Pulling up the back at the Heartbreak Hill Half Marathon

At this weekends race I knew I was not going to PR frankly I hadn't trained for a half marathon since my lovely bruised ribs had sidelined me since April. I went out that morning with a plan one I knew I could easily stick to, one I came 1 minute off from. My plan was a nice and easy training run of 13 miles on part of the Boston Marathon Course. I planned to take full advantage of my entry and what they call Heartbreak Hill. 

The attached is a great account of what happens at all races when the elite finishers are done and go home. I've been on a course for just 2:30 minutes and as long as 3:54 mins (my favorite race yet thanks to a man dressed as a frog). For everyone who isn't a runner go watch a race and see the effort of those at the front and those at the back, it's exactly the same. Everyone is covering the same distance 13 miles, 3 miles, 6 miles or 26.2. For some the push is harder, it's their first race, it's hotter 3 hours after a start or their minds are telling their able bodies to stop. Regardless everyone on an open course should be treated with the same, the entry fee is the same if you run 13 under 50 mins or 3:30. 

We must have been around the writer when the car came through because my experience was exactly the same. Honestly I am surprised that no one got hurt as that car was flying and weaving in and out.  

I can say one thing about this race that I haven't been able to in a long time because I've been so focused on a finishing time (pacing or not), I had a wonderful time. For me it was running in Boston, it was spending time with a friend and it was finishing 5 weeks after a fall that had side railed me and it was finishing with one inspiring women, Ironman Sarah Reinertsen. 

http://relentlessforwardcommotion.com/2014/06/the-reality-of-the-back-of-the-pack-heartbreak-hill-half-marathon/

It's Racing Day. Today's The Day We Race.

I'm two weeks away from running my first half-marathon of the season at the Disney Wine and Dine half-marathon. This is my favorite run at Disney as it is all done at night starting at 10:00pm on October 1st.   With just two weeks away and my first training run in double digits, 10 miles, I am starting to think about all of the planning that goes into being prepared to run a race.  

Of course the first step is to get out the door and start putting one foot in front of the other.  To do that you need motivation, this might be losing weight, raising funds for a good cause, or just making sure you stay in shape.  After you find your motivation you need a training schedule. Then, of course, you need to stay on track with each of the scheduled long runs, weekday runs and find time for cross training. (See a previous post on tips for this). I have chosen to run with the Galloway program, which has a great training plan that includes interval running and walking.  There are other programs out there and I highly recommend the training plans on Active.com.  You can download your plan based on distance as well as your ability. (i.e., Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced). 

The next step is getting a great pair of shoes.  This doesn't mean that you should run to your local discount shoe store.  Instead, I recommend finding a running specialty store.  These stores hire people who are runners; they are trained to find you a shoe that fits your running style.  Most running stores will watch you run and will determine the best shoe for you and only you.  We are all unique.  This means that your shoe may not be the color you like and they may or may not cost more than you wanted to spend.  Most importantly, ensuring that you are injury free will cost you less in the long run.  If you are looking for a national store that is dedicated to running, see if Fleet Feet is in your area. 

While you are at the running store pick up some running specific clothes that are made from wicking, dry-fit material.  Just remember the saying, "Cotton is Rotten".  This includes socks and undergarments.  Believe me, you will thank me later.  

Last but not least, make sure to plan what you will eat before and during the race.  Test your food choices before every long run until you find the food that works for you, and then make sure that you stick to the plan on race day.  A race like the Disney Wine and Dine half-marathon creates a challenge.  Especially, if you don't normally run late into the night.  I've found that pasta the night before and pancakes in the morning with a small lunch of chicken and pasta works best.  Don't head out and try all of the great foods, on race day, at the Food and Wine Festival. If running longer than a 10k start testing things like GU and Gatorade. This will help you with energy and hydration.  I do suggest checking out the race details to see what they will be serving on race day.  Again you don't want to try anything new that day.  

So how does one learn all of these tips? Years of running and making some really bad mistakes.  But no worries if you plan ahead you will have success on racing day. 

Now get out there and run.