Disney Wine n Dine-Oct 1, 2011

Disney Wine n Dine Half Marathon is the kickoff event to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival that is also the largest nighttime half marathon. It is a marathon and relay series (4.8 and 8.3 legs) that starts at ESPN Wide World of Sports, goes through Animal Kingdom, and finishes up at Epcot.

This year was the second annual and also a celebration of Disney turning 40. There were approximately 12,500 runners total with 8254 completing the half marathon, representing all 50 states and 21 countries, yet we can proudly say a FL runner took home the trophy! The crowd was a large percentage female (5213 vs 3041) and the average age was 36. The oldest runner was 66 and youngest 14.

I arrived at packet pick up about 11am on race day and at the Marriott World Center by 12p to be poolside by 1p for a nap and lunch. As the evening quickly approached, I had some final details to add to my costume of the Pink Glowin’ Minnie before driving over to Epcot. I don’t know if it was the nerves, but I was not hungry at 6p for dinner, so I just grabbed a couple power bars and Gatorade to munch on at start.

 

I tried to leave the hotel about 630p. However, I spent half an hour waiting on the valet, when I realized they were not getting my car. By the time I got to Epcot to catch the shuttle over to start at ESPN, it was already dark and 730p. It took over an hour of standing in line to catch the bus, but I took this opportunity to make my glow in the dark pink ribbons for my tutu. I had my noise activated LED pink ribbon on my shirt glowing. It didn’t even need my IPOD for the noise to make it glow! Everyone talking was loud enough! I was super stoked, and was getting some awesome compliments as I started adding on the glow in the dark ribbons to my tutu. That is until I looked down and saw that my shirt stopped glowing. The batteries couldn’t have died already!! I changed the batteries, but still no luck, I couldn’t get it to work. I decided I would turn it off and mess with it again at start and finish up my glow stick ribbons.

The bus arrived at the starting area, and there were a TON of people. They had a stage set up and music was blaring, and people were dancing. Our bus was stuck waiting for the line of other busses to leave. I felt like we were so late, despite my efforts to arrive early! We finally got off the bus about 930p, just enough time to throw my bag into the gear truck, hit the porta outlets, and line up in my corral!

I started messing with my LED shirt again, playing with the many wires, disconnecting and reconnecting, taking my shirt off, putting it back on, taking out the batteries, putting them back in, all this playing and I finally got it to start working again! =) Boy, was that mentally draining! I don’t think I will worry so much about costumes so much next time!! …it takes away your energy!

Walking over to start, I was stopped by this gorgeous guy running towards me that was very interested in my shirt. I was so dumbfounded by his amazingly blue eyes, I murmured something, but not sure if it was even English! I lost him in the crowd, but I kept my eye out for him the rest of the race! Unfortunately I had no such luck in seeing him again.

There were 4 corrals, letter based, that had pretty big time differences between each letter. For example I was Corral B, which was about 2:15-3:00. There’s a lot of paces between there! Needless to say, it was a little packed for the beginning miles with everyone trying to spread out and be around people of their own pace.

We were packed in for lineup for about half an hour. They started with the wheelchairs, and did a new start every 3 minutes or so, with fireworks going off for each start! Mickey and Minnie were cheering us on as we crossed over the starting line!

The first couple miles my legs tightened really quickly….not sure if it was the cooler temps, but I am glad that I kept my compression leg sleeves on, even though I was wearing pants!

Right away we saw lighted floats, and people dressed up in costumes in lights, and stages of musicians. The music was really good. I did not bring my IPOD and I did not regret it.

There were a good amount of runners dressed up too…men and women in Lederhosen, lots of Minnies, lots of tutus, one guy was a Lobster and his partner was a Minnie Cook, there was a group dressed up as Thing 1, 2, etc, except they were Drunk1, 2, etc, Woody and his girlfriend were running too.

After we left ESPN, we headed to Animal Kingdom. It was a pretty good distance on the road between the parks, and not many spectators, since the roads were closed. (most spectators were at the end of the race). Animal Kingdom stunk. Literally. Not only of animal poo, but I guess they just redid the bark in the flower beds. It was not pleasant when breathing heavy! There were a ton of employees in the parks, cheering you on. It was cool to have supporters, but then at the same time you wonder if they volunteered, or were forced to ‘work’….they were after all in their uniforms. There wasn’t much to see in Animal Kingdom because it was so dark. The only thing I really noticed was the Tree of Life. We were quickly in and out of the park and then back on the boring road between parks.

The distance was going by fast. I kept to a slow and steady pace, so I wouldn’t do a lot of walking, since I knew I was going to be stopping a lot to take lots of pictures. I was, however, hot. I wore pants as my dad tried to convince me it was going to be cold. Well, it was cool at start, and pretty cold at finish, but still not cold enough to wear pants. I was uncomfortably hot which became distracting.

As we past by the 4mile sign, I checked my pace and realized my Garmin had stopped! The last time I looked was at the 5k, so it could have been stopped for a whole mile! I turned it back on, and decided that’s fine, I don’t need the time, I just need to know my pace. That is when I realized my batteries were dying. Great... No Garmin! Oh well, I guess it will just force me to ‘enjoy’ the magical world of Disney!

At around mile 6 I realized my LED pink ribbon shirt had stopped glowing! I once again had to play with the batteries, play with the wires…but nothing worked. I was warned heavy sweating could short it out. I had on an extra shirt, but wondered if it was enough. I turned it off, and tried to play with it again after another mile, but still no such luck. Still not sure what exactly was wrong, because by the end of the race, I was able to get it working again. (note to self, next time do a test run when wearing an electronic costume!)

At about mile 7, I just happened to glance up and saw the biggest shooting star I had ever seen in my life! I yelled out, and someone else saw it too, so that reconfirmed that I was not hallucinating! It was such a magical sight to see on such a clear dark night! I made my wish and continued on.

There were actually some good size hills..I guess mainly the overpasses, and entrance/exit ramps that we were on. One of them had Army Joe dressed up and yelling orders to all of us to ‘Get up that hill!!..You paid for this!”

Hollywood Studios was next, and that was a bit more entertaining. They had a ton of lights decorating the buildings (getting ready for Christmas??), and then the different Hollywood ‘sets’ were pretty cool to see. We got to run through an area of the behinds the scenes of the Princess Dress making area. All I wanted to do was go play dress up! Lol. Yes, the kid in me was out in full force!

I was surprised though, I had not seen as many Disney characters as I thought I would, or at least recognizable ones….but I guess those are more for the Disney marathon through Magic Kingdom, where we unfortunately were not going. There weren’t that many professional photographers out either. It seemed like they save the most of them for the last couple miles. It was good though, that they had an employee at each character to take our picture.

The course was well stocked with lots of water and Gatorade stations, and even Vaseline and Biofreeze stations! I am amazed how many runners were putting on the Biofreeze already! You couldn’t smell anything but mentholyptus and let me tell you, it does wonders to your nose hairs and sinuses when you are running hard! I say keep that stuff for the end of the race!

In and out of Hollywood Studios we went quickly again, and we were back on the road to Epcot…our final stretch….well, that’s what I thought! I haven’t been to Disney in years, so really didn’t know exactly where we were. One thing that spectators don’t understand is when you yell out “youre almost there!” and you are really Not almost there, it is only that much more frustrating to the runner! You think you are almost at the finish, so you push a little harder, run a little faster, only to realize you just wasted energy because you are still not almost there! …(note to self, next time double check the Garmin battery!!)

We ran through some Disney resort, and around some lake right outside of Epcot, and that is where all the spectators were at…we had tons of signs and lots of cheers I started to choke up the last 500 yards or so when someone yelled “you did it!”. I was not choking up because I completed this half marathon, but that I have now completed 7 in the past 7 months! It was a moving feeling, a moment of proudness for myself.

I turned a corner, and saw the finish line clock. Not having my Garmin, I really didn’t know what time I was at. I was just about my average time as previous races, but then I saw Mickey and Minnie right before the line. Of course I had to take a couple more minutes and take a picture with them! The picture was snapped, and I darted across the line, laughing.

The after party was the Food and Wine Festival. We received a $10 giftcard for food/drink and also a complimentary bag of regular after race food and a beer. The set up was good, with a nice changing area to get out of our wet clothes, which was good because it was Cold and windy!

All the food/drink vendors were set up around the huge lake in Epcot…it felt like it was another 3 miles that I walked around that lake, but I just thought of it as my victory lap! I grabbed my Polish sausage, and my Hawaiian beer, and made my way back home. I was too exhausted and cold to stand in line for rides. I was back to the hotel at 330am, covered myself with Biofreeze, and had an early morning of 8am to catch a flight to Grand Cayman!...my celebratory vacation!

13.1 Finish Time with 20 photo stops- 2:40:00

Virginia Beach Rock n Roll-Sept 4, 2011

The Rock n Roll Marathon series is a 24 city nationwide (worldwide next year) racing event that has taken place in VA Beach for the past 11 years. VA Beach is my hometown, living there for first 23 years of my life, and this was going to be my first race at home! I grew up hating running. (well lets admit it, its still not my favorite part of the race…finishing is! Lol) But I was super excited because I hadn’t been home in several years and the course was along the oceanfront….a beach runners dream!

Labor Day weekend in VA Beach marks the end of summer. Kids are getting ready to go back to school, and the oceanfront strip gets super busy for one last beach blast with the American Music Festival weekend. This is 3 day concert event with stages lining the beach. Top performers this year included Stone Temple Pilots, ZZTop, Tonic and Bret Michaels. The RnR gave runners free entry to the weekend events.

Just an hour and half flight from Jacksonville, I arrived the evening before the race and headed straight to the Expo to do a little shopping and change my corral time. I registered in February, and apparently had high hopes of increasing my PR by 30 minutes in 6 months, when in fact, I’ve only increased it by about 10. I wanted to take my time during this race, and enjoy the surroundings so I set myself in the 2:45 corral.

My plan was to get checked into the hotel, grab some pasta or pizza, and then catch a concert. I soon learned that it was going to be quite impossible to jump into carbo loading, as the lines wrapped down the sidewalks at each joint. I decided on a walk up tiki bar and ordered a crab cake sandwich, and prayed it would be enough fuel for tomorrow. After strolling the boardwalk for a bit, I called it an early night.

Race morning I was up at 430am, to catch a shuttle at 530, just a couple blocks over that would take us to start at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. It was very organized with no lines. The Start area was huge, a little too huge. They had the water in one area, and all the way across the lot was the bagels. And NO coffee! What?!? I rely on my coffee race mornings to get my stomach settled, but I was going to have to do without. I sat, ate my Cliff bar, drank some water, dropped off my gear at the gear trunk and got in one of the extremely long porta potty lines, …for over 40 minutes…I was still 3 people to go and the national anthem started!

The RnR has about 19 corrals, and I was in corral 17, so I figured I would have enough time. The corrals are based on times that you predict you are going finish, so you are surrounded by runners of the same pace and you are not being trampled on by faster runners. Several races do this, and its excellent, however RnR takes it further, and gives 19 different start times as well, instead of everyone starting at once, each start time is about 2 minutes apart. Another awesome thing they did is for each group, they got an expert runner on the microphone to give words of advice and encouragement to each group, like your own little coach. It probably took me about 25 minutes to cross the start line. Within those 25 minutes I met this wonderful lady that is signed up for her first Susan G Komen 3Day for the Cure walk in DC! I was super excited to talk to her and giver her advice, but there was a race to be had! She noted my website, and I hope she emails me if she has questions! It was an awesome feeling to be out of state, and not near a 3Day city, but still run into other 3Day walkers!

11,210 half marathoners came out, with a large majority of them running for a cause. Among the top, LLS Team in Training and Team Hoyt who runners pushed those who are physically disabled in wheelchairs so they could be part of the active community. It was great to run with other athletes on a mission of not being the top finishers, but to go the distance, and complete something you put your mind to all while raising awareness and funds for a cause. .

Before line up, I noticed a guy wearing a Hash Foot shirt, and I was flooded with memories. I soon learned by mile 3 or so, that there were hash marks in flour and chalk on the street. I started following them (not like everyone else was following them), because I actually understood what they meant, while it was probably foreign to everyone else. You see, my very first days of running started with the Hash House Harriers. I was in Tampa at the time and newly single, living on my own. I met a guy that travelled and ran all over the world and he introduced me to the Tampa Chapter.They call themselves a ‘drinking group with a running problem.’ Perfect!, I thought…except I didn’t run. Not even a little. I couldn’t even make it to my mailbox without heavy breathing! But I so desperately wanted to not only impress the guy, but to be part of such an exciting group.

The Hashers are worldwide, and they usually meet at least once a week and run about 3 miles….stopping along the way of course to do nothing else but drink beer. They would meet before hand, and linger afterwards to, of course, drink more beer, which then in turn would be followed by an On After, the after party at a local bar to drink more beer!. The way it worked was a 'Hare' would sign up every week to lay a trail, with flour and chalk marks. The Pack would follow those marks about 10minutes later, and figure out the trail, despite trying to be misled by the Hare several times on wrong directions. It was a great way for me not only to meet new people, but also try something new.

At the same time I had just gotten my puppy, Molly, a Jack Russell terrier that was left alone hours on end while I worked, so of course, I had to figure out the best and fastest way to wear out her energy. That is when I found out running did the trick. I would be there for Molly, taking her on these late night runs after work, and she would be there for me, pushing me further and further every day, every week. (Lets face it, a hyper puppy wasn’t going to let me walk much.) She gave me the confidence enough to go to my first Hash event, when I could finally run more than a few blocks without stopping.

Two years later, the Hashers introduced me to racing and I participated in my first 5K in Savannah, which then gave me confidence to try my first half marathon, the Breast Cancer Marathon in Jacksonville. That was all 5 years ago, and I am still running, and I owe it all to them. I gave an 'On On' shout out to a group of hashers on the sidelines as I ran by, and reminisced for a couple more miles. And no, I didnt pick up a beer at the Beer Check, halfway thru, even though I so desparately wanted to!

Race day weather was perfect… overcast for much of it and when the sun did finally make its appearance, it wasn’t too hot, about upper 70s. I later learned it was 96% humidity, but I guess this VA/FL gal is used to that.

I went into the race not bringing my IPOD. I figured it 'Rock n Roll' marathon, known for all the music along the course, that I would not need it, and that I would enjoy the music along the way. Little did I know actually how little music they would have, and how bad of songs the bands would play. Okay, okay, maybe that was a bit harsh, but lets be honest, I don’t want a slow song playing, at say mile 6, when all I want to do is slow down in running. Instead they should be playing fast, upbeat music to keep me going. The Reggae band was probably the best along the route, the rest were mainly local high schoolers. You would think with how expensive the registration is, they would put more into the bands.

The course was lined with different cheerleading squads from schools and community leagues. Each group dressed up in different themes in competition of the best support, such as the Disney group, and the rock n rollers in tutus! There were all age groups and it reminded me of the time when I was a cheerleader.

The beach community that came out jumped in on the festivities and dressed up as well,…among the favorites were Captain America and the Blue Hawaii group, as well as those in the 'blow up' costumes. A lot of people also brought out their hoses to spray us down, and set up their own water and popsicle stands! A bunch of runners were dressed up as well...There was a guy that was juggling while he was running...yes, juggling. I was with him at mile3, and he dropped about 4 times, so who knows if he finished the whole thing juggling, but man, what a good try! I also ran into Beaker for the third race this year! Other good costumes included Bret Michaels look alike and of course the infamous Elvis.

I started the race nice, slow, and steady as a turtle and I maintained that for the entire race. My goal was to just enjoy myself. I went in with a clear head. I did not even look back at previous races to figure my PR (the past couple races have been pretty bad), and the pace needed to PR again. I kept a clear head the entire time, not worrying about the finish time, just finishing. I kept a pretty steady pace of about 12minute miles and held my runs longer, instead of trying to increase my pace and run shorter distances. Each mile I was amazed how good I felt and and how much I was enjoying myself! There's not one bad thing I can say about the race. I mean, my calves were tight for the first couple miles...expected. I got really tired about mile 10...expected. My stomach felt fine, no nausea. My feet felt great, no blisters. I was having a good race! I wasn’t going to PR, but it was definitely turning out to be one of my favorite races!

The course took us East from the Convention Center towards the ocean, then North a few blocks, and then South over Rudee Inlet, where all the elites were already hitting mile 12, while we were on mile 3! I got to see Ryan Hall, US Olympic Marathoner and record holder, and a 14 year old girl who placed 11^th being the first US woman to cross the finish line! We then went past the huge gorilla at Ocean Breeze, thru the shade of Redwing Park, into the stark blaring sun of Camp Pendleton, and then back North in the home stretch to where we were to finish at 13^th St. Time just seemed to fly by and before I knew it, I was on the home stretch on the boardwalk. Ok, maybe not every part flew by. Those last 13 blocks on a straight away, seeing the Finish sign in the distance, seemed forever unreachable!

Maybe I felt so good because I was in such good spirits with all the memories of being home. Maybe because this was a cake walk compared to last months trail race! Or maybe my training is actually starting to pay off! Whatever the reason, it was a beautiful day. And after I crossed the finish line, got my medal, MGD64, and breakfast goodies, I got the best thing in the world....a complete stranger stopped me in my tracks, threw her arms around me to give me a hug and said 'Thank you'.

The Rock n Roll series also always has a concert of some sort. The VA Beach one was Brett Michaels. I have to admit I was a little fan excited, growing up listening to Guns n Roses. The concert was great located right on the sand. It made an entirely too long of a day with the super early race and late concert, but every moment was well worth it!

 

 

13.1 Finish Time-2:41

Miami Down 2 Earth Trail Half Marathon-Aug 28, 2011

The Down2Earth Endurance Half Marathon takes place monthly at the Oleta River State Park in North Miami. This one, set in the dead heat of August, had 79 5k participants, 31 10k runners, and 32 half marathoners. I was one of the 14 female half marathoners. I definitely felt out of my league.

I came across this race when I couldn’t find any other half marathon in the hottest month of the year, that had an affordable flight as well. My plan was to do 2 races then, 2 weekends back to back, that would total a half marathon. Not really what my ‘mission’ was, but I settled. That was until I found this race and was super excited it was in driving distance!

I glanced at previous trail races with this organization, and it looked like a great time! I was so amped up to get into nature, and off the usual hot pavement! I knew that it would be a new kind of challenge, and that is what made it exciting. Little did I know.

I drove down the day before and stayed at the Fairmont Turnberry, which was only about 10 minutes from the park. I got my carbs in, and got plenty of rest, but the morning there was just unsettling feeling. I soon realized I forgot to bring my camelback. I remembered that they had strongly suggested you bring your own water. Hesitant, I was racking my brain on where to buy a water bottle holder at 6am. I decided I would just grab a bottle of water from the gas station.

I started driving, and 2 miles out, I realized I left my Garmin and Ipod in the room. How in the world could I run without those!??...i raced back to the hotel! I finally got what I need and I headed to the park. I still had about 15 minute, so I decided to go over to Walgreens and see if they have a water bottle holder. No such luck. I made my way to the park. $4 entrance fee had the line backed up. Why wouldn’t they include that in the registration fee?? I finally got parked and made my way to packet pick up, which I then had to turn around and make it back to my car to drop off what was in the packet I didn’t need. I made it back, and knew I had to get in line for the porta outlets. As I was 10 deep, they started making the announcements for the line ups. Great. Thank god I made it just in time! The half marathon was to start first, followed by the 10k and 5k. The race included 1 lap for 5k, 2 laps for 10k and 4 laps for half marathon. Simple enough. That was until I was half way through the first lap and asked myself…what the hell did I get myself into!??

Within the first mile we found ourselves crossing 2 ditches of pure muddy water, and then a log crossing. I thought about taking pictures, but thought we have 3 more laps, I would just take pictures then…little did I know, we only crossed this area once!! =(

The second crossing of water left me thigh deep, including getting my tutu wet!! We had warnings that people have lost their shoes before in that crossing, and I became hesitant when my shoes started to get lodged in the mud! Luckily my shoes survived…but now I had 12 more miles to run with soaking wet feet!...this will be great for blisters!

The log crossing was fun, but scary…I did NOT want to land into the water below! It was bad enough I was muddy from the thighs down, but I did not want my whole body disgusting this early or it was going to be a looong run! I held my breath and put one foot in front of the other and made it!

Mile 3, or first lap, was ridiculously never ending!! Several turns and cross backs, left me dizzy…I wondered how I was ever to complete the other 3 laps without motion sickness!!

It became very packed on the tight trail quite quickly. The fast 10k runners were already passing us pacers! And then came the fast 5k runners!

I knew within the first lap that this was not what I was expecting!! The hills were intense. Well, they seemed intense, not ever really running on anything like this, and then adding in the unstable footing. It was a bunch of steep drops, going up, and then jumping down. Lots of ducking under trees. And lots of tree roots. When we came to the flat running on loose rocks, I was actually happy. It was fun, but I was going slower than I estimated! After lap 1, about 3.5 miles, I was so far behind my regular racing pace, that I decided to not pay attention to time, but to pay attention to footing, and survival without a broken bone!

Lap 2 went a heck of a lot faster than lap1. I figured it was because I found my footing, and I was able to navigate the roots better…that was until I found myself falling at mile 5!! I was sprawled out on my left side, scared at first, but then realized nothing was broke, so laughed it off.

Luckily I still had a couple of runners around me and they asked if I was Ok! …but what if there wasn’t, what if I was by myself, no one around, and I wasn’t ok…what if I broke something? The fast, experienced runners where long gone, and I think a couple of them had already lapped me! I knew I was the last one of the half marathoners and I would eventually be alone. Would I make it out of the woods? Would I be able to find my track? Would I remain uninjured since I have a race next week?! These thoughts raced through my head repeatedly, and I those thoughts were draining my energy.

But I had to keep reminding myself, so what?! So what if I’m the last one? As long as I finish right? I asked the water boy if there was a time limit, and he said no. So my mind was made up, I would complete the 4 laps, no matter what time it took.

This race was definitely a mind game. There were no supporters lining the road, no people running next to you to help keep a good pace, no motivators yelling your name to cheer you on! There were thankfully 2 water stations in each lap, and one of the water boys was my support. A few runners that had lapped me also gave good motivating words. It is nice to run with such kind people to support runners that are not as experienced as them.

So somewhere around mile 6, I realized the back of my shirt I made was hanging off. Note to self, no more hand making a shirt. It was very bothersome the entire time. It did not stay in place from the first few steps. I had to fasten it down by tucking it into my energy belt. It was constantly raising up, and falling off my shoulders and I had to repeatedly adjust it. Again, another mental energy drainer. There was no way I could fix the broken shirt, so I did the unthinkable for me, and I took it off and ran in my sport bra! UGH! I figured no one was really around, so it would be Ok to bring out the bloated belly! I hiked up my shorts to cover as much of my belly as possible and continued on.

Lap 3 lingered, and left me walking a good portion. This was definitely the hardest race I have done. I laughed to myself, because from previous races I loved doing the bridge parts or hill parts. But with this race, there were large dirt mounts back to back around every turn, and I started to curse every single one of them. I could feel my legs turning to jello. I was unable to lift my feet as high as I need to get over some roots, which left me tripping every so often.

Finally the last couple half marathoners past me, and I could not hear anyone else in the woods. The mountain bikers were out, and now they were passing me. I made it to the finish line/turn around point, and it was confirmed I was the last one. I still had one more lap to do, but they were waiting on me to pass out the awards for the half marathoners. All the 5k and 10k people had already left. It was so embarrassing. 10miles completed at about the time I usually complete all 13. I was defeated by the trail.

I walked over to a guy standing alone and talked to him a bit, saying I didn’t realize how difficult that was going to be, that I’d rather run a full 26 mile marathon, than have to do that trail run. He was a nice guy and even offered to run the last 3 miles with me on a flat trail in the park. Next thing I knew they were passing out the awards, and he was announced as the winner! He had been waiting about an hour and 15 minutes for me to finish! So embarrassing! It was going on 1030 already, and I had a plane to catch to Curacao, so there was no time do to the last 3 miles now.

I was so disappointed in myself. I do not like being defeated, and that trail run definitely kicked my butt! I feel like I not only let myself down, but I let everyone else that has been following my progress down. And also everyone that is on my tutu down. I don’t think I will ever get over the feeling, and there is no control of that. There is no way I can change the past, but I can plan the future. I can plan to run the last 3.5 miles as soon as I can when I arrive to Curacao. And I can plan to run this half marathon trail run again later in life, when I am stronger and a better runner!

Update...next morning….So to keep my word of doing a half marathon a month for this Pink Ribbon Tutu on a Mission, I kept my promise and ran 6.5km (4miles) this morning in Curacao! And then raised my glass of 'Dolphins Foam' (pina colada with blue curacao!) in honor of all those kick ass trail runners!

Update #2...4 days later...Okay, so looking at the results page, there were 2 other half marathoners that did not even make it 3 laps (as far as me), and then 2 more that also stopped at lap 3 and had slower times than me....so technically I was not dead last. =) That does make me feel better that I am in company. We ALL did a Great job!!

9.8 miles-trail run 2:31

4.0 miles-untimed

Milwaukee Rock n Sole -Jul 10, 2011

The Milwaukee Rock n Sole Half Marathon is part of a 2 week long concert series event called Summerfest that takes place every summer with 12 stages and bands including both local and big headliner artists. This was the inaugural year for the half marathon and 10k. Approximately 6500 runners registered with proceeds benefitting the Ronald McDonald House and Milwaukee World Festival.

The race had great intentions providing not only the usual technical shirts, medals, and beer at the finish, but also 2 days worth of entry into the Summerfest festivities, which in my mind was more than enough to make up for the registration fee , especially since I was going to be able to see Sugarland for the first time!

I arrived into Milwaukee the morning before race day and of course had to explore the city. Luckily for me, I learned my lesson from the Chicago race trip, and decided to take the Trolley around the city to explore instead of walking too much. They have a great service where you can hop on and off and it takes you to pretty much the most popular areas of the city.

After exploring some markets, and enjoying some local music at the Summerfest, I made it an early night at the Intercontinental. Or what I thought was going to be an early night, until I realized the windows were so light that I could hear the seagulls squawking. But wait, wasn’t it 11pm??? Ive never heard of such of thing. Living at the beach, our seagulls like to go to bed at night! I made it to sleep, but not without a couple more interruptions from my friends throughout the night.

Morning came quick, but I was feeling good and rested. That is, until horrible cramps started coming and my visitor decided to make an appearance and join the race! Great! Good thing I came prepared!

The hotel was about a mile and quarter away from start, so I headed out early enough to get some rest in before lineup. Walking out the door, I was slammed in the face with hot, humid, thick, not so pleasant temperatures…and it was only 630A!!…an hour and half before the race to even begin! Was I back in Florida?!? It was a scary feeling thinking how hot it was going to be! And here I was thinking I was coming up north to get away from the heat!!

The pre start area was great. They had opened up the entrance to Summerfest, so we not only had the porta potties , but we had the large restrooms as well, so there wasn’t really any lines. I never found the water that they said they had. So I was to start the race at 8a with the last water I dran at 6a.

The half marathon was to start 15 minutes before the 10k. Line up involved self corralling, which is usually a good idea, but turns out the road was not wide enough, or the pace times were not spaced out enough. There were definitely more 10-14minute pacers than 6-8minute! So line up had the Elites in the front, and then major gaps until the back where all of us were crammed together. Nonetheless, we waited on the curb for the shotgun, and weeded our way onto the road eventually. While we were crammed together waiting for some sort of start, I met a lady doing her first half marathon. She was very nervous about running with so many people. I tried to reassure her it would be great and she would love it!....little did I know what she was about to endure, and I now hope this race does not discourage her from running again!

I knew there was a bridge involved in this race that people had been talking about for weeks, but I also knew that if I could survive the Savannah bridge every year, I wasn’t going to be nervous. Little did I know that the very first few steps we were to take on this race was going straight up the bridge. What? No warm up laps? The course took you out for 3 miles and over the Hoan Bridge (which is almost 2 miles itself), then a turn around to go back over the bridge to start area where the 10k runners were to stop. The half marathoners were then to do an out and back along the lakefront for the remainder of the 7miles.

There wasn’t much height to the bridge, but it was enough to slow you down when you are not warmed up. In previous races I always look forward to the bridges, usually finding a second wind and am able to push through and pass people. This time around I was being passed by everyone. I was probably in the 12min pace group even though I had placed myself in 10minute.

Water stops were set up about every mile on the bridge and then mile and half there after. Water stop number 1 came and it was slammed packed, cups not set up and people stopped and waiting to be served. Great, I thought, another under staffed race. I got only a swallows worth and ran on.

Then water stop 2 came….without cups…yes, that is right. No cups! Starting to panic a bit because I was already over heated so early in the race, I started getting upset thinking I would have to run by without any water. Instead, people started putting their hands together to cup a swallow worth of water. Ok, fine, I can deal...for now. I then ran by the Medics just standing there with a couple of volunteers and yelled to them to get ready, that they are about to have some serious injuries if this was the way the race was to go! The 10k runners had not even started yet. Where they going to have cups for them?? At least more than half the half marathoners got cups. I just happened to be in the back of the group, which I have found in previous races leaves you with the leftovers of everything.

Then water stop number 3 came….and NO WATER!...yes, the nightmare was getting worse! I was flabbergasted! I started wondering, are they holding the water back for the 10k runners, and just not giving us any in the back of the pack? Would they really do that? That doesn’t make sense, but I asked a volunteer anyways, and got yelled at! What was going on?! I found myself in an absolute horrible mood! What kind of hell was I trapped in? I just wanted to give up. But how was I to make it back? I don’t have a choice but to run, or at least walk to the start/10k finish. I just want to get off this bridge! But I still have to go back over it the second time!

Water stop number 4 came and I noticed people picking up the dirty cups off the ground and refilling those, or grabbing one of the empty water jugs and using that. I grabbed an empty bottle and got it filled a good portion. But then I started feeling bad I took so much water, so I drank what I thought I needed and then left the bottle on a cone for anyone that desperately needed it.

The elite 10k runners were already passing me at this point. Did they get any water? Are they really going to go 6 miles without a drop of water in this heat? They must be used to this, but what about all these non elite runners…these first time runners…are they going to get water and cups to them in time?

Then all of a sudden a truck comes driving up the bridge and a man runs out with a case of water…..and CUPS!! I grabbed a drink, stuck the cup inside my shirt, thinking this might be the only clean one I would have for the rest of the race, and started back on my track. I was getting a better state of mind. At least I had a cup. Worse comes to worse, I will beg the supporters on the sidelines for some liquid. I started to enjoy the scenery from the bridge, and realize the hard part is over, its all easy downhill from here, and the rest of the course would be flat. I told myself I would not continue to be in a bad mood. I would not let other peoples attitudes affect mine, nor the loud late night sea gulls, nor the pmsing cramps, nor the lack of water.

About mile number 5 I was already starting to feel the effects of dehydration, starting to get the chills even though I was soaked in sweat. I realized this was not going to be a race of time, but a race of survival. I was already a good 5 minutes behind my pace. Going down the bridge, I got some thumbs up and praises over my pink ribbon tutu. I faked a smile, and then remembered, the old theory that tells you to smile when you are sad and it will make you happy. From there forward I kept a smile on my face. Im not sure if I was becoming delirious from the heat exhaustion, but I found myself laughing hysterically, making jokes with the volunteers, doing high fives for other runners, and giving the thumbs up to all the photographers for the remainder of the race!

We finally made it off the bridge and there was a split for the 10k to head to the finish and the half marathoners to continue on. There were a set of cones set up along the middle of the road, and I weaved in and out of them, teasingly debating which way I would go. I knew in the back of my mind there was absolutely no way that I would sign up for a half marathon and not complete it. That is just not me. And the same time, were the conditions going to get any better? Where the stations going to have water? Cups? Gatorade? Where was the Gatorade they promised? I laughed to myself and continued on the right track.

Within the next mile, I realized we were about to have a long trek in the sun. No shade at all. That is when I saw some runners stopping and turning around. I didn’t blame them. It was a difficult run for the next few miles. It reminded me of the Tampa 3 Day….temperatures mid day raising in the upper 90s and we were in nothing but heat and sun. I think previous years of heat exhaustion at The 3 Day helped me through this race. I knew what symptoms to look for, and I knew if I was to complete this race I was going to continue to need to take it easy. That meant walking. A lot. I found myself surrounded by a lot of other smart runners that were taking their time. They too just wanting to cross the finish line, not be carried.

Water station number 7 I noticed they had raised the Race Flags to Yellow....a ‘warning’ to take it easy. This was not a surprise to me for it being so hot in a northern city. We were right in front of the lake, just inches away from the sand, and I seriously asked a volunteer how cold lake Michigan was. I was going to run right in, my full outfit and all, I was already soaked. But I was told it was too big of a difference in temperature change with my body being over heated. And this is why I love smart volunteers that keep us safe!

At this point of the race I finally found my pacer…I always try to find someone that runs about my same speed that I usually keep an eye to secretly keep me motivated and competitive with more than just myself. I realize I have my second wind and I am ready to get some serious running in. The problem is, as soon as I start getting some good distance, I either get chills, feel my fingers tingle, or start to pee my pants. There was still no Gatorade, but I finally found some bananas and stuffed my mouth. The Gu I brought (thank God!) and bananas kept me alive. That and the wonderful families that brought out their kids water guns and sprayed us in the face with Ice Cold water!!

About mile 8 or 9 I notice people on the sidelines with medics. Lots of them. Some on stretchers being put in the ambulance. Some on oxygen. Some with cooling packs. This is a serious reality and I must make sure I am being realistic on how I am feeling. At this point the water stations now had full bottles of water for us to take. It’s a little late I yelled laughing at one of the volunteers. But I grabbed one dumped it on my head and grabbed another and stuffed it down my shirt, since I had no way to carry it, and carrying it in your hands takes energy.

We run up a cliff, through rich neighborhoods, and get some good shade for a while. There are lots of volunteers just lining the street. Just standing there. That is weird I thought. Did all the volunteers from the bridge come over to the end of the race? That is when I hear someone on the megaphone yelling the race is Black Flagged. The clock is stopped. And they were suggesting us to walk, not run. Wow. So this is what its like. I think I definitely had an upper hand in this race, being from Florida, used to the heat, and also used to running and walking in these conditions. I actually was feeling pretty good. Not PR (personal record) good. Not even make my usual time good. But good enough to finish a half marathon in a decent time. I looked at my Garmin. I was about 8 minutes behind my pace.

Since everyone was walking it was a good time to talk with some people. I got a chance to remind some women to Feel their Boobies, I met a cancer survivor, and I got a chance to cheer some people up with some laughs. I also took the opportunity to take some pictures which I had yet to do because I was too busy worrying about the conditions.

The shade was brief and we were back in the sun, but we were also in the home stretch! We had survived this hot ordeal! In the distance I could see the finish, and also some firemen with the hydrant spraying over the course into the lake.

I finished the race 11 minutes slower than my slowest race. Not too shabby for a Black Flag race if I do say so myself. It was a true test of mental stamina as well as physical. And I feel good knowing that I past it all with a good attitude, having the most fun that I possibly could, and not giving up.

I finished the night with a Sugarland concert which made it a perfect ending! Jennifer Nettles has the absolute best attitude... Smiling the entire concert and sending off such awesome energy!. You can not only hear her emotion and passion, but you can see it in her face. It is so contagious you can feel it in your soul when she sings. She sends out such a good message of life….a Positive attitude keeps love in your life no matter what comes your way!

13.1 Finish Time -2:57:37-

Black Flag

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