Why I am not happy with a 38 minute Marathon PR

Shouldn't everyone be happy with a 38 minute and 50 second PR for the Marathon?

My friend asked me right after the race if I was still happy about the race and the answer is “NO”.  

It has been just over two weeks since the Best Damn Race Marathon where my time goal was to go sub 5.  If you read my last post you can see I did not reach it and I am very upset about it.  You can read it here.

Giving myself time to think about it I am starting to get over/deal with it.  I am setting new goals to reach and getting ready to train for them.  I am also taking it easy giving my body the appropriate time to recover.  I am still not happy about it nor do I know if I will ever be happy about the outcome of the race.  I am disappointed in myself.

Gifts from my wonderful support!

I wish I knew why I am so upset with missing my goal.  Maybe its the fact I missed it by just over the and a half minutes.  Maybe I feel I could have pushed harder at the end and not given up.  It could also be the fact that I trained for a specific goal and did everything I could have done to reach it and I fell short.  Maybe I am comparing myself to my friends I trained with and expected to do what they did?

I also think this was the first time I trained for a specific goal and did NOT hit the goal.  When I was reflecting on this I couldn’t believe that was true.  Maybe I set my goals too low but I often surprise myself because race day can be so tricky, especially for 26.2 miles.    

When I made my last goals this is how I came up:

Wanted a sub 30 5k- and came out with 29:03

2:15 half and came in at 2:12  *This race was a month earlier than anticipated*

Olympic distance and first triathlon 3:45-4:00 and came in at 3:38 and surpassed my run goal!

15k -I wanted under 1:45 and was surprised to see 1:35:11 at the gate River Run with the bridges!  This was actually a week before my half marathon PR!  

I do see that 38 minutes faster is fabulous and I am thankful for that! Last years marathon was 5:55 when I did the NYC Marathon.  I am so thankful for everyone who put up with me this training cycle.  I am ready to set new goals and reach those in time :)

I also think it is OK to not be OK with a race result..What do you think?

Best Damn Race, Cape Coral Recap

Sitting down to write this recap I am a big bag of emotions.

As I posted the other day, my goals are here:

Sunday I completed my 4th marathon.  Behn and I ran this race together.  It was wonderful :)  I seriously had no idea how it was going to go.  I may have gone off on him before during a long run!  I am so happy we were able to do it together.  He was there for me when I needed him the most!

I ran a 5:03:32

It was a PR of about 38:50 but no, I am not happy about that.  I will blog about that later.

Race Day:

My alarm went off at 5:10 and we were up and getting ready!  We both slept really well.  I Vaselined and glided up, we ate our bananas, packed our bags and we were out of the hotel by 5:45 and on our way to our MARATHON!

Once we arrived we had no problems parking, we walked around a bit, went to the bathroom, and saw Tori.  Once we walked over to the start line things got real!  I saw a bunch of running friends, said our good lucks, got rid of my beautiful throw away gear (Thank you Jamie for the sweatshirt), sang the national anthem and we were off!  The race started right on time!  I was a little nervous actually about starting on time because in races past, and especially an inaugural event things CAN and DO go wrong!  We had no issues at all!.

My goal was to start off a little slower and to stay between the 4:45 and 5:00 pace group.  Should that have been the first sign this race wouldn’t go well?  When we started the 5:00 pace group started out fast!  I wasn’t willing to let my legs go that fast.  I was hoping they were using the going out fast to bank time just in case for later in the race.  We never caught up to them.  I looekd up the pacers finish time and it was 4:50:xx.  In hindsite, should I have started with them?  Would I have burned out even quicker?  I rememebr when we were approaching the mile 4 the second time, we saw the 5 hour pace group and all I wanted was to run with people!

After emailing with my Coach we decided on trying to maintain even splits this race, each mile between 10:55-11:05 not including my warm up miles and my push to the end.

Miles 1-13 were so much fun!  It was great to be on a course with great aid stations and seeing and cheering other runners on!  I loved listening in to other runners chatting with their friends.  During the first mile we saw Chelsea and Jessica, I got rid of my last long sleeve and we said our goodbyes! (They kicked butt by the way).

Mile 12.5 we saw Diana and Jamie with signs and cheering!  I said to Behn, “are those my friends?” and I was so happy to see their faces!  They ran with us and we were telling them about the course. At that point we (I) were feeling strong and confident.  We are about an 11:07 pace or so, according to my watch, 11:12 pace according to the tracker.  EIther way, we were on tack to a sub 5.  I was so happy at that point!  I knew a PR was in reach.

Come mile 17 is where it got hard.  I was able to keep that pace for about the first 17 minutes and then I crashed and burned. The weather got warm, real warm, real quickly!  I started taking salt/electrolyte tabs at the 1:40, 2:40, and about 4 hourish marks.  I took a huma gel avery 4-5 miles.  I took water at every water stop.  After mile 18 I started taking 2 waters at each stop.  I do not think nutrition or hydration was an issue for this race.

I started to see the numbers on my watch get higher (pace) and I started to lose hope.  I tried as much as I could to keep going.  Mile 18 is the first time we took an extended water walk break.  I thought about quitting that early.  At 19 I knew I could still hit my sub 5 goal even if my A goal was out the door at this point.  

20-25 was just a blur.  I remember running, walking, crying.  I wanted to be done but couldn’t push myself to go any faster.  I don’t know if it was my legs, breathing, heat heart rate. I don’t know what caused it.  

Mile 25 we saw Jamie and Diana again with their signs.  They ran us in to mile 26 and then we said our goodbyes and Behn and I finished up.  

We ran in holding hands and laughing, it was simply wonderful!  Beth called something out about us.  Tori and Beth gave us our medals.  (Sorry I didn't stop and chat, I just realized I just kept walking, everything was a blur) Thank you Tori for chasing us down and congratulating us!

Random Thoughts:

This is the get me the hell to the finish line now look

I don’t even remember at what mile we saw Misty but I remember what a smile it brought to my face! 
We saw Emily and her family on our first half of the run! 
The water stops were so energetic!  The half marathon course was great, but to have to do that again, it was mentally challenging!  Behn and I were running by our selves for the second half, no one in site. 
Stephanie yelled for us on her way back to an AMAZING  Half marathon PR! 
The race was very well marked.  The volunteers were amazing! 
I hate how the people trying to get by in their cars gave some of them such trouble.  

I know I am supposed to be so happy and bubbly that I just ran my 4th marathon, but I am not.  I am disappointed in myself that I couldn’t keep pushing to hit my goal that I wanted to bad and know I have in me.  Behn kept asking if we were on pace because he knew how much it meant to me and how much I have trained for this race.  We were certainly on track till about mile 23.  At that point as long as we maintaned 12 min miles we would have come in sub 5.  I couldn't.  I don't know if I mentally gave up and threw in the towel or what happened.

So So SO Happy to be done~

Now it is time for a few week recovery then it is half marathon time, maybe If I am up for it I will even throw in a little triathlon or something this year.

The day ended with ice cream and us being in bed before 8!  

How do you get over a “bad” race or not hitting your goal?

What is your favorite recovery or reward for a hard race?

One more for good measure.. I think the face explains it all

Happy New Year- Oh a NYC Marathon Recap

So apparently it is 2014?  Where has the last 20 days gone?  I can't believe it is almost February!

I am going to do a brief recap here is that is O.K with everyone.

1.  I still need to update you on the NYC Marathon and I am pretty sure that is going to come right now.

 I went into this race with a goal of 4:59:59.  I trained my butt off, I think this may have been one of the few times I went in with a goal and 1. didn't get it, 2. tried really hard in training for it.  With the weeks approaching the Marathon I moved my goal like to 5:15-5:20.  Well, that didn't happen either.  I finished at 5:55:14.  I should be proud and happy I finished "THE NYC MARATHON", but I am not. I didn't even want a redemption run.  Well, that is a lie.  I wanted to run the Jacksonville marathon but I knew I couldn't handle the training right after a marathon and listened to my body. I went to NY with these thoughts in my head about what an amazing race this is going to be.  NYRR pulled out all the stops, that I do agree with!  I received the previous years medal, a cute little rubber bracelet with both years on it and of course bought everything in site at the expo.  I read blogs and blogs about what to look out for, pacing, crowd support, everything, you name it, I did it.  Unfortunately, I did not find it what is was cracked up to be.  I didn't think the crowd support was fantastic and maybe that was just me?  I felt it was "thin".  I think that has a lot to do with how long the race is, and I don't mean that it is 26.2 miles.  Elites start around 9, while I started around 11.  That is a whole two hours the spectators are waiting just for me to start and we know, it took me a lot more than 2 hours to get to the point in which people are cheering.  There were lots on times there was no one there.  I am sure the crowds were a little lighter after the Boston Marathon, oh, and it was cold and the winds were 20+ miles per hour.

The course was hilly, I knew that going in, but I definitely did not realize how hilly the course was.  The wind didn't make it easier and damn, you are in Brooklyn for a long ass time!  I was ready to be out of Brooklyn so quickly!  Thank goodness I had my Christ a there with me with our matching outfits!    At mile 15 We stopped to use the restroom and we waited almost 10 minutes.  Christa told me to go on, but looking at my watch and knowing I wasn't going to hit any of my goals, I stayed, I still had 11 more miles to go and it was going to be better with company.

My ITBand started screaming at me less than a mile like and I knew it was going to be bad!  I stopped to walk and stretch.  I wanted to just keep going and finish, I had to remind myself that I don't want to remain injured so I had to play it careful.  Soon we saw my family!  It was so nice to see them, they grabbed pictures, we gave hugs, it was fun.  *Note to family and spectators* If your runner is trying to go for a certain time, don't stop them for pictures.  Luckily my time was out the door, I just wanted to be done.

I do have to say though, I don't think I ever hit a wall.  There was water every mile which also slowed us down because you stop every mile whether you need water or not when you are with someone :)

I had nutrition every 45 minutes to 1 hour.  Boy, thats a lot of nutrition once I was out there!

I got to see DEE who was running as an Achilles Guide.  She is amazing!

It was a great chance to see family :)

At least we know how to have fun!

See Ya Next time NY.. Just kidding!!! 

Questions for you:

1. Have you ever gone into a race and then the expectation just ruined the experience?  Have you had the opposite happen?

2. Have you run the NYC, what were your thoughts?

3. What was your favorite race? Doesn't matter, distance, sports, etc!

ALso, I am training for a triathlon now and feel free to make a donation so I can actually go through with it!!  http://pages.teamintraining.org/sun/anttry14/ghimelfarb

I will be updating all my loyal readers with my training soon :)

Also, I just realized this turned out to be a full recap of the NYC Marathon, not life.. I guess you may hear from me sooner than later!

A year of running in review 2012 style

2012

So much yet so little happened! In the running field!

I started of 2012 with a running injury and ended it with 100+ miles in December.

It has taught me so much.

I borrowed this format from Beka.  She had a pretty kick butt year!

Best race experience - Women's Half Marathon was by far the best from start to finish. I came into this race as ready as I was going to be.  I was training hard for the NYC Marathon so my legs were nice and fresh.  If I was going to PR, it was going to be this race.  I went in with the intention to enjoy myself, which is exactly what I did.  I didn't go in beating myself up if I didn't PR.  The day before I did 9 mile, my IT Band hurt and so did my stomach.  I managed to pull out a 9 minute PR from a half I did less than a month ago.  I love the support out there, I was there with friends.  I ran with a pacer for the last 5 miles which helped pull me along.  I was on cloud 9 because I wasn't sure this was something I could pull off.  I didn't tell anyone I had the goal of a 2:30 half.  I was just going to go out there and have fun!  I did and it paid off.

Best run - This is a toss of between the Color run, which I have yet to do a recap on or my 22 miles before before NY.  The color run was amazing!  I had so much fun.  I was able to run it with my (blood) sister, sorority sisters, and friends!  It was so laid back, had no expectations and smiling ear to ear after it *for about a week*.I don't remember too much about the 22 mile run, just that it hurt, I did it, and I knew I was ready for NY.  I knew I had 4 more miles in me, I ran that 22 smart:)

Best new piece of gear - My compression gear!  I have never ran or had these items before this year, and I love it!!!!

Best piece of running advice you received - Don't over do it!  Or anything that comes out of my Coaches mouth.  Maybe to stop whining?

Most inspirational runner - Oh this one is tough.  I have this idea in my head to do an ode to my inspiration runners.  These runners I met through blogging or have gotten closer with through blogging.  They are ordinary people who totally rock my world!  They are always so positive and motivating!  I am happy I can call them IRL friends :)Meghan, Tori, Beka, Kat
They show me that anything is possible.  

If you could sum up your year in a couple of words, what would they be? Overwhelming, Amazing, Educational

To recap the races I ran this year:

Feb: Rock N Roll St. Pete- injured

May: Miles for moffit 5 miler

June: Westchase Womens Triathlon

August: Run for the fallen 10k 

September: Tower of terror 10 miler

October: Halloween Halfathon

November: Womens Half Marathon

Turkey Trot 10 miles

December: Color Run

Not cute, but first run with the TEAM for Goofy!

30 pounds of ice for after 22 miles!

13.1 mils for Sandy Hook

Before the NYC Marathon was cancelled

Halloween Halfathon- best race pic ever, with Brandi! We will be famous one day for this picture

Sisters first 5k

Tower of Terror 10 miler

How was your 2012?

Women's Half Marathon Race Recap

WHM and NYC Marathon Bibs

I am not really sure how to start with this recap expect for saying I still have a grin on my face.  

I PR'd!  And it wasn't a little PR either!

This weekend I had 29 miles on deck, but if you have been following me, you would know my stomach sometimes likes to cooperate.  Saturday morning, I was up bright and early for my 16 miles.  I was actually very excited to be doing back to back long runs because I am doing Goofy with the Leukemia and Lymphoma society (have you donated yet)?  Unfortunately, it did not pan out as well as I had wished.  I made it 4.5 out before my stomach really began to hurt, I walked back because running made it hurt.  Luckily this time, it was just pain and I wasn't running for a bathroom.  On the way back, my IT band was screaming!  I didn't know what to do!  I was limping and couldn't walk.  I ced and foam rolled at least three times on Saturday.  

Because I still had 9 miles on my legs, I wasn't sure how a half marathon would pan out.  Would I run before or after the race to add more miles, would my stomach hold up.  Should I try to PR, should I run with a pace group?  I really had no idea what Sunday would hold for me.  All I knew what this was going to be a fun run!  After going to the expo and talking to my friends, I was just ready for a good time.  

Sunday Morning came and my alarm was set for 4am.  I quickly threw on my clothes, which included my Team shirt.  I grabbed a bottle of water, a bag of ice so I can ice my bum on the way to the race start.  I decided to get there around 5:30 so I would not have to mess and bother with parking or traffic. When I got there, I met Meghan who picked me up some compression socks because I could not find mine, and I found they actually really work, or it is just my mind. After we met, she was off to run 4 miles BEFORE 13 for a total of 17.5 for the day! She is pretty rock star!  She went for a run, and I quickly ran to the bathroom at the Hilton where my TNT peeps would be. I started my pre run warmup, but knew I was going too fast so I stopped, texted Pete and met my peeps.  I made it a half a mile in less than 5 minutes.  Too quick to me. I was talking to Pete, who was the race coach for the day.  He was actually the one who got me to the finish line of my first half, and helped me PR Sunday my running me in faster than I could imagine.  

GO TEAM!

Story time and being my typical self

After some pictures, we headed to the corrals and was ready to go.  Once I was there, I was peeking around for some friends, but unfortunately, I was unable to find any.  I waited, tried to keep warm, and chatted with some strangers.  At 6:58, the national anthem was sung, and at 7:00 the first wave was out, and we were all on our way.  

This course was beautiful, flat, and fast.

This is actually the only race (besides the Jungle Bell 5k) which I have ran more than once.  That is how much I loved this race the first time.

It runs along the water, beautiful houses, Mirror Lake, through Tropicana Field where the Rays plays, and it is also very spectator friendly which is always helpful.  

Miles 1-3: My body was playing mind games with me.  I started off what I thought would be too fast.  My muscles and body were getting warmed up and I guess I learned that it takes me a few miles to get into the groove.  At mile 1, I looked at my watch and saw a low number. AHH, was going through my head.  I wanted to slow down and not die too quickly.  At around mile 3, the 2:30 pace group caught up to me, and I was thinking about sticking with them.  I had this TOP SECRET goal of 2:30, but didn't plan to hit it until my March half marathon.  I also knew I had my team in training family at mile 3 which kept me going!  I really love having spectators along the course.  

Mile 4-8: Went through snell Isle which was beautiful.  I was able to stay with the pace group, and actually got a little ahead of them.  I didn't want to push to hard and burn out.  That is what I was thinking the whole time.  At about mile 5, I broke off and made my way through the cobbled streets and over to the pier.  It was great seeing Caroline so many times!  At the pier, I ran into my handy dandy Pete!  The wind was bad, but I didn't find it horrendous as most people are talking about.  Don't get me wrong, it wasn't easy, but I also knew it would be at my back soon enough.  Pete and I were talking when the 2:30 pace group came up behind us at mile 8, what this would mean if I stayed with them, etc.  At this point, it was go big or go home.  I chowd down on a powergel and we were off.  At this point I was still feeling pretty good and couldn't believe my pace.

Mile 9-11:  At this point, things were a little rough.  We headed up hill!  I started to fall behind the pace group.  I wanted to walk, I wanted to take a break.  Knowing I could run a marathon, mentally helped me though this.  Knowing I had my AMAZING Run Tampa crew at mile 9.6, allowed me to keep going.  It was so so so nice to see their smiling faces.  Hearing them cheer for "me".  When Tori gave me Yellow gatorade when I needed it instead of the orange (I hate orange flavored stuff).  That it was running is all about.  That is an amazing community.  After that, I was able to catch back up with the pacer, Don, and I felt like a million bucks.  We only had a 5k left.  This mentality doesn't really work for me on a normal basis, but it did today.  I know, just a little further till we hit the trop, were on flat land, and then it is all downhill.  Through the trop, I kept my pace and chatted up with some other ladies. 

Mile 12-13.1:  Yes! Downhill.  I was told we were about a 1 minute to a minute and a half ahead of schedule.  I had this even more secret goal in my head, that by the end of the year, I wanted to run under a 2:28.  (A 2:28 was what my X ran his first race and taunted me with it, yes, that is one of the many reasons we are not together, and couldn't be happier about that!)  I held steady for mile 12, and 13, we were off.  Don gave us permission, if we had it in us, go for it.  Don runs a 1:35 half.  No big deal.   At 12.5, I saw Pete! He was going to run me in, I asked him, he asked me my goal, and we pushed!  At about 12.75, my watched beeped at we were at 13. "F", why aren't we there yet.  He commented how fast I was going, and it helped that he was there to push me!  My body hasn't run that fast in a race.  I followed his lead, I crossed that finish line in under 2:28!

If you look back at my Halloween Halfathon recap, you see my finish time was between 2:35-2:36 and change.  That leaves me with a 9-10 minute PR.  

Here are my splits:

I cannot believe I have not one mile over 12:00, yet along the "slowest" was 11:46.  My fastest was my last mile, which was a first for me.  I hit paces under 11:00 which is a first.

I am extrmemly happy with this run, especially after having 9 miles on my legs the day before.  I really pushed myself.  At points I didn't think I could do it, but knew if I can go a little further, I could.  

Oh, more bling to add!

If you are in Tampa, come join in!
If you cannot, please take a look at my webpage and donate, donate, donate!
Genna's Goofy Fundraising Page

Thank you everyone who had the confidence in me!

How do you get past the mental block of pushing to a goal? 

Also, check out my Stella and Dot trunk show which 20% goes towards my fundraising minimum!