Memphis Training

Well, after San Francisco I really thought I would keep up the marathon training. Having signed up for the Memphis full Marathon, rather than just the half, I thought I had learned my lesson regarding lack of training from Chicago 2009, but I guess not. We're now 3 weeks from the race, and the 17-20 miler I had planned for today turned into a 14.25 miler with mostly walking during the last 7 or so miles. Pathetic. I haven't been eating well lately, which probably contributed to the sucky run, and my body just felt like lead about 6 miles into the run. Ugh. So, I'm gonna do the best I can considering my lack of training, and now the lack of time I have to prepare. Planning on another longer run next weekend - maybe a 13 miler or so, and a shorter run the weekend prior to the marathon, but really thinking of amping up my current non-existent week-day running regime, and logging some 3-5 milers during the week. We'll see how this pans out....

Run The Farm 10k

Had a horrible run this morning during the Run The Farm 10k in Elizabeth, In. A few weeks ago I talked Shane into running with me since Alicia wasn't interested, and at 8:30 this morning we pulled into a large field converted into a parking lot for the fifty or so runners/walkers completing either a 10k, 5k or 1 mile walk. After getting our bibs, hitting the potty, and walking over to the start line, we had just five minutes or so to spare before the start. The weather was a chilly 30 degrees or so, and most of us were bundled up with hats, ear-warmers, gloves and layers galore.

The course was a two-loop run around the farm of the people who owned the property, and all proceeds for the race went to Parkinson's research. I asked Shane to stay with me through the course since, it being such a small turn out, I knew I'd be pulling up the rear and didn't want to go it alone. Less than a mile in however, my lack of sleep from the night before was already catching up with me and Shane asked if he could run ahead. The course was very hilly, but not nearly as brutal as the run the prior weekend through Waverly Park. This may have been due to the fact that I could actually see what lie ahead of me and on the ground I stepped on. I'd say it was a half/half course of running through overgrown fields where a path had been mowed, and through the woods.

A little over two miles in I was already tuckered. As I said, I had a horrible nights sleep the prior evening thanks to some pretty wicked heartburn, and I hadn't eaten well that morning due to lack of appetite (half a Cliff bar and some Vitamin Water). I seriously considered quitting the race after the first loop at 3.1 miles, but since I was the one who talked Shane into doing this race I knew I would never hear the end of it if I gave up. Plus, I would have felt pretty bad about myself - not being able to pull out a mere 6.2 miles after having run so many half marathons and two full marathons in the past 13 months.

So, I came upon the start/finish line of the first loop and headed out for the second 3.1 miles. Less than a half mile in I knew I had made the right choice. Even though I was dragging, I knew there was no turning back now and that I would be so much happier with myself finishing the full 10k rather than just a 5k. Going into the second loop however, I already knew I was pretty much on my own and that there were no other runners behind me. The second loop seemed shorter since I knew what to expect, and with a half mile or so left to go I saw Shane coming at me from the end of the course after having finished 10-15 minutes earlier. I guess I was going so slow he got worried :)

I trudged up another couple of hills, made my way out of the woods, around the barn, and past the front of the residence that was built on the land and headed towards the finish line. My goal for the race was an hour and thirty minutes, and I stopped my watch just at 1:25:55. Score!

Overall this was a pretty decent race. If I had gotten better sleep and fuel I feel I may have done better. I told Shane afterwards that I like trail races to break up the monotony of running, however, I think I like road races more so that I can settle into a constant pace, get in the zone, and not have to pay attention to where I'm stepping. For this being such a small race I was surprised that all runners received a shirt, as well as a ceramic medalion-like finishers "medal." Everyone involved was so nice, and I have to say I wouldn't mind doing this one again if the mood strikes.

Pure Screamin' Hell 6.66 Mile Run

Completed my first-ever trail run this week. On Halloween night. In the dark. Yes, you read that correctly. Pitch. Black. Well - except for the dimly lit headlamps we wore. This was an annual race that took place in the woods of a local park, closely located to an old tuberculosis hospital which is said to be haunted. However, the scariest thing about the evening was the number of times I tripped and nearly fell on multiple roots and rocks throughout the trail.

The total mileage of the race was 6.66 miles - very appropriate for a Halloween night run. However, because of the way the race was set up there weren't any mile markers or a clear indication of where we were on the course. This was fine because Alicia and I - along with the three other ladies we met along the trail and ended up running with - kept eachother company with interesting and often hilarious conversation. With a mile or so left to go, I twisted my ankle pretty good and yelled out a few choice curse words. This incident came just on the heels of one of the other runners taking a big plunge and ending up with a bloody knee that ultimately needed stitches. Ouch! This was trecherous stuff!

Near the end someone made a joke about all of us running across the finish line together holding hands. Somehow the joke ended up as a reality as this is exactly what our finishing photo would have looked like (had there been a finishing photo). The five of us came in dead last (only 75 or so runners altogether), but this was fine with us since it was more about the experience we had than setting any PR's. Our official time was just under 1:54.

I have to say, as frustrating and anxiety provoking as this race was, it was definitely my most fun race yet. I am looking forward to signing up for it again next year, and am also anticipating running my second trail race this coming weekend. This one is in the daytime however (booo - how boring :), and will be on a farm rather than in the thick forest. Still, another 10k under my belt and another training run for Memphis in approximately one month!