In a lull

A little disappointing after coming off of such a great race in Savannah and having such a strong week last week, that I am finding myself in a bit of a funk this week.  After Savannah I was convinced I could tighten things up and still have a strong race in Miami for my Rock Idol...maybe even PR.  But now, I'm not so sure.  Where's that motivation when you need it? 

It's been a crazy couple of weeks...I know this is just a bit of exhaustion setting in and I'll get through it, but it's piling on pretty good this week.  After Savannah I got home on Sunday night.  Monday I flew to Tampa for work.  I had a nice 4 mile run in Tampa - though incredibly hot - and I made sure I got in ALL of my workouts for the week, that meant mixing things up a bit and being flexible given my travel schedule, but I did it.  I flew home from Tampa Tuesday, worked Wednesday and Thursday, and then had to pile in 6 miles of speedwork, 4 easy miles (yes, back to back there), back and shoulders, then chest, tris, and abs...oh yeah, and some Yoga...all on Friday!  But I got it all done!  Good thing it was a holiday!  Saturday I flew to MN knowing the only workout I'd miss while on the trip was yoga and fully intending on squeezing that in somewhere.  I got home at 2AM Monday night/Tuesday morning, unpacked, repacked, slept for 3 hours, went to some meetings, then stopped home for a grueling 3 miles of killer hills before showering and heading to the airport.  I fully intended to lift for back, bis, and abs in the hotel and took all of my workout stuff only to find the hotel "fitness center" consisted of two treadmills and a bike.  So, that blew Tuesdays back, bis, and abs as well as Wednesday's legs, but at least I could squeeze in three easy miles on the treadmill before meetings.  Except, sleep won and I totally blew it off, figuring I'd catch up today.  I got in late last night and crashed and slept in this morning.  Then I had a moment of panic...I realized as I was unpacking that I'd left my workout binder in the hotel.  :(  After some initial panic I called the hotel and they found it, they were going to FEDEX it to me but I had the sense to realize that I just needed the data not the entire binder, so they scanned those sheets that contained data and emailed them to me.  I recreated the binder (though I still have to get 3 new sharpie - will be doing that tomorrow).  I had a long day at work, and am now sitting in front of the fireplace eating a chocolate chip cookie and updating my blog...guess tomorrow and Saturday are going to be MAJOR catchup days...let's see...I have to do a yoga workout each day, fit in 2 three mile easy runs and a 6 mile tempo run, then lift for back, bis, abs, shoulders, chest, tris, and legs...yup...that's gonna suck.  Then Sunday is a long run and yoga.  Wish me luck!  And send a little motivation this way!

Running with Friends - Savannah Rock N Roll

I don't run with people.  I just don't like it.  Never have.  Even before I became a runner.  Once, many years ago, I was visiting a friend and decided to run a few miles for a workout.  He was a runner and decided it would be a great idea.  We both laced up and headed down his driveway.  By the end of his driveway I'd had enough.  I asked which way he was going...he went right, so I went left - and had a nice, enjoyable run. 

My first half marathon was a struggle, not because of the distance, my heartrate, or any of the typical reasons...because the sound of everyone else's feet hitting the pavement was driving me crazy!  I turned the iPod up to drown it out.  I've even been known to occassionally close my eyes on a course (but not for long because I can't stay in a straight line with them closed!). 

I will admit racing has gotten better and I now really enjoy people surfing the running crowd, reading the backs of their shirts, seeing costumes, etc.  But I still don't run with people.  The only person I have EVER actually enjoyed running with is my cousin, Susie.  She's two months younger than I am and we're more like sisters than cousins.  When we run I'm good.  I once ran with her younger sister and that was pretty good too...but other than that, the only time I've physically run with someone was Myrtle Beach with Carissa.  I enjoyed that, but it was because it was more about spending time with her and pushing her to do her best and less about me actually running. 

But that said, I've run with nearly all of my friends.  Many of them have no idea.  I've thought many times about posting something on here or my facebook to let them know, but until today I've never taken the time...however, things are changing so I figured I'd better come clean.  You see, I put together my playlists to run, like most runners, based on music I like, that motivates me, or that makes me kick it up a notch when I need to.  But like most people, I have memories tied to most songs.  So, often times when I'm struggling to push myself through the first couple of miles without a warm up and a particular Tim McGraw or Shania Twain song pops in my ears Jenn is right there with me and as I laugh to myself thinking of some of our antics the miles tick by until I reach that wonderful point where I could go forever...or at least until that point where I'm so flipping done and I've been going for too long and I just want to stop and Buck Cherry rings in my ears and it's summer of 2008 again, or Katie Perry and there's Dustin.  I've even had the Itsy Bitsy Spider appear out of no where during a 98+ degree run around mile 5...couldn't let Garret down with that going on.  So, without even knowing it, many of you have gotten me through tough spots in races or brought a smile to my face during a mindless easy run. 

Yet, it doesn't stop there...this year, I actually did begin to enjoy running with friends.  When Susie, Brooke, and Rachael did the Diva with me last October I had a blast.  As I began to meet folks along the Rock N Roll circuit and race with them it became really fun.  The difference was we all met up before the race and hung out, but when we hit the corrals we said our "good luck"s, got our hugs, and went to our own race.  Then as we filtered into the finish in our own time we began to congregate for the congratulations and more fun.  We ran "together", just not physically together.

Savannah was no different.  We all met up for the pre-race VIP, shared some breakfast and photo ops, then headed to the corrals.

As I stood shivering in Corral 2 updating my Facebook status I spotted Rafael, David, and Sarah in the same corral and headed over to say hi.  We'd all started in the same corral many times and usually chatted right up until the start then went our own ways.  Today was a little different.  As the race started David and Sarah went on ahead.  Rafael asked what my time was.  I told him my PR was 2:03 but my average when not training was 2:15 - 2:20.  He asked what my goal for today was.  I felt dread creeping in....I don't run with people...but I didn't want to be rude to a friend either...but I figured he was much faster than I was and wouldn't want to be tied down anyway.  I told him I was aiming for a leisure jog so around 2:15 - 2:20.  He commented that was a nice pace and that he'd hang with me.  We didn't chat much.  He had his earbuds in and on occassion one of us would comment to the other about something we saw on the course.  Mostly we'd just occassional bump elbows and one of us would apologize.  I told him early on (within the first mile) that I tend to flare my elbows and we joked that it was good because we'd know we hadn't lost each other.  And that held true and we occassionally elbowed each other over the next 4-5 miles and laughed about checking to make sure we were together.  By about a mile and a half I was actually over my "oh no, I'm running with someone" and starting to enjoy the company.  I did worry that I was holding him back, but I really needed a decent race to boost my confidence (and training) to get back on track for Miami if I was to do well there, and having Rafael with me made me keep pushing myself through my typical mental roadblocks of the first few miles.  I never warm up, so the first few miles I deal with the burning in the shins, tightness in the small muscles in the feet, all of the things that you'd be past by race time if you warm up...I find those first 3 - 4 miles to be the biggest challenge because if I let myself I could easily stop at any point.  Sometimes the fourth mile is the same, but by mile 5 I am fine and could go forever....well at least for 13.1 miles.  ;)  Today was no exception..only when the shins burned I didn't want to let Rafael down (or look like a slack) so I didn't even consider stopping.  We continued on our way, checking in on each other, elbowing each other, and laughing over random things for the next few miles and I actually began to enjoy the company.  Somewhere around mile 5 I thought I noticed him breathing a little heavy and I was surprised.  I slowly began to realize we were actually pretty evenly matched in pace - a topic we actually chatted around around mile 8 or so.  An important part of any race is the course navigation for spectators.  I always leave my support group with maps and preplanned points to be cheering me on.  After this race I realized (through Emily's pictures) that Garret is getting pretty good at navigating the courses using the course map.

This particular race had my support positioned at the start line, Mile 8, then the finish line.  As expected, somewhere around mile 8 Emily found us in the crowd and snapped one of my new favorite race pictures...me, running with a friend!

Somewhere shortly after this was taken we were chatting about pace and a girl joined our conversation, revealing she'd been using us to pace herself.  We chatted momentarily and she was on her way...who knows, maybe we'll bump into her at another event and she'll become another friend we run with. 

When we hit Mile 9 Rafael said his heartrate was getting a little high and he needed to walk.  I began to stop and he told me to go on ahead that I had a good pace going.  Funny how an hour and a half before I would've loved to have heard those words...but now Mile 1 was long behind me and I didn't want to leave him..I wanted to run with my friend.  He encouraged me on, and knowing I really needed a strong race if I were going to fuel my training for Miami I wished him well and went ahead.  The rest of the race wasn't the same.  I missed him.  Every time we had a turn that we could see the remaining racers around a corner or in the opposite lane of the road I scanned the crowd for him...not that I would've ever seen him in the crowd, but I tried.  Around mile 11 I realized there was a good chance I could finish under 2:10.  I really had to reign myself in for the next two miles because I wanted to push it but I knew I'd burn out.  I began to focus on breaking 2:10 and pushed forward.  When the finish line was in sight I saw the clock was at 2:09:30...I knew I'd started in the second wave, but we were only 1 - 1:30 behind the start, so it was going to be close.  I went for it.  I full out sprinted and pushed for all I was worth to break 2:10.  Emily had found her way to the finish and got a great shot of the final effort.

I finished in 2:09:23.  A sweet older lady stepped out of the crowd and placed my medal around my neck and I grabbed a water bottle then headed to the picture line.  As I waited a voice behind me commented on our time...it was the girl from mile 8ish.  We chatted briefly, had our pictures taken and went our separate ways.  After I met up with the family we made our way back to the VIP tent and soon found Rafael who'd finished only 6 or 7 minutes after me.  We chatted about the race, races past, and upcoming races.  Overall Savannah may have been one of my favorite races for no other reason than I ran with a friend.  (of course it was a Rock N Roll event, so for those looking for feedback on the actual event, it was amazing.  The course was good.  The crowd was great...especially around mile 8 where they actually closed in on us, narrowing the street a bit. The expo was good, though I'd recommend going on Day 1 if you could to avoid the traffic and crowds - otherwise, this is a great event to check off Georgia.)

A Family Affair

Garret had began traveling to my races that were within driving distance over the last year and was intrigued by my medals.  He wanted some of his own.  He'd done a few 200m kid runs and gotten medals and ribbons for them.  He'd graduated to 1 mile races and done a few of those as well.  He was hungry for another medal, but there were no kid races on the circuit for a while.  While at the Philly Rock N Roll expo, he'd seen the medal for the Myrtle Beach Coastal 5K.  I'd already signed up for the Coastal 5K as well as the Mini the same weekend - this is my legacy race.  I didn't know if he could do a 5K, but I told him I'd consider it...he had over a month to train and had joined the running club at school this year.

After the VA Beach Rock N Roll, Carissa's first half, I wasn't sure she'd ever join me for another.  I didn't push it.  But one day in late September/early October I got an email from her asking when my next half that she could do with me was.  I told her I was doing Myrtle Beach in late October and she was excited to join in.  It was decided...I'd do a 5K with Garret on Saturday and a half with Carissa on Sunday.  I was excited...little did I know this would be the weekend trip of mistakes for me! 

I suppose I should disclose just how quirky I am...I am organized to a fault.  I'm most happy when I have a list (or 10!), a 3 ring binder, or a spreadsheet...combinations of the 3 are even better!  I don't like being forgetful, or messing things up.  This particular weekend my normal organization went out the window...not by choice, just by overload!  As always I put together my race folder (driving directions from home to the expo, from the expo to the hotel, and the hotel back home; a couple of copies of the race course maps; print out of hotel reservation; road closure maps; and any other tidbits that might be potentially useful) and packed my race bag (knee straps, iPod, Garmin, running shoes, socks, shorts, sports bra, GU, race belt, sunglasses) and packed my travel bag (clothes, toiletries, etc).  Thursday after work I headed out to college to pick Carissa up and got her home around midnight and crashed.  We were in the car headed to SC by 8AM.  At the last minute I had the thought to grab Garret's iPod (a shuffle that would clip to my top) and load my race playlist on it so I wouldn't have to use the infamous armband. 

When we got to the expo we went to packet pickup first.  After grabbing my bib and Carissa's bib for the 1/2 we headed to the 5K table.  They grabbed mine, but there was no record of Garret's registration.  I started flipping through my phone, checking email and my active account; only to realize that I had never registered Garret.  Apparently once I made the decision that he could handle the distance I mentally checked the box but never actually had registered him.  Thankfully the race was not yet full so I was able to get him registered; however his name would not be printed on his bib.  He would have his medal, he did not care.  We grabbed our swag bags and tees and headed back to the hotel to check in. 

I typically stay in Marriott properties but last year I'd found a timeshare that had rooms right at the starting line so I'd booked it as soon as I'd been able this year.  It wasn't spectacular but it was nice enough and the convenience in the race morning chaos had been nice.  After the expo we went to check in...only to find I'd apparently booked a king room vs a double despite having the kids along.  Thankfully they were able to move us.  After settling in the room we headed out to grab an all you can eat seafood buffet.  After a great dinner we headed back to the hotel and crashed for the night. 

Early Saturday morning we headed to the start line for Garret's first 5K.  It was cold but he was excited.  I had no idea if he would be able to run the entire 3.1 miles but I'd decided to pace him slow to try and get the distance.  We started off at a mere trot for me, but his short legs made it feel like a steady jog.

He kept at it though...at mile 1 there was a water stop...he did take up a cup, but he jogged through with it.  I kept talking to him but made sure I didn't ask questions that required him to speak.  Just wanted to keep his mind off of it but not cause him to have to put forth more effort. 

Once we reached the turn around point I let him know we were headed back.  I continued my banter and he continued running.  I was surprised he'd made it this far.  I'd also developed some nagging tightness in my own lower legs...I really attributed it to the extremely controlled pace but I wouldn't push him and ruin his first 5K for my own comfort.  As we approached mile 2 he was still jogging along.  He'd enjoyed the mile 1 water stop so much I thought he'd surely grab a cup at mile 2.  When I asked him if he was going to his answer was a definite no...he had to pee.  We continued to trod on and he continued to stay strong.  I was no longer questioning whether he could run 3 miles, I was questioning whether he could run it without peeing on himself!  LOL 

As soon as we crossed the line he was hoping for a potty....

We finished in 41:28, my slowest 5K ever, but my best to date!  The lady in front of us noticed his obvious discomfort and potty dance and let us cut in line for a quick picture before he headed to the bathroom.

After the potty break we headed back to the hotel, showered, then did some shopping.  After a little shopping (for Carissa's Halloween costumes and a trip to Goodwill for throw away sweatshirts for the next morning), we spent some time at the pool.  The sun was incredibly warm, the water...not so much so. 

And I'm always up for a little time in the sun!

While at the 5K I'd heard mention of the "new" startline.  I checked the course map when I got back and discovered that the start line had indeed moved!  Had I not randomly heard that we would've been 2 confused runners the next morning as the only ones at the "startline".  In addition I realized I could not find Garret's iPod...after much worry over potentially losing it, Judd eventually found it in my jacket pocket at home (I'd switched jackets at the last minute and apparently had forgotten it was in the pocket).  I was going to go with my trusty iPod and armband...but I'd also misplaced my headphones.  What next? 

We ended up two REALLY cold girls at the start line, but happy.

As we headed towards the corral we would usually split up, but I'd told Carissa to start in a faster corral because the hotel check was 10am and with a 7:30 start and her pace...well, the math didn't work.  I'd called for a late checkout and was told 11 was the latest...we had to make it work.  She didn't want to be so close to the front but I assured her she could run her own pace despite the faster runners. 

I don't run with people (more on this in a later post), so what happened next was totally unexpected - even to me.  As the last minutes before the start clicked away I suddenly asked Carissa if she wanted me to run with her.  She said she couldn't keep up and didn't want to slow me down but I told her I'd run her pace if she wanted to stay together.  She said she did.  I partly think I was being a bit selfish as I wasn't really feeling like running suddenly.  But, it was time to go...and we started at a fairly good clip.  I was surprised at the pace Carissa held for the first mile and a half...she stayed right around 10:20 minute miles.  My shins were burning and I was just not feeling it.  Carissa was struggling with burning shins and painful ankles and I'd noticed she was making strange noises on occassion and when I paid closer attention I realized she was vomiting and having to swallow it, just a little at a time.  We decided to walk a little.  Over the course of the next couple of miles we'd walk a little, run a little.  We did establish two things: 1) Carissa was determined to keep her time under 3 hours overall and 2) She had to pee (what is it with my kids?! LOL)  I also determined a third thing, but kept it a secret.  I was determined to help her finish in under 2:50.  She doesn't wear a watch when running, so whatever I told her for pace she had to take my word for. 

As we passed a gas station, Carissa detoured for a potty break.

After handing off her hoodie.

I chatted with Garret, handed off our hoodies and my arm sleeves, and waiting for Carissa...wondering if the break would suck up precious minutes needed to break 2:50.

Out she came and off we went.

The next few miles I continued to watch Carissa struggle, vomitting and swallowing, and winching.  She's one tough cookie.  We'd walk a bit, then we'd run a mile.  I let her have her breaks, but I did push her more than she would've liked.  She hung tough and I let her know I was ok with walking if she needed.  I just wouldn't let her walk too long for fear it would be too hard to get going again.  Mile 8 was probably her roughest, but she hung tough.  We walked most of mile 10, but she'd already decided we were going to run all of mile 11...and run we did...at a much faster pace than we likely should have, but by this point I was gaining confidence that we could indeed beat 2:50 though I continued to tell her it would be close as to whether we could beat 3:00.

This picture was taken around 11.75.

The last mile we walked nearly the first half then started to jog.  Once we hit the boardwalk she wanted to run to bring it in...I agreed and off we went.  I didn't realize she meant SPRINT.

She didn't realize how long we had left.  We ended up doing sprint intervals.  When the finish line was in sight she was beginning to fade fast.  I pointed out the finish line and asked if she had it in her to sprint.  She said she did and we took off.  I've never run so hard at a finish.  We cranked it out.  And suddenly when we hit the mile 13 marker she stopped dead in her tracks.  I don't remember her exact words but it was something along the lines of  "wait.  what?   NO!"  I encouraged her to continue and it was then I realized her confusion...she thought the mile marker was the finish line.  She didn't see the line looming just strides away.  I egged her on, she refused to budge.  The crowd began yelling "come on Carissa!  You can do it!"  She was getting mad.  I looked her in the eye and yelled "People are going to pass you!" and she kicked it back up and ran the last tenth of a mile to cross the finish with me.

We finished in 2:47:57.  My longest half ever, but my most rewarding.  I am very thankful for the time I got to spend with Carissa and look forward to her asking when she can do another with me.  :)

For those who are wondering...we got back to the hotel, showered, packed, checked out, and pulled out of the parking lot at 11:01.  Despite the insanely early "late checkout" we made it.

Now if I can just get Emily and Judd interested in running with me...

Unexpectedly Amazing - Michigan

When George first mentioned the Detroit Free Press I didn't think much of it.  I knew my race budget for 2011 was pretty much stretched thin and while I'd need to run Michigan eventually and had looked at the Free Press I'd basically logged it on my spreadsheet for the future and moved on.  But a month out from the race when he mentioned it again and extended an invitation to stay with him at a friend's house (with the friend's blessing of course) I half heartedly checked airfare "just to see".  I REALLY should know better.  Of course I found an amazing air fare and HAD to do the race.  Shoot, it'd end up being one of the cheapest states I'd gotten, why not?  So, I registered and booked my flight. 

I left the house WAY early to catch my flight and actually got to Detroit hours before George, but I didn't mind...I slept in a chair near the fountain while waiting.  Once he got there we had a little hassle finding each other as we were in different terminals and didn't realize it initially, but that issue solved we were on our way.  A quick conversation in the car while headed to the expo and we both had the same thought....don't expect much, it's probably just a small expo, mainly packet pickup... It was set up awkwardly - you had to walk all the way through the expo to the back of the room to get your packet, then back through to exit.  From a marketing perspective it made you pass each vendor twice, but it just didn't seem to flow well.  However, the expo itself was GREAT!  We had a blast!  We met many wonderful people, ran into some Rock N Roll racers and friends, and even registered for a few give aways (and later found out we each won a free entry to the 2012 Capital City Half Marathon in Ohio - a state I've yet to do!).  All in all we both agreed the expo was very nice and much better than expected.

We did however get a good laugh at the fact that we were the ONLY people wearing flip flops in Michigan in October (and rightfully so...it was COLD!).

After the expo and dinner we made our way to George's friend Eric's house.  He was at work and we ended up crashing before he got home, but I had the opportunity to meet him well before dawn as we all drug ourselves out of bed and headed to the start line.  Regardless of how the race panned out I was lucky enough to have enjoyed a day at the expo with a great friend and to have met an incredible new friend!

The race was much larger than we expected and the crowd was huge, the energy was high and before we knew it we were on our way!  As I started I heard the dreaded sounds of someone falling behind me...start lines are incredibly crowded and the sound of tumbling could well signal you are about to become part of the pile but you can't look back to check or you risk hitting those in front of you and causing your own pile up.  I winched and continued running away from the sound, trying to find an opening to give me a little space.  When I finally had the opportunity to peek behind me I had just enough time to do a quick step to avoid having my heel clipped by the woman literally rolling on the ground.  She wasn't seriously injured and there were plenty of people involved and helping so I plodded on.  As we approached the Ambassador Bridge I felt a mix of excitement and dread...that's a long, steady, high climb - but running through customs and into Canada was kinda cool.  (I forgot to mention you HAVE to have a passport for this race and they check them at the expo before giving you your bib!)  I'm pretty decent at hills and don't typically mind them (expect in Vermont where they never ended!)...but this climb took quite a bit out of me.  I was determined to run the entire thing despite the number of people walking up the bridge.  The bridge narrowed a bit and the climb continued, into the darkness (still hadn't dawned yet) towards the lights beckoning at the top of the bridge.

When we finally crested the bridge the wind was SO extreme it literally blew me sideways.  I slowed my pace a bit and pushed through the wind, anxiously peeking ahead whenever I could trying to catch a glimpse of Canada as we ran in.  Ironically enough, my first glimpse of Canada on this trip was....McDonald's.  I got a bit of a chuckle as I continued to plod on.  I suddenly heard a loud whistle blowing and popped my ear bud out while trying to determine where the sound was coming from.  It wasn't long before I found out...a biker came flying up, blowing his whistle and shouting....he was clearing the left side of the runners to make way for a wheel chair racer.  Over the remaining course of the race these bicyclist would come up on us clearing a path for a racer. 

The crowds in Canada were very welcoming and cheered us all on, clapping just as much for those carrying the stars and stripes as those running under their own flag.  As we ran along the waterfront I was struck by the large park, neat sculptures, and breath taking views of Detroit across the water.

Eventually I began wondering if much of this race would be on American soil as we seemed to have been in Canada for quite some time and the tunnel was still in the distance.  Shortly thereafter we made a right hand turn and looped around to hit the border checkpoint and descend into the tunnel.  Again the shrill whistles were behind us and runners gave way as the racers barreled down the tunnel prior to their grueling climb back to US soil.  As typical to a race, as we entered the tunnel runners began whooping and yelling and the echos back spurred us all onward.  I enjoyed the tunnel run more than most others I've done, though I can't really say why.  As we climbed out of the tunnel I was determined to maintain my pace and not have to walk.  Again folks varied in their approach, some tackling the climb with vigor, others enjoying the walk, many complaining about the heat in the tunnel (I didn't think this was a problem at all...I barely noticed a bit of stuffiness but nothing to complain about).  Yet when we exited the tunnel the reception was amazing!  Spectators lined the streets loudly cheering as we ran under flags and banners and signs welcoming us back to the USA.  Many of us reached up to tap the sign overhead (though some of us had to jump while others barely extended an arm!).  The atmosphere was amazing! 

As we wound our way back through Detroit I tried to take in the sites.  This time the view across the water was Canada and I found it amusing to be peering across the same water in the opposite direction while running.  Though again I have no idea why!  I grew up on an island, so it's not like that's an unusual concept!  It did add to the run though!  All to soon we hit the split and the half crowd shouted well wishes to those tackling the full as they peeled off for their additional miles and we approached the finish.  I knew I hadn't been training as I should and I had no expectations for time in today's event but finished in a decent 2:18:21.  I was, however, struck with just how nice the medal was.  This will likely remain one of my favorite medals!  It's very heavy, the medal itself is interesting and captures Detroit, while the landyard is by far one of the nicest on any of my medals and really captures the feel of the race - incorporating both countries flags as well as "13.1".

After a picture I headed to the finish line party...passing LONG lines at the free massage tents lining the finisher's area.  When I entered the park I poked around, checking out what was there, but mostly sweets and treats...nothing I wanted to eat after 13.1 miles!  Then I noticed another set of massage tents in the after party with a very short line, so I figure what the heck...George was running the full anyway, so he'd be a bit!  I got in line.  While waiting I texted Eric to let him know I was finished and where I was.  While he made his way there I enjoyed a full body massage that was quite thorough compared to what I was expecting.  After my massage and once reunited with Eric we made our way back to the start/finish line area.  There was a little deli on the side of the road and we went in for breakfast.  We enjoyed egg sandwiches/wraps while getting to know each other.   Until I saw a red mohawk pass by the window!  We had already paid and were chatting so we hopped up and headed to the finish to congratuate our friend!  After meeting up with George and taking lots of pictures we headed back to the "Conquered" afterparty.

There we watched the master showman/rockstar that is GEORGE MELICHAR in action!  After a lengthy interview by one reporter (that resulted in a news article - http://www.freep.com/article/20111017/NEWS06/110170370/Marathon-sets-record-20-940-turn-out-Detroit) we made our way to the Refuel with Chocolate Milk booth for pictures where once again George's personality made him the center of attention.

After hamming it up for some photos we noticed a rogue photographer, who subsequently noticed George...resulting in a lengthy photoshoot.  We also ducked into a photo booth and goofed off for a group shot.

After we'd exhausted all of the finish line festivities we headed back to the car and headed to the airport.  I had enough time for a shower in the Delta Skyclub lounge and then it was off to my gate.  While waiting to board a group of runners appeared and we began talking while waitng for the plane...more new running friends (these fairly local), a great race, a fun afterparty, even a massage...all in all, completing Michigan was a great experience!

Training?

We all know my patterns - totally committed to my training then totally slacker...September and October were no different.  After Philly I slacked a bit but threw in the occassional workout.  I did wash the armband IMMEDIATELY upon returning home!  But I set a date of Oct 2nd to return to serious training with a goal of going sub 2 in Miami.  That gave me two weeks to train.  Of course it was slow going getting back into it.  The first week I hit 2 of my workouts.  The second week was barely better.  As I'm typing this November 1st is ending and I've had some great workouts and some lazy days, but all in all I've not done too bad.  I'm not convinced I've put in the effort to hit my sub 2 goal, but it's not over yet.  I still have a month to tighten up and get serious.  I'm not putting any hard definitive goal on Miami though...sub 2 would be nice, but it's going to be my Rock Idol...and if I don't hit a time goal, I'm not going to let that ruin the accomplishment!  I've got plenty of future races and I know I'll hit sub 2, and eventually, even better...for now, I'm focusing on getting my workouts in....whatever the outcome of that may be...and not beating myself up if I need an extra rest day here or there.

Philly RNR

The Philadelphia Rock N Roll was only 2 weeks after VA Beach, so we were still pumped and riding the momentum from a great race weekend when we rolled into Philly.  It was also George's bday weekend so we were looking forward to celebrating with him!!   He even ran wearing a birthday banner!

In addition, several of our friends were amongst the first group to get their Rock Idol medals and they were receiving them after the race!  And, of course, I met even more RNR friends at the expo and race.

After the expo and some visiting we went our separate ways for the evening.  I headed back to the hotel and did my typical race prep (lay out my outfit, fill out the back of my bib, lay out everything from body glide to garmin to GU, and fasten my bib to my race belt)...only my iPod and armband were no where to be found!  Again with the momentary panic (I don't know why I flip out so much when I think I forgot the iPod...I've run several races without it by choice and have been fine...but if it's not there when I plan to have it you'd think I couldn't take a step without it!)...again mentally retracing the steps of last time I had it...and again, checking the camera bag and finding it.  This time though...of my goodness was it ripe!  It had been put in there at the end of the VA Beach race 2 weeks before...very sweaty when it went in that nice dark, closed up space.  It was awful!  I hoped it'd air out some overnight.  Then it was time to fuel before bed.  Unfortunately we found out quickly that runners were EVERYWHERE and waiting lines were ridiculous.  As we walked block after block discovering waits of 1 1/2 - 2 hours I got crabbier and crabbier.  Thankfully the iPhone quickly turned up an Applebee's nearby and a quick call revealed no wait...not exactly my normal pre-race meal, but it was food and would give me time to get to sleep!  After dinner we walked back to the hotel and I crashed.

Race morning was a little chilly compared to the most recent races, but nothing bad, just brisk.  As I pulled on my compression sleeves I thought twice about the iPod and armband and then decide what the heck.  It smelled horrid, but I thought no one would notice but me.  I met up with everyone in the VIP area and we all got a good laugh at how bad the armband smelled...yes, everyone noticed.  Then we headed to the start line.  We all started in the first corral because the Rock Idol folks needed to be done in time to be on stage for their medal presentation.  The race started and off we went. 

I settled into my pace fairly quickly but was quick to notice sometime amiss with my heart rate.  I couldn't put a finger on it but my heart rate was way too high for this early in a race and this little effort.  It took a great deal of focus to get it to settle and nearly as soon as it would settle it's randomly spike again.  I saw several friends on the course and commented on it and told them I wasn't going for time today, just trying to figure out what was up and get through it.  The race course was amazing, gorgeous sites, a bit of history, amazing spectators with lots of enthusiasm - everything I've come to expect from a Rock N Roll series event!

I finally fell into a rythm around mile 5 and started enjoying the scenery.  After another half mile I saw Louie in front of me.  Before the race he'd mentioned that he'd never broke 2:20 in a half.  I did a quick check and realized we were on track to slide in just under 2:20 and I decided it'd hang behind him unnoticed and if he needed someone I'd help him rally and get a PR.  The crowd would thicken on occassion, then thin again, and once in a while I lost him but he'd turn back up.  I happily plodded along, enjoying the course, with a mission. 

As we prepared to cross the bridge to begin the return along the other side of the river we went through a water stop around mile 8 12/ - 9, I continued along - my previous heart rate issues long forgotten - when suddenly the world closed in on me.  I have NO idea what happened, but I quickly realized I was going down...my vision tunneled and things started getting dark.  I immediately dropped to a squat with my elbows supporting my upper body on my knees and tucked my head between my knees to keep from passing out....this was right in the middle of the course with runners having to dodge around me.  I knew full well I was putting myself at risk of begin run into and causing a pile up, but I also knew I had no choice...I was going to pass out if I didn't.   My vision cleared and I slowly stood up and resumed a walk.  Louie was long gone, but my focus now was on simply finishing without any health issues.  I started a slow jog.  I felt ok so I kept that pace for a bit.  The rest of the race I tried to enjoy the course and the people (and I really did...it was a good run) but I was very preoccupied with what was going on with my body.  I had to take several walk breaks over the last three miles.   A picture that was snapped of me from an overpass around mile 12 1/2 reveals how "hurting" I was.

My form was shot as I shuffled through.

I crossed the line in 2:20:18.  I saw Louie in the crowd in front of me and congratulated him for his PR and we set off to the VIP tent to find everyone. 

None of our group was there...as we looked around we saw George's hair sticking up from behind the 6' privacy fence around the backstage area!  You can't miss George in a crowd! 

We joined the group backstage and shared some laughs and stories while we waited for them to get their Rock Idols.  I told them about my issues and laughed that it was likely the stench of my armband getting to me.

As the first group of Rock Idol's came off of the stage we all enjoyed our own accomplishments and looked towards our remaining goals for the year.

As we walked back to our hotel we couldn't help but pause for a picture in Love Park...afterall, it is the city of Brotherly Love!

All in all Philly was a great race that I'll likely do again sometime...but it left me a bit sad as I realized I didn't have a Rock N Roll event for another month and a half and the rest of my friends have several more before I'd see them again.