So Much WTF

They say it's better to show up to the starting line undertrained rather than overtrained. Apparently, adrenaline can carry you through the miles where as too many miles can hinder your performance and put you at risk for injury.

And if that is true, I totally nailed my race this weekend.

The WTF (Winter Trail Frosty - get your minds out of the gutter) is a trail race at Eagle Creek Park in Indianapolis, with a quarter marathon option and a half marathon. My super cool trail running friends had all ran the race last year and returned muddy but happy. So when plans were being made to make the two-hour drive to do it again, I knew I had to join.

As things played out - agreeing to pace Joe for the IT 100 and signing up for Another Dam 50K - the race seemed like an even better idea because it would get me on the trails, get me a long run and give me more time with the crew at the IT.

But I didn't count on missing a week of training thanks to the flu nor going nearly a month between my longest run (11.5 miles) and the race. I also didn't plan on showing up with the remnants of the flu - mostly a hacking cough - though I probably should given my past two races in Indianapolis were less than stellar because of illness. (I had a cold for the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon in November and a stomach bug at at the Indy Mini in May.)

There I was, though. At the starting line on a cold and blustery day - the first in more than a week - swallowing a cough and staring at my Garmin, about to run a half marathon completely unprepared. I was nervous but I reminded myself that I have doubts at every race and the most important thing was to get time on my feet and experience on the trails.

At 10 a.m., the race started, taking us down the parking lot and around into the trail. The pace felt hard. Fast. And I was sure that I would not keep up, even though I was hoping to stick with some of the guys from the group. I looked down at my watch.

WTF. Seriously, WTF.

Sometimes, when I want my kids (read: Silas) to leave me alone, I throw them anything electronic to play with. Including my Garmin. I was paying for it now, as the watch was in bike mode and displaying my pace in mph. It's really helpful, especially if you are not good at running math and rarely run on the treadmill and only know that 6.0 is a 10-minute mile.

But who needs help, really, when you feel like ass in the first mile and know you need to start dropping back? Certainly not me.

Before I get overly bitchy and WTF is me, I had fun with my trail running buddies and enjoyed the course. It was two loops that took you through the woods, down steps, up hills and across a landbridge. Well, the landbridge wasn't so fun. It was a windy day - 20+ mph - and you were between two bodies of water. No protection. Just you, the water and the wind. Even though it was flat there, about half-way through the loop, I no likey.

The rest, though, was great. And the best part about being in the woods for nearly 2 1/2 hours is that I didn't hear "Mommy" once much less 15,000 times, which is about the current pace.

And I made myself think about that when the race started feeling tough in the second loop. It was partly my legs lacking the pep, which could have been due to my lack of experience on the trails or lack of endurance. Tough call. It made me want to walk, which left me coughing like a five-pack a day smoker, which left me feeling ... well, like WTF.

More than that, it was the mental weakness that plagued me, and I allowed it to dictate my outlook and fortitude. If I learned one thing, it's that I need to rediscover my inner bad ass and embrace the hell out of her before June 3.

Stomped {A Race Recap}

"I don't think I like you anymore," I wrote in a text message to Tami.

Tami – my BRF. My injured BRF. My injured BRF who was responsible for me running probably one of the most humbling races I have ever finished.

Running Between the Vines is a half marathon in Jackson, Michigan, that begins and ends at the Sandhill Crane Winery. Race directors promise a beautiful course with a calming and beautiful roads, dirt roads and a finish among the vines. They also promise wine samples, of course, as well as cheese and chocolate – a perfect polygamist marriage of post-race treats.

But when you venture off the main page and start exploring, one finds that this seemingly picture-perfect race day comes at a price – hills. And lots of them.

The race boasts 580 feet of elevation gain, a far cry from the 100 I can log on a particularly hilly run in Fort Wayne. For 90 percent of the race, you are either running up or running down. There were no extended flat sections, at least according to my elevation reports on Strava and the way my quads felt after the race.

So the race. This half marathon was to be a training run – and that's it. I knew that I was not even close to PR shape, and I knew it would be hot. Really hot, at least for a half marathon. The conditions at the start were 75 degrees with nearly 100 percent humidity.

Of course, I am me and my hope was that I would be able to hold back on the first 5 miles, pick it up from 6 to 10 and finish strong.

Yeah ... about that. The race didn't really work out like I had hoped.

Not even close.

I started too strong – the first miles were 9:12 and 9:18. I was able to dial it back for miles 3 through 5 (9:49, 9:57, 10:08) and I was able to pick it up in the sixth mile (9:28).

As for mile 7, I came in at 10:03 but didn't fret as there were some decent hills and I was still running up them. I figured if I could get a good drink at the next aid station that I would be OK.

And then more hills came. And the water wasn't enough. And it was just so flipping hot.

I started to walk every other hill and then half of every hill and then walk the hills and run the downhills. As I fell farther and farther behind, it seemed to be the MO for those around me.

Somewhere around mile 10, I was passed on an uphill by a #sportsbrasquad runner. She was running steady as she held her shirt in her hand. I envied her. It wasn't just that she had the energy to move faster up the hill than I could but that she had to be cooler than I was. My Nuun tank, which I love, was soaked. Sopping, even. And it just stuck to me. To every curve and roll, there it was hanging heavily. It wasn't just gross – it was uncomfortable.

I thought about that girl as I ran that mile. I thought about her as I picked up my pace on the downhill and slowed to walk up another. As I slowed, I decided to say fuck it. I stopped. In my tracks. I unpinned my bib, moved it to my shorts and took off my shirt. FREEDOM!

The 11th mile was my slowest because of that stop and though I promised to keep slow and steady the rest of the race, I just couldn't muster it. It was hot and I was tired. And I just released myself from any expectations, making it my goal to get across the line.

And I did. It was slow. There was no kick. No triumphant finish. But I earned my medal.

Highlight of the race: The volunteers. There was an aid station, which we passed twice, that handed out wet towels. The first time, I took the town and wrapped it around my neck. The second time, I did the same but about a mile out, I sucked on the towel as I needed more water. There was another stop with ice in the towels. I stuffed that effer in my bra and pulled out pieces for the last 1.5 miles. I think it was the only thing that got me through.

Lowlight of the race: Feeling so defeated and not feeling strong at the end.

Thoughts on the course: Even though it was hilly, the race organizers were right. It was stunning. The route went along mostly country roads – some dirt, some gravelish, some paved – with stunning vistas on either side with wooded areas and lush green farms.

Thoughts on the race: It was well run, affordable and the swag (a wine glass and medal with wine stopper) was nice. The samples at the end were a bit on the small side and runners were given just three tickets for free. Mark and I bought more tickets (6 for $5) but that still didn't equal a full glass.

Carmel Half Marathon {A Race Recap}

In September 2010, I ran my third half marathon – Fort4Fitness – and posted a time of 1:54:12. It's a time that I have chased ever since, running a dozen or so more half marathons in the hopes of setting a new personal best. But between having babies and not finding my speed, I never quite got there.

On Saturday, though, on the roads of Carmel, I did.

Pre-race

I got off work a bit early on Friday, and Mark met me at his parents' house with the kids. I nursed Si, offered some last-minute tips on getting him to sleep and fielded the 1,500 inquiries from Miles about when we were going to leave. I guess he was as antsy as I was to get the weekend started.

After a few hugs and reassurances from my in-laws that the boys would be fine, Mark and I began the two-hour or so drive to Carmel. I was rather impressed with us – we talked the whole way down and generally enjoyed each other's company. It's amazing the things you can discuss when you're not unlocking iPads and tossing toys in the backseat.

Mark was so nice – he made me a bottle of strawberry lemonade Nuun to drink on the drive down.

The Carmel Marathon Expo took place at the Monon Community Center and, thank goodness, was open until 9 p.m. The process of picking up my bib was ridiculously smooth, and I was able to hit up the booths within a few minutes.

The race had long-sleeve shirts specific to each distance for sale, and each participant's name was printed on the back. It was a really neat idea, and I almost bought one – twice. Once at the expo and once after the race. Alas, I got a race shirt and don't really need another long-sleeve tech tee. #wompwomp

There were quite a few races represented, too, and I had to stop myself from registering for a slew of fall half marathons. I'm currently torn between the Indy Women's Half in September and the Urban Bourbon Half (Louisville) in October.

By 7:50 p.m., Mark and I were on our way to the hotel, which was supposed to be just a few miles away. A 10-minute drive based on the directions I had printed out from Google.

Yeah. About that. It took us 40 effing minutes.

Between Google maps, 15,000 roundabouts, insane construction and misleading addresses, our drive to the hotel was ridiculous. At one point, I had a complete meltdown, screaming that the whole race was jinxed and we might as well turn around and go home. The struggle to find it was my biggest complaint of the weekend, and I think it would behoove the city of Carmel to make things easier for people visiting.

But 5 minutes later, we found the hotel and I was back to being happy. Mark massaged my calves and I drank lemon-lime Nuun and watched HGTV.

Race morning

I woke up at 5:40 to pump and get dressed so that I could hit up the hotel breakfast when it opened at 6 a.m. Because everyone is dying to know – I had a bagel, half with cream cheese and half with peanut butter.

Given our troubles with navigation the previous day, we left by 6:30 for the 7:30 race and arrived about 6:50.

I was trying to be happy and positive but as the time approached to line up with the 1:55 pacer, an uneasy feeling in my stomach grew. It didn't help that I had been to the bathroom a lot that morning – enough to give me pause that my GI system could be the death of my race. After getting our bearings at the start/finish village, I headed to the port-o-potty line for insurance. It was long but I managed to find a shortish offshoot and get in and out OK.

Just then, the call was made to head to the corrals so I said goodbye to Mark, brushed off his remarks that he'd see me in an hour and 49 minutes and headed off.

The race

The goal for the day was to find the 1:55 pacer, hang with her until mile 9 and then drop her to make up some 48 seconds to PR.

The pacers were easy to find, holding signs with goal times and wearing brightly colored shirts with pacer on the back. There were quite a few in my area – a 3:45 pacer for the marathon, 1:55 and 2:00 for the half and 4:00 for the marathon.

The 3:45 pacer {Troy, I think} was chatting up his group, offering tips and underscoring the importance of hydration for the race as marathon finishers would see temps in the high 60s. My gal was chatting with a friend so I found myself eavesdropping and sort of wishing I was running with him.

In a mile or so, I would, as fate would have it.

When the gun went off and we all crossed the timing mats, I made it my business to stick to the 1:55 pacer like glue. She made quick business of getting through the crowds and getting on pace, about 8:42 to 8:45.

But as we made our way down East 126th Street and I tried to find my own space, I found that I dropped her. I didn't want to waste time or energy looking back or trying to find her again so I decided that I was just going to run my race.

I was going to do it smartly, though. So as I came up on the 3:45 group, I realized that it offered me the opportunity to run with a pace group, log consistent splits, get the support I needed and if I needed to rein it in later, I would.

Our/my splits for those first few miles were 8:32, 8:20, 8:39 and 8:29. Even though they were faster than goal pace, I tried to do two things: stay positive and focus on the now.

About mile 4, the half marathoners split from the full participants and I soon found myself on my own. I didn't anticipate that it would affect me but I felt a bit lonely as I made my way up the hill after the turnaround. I didn't have Troy offering tips on everything from water stations to potty stops nor how to shake things out if the body was feeling tight. I was grateful that I was able to see runners in the 2-hour and 2:10 groups as they headed to the split. I spotted my buddy Joe who was running the half with his daughter! Screaming like a wild woman and waving was a much needed boost as we made our way on to Limberlost Drive.

I had considered trying to slow a bit, getting my pace to the 8:40 range but I had settled in closer to the 8:30 range. Rather than fret about it, I repeated in my head the words from my friends who urged me to believe in myself and to stay positive. And when a negative thought tried to worm its way in, I told myself that BRF Tami said no to them and I had to listen. Apparently, I'm very obedient when I run.

Splits for miles 5-9: 8:19, 8:29, 8:23, 8:33 and 8:31

While I was happy with my splits, I told myself that I needed to stay strong through mile 10 and then I could re-evaluate the time on my watch, how I was feeling and how I wanted to handle the final 5K.

But as we left the section of the course (miles 8-9.5ish) on the shady Hagan-Burke Trail, the heat and effort began to take its toll. There was a water stop about mile 9.75, and I used it as an opportunity to take a gel, grab two cups (one to drink, one to toss on my head) and walk up a hill.

To this point, I had been carrying my 8-ounce Nathan Handheld, filled with Lemon-Lime Nuun. I had refilled it at mile 7, too. I felt like I was doing well with hydration but my face did feel a bit salty.

At the crest of the hill, I told myself that now was not the time to give in so I tossed my handheld (sad face) and began to run. "The wheels cannot come off," I thought. "Not now." And to help with this, I started singing in my head "The Wheels on the Bus."

Like you do.

My mile 10 split came in at 9:19. I tried not to get upset with myself, knowing that I should have enough time banked (especially with an 8:19 in mile 5) that I would be OK.

But the stretch on Old Meridian was hot. And hilly (at this point in the race). And I was tired. And I soon found myself walking again. I was so disheartened. With each step, I felt like I was letting all of my hard work slip away. And when my watch beeped 9:27 for a mile 11 split, I knew it was do or die.

So I did.

I told myself that I worked too hard to let it go now. I knew it would be hard, that the margin for error was slimmer than ever, but I might have a chance. So I dug. I did speed play. I focused on catching people. I bribed myself. I did anything and everything to pick up my feet and get myself to the finish.

When mile 12 came in at 8:38, I felt a bit lighter. Not light but I knew that I just needed to work hard for 10 more minutes. Ten minutes = 9-minute mile for mile 13 and a 10-minute pace for the last tenth.

I run with my eyes closed - it's fun!

Note: While most courses "measure" long because of tangents, passing people, etc., I finished within five hundreths of 13.1 and didn't have to account for extra time for extra distance.

There was a timing mat at 12.6 for the AmeriFirst Sprint to the Finish, and I tried to use it as an incentive to hit the accelerator but try as I might, the engine was sputtering. I was running out of gas.

But I needed to grind it out. I thought that I was going to be within seconds of 1:54:12 so I needed to push. I told myself that I could not rely on any time I had banked, that miles 10 and 11 had eaten it all.

Mile 13 came in at 8:43.

And once you hit mile 13, it's just a sprint to the finish. Sprint I did. I didn't worry about cameras or throwing up my hands. I didn't smile or think about those around me. I didn't care about race pleasantries and passing people around me. All I saw was the clock. A clock that was at 1:54.

I had to get it ... now. 

My last split was 7:29 pace.

My official time was 1:53:20 – a 52-second PR. A time that I have worked toward for years.

Knowing that I had done it was so overwhelming that I bent over at the waist, the strength to hold myself up gone, as a volunteer handed me water. I was shedding tears when I received my medal. When I saw Mark, all I could do was collapse in his arms.

It wasn't a perfect race but it was my race and for that I'm incredibly proud.

Carmel Marathon Training {Weeks 13 and 14}

"Now that's a Healthy Strides quote," my friend Karen said as we stood in the parking lot at the trailhead on Saturday morning.

It was a balmy 27 degrees, supposed real feel of 17. There was a light dusting of snow on the grass and the asphalt had a thin coating of black ice. I was strapping on her extra pair of spikes (Due North brand, similar to these) and silently wondering how the hell we were going to run 8 miles. In those conditions. On April freaking ninth.

And so I made a comment about how ludicrous it was that my first run in traction aids was in spring, on this April day. Surprisingly, it didn't have any cuss words in it. We all know that if I had uttered any, I would write them here. It sure would have sounded better than my whiny McWhinester comment.

By the way, we ran those 8 miles just fine. The first half-mile was the diciest as the pavement was complete ice but as we got farther on the trail and I got more comfortable with the spikes, we were able to pick up the pace. Karen and I ran 5 miles and then picked up two more for the final three. By the time Tina and Shannon joined us, the sun had come out and the ice was melting a bit. We all opted for traction but for runners getting a later start, they would have been fine.

Taper for the Carmel half marathon began last week, and Mother Nature celebrated with another curve ball. I spent half the week on the treadmill  and the other half completely bundled up.

I'd shake my head and throw up my hands but the weather has been so insane (in two hours we had sun, rain, sleet, sun, hail, sun, snow) that I can only laugh ... and thank my lucky cards that I was logging shorter runs on the treadmill rather than pounding out 8 miles of intervals.

Here's how last week shaped up:

Monday: 5 miles, easy
Tuesday: 4 miles, 2 at race pace
Thursday: 5 miles, 5-4-3-2-1 intervals
Friday: 3.5 miles (with Denali!)
Saturday: 8 miles

And since I'll likely post a race recap in lieu of my last week of training, I thought I'd share what I'm doing this week.

Tuesday: 4.5 miles, mid-2 at race pace
Wednesday: Easy 4 miles with my BRF
Thursday or Friday: Easy 20 minutes to 3 miles
Saturday: 13.1 miles in Carmel!!!!!!!!!!!

Carmel Marathon Training {Week 11}

Last week will be known as the week of the tights. Otherwise known as the week winter came back to Fort Wayne. Otherwise known as the week I was reminded of the importance of checking the weather before getting dressed. Otherwise known as ... who gives a crap.

Week 11 of training was my favorite.

For a few reasons:

• The hardest workout was 6 miles with the goal to negative split the run (average pace of the first three miles slower than the average pace of the last three miles). My other runs were easy, easy and cross train.

• I had company for three of my runs. To top it off, the Saturday long run was the first time in months my ladies group was all together. Between injuries, holidays and crazy schedules, it's been two or three here and two or three there.

• My rest day was Sunday, and it was totes nice having a weekend day off.

• I couldn't even write a lowlight for the week if I wanted. My running felt good and my legs seemed to benefit from the rest.

I did make one swap. The plan had me down to do a 12-mile long run but after 15 the week before and 13 two weeks prior, I felt due for a cutback. Plus, I have a 20K on April 2 so I switched my March 26 long run (12 miles) for April 2nd's (10 miles).

The week, in running:

Monday: 5 miles, easy (with BRF Tami)
Tuesday: 3.1 miles
Thursday: 5 miles, treadmill (stupid windy)
Friday: 6 miles, negative split (stupid windy ... again)
Saturday: 10 miles

Carmel Marathon Training {Week 10}

"Why does this feel so hard?" I gasped.

We were about 13, 13.5 miles into our 15-mile run and headed directly into the wind.  Though our pace had remained steady, I felt like we had slowed by 30 seconds a mile – or more. My legs were tired

"Because it is hard," Joe said.

And hard it is. Running. Long distances. Running long distances after a long tempo the day before. Running long distances into the wind after a long tempo the day before. Mentally, it's tough to feel committed and confident to do a long run into the wind after a long tempo the day before.

This point in training is hard, too. I'm 10 weeks into a 15-week plan. I'm running a lot of quality miles and the race is close enough to second-guess goals but not close enough to get excited.

But I keep telling myself that there are training plans that are nice and training plans that make you better. This plan – no matter how much I curse it and its overachieving long runs and lengthy tempos – will make me better.

It is making me better.

I just need to do my part, find a way to make me better, because if I learned anything this week, it is that I need to bring my mental game to the table and not worry about what I've done or what I have to do.

A photo posted by Kimberly (@healthystrides) on Mar 15, 2016 at 8:09am PDT

Highlight: A solid pace during my hilly run. I had taught a challenging circuit class on Monday, and my legs were smartin'. I thought that I'd be slow, for sure, but it was at what could be goal pace ... or faster than goal pace ... or maybe just a smidge slower ;)

Lowlight: The struggle of the long run. It's hard to feel so challenged and then think about running 30 seconds to a minute per mile faster on race day. Actually, I was supposed to run that race pace (for 6 of the 15) on Saturday but I didn't even entertain the idea since I was with the group.

And that was weird ... I usually carry my phone with me during morning runs but don't always use it to listen to music. So, I guess it's for safety? Anyway, I had it with me on Tuesday for my hill run at a local cemetery. I used it once to grab pictures of the fog but otherwise just held it. About 45 minutes in, my Garmin alerts me to a text message from my co-worker.  "WTH," it read. I check the conversation and my phone had sent four pages of gibberish texts to him and another gal. I should say near gibberish because there were just random words. I have no idea how this happened but I think it an odd coincidence that I was in a cemetery.

The week, in running

Tuesday: 6 hilly miles
Thursday: 5 miles, early with my BRF
Friday: 6 miles, with 4 at tempo
Saturday: 15 miles

Carmel Marathon Training {Weeks 8 and 9}

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go...” 

― Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You'll Go!

And, indeed, the places where you will go – especially when you are hitting the higher mileage in half marathon training.

A hidden back entrance to a local park. A small foot bridge over a babbling creek. The winding path of a cemetery. The gym, even when it's off hours. Every foot of the Rivergreenway ... or so it seems.

“So be sure when you step, Step with care and great tact. And remember that life's A Great Balancing Act. And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! (98 and ¾ percent guaranteed) Kid, you'll move mountains.” 

 ― Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You'll Go!

Training has been a great balancing of act of late. The mileage is getting a bit higher – not a lot but enough that it can make it just a bit more difficult to fit in the weekday runs between daycare and work. I've had to drop off Miles a bit earlier on the days I need to run on that schedule. Other solutions have been to wake up early an extra day during the week or run both Saturday and Sunday.

This past week, when I had training all weekend at the Y, I made the decision to take off Friday. There were lots of balls in the air to get the miles in but succeed, I did.

A photo posted by Kimberly (@healthystrides) on Mar 10, 2016 at 8:57am PST

“You won't lag behind, because you'll have the speed. You'll pass the whole gang and you'll soon take the lead. Wherever you fly, you'll be best of the best. Wherever you go, you will top all the rest. Except when you don't. Because, sometimes, you won't.” 

 ― Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You'll Go!

Speed is a fickle thing. A relative thing. An almost intangible thing. I've been hesitant to reach for it, to touch it, to hold on to it and yet I think, maybe, I might have found it. I'm not the best of the best but wherever I go, I might have it in me to be the best of me.

But I might not because sometimes I won't. But I might. And I need to think about that as I stare down the last few weeks of training.

The weeks, in training:

Week 8

Tuesday: 6 miles, including 4 x 1 tempo
Thursday: 5 easy miles
Saturday: 10 miles
Sunday: 6.2 miles over a hilly course

Week 9 

Monday: 5 miles easy
Tuesday: 3.5 miles, runch
Thursday: 6.2 mile, including 2 x 2 tempo
Friday: 13 miles with a strong finish
Saturday: 6 miles, intervals

Carmel Marathon Training {Week 7}

"Neither rain, nor snow, nor sniffle, nor fever shall keep me from my training schedule." 

I couldn't have written that line from a Runner's World article better myself (which is why I didn't).

Halfway into a "race it" training plan for the Carmel half marathon, I was facing what might have been my toughest week yet. It wasn't the workouts on tap nor challenging weather conditions. Oh, no. Snow and wind – I laugh in your face ... and then run on the treadmill.

Rather, it was lack of sleep due to a sick baby and my own bout of illness. It started with some pressure in my sinuses. And then my nose started to drip. Congestion began to set in and then came the cough. Oh, the cough. It was persistent and dry, reminiscent of a long-time heavy smoker who moonlights as a adult phone operator.

I could have, understandably, phoned it in last week but the whole sick baby thing left me yearning to run more than ever.

So I consulted Dr. Google and Runner's World, finding solace in the "neck" rule – if symptoms are north, you are clear to go. South of the neck? Well, dose up and stay in bed.

This view is supported by research done at Ball State University by Tom Weidner, Ph.D., director of athletic training research. In one study, Weidner took two groups of 30 runners each and inoculated them with the common cold. One group ran 30 to 40 minutes every day for a week. The other group was sedentary. According to Weidner, "the two groups didn't differ in the length or severity of their colds." In another study, he found that running with a cold didn't compromise performance. He concluded that running with a head cold--as long as you don't push beyond accustomed workouts--is beneficial in maintaining fitness and psychological well-being. {Source}

As my symptoms were all in my head, literally, I kept up with my training – if only for my psychological well-being.

Highlight: A surprisingly speedy run on Friday with my BRF. It was a great run for so many reasons but a sub-9 pace after a night of coughing was a great boost.

Lowlight: My long run was a challenge from start to finish. I was heading out solo on a long run for the first time in ages; Mark and I were not on good terms when I left; and I had some mighty headwinds. My plan called for 14 miles with 5 at goal pace, and I was ready to quit after the first 6. (I ran three loops – 6 miles, 5 miles and 3 miles.) I managed to keep going but I had a really hard time hitting the faster pace. The goal miles were between 8:43 and 9:01, and I thought I'd be closer to 8:40 for all. But oh well. It's crossed off the schedule, and I can take pride in that.

The week, in running:

Tuesday: 3 miles
Wednesday: 5 miles, with 3 at tempo
Friday: 5 miles
Saturday: 14 miles, with 5 at goal pace
Sunday: 6 miles, negative split

Carmel Marathon Training {Week 6}

Training got just a little bit harder this past week. One of my weekday runs got bumped up to 6 miles (rather than 5), and the long run was 13 miles with a strong finish.

However, the plan was kind – or as kind as it's going to get – giving me a break from tempos and intervals and my quality miles were at race pace. The RP miles should be fairly comfortable but as I'm still waffling as to what my goal time at the Carmel half will be, I erred on the faster side, averaging 8:30 pace for 4 miles – a pretty decent cry from the 9:00-9:09 I've declared.

The most challenging part, though, might have been running my long run the day after that race pace effort. My run buddies and I started early for a Sunday (7 a.m.) and my legs were just tired. We kept it easy for the most part but the push in the last mile was all grit. I was so thankful that I had people with me to help me push.

Highlight: Going for my first runch in a long, long time. It felt so, so good to get out of the office for a bit and stretch my legs. I also saw a ton of geese on one of the half-frozen rivers. It was gorgeous. I still feel guilty taking beaks since I'm pumping twice a day but I'm hoping as I wean Si at a year that I can do one of these a week.

Lowlight: Heavy legs on a couple of my runs. I really need to heed my own advice and actually foam roll regularly.

Overall: I'm feeling good, even with hitting 30 miles this week. I still need to work on my confidence in terms of believing I can hit certain paces for certain workouts.

The week, in running

Monday: 5 miles
Wednesday: 5 miles, negative split
Thursday: 3 miles
Saturday: 6 miles, 4 at GP
Sunday: 13 miles with strong finish

Carmel Half Marathon Training {Week 5}

Welp, it arrived – that blasted thing called winter.

After a relatively mild winter and running in shorts the last weekend of January, northeast Indiana was hit with a rather ferocious cold front. We had single digit temperatures (and negative windchills) in the morning and just enough snow to frost over and make footing on pavement rather precarious.

While I'd really like to whine about it, I can't. Our instances of spotty weather pale in comparison to the unseasonable conditions we have had.

Case in point: I was sent a pair of YakTrax to review last year for the blog. I had hoped to use them but we had more ice than snow and many days with bitter cold (we're talking windchills of -30). Factor in my pregnancy, and it just didn't seem prudent to use them. But I was going to redeem myself this year, dang it.

Except I haven't. Why? We haven't had enough snow to warrant getting them out. In fact, I'm fairly certain that my family in Cincinnati, 160 miles south, has had more accumulation than us.

But, this past week, I found myself finally pulling on my big girl tights and braving the elements for my weekend runs. I did head indoors to make use of the treadmill at the Y but running intervals in the cold and on slick pavement seemed dumb.

Week's highlights: Setting a PR in the 5K and getting to celebrate with my BRF; finishing my interval strong; and keeping a respectable pace for my long run when my legs were tired.

Week's lowlight: Letting mind games get the best of me on Saturday; fueling poorly Sunday because of the weather

The week, in running:

Monday: 5.1 miles, easy
Thursday: 5 miles, intervals
Saturday: Cupid's Chocolate 5K + 2.1-mile warmup
Sunday: 10.2 miles, LSD

Carmel Half Marathon Training {Week 4}

I am going to let you in on a secret – one that might surprise you.

I don't want to PR the half marathon.

It sounds weird, right? Many times we go into a training cycle with the hope of getting stronger, faster and nailing a certain time. I want to do those things, of course. I want to get stronger. I want to get faster. And, when I toe the line in Carmel on April 16, I want a certain time. I want to run 1:59.

My PR, though, is 1:54:12. I ran that time 5.5 years ago and came within 1:30 of it in September 2014, when I was 12 weeks pregnant with Si. It was hard work to get that fast (relatively) – I ran 30+ miles a week, my log full of long tempos and intervals. I felt pushed to the limit and like I was breaking barriers. I set PRs in the 5K and 10K that helped me believe a half marathon best was possible. It was a type of training that I was ready for, and it was the only way I could tackle it.

Now, life with two kids, I'm not ready for that and as such, I haven't expected super great things with my running. I've been plugging away albeit picking up a challenge here and there along the way. So color me surprised when I crossed the mats at a local, low-key 5K on Saturday in a time of 25:17 – two seconds off my PR.

Later that night, Mark told me that I was definitely going to PR in Carmel. I wanted to shrug him off but part of me wondered if it would be wrong to call him a nut job and ignore him.

The race was part of a long run sandwich – log miles before the start, run the race and then keep going until you hit your mileage goal. The plan called for 12 miles with the mid-4 at race pace (9:00-9:09), making the long run sandwich an ideal option.

The first 5 miles went great. I ran with the girls for four, hitting about 10 minutes/mile for the first three and then picking it up to 8:50 for miles 4 and 5. I felt good and loose by the time I hit the start and told myself that I just had to run two more fast miles and then I could jog it into the finish. My running partner, Karen, was also participating and thought she'd like to be around 8:30 pace for the race. I figured that I'd keep her in my sights and chug away.

Which is what I did. Except, she ran more like 8:05 and I averaged 8:09 (officially).

I'm not going to give you a blow-by-blow of the race – don't even think I could if I wanted to – but a few notes. It was hard, and I definitely was working. However, I know that there were 3 seconds that could have easily been shaved. The park is known for its hills, and I nearly called "trail hill" on the second go-around. It was windy, and I definitely tried to draft off some of the high school guys who weren't keen on letting me pass them any way.

The course, two loops at a local park, and I know I finished the first lap in less than 12:30. According to my Soleus, my splits were actually pretty consistent between 7:55 and 8:05. But as with most GPS devices, it had me finishing the 5K distance in 24:4X and finishing the race around 3.2 miles. To break 25 in the 5K is a definite goal for the year, and it was rad to think I'm close.

I'm not getting ahead of myself, mind you. I'm going to continue training for Carmel as I have. Goal pace will be 9:00 to 9:09 and training paces will be based on that. But, I'm not going to hold myself back either.

The week, in running:

Tuesday: 5.2 miles, tempo
Thursday: 5.1 miles, hilly
Friday: 5 miles
Saturday: 12 miles total

Carmel Half Marathon Training: Week 3

When life gives you ice, make ice cream. And when the universe delivers unseasonable temps, you get your ass of the treadmill and run outside. But when life gives you unseasonable temps and a bit of overnight freeze ... you do what you do an improvise.

BRF Tami and I had scheduled a run date for Friday morning and being the awesome person that I am {please note the sarcasm}, I had agreed to tackle her hill workout. The goal was to spend 15 to 20 minutes of the workout climbing a hill for 30 to 35 seconds before jogging back down and doing it again. Our normal route is fairly flat but there is a hill nearby, and I suggested that it could work.

But when I headed out to the car that morning to warm it up, I slipped and nearly biffed it before even jogging a step. The temperature was just cold enough that the morning frost was able to create a sheet of black ice. I called Tami and suggested we would meet downtown, as it just didn't seem safe to do hill repeats on a likely slick sidewalk. She agreed and made the turnoff to head my way.

When we convened in the parking lot, we worked out a plan of attack. We were both dressed in fleece tights so heading to the Y for a go on the treadmill wasn't an option. The downtown sidewalks are usually salted as are the streets, and we could easily run loops to hit 5. But I felt terrible that she would miss a workout. She saved the hills for us.

I thought and thought. And, then, I had an idea. It wasn't my own idea. I had read about people doing this many a time and thinking, "I should try that sometime," but never half-knowing I'd never actually try it. It would be perfect, though, for our early-morning quandary.

Running in a parking garage!

Tami agreed and off we went to run a cautions mile warm-up around downtown before heading into one of the garages. We stopped, stretched, took a deep breath and then headed up, up, up.

There were so many pros to this, I can't even tell you. Wait, I will. It was relatively covered so there was no concern about ice. The building kept us shielded from the wind, which has been the biggest con of this mild winter. The garage, about seven levels, offered about 4 minutes of climbing – inclines like that are near impossible to find in this part of Indiana. At the end of each set (we did it three times), we were rewarded with an amazing starlit view of the downtown skyline.

Don't get me wrong, it was HARD. I might have cussed a few times ... or a thousand – but in the best way. 

The one thing to note: GPS tracking was next to nill on this excursion so we just guestimated the distance based on time and effort. 

The week, in running:

Monday: 5 miles as 2-mile warmup, 2 miles at tempo (8:03, 8:11), 1-mile cool down 

Wednesday: 3.2 easy miles

Friday: 5(ish) miles, hills

Saturday: 10.8 miles as 8 miles easy and 2 miles fast finish (8:36, 8:33)

Sunday: 6 miles (Scott Jurek run)

Total miles: 30

Carmel Half Marathon Training: Week 2

I am training for the Carmel Half Marathon, which will take place April 16 in Carmel, Indiana.

"Survive."

That was the word I wrote underneath "This Week's Focus" in my Believe Journal. I just wanted to make it through and come out the other side mostly unscathed.

While most weeks can be crazy – kids, husband, job, kids – last week was going to be especially so. An instructor at the Y was sick, and I was asked to fill in for two Silver Sneakers classes. And that was after I had already agreed to sub a different class for a different instructor who had a work obligation. On top of my regular class load. Seven classes in four days – that would be the marathon week of teaching.

Oh, and then there's that whole training for a half marathon thing.

Had it been any other time, one when I wasn't actively training for a goal race, I might have said, "Screw running" and given myself a break. I would have taught my classes, put my energy into getting in the most out of those workouts and reminded myself that a week off wouldn't tank my fitness. However, albeit early in the plan, I am training and I wanted to build a strong base from which to work.

I would need to stick to the schedule.

I would need to get up early twice midweek to get in runs as the Silver Sneakers class cut into my golden hour of mid-morning, pre-work run time.

I would need to run twice on the weekend so that I could have one work morning to, you know, breathe.

I would need to put my head down and take it a day at a time. One run at a time.

Mid-long run at the park.

And that's just what I did.

Highlight: Nailing my tempo run. Tempos are by far the scariest for me but as I was indoors, I was able to control my pace (I shoot for 10K pace) and finish feeling like I had more. It did help that my BRF was next to me and had volunteered to do my workout, too. You know, for solidarity sake.

Lowlight: I allowed myself to rely far too much on the treadmill. The one morning, it was too cold and windy. Another, I had already made plans with BRF Tami to meet at the Y thinking it might be too cold and windy. The final indoor run was inevitable as I was in Cincinnati and needed to use the child care.

My week, in running:

Tuesday: 5 miles, intervals
Thursday: 5 miles as 1.5-mile warmup; 2 x 1 mile at tempo pace w/0.25-mile recovery; cooldown
Saturday: 5.25 miles, easyish with strong finish
Sunday: 8 miles, long

And snow it begins

Give me a snow day or give me death!

Or you can give me a two-hour delay and ruin my life.

Dramatic much? I think ... maybe.

Anyway ...

My training for the Carmel half marathon began this week. Sure, it's a bit early for an April 16 race, especially as I have a solid base of 8-mile long runs. However, I'm following a "Train Like A Mother" plan, and they tend to be a bit longer. It appealed to me for myriad reasons but mostly it gave me the chance to cut the crap and focus.

And focus I wanted to.

I was ready. I was willing. I had a plan for the plan. Tuesday morning, I would drop off the boys and head to the Y. (The weather was beyond frigid, and I have yet to put on my big girl winter running tights.) I would run 5 miles total with 1.5 miles at tempo. I'm still trying to nail down what my paces should be but I was hoping for 8:35.

I rehearsed the run in my head. I repeated self affirmations that I was able to hit those numbers and even if I couldn't on that day, I could and have on others. The run wouldn't determine the training cycle.

I'm really hoping the latter is true because the run didn't happen. Those frigid temperatures prompted a two-hour school delay and thus eating into my golden hour of running.

When I would have been through the warm-up, I was packing up the car. When I would have been bumping up the pace, I was nursing Si at daycare. When I would have been showering at the Y, I was waiting in the drop-off line. (If you have ever waited in a drop-off line with the hordes of rabid mini-van driving moms, you know I needed the run at this point.)

And, maybe the worst part, the regular door monitors weren't even there so they didn't see me dressed in real clothes! Gah!

Oh well.

It all worked out. Sort of. I ran a quick 3 miles after my Tuesday night class, aiming for that tempo pace. I didn't feel satisfied, stopping to fidget with my hair and tank, so I might try it later in the week. Or I might not.

It will be what it will be what it will be. Ya know? And until then, dear weather gods, I'd prefer closures. The running options are much better under those circumstances ;)

Splish, Splash {Muncie Mini Marathon Recap}

"The race has been delayed a half-hour. I can just do the 10K if you want."

I stared out the floor-to-ceiling windows of the Muncie Fieldhouse and watched the rain come down in sheets as I talked to Mark.

The rain, it made me nervous. In a pre-race meeting, the race director gave us an overview of the course and warned that some of it could be underwater. More of it would be wet. He advised that we don't look at our watches and just have fun.

Fun, running 13.1 miles in the rain – and I mean rain. R-A-I-N. Interesting.

Silas, he made me nervous, too. I had fed him as much as I could that morning, and I had pumped what I could. A whopping 3.5 ounces. It would tie him over but that would be it.

"Don't worry about us," Mark said. "Run your half marathon."

I handed the phone back to the volunteer from whom I had borrowed it. I couldn't decide if I was relieved or disappointed with his response.

It was 9:20 when the race director finally coerced us out to the start line. The rain had slowed from the monsoon-like storm but it was still steady. It was cool enough, perfect on any other day, that I didn't want to just stand there. I didn't want to begin visualizing what awaited me. I wanted to go. And from the conversations I heard around me, I don't think I was the only one.

But, soon enough, we were off.

The course headed east on the Cardinal Greenway, through the John Craddock Wetland Nature Preserve and through McCulloch Park.

My goal for this early section of the was not to get caught up in the excitement of the race; to avoid letting those running a shorter distance push me (there was also a 5K and 10K); and walk 1 minute at each water stop.

I had told Mark that I anticipated that I would finish between 2:05 and 2:10 but thought I'd be closer to 2:10, with an average pace around 10 minutes. A good day would mean a pace of 9:59 or faster.

And so it was with a bit of anxiety that I saw the first mile beep in at 9:40. Too fast, too soon.

I tried to rein it in the second mile, a task made easier by the terrain in the wetland. It was indeed wet but there wasn't much standing water. The trail, though, was a mix of wood bridges (slick) and a crushed limestone or sand, which offered additional resistance. I also walked 30 seconds through the first water stop.

But still I clocked a 9:49 mile.

The rain continued as we made our way to McCulloch Park and, at this point, I was soaked to the point that it didn't matter. I was just grateful I had on my Nuun Energy trucker hat to keep the water out of my eyes and compression shorts that weren't causing any chafing.

If you had asked me just an hour earlier, I would have emphatically told you that I would be miserable running a half marathon in these conditions – especially as I wasn't 100 percent confident I was well-trained for the event and I am 5 months post-partum.

Yet, I wasn't hating running. I was actually kind of loving it.

I felt strong. I felt smooth. And I was passing people in an almost strategic fashion. Before I went ahead, I would mentally note if it was me being competitive or whether I was running my race. I wanted to do the half my way. I also took my walk breaks as I promised myself and drank two cups of water at each aid station.

Miles 3-6: 9:34, 9:56 (walked one minute at aid station), 9:37, 9:49

I was excited when the course took a turn through Minnestrista, and I had a chance to look at the lovely Ball Estate. I had visited 2.5 years ago, meeting my brother, sister-in-law and grandma for a day. I have good memories of the trip and I tried to remember what the area looked like on that bright spring day for, on this day, the rain was still falling.

From there, the course took runners on a long out and back on the White River Greenway. It's a section that might have been quite tedious but there were some small hills to keep things interesting. They weren't anything to make you curse but enough to slow you down. I was happy, though, to feel steady as I climbed. It made me feel like the hill work I have been doing is paying off.

My one real frustration was that the course was coming up short on my watch. It was a consistent 0.2 for a while and then three-tenths. I felt like I was doing great work and yet, in a way, it wasn't going to "count." I wanted it to count. I needed it to count.

Miles 7-10: 9:30, 9:43, 9:33, 9:24

Pre-race, my hope was that during the final miles, if I had taken the first 10 as easy as I should have and walked as prescribed, that I could hammer it home.

But ... yeah. I hadn't done that. I could feel my legs grow tired, and I was getting antsy. I wanted to be done. I wanted to see my boys (and see how they had done). I wanted to go to the children's museum.

I bargained with myself that I would stay steady and make the last mile fastest. I could do that. I know how to finish strong.

And that's just what I did.

I wish I had a photo from the finish because I was kicking. K-I-C-K-I-N-G. My Strava stats report that I was down to a 7:23 pace in the final stretch and had been in the 7's for at least two-tenths of a mile.

Let me tell you – it felt good. It felt good to finish strong. It felt good to cross a finish line when I had been so ready to quit a couple hours earlier.

It felt good to surprise myself.

My final splits, according to my Soleus, were 9:38, 9:48, 8:48 with a total mileage of 12.8. My time is different from the watch and official clock by more than a minute so I'm taking the race clock (longer) and giving myself credit for 13.1.

The time – 2:04:27. Average pace – 9:30.

A couple of notes:

• The start delay really messed with my eating. I could feel my stomach grumble as the National Anthem was sung, and I knew it wasn't a good sign. Thankfully, I had brought an extra gel and took it 15 minutes before the start.

• There were fewer water stops than the initial race notes had indicated. I didn't notice it on the follow-up email and was a bit disappointed at mile 5. As wet as it was, I was rather dry. I needed some water ... and I needed a gel. I ended up waiting until mile 6.

• I had a popsicle. I did, I did. I rejected the first offering around mile 7 but at mile 10, it sound amazing. I ate about a quarter with my second gel before going on my way.

• I was off my predicted finish time enough that the boys missed me coming through the chute. I guess I wasn't the only one surprised by my time!

Five for Friday: Muncie Mini Marathon

My impromptu half marathon, come thunderstorms or cloudy skies, will be over at this time tomorrow.

I'd say it's hard to believe but meh. I haven't been hyping it up much and, at this point, I have yet to feel the race day jitters. I just want to drive down to Muncie, check in to the hotel and go to sleep. (Yes, I know it's breakfast time. Live.) I want to wake up tomorrow morning, eat a bagel and drink some coffee, pick up my packet and run.

That said, I am totally excited to be doing the race. Seriously.

ONICE | The race directors sent out an email this week detailing the aid station set ups for the course. There will be 10 for 13.1 miles, which I think is a near perfect ration. Water will be stocked at each one. Gatorade will be at 4 of the 10, gels at two and popsicles at two. Popsicles, people. POPSICLES. I'm not sure where I'll actually take a popsicle but I think it's a pretty genius move given the 9 a.m. start time for a mid-September race.

ONSWAG | At this point in my running life, a race shirt is a race shirt is a race shirt. And I will get one tomorrow morning (thank heavens for day-of packet pick up). It looks nice enough on the website, too – red with a fierce looking American Indian riding a horse. I'll wear it. But, silly as it might be, I'm totally amped to get a pint glass with the same logo. I might even drink a beer in it if I'm feeling particularly celebratory on Saturday. It's the little things. The little things.

ONCOURSE | In the 11 years I have lived in Indiana, I have been to Muncie a whopping one time. There's a university there (Ball State) and the Ball (of Ball jars, folks) estate. That's all I know. I'm excited to run along a new stretch of path and get acquainted with a new part of my state. The route takes us along the White River Greenway Trail and through Minnetrista – the one place in Muncie I'v visited. It promises gorgeous architecture and garden and river views.

ONFUEL | A few weeks ago, I stopped at my local running store to hit up the Gu wall (as I like to call it). I needed supplies for my 12-mile run, this race and any double digit jaunts I'll take before the Bourbon Chase. I grabbed my new favorite (Root Beer), a favorite from last summer (Salted Watermelon) and a new flavor (Big Apple). I know it's dangerous to try something new on race day but it will be hard to resist the temptation. I might try it at mile 12 if I follow a three Gu fueling strategy. If something goes wrong, I should be across the line and near a portable toilet.

ONATTITUDE | This race started out as a way to get in a supported training run. I am not going to PR. I am not going to go sub-2. I will not even entertain whether 2:05 is possible. What I will do is have fun and make running feel the best it can with what the day gives. When I registered, I told myself that I would use a run-walk strategy to help me complete the distance without tanking myself. My ego, now, is having a hard time committing but I will be walking through water stops.

And maybe eating a popsicle. Just to say I did.

Training Update

It was a beautiful sunrise run and bad math that gave me the confidence to make the somewhat foolish decision to register for the Muncie Mini Half Marathon.

The day was Aug. 8, and I was meeting four of the women who have become my training partners and friends. I had 7 miles on my training plan, a half marathon schedule that I modified to fit the Bourbon Chase; the ladies had nearly double that as they are training for a full. While we would normally do an out and back, this run was different. We ran a mile or so in the other direction to hit up a bathroom before running back to the start and then on the intended route. I thought I knew the turnaround but, well, I didn't and I ran nearly 8 miles.

Oops.

But, the slip up allowed me to do something that I wouldn't have considered otherwise: move up my long run schedule and add an 11- to 12-mile run on Sept. 11. It's not the perfect build-up to a 13.1 race (on Sept. 19) but it's adequate, especially as I plan to take the event casually and possibly use a run-walk strategy.

Also improving my odds for avoiding complete and utter failure is my steady increase in weekday mileage. I would love to say that it's intentional but it's one part desire to keep my FitBit seven-day step total above 100,000 and two parts my twisted mind, which thinks runs less than 4 miles are not as good as runs of 5 miles or farther. I'd like to change this mindset but, in this case, it has worked in my favor.

I've been lucky, too, that I've been feeling good with the increased mileage. I feel decent on most of my runs, and I've ended nearly every long running feeling like I could have done more. Physically, that is. Mentally, I'm not interested in doing the crazy long runs of marathon training.

Honestly, one of the biggest challenges has been monitoring my milk supply but that's a story for another day. Maybe.

So running ... here's what things have looked like on that front:

Week of Aug. 10

Monday: 5 miles
Tuesday: 5.1 miles (intervals)
Thursday: 4.5 miles, including strides
Saturday: Double – 6.1 miles in the morning, 3 miles in the afternoon

Week of Aug. 17

Monday: 4.6 miles, including strides
Tuesday: 5.5 miles, hills
Thursday: 4 miles
Saturday: 9 miles

Week of Aug. 24

Tuesday: 4.3 miles
Thursday: 6.5 miles, mix of hills and 400s
Friday: 5.1 miles
Saturday: 10 miles

Haunted Hilly Half: A Race Recap

Boo Ha Ha! Be afraid! Be very afraid! Enter at your own risk! If the hills don't get you, the Headless Horseman might! (We are NOT kidding! There have been sightings every year.) Many people wear costumes to try to fit in with the goblins so they will not be picked off. You can try that.

Kim and I found plenty of ghouls and goblins – even the Headless Horseman – but The Haunted Hilly Half in Bristol, Indiana, did little to scare me.

If anything, the gorgeous course, wonderful volunteers and fabulous company had me planning to do this next year ... and the year after ... and the year after.

Kim and I signed up to do this race a couple of months ago as what better way to spend time with a friend than run 13.1 miles together. We would go out on the course, chat and have fun.

But as time passed and with some strong training under our belts, Kim wondered whether we could go sub-2 at the race. I knew it would be dependent on the day and the threat of hills but I was still happily logging the necessary 9:09 pace. If I could help pull her to that, it would be her fastest half post-babies by six minutes.

And so that was our goal: Beat Kim's time (2:06) from the same race in 2012 and do our darndest to come under 2 hours.

When we toed the line, we could not have asked for a better day to make the attempt. It was cool but not cold – in the low 50s – with a light breeze and some sun peeking through. The later race time of 8:45 a.m. gave us a bit more sleep (necessary for me these days!).

We didn't have a strict race plan but the goal was to start at goal pace and hold steady for as long as possible. We knew that the hills, the biggest around mile 3 and from miles 9 to 12, would slow us down but the downhill sections would (hopefully) balance it out.

I had a rude awakening when I began running the course, which began in Bonneyville Mill County Park, though. We hit an incline almost immediately, and this flatlander was not quite ready. My legs felt heavy and slow, and I was seriously doubting how well I would be able to run the 9:09 pace. Runner after runner passed and then a couple pushing their 16-month-old in a stroller. Talk about humbling!

But soon I adopted a strategy, maybe focus, that would get me through the race – and through it strong: Just hold the pace for a mile.

And so, I focused on hitting the 9:09 for that segment. When a mile clicked, I didn't worry about what we had run or how it would affect us and I didn't worry about what was next. Mile by mile, I ran. It was fantastic, and I got stronger and stronger with each buzz of the Garmin.

Kim and I really hit our stride from miles 6 to 9, where the course heads into the valley and into Middlebury. The miles are flat and winds along the Pumpkin Vine Trail. We were able to actually chat (a bit!), talking about the famous Amish restaurant, the Essenhaus, that we passed and spotting the women out shopping.

 And then it hit us. "Time To Climb," the sign read. And climb we did.

The hills were steep. Relentless. I can't speak for Kim but I might have uttered a few choice words. Rather than try to power up, wasting energy, we walked the toughest sections and then got back to running when it was manageable. We weren't letting go of the sub-2 goal but there are times when you almost walk faster than you can run. So that's what we did.

The reward for the hills was a mostly downhill return to the finish. It wasn't as downhill as I had imagined after hearing participants talking about the course pre-race but we did go down. And it was great.

We finished in 1:58:49. We nailed the goal! The course measured a tad short by most accounts but a gentleman I asked (who was actually the winner) said that what the race lacked in distance, it made up for in difficulty and thus it counts. He ran a 1:20, I think, so I'm going with that.

The race was fairly small, less than 100 in the half, allowing Kim and I to take the top two spots in our age group (we're both in 30-34). YES!!!!!! I will never place in a half marathon again so please excuse the excitement.

But, the best part was spending 2 hours with such a good friend and doing so on a spectacularly beautiful course. I am fairly certain that it is my favorite half this year and rivals Bourbon Chase for best race experience. But there will be more on that later in the week ;)

Training Plan Redux

I whined about it. I moaned about it. I came to despise to looking at it. At times, I  hated the 12-week training plan with every muscle fiber in my being.

Why? It made me work.

After completing Fort4Fitness on Saturday, I thought it would be good to look back on the plan that brought me so much anxiety and talk about whether it was successful.

Spoiler alert: It was.

I have been gunning for a half marathon PR for the past two years but it seemed elusive. I had followed myriad training plans, including the "Train Like A Mother" own it plan and Hal Higdon Intermediate schedule. The plans offered challenging but doable speedwork but despite putting in good efforts - or what I thought were good efforts - my times stagnated, if not got worse.

2013 half marathons
March: Run the Bluegrass, 2:02:42
May: Wisconsin, 2:01:10
September: Oak Brook, 2:01:05; Fort4Fitness, 1:58:56

2014 half marathons
April: Athens, 2:03:18
June: ZOOMA Napa Valley, 2:03 flat

During this time, I felt like I was getting better during training but it never translated on race day. Never. Of course, race days hand us things out of our control - heat, stomach issues, hills - but a good runner can overcome those. Or at least with every run feeling like bad conditions, the times in bad conditions should improve.

Though I didn't come away with a PR on Saturday, I bested my times this year by 7.5 minutes and my time at last year's race by more than 3 minutes.

How?

Twice weekly quality workouts. I did steady states and tempos, threshhold intervals and goal pace miles.

Longer workouts. My short runs were never really short, with midweek minimums at 6 miles and going close to 9. My base mileage was much higher than year's past where a midweek long run was 6 miles.

Step back? I think not. I had gone over the half distance in training with other plans but I always had the luxury of stepback weeks. I would get an 8-mile run on a weekend here and a weekend there, and it was glorious. This plan did not give me that. After week 2, the long run never dipped below 10 and I think the number of double digit runs also improved that base.

Less cross training. I am not sure if it's coincidence or overtraining but the decline and later improvement with my race times corresponded with my teaching schedule. The more classes I taught - and led - the slower I got. I continued to strength train during this cycle but I was down to two or three sessions a week rather than four plus.

Pace training. In previous plans, there were rough guidelines for the times to hit during certain intervals. The TLAM plan wants you in certain zones but I don't usually wear a heart rate monitor to run, and the zone system can be confusing. Using accurate race times for the 5K and 10K, both of which I PR'd during this cycle, helped me to have a number to hit and thus led me to make the gains. Sure, I sometimes didn't hit those, usually going faster, but having a range helped me complete the workouts where as I often felt defeated before.

For all of its advantages, though, this plan is not for everyone and even for the right runner, it's not an all the time plan.

It's time consuming. The longer runs during the week can be close to an hour and a half if you are a middle-packer. It's difficult to find the time to run sometimes much less that much time.

High mileage. I was around 35 miles a week for most of this plan. It's not a lot by many standards but it was more than I had done. It can be difficult to make that jump and lead to injuries. Prior to this plan, I would have said that higher mileage plus five days a week running contributed to injuries/niggles during both of my marathon training cycles.

Fun times? Running for pace and mileage can be all consuming, and it can take the fun out of running. You have to be ready. To be dedicated. To be able to say no - to running dates and casual jaunts around the park.

Rest. If you are going to do this plan, you will need to be coming off an easy cycle or some downtime so you can complete it physically and mentally. Otherwise, you will face some serious burnout.

As I look forward to some downtime (hello, pregnancy), I am happy that I was able to find that break through and learn what works for me. After all, it's about finding what works for you as a person.

What kind of training plan have you used to bust through a plateau?

Baby, You Got My Number: Fort4Fitness 2014

There were hopes. There were tears. There were shouts.  And, once again, Fort4Fitness proved to be magic.

I didn't get my PR. I was about 1:30 off with a time of 1:55:47. I am proud of that time, though. So, so proud.

It's my second fastest time out of my 13 half marathons. I bested my time from last year's race by three minutes. I broke 2 hours by a considerable margin.

More importantly, maybe, I didn't give in. When I hit a wall at the 10K mark, slowed to a walk and burst into a sob-filled rant about training so hard, I picked a sign then picked up my feet. It didn't always last, the quickened pace, but every split that was not what I wanted thereafter was followed by a better one.

And I managed to do it all at 12 weeks pregnant.

Please, don't get me wrong. I am by no means special for running this race pregnant. There are other mother runners who have attempted and completed far greater physical feats than this. But to hold onto the dream, still entertain a PR, might have been a bit optimistic.

It was not unfounded, though. I had been running well when I got the news and continued to do so for some quite time. I really thought the goal was achievable until the past two weeks. It was then when things just started to get harder and not as fun. I didn't know whether it was Baby X (due April 2015) or just burn out or both.

So, on race day, I didn't know what to expect - not that anyone ever does. I just wanted to put my fears aside and run to the best of my ability on that day. With some much needed encouragement from my husband, it's exactly what I did. And that was a 1:55:47.

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To read a more traditional recap of my race, go here.

I will probably post later in the week about my decision to continue with my training plan after getting the news. If you have any questions, leave them in the comments or email me at hlthystrides at gmail dot com.

But for those burning questions, here are the answers:

1. I didn't wear the tall Pro Compression socks. The temperature at race start was in the 50s and the day's high in the 80s. I thought it would be too hot so I went with the shorties. I'm glad I did.

2. I wore my hydration pack, which allowed me to have my gels on my chest and skip all but one water station. Just before mile 11, I took the car key out of the zippered pocket, tucking into my sports bra, and tossed the pack to my in-laws who were cheering with Miles. Please note that Miles was picking up dirt and throwing it on the sidewalk.

3. Mark ended up running beside me or just in front of me for most of the race. He started to play hare to my tortoise a bit more when I possibly got a *tad* snarky for him asking about pace more than I cared to answer.