancer survivors out and active, as in running these races and other events to help stay healthy, build confidence, and have a positive attitude on life! I love it!

The course was shaded most of the way, mainly running through really nice neighborhoods. We were near the water, but unfortunately did not get to see the water except at two very quick spots.

The race on the website and at start was described as “relatively flat” except for the “hill” at mile 7, which I found quite funny because within the first mile we went up a hill. It seemed every turn there was another rolling hill. Don’t get me wrong, this was probably ‘flat’ for northerners…but for this Florida girl, this was a hilly course! I couldn’t help but laugh at every one we came upon! They werent anything that was too challenging, your body just can feel the difference running up and down. Your knees absorb the shock differently, you land differently, your body is tilted differently. This all takes up energy on your body, especially when you dont train for it.

My right knee definitely felt the effects of the hills and I started having flashbacks of 2009 Atlanta Breast Cancer 3 Day where I blew out both my knees on the hills on the 60 mile walk. I kept telling myself I was in much better shape and better prepared for this race than that walk, so I trusted my body, and my knee to hang in there and we would get through this.

The race had some great support and a ton of volunteers. This always makes for a fun and faster run! A good amount of supporters would keep showing up at different points thoughout the race. I love when they print your name on your race bib, because then complete strangers yell your name. I may be at a down point walking, and then some stranger yells “hey Melissa, Good job! You can do it, get going!” and makes me start running again!

I kept a good pace with the same people for the good first 6 miles. And it was actually a slightly faster pace than I am used to. But I felt good. My Garmin was telling me each mile I was trending a faster pace than usual, which was putting me at a new PR finish if I could keep it up. This kept me in a good mood throughout the race, because I wasn’t even trying to make a PR. It just felt good.

The notorious Hill at Mile 7 came. This was a hill down by the water near a boat ramp, we first had to go down on this very broken up road, which was a little scarey thinking of possibilities of falling, and then run up an even steeper slope. Again, I found this to be my favorite part of the race, like previous races with bridges. I think its because I get so tired of routine things (which amazes me why I decided to start running long distances) so when I come upon something like this Hill, I get excited and I tackle it. I put my head down (as long as I don’t see how far the top of the hill is, I find I have more energy) and ran all the way to the top. I was able to pass several people who had past me before, for they were now walking up this steep grade. I made it to the top, walked a bit to catch my breath, and then I had a whole new energy that remained with me the rest of the race.

The ball of my left foot was definitely bothering me. Right in the middle. No place that I had ever had a blister before, so I wasn’t sure that it was a blister that was forming, or if it was just still tender from the day before. Nonetheless, I found myself running on the side of my foot, the left, the right, then on the toes of that foot, and then on the heel of that foot. It was frustrating and it was taking away from my concentration. I decided to just push through and block the thought of the pain.

The music set up on the course was disappointing. I only saw (or remember) 2 bands and the first one wasn’t even playing when I arrived. The second one, at about mile 9 and 11 (because there was a turn a round) was absolutely ridiculous teenage punk band who wasn’t even singing, but screaming at the top of their lungs. I think this might have been a plan for the organizers, to get the last runners to run faster, just so they can stop listening to this racket! LOL

The last mile or so was fun. I was surprised I had somehow managed to run the fastest during this point, with very minimal walking. I was still passing people and it felt good that I somehow saved some energy. (must have been that all those carbs in that Chicago pizza!) I ended the race with a new PR…by 3 full minutes than my fastest race so far!! It was a good day!

As for the blister, it was the hugest thing I have ever seen! I was able to soak it during an hour long pedicure/massage, and then pop it and it healed by the next day. Thank god! My left foot, maybe the bones, however were sore for the next week, probably from not running properly to avoid the blister, but all is healed now, and I am ready for Milwaukee in a couple weeks! Hopefully we will have equally great weather, without humidity, and I can set another PR!

13.1 Finish Time-2:34:35

Honolulu Hibiscus Half Marathon-May 29, 2011

The 5th Annual Hibiscus Half Marathon was a multi race benefiting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society with proceeds going to patient services and blood cancer research. There was a 5mile, 15K, and half marathon with a total of 898 runners and walkers with 705 of those taking the challenge of completing the half marathon.

I decided to run this right in the middle of my 10day vacation to Kauia, Oahu, and Maui. Yes, I was called crazy, but I thought it would be fun! I was going to Hawaii anyways for my yearly visit, and why not involve it in the Pink Ribbon Tutu on a Mission?

The course started and ended at Kapiolani Park at the bottom of Diamond Head at the end of Waikiki. Staying at the Royal Hawaiian and not familiar on just how large of a turnout this event would have with limited parking, I decided to take the mile walk to and from the race. It was a very early morning after a fun night out with friends and carb loading on pasta and beer samples at the Yard House. I was good and made it back to the hotel right before 9pm....however my plan to hit the sack early turned for the worse when I realized just outside my window was a luau taking place! (guess I wasnt sleeping with the windows open that night to listen to the waves crashing!) I soon found out that the beating of the drums puts you to sleep!...or maybe it was those beers! lol

An early morning of 330am came quick. I ate my complimentary loaf of banana bread that the Royal Hawaiian is known for giving at check in, for my breakfast on my walk. I soon found out I dont care too much for banana bread. Good thing I had a left over granola bar.

I decided not to wear my tutu during the dark walk down the abandoned street of Waikiki. Although, now that I think of it, I probably would have mixed right in with the drunk tourists stumbling home from the bars trying to find their hotels.

Start was a little confusing, with outrageous lines for the park restrooms (no porta outlets). But once business was taken care of, I got to rest and stretch for about 10 minutes before the sun started to rise and we lined up. A quick shout out from all the states that were represented (which was a large amount for the small group we were!), the national anthem, the announcement of a man running in a gas mask!...and then we were off.

Was a rough start...I was definitely having second thoughts of having a race in the middle of my vacation, instead of the beginning...maybe I was enjoying vacation a little too much....little training past couple weeks, and a little too much indulgence? Either way, I was mentally ready. I had been itching to run again, but was my body going to be ready to go the distance? Mile 3 told me otherwise. A calf cramp that I couldnt shake off had me stop in my tracks to stretch. At this point I was in the same pace as a lady wearing a shirt "Dont be Last!" which had me try to mentally forget about the cramp and push through.

I soon learned there would be more hills than I thought, including the big one around Diamond Head....twice! For some reason I like the big hills, but not the little ones so much. When I finally got to the top of the Diamond Head road, the sun was in full force of rising out of the ocean! It was so beautiful!

Mile 5 I start seeing runners at different points that are apparently part of the same 'team'...called "Run Like the Bitch You Are"...they all had the same designed shirts, and all the men were running in Pink Skirts...yes, thats right! I felt right at home in my Pink Tutu!! They had a swag wagon (van full of supporters with signs, a huge banner covering their van, drinks, and fuel) that kept meeting and cheering on the runners every so many miles. It reminded me of being at The 3 Day walk! At the end of the race, I finally got a chance to talk to them to find out who they were running for (I just assumed it was for breast cancer for all the 'pink' swag), but they said they just run for fun. I told them their team involvement was so great, they should consider dedicating their races to charities. Hopefully they will take my advice.

Mile 6 was a good point where you got to watch the faster runners run by as they had already past the turn around point and were heading in for the home stretch of the second half. Being a huge people watcher, I find this part of any race very interesting, and keeps my mind sidetract from the thoughts trickeling in to stop running. I mean, you dont want to stop running when all these people are watching you!! lol. This was also the point where I got a TON of thumbs up, high fives, waves, and smiles! I am glad the pink tutu makes its point! =)

Mile 7 was the turn around point, and also when you were slammed with a wall of wind! Sure the island breezes felt great, and kept you from overheating (unlike last months Clearwater), but it was twice the effort for every step. I found myself doing a lot more walking, but I also found myself making sure I didnt get too far behind the same people I was pacing with....(that meant harder runs for when I did run to make up the slack). I soon found out that the limited supply of power gels packets at the pit stops were already depleted. I had never run a half without some sort of Gu. (note to self, dont rely on the race and pack my own in my suitcase, because you know you definiately could not find Gu in the Waikiki shops!) I could definitely feel my body being completely overcome with a wave of drag. I knew I was in the back of the pack, but I decided that I would just enjoy the scenery and have an easy finish. The gorgeous windex blues of the ocean were out and I was falling in love with Hawaii all over again! Plus, I was on vacation right?

Coming back up the hill along the side of Diamond Head, a ton of local runners, walkers, and bikers had invaded the area....did anyone even realize there was a race going on?

The downhill I had a surge of energy and I tried to make up time, but reality hits in when it comes to running and trying to make things up....it doesnt happen. You cant slack half way through and give it your all at the end and expect a good finish. You have to keep a nice and steady pace the entire time, keep your motivation level steady from start to finish, in order to expect an outstanding performance. Every race is a lesson.. in running, and in life. I am so lucky to have had this chance to run in Hawaii. People think I am absolutely crazy to run a half marathon right smack in the middle of my vacation. I say, bring it on! It keeps me alive and happy!

13.1 Finish Time-2:46

Clearwater Iron Girl-April 10, 2011

The Iron Girl series involves several triathalons across the country, with Clearwater kicking off the year long events with a half marathon and 5K. This was the first half marathon for Iron Girl. About 6,000 women came out to run, ages ranging from 3 to 83, with only 1,643 of them running the half marathon. Clearwater is a gorgeous location for this race, starting and finishing at the white sand beach. The course also held true to its name....running three bridges in 13.1 miles definitely makes you an Iron Girl!

After living in Tampa for few years, and with the race being the day after my birthday, I decided what better race for my number 2 race of the Pink Ribbon Tutu on a Mission! Dad decided to come along for support, so we made a birthday getaway out of it, staying in town and having an awesome sunset dinner at an old favorite...Crabby Bills.

The day before and morning of race day came with a few hiccups. At the Expo picking up my race bag, we decided to try a new 'all natural' fruit juice. It was super yummy....but boy, how I quickly remembered how you are never to try new foods right before race day!!...my stomach was messed up through the next day! Dinner lasted a little longer than expected and a late bedtime of 11p didnt help much for the sleepless night and then waking up at 3am! Then race morning, I received an unexpected visitor....2 weeks early, if you know what I mean! What a great way to get ready for the race! Cramps galore, I was unable to eat my breakfast. I barely was able to force myself a banana and granola bar at the starting line.

The race started right at sunrise. Boy, did we wish it would have started a bit earlier. By mile 8, the sun was high, the sky was clear, and the heat was cookin!

It had been about 2 weeks since I had done any real running....vacation to Vail got in the way...so this race was either going to make or break me. I told dad to plan on a late arrival to finish, not knowing how my stomach was going to hang in there.

For all of those 3Dayers reading this, the course went along the same exact course as our Day1....over the bridge into town, through the rich neighborhoods and golf courses, and back over a bridge to the ocean side again, past Sand Key, over the bridge into Clearwater Beach and finish at the Hyatt. It was fun to run this race, thinking about how many times I have walked the 3Day for the Cure in Clearwater along this course with some great women! ...was good to have a mental escape.

The beginning of the race was a bit congested....the officials did not get the roads completely closed, so cones kept us cramped to one half of a lane. Once we were over the first bridge we stretched out a bit. I placed myself between Pacer 2:30 and 2:45. Once the race started, I soon realized these were not Galloway Pacers who take walk breaks. I was able to keep Pacer 2:30 in my eyesight for most of the race, probably until about mile 6-7, when I started to hit a wall and walk a lot and get passed a lot. It was hot, I was tired, I could tell I was getting a blister already, my stomach hurt. I wasnt having fun. I then looked down and saw my friend Molly on my tutu. She was just diagnosed with cervical cancer a couple weeks ago. I told her I was dedicating this run to her and made a purple ribbon with her name (purple for survivor because I know she is a strong fighter!) I thought about the battle she has ahead of her....the pain, the tears, the emotional and physical strain that will come with chemo...but she has got to push through and not let the elements beat her. She is a strong woman and I know with the love and support she has around her, she will make it. I then thought of myself. How could I let these elements (cramps, blisters, heat) beat me?!...I am stronger than that! And Ive got my support waiting for me at the finish line, as well as complete strangers running along side me!

I made a shirt saying 'I run for the Cupcakes'with the cupcakes placed in 'just the right place' and then pinned on my back a sign saying "I run for more Birthdays!...13.1 for my 31st!" I always get a ton of comments on my pink ribbon tutu, but how little did I realize how many Happy Birthdays I would get too! I told myself, I could stick to my reliable run a minute walk a minute pace for the rest of the race, but then also, anytime someone would comment on the tutu or my birthday, I would kick it into high gear and run another minute longer and faster. I was able to make up time miles 8-10...I had that many comments! I had a new burst of energy!

At mile 8 was the middle bridge, and I practically sprinted up the whole thing! Almost everyone was walking up. And I was passing the people that had past me before! I wanted to keep up the pace, but realized I was quickly getting heat exhaustion. (note to self, carry my own water for upcoming summer races). My hands were starting to tingle, and my head was getting chills, but I was sweating my butt off! I had to up my fluid intakes at the remaining water stations!

Mile 11 was the last bridge. I decided it definitely took more energy to walk the bridges than run, so again, amazingly, I made up my time on the most difficult part of the race! Home stretch was my dad waiting for me with the camera! It felt like there were so few runners left, since most of the people were there for the 5K, but I was in a race against myself at this point. Another half marathon conquered! I finished 1 minute slower than the Donna race here in Jax, which only has 1 bridges, so I am quite happy with my time despite all odds.

13.1 Finish Time-2:38:44

St Pattys Run-Jacksonville FL-Mar 20, 2011

I have to say it is a little weird to dress up for a St Pattys Day race 3 days after St Pattys Day!...but I always love a good excuse to dress up! This was the second race that would add up to my 'half marathon' for March for the Pink Ribbon Tutu on a Mission since I was unable to find a half marathon in enough time since I came up with this idea. Total miles for the month...15.5 miles! (not counting trianing of course!!)

It was a beautiful day...warm morning starting in the 60s...the 'Super Moon' was just setting...was a clear day and perfect running conditions. The race was held at Evergreen Cemetary outside of downtown Jacksonville. The event consisted of 2 races...a 5k and 10k, both to start at the same time and the 10k would make two laps around the cemetary. This was a small community event in comparison to the Gate River Run...only about 600 runners or so. The course was completely shaded by huge trees drapped with spanish moss. I later learned that there is an annual cemetary tour by the Pilot Club where volunteers dress up as different centuries and discuss the great life's of those who have past.

I arrived quite a bit early, had great parking, and got use of the porty potties before the crowd arrived. As we gathered and waited I met a lady that was on a mission to run her first half marathon by January in the Disney race! It was fun to chat with her, compare running notes, and spoke about my mission and how cancer has affected both of our lives.

I set out to try to go at a slower pace for the first 3 miles so I could run without stopping. However I ended up at a 11minute pace for the first half which is about 30 sec faster than norm. At mile 4 in my run/walk pace I found a burst of energy and started doing sprints with a 9 min pace which allowed me to pass the group of people I was with for the first three miles. I then found myself right behind a mother/daughter team. The little girl was probably about 8 years old. They were on a run/walk pace as well, but I could tell the daughter was keeping the mom from running full out. There actually were a lot of kids for this race. It is good to see families get so involved in such activities!..its such a great beginning to a healthy lifestyle!

It was a great day and an easy course for a beginner race. I cant wait for next months challenge...back to a half marathon at the Clearwater Iron Girl!

6.2 mile Finish Time- 1:07

Gate River Run-Jacksonville FL-Mar 12, 2011

This was the 34th Annual Gate River Run, and also known as the largest race in the country. 20,000 runners in all were to take part in the days festivities which included a 15k, 5k, and 1mile diaper run. About 14,000 of those participated in the 15k, or 9.3 miles that starts at the Jaguar Stadium, travels over the St Johns River crossing 2 bridges of downtown Jacksonville, finishing by going over what is known as the Green Monster, and then ends back at the Stadium.

It was a beautiful race day. Temps started out cool..about 40 degrees, but quickly warmed up as the sun rised and would reach 70s. This was my first time running the Gate, and as warned, dad and I left over an hour and half before race time...what should have been plenty of time to have a relaxing morning before starting time. That was until we were stuck in traffic right at the Stadium exit for over 40 minutes...practically just sitting there. Apparently the traffic cops werent working that exit. So, I had to jump out of the truck and walk it into the starting area and leave dad to deal with the parking chaos.

I made my way straight to the porta potties....twice....and to much disappointment, both were already out of paper!...boy, this was going to be a long day if this is the way the day was starting!

I met several people getting into line up that commented on the pink ribbon tutu....one being a survivor that wanted to add a ribbon. Mental note to self...carry a marker and ribbon with the business cards...for the next races, just in case.

It was amazing how many people were there! So many, the line up even sprawled into the grass. Waiting around for a 5 minute delay, I look down, and realize I am grazing shoulders with a friend of mine Vicki! ...out of how many people and we just happened to be shoulder to shoulder! It was nice to have a quick chat, a smile, and a laugh to calm the nerves before the gun was fired.

It took about 6 minutes to make it to the actual starting line. I ran probably 50 feet past the start and I hear..."Meliiiiissssaa!!"....my dad had found his way to the start in time to see me start the race! I gave him a wave and was off to complete the Gate!

The course overall was nice. I was a bit disappointed in just how many politicians and/or supporters were out with their huge picketing signs. I am sorry, but I just do not feel that race time is a time and place for that....especially when they are taking up the space we need to run. This was the first time I ran with this many people, and being claustrophibic a bit, I found myself running on sidewalks for a majority of the run.

I was also a bit disappointed on the lack of volunteers. Is it such a huge race, are most of us running instead of volunteering? If only 1 friend or family member per runner would volunteer, then we would have enough help! I wish people would understand how important it is to volunteer for community events. I would arrive to water stations and no water would be set up. I would actually have to stop and wait for a cup to be poured! I was in about the 10-12 minute pace...I would definitely say the middle of the road, so its not like I was in the back of the pack. How could they be running out of water already? There also was only 1 gatorade station, and no Gu stations at all. I guess I am spoiled with the 26.2 with Donna marathon! =) Hopefully feedback will improve this race. I have heard its gotten larger every year, but if you cant keep up with the help as you expand, then maybe its time for a 'cut off'?

Anyways, the scenery was lovely and the roads were in good condition. The only time I had to slow was when a run/walker would suddenly stop in front of me without looking over their shoulder, or when crossing over the open grates on the bridges....scarey!

Half way through the race, I came across Beecker....yes, the same Beecker that was at the Savannah Bridge Run! Was funny to see the same costume! I introduced myself as Ms Pacman! =) There was also a Superman and Robin (Im thinking that is standard for every race). I also came across an army man carrying a huge pack. I asked him how much weight was on his back??....60lbs!! There were also several firemen out running with their tanks and full uniforms on as well!

About mile 7 or so, I was on one of my walk breaks when I was patted on the shoulder by a runner. I looked over and barely heard what this little elder lady was saying as she ran by because of my blasting 80s music in my ears... but what I did catch was she was a survivor and was glad I was doing what I was doing. Yep, that was just enough motivation to get me running again!

The Green Monster was my favorite part of the race. And is probably the part of the race I had the most energy for some reason. I think the experience with the Savannah Bridge Run (one of the toughest of the south) for the past few years, helped me sprint up a majority of the incline as most people walked. Once you got to the top, you can look down the river and see the first bridge we crossed in the far distance. It looks so far away, it feels good to realize thats how far you just ran! The exit of the bridge is a long spiral that takes a while to get down.

I finally made it to the straight away and once again I hear my name being yelled out! My dad spotted me again out of the big crowd! I got my first medal of this Pink Ribbon Tutu on a Mission race series and I cant wait for my next race...the Evergreen St Pattys 10k!

9.3mile Finish Time- 1:54