The Running Thread - 2019

[Wendy98]

I was happy to get to AK and the half way point. I knew I would slow down after this point. I love running through AK, but those bumpy paths were not making my feet feel any better.

A few more pics:

Love this setup!








Only Disney could make a construction area look like a photo backdrop.





How I wish we could do a couple of miles on the track. I know it is monotonous, but so easy to run on.





This would be my last character stop. I was ready to just be done.



I was glad to have reached HS. My feet and back were not doing good. I had stopped one more time for a Bio Freeze bath. I had slowed down considerable, which was from the pain in my feet. The rest of me felt fantastic. I never came close to tanking and hitting a wall because of the easier pace. I was really having fun (if only that stupid foot pain would go away). Since we were staying at BWV, I knew that would be the one and only place I would see dh. I saw him and stopped for a moment for a hug. He immediately asked what was wrong and what did I need since I NEVER stop in a marathon unless there is a problem. I said I just wanted a hug and of course he had to comment about my state of sweatiness afterward. It was so nice of him to make that long journey from our room to the sidewalk and I made sure to point that out later.

One more post with pics...

 

[Wendy98]

And the finale...sorry, this was not short. I am not usually a race recap person.













My final time was 3:22:58 which includes 14 character stops, 2 medical stops for Bio Freeze, and a dh stop. I was listed as 21st OA woman, but I think it is now 22nd. I was surprised that time was 2nd in AG which means I will get an extra souvenir mailed to me in a few weeks.

After I showered and chilled for a bit, we went to brunch at The California Grill. It was pricey, but SO worth it! I had to ask them to stop refilling my bottomless champagne.



We walked over to MK for a couple of rides, back to hotel, and then to AK.



I think I set a new step record for the day (at least since I've have started keeping track):



Overall, I am glad I did it. I am not sure if I will do it again, at least not in the next few years. I have 2 "A" races this year, Boston and Berlin. I need to get a handle on my hurting parts--I see the ortho on Tuesday. I did not work out at all the day after the marathon, but hit the elliptical the day after that. I did an easy 4 miles on Thursday and 6 miles yesterday. Both of those were on a treadmill because outside just sucks right now. It was snow and ice, but now it is non-stop rain which will turn to snow later tonight. How I HATE winter in Ohio.

 

[rteetz]

@Wendy98 glad you still took part and enjoyed the race despite not feeling 100%. Brunch at CA Grill is amazing and definitely pricey but I would do it again.

 

[Chaitali]

@Wendy98 Great recap! And I agree, I love brunch at California Grill. We haven’t been able to do it the past couple trips but I remember when we went I had to ask them to stop with the mimosa refills too.

 

[roxymama]

@Wendy98 Wow you had some great action shots! Congrats on the AG award and the 38 miles (Eep!!!)

 

[bovie]

Okay, y'all. Trying to decide on next race for the spring! Contenders are the Magnolia Meltdown on March 30: https://magnoliameltdown.racesonline.com/ and the Star Wars half at Disney.

Magnolia is local and cheaper. Last year, I registered for a half in Memphis that I couldn't run because I couldn't get off work in time to drive there for bib pick up. Really sucked, and made me realize local races are something I should look at more closely. I'd be running it alone.

Star Wars is Disney on April, which is obviously great. I'm not into Star Wars really, but will be there for a work conference Wednesday and could likely extend it through the weekend, which would defray the cost a good bit. I might be able to convince my bestie to run this one with me- she's local to Disney.

Thoughts? Any other races in the Mississippi/ Bama/ Louisiana/ West TN region I ought to consider?

 

[ckb_nc]

And the finale...sorry, this was not short. I am not usually a race recap person.



Overall, I am glad I did it. I am not sure if I will do it again, at least not in the next few years. I have 2 "A" races this year, Boston and Berlin. I need to get a handle on my hurting parts--I see the ortho on Tuesday. I did not work out at all the day after the marathon, but hit the elliptical the day after that. I did an easy 4 miles on Thursday and 6 miles yesterday. Both of those were on a treadmill because outside just sucks right now. It was snow and ice, but now it is non-stop rain which will turn to snow later tonight. How I HATE winter in Ohio.

Nice A races - wow. Know some folks who have run Boston which is always such a weather race. Berlin is fast...

 

[michigandergirl]

Okay, y'all. Trying to decide on next race for the spring! Contenders are the Magnolia Meltdown on March 30: https://magnoliameltdown.racesonline.com/ and the Star Wars half at Disney.

Magnolia is local and cheaper. Last year, I registered for a half in Memphis that I couldn't run because I couldn't get off work in time to drive there for bib pick up. Really sucked, and made me realize local races are something I should look at more closely. I'd be running it alone.

Star Wars is Disney on April, which is obviously great. I'm not into Star Wars really, but will be there for a work conference Wednesday and could likely extend it through the weekend, which would defray the cost a good bit. I might be able to convince my bestie to run this one with me- she's local to Disney.

Thoughts? Any other races in the Mississippi/ Bama/ Louisiana/ West TN region I ought to consider?

Well if it were me, I would do both, but I have a slight problem...

If you can only do one, then my vote would be Star Wars because you'll already be there anyway and running with a bestie is so much fun.

 

[Slogger]

Great Race recap @Wendy98.....great character stop pics and you look so happy in your action shots! What's your secret for getting such great pics?
Hope you get some rest!

 

[tidefan]

Okay, y'all. Trying to decide on next race for the spring! Contenders are the Magnolia Meltdown on March 30: https://magnoliameltdown.racesonline.com/ and the Star Wars half at Disney.

Magnolia is local and cheaper. Last year, I registered for a half in Memphis that I couldn't run because I couldn't get off work in time to drive there for bib pick up. Really sucked, and made me realize local races are something I should look at more closely. I'd be running it alone.

Star Wars is Disney on April, which is obviously great. I'm not into Star Wars really, but will be there for a work conference Wednesday and could likely extend it through the weekend, which would defray the cost a good bit. I might be able to convince my bestie to run this one with me- she's local to Disney.

Thoughts? Any other races in the Mississippi/ Bama/ Louisiana/ West TN region I ought to consider?

Well, I'll be running the Tuscaloosa Half Marathon on 3/30.

www.tuscaloosahalf.com

 

[sourire]

Loved your recap and pics @Wendy98! (Esp the Mickey/Donald one! <3) Enjoy some rest and heal quickly!!!

 

[broadsheet]

I am about to go run 11 miles in the cold. Brrrrr!

Not running related but....
Here’s a question for everyone: I have a work conference this week in Orlando - it’s at near Universal but not one of the hotels that offers Express Passes. I arrive at MCO at about 12:30 pm and don’t have any conference obligations until the next morning. How should I spend my time? (This is a solo trip.)

So far am I considering:
1) go to Universal (which closes at 7 pm that night) 2) uber to Disney and do some resort hopping on the monorail or 3) buy a park ticket to one of the WDW parks and do a quick commando visit.

WWYD?

 

[TheHamm]

T+D=-8, I took to the treadmill for 3 miles before boredom or something hit and I kept crashing into the side rail. While it is possible it is the treadmill, this seems to happen whichever one I pick. Should I be worried about this? I assume it happens on the road but I cannot tell.

Also, for my birthday I bought myself new NF tights that arrived yesterday and decided if I wasn’t running outside today I needed to test them out by wearing them to church. I love them and look forward to wearing them when the temps exceed my threshold for ski goggles. And I decided that I miss running in FL but that I will feel more bad&$$(& stupid) running 5 miles outside tomorrow in 10 degrees than 13 miles in 60 degrees last weekend. However, this brief feeling of kicking butt in the cold does not last beyond mile 4, which has me second guessing signing up for a late March half.

 

[gjramsey]

Houston Aramco Half Marathon Race report:

Today was the day. Finally the race I have been training for. Speed work and Tempo work was time to see if it did the job. The weather this morning was near perfect for running. Houston had a cold front come through early yesterday that brought cold and winds. Luckily the winds were much less today compared to the 20-30mph winds from yesterday. Temps at the start was 33. For this race, they pretty much take over the George R Brown convention center for pre and post race. My running club reserves about 100 spots in the Toyota Center parking garage, which is about 3 blocks from one of the entrances to the center. Cypress Running Club (CRC) had our group picture at 6:10. and soon headed out to the start corrals. Corral A gates close at 6:45, so I got into the corral about 6:30 and moved up to between the 3:05 and 3:15 pace groups (they don't have Half pace groups at this event), which should be my pace for the half. The race started at 7:01, and I was able to cross the start line almost 2 minutes later. Didn't feel the need to hit a porta potty until about 10 seconds into the race. Sometimes my bladder hates me. So at around the 1k mark is the first set and hit them to fell better. Got back onthe course right behind the 3:25 pace group, so time to make up some time. I turned off auto lap, and somehow missed the first two mile markers. As I was feeling really good, just kept pushing on. I was able to catch up and pass the 3:15 pace group around mile 5.

Miles 1-3 were a 22:51 (about 7:34 avg pace)
Mile 4 7:12
Mile 5 7:04
Mile 6 7:07
Mile 7 7:07
Mile 8 6:58

Around mile 7 was the CRC had a tent up to cheer and take pictures of the club members.



Right before mile 8 is where the half and the full course splits. One of my running buddies that started in the B corral caught up with me as he was flying on the full, and talked for a bit before the turn. Houston comes out strong for supporting the marathon. For mile 8-11, the half course is by itself, and the support drops off a bit before it hits Allen Parkway heading back into downtown, and the support comes back. Those miles also happened to be into the northely breeze and my pace dropped off to this and pushing it hard early on.

Mile 9 7:19
Mile 10 7:18
Mile 11 7:25

Once back on Allen Parkway, I started to feel a little stronger and headed into town and the bright sun. The final 1.1 miles is across downtown, and the building really throws off the GPS for that stretch

Mile 12 7:12
Mile 13 7:10
Finish 1:35:41

I was really hoping to break 1:35 this morning, and the early pit-stop pretty much killed that. However, I still set a brand new shiny PR by 68 seconds.

Overall, I was really happy with the race and my pacing throughout.

The unofficial results had me 13/569 AG, and 573/12568 overall.

Some of the club pre-race (most were already dressed for the cold, I just had a mylar blanket to cover up in the corral)

 

[CDKG]

I am about to go run 11 miles in the cold. Brrrrr!

Not running related but....
Here’s a question for everyone: I have a work conference this week in Orlando - it’s at near Universal but not one of the hotels that offers Express Passes. I arrive at MCO at about 12:30 pm and don’t have any conference obligations until the next morning. How should I spend my time? (This is a solo trip.)

So far am I considering:
1) go to Universal (which closes at 7 pm that night) 2) uber to Disney and do some resort hopping on the monorail or 3) buy a park ticket to one of the WDW parks and do a quick commando visit.

WWYD?

In my opinion, the best value for your time and money would be resort hopping at WDW. You can shop, eat and drink your way around the monorail loop or visit the Boardwalk resorts. Much cheaper then a park ticket and it would still allow you to experience the magic!

 

[KevM]

Last night I decided to take the dive into doing a training journal here. To Dopey 2020 and Beyond!

https://www.disboards.com/threads/to-dopey-2020-and-beyond.3730278/

 

[QueenFernando]

Woo hoo!! Shaved 7min off my 5k PR this weekend! DH and DD ran with me. Nothing like having a 13yo bouncing beside you to both keep you motivated and feeling your age at the same time.

 

[LSUlakes]

A late start to the thread today! Getting back to real life is not a fun adjustment after Disney! QOTD: How often do you run races just for fun?

ATTQOTD: I've rarely done it, but my most recent races have been more about fun than time. I would say around 10% of my races are for fun, but may look into increasing that number.

 

[rteetz]

QOTD: How often do you run races just for fun?

Pretty much all the time. If I’m not having fun why am I doing it?

I can still have fun and go for a PR too.

 

[camaker]

A late start to the thread today! Getting back to real life is not a fun adjustment after Disney! QOTD: How often do you run races just for fun?

ATTQOTD: I've rarely done it, but my most recent races have been more about fun than time. I would say around 10% of my races are for fun, but may look into increasing that number.

ATTQOTD: Most of my races are run for fun, rather than as PR attempts. I’ll generally run one or two races a year as serious PR attempts. Mostly, though, I run races because they’re fun and I enjoy the race atmosphere. That doesn’t mean I don’t have a goal of some type, but if I went out for a PR every time it would be an overwhelmingly frustrating sport.