The leaders at mile 6.
L and CB :) My Boys...
A Joggler... Damn Impressive
*I'm starting to think I should give up running and begin photographing the runners instead... :) [Just Kidding!!]
-Xaar
Showing posts with label 13.1 marathon chicago. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 13.1 marathon chicago. Show all posts
Saturday, June 8, 2013
13.1 Chicago half, Spectating Edition
Woke up early and decided to go run to the 10kish mark of the Allstate 13.1 Half marathon to spectate. I was sooo happy L and CB decided to go too :) We saw so many running blogger friends out today!
A lady came up to us and asked what the event was. I explained it was a half marathon. And then she asked (in reference to the sign above, "Who is SHE?") FACE PALM....
Congrats to everyone who ran today! You all looked so happy!!!
*I'm starting to think I should give up running and begin photographing the runners instead... :) [Just Kidding!!]
-Xaar
*I'm starting to think I should give up running and begin photographing the runners instead... :) [Just Kidding!!]
-Xaar
Sunday, June 10, 2012
13.1 marathon Karhu 5k race recap (AKA that time I got 2nd place woman OVERALL)
"The time I got 2nd OVERALL woman in a 5K."
Stats:
23:41* I believe my 4th fastest 5K.
2 of 232 Women
21 of 378 Overall (Top 5%)
I won this entry from Emily @ Out and About on Monday- which made my week! :)
After cheering for the first few waves of Half marathoners, I got in a nice warmup of slow running and about 8 strides to get my heart going. My plan was to keep it comfortably hard and have fun. This wasn't a goal race and I really havent been doing much speed work as my goal has been to get up to running 30-50 miles a week comfortably.
Mile 1: 7:10 I believe the first half mile I ran in 3:20.. UH OH!
My Garmin also decided to change the way it was displaying, so I had a hard time telling what my pace was.
At the turn around I saw that I was 2nd woman overall. It now became my mission to keep it that way.
I also saw Meghan out on the course! :)
I kept thinking how I did not want the title of this post to be "That time I was 2nd overall for 2.5 miles and then got passed by 2 ladies at the finish. and blew it!" I also thought how much I hated running {fast}- why am I torturing myself with this??. HA!
Miles 2 and 3 were in 7:40's... I was struggling to keep moving. Side stitch was intense and It was taking everything inside of me to just keep running at this point. I even had to grab water at mile 1 and 2.5 because my mouth was so dry. Ive never gotten water in a shorter race before.
I saw the sign above when WW and I were walking around later in the day. It pretty much sums up how I felt after mile 1.
As I finally entered the South Shore Cultural center, I knew it was less than a tenth of a mile to the finish, and just kept telling myself to keep going, while looking over my shoulder for other women. Before the finish, the top 2 men in the half blew past me.
As soon as I finished, the announcer read my name and confirmed I was 2nd woman to finish! I was so elated to be done, and must admit,pretty darn pleased with myself for holding onto my place in the race and earning my 1st ever "Podium" spot.
Immediately after finishing, someone put a green band on my wrist and told me I could go to the VIP area (above) to chill out before the awards ceremony- and could have a guest come join me. A reporter from Competitor(?) interviewed me afterwards asking me how the race went. I think I mumbled something about side stitch and it being difficult and hot out there.
Top 3 finishers in the 5K! Im in the middle. Thank you Britt for snapping this gem! :)
My 2nd place medal. Yeah, while I did feel so happy to be standing up there, It was also incredibly humbling standing next to the winner (Gray shirt) who sailed in over 5 minutes ahead of me and who ran the Olympic marathon trials earlier this year!
I will cherish this memory for a long time. Usually I am around 20th in my age group and around 100th woman for the "smaller" half marathons here. (I dont do many 5K's so I have nothing to compare to)
To come in as 2nd woman was crazy and something I never thought possible (especially with a 23:41).
Post race Wonderful, Wonderful and I went out to Revolution Brewing to get brunch. Their eggs Benedict was amazing.
Lessons Learned:
- xaar
Stats:
23:41* I believe my 4th fastest 5K.
2 of 232 Women
21 of 378 Overall (Top 5%)
Photo from Maggie
It was very cool to meet the other Chicagoland bloggers in real life after following their blogs for so long :)I won this entry from Emily @ Out and About on Monday- which made my week! :)
After cheering for the first few waves of Half marathoners, I got in a nice warmup of slow running and about 8 strides to get my heart going. My plan was to keep it comfortably hard and have fun. This wasn't a goal race and I really havent been doing much speed work as my goal has been to get up to running 30-50 miles a week comfortably.
Mile 1: 7:10 I believe the first half mile I ran in 3:20.. UH OH!
My Garmin also decided to change the way it was displaying, so I had a hard time telling what my pace was.
At the turn around I saw that I was 2nd woman overall. It now became my mission to keep it that way.
I also saw Meghan out on the course! :)
I kept thinking how I did not want the title of this post to be "That time I was 2nd overall for 2.5 miles and then got passed by 2 ladies at the finish. and blew it!" I also thought how much I hated running {fast}- why am I torturing myself with this??. HA!
Miles 2 and 3 were in 7:40's... I was struggling to keep moving. Side stitch was intense and It was taking everything inside of me to just keep running at this point. I even had to grab water at mile 1 and 2.5 because my mouth was so dry. Ive never gotten water in a shorter race before.
I saw the sign above when WW and I were walking around later in the day. It pretty much sums up how I felt after mile 1.
As I finally entered the South Shore Cultural center, I knew it was less than a tenth of a mile to the finish, and just kept telling myself to keep going, while looking over my shoulder for other women. Before the finish, the top 2 men in the half blew past me.
As soon as I finished, the announcer read my name and confirmed I was 2nd woman to finish! I was so elated to be done, and must admit,pretty darn pleased with myself for holding onto my place in the race and earning my 1st ever "Podium" spot.
Immediately after finishing, someone put a green band on my wrist and told me I could go to the VIP area (above) to chill out before the awards ceremony- and could have a guest come join me. A reporter from Competitor(?) interviewed me afterwards asking me how the race went. I think I mumbled something about side stitch and it being difficult and hot out there.
My 2nd place medal. Yeah, while I did feel so happy to be standing up there, It was also incredibly humbling standing next to the winner (Gray shirt) who sailed in over 5 minutes ahead of me and who ran the Olympic marathon trials earlier this year!
I will cherish this memory for a long time. Usually I am around 20th in my age group and around 100th woman for the "smaller" half marathons here. (I dont do many 5K's so I have nothing to compare to)
To come in as 2nd woman was crazy and something I never thought possible (especially with a 23:41).
Post race Wonderful, Wonderful and I went out to Revolution Brewing to get brunch. Their eggs Benedict was amazing.
Lessons Learned:
- Dont go out too Fast. Ever. Negative splits or even splits are preferable.
- I do not know how to "race" 5Ks.
- Check the Garmin beforehand to ensure it will display properly.
- 5Ks are "Lung Burners"
- Drink a bit more before a race regardless of distance when its hot out.
- Eat something when I get home before eating loads of food to avoid getting very sick later on.
- Take a salt tab post race (even 5K) to replace the lost sodium-potassium, etc. to avoid getting sick.
Next up:
This week starts marathon training. Only 14 weeks until the Fox Valley marathon! Im so incredibly excited to have this lady as my Coach to guide me through training. I'm also super proud of my WW for starting Chicago Marathon training this past week and can't wait to run with him in October!
Cheers!
- xaar
Sunday, June 5, 2011
13.1 marathon Chicago
My condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the man who lost his life in this race- as well as the others who were hospitalized during the event.
My plan: take it easy. It was hot, and my leg had been bothering me all week.
Wore my New Balance 758's. They are more stable than the luna racers. CES compression socks. Also wore my brooks hat, and shorts- singlet from the Track and Field store in Brasil. Wore Neutrogena Sport sunscreen. NO BURN!
Mile 1: 8:26
Felt hot, tired, sluggish, heart racing, out of breath.
Mile 2: Slowed down and stopped. Had to fix my hair. I hated how it was touching my sweaty/ sun screened shoulders.
Mile 3: I wanted to give up. But since I would have to walk back, I figured I might as well just jog slowly and walk. A lot.
Mile 5?: Red flag means the timers are stopped, and people should exercise caution and slow down to just make it to the finish.
Mile 7: Cold Towels. YAY!
Mile 10: Called my Dad to tell him I was OK. Called my wonderful, wonderful LE who was at the finish line taking photos to tell him I would be another 30- 40 minutes.
Mile 11? Getting told by race officials it was BLACK FLAG. and that we should just walk. I continued my walk/ jog/ walk/ walk/ jog just because I wanted to be finished and I knew my limits.
Mile 13: Jogged the last .2 to the finish. Finished in 2:39 ish. Might just be my worst time ever beating out my first half- (las vegas international half marathon in 2003) by a minute. BUT- I am 100% okay with that. For me, this race might be one of the smartest I've ever run.
I am proud of myself for not overdoing it. I listened to my body and just took it easy. I knew that I wasn't acclimated to running in this kind of heat thanks to Chicago's extremely cold spring. There is a long summer ahead of getting used to this heat- and I know that there is NO SHAME in having to walk or STOP in order to stay healthy. I dumped water on my head and neck at every aid station. I got splashed by an aid station near the end and it felt so refreshing.
Lessons learned:
Thank you to the 13.1 marathon race organizers for a very organized race. The information provided was plentiful and you made a good call in shutting down the event. Thank you volunteers who gave us support when it was so difficult out there. Your smiling faces and words of encouragement definitely helped us make it through to the finish.
-Xaar
My plan: take it easy. It was hot, and my leg had been bothering me all week.
Wore my New Balance 758's. They are more stable than the luna racers. CES compression socks. Also wore my brooks hat, and shorts- singlet from the Track and Field store in Brasil. Wore Neutrogena Sport sunscreen. NO BURN!
Mile 1: 8:26
Felt hot, tired, sluggish, heart racing, out of breath.
Mile 2: Slowed down and stopped. Had to fix my hair. I hated how it was touching my sweaty/ sun screened shoulders.
Mile 3: I wanted to give up. But since I would have to walk back, I figured I might as well just jog slowly and walk. A lot.
Mile 5?: Red flag means the timers are stopped, and people should exercise caution and slow down to just make it to the finish.
Mile 7: Cold Towels. YAY!
Mile 10: Called my Dad to tell him I was OK. Called my wonderful, wonderful LE who was at the finish line taking photos to tell him I would be another 30- 40 minutes.
Mile 11? Getting told by race officials it was BLACK FLAG. and that we should just walk. I continued my walk/ jog/ walk/ walk/ jog just because I wanted to be finished and I knew my limits.
Mile 13: Jogged the last .2 to the finish. Finished in 2:39 ish. Might just be my worst time ever beating out my first half- (las vegas international half marathon in 2003) by a minute. BUT- I am 100% okay with that. For me, this race might be one of the smartest I've ever run.
I am proud of myself for not overdoing it. I listened to my body and just took it easy. I knew that I wasn't acclimated to running in this kind of heat thanks to Chicago's extremely cold spring. There is a long summer ahead of getting used to this heat- and I know that there is NO SHAME in having to walk or STOP in order to stay healthy. I dumped water on my head and neck at every aid station. I got splashed by an aid station near the end and it felt so refreshing.
Lessons learned:
- Chicago weather is unpredictable. Next year if I plan on doing any long races, It will be a game time decision. Meaning- I will register the week of the race to ensure the most accurate weather forecast. (April- August)
- Listening to my body is key. I knew I would have to take it easy and I am glad I walked.
- Hydration is so important- i knew this before, but on a day like this race- extremely important
- Cold towels are AWESOME
- To the girl who almost knocked me and a few others down by sprinting the last .5 mile- you are an IDIOT. Really?! was that necessary to yell ON YOUR LEFT and push through us? especially when the timers had been shut off for over an hour, and when we saw people receiving medical attention on the side of the course. Way to go on your "strong" finish!
- Talking to fellow runners while walking is so inspiring. Good luck Gil (i think that was your name) in your future races. See you in October for the marathon. You made the last mile fly by.
- Thank you LE for waiting for me to finish. You are an awesome support and I am lucky to have you in my life. And thanks for all the awesome photos. Sitting out in the sun taking photos for 3 hours in 90 degree heat is tiring.
Thank you to the 13.1 marathon race organizers for a very organized race. The information provided was plentiful and you made a good call in shutting down the event. Thank you volunteers who gave us support when it was so difficult out there. Your smiling faces and words of encouragement definitely helped us make it through to the finish.
-Xaar
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Black Flag
(from the Chicago marathon site. The 13.1 marathon uses the event alert system too)
Race started as "yellow flag."
4-5 miles in it became "red flag"
Don't remember when it became black flag. But it definitely was black flag long before the finish. It was pushing 90 degrees today.
Time was of no importance. My calf feels good.
And I did not die.
The medal kicks ass!
-Xaar
Race started as "yellow flag."
4-5 miles in it became "red flag"
Don't remember when it became black flag. But it definitely was black flag long before the finish. It was pushing 90 degrees today.
Time was of no importance. My calf feels good.
And I did not die.
The medal kicks ass!
-Xaar
Friday, June 3, 2011
unlucky # 13.1
Might bail on this one tomorrow:
13.1 marathon Chicago
It is my 13th half marathon.
I registered a month and a half ago while I was on a running high. Currently I have some pain in my mid calf. It arrived Sunday.
I'm thinking dehydration from the soldier field 10 and my Monday run caused it. (calf cramps turned muscle strain?) The 5k time trial certainly didn't help it on Wednesday. The pain goes away when I run.
I'm torn about this. I really want to run it and then relax into training for the Chicago marathon. On the other hand, I don't want to aggravate this issue more. I've never bailed on a race before. This has been consuming me the last few days.
It's going to be a game time decision tomorrow morning.
The bib is cool because it has my name on it!
I don't like the shirt because it doesn't even say "Chicago" on it. Ok ok, it does on the back- but it's not a unique shirt for this race because the entire list of cities for the 13.1 series are listed on the back. Major fail for me. And it's a men's shirt. :(
Did you ever bail on a race before? What was the deciding factor?
Or if you were questioning whether or not to run, did you show up to the race and then just take it from there?
--I'm thinking I'll show up and see how it feels the first few miles. if it gets any worse, then I'll DNF
Who am I kidding!?! Of course I'll finish. I didn't pay $$ to not get a medal. I'm far too stubborn to just quit when i should. Thanks Daad! :)
My racing priorities will shift considerably for next year.
:(
-Xaar
13.1 marathon Chicago
It is my 13th half marathon.
I registered a month and a half ago while I was on a running high. Currently I have some pain in my mid calf. It arrived Sunday.
I'm thinking dehydration from the soldier field 10 and my Monday run caused it. (calf cramps turned muscle strain?) The 5k time trial certainly didn't help it on Wednesday. The pain goes away when I run.
I'm torn about this. I really want to run it and then relax into training for the Chicago marathon. On the other hand, I don't want to aggravate this issue more. I've never bailed on a race before. This has been consuming me the last few days.
It's going to be a game time decision tomorrow morning.
The bib is cool because it has my name on it!
I don't like the shirt because it doesn't even say "Chicago" on it. Ok ok, it does on the back- but it's not a unique shirt for this race because the entire list of cities for the 13.1 series are listed on the back. Major fail for me. And it's a men's shirt. :(
Did you ever bail on a race before? What was the deciding factor?
Or if you were questioning whether or not to run, did you show up to the race and then just take it from there?
--I'm thinking I'll show up and see how it feels the first few miles. if it gets any worse, then I'll DNF
Who am I kidding!?! Of course I'll finish. I didn't pay $$ to not get a medal. I'm far too stubborn to just quit when i should. Thanks Daad! :)
My racing priorities will shift considerably for next year.
:(
-Xaar
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Week 1 review
Yesterday (Monday) I went for an easy run with CB. It was over 80 degrees out and sunny. AND beautiful.
I wanted to keep the pace easy, which is sometimes a problem running with CB, because he likes to push the pace. But because of the heat, we were both on the same page about how fast we wanted to go.
Happy Happy CB post run.
Week 1 Chicago Marathon Training Review:
22.65 miles
1:45 hours of cross training
Monday
6 miles 51:16
Pace: 8:32
Lost 1.5 lbs and felt super dehydrated- I even drank half the bottle of Nuun I had with me. Need to work on hydration more.
Tuesday
30 minutes stationary bike- 7 miles, pace 4:17/mile (first time using stationary bike)
15 minutes elliptical- 1.86 miles
Wednesday
5.65 miles 50 minutes
Pace 8:51
Treadmill because of weather
Thursday
30 minutes Stationary bike- 8.16 miles
30 minutes yoga
Friday
1 mile 9:15 shakeout for Soldier field 10
Saturday
RACE
10 miles 1:23.14
Pace 8:20
(fastest pace per mile in a race to date!)
Sunday
REST
This week I am looking forward to week 2 of the training for the Chicago Marathon. I am also looking forward to running the 13.1 marathon, Chicago on Saturday. It will be my last half marathon until August when I start doing some tune up- see where I am- halfs before the Chicago Marathon.
What was the highlight of your extended weekend?
What's on tap for this week?
Tchau!
-Xaar
I wanted to keep the pace easy, which is sometimes a problem running with CB, because he likes to push the pace. But because of the heat, we were both on the same page about how fast we wanted to go.
Happy Happy CB post run.
Week 1 Chicago Marathon Training Review:
22.65 miles
1:45 hours of cross training
Monday
6 miles 51:16
Pace: 8:32
Lost 1.5 lbs and felt super dehydrated- I even drank half the bottle of Nuun I had with me. Need to work on hydration more.
Tuesday
30 minutes stationary bike- 7 miles, pace 4:17/mile (first time using stationary bike)
15 minutes elliptical- 1.86 miles
Wednesday
5.65 miles 50 minutes
Pace 8:51
Treadmill because of weather
Thursday
30 minutes Stationary bike- 8.16 miles
30 minutes yoga
Friday
1 mile 9:15 shakeout for Soldier field 10
Saturday
RACE
10 miles 1:23.14
Pace 8:20
(fastest pace per mile in a race to date!)
Sunday
REST
This week I am looking forward to week 2 of the training for the Chicago Marathon. I am also looking forward to running the 13.1 marathon, Chicago on Saturday. It will be my last half marathon until August when I start doing some tune up- see where I am- halfs before the Chicago Marathon.
What was the highlight of your extended weekend?
What's on tap for this week?
Tchau!
-Xaar
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
One month
One month from today starts the kickoff for Chicago Marathon training!!! OMG!
I decided to try training with a group for marathon #4 so that I could realize a fuller potential for my efforts. I like running solo and hearing the pitter-patter of my feet hitting the pavement- and my CB's feet trotting- and the birds chirping. But, I figured since i'm taking running a bit more seriously than last year, that I should really push myself and give it my all for Chicago. With a group i'm:
Im a little nervous about the whole group thing. Haven;t done that since high school cross country a decade ago. But i'm excited to be around runners and make friends who will divulge all of the must- eats in Chicago.
The only thing Im conflicted about is the training starts on June 4, but I couldn't help myself and had to register for the
Did you know that if you do the 13.1 on June 4 and the Chicago Half marathon September 11, you can do the Windy City 26.2 Challenge!! You get another medal (YAY because thats the reason I do half marathons instead of shorter distances lol) a combined time, and special packet pickup for the Chicago half. And also: "There accomplishment will also give them the privilege of boasting to you family, friends and co-works that you ran a full marathon in the summer of 2011." the weird grammar is taken directly from the website...
UM, NO! You do not run a "full marathon" by doing 2 half marathons 3 months apart... SORRY must disagree. It's still a HUGE accomplishment- just not a "full marathon.".i'll step off my soapbox now.
I will have to decide whether to bail on the first week of the CES training, or to go to the other location for the Sunday run instead for this one time. It's a 20 week program and I dont plan on missing any other training runs- so maybe i'll just pick it up for week 2.
I'm really excited for marathon #4. (and the other races before it)
Have you ever trained with a group? What did you like/dislike about it?
- Less likely to stop when i get tired. (to stretch, eat chomps, take in the scenery, take photos, etc...)
- Going to be held/hold myself more accountable for running.
- Going to make some new friends!
- Able to get all the running talk out of my system before I get home.. (who am i kidding?!)
- Push myself more than before. I want a killer PR in this race.
Im a little nervous about the whole group thing. Haven;t done that since high school cross country a decade ago. But i'm excited to be around runners and make friends who will divulge all of the must- eats in Chicago.
The only thing Im conflicted about is the training starts on June 4, but I couldn't help myself and had to register for the
Did you know that if you do the 13.1 on June 4 and the Chicago Half marathon September 11, you can do the Windy City 26.2 Challenge!! You get another medal (YAY because thats the reason I do half marathons instead of shorter distances lol) a combined time, and special packet pickup for the Chicago half. And also: "There accomplishment will also give them the privilege of boasting to you family, friends and co-works that you ran a full marathon in the summer of 2011." the weird grammar is taken directly from the website...
UM, NO! You do not run a "full marathon" by doing 2 half marathons 3 months apart... SORRY must disagree. It's still a HUGE accomplishment- just not a "full marathon.".i'll step off my soapbox now.
I will have to decide whether to bail on the first week of the CES training, or to go to the other location for the Sunday run instead for this one time. It's a 20 week program and I dont plan on missing any other training runs- so maybe i'll just pick it up for week 2.
I'm really excited for marathon #4. (and the other races before it)
Have you ever trained with a group? What did you like/dislike about it?
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