Midnight Streak 2008

My best 5K time! 31:18. 179 out of 286 female runners. This was a great run that began at 11pm. I made my playlist early in the day-newly adding Benni Benassi-Satisfaction. Moved my butt!

Registered and picked up my packet at 8. Came home, warmed up, stretched and mentally prepared myself. Got dressed in one of my new Nike tank tops. (It also has a reflector stripe really small along one of the shoulder seams-perfect for the night race!) It really helped keep me cool with it's fit dry protection. I think I definitely put it to the test as I ran in 90 something degree weather. I also made another change to dressing. I wore a pair of spandex bike shorts under my running shorts. This really helped the shorts from riding up and kept me from constantly adjusting and tugging at them as I ran.

Loaded the boys up at about 10:15 and made our way to the fairgrounds. Met my racing buddy and we chatted until go time. I watched my boys run in circles, waiting-what a good sport Daddy is! :)

Gun went off and away we went. It was strange running a race in the dark. When I started the Memorial Run, it was early morning and still dark, but it was not quite the same thing. This was really DARK! They did have a lot of volunteers and policemen along the course, that helped. I felt great. This was the first race that marked the course at kilometers instead of miles, that was strange to me as I am used to looking at my watch for miles. My pace was off, but I guess being that it was my best time, it was okay!

When I hit the water stop, I figured that was at least halfway. It also took some time away from me as they did not have it ready, I had to wait. That irks me. BE PREPARED!

Off again....I know I am a bit ahead of my usual pace because when a volunteer said, "half mile to go", my last song wasn't on yet. This is good I said. I could see the home stretch and a man running beside me said to someone he was running with "let's go! Finish strong!" and he bolted. So did I. Saw my sweet boys on my left and was so proud they were there to watch-even waaaay past their bedtime!

Saw the time as I ran in, very excited. I wonder though, there were not any start mats at this run-not that I saw anyway. Can I give myself a plus 15 -30 seconds at least for guntime? :) Next I will work on busting in under that 30 minute mark. I feel I am making pretty good progress!

Red Earth 5K

Up early for another 5K yesterday. It was the Red Earth 5K. Great event maybe about 250 runners or so? It was on the Oklahoma River at Regatta Park. Woke up, ate my toast with a bit of peanut butter and we loaded up the troops. We stopped to get the boys their usual donut holes and chocolate milk. Then we stopped to get me my sugar free RedBull.

Got there around 7:30 to register and get my chip. They had bananas, so I grabbed one of those and ate it, since I didn't have any at home. Lined up and the race started at 8am. I was off to a good start and finished my first mile in 9:22. Then the wind hit. Hard. There were times I felt I was running in place, not going anywhere. It was wicked. I felt great other than that and kept on. The trail was nice, a few hills and we went under a few overpasses. There were a few rowers out on the water. I kept my music playing so I didn't have to hear the rumble of highway traffic. Which reminds me, I need a new race playlist. I am sick of the two I have. Yesterday I rocked out to the same, Goldfrapp, Benny Benassi, LCD Soundsystem, Feist and Daft Punk.

There was one water stop at the turnaround point and I was fine. I thought once we turned around, the wind would be better. Nope. Made my way back to the start-finish line and saw my boys cheering me on! Came to the finish line and felt great!

Afterwards we walked around the Boathouse and watched rowing teams getting ready for what must have been a competition. There were lots of tents and tons of people milling around. Can't wait for the next race, hopefully without wind so I can work on beating this time!

Race time: 33:56

39 out of 73 in overall female. 6 out of 12 for my age group.

Sooner State Games

Last weekend,I participated in the Sooner State Games 10k at Lake Overholser. I had never been out to Lake Overholser, and it was beautiful. I got out there with the boys about 40 minutes before the race. I didn't get a chip in my race packet, and knew it was chip timed, so I wandered towards the pavilion to see if I could get one. Turns out no one gets them in the packet, they are borrowed, and returned. So, I got my number 78, affixed it to my shoe and wandered around. They had a nice spread of snacks and drinks set out, so I grabbed a bottle of water and went back to the car to meet the boys.

The boys were excited to watch me run. I made my way to the start line with about 140 or so other runners. It was cool, sunny and very relaxed. It's a go and we are off. Number One by Goldfrapp gets me going. What a great day. Mile one I felt I had a good pace.The 5k turnaround was there quickly and I watched most people turn around. I kept going. Mile two and three were great also. We made our way across the Old Route 66 bridge and I kept looking out for the 10k turnaround. I walked a bit here, felt a little tired. I only ran about twice in the past two weeks. Not so good. Back to it though, so next one should be better, anyway, my split time was 34:35 according to my watch. I started running again and then I walked some more. Ran than walked. Still knew I was doing ok. My goal was 1:15. It was really such a beautiful morning. The runners were relaxed and nice. Everyone smiled and waved to each other. Although there were not people cheering on the sidelines, the runners were good about keeping spirits up. This was not a group that needed cheerleaders. We were out to have fun doing what we like, running. I look at my watch, I know I am getting closer to finishing. I do not walk again. Just outside the finish line, my boys were waiting. I heard Alex first, "Go Mom, GO! YEA MOM!" I got close enough to see their smiling faces and it made me very happy. It's great to have a support system like I do. By my watch I was thrilled. I was at 1:09. I beat what I thought I'd do it in. Not a record breaking time, but super for me. I'm just happy to be out there. My final chip time was 1:10:51. Whats next?

What a day it was!

I think I have a few minutes to recapture my first 10k race as a relay member for the OKC Memorial Marathon. I ran the race route the week before and did pretty well. I started watching the forecast the week before and was nervous at the cool weather that was creeping in, along with rain and wind.

I was also nervous being part of a relay team...what if I wasn't fast enough? Even if it is just for fun? Well, those were some of my last thoughts when I went to bed the night before the race. Too bad I woke up around 3am...coughing. And coughing. And coughing. My 2 year old woke up. I looked at the clock bleary eyed. Man oh man. After that I was keyed up. I was ready to run right then. Alarm went off at 5am. I hopped in the shower, got dressed and made my piece of wheat toast. I put some peanut butter on it, ate half a banana and washed it down with half a sugar free redbull. Ready to rumble!

Looked outside. Rain. Temp about 40.Wind made it a bit cooler. Husband woke up and loaded the kids in the car at 6am. He made me a last minute poncho out of a garbage bag. So glad he did. The anticipation began to build as we headed downtown, which isn't too far from where we live, only about a 7 minute drive. The boys dropped me off and I joined a large procession of others, marching in the rain to line up.

I decided to use the bathroom one last time and put myself in the corral. I could barely see the start line. I jog in place...get my iPod ready and make small talk with the others around me. We are so ready. The National Anthem begins and I put my hand over my heart. It's not just a run....I think of the lives lost right there. I begin to tear up. Finally the horn sounds. We don't move and inch.



About 5 minutes later we move a step. One step. We all look at each other and laugh, smile. 2 more minutes and we are off to a walk. Turn my iPod up...Goldfrapp starts in with Number One.... oh yeah. I am ready. 4 more minutes and I hit the start banner. I tear my poncho off along with the thousands of others. I hop, skip, and jump over all the trash! I hit start on my watch and I am off to a slow trot.



Things finally start to weed out. I have a bit off room to maneuver. I tell myself, pace yourself! Don't go out too fast. At mile 1, I look at my watch-9:48-going good.

I keep it up and hit my first walking spot at the Walnut Street Bridge. The incline is pretty steep. I ran up halfway, and decided not to spend that much energy on that. Leveled out right at the top and was off again. Still cold. Glad I had those gloves. When I turned North on Lincoln, the wind really hit, but I didn't feel cold. I actually shed my long sleeve t around the capital. So many people cheering....really keeps you going.

I hardly notice what is going on around me. I am focused on the road. I hit the half mark-glance at my watch. 30:42. Really good for me. Hit Oklahoma and turned west on 23rd. Things got tight here, as they could not shut it all down. I start to get close to my neighborhood. Run north on Robinson. Medics are treating a girl...I try not to let this slow me down, but I say a quick prayer that she is alright. Past Goodholm park a cop car is on Robinson. The policewoman is yelling for relayers to go straight-and marathoners to the left. There is suddenly confusion. Some people go straight...I know straight is not the course, but she said relayers...I go straight...for a few steps. I shout at her and turn back. I knew it wasn't right. It kinda pisses me off. I need every second I can get!!!!!! GRRRRR!!!

Head down Harvey and get to my territory. Little american flags lined the street. I think I am doing pretty well, My family is supposed to be on the left here, so I move to the left. They could not cross to that side, I noticed them on a corner with other neighbors on the right side. I cannot cross over. I shout my husbands name! They see me and wave. This part is pretty hilly. I turn through the park towards Walker. I walk again...just to the top of the hill. I am so close to the finish line where I hand off. Once I am on Walker, I pick it up. Cross 36th, see the crowd. I am looking for Chandra like mad. Hit stop on my watch. 1:07. Triumphant. Still looking for my relay mate. Find her. She is ready to go. I pass off the ankle band and belt. I wish her luck. I am totally high on adrenaline. I did it. I got a medal, grab some powerade and make my way home. I walk back towards runners. I see an old high school friend. I cheer her on. Walk through the park and see my family and neighbors waiting. I was so happy. They all congratulated me. My husband was so proud. He said my run time was great, he actually expected me later-and missed taking a pic!

Final results in. I finish at 1:09:05

Relay team
time: 4:32:05
guntime: 4:40:55
pace: 10:24

10k 1:09:05
15k 1:43:25
half 2:17:10
27k 2:46:47
32k 3:19:43

OKC Memorial Marathon

Wow. What an amazing experience. I loved every second. My time from crossing the start line til hand off for relay was 1 hour, 7 minutes! Personal best for 10k. I felt very strong. More to come later...duty calls.

Ran 10k this morning!

I am so super pumped. I ran the race route this morning. 10k. 6.2 miles. Actually it was more than that as I ran on the other side of Lincoln (which took me on a big bend around the other side of the capital) so my husband could keep up with me. He drove the car along with me, staying ahead and giving me water breaks every 1.5 miles, like it will be on race day. He cheered me on, gave me cat calls, it was great. Actually, I was very glad he did it, as some of that route is pretty...how can I say politely....a bit dicey.
I wore the gear I'll wear on race day-all worked great! Loving those new shoes.

The second mile was probably the worst. Not sure why. Once I hit mile 4 I started bookin it. I really knew where I was and how far I had to go. Through my neighborhood went great and when I imagine the exchange coming up, I all out sprinted.

I can only imagine what my time will be without having to wait at crosswalks and having the ability to use my ipod. I am so pumped!!!! WEEEEEEEE!!!!

I can hardly wait to pick my next race. Yes, this one is not passed, and I am thinking to the future.

One week!

Well, all is well here! I am so excited for next weekend. I decided not to do the half. Realistically, I am just not ready. Thankfully, my friend offered me a relay spot with OKRunner and I think it will be perfect for me! I am doing the 10k first leg of the OKC Memorial Marathon. (click on enlarge map to see my route!) So, I get to start the race-6:30 am and run through my neighborhood. It's perfect! And it will give me a better base to prepare myself for a half down the road.

I got some new scoots. Very excited to have met Craig at OKRunner. He got me set up in some Saucony Omni 6's. He was able to tell right off the bat what my problems are. I roll in. I have almost flat feet. I need support and stability. He hooked me up! Also got my race gear. The OKRunner relay teams are wearing the Nike Livestrong collection. I got shorts and a shirt-awesome. The cool part about that collection is that proceeds go to the Lance Armstrong foundation. I am all in for beating cancer. It's a beast. My dad beat his battle with prostate cancer and my 2 year old nephew (Brandon) fought his hepatoblastoma battle and won. Read his Caringbridge journal. What a fighter!!!!!! He is an AMAZING inspiration and sometimes when I run if I'm hurting I actually think of him and he pushes me through it.

Been keeping up running, last night I only did 2.5. Had to try out my new shoes, and I didn't want to get blisters. No blisters. No rubbing and I could really tell that the shoes tried to help me from rolling in. The inside of the heel on these shoes is a bit taller-so the shoe tries to correct this problem for me.

I have been searching around online a lot for articles. This one bothered me. The Most Annoying Runner Ever at Runner's World. While some of it is funny, and I even agree with some of them, I think most of these people are runner snobs and seem to have forgotten they they too were once beginners. At least these annoying new runners are RUNNING! We are not sitting on the couch. We are works in progress. Help us along. I don't know, it just got under my skin.

So, those Redbud results....38....gulp 05. 92 out of 149 women for my age group. 573 out of 970 women. Blech. Not typical and I'm not going to let it get to me. Everyone has a bad day and that was mine. My sweet husband told me, forget about it! I did...sort of.