Roxymama's 5k to Marathon, Time to Collect Another Castle

[roxymama]

@ohMom @Tiger Lily 03 please move this thread to the Training Journal section of the runDisney forum.

 

[roxymama]

Stopping by to wish a Happy Easter or just a Happy Sunday depending on what you all celebrate!
I couldn't talk my kiddo into letting me jog with her in the stroller for our local 5k but we did do about a .5 mile on Friday being silly going fast and slow before she was over it. She wanted to get out a run with me instead which last about three minutes. So Saturday we just cheered on hubby for his race (and all the other runners!)
He beat his last race by over a minute so was very pleased. As a runner I know how big over a minute is fo a 5k, not sure I'd have known how impressive that is a year ago.

My kiddo woke up at 6:30am today and found all her Easter goodies in record time. Including these because we are a Disney family after all
I'm about to lace em up and go get 5 miles before I have to try to make myself pretty for Easter festivities. I'll let you all know if I catch any bunnies.

And here's a pic of the shiitake hoison burgers with bok Choy and sweet potatoes I made last night from blue apron. There was only enough for one burger each and that's a victory in my house where we all tend to not stop at one. And my hubby ate these even though there was a whole lotta mushrooms in there.

 

[roxymama]

Boom 5 miles in 55:17...11:03 avg. A little faster than I intended but mostly because my last mile I think dipped a little fast which is better than the other way. I tried very hard to stay consistent and I feel good about this run.
And this is what you wear on Easter to run right?
Fancy!

 

[DopeyBadger]

Tell your husband congrats on the 5K PR, that's an amazing improvement! Way to go on today's 5 mile run. EEK! It's race week! Given your progress to date, I think you should feel very confident heading into this coming weekend's 8K! We'll touch base later this week to go over some pre-race strategy. Enjoy the easy week leading up to the race.

 

[Ariel484]

Way to go on your 5-miler!!

You know I'm loving that outfit.

 

[SarahDisney]

Happy Easter!

I love that medal and race shirt! Both are so awesome!

Congrats to your hubby on the new 5K PR - that's amazing!!

Awesome job on today's run. I think you're going to rock this race!

 

[roxymama]

I just realized I was supposed to run 3 miles today! Was looking at wrong week. doh!
Well at least I ran the 5 easy and I didn't push too hard. And I feel fine...not overly fatigued or anything. I do know that I have an EA and EB pace run this week pre-race. So I'll make super sure not to overdue it. Doh!

 

[DopeyBadger]

I just realized I was supposed to run 3 miles today! Was looking at wrong week. doh!
Well at least I ran the 5 easy and I didn't push too hard. And I feel fine...not overly fatigued or anything. I do know that I have an EA and EB pace run this week pre-race. So I'll make super sure not to overdue it. Doh!

Just step and think about this statement...

"Well at least I ran the 5 easy and I didn't push too hard. And I feel fine...not overly fatigued or anything."

Yep, nothing else needs to be said.

 

[ZellyB]

I love those Mickey Easter Eggs. So cute!!

Great job on your DH's new 5K PR. That's awesome. And way to go on the 5-miler. As you mentioned in my thread, we were like pace buddies! You are going to do so great on your race. Can't wait to hear about it.

I'm so jealous of that Ditka shirt and the leggings look great.

 

[roxymama]

It's RACE WEEK! AHHHHHHH! (not sure if that's an excited AHH, or a nervous AHH, or both, subject to change.)

My plan for this week seems pretty do-able, so here it is.
All days: make good eating decisions, hydrate properly, get proper amounts of sleep.
TUES (today): 2.5 miles at EA 12:23 pace - I'm used to this Tues workout by now so no problemo...it'll be on the treadmill
THUR: 3 mi at EB 11:37 pace - little slower than my LR pace so no problemo...likely on that dang treadmill again
FRI/SAT: Expo...either my hubby goes for us on Friday since he works nearby OR we all go together on Saturday at some point. I'm hoping for we all go, because I like browsing.
SUN: Race Day! We are in the second wave which starts at 9am. PROS: more time to get to the race = less anxiety for me. Can sleep in a teeny bit more...but who am I kidding, I'll be awake at 6:30am like usual. I'll be in the corral with my husband and father-in-law so I'll have people there to distract me from nervous energy and time goes faster with company. They are likely sticking together but I'm gonna lone wolf this one. (that's a term right?) CONS: Literally no idea what the congestion will be like in the back corrals. Also, back corrals mean waiting longer to start.
Oh I thought of one more possible PRO...maybe better probability I could try to pac-man chomp some people from the back corrals? I could be totally wrong about that though...I've heard there are lots of speedy runners in this race. Oh and did I mention there will be close to 30,000 runners? That's a lot of chomping or being chomped!

But I think I'm getting to a zen place about all of the above. I'm just really excited to finally get to this point. I need to figure out my mile 1 pace strategy and then I think that will help me build to the next miles. The last mile ends with the world famous Mt. Roosevelt that the Chicago marathon ends with. It's an uphill right before the final turn to the finish shoot. It's not horrible, but because it's at the end people freak out about it. I have experienced it once before and walked 10 steps before making myself run again. So my big race goals are
A) Mile 1 is not my fastest mile!!!
B) Time goals go in this order of importance...Just Finish/Finish in less than an hour/Finish in less than 55min...So I know I can achieve at least one of those Sub 50 min is my super secret not telling anyone I know other than you all goal. I finished my LR last week in 55:17 so I know I can do that out in the neighborhood not pushing myself to a race pace. I'm making a little list of splits that would work out to the above different goals and I'm going to be more cognizant of my splits during this race than I usually am. So I can be smart.
C) I'd like to run the mile 5 hill and then all the way through the finish without walking. Just to avenge my race from last summer.

Ok - Tips or Encouragement...feel free to throw anything at me!

 

[SarahDisney]

I don't have any tips, but I did want to stop by and say ... YOU CAN DO THIS!
You've trained hard, you have a great strategy, and you're going to rock this race!

 

[roxymama]

I don't have any tips, but I did want to stop by and say ... YOU CAN DO THIS!
You've trained hard, you have a great strategy, and you're going to rock this race!

Thanks Sarah! I'm going in with the hope of just being happy on the other side of the finish line with my efforts. It will be a PR no matter how long it takes, so that is comforting!

 

[rteetz]

I don't have tips either but I'll offer encouragement. You will do great! All that training will have paid off and you will find I no problem!

 

[DopeyBadger]

SUN: Race Day! We are in the second wave which starts at 9am. PROS: more time to get to the race = less anxiety for me. Can sleep in a teeny bit more...but who am I kidding, I'll be awake at 6:30am like usual. I'll be in the corral with my husband and father-in-law so I'll have people there to distract me from nervous energy and time goes faster with company. They are likely sticking together but I'm gonna lone wolf this one. (that's a term right?) CONS: Literally no idea what the congestion will be like in the back corrals. Also, back corrals mean waiting longer to start.
Oh I thought of one more possible PRO...maybe better probability I could try to pac-man chomp some people from the back corrals? I could be totally wrong about that though...I've heard there are lots of speedy runners in this race. Oh and did I mention there will be close to 30,000 runners? That's a lot of chomping or being chomped!

But I think I'm getting to a zen place about all of the above. I'm just really excited to finally get to this point. I need to figure out my mile 1 pace strategy and then I think that will help me build to the next miles. The last mile ends with the world famous Mt. Roosevelt that the Chicago marathon ends with. It's an uphill right before the final turn to the finish shoot. It's not horrible, but because it's at the end people freak out about it. I have experienced it once before and walked 10 steps before making myself run again. So my big race goals are
A) Mile 1 is not my fastest mile!!!
B) Time goals go in this order of importance...Just Finish/Finish in less than an hour/Finish in less than 55min...So I know I can achieve at least one of those Sub 50 min is my super secret not telling anyone I know other than you all goal. I finished my LR last week in 55:17 so I know I can do that out in the neighborhood not pushing myself to a race pace. I'm making a little list of splits that would work out to the above different goals and I'm going to be more cognizant of my splits during this race than I usually am. So I can be smart.
C) I'd like to run the mile 5 hill and then all the way through the finish without walking. Just to avenge my race from last summer.

Ok - Tips or Encouragement...feel free to throw anything at me!

Here my tips and encouragement!

1) Eat and drink like you would in anticipation of a morning training run. For me, that means eat 2 hours prior to the event. Drink 16oz of water 2 hours prior to knowing the last time I can use the bathroom. This way you'll stay hydrated but wont have to use the restroom when it's time to run.
2) Get to the race early rather than late. I'm not sure if you're walking, busing, or driving but preferably you are there at least 1 hour prior to the race starting.
3) Use the bathroom for the last time potentially right before your warm-up starts.
4) Start warming up no earlier than 60 minutes before you will start racing, but no later than 15 minutes prior. Ideally, you do the same, if any, stretching routine you have been doing for training runs. I suggest you also include a 0.75 mile to 1 mile warm-up done at warm-up pace (nice and easy). In addition, during the warm-up do 3 "bursts" up to desired 8K pace (the bursts should last no longer than 8-10 seconds). All of your warm-ups need to be finished no later than 15 minutes prior to the event otherwise it starts to cut into your race abilities.
5) About 5 minutes prior to racing drink a few ounces of water. This water will not have enough time to make it to the bladder to influence needing to go to the bathroom.
6) Make sure you are lined up at the front of your corral. It makes the start easier when everyone is behind you.
7) Start your watch! *But never look at it!!!!!! OMG, what did he say?!?!?! We've designed your training with the goal of being able to run by effort. Now we're going to use that training. After you start the race, commit to never looking at the watch for the remainder of the run. This will prevent any negative thoughts from creeping into your head. Just don't forget to hit the stop button when you cross the finish line. This also means no looking at the start clock or intermediate clocks and trying to figure out your pacing. Just don't do it. Run by effort and it will guide you across the line in your best effort (whether that's 50 min, 55 min, or 60 min just depends on the day).
8) Start with an effort that feels equivalent to what your Long Run pace has been. This likely means people from your corral will be passing you in the beginning. That's ok! Just mentally tag them and think to yourself Roxymama Pac-Man is coming to get you!
9) As the race progresses imagine slowly accelerating your car. Slowly push on the accelerator until by mile 3 you feel as if the effort you are giving is equivalent to the effort of a Tempo run. Then keep pushing, keep the foot down on the accelerator and stop for nothing. Just keep accelerating.
10) When you approach the hill, don't even think about walking. Don't even think about slowing down. Think about attacking the hill. Think about conquering it. All of the energy that your corral mates spent at the beginning, you'll spend now flying by them up the hill. Keep your eyes up above the horizon of the road (keeps the lungs open, and yes I know it will look really weird from the outsiders prespective). Keep your wrists pointed upwards and your arms like pistons carrying you up the hill. Keep your chest out and your shoulders straight. Own the hill!
11) As you crest the final hill and you're in the final straight away keep your form solid. Eyes, arms, legs, shoulders, chest... Now, Go, Go, Go!
12) No matter what, keep a smile on your face. Keep positive thoughts in your head no matter what happens on the course. This isn't the culmination of all of your training, this is the victory lap. You've already done the hard work, now comes the fun part. RACING!

 

[roxymama]

Thanks @DopeyBadger
I'm going to read through this again and digest it and kind of mentally go over it while I'm on my best friend, Mr. Treadmill, tonight. I can't promise that I will not look at my watch. But I can promise that I will do everything possible not to be glued to it & to try not to look at it for as long as possible. Just being honest...but really am going to try. And I'm going to try to have fun too. And chomp people. And own that hill.

 

[dancingtodisney]

Hey!!!!!

Race week! How exciting!
You will smash this 8k!!

I think your time goals are pretty reasonable given your pace recently and your 5k times. I'm not really sure what tips I can give you. I'm a massive foodie so having something that I really want to eat as a treat afterwards gives me a little motivation haha

You've got the training under your belt for this so just remember that and really enjoy the race itself. I tend to run faster when I'm actually enjoying myself!

I feel your threadmil pain... the weather here in London has been so stormy lately that outside running is not really an option...

Looking forward to hearing how your last bit of training goes... best of luck!

 

[DopeyBadger]

Thanks @DopeyBadger
I'm going to read through this again and digest it and kind of mentally go over it while I'm on my best friend, Mr. Treadmill, tonight. I can't promise that I will not look at my watch. But I can promise that I will do everything possible not to be glued to it & to try not to look at it for as long as possible. Just being honest...but really am going to try. And I'm going to try to have fun too. And chomp people. And own that hill.

Here is the key then: If you look at your watch you can't treat what you see as a negative.

-If you look at your last mile split and it was 9:00, but you wanted to do 9:37. You can't think "Oh no, I went too fast I won't have enough at the end!". Because it might just become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Instead its "Oh well, that mile is over and done with, just keep pushing."
-If you look at your last mile split and it was 10:45, but you wanted to do 9:37. You can't think "Oh no, I'm way behind my goal I better step on the gas." Maintaining the car analogy we know that stepping on the gas burns way more fuel then a slow steady acceleration. Keep the same mindset. Just slowly keep pushing the pace, but don't suddenly accelerate.

Worry about maintaining the effort necessary to meet your goal rather than what the little digital numbers tell you. If you do that, no matter what you'll do your best. I'm excited for you. I didn't realize this race was a 30,000 person event. That's A LOT of people! That's going to be fun.

 

[roxymama]

Here is the key then: If you look at your watch you can't treat what you see as a negative.

-If you look at your last mile split and it was 9:00, but you wanted to do 9:37. You can't think "Oh no, I went too fast I won't have enough at the end!". Because it might just become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Instead its "Oh well, that mile is over and done with, just keep pushing."
-If you look at your last mile split and it was 10:45, but you wanted to do 9:37. You can't think "Oh no, I'm way behind my goal I better step on the gas." Maintaining the car analogy we know that stepping on the gas burns way more fuel then a slow steady acceleration. Keep the same mindset. Just slowly keep pushing the pace, but don't suddenly accelerate.

Worry about maintaining the effort necessary to meet your goal rather than what the little digital numbers tell you. If you do that, no matter what you'll do your best. I'm excited for you. I didn't realize this race was a 30,000 person event. That's A LOT of people! That's going to be fun.

I like this approach a lot and I promise to use it. Everything positive! That's going to be my mantra.

And here is a picture of the start of the race and also one from during. I have only ever seen it out a window so never participated though. People say it is like the Chicago marathon...if you took out the middle 21.2 miles because the start and finish are identical. (and with April weather of course.)

 

[Ariel484]

OMG! Those pictures are crazy!

But I bet it's a super fin atmosphere...can't wait to hear all about it. I'm sure you are going to do an awesome job!

Do you think you'll ever run the Chicago Marathon some day?

 

[roxymama]

Hey!!!!!

Race week! How exciting!
You will smash this 8k!!

I think your time goals are pretty reasonable given your pace recently and your 5k times. I'm not really sure what tips I can give you. I'm a massive foodie so having something that I really want to eat as a treat afterwards gives me a little motivation haha

You've got the training under your belt for this so just remember that and really enjoy the race itself. I tend to run faster when I'm actually enjoying myself!

I feel your threadmil pain... the weather here in London has been so stormy lately that outside running is not really an option...

Looking forward to hearing how your last bit of training goes... best of luck!

I'm really going to keep that "run positive" mantra going! The most positive I ever was during a race was my Disney 5k and I wasn't worried about time, just about enjoying the moment. I think I will bottle that feeling and save it for Sunday.
I have a feeling that Chicago in the spring is a lot like London. Well cheers to our treadmill "fun." And now I need to start deciding what food to treat myself to post-race (other than beers and bananas.) Maybe a big ol burger? mmmmm

OMG! Those pictures are crazy!

But I bet it's a super fin atmosphere...can't wait to hear all about it. I'm sure you are going to do an awesome job!

Do you think you'll ever run the Chicago Marathon some day?

The funny thing is when doing the google search I found even more recent pictures where the race start appears even bigger. But not sure if optical illusion. All I know is that the starting corrals take up about three city blocks. But my Corral G gets to start next to Buckinham Fountain (the fountain from the old Married with Children intro if you remember that) and it's one of my most favorite places in the whole city...so I'm excited about that. Although it won't be turned on.

Do I think I'll ever run the marathon...eeeeeep??? I guess it's not even in my realm of even thinking about right now. With a three year old at home I'm just not sure I have the training time and not sure I have the desire to be running that long yet. I DO want to volunteer for it this year though if I can make time for it. Get a sweet volunteer jacket and help out fellow crazy runners, sounds kind of cool.
I can see a half or challenge in my nearer future...maybe I'll save any kind of crazy marathon talk for when my kid is in grade school or later. Or I'll just wait a really long time and try to age place in the 70 year old divisions?