"America's Toughest Road Marathon"

what is America's toughest road marathon?

who will be running America's toughest road marathon?

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You

to

Marcia @

http://teamarcia-runningmouth.blogspot.com/

I will be "running", waddling up and down the mountains at

the Blue Ridge Marathon

http://blueridgemarathon.com/

I won a FREE entry.  At least this time, I will not pay an entry fee to torture myself.  I like it!  :)

I haven't heard if it's true or not, maybe it is America's toughest road marathon, maybe it's not, but for me it will be "challenging" to say the least.  I have few goals for this race, but if possible, I would like to run jog or waddle the whole way.  That's about it as far as goals for this one.  In my area, we do not even have appropriate terrain to train on for this marathon.  We have rolling hills, that is, what "I" call hills, but for many of you, what I call hills, you would laugh and say they do not qualify.  My experience so far,  would be St. George marathon (net downhill with some uphills), the Tupelo marathon which is mild rolling hills, and Mt. Desert Island.  MDI is the hilliest marathon that I've completed so far.  I ran it as a training run (SLOW pace), and surprisingly it felt easy with the higher mileage that I've been running.    I would like to run the BRM with a little more effort than a training run, but this will depend on some other race decisions this spring. 

If you have suggestions for training for "America's toughest road marathon" on rolling hills, 

I'm open to suggestions.  

From my reading so far, it looks like I need some uphill, as well as downhill training. 

(I did some downhill training prior to St. George - it worked.  My quads were fine during the SGM.  the day after - eeeekkkkk! that's a different story....)

Has anyone been to this marathon?

Anyone going in 2012?

Please Share.......

Training update:

In Dec. I contacted Meggan about a 5k training program.  (check out her blog - she is SUPER fast, and she posts great training info. and details.   She also ran in college, and her husband is a cross country and track coach.  We're both from other areas, but we live in MS now, although on opposite ends of the state.  We also share a LOVE of addiction to Dove chocolates. ♥ )  She was so generous to share with me, a 5k training program based on my most recent 5k time (22:59), my recent mileage, and based on my desire to keep my mileage up.   

I was nearing the end of my 3rd week of 5k training.  I had a great/hard track workout on Wed. with Chad (my hubby),  and was EXCITED about an upcoming 5 miles race on Sat.  It would be a test, and a continuation of my 5k training.   Fri. morning,  I woke up with the beginning of what I had hoped was allergies.  I went out for a 7-10 mile run, but realized during the muggy southern run, that my sinus issue may be more than allergies this time.  I decided during the run that I wouldn't be racing on Sat.  During the run, based on how I felt,  I lowered the mileage to 6 miles, and I decided on Sat.,  I would just go and run to get the mileage, or if I felt ok, I would run the race as a tempo run, instead of "racing."  Later in the day, I canceled the plan to run at all on Sat.   Sat., Sun., Mon., Tues. - no running, just some easy walking.  I'm thankful that it was "just a cold".   Yesterday, I finally felt better (not 100%) but ready to go for a run.  I ran slow for 4 miles.   This evening, I will run 5-8 miles depending on how I feel.  

Yes, a little "set-back" in my training, BUT:

*I'm so thankful to be healthy, MOST of the time

*this week, as my head was pounding for several days, I said several prayers for people who deal with chronic pain. I'm thankful!

*this week, I'm once again, thankful for my love of running.  I missed 4 days of running, but it's a great reminder to be thankful each day, I CAN, go for a run

*if I'm going to be sick, the timing was actually "good timing" in the big picture.  I'm thankful!

*4 days doesn't have a major impact in my plan.  I'm thankful!

moving ahead now with extra motivation after a few days off

yes, I'm a lucky gal and I'm thankful

thanks Meggan for sharing the 5k plan with me

HOUSTON....we have NO problems!

WOW!

I was honored and excited when my friend Terri, invited me to go to Houston with her to run the last 10-11 miles of the Houston Marathon with her.  She and Dawn had been planning for months.  Unfortunately, Dawn had an injury that kept her from running the race, but she made the trip to Houston for the Olympic Trials.  I'll be honest, I don't follow the elites real close, until now.   I do keep up with Ryan Hall and Kara Goucher, on a small scale, through social media.  Dawn is much better with the "411" of all things sports, and especially with the elite running scene.  Thankfully, it was HIGH on her agenda to BE AT the trials.    I'm thankful because I'm not big on crowds, and had I not been with her, I'm doubtful I would have gone.  (thanks Dawn - it was amazing!).  (and it was not super crowded like I had expected)

The day ended up being super special.  We had fairly good viewing for the start of the race and stayed for the elite to pass a few times.  Later in the morning, after going inside to warm up for a bit,  we started looking for a spot to view the men's finish.  We were standing near the VIP area.  Dawn had left us to find a "better viewing spot."  She sent a text saying, "come to the bleachers!"  At the same time, I noticed random people were going into the bleacher area for the VIP.  So Terri and I walked over to the VIP bleachers, asked if we could enter and they say "go ahead".  As it turned out, Dawn was down the road, at another set of bleachers so we called her to join us.  We found spots right on the fence near the finish.  PERFECT viewing!  

How perfect you ask?  How about these.....

Ryan finishing

Happy Olympian

2012 men's team

Meb - front and center, AND a hug for Terri,  but I'm a dork and couldn't get my TWO pairs of gloves off in time to snap the pic  (sorry T.)

Shalane finishing

Kara finishing

Ladies 2012 team

Happy Shalane

Now I'm a follower of the elite 6. 

A super way to start the weekend.

Sunday morning Dawn was up EARLY to drive Terri to the start of the race.  My plan for the day was to start running from the condo that we stayed at (see pic below- the green one) and to run toward the marathon course to meet Terri around the Galleria (about mile 16).

I've been following Tina from my early blogging days.   I contacted her last week about a route that I was thinking about running.  She was so sweet to help me with a safe and scenic route (much better than my original plan).  My goal for the day was to get 17-18 miles.  I left the condo and ran along here:

Beautiful area and a super place to run, except, Houston has WAY too much concrete.  I ran 7 miles and made it to the Galleria @ Post Oak near mile 16.  Terri's goal for the day was to run a sub 4 hour marathon.  Shortly after arriving at the Galleria, I noticed the 3:20 pace group heading through the area.  I decided to start walking to meet Terri.  I walked for about 1.5 ish miles.  Just as I was starting to get nervous, thinking I may have missed her in the crowd, I spotted her running hard and looking great.  We were happy to see each other.  I think we were both relieved that the search was over, and I was EXCITED to run with her.  

As you  know already, I LOVE to RACE, but one of  my other passions is to run with other runners who are  running their first marathon, or trying to reach a new goal.  You may remember that Terri, Dawn, Vicki and I traveled together back in March to run the Snickers marathon.  After a little recovery, Dawn and Terri started planning and training super hard to race in Houston.  Terri added some INTENSE cross training to her running routine.  All of it paid off......

When we first started running together we chatted for just a minute and then Terri put her earbuds in.  I quickly noticed that we were running fast (8:33 ish pace) I interrupted her music to ask Terri what she wanted to do?  She said she just wanted to keep it under 9:00, like 8:55-8:59 pace.   Ok, we both had our tunes and took off.  I was excited and feeling super.  I was happy she didn't want to chat because that allowed me to focus on the tangents and pacing.  I was quickly reminded that pacing is a pressure-filled position to be in.  I had to keep slowing the pace.  (remember, I had only run 7 slow miles before meeting her, and I had a walk break, so I was fresh and ready to go, and Terri was running well)  I did not want to run too fast at mile 15-16.  When you run with someone, the tangents are tough to run.  In addition to that, the volume of people in this marathon made it difficult to run the tangents.  Luckily, Terri doesn't worry or get stressed about the details, "the girl just RUNS"  These are the splits from my watch

 8:53,8:47,8:58, 8:54, 8:52, 8:56, 9:04, 8:54, 9:13, 9:28, 8:16 
8:56 avg.  

Terri ended up at 3:54, WAY under her goal.  (4th marathon and sub 4:00)  As you can see, she only slowed a tiny bit in the late miles.  During this part, I ran ahead a little (on pace) and then I would wait for her.  She was so sweet, each time she would apologize and say, this is all I have.  Around mile 24, I told her "let's finish this".  I doubt she even heard that - she wears her tunes LOUD.   Whether she heard it or not, SHE did finish it in a FAST way.  At mile 25, the girl took off, and we ran the final mile @ 8:16.  FREAKIN AWESOME T.W.!  

I had pulled off the course for the last 1/2 mile but kept running on the sidewalk beside her.   At the reunion area we celebrated with a BIG HUG!  It was such a perfect day for her and  fun and exciting for me.  Later in the day, she had a call from her hubby saying her father-in-law was back in the states.  He has been in Iraq for the past year.  Doesn't get any better than that........   thanks for inviting me Terri ! 

Terri @ the expo

Ginny & Terri - let the post race celebration begin!

Terri & Dawn

More on my training later, but I'm starting my 3rd week of 5k training.
Week of Jan 2nd -  5k training - week 1
50 miles running, 5 miles walk, 12+ mile bike, 3 days of S90D or Bob Harper, 1 yoga class
Quality Runs - 12 X 200 w/ 1 min recovery,  on the track,  :48 avg. and 17 mile long run

Week of Jan 9th - 5k training - week 2
57 miles running, 2 miles walking, 3 days of S90D, 1 yoga class
Quality - 6 X 800 on the road @ 3:30 avg with 2:15 recovery, and 18 mile long run in Houston - last 11 @ 8:56 avg.

This week I will be running 8 X 400 on Wed.,  and then racing a 5 mile race on Sat. 
Ready to Race! 

Kissing 2011 Farewell !

Ending it with no complaints

Total miles - 2550.5 miles ( 2020 miles in 2010)

22 Races

Personal Records in the 5k, 5 mile 10k, & 12k 

2000.5 miles Running (1660 in 2010)

300 miles Biking  (60 miles in 2010)

**you triathletes are REALLY impressed here, right?  ha ha

250 miles Walking (300 in 2010)

a bunch of yoga & Supreme 90 day 

a few less lbs.

and ending on a HIGH note...

 a December 31, 2011 12k PR (personal record)

56:39 (7:36 avg) (wishful/optimistic goal before the race - 7:40 pace)

(11-5-11 I ran a 10k at 7:36 avg.)

2nd Place Overall Female

Female Masters Winner

Looking forward to great things for 2012

Wishing Everyone a  

Happy & Healthy New Year!

2012 you ask???

well it looks like I need to update my 13.1 & 26.2 PRs, 

but early 2012 will be focused on a 5k PR

2011 Things I love!

I thought I would share some of my favorite products for 2011.  Some of these are new to me for 2011, and some are my go to brands.  Some of these I learned about through this wonderful blog world.  I'm sure I've mentioned, I'm not a shopper.  I also have a tendency to save dollars and go the cheaper route. 
For example, just a few years ago, I WOULD NEVER have spent $54.00 on a pair of shorts.  In fact, I thought $20.00 for my first Nike Tempos was crazy, and my first pair of $10.00 socks almost sent me over the edge.   As my mileage has continued to go up and up over the past few years, so has my willingness to pay for comfort and quality. 


**After reading several blogger's reviews of lululemon shorts,  I decided to SPLURGE and I bought the LuLu Groovy Run Shorts.  I would have included a link, but SADLY lulu decided to discontinue this item just after getting me hooked.  that's just wrong lulu !   (I'm thinking the lulu Turbo Run shorts will be the next best thing, but I haven't tried those yet)  I bought my first pair just before the Snicker's marathon in March and I decided to test them at Snickers.  26.31 miles of chaf-free running.  Yes, I'm hooked!  and yes, after learning of the item being discontinued, I searched and bought every new pair I could locate on EBay.   I'm hoping they have a LONG life, long enough for lulu to realize the mistake and bring them BACK!  :)
(note - when Running Sane reviews, I listen!)


**The next item on my list - BTB sunglasses
I have been using some FosterGrant Ironman sunglasses for years.  I like them, but they do have a short life. I like that they are flexible and light.   I like everything about them except the short life.  This fall, I received 2 pair of the BTB sunglasses to try (the 130, and 420).  The full test is not complete because I'm not sure about the "life" of the sunglasses, but so far I like them.  They are light weight and the clarity of these are superior to the Ironman sunglasses.   They are lightweight, but they have a hard plastic frame.  I wasn't sure that I would like that, but I'm thinking this will help to give the glasses a much longer life, and the hard plastic hasn't bothered me at all.   These are double the price, but if they offer a longer life, it will definitely be worth it.  So far, they are winning out, but the testing is not complete...... 
(this is the only item on the list that I was given to try.   He did not request, or require a review of the product) 

**DryMax socks - I found these a few years ago at the Houston Expo, and they continue to be my FAVORITE.  I like these so much I started selling them.  (if you want to try them, send me message and I will send you the details
always in stitches at yahoo dot com)

**Lucy.com
This fall, A.M. over at Running, Tri-ing and Living
blogged about the Lucy.com birthday celebration offering 25% off.  She mentioned the tights being great and cheaper than lulu.  (yay - I ♥ cheaper)  I decided to try the following items at 25% off.
Lucy - 223091 Distance Run short  ($33.00 during the sale)   
(as I searched for the link I noticed they have them on sale for $24.99)
cheaper than lulu ($54) I've yet to see a lulu sale (boo lulu)


Lucy - 214239 - Propel knee pant  ($43.50 during the sale)
Lucy - 214240 Propel Run Tight ($51.00 during the sale)


We've had a couple of "tight" days , and I've finally been able to give the tights a few test runs.  Let me say, AM was CORRECT!    I have a new love..... Lucy tights!  
so comfy and zero complaints with the pant or the tight.  ♥

As for the Lucy shorts......lulu is still tops on my list.  The shorts are comfortable, and great for shorter runs, but on longer runs, I have some chafing with the Lucy shorts.   So for me, I would opt for my cheaper Nike shorts for the shorter runs over the more expensive Lucy shorts ($44.00 regular price).  I do like the material and the fit of the Lucy shorts, but not a winner overall for me personally.    
(however, with the $24.99 Lucy sale, if I needed shorts, I would buy another pair)
other notes - the back zipper pocket is small and no front pockets for gels.
if you read the reviews - many say these shorts are chafe free for them, so maybe they would work for you.  At $24.99, maybe worth a try if you need new shorts.


**Supreme 90 Day - $19.99 - such a deal
If you have been reading, I have mentioned S90D and my appreciation for it this year.  If not, I totally believe in this program as a compliment to my running, and  for weight loss and toning this year.   It's similar to P90X, but much cheaper, and I prefer the shorter length of the DVDs.  The dvds range from 30-45 min. including the warm-up and c/d.  For me, with my high mileage, 30 min. is the maximum amount of time that i want to invest in weight training.   (found at Bed, Bath, & Beyond, Target, etc)  
(As I'm writing this review, The Docs have a show about "The Pink Method"  has anyone tried it??? 
If so, review please.  Sounds similar to S90D, but may be fun to try something new)


Other favorites:
Adidas Cushion Response 17s.  Adidas is now on 20 or 21.  I have a few more pair of the 17s and then I have to find a new shoe.  (boo!).  I had a pair of the Adidas Cushion Response 19s and they are hard and NOT the same.  I suppose my first trial will be the current model.  I seriously HATE these expensive trials and so far mostly errors.  I go through shoes quickly with my mileage, and I hate trying shoes that do not work for me.  Currently, I added a pair of Brooks Glycerins 8s,  to my 4 pair rotation.  A $90.00 fail!  Ouch!   I'm still wearing them, but each run,  I DO NOT like them.  They are hard!  I like my cushion!  
(I know, I know.....cushion is BAD for 2011, but it works for me, so far)   
anyone having a recommendation for a cushioned shoe for high arches, please share


My best tip concerning shoes - just in case you are new to my blog - I rotate 4 pair of shoes at a time.  Before starting the shoe rotation, I was LUCKY to get 400 miles on a pair of shoes.  Most of the time at 350 miles, they needed to be replaced.    Now with rotating each day, I can get between 500-600 miles.  Yes, the initial investment is large, and keeping up with the mileage on 4 pair of shoes IS a PAIN,  but overall, I save a lot by being able to get an extra 100-200 miles on my shoes.  For me, it's worth the extra effort to save $$s.


Other favorites:
**Adidas visor
**Garmin 305 - I'm old school but I like the the data of the 4 blocks on the screen, and from hearing other runners talk about the bezel on the newer models, I feel like me and the newer models would have "words" often.
**YogaToday.com  (1 free class per week)  I prefer to go to 1 class a wk for correction, but I sometimes supplement additional classes during the week with yogatoday.com
**Ipod Nano - I'm not a fan of the latest model but it's a necessity for me to have my Ipod.(it's a big part of my joy of running)   I dislike not having an on/off button, and I preferred the buttons to go forward/backward from song to song.  I do not like having to look at a touch screen to do what I want to do.  In addition, I sweat a LOT, so I'm not long into a run when I no longer have control over my tunes because my fingers are sweaty, and the touch screen will not work.  Boo Apple!  Please make an Ipod for sweaty runners.

For hydration - I have several different options, for different mileage days.  This year, I have really enjoyed my Camelbak for longer runs. I grew weary of dropping waters, and now the only time I need to go out and drop is for my long runs that require extra water, or when I need Gatorade, etc.  I have the Camelbak Snowflake(for women) , which may have been discontinued.  This one was recommended by K. over at  HappyTrails.  They have sense tried some different models and they do a lot of trail runs requiring hydration so they are a wonderful resource.  Also, check out The Running Artist.  She runs with a different model and has a review of it on her blog.  I also use a "Fuel Belt" for medium distances.  It works well and tightens down comfortably for running with no fiddling with it required.   For short distances I have a handheld, similar to the bottles in the "Fuel Belt", but it has a handle to slip your hand through, making it easy to carry on the run.  I will say all of the options do take a little adjusting to, but I did find that I quickly adjusted to each option.


I want to/do NOT want to,  try some of the lululemon tops.  I fear I will love them and then my $12-$18.00 running tops will be out.  So far, I've resisted, but 2012 may be the year for another new splurge.  


Thanks for sharing the products you love on your blogs.  I find it very helpful and has been very reliable so far.  Keep them coming for 2012 please!  

I'm heading out for a run/walk.  I have a few more miles that I want to complete before the end of 2011. 

Reflections - Baton Rouge Beach Marathon

Pre - Marathon -  Tues goal - low of 40 - going for the BQ - 8:35 avg pace

Pre- Marathon  - Fri goal - low 52ish - going for the PR - 8:43 avg pace or anything sub 8:45
During the Marathon - Mile 15.5 - going for the BQ - 8:35
During the Marathon - Mile 24.5-26 - hang on for the PR - sub 8:45

On Tues.of marathon week,  the low was still predicted to be 40, and I told Chad I was going for a BQ (Boston Qualifying) race.  Let me tell you, I was "feeling it!"  Most of the time, when I get this feeling, my goal is met, IF the weather cooperates.    Well, if you've been reading lately, you know the weather did indeed change to the warmer side.    After consulting with Chad (my hubby), and getting some SUPER feedback from blog world, and local friends, I decided to go for a PR (sub 8:45 avg) race.

(if you missed the earlier debate, Wed.,  when the predicted weather changed to mid 70s for my last hour of running, I considered not racing this one and looking for another race within 2 wks)
With the low of 50 and a quick warm up, I definitely decided against the faster BQ race (8:35 avg). I had not vocalized or written about the BQ attempt to anyone but Chad. 

Jen and I headed down to Baton Rouge Fri am.  We had a quick "chatty" trip.  We stopped in Mandeville for lunch at the Olive Garden and then zoomed on to Baton Rouge.  We took a ride around most of the course, went to dinner, the expo, and then we went to bed early.  Smooth sailing and ready for a PR race.  Woo Hoo!  I was actually so excited about the race, that I  was worried that I may not be able to sleep.   I went right to sleep and rested well.  Everything on track for a great day.    We were able to park within a 1/2 mile of the start.  We waited in the car for a while, and then we walked to check our bag, potty line, quick chats with other runners, and we're ready to start.  Jen and I wished each other good luck and a good day, and we're off.                 

I had this in a nice, readable format and blogspot randomly messed it up.  I decided to leave it, as is, because it's really how I ran on Sat.  I was all over the place with pace, I couldn't get on a pace and maintain it.  I was constantly too fast, or too slow.                                                                            

	3:49:34	26.35
slower than planned		1.	9:12
faster than planned		2.	8:43
almost perfect		3.	8:37
ditto		4.	8:37
a little slow, but I'm ok - 5		5.	8:47
perfect -		6.      8:40
oops too fast, slow it down -		7.	8:34
good, that's better -		8.	8:47
crap, too fast again		9.	8:34
good, I feel good		10.	8:38
ditto - 11			8:38
ditto - 12			8:39
ditto - 13			8:40
too fast, man I can't believe how good I feel, slow it down		14.	8:20
at 15.5 I decided I'm feeling GREAT, I'm going for the BQ			15. 8:31
too fast for PR or BQ, slow down Ginny		16.	8:21
a little fast, but I'm good		17.	8:29
man I feel great, I'm at 18 and I feel great, this is NEW to ME		18.	8:21
slow down, this is my day		19.	8:18
your doing it!		20.	8:30
ok, that one was slow but that's ok		21.	8:42
slow again, but I'm still ok - get on pace!		22.	8:38
I can't believe you ran a 9 + mile, get on pace, you can do this		22.	9:04
RUN, FINISH THIS, you still have the PR,  go for the PR		24	9:04
you can still PR, RUN, GO, FINISH THIS		25.	9:34
holding on, trying not to slow any more, still hoping I can PR,		26.	9:28
you missed the BQ, you missed the PR, and you ran LONG	3:09.6	0.36	8:49

Prior to the race, I had looked at the map and knew the course had many turns in it.  I had to run the tangents really well to have a good race.  However, in addition to the turns, the course also has a lot curves as the road meanders around "The Lakes:, near the LSU campus.    Until late in the race, I stayed at +.06 which, excited me.  I'm guessing that I zoned out a little on the tangents when the stress of my slowing pace elevated.  As you can see, I ended up with and extra .15 on the day.  Bye Bye PR!

After the race, immediately my feet and legs felt like they would cramp at any second.  I made it over to the water and powerade and started refueling.  I wasn't in the mood, but I decided to eat some jambalaya (LA rice, etc).  I knew it would be salty and hoped it would help.  A few minutes later, I was going to for more water.  I stepped up on a curb, and just like that, my leg was stuck, with my heel in the "UP" position.  I could NOT move.  It took a while, I bent over, and rubbed my leg, and finally I was able to lower my heel to the ground.  It's now, Tues. morning and my left calf feels much better.  It's still sore, but fading.    I took and ice bath Sat. night.  On Sunday, I rested most of the morning with a nap at 9:30 am, yes I said a nap at 9:30 (much deserved).  Sunday afternoon, I met Kelly and we walked for a little over and hour.  When I finished walking my calf was totally loose and feeling good.  By the time I made the drive home, tight and sore again.  I took an epsom bath.  I do not know much about Epsom baths, but some people swear by them, so I tried it.

If you have studied, or have experience with Epsom baths, please educate me.

Not sure if it helped, but the soaking in the warm water felt good either way.  Monday am, I went to a yoga class - same thing - totally loosened up, and then later sore and tight again.  Monday night, I walked on the treadmill for just over 30 minutes and it felt fine.  

It has, exactly,  ONE week to be healed.  ha ha

The Good Stuff!
**8:43 avg. - which is a PR pace for me. (for 26.35)
**I felt really good all the way up until mile 23.  Usually I start feeling bad anywhere from 16, to 18, but definitely by mile 20.  This is huge progress!  Excited!
**Had the last hour been in the 60s, instead of the 70s, I KNOW I could have "held on".
**usually when I "fall off the pace" - it's a much larger "fall off" than the decline on Sat.
**2nd in age group

**I loved the Baton Rouge Beach Marathon - it's a great course, scenic, well organized.  It has a few minor rollers, but most of you would call it flat.
**I was expecting the humidity to be much worse, but the gentle breeze helped.
**Jen ran a PR race!  Woo Hoo! 

The Bad Stuff
**ran a little too fast some of those miles - BAD (critical race day mistake)
**tangents late in the race  - FOCUS
(IMO - this would be the only down side of this race.  it's a technical course, if you want to run 26.2, you will need to zone in, and run the tangents, really well)

So with a couple of days to think and reflect, yes, in some ways I'm happy with it.  I see some new break-through positives about this race.  I tend to focus on the positives, BUT ....
I worked way too hard, and I'm in much better shape than 3:49, so I will be totally honest here and say....

It's eating me!     

and Jenn is right...

this is why I will keep training, 

I will keep racing, 

I will keep looking forward because 

I'm NOT done yet

I can go faster

I WILL GO FASTER!

I went for it !

Baton Rouge, LA marathon

Super race!  very well organized and beautiful course

Jen and Me - post race

 Congrats to Jen!  She blew her old PR away by 4.5 MINUTES.  She went into the race with no plans to PR, and walked away with a super race.  So proud of you Jen! 

Yes, I went for it......

but I ended up leaving Baton Rouge without a BQ, and without a PR.  I would be telling a lie, if I said I wasn't disappointed, who wouldn't be when you miss a marathon PR by 15seconds, but  this is the narrative of the rest of today's story.

3:49:31  2nd place age group, 20th out of 104 females

Around mile 15.5, I was still feeling really good, had already started picking up the pace and still feeling good, and I decided to go for a BQ, new standards, (3:45) which was a stretch for me on a good day.   Looking back , it was probably a dumb move because it was a little warm for a BQ (for me), but I "went for it"  Still need to look at Garmin, but think I held on to around 22-23 ish and, could not hold on.  I fell off the pace (bad), and then missed a PR by 15 seconds.  (needed 3:44:59 for BQ, and sub 3:49:17 for PR)  (missed a PR by 15 seconds)

Overall, I'm pleased with the outcome.  I left everything on the course.  My PR is at St. George (downhill course).  Baton Rouge is what I would call a "fair course" with some rollers, (some call it flat).  After my PR / BQ at St. George(2009), my goal became to BQ on a "fair" course.  Let me say, I do not discount the St. George, downhill course for a BQ, but this was just my next step, my next goal.   So today, I made that goal to BQ under the old standards - looking on the bright side.
Unfortunately, for me, the old standards mean nothing. 



The bright side from today - I'm totally convinced, had the weather been ideal for me, I would have a BQ and a PR.    NEXT TIME......keeping reading

So,  overall, it was a good day. 

Thanks for checking in and supporting me.  It means a lot to me.

Re-Focused and Ready!

Thank you, thank you, thank you 

to all who posted, or sent email responses.   I appreciate the thoughtful answers.  I read and re-read, and re-read them.  

I just love blog world.  I mean really, you guys totally know what I'm thinking/considering/going through.  The run yesterday,  and the feedback totally helped to calm me, and helped me to refocus.  I do feel like I need to explain.  I'm not having a mental pre-race break down.  In fact, I still go into this race STRONG.  I know I'm in better shape than I've ever been.   For me to be at the top of my mental game, it's really simple, I MUST be in shape.  That I am! (for me)   I must explain, my last post come out of being a "realist",  NOT being a pessimist or caving mentally.   So rest assured, I'm not going into this race in a bad way, disappointed sure, but regardless, 

I'm excited, I've prepared better than ever, and I'm READY!

So currently, this is my plan.  I'm showing up Sat. READY to race 26.2  :)  
I'm going out on pace, and will see what the weather does.   
I'm hoping this plan holds, and I'm able to leave everything that I have on the Baton Rouge course. 

Strong Heart Strong Mind
If you want to share your favorite mantra or affirmation please do so.
Have a great weekend everyone, I know I will. 

Go Jen, Go Audrey, Go James, Go Terry, Go Bridgett
Go everyone racing this weekend.
Good Luck and Have FUN!


Bright side:
no rain expected
it could be 80 degrees and humid

(interesting note:  the first day the weather report warmed, Chad (my hubby), said exactly what the majority of you said. (before my freak-out post - ha ha)  He also mentioned the fact that I've been running better this fall, in the warmer conditions, which is true.)  Reinforcement is nice!