The GrAnD GiVeAwAY !!

My Facebook page, Running on the Fly has been such a fun adventure, and recently we reached the "1,000 likes" milestone.....and this calls for a grand celebration and a giveaway!

So, here it is, RuNnEr FrIeNdS...... (drum roll)......




These are the items available to the winner, and I LOVE all of them.  It's a bummer I can't win my own giveaway.  But my followers have made Running on the Fly the success that it is, so it's only proper to give these prizes to one of them ;-)

First, we have these adorable head bands from Heads Up Bands (www.headsupbands.com).  These are the best running/fitness/fashion accessory a gal could have.  I have a couple of these headbands, and I absolutely love them.  Not only do they stay in place (even after 13+ miles), but they do NOT pinch or cause headaches.  And, they are available in two sizes and in many colors and patterns.  The winner of the GrAnD GiVeAwAy will receive these two headbands...one is a pink/coral band with a paisley pattern, the other band is grey with a black, white and grey geometric pattern.




Next, we have a tech fabric running hat, from RunJunkEes (www.RunJunkEes.com).  I typically prefer visors, but this is a hat I would definitely wear.  It's navy blue, has the RunJunkEes logo on the front and a velcro strap across the back.  It's very light weight, so it would be great for hot weather.  Also, they sent me a key chain with a bottle opener with their logo on it...and, who doesn't need a bottle opener?  They even included two decals...one in a lilme green color and the other is royal blue.

 

The final "big" item is this adorable sterling silver necklace from Inspired Endurance (www.inspiredendurance.com).  This is a real beauty!  The pictures don't do it justice.  This an 18" bar necklace, which includes a Run charm, a wing pendant and a potato pearl charm.  Total sweetness!

There may be more items added ...so stay tuned!  Also, I will be throwing in a few extra swag items.  Total retail value is approximately $150.00 .

 

Here's how to enter the GrAnD GiVeAwAy:
!--"Like" Running on the Fly on Facebook (if you haven't already)
2--Pay each of these generous donators a visit on Facebook, and give them a "like" as well
3--After "liking" all the pages mentioned above, leave a comment either here on my blog OR on the GrAnD GiVeAwAy link post on Facebook using your personal name (Facebook page names don't always show up, so I may not see it or get notified)
4--If you have a Facebook page, "share" the GrAnD GiVeAwAy link for an extra chance to win (and let me know when you have done so)
5--Winner will be drawn after 10PM CST on Wednesday, August 14th and posted shortly thereafter.  Winner will have until 10PM CST on Friday, August 16th to claim prize, or another winner will be drawn

Good Luck!!

Do the numbers 26.2 mean anything to YOU?

I heard somewhere that a marathon doesn't just change you at the finish line, but also at the start line.  Hmmmmm.  I would argue that it changed me the moment those numbers, 26.2, started dancing in my mind.

Granted, the first several times those numbers appeared in my thoughts, I quickly ran from them (no pun intended).  I have been running half marathons for 5 years now, and have been QUITE content doing them.  Then, I decided to start a page on Facebook, Running On The Fly.




Suddenly, I found myself immersed among LOTS of runners.  Runners from all over the world, not just from my hometown.  Runners who also love to run outside year-round. Runners who didn't run when they were kids. Runners who took on the challenge of running farther than a 5K.  And, before I knew it, I had become friends with runners who had either run marathons, or were training for their first one. (gulp)

Quickly, I laughed those numbers out of my head (again).  I'm a 13.1-mile runner after all, I should just be content with that. Right?



Well, the more runners I became acquainted with, the bigger those numbers grew (and more frequently they kept reappearing) in my head.  Finally, I realized that there will never be a "perfect" time to do a marathon. Why wait until I run a sub-1:45 half?  The thrill of crossing the finish line won't be any more euphoric if I wait until the last kid goes off to college than it would be if I conquered the 26.2 miles in a few months......why not just do it this year?  Why not just do it in September?



Truthfully, as much as I love the 13.1 distance, it really isn't much of a challenge for me anymore.  I continue to work on my speed and pacing to finish each race faster...but, that is something I can continue to do for the rest of my life.  The thought of doubling that distance, well... quite honestly, is a little scary.  Actually, it's VERY scary.  But, there was a time when running 3.1 miles was a challenge...and I can now run that (plus an extra 10 miles) non-stop.

So, I made the commitment and officially registered for the Quad Cities Marathon, scheduled for September 22nd. This week is the point in my training schedule where I will run the farthest distance of my life, going past the 13.1 miles that I have grown so comfortable (and secure) with.  I know I won't run it fast, but I know I will be able to complete it.

What have I learned so far?  Doing the long runs each weekend makes me feel like I'm constantly racing, but without the expense of registration fees.  I have to charge my Ipod weekly, continually be drinking water to stay hydrated and my favorite pair of wool running socks are spending more time in the laundry room than on my feet.  One of the perks, though, is that my recovery time gets faster every week.  The first time I ran a half marathon (5 years ago), I had a difficult time walking (without resembling Frankenstein) for several days...now, I can simply jump in the shower, do a few stretches and start the whole hydration process all over again for the following week's long run.  Progress, I'll take it!

Another Trail Run.....'Down' for the Count

I really think I could grow to love trail runs.  Maybe not as much as half marathons, but I definitely can see more of them in my future. Just not any time in the next few days or weeks.

The Grimes Farm Trail Run took place on Saturday, July 13th, and I was an eager participant.  The Grimes Family Farm is located just west of Marshalltown, in central Iowa.  Every year, the Grimes family hosts a series of race events: 5K, 8K, 1.6 mile, and kids' races. All races take place on the trails on the land owned by the conservatory.  

Along with the race bib, participants received a tech shirt, draw-string sport bag and a pin oak seedling (as well as numerous refreshments following the races).  I brought along the camera, but forgot it in the car.  And that is a big regret.  The trails were beautiful and very well-maintained.


I ran the 8K trail run with my friend, Linda.  Her daughter, Dani, also came along.  Dani was a very well-decorated high school runner in track and cross country (State of Iowa champion, none-the-less).  It's great fun to watch her go, but I am thankful she's in a much younger age group so I don't have to "compete" with her.


The 5K and 8K share the majority of the same trail, except for a one mile out and back leg (for the two additional miles on the 8K course).  As I mentioned, the trails were beautiful.  There was one major hill, shortly after the start, that was very long and challenging.  About 2/3 of the way up the hill, there is a lookout tower, with a volunteer waiting at the top to mark the hands of runners who take on this "bonus" climb (they get a special reward for doing so).  The tower has three sets of stairs that lead to the top, similar to climbing three stories of a building.  I love stair-climbing, so I decided to take on this extra quest as well.

I made my way to the top of the tower and back down in a couple of minutes.  I realized this would alter my actual finish time, but the challenge was there and I knew I would regret not doing it.  All or nothing!



After descending the tower and finishing the remainder of the big hill, the rest of the trail was pretty flat and not too threatening.  I did notice some initial stiffness from my old friend, the piriformis.  Whenever I do races with hills (especially if the hills are right at the start of a race), I almost always have some issues with piriformis stiffness.  I stretch before the event, but none-the-less, this is just an ongoing thing for me.  It is getting better, but it still exists (probably to keep me humble).

I did slow down and walk a few times, to give my legs a break.  There were some water stations, so it all worked out.  I can barely walk and chew gum.....trying to run and drink is like taking a shower in public for me, so I usually have to walk through the water stations anyways.

I felt like I was running the first half a little slow, but with the big hill and stair climb I knew my pace would be a little off.  Not to worry.  I usually can pull off a negative split in most events, so I don't let myself get in a panic.

Eventually, I reached the turnoff for the 8K runners.  This part of the course was well maintained, but we were warned it would be a little rougher that the other trail.....and they were correct!  There also were a lot of twists and turns, which made for a very scenic journey.  I was probably halfway to the turnaround when I started to see the lead runners coming back.  I love cheering on fellow runners, so I always clap or tell them "Good job!" or "Looking great!"

I had just cheered for a returning runner, and the very next moment I was flat on the ground.  And I went down hard.  Even with the grass on the trail, the ground was very dry and compact...and unforgiving.  I didn't just fall and scrape my left knee, I also did a (very ungraceful) roll.  As soon as I pulled myself back up (Mr.Returning Runner chose to leave me in his dust), I could tell something wasn't right.  I could feel some pain near my rib cage.  I had heard that if you break a bone, you will KNOW you've broken a bone. I didn't feel anything too outrageous, so I pressed onward.

But my rib cage hurt.  It continued to hurt for the remaining 2 miles or so that I had left.  It didn't hurt to breathe, so I was certain my lungs weren't injured.  But every time I twisted  or leaned into a curve, I could feel something in my rib cage area.  Despite this discomfort, I was actually doing great with my pace.

I made my way to the turnaround, and back out to the main trail for the final 3/4 mile of the race. I had gone through so many turns and curves, I had lost my bearings.  So, I was pleasantly surprised to see the finish line so soon.  I was able to up my pace, and finished the 8K in 51:40. 

Running trails is very different than running on pavement.  The grass and uneven terrain require a slightly slower pace as you navigate the course.  There are numerous times when you think you have solid footing, only to hit a patch of gravel or dirt and then need to shift your balance to remain vertical.  I am kind of a klutz by nature, so I probably look like a comedy act as I attempt to keep my composure when my feet are slipping and sliding in opposite directions. I read somewhere that your trail pace may be 1-2 minutes slower (per minute), depending on the variables (slope of terrain, thickness of grass, obstacles, etc.), so my finish time is decent for me.  Given the fact that I "detoured "on the tower climb, walked a few times and then tumbled .....I am happy and satisfied with my effort. 


They were very generous with their awards.  All the kids received medals for completing their races.  They had awards for not only runners (in the various age divisions), but for the walkers as well.  Dani was the fastest overall female in the 5K, so she received a cash prize and medal, and also a first place medal for her age division. Linda and myself both placed in our age division (in the 8K), receiving 2nd and 3rd medals respectively.  For those who did the bonus tower climb, they had a big selection of t-shirts from past years and first-aid kits to choose from.  I already have too many shirts from races, so I opted for a first-aid kit.  I thought that was a nice touch!

I thought this race was a great event.  We were blessed with optimal weather (70-degree temps, low humidity and plenty of cloud cover).  Numerous volunteers were there to make sure all the details were covered. Plenty of awards for the participants.  The trails were beautiful...another reminder that I need to vary my running and not always be on the pavement for my training.

 

My rib cage is sore, but manageable.  I suspect I may have bruised or cracked a rib (or two) on my fall.  I did a quick search on the computer upon returning home, and discovered there isn't much that can be done for injured ribs other than rest.  My breathing is fine, just some overall discomfort if I bend over or twist or turn too quickly.  I didn't feel my discomfort required a trip to the ER, so I will wait  it out a few days and stay out of my running shoes in the mean time.  Will that keep me from ever trail running again?  Absolutely not!

Virtually, it was a fun 13.1 miles

 
Ever done a virtual race?  I've done a few....some 5K's, a couple 10K's, and now I have officially completed two virtual half marathons.

Challenging?  Oh, yes!
 

A year ago, I did the Moms RUN This Town summer virtual event, the Hot Momma.  It was a half marathon distance, but we were given the entire month of July to complete it.  We also had the option to run it in increments, or all in one shot.  Having done several halfs, I elected to do the "all in one shot."  I was very proud of myself, getting up early on a hot summer morning, and venturing out for 13.1 miles...all on my own.

Fast-forward to Saturday morning (July 6th), and I did another virtual half marathon, also sponsored by Moms RUN This Town.  This year the theme was Running Mad, based off of the Disney classic story of Alice in Wonderland.  And, this year we had the option of running a 5K, 10K or a half marathon.  Of course, I elected to do the half.....I know I can run the distance, why not do it for some hardware (the registration fee includes a finisher's medal)?  Besides, since I know I can do a half marathon, I would feel guilty getting a medal for running anything shorter if I had the half marathon as an option.

I'm currently in training for my first-ever full marathon, so this distance fit nicely in my training schedule.  My most recent long run was 10 miles, a week prior.  Technically, I was scheduled for 11-12 miles this weekend, but I have more than two months until my marathon, so I have some flexibility.  Running the 13.1 miles  was a jump in distance, but that is what happens when I train for a half anyways (I train up to 10 miles, recover and  run the race a week later).  I will just scale back next weekend, allow some recovery time, and resume the mile increases after that.  Nothing to worry about.

I headed out around 6:30 in the morning to tackle the run.  What makes a virtual race neat is that it's a race you run on your own schedule.  You don't have to travel to a special location, or run it on any specific date.  You do have to complete it, though, on your own.  That can be difficult if you rely on the crowd support and energy amongst the fellow runners to get you excited for the run. Most virtuals (if you've paid a registration fee) will have you report your finish time, making you eligible for prizes.

I was eager to do this run.  I had been looking forward to it all week.  I was hoping to maybe set a new PR, but I also knew I just needed to focus on the run itself and not be all consumed with my finish time and/or speed.  After all, the LSD's (long slow distance runs) are about endurance, not speed.

It was a struggle for the first 5 miles or so.  I didn't have any pain, but did have some stiffness in my piriformis area.  UGH!  It has improved, but is still bothersome at times.  I had some great tunes pop up on the Ipod, though, so I was able to keep a smile on my face and press on through the minimal discomfort.

Our town hosts a half marathon race, and the course goes right by my house.  It's a double loop course, so I ran one loop and stopped back at my house for a brief water gulp and energy gel fix.  As soon as I headed back out to tackle the remaining loop, I felt instantly better.  I could already tell my pace was a little faster.  I did the first loop in 1:06, not an ideal split for me (almost 10 minutes slower than normal), so I could tell something had not been right.  I felt like I was almost running in slow motion for the first loop, I was thankful this second loop was going better.

I felt really good until around mile 10.  It was then that I started feeling a little light headed, nothing major or scary, but it was there and I was aware of it.  I also was feeling thirsty and a little fatigued.  I knew the final couple miles were going to be a good test of my determination, but they had to be finished so I pressed on.

I ran the first loop of the course "clock-wise," and ran the second loop in reverse to make it more interesting.  I also varied some of the streets, trying to be careful to keep the distance accurate in doing so (I do not like doing the same thing all the time...I crave variety!).  In switching up some of the streets, I think my light-headed state may have misjudged the distance...it's quite possible I may have ran a little extra distance by accident.  No big deal. I'd rather run too far and know I did go at least 13.1 miles, than run it too short.

So, the last couple miles kept me challenged.  Nothing painful, but a little frustrating.  I did slow down and walk a few times, but was able to finish strong.  When I reached the 13.1 distance, and stopped my watch and walked a few blocks to cool down...I walked very slowly. By this time, it was after 8:30 and the sun had climbed high enough in the sky to make the temps a little uncomfortable.

I was able to run the second loop 2 minutes faster, even with the walk breaks, for a finish time of 2::10:19 (just under a 10-minute pace).  Even though I am capable of finishing a half marathon a good 10-15 minutes faster, that is still a decent time.  All is good, I am satisfied.  I refuse to dwell on the "what-if's" and feel bad about it.  I ran 13.1 miles, and I am thankful for having the ability to do so.  Not every run has to be a "race."



So, what did this teach me?  Well, it reaffirmed my love for the 13.1 distance.  I think I may have had a carb-crash, probably from not eating enough prior to running (I had some oatmeal, but maybe should have had something else with it).  I didn't take any water with me, so I was probably a little dehydrated.  Normally, I have a chai latte' each morning...and I didn't have any before running, so  there was a caffeine deficit situation going on, too.  I have a little runner girl necklace I wear for all my events and long training runs, and somehow forgot to wear it, maybe that's also a factor (LOL).  All of these are things that I can fix. This was a training run, after all, and that's why runners do them...to figure out what works and what needs tweaking.
 
Also, there were no blisters this time!  I typically don't get blisters on training runs, but often notice them when I do the long races themselves.  This virtual half served as kind of a milestone (no pun intended) for my marathon training.  Most of my long runs from here on will be longer than the half marathon distance, so there may be some blisters (and lost toe nails) in my future....but those are part of the package.  I will be running 26.2 miles in a couple months...if that didn't come with a few challenges (or blood, sweat or tears), it wouldn't be a significant accomplishment.

Did I just register for a FULL?

 
OK.  Time to get real, friends.  I have now run 13 halfs/20K's, and I have the calluses and medals to show for them.  I have no regrets other than wishing I had discovered the joy of distance running much sooner in life.

I totally love this particular distance.  It's far enough that it requires some training to prepare for it (at least for most runners, that is!).  It's a long distance, but it's not so long that it will wear you out in preparation. And there is no greater bliss than crossing the finish line after running 13.1 miles (well, giving birth to my three kids might be a tad bit more blissful)....but I'm sure you get the picture.

Even though a half marathon is no joke, I have enough experience in previous trainings to know how to train and what to expect while enroute to the finish line during the actual race.  I have never been a daily runner.  I respect rest days, I know they allow me to run at maximum efficiency on the days I'm not resting.  I have confidence in my regular 3-4 running days each week, the only adjustment is to add a mile to the long runs 5-6 weeks before race day.  Works for me.

The thought of running a full marathon had entered my mind for a few fleeting moments in the 8 years I have called myself a runner.  But since I have such a fondness the half marathon distance, I have successfully  ignored those 26.2 thoughts.  Until recently.

I started blogging about my love of running, and have shared this love on my Facebook page, Running on the Fly.  In doing so, I have met many other distance runners, and many of these runners have embarked on the journey to a full marathon.  They have taken the plunge.  And, wouldn't you know it?  Every one of them has encouraged me to do the same.

UGH!  Suddenly, all the reasons for not doing a full marathon were met with reasons TO do one.  Although I won't be training on the same streets as these runner friends, we will all be training together this summer.  All of our eagerness and excitement is overwhelming. We will be checking in and comparing running strategies, bragging about our weekly long runs and encouraging each other if any hurdles get in the way.

With this community of runners I have found myself embedded within, I pulled up the website for the Quad Cities Marathon.  September 22nd is the day. The course is supposed to be "fast and flat." This could turn out to be a disaster, after all I will not only be running the longest distance I've ever run (13.1 miles), I will be doubling that!  YIKES!.  It will be a tough test, physically and mentally, but I know it is time.

With debit card in hand, I hit the "submit" button.  Honestly, it was such a relief to just have the registration done.  I had been planning to do it, and had even made up a training plan...so when I finally made it official, I felt like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders.

Now, let's get running!
    

Runnin' in the Rough-My First Trail Run

 
My first-ever trail run was, in a single word., T.O.U.G.H.

I have been running consistently for 8 years, and have run all distances up to 13.1 miles.  I have run fast (somewhat), and I have run slow.  I have run hills.  I have run in the wind, rain and snow.  I think of myself as a pretty well-rounded and experienced "veteran" runner.

Apparently, the running gods conspired and thought it was time to give me a really good challenge to test my endurance and stamina.  So, a trail run was presented to me.

The town where I live has an annual event each summer, the Grinnell Games.  They have a 5K, half marathon and a warrior run.  This year, they added a new event to the roster....a Twilight 10K Trail Run, and this trail run took place at a lake a few miles west of town.

We have had a lot of rain in our area of the state (central Iowa), especially in recent weeks.  The grounds and some of the beach surrounding the lake were under water following the most recent storm, causing the directors and staff of the Grinnell Games to come up with an alternate route.  Originally, the route was to take place on a trail path around the lake, amongst the trees and brush.  Some of the original route needed to be re-routed to the pavement drive, and a portion of the route was changed to an out-and-back leg off of the main road.

Having recently done a 20K race, I felt like I was in top condition for the challenge of a trail run.  This event was "only" a 10K, half the distance of the race I had just completed a week prior.  I was eager to do a shorter distance and test my skill on the terrain.  I knew there would be a few hills, but since I regularly train on hills, I wasn't worried.  I had heard to be cautious about wood ticks (YUCK!!!!), so I bought a new hat to cover my hair, donned my festive green argyle socks to keep my legs covered and wore a long-sleeved tech shirt.


My friend, Kristin, also wanted to take on the challenge of a trail, so her and I drove together to the event.
We took a few pre-race pictures and I even had a guy with a video camera interview me about the upcoming trail run and my impression of the Grinnell Games.


The race began after a great rendition of the National Anthem, performed by some local band students and bagpipers.  The first couple miles (or so) were on the paved drive.  And those first couple miles were hilly and curvy!  Having had some recent trouble with my piriformis muscle, I could feel some discomfort almost immediately.  I tried to go easy and not strain myself, but the constant uphill striding was disheartening.

 

They had told us we'd turn off of the drive and be on grass "for awhile" and the second water station was the turn-around.  As soon as I turned onto the grass, I knew I was in for another bitter challenge.  The grass was tall, probably 6-8 inches in height, and very muddy in places.  This required a different kind of running than I was used to.  I needed to lift my feet higher than normal for each stride.  Hello, piriformis muscle!  Yes, I know you are there, and you can feel every one of these steps!

By this point of the run, I was pretty much by myself, all of the runners had spread out.  There were some painted arrows in the grass, but nothing else to really gauge my where-abouts.  Since this was the first year for this event, it was probably an oversight to not have mile markers, and that was a little frustrating.  I had to slow down and walk, quite a lot actually.  I had some idea how far I had been running but wasn't certain about the exact distance.  All I know is that I went for a very long time in the grass, brush, mud and rocks without seeing anyone coming back from the turn-around.



Since I did take time to walk, I took a few pictures along the way.  Unfortunately, several pictures didn't show up on the memory card, but I do have a few to document my journey.  It was difficult running on the terrain.  Many times, it was sloped sideways, almost at a 45-degree angle.  I was careful navigating my way, and walked when it looked dangerous.  I could feel my ankles constantly twisting and going sideways, and I didn't want to take any "heroic" chances and get injured by going too fast through dangerous territory.

It wasn't until I was probably half a mile from the turn-around that I finally saw some of the runners coming back.  Everyone looked very serious, I congratulated them on doing so well...and not many smiled.  Most of them grunted, probably because they were focused on their footing and trying not to fall.  It was funny seeing all the mud on everyone's shoes and legs.  I was really glad I'd thought to wear my knee socks.

Finally, I reached the turn-around and stopped for a few seconds to have some water.  The volunteers were very cheerful, and encouraging.  They asked me how I was doing, and I told them that this was the toughest race I'd ever done... last weekends 20K was EASY compared to this 10K.

So, I tossed my water cup and started to make my way back.  As I passed all the others coming towards me I clapped for them, and told them the water was just ahead.  One gal actually smiled, and said, "Thanks!"

This course was constant hills, on the pavement and off of it.  There was not really any terrain that was flat.  If I wasn't fighting gravity going uphill, I was fighting it on the way back down...and trying  to not go too fast for fear of losing my footing.  Even when there wasn't part of a hill to tackle, there was sloping terrain, slippery grass or sticky mud or wood chips.  Despite the constant awareness of my footing, I was able to look up periodically and enjoy the beauty of the leaves, the scent of pine trees and the sounds of nature all around me (I had left my music at home).


Once I finally made my way out of the brush and got back on the pavement, I felt like I had been set free.   A friend (volunteer) greeted me and told me I was doing great, and that lifted my spirits tremendously.  He told me I only had half a mile left to the finish line.  Even though there was a slight hill remaining, it was amazingly easy to sprint the remainder of the route.  I rounded the final curve and made my way to the finish line and was greeted by lots of cheers from the other runners and spectators.  The camera guy even found me in the crowd and wanted to do a follow-up interview (he didn't ask me for my autograph, though).



Even though I was really struggled at times amongst the course, I did enjoy this race.  I finished in 1:07:45, not great in terms of my "usual" 10K finish time, but I am satisfied with it.  I had to walk a lot more than I wanted to, but given my recovering piriformis muscle issues (and my lack of grace on uneven terrain), my finish time is decent.  I will take a slower-than-desirable finish time over an injury, any day.  It was a little frustrating never knowing exactly how far I had run or how far I had left to go, so I suggested they add mile markers next year. I actually had a moderate headache for most of the race...not sure if it was due to the new hat or if it was legitimately from something else...none-the-less, that made for some discomfort and was a distraction at times.

When I do future trail runs (because this definitely will not be my last!), I will train on actual trails for them, and possibly consider getting some trail shoes. My ankles were contorting in every direction while running, so I was thankful no damage was done.  My quads were quite sore the next morning, probably from the constant high-stepping through the tall grass and the gravity-induced "stomping" as I descended the numerous hills.

 
On a side note, I volunteered for the half marathon the following morning.  I ran it last year (a week after last year's 20K), and that was not a smart move in my running career.  Besides, having done so many races in the past 8 years, I think it's only fitting that I give back to the sport that has given so much to me.  I have been on the receiving end of numerous events, and none of these events would be possible without volunteers (many of which are runners themselves, sacrificing their run so others can do it instead).  The half marathon route goes right by my house, so I spent a few hours dressed in a glow-in-the-dark vest and acted "all official" re-routing traffic on my street corner. I also cheered every runner as they came by and gave them plenty of cowbell.

It was a great weekend!

My 6th Dam-to-Dam

 
When I began my journey 5 years ago on distance running, Dam-to-Dam was my first long-distance event.  It required me to plan out my running a couple months in advance, gradually increase my distance and start building my endurance. And, I had to prep my mind for the absolute exhilaration of crossing the finish line after running the course.

Fast-forward to June 1, 2013, and I crossed the finish line for Dam-to-Dam for the sixth consecutive year.  As much as I love the distance, each long race presents a challenge and this race was no exception.  Looking back, I can safely conclude most of the challenges of yesterday's race were things I ultimately had control of.....and that is a good thing.

First of all, for most races I have the challenge of getting enough sleep.  Not only am I a night owl, but most races I do are at least an hour drive away...so I have to get up extra early to get to the race location.  I have a difficult time falling asleep before 11:30 most evenings, and it's even more difficult if I'm excited about racing the next morning and worried about missing the alarm going off in the very early hours.  I know I am relaxed as I contemplate the events of the race...but I am not in the deep REM sleep necessary to be fully alert the next morning.  This race began at 7:00, and the shuttle buses left from downtown Des Moines at 5:00-5:45 to get the racers to the start line at the Saylorville Dam.....so I was up at 3:30AM, to allow for a 4:00 departure to get to Des Moines by 5:00, park the car and make our way to a shuttle bus.  Myself and Bill, a friend and fellow runner, made the (not too) bright and early journey together.

The weather was absolutely perfect.  I have done this race for the past five years, and the weather is never predictable.  It has been very hot and humid, it has been cool and breezy, and one year it rained.  Yesterday, it was around 60 degrees at the start of the race, ideal racing temps but a tad bit chilly for an hour or so prior to start time when the sun hasn't risen very far in the sky.
 
I love the excitement of seeing all the racers lining up at the start line. I feel some anticipation and anxiety, but for the most part, I'm just glad to be there and eager to run.  For this race, we line up on the Saylorville Dam, and as we look to the south, we can see the Des Moines city scape....12.4 miles off in the distance.  It's really exhilarating to know that in a couple hours, I will be there amongst all those buildings.  A local high school band played the Nation Anthem, and the race began.

Since this race begins on a dam, it is pretty narrow and crowded for the first mile.  I know the first couple miles will be a little slow, and I have learned to just go with it.  I also know if I start off too fast, I will pay dearly for it later, so a crowded start such as this actually helps ensure I will conserve my energy.  As predicted, my first mile was a little over a 9-minute pace, but by the time I finished my second mile I had already made up some of that time and was back on my "normal" pace (between 8:30-8:45).

I was able to keep a decent pace (well under a 9-minute pace) for the first half of the race.  Unfortunately, I was already experiencing some minor distress from my shoes.  I could feel a few blisters forming on the balls of both feet, and the toe nail of left big toe was rubbing on my shoe.  Not good.  I was wearing some shoes I'd had for a couple years, and I had worn them quite a lot for recent training runs.  Apparently, the short runs were all these shoes had left in them...and by mile 3, I was really regretting lacing them up that morning.  So, with every step I was dreading the next.  Again, not good when there's 12.4 total miles to be run.

The route for Dam-to-Dam starts in a rural setting, north of Des Moines.  There are some curves, and very gentle rolling hills along the first half of the course.  There are water stations at every mile, and lots of spectators along the road.  Just before the halfway point, we cross Interstate 80.  I always wonder what the casual tourists think  when they see all of the runners on the bridge over I-80 before 8:00AM on a Saturday morning.  Most of them honk at us, and I always make a point to wave at them.

Despite my shoe discomfort, my split for the first 10K was 56:25, just barely over a 9-minute pace.  I was starting to have doubts if I'd be able to PR, though.  Last year, I finished in 1:55 and I was hoping to finish under 1:50 this year.  I would really need to stay on pace and kick it into high gear to finish with my goal time.  Having done this race before, I knew what was coming up at mile 8...a big hill that I had only successfully ran the entirety of it once in my 5 previous Dam races.  It is a long hill, probably most of a mile, and by that point of the race I am starting to feel some fatigue.  I usually do an energy gel at the halfway point, but the water station was in between mile marks at this location...so I didn't get my gel until after the 7-mile mark, and it didn't seem to take effect in time.  So, much to my disappointment, I walked for some of it.  My feet were on fire, but I knew I still could pick up my pace after this hill was over.

So I pressed on after the hill, still staying pretty much on pace...but I could also tell I was feeling weary from all the foot pain.  Mile 9 came and went, and I was really having trouble focusing on the finish line because my feet hurt so bad.  I knew the pain was only going to get worse with each step, but I had to continue. 

Suddenly, I realized no amount of pain could put a damper on this race for me.  Did I really need to try for a PR when my shoe discomfort would make it so difficult?  This is a race I have done 5 times before, why not just relax and enjoy the experience of being here?  We all have runs and races that don't go as planned or anticipated, maybe this was destined to be one of those for me.  I (momentarily) couldn't control the pain from the swelling blisters on my feet, but I could control my experience.

As I approached the end of mile 10, I still had plenty of foot and big-toe discomfort, but I let myself slow down and walk briefly.  Of course, when I slow down and walk usually that means my body will want to have a potty break, too.  So, I grabbed a water and waited for my turn at a nearby porta potty.  I don't like messing with my race time by taking the porta pot breaks, but since I had let the PR goal evaporate, it was a necessary evil.  My mind had been cleared of the PR, and I actually felt a brief moment of calm wash over me. After taking my break, I glanced at my watch and noticed it said 1:36 .....quickly my mind did the math and realized I could still potentially finish under 2 hours if I allowed myself to really focus and draw some mojo from deep within.  I had approximately 2.5 miles remaining, maybe I could do it!

The foot pain was excruciating, but I took off and eagerly made my way through the remaining miles.  I knew I would be cutting it close, but I was going to try.  My second fastest time in finishing Dam-to-Dam was 2:02:30 (in 2010), so just maybe I could beat that if not the coveted 2:00:00 mark.

The final few miles go through some neighborhoods (lots of cheering people), along business areas (lots of crowd support and extra water), and finally, along a river (near the "destination" dam) in downtown Des Moines.  My "rational" mind kept telling myself that I'd finish "around" 2 hours, so there was no need to stress out over trying to finish any faster.  And my "running" mind reminded myself that I would regret not finishing strong and at least trying to finish under 2 hours.  I kept telling myself, "just keep going."  Just keep going. 

Usually, when I do distance races such as this, the second half goes much smoother and faster than the first half.  I usually get a huge energy boost for the final 3-4 miles, and that runner's high carries me through to the finish.  That was not happening this day.  It really took a lot of discipline to keep going and not walk during those last couple miles.  But I kept pressing onward, finally reaching the walking bridge over the river and having only about a half mile remaining.  That was when I finally got my energy...I was able to kick it in for the final length and cross the finish line.....officially in 1:59:54!

I would have loved to PR and finish faster than last years time of 1:55, but I was very happy and completely satisfied.  I was pleased to finish under 2 hours, but even more proud of myself for the power I was able to draw on those final  few miles to get to the finish line.

I graciously took my finisher's medal, posed for a quick picture and then  promptly made my way to the bag claim area.  I didn't even grab a water or Gatorade.  I had a pair of flip flops waiting for me in my bag, and time was of the essence.  My feet hurt so bad, I was tempted to lose the shoes and walk barefoot...but common sense told me to do otherwise.  I found my bag and wasted no time in discarding the shoes and socks...and all was well.

So, what did this race teach me?  The great thing about running (or any sport, or life experience) is that there is always something to learn.  I trained well for this, but an additional long training run could have been beneficial (I had a serious golf ball injury on my foot, so I elected to not do that final long run to be cautious).  I need to seriously work on my sleep habits (and program my mind and body to "turn off" at an earlier hour).  Make better choices in race day shoes (even if the old shoes have felt great on shorter runs, they may not hold up for anything longer). Not every race will be 100% great, PR's are great but they shouldn't dictate your entire race day experience.  And, even when the race is not going as great as hoped, be thankful to be there running anyways...it just may turn around.