Colfax Marathon Review

Going into the Colfax Marathon this year, I had a plan.  Nothing was being left to chance as it meant everything to run a sub-4:00 marathon.  How can I ever hope to run Boston if I can't chip away at my time piece by piece?  Throughout the training, I tested my paces.  I ran long distance strength and tempo workouts between 8:20-8:40.  My speed work hovered right at 7:15-7:25 miles.  I knew I could run faster as week after week I proved it to myself, but 26.2 miles is really, really far.  I didn't want to be greedy and go for an overzealous finishing time, where I'd bonk the last few miles.  I constantly told myself, "Get the 3:56 that you set out for from the very beginning, finish strong, relaxed, and upright so that you maintain your confidence for the next round."

I followed the Hanson's Marathon Method very precisely for 5 months.  I ate 70% carbs the last 7 days before the race, I drank Gatorade for a day before the race and during, I calculated my fuel and water needs so that I would never have to hit a wall.  I even had my husband toss me fresh water bottles at different locations throughout the course.

Our fueling crew ready to go.  They rode their bikes 17 miles and carried extra water and Gatorade, while cheering for us along the way.  It meant a lot to have them there for two years in a row.  Thanks guys.

Before the race, I planned to stay behind the 4:00 pace group for the first 8 miles.  That way I could warm up slowly and save energy for the finish.  After 8 miles, if I felt good, I would pull ahead and not look back.  The next 8 miles, I would maintain an even effort trying to go for 9:00 miles even, while adjusting for the hill between miles 5-15.  I knew the downhill portion of the course wasn't too steep, but would allow for a faster pace so I planned for 8:40 miles, again going for even effort, between miles 15-22.  The last portion of the race I knew I would be more tired and the hills become rather large again, especially at miles 23-24.  I needed to reserve some energy for that and allow myself to run slightly slower if needed at around a 9:10 pace.  If all went well, I'd be satisfied finishing at 3:56.

Here are my splits:

Miles 1-8:

Mile 1 - 9:07
Mile 2 - 9:10
Mile 3 - 8:52
Mile 4 - 8:55
Mile 5 - 9:20
Mile 6 - 9:02
Mile 7 - 9:08
Mile 8 - 9:00

While the 4:00 pace group was ahead of me for the first 11 miles, I didn't let that bother me.  He set out way too fast, running an 8:50 pace and often faster.  I refused to hold onto him and while the hill at mile 5 slowed me down a bit, I didn't try to make up the time.  Running through the Denver Fire Station with all the firefighters giving us high fives was energizing before we headed into the Platte River.  We passed through Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium where the Broncos play at mile 6.  This is always a highlight of the race and a fun way to start.

I ran with water in a hand-held for the first 10 miles, taking 2 gulps every mile and a Gu at mile 6.


Miles 9-15:
Mile 9 - 8:47
Mile 10 - 8:48
Mile 11 - 8:55
Mile 12 - 8:54
Mile 13 - 8:59
Mile 14 - 9:15
Mile 15 - 9:05

Monica is taking off her sleeves, I am getting ready to toss out my water for Gatorade.

Sloans Lake is a 3 mile stretch of very flat land sandwiched by a couple miles of hills on either side.  It was a nice break and my speed reflected it.  I passed the 4:00 pace group at mile 11.  Around the 11th mile, I felt a blister forming on my right foot.  It was on the pad just under my big toe and every step hurt.  At the halfway point I groaned a bit knowing I had 13 more miles for the blister to grow, but the pounding of my feet on the pavement numbed it a bit.

Here is what our husbands did while they waited for us to reach each check point.  Cheers Mark!

For the middle part of the race, I ran with Gatorade which I highly recommend.  I couldn't have handled it for the entire race as I have a sensitive stomach, but the sugars and electrolytes kept me going.  I also took Salt Stick tabs every hour on the hour and one at the finish line.


Miles 16-21:

Mile 16 - 8:46
Mile 17 - 8:30
Mile 18 - 8:46
Mile 19 - 8:44
Mile 20 - 8:40
Mile 21 - 8:40


The "Screaming Downhill" is a nice break for the calves and because it is an easy grade, my quads didn't feel the pounding.  Every time I looked at my watch, I hovered right around 8:44, which felt really good. We passed through the Invesco Field at Mile High again at mile 20 and while I expected to feel exhausted by this time, I felt relaxed and energized.

Second pass through the stadium.  20+ miles in to the race.

 By mile 18 I switched back to water and Gu.



Miles 22 - 24:

Mile 22 - 8:57
Mile 23 - 9:15
Mile 24 - 9:15

I saw my husband for the last time at mile 24.  This was at the top of the last major hill on the course.  He asked me if I felt good and I smiled at him with confidence.  I felt great.  Not only was I going to finish, but I had yet to hit a wall and I wanted to turn up the pace for the finish.


Finishing Stretch:
Mile 25 - 8:58
Mile 26 - 8:26
Mile 27 - 8:26

People from all the different distances came together during the last couple miles of the race.  It felt really satisfying to pass runners with confidence.  The streets became much more crowded and I had to push past people to maintain my pace.  At mile 25, I became really tired.  For the first time during the race I wanted to be done.  I kept imagining a port-a-potty and a Popsicle.  My blister, now huge, finally popped under my foot and I felt a squishy ooze of warm liquid fill in between my toes that slopped around with every step.  When I saw the finish line, I pushed forward a little harder and collected my medal from a firefighter in 3:55:26.

My husband wanted a picture of Monica and me with our medals right away.  Right behind my knees I had really bad cramping for about 10 minutes after I stopped. This is before I composed myself to smile. 

And, hiding the pain...  We did it, and we finished together like we have wanted to do for over a year.

Not only had I completed the race, but I did it one minute faster than I'd expected.  I followed my plan very closely and executed it with pride.  While my nerves were out of control the entire morning before the race started, I didn't let them get the best of me.  I stayed calm and ran evenly by effort.  I trusted my training and numerous people told me that would be half the battle.

We finally got to meet Tony, from G Force.  Not only did he get a BQ on a really hard course, but he is also a really nice guy to hang out with!

For weeks before Colfax, my nerves were out of control because I needed my training to have been worth it.  Thankfully, I proved to myself that I can run a sub-4:00 marathon.  But the most surprising lesson I've taken out of this race was not so much from that day itself, but from those 5 months of hard work and early mornings.  I can tolerate high mileage and faster paces.  I can run 60+ miles a week.  I can run speed work, strength and tempo runs, I can actively recover while running easy after a hard effort.  My overall paces have gone down substantially as I consistently run at an effortless 8:40 pace and my 5k time has dropped from 25:02 to 21:54.

Lunch after the race.  Thank you Randall for all of your patience, help, and support over the last several months.  And thank you for being at the race, providing me with fuel and encouragement.  It made the difference.

I am currently putting together my next training and race schedule, where I will train for a 3:45 or faster.


~Roadburner

Colfax Through Hanson's

I started training for the Colfax Marathon on November 18, 2013.  Because Hal Higdon's training plans have never worked that well for me, I wanted something different.  I wanted a training plan that would hold me accountable and tell me exactly what paces to run.  I bombed my first attempt at running Colfax in May 2013.  By mile 8, I was cramping and miserable.  After mile 14, I felt beat down and defeated.  Mile 20 told me I was going to finish but at what cost?  Mile by mile went by and I held back tears and surges of emotion until I finally crossed the finish line in 4:24.  Ironically, when I crossed the finish I felt unstoppable.  After everything I'd pushed through to get to that moment I could get through anything life might throw at me.  I could have stopped at any moment.  No one was holding my legs to that flame.  It was all under my own will and stubbornness.  I've never felt pain like that before.  Every muscle in my body begged me to stop and yet I pushed forward. 

At the finish line last year

Six months after the race, I would think about the finish line and smile so enthusiastically you would have thought I finished just days before.  I wanted to recreate that feeling, but I didn't want to hurt this time.  I wanted to have an actual goal, beyond finishing, and I wanted to feel good at the finish line.  No walls, no screaming calves, no regrets. 

I felt like I'd been hit by a bus for weeks after the race.  I remember being completely delirious at mile 24 and for an hour after finishing.

After far too much research I came across the Hanson's Marathon Method.  Essentially this plan tells you to run at varied speeds to work the different muscle groups and create a level of cumulative exhaustion so that you never run feeling fresh.  Mimic the last 16 miles of the race during your long training runs, not the first.  Don't take days off because you are sore, push through it and get stronger.  Last year, I skipped easy days, I didn't pay attention to paces and I ran without focus.  The Hanson's Method doesn't work if you don't follow it very closely and I figured that out right away.

A sincere thanks Luke Humphrey and Hanson brothers.

I became obsessive about my running routine.  As the months went by, I got up earlier and earlier to fit in distance, speed work, strength and easy runs.  I felt it working and I kept thinking about that moment last May when I felt unstoppable.  This time would be better. 

Last Sunday I crossed the finish line in 3:55, just under 30 minutes faster than my previous time. I never felt truly tired until mile 25 where I reminded myself, "Five months of hard work for a few more minutes of discomfort."  I ran negative splits with my final mile at 8:26.  When I crossed the finish line I expected to feel euphoric like I had a year ago, but I didn't.  I never pushed through incredible pain to remind me that I am made up of pure grit.  I had a blister the size of Mars under my foot that wrapped in between my toes.  I felt it for 15 miles of the race and the oozing liquid spreading between my toes as it popped at mile 25, but nothing begged me to stop. 
 

This is just the top side where it stuck out between the toes, the bottom of it is the size of a half dollar around the pad of my foot.  The grass was wet by the port-a-potties and all our shoes were soaked at the starting line.  I've never blistered in my Saucony Virratas before the race. 

If I wasn't that tired, did I push hard enough?  Could I have gone faster or would I have crashed sooner?  If there was energy to spare, how do I train to go faster and feel the same sense of strength throughout the race?

There is no doubt about it, Hanson's works.  Not only do they prepare your body for the beating it takes in 26.2 miles, but the method teaches you how to taper, carbo load, actively recover, and push yourself to limits that have never been tested. 

What I learned was this, training for a specific pace works.  I trained for a 3:56 and ended up one minute faster than goal time.  That was a success.  If I trained for a faster time and put in the miles at that pace, I have renewed confidence my body could handle it as I pushed faster paces throughout the training, but I need to be more aware of my body as I pick up the pace.  I think I got lucky this time.  I ran 60+ miles a week for a couple months and didn't incorporate strength training and weights into my regimen.  Halfway through the race, my right hip flexor started to ache and reminded me that I have work to do.   The second time running the same race, my head was in the game entirely.  I ran mile after mile calculating splits in my mind, seeing what my finishing time would be at current paces.  I did body checks continuously asking myself, "Do I need water or fuel?  Is my stride good?  What hurts right now, what is giving out, what is not strong enough?  What can I improve for next time?"  I never wanted to take off faster than my prescribed pace because I respect the distance too much.

Running marathons is humbling.  It becomes addictive and the effort itself becomes more satisfying than the finishing times and results.  This time I wasn't euphoric about the finale because I steadily looked ahead throughout this process.  For 26.2 miles, I celebrated 1,000 miles of hard work in 5 months.  The race didn't feel like the accomplishment, the training did. 


~Roadburner

Pre-Race Fecal Matters

How much does your pre-race poop cost?

If a race is going to be a success, it must have three things: awesome volunteers, plenty of water and food, and lots of port-a-potties.  While I can't thank volunteers enough for their time setting up and tearing down races, handing out water and energy beverages to clumsy runners, and helping us to stay on course, most runners agree, ample port-a-potties are essential.

This got me thinking.  How much do races cost?  Why are some races well endowed with portable poop catchers, while others leave us long lines and no where to turn minutes before the start?

Here's the breakdown:

If a race has 10,000 participants (this doesn't include our awesome volunteers), and you wanted one portable toilet for every 100 runners, you would need 100 port-a-potties.  After calling 3 different companies, I found the cheaper toilet rentals are about $35 (because you are renting in bulk).  This includes installation and take down.  Some companies offer more perks and the prices can change wildly based on how many toilets are rented, and for how many days they are assembled.  This leaves the race director with a cost of $3,500.  This isn't enough, however; 100 toilets for 10,000 people will inevitably leave long lines and fecal stains on multiple runners' shorts.

Okay, I probably went too far on this one... Gross.

So, to increase the number to one toilet per 50 people, you need 200 potties, and a bill of $7,500.  Let's take the average race entry fee of $50.  10,000 runners X $50 = $500,000.

$500,000 - $7,500 = $492,500 left to spend on finisher's medals and t-shirts, food, water, energy drinks, police officers, registration, website design, etc...

At CustomInk.com, you can purchase 10,000 tempo performance race shirts with logos for $148,200.

$492,500 - $148,200 = $344,300.

Most races boast of big sponsors who donate food, volunteers, beverages, and money.  Non of my figures include money collected outside of registration fees, and they are obviously rough estimates.  Directing a race is not only a lot of work, but a huge financial undertaking.  That being said, I've run in races with lots of food, water, awesome volunteers, beautiful medals, nice shirts, and most of all infinite portable restrooms.  I've also run races that had an equal number of participants and yet there wasn't water available just 2 miles into the race.  The lines were so long for the port-o-john, that I found myself squeezing back urine for the next couple hours as I tried to focus on running instead of peeing myself.  Race directors are not pocketing endless gobs of cash, so what makes the difference between a quality race and an utter failure?


What do you think are the most important factors in a race?
What races do you enjoy the most due to their great organizing?
How long is too wait to poop/pee before a race?

~Roadburner 

New Year, New Distances

My goals for 2013 are simple.  I want to run a marathon and feel good afterwards.  Last year, I ran 10 races.  I don't want to run so many races this year.  I want to pick my races for particular reasons and work really hard to accomplish specific speed or distance goals.  It isn't about quantity this year, it is about quality.

 For months, I've tossed around the idea of registering for a full marathon.  I haven't run one before and I wanted to make sure I had enough time to put in the proper training before I dedicated fully.  I signed up last night.  It is official, I will run the Colfax Marathon on May 19! 

I told my husband I was a bit nervous about all the early morning runs.  Running on snow and ice at 6:00 am, in below zero temperatures, isn't exactly motivating.  Ethan, my 4 year old son, overheard the conversation and said, "Don't worry, Mom!  I'll teach you to run on all surfaces.  I can teach you to run on rocks, grass, sand, snow, ice, whatever!  When I am done teaching you, it will be no problem!"

Ethan's simple understanding is exactly what I needed.  It is important to take it one day, one surface at a time, and not become overwhelmed.  I asked Ethan if he could teach me to run on all those surfaces for 26.2 miles and he said, "Absolutely!  You just do the same thing over and over again." 

Coaches and trainers most commonly post that you need to know your motivation for running endurance races.  If you don't know what your reasons are now, you will question your sanity halfway through the race.  So here is my reasoning: I love my boys.  I want to teach them no goal is ever too big.  I want them to think of me as a superhero.  Randall, my husband, told Ethan one time that his mom was Wonder Woman.  Ethan denied the claim, "No she isn't!  She can't fly!"  When he is grown, I want him to look back and think of his mother as a strong independent woman, one who accomplished her dreams.  I want to challenge my body because every time I do, I become more in tune with my essence.  I am not a remarkably fast runner, so I want to challenge myself and my training in longer distances.

A Year in Review

I've been running for over four years now.  However, this is the first year that I started racing.  I remember cheering my husband on at his first 5K over five years ago thinking, "He is crazy.  Who runs that far to see how fast they can go, and then try to run it faster next time?"  I didn't understand the adrenaline and commitment.  It isn't always about winning, it is about dedicating yourself to an experience and laying everything on the table.  When you pin on that bib, you can't lie about how fast you are or how hard you trained.

March

• Highlands Ranch St. Patty's Day 5K (March 17) - I didn't run this race for time, which I regret.  Had I speed trained, I know I could have posted a better time as the course only has one real hill.  I remember crossing the finish line thinking, "Really, are we done already?"  That was a hallmark sign of not pushing hard enough.  I would love another go at this race to obliterate my previous time. (30:30)

 April

• Highlands Ranch Highland Heritage Adventure 10K (April 7) - I'd never raced 10K before, and honestly never ran any single track trails.  The initial hill climb measuring between 6-9% grades for a mile made me think of walking from the gate.  I didn't walk though, and while I am sure I could run faster if I had the opportunity to run it again today, I was proud of my 62:05 time.  I plan to toe the line next April, as I now run the Backcountry trails weekly.  (62:05) 

May

• Barking Dog Duathlon (May 12) - I heaved my giant Trek Mountain Bike from the back of my husband's Subaru at 5:00 in the morning while I watched other competitors pull their bikes from their cars with one hand.  I felt like a complete underdog and hoped nobody would laugh at my bike.  What astounded me was how friendly the other racers were.  Men with rocket bikes and time trial helmets were just as pleasant and helpful as race volunteers.  Halfway through the bike ride, a man passed me on his time trial bike, weighing 5 pounds at the very most and traveling over 30 mph.  He told me I was in the lead of the other fat tire racers, "keep it up," he said, "you're killing 'em!"  I can't describe the boost that gave my depleted energy.  I took first for the Fat Tire division, beating the men by over 10:00 and the women by 15:00.  The culture at duathlons is unmatched and the friends I made this year kept me coming back for the series. (2K 15K 5K - 1:15:50)

June

• Big Sky Duathlon (June 9) - This was my first race on a triathlon bike.  In fact, I never rode this bike before June 8.  My biking speed went from an average of 14.4 mph on a fairly flat course at Barking Dog, to 17.7 mph of rolling hills at Big Sky.  The bike ride was over 6 miles longer than the previous race and my legs were jelly by the time we were done.  I focus too much of my energy on running when I train for duathlons.  Next year, I need to place more emphasis on biking hills.  Once I I crossed that finish line,  I knew what exhausted felt like.  I wasn't ready to race again for a few weeks, but it felt good to push through a wall and finish 3rd in my division. (4K 25K 4K - 1:35:22)

 July

• Highlands Ranch Independence Day 5K (July 4) - This was the hottest and most unbearable race I ran all year.  I didn't enjoy it.  I was weakened by a horrible stomach flu the week before and the hills were so much harder than I expected.  I started out too fast and sadly, when I saw the finish line 300 meters ahead, I was too exhausted to finish strong and I walked for a few feet.  I finished at 25:03, which wasn't a bad time, but I trained for better.  I have no desire to run this race next year.  Instead, I plan to find a nice place in the shade, cheer on the spirited runners, and enjoy the parade with my boys. (25:03)

September

• Denver Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon (September 22) - I loved this race with all of my heart.  It was by far the most fun I had racing this year.  I will rock Denver next year, not for the music but for the great course and hopefully a new PR. (2:01:49)

• West Side Duathlon (September 30) - One week after running the Denver Half, I took first in my division at West Side.  The bike portion of the course tours a part of HWY 93 between Golden and Boulder.  I've driven this route numerous times while visiting Randall in college and later when I attended CU Boulder, but I gained a new respect for those hills while taking them down on a bike.  (2.4K 15K 5K - 1:15:59)

October

• Boulder Half Marathon (October 21) - I consider this race the worst of the season and I wouldn't accept any amount of money to run this again.  The water and food at the finish line was almost non existent, water stations along the course were under stocked, and the starting line wasn't corralled, which messed up most runner's finishing times.  It took a while to get over the disappointment of this race.  I sounds silly to take a race so personally, but when I run, I put everything into that race.  I want to prove what I can accomplish, and how far I have come through hours and hundreds of miles of training.  If I don't post a good time because of my own failings that is one thing, but to be held back because of poor race direction is truly unacceptable.  (2:01:57)

November

• Highlands Ranch Backcountry Wilderness Half Marathon (November 10) - I need another crack at this race!  I loved the terrain, the challenging hills, the amazing runners, and completing another half with my husband.  Trail running doesn't seem as monotonous as road running.  I find myself 3 miles into the run and not remembering how I got to that point because I was so lost in thought.  That rarely happens for me on the roads.  Since April, I've made trail running a consistent part of my training because it pushes my aerobic capacity to new levels, and it is so much more fun.  I feel like a gazelle bounding over the rollers.  This race was well organized and the runners' energy on a freezing cold morning kept our spirits high.  This trail race was a nice refocusing run after Boulder. (2:07:55)

December

• Las Vegas Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon (December 1) - My mind needed this weekend away from my kids more than I initially thought.  It was freeing to sleep for the first time without a monitor blaring next to my head, and eat some great food while it was still hot.  I didn't have to wait on my kids for a few days or clean up any messes.  It was just a good friend and me taking it easy.  My body, on the other hand, was exhausted from five major races in only 10 weeks.  I came face-to-face with that reality at mile 9.  I will plan out the timing of my half marathons and duathlons better next year.  They were formidable distances that pounded my body.  Each race, I felt slightly less energized at the start and knew I hadn't left ample time to heal. Even though I didn't post a new personal record as I'd hoped, I will always consider Vegas one of my favorite racing venues.  Running the strip at night, with my friend Monica, was an unexpected highlight of 2012. (2:02:05)

From my first 5K, to my fourth half marathon in 2012, I changed as a runner and a competitor.  My training plans became more complicated as my addiction to posting faster times increased.  There are 6 races I would love to try again in 2013: St. Patty's Day 5K, Barking Dog Duathlon, Big Sky Duathlon, West Side Duathlon, Denver Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon, and Wilderness Backcountry Half Marathon.  Maybe some strength and speed training will reduce my times, but more importantly, I am excited to try some new courses, meet new people and see where this sport takes me.

Vegas Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon

I got back from Vegas twelve hours ago, and I am still overstimulated!  That was the loudest, flashiest, and most interesting race I've run to date, and I thoroughly enjoyed it!  I was lucky enough to have a friend go with me for the weekend, and while we didn't party afterwards like planned, it is a race that I will forever treasure. 

We attended the Fitness Expo first thing on Saturday.  The energy level was through the 200+ foot roof and everywhere we looked people were excited, friendly, helpful, and proud to call themselves runners.  Knowing we had a full weekend ahead, and having bought the merchandise we came for, we didn't go row by row through the expo.  We chose an ally, walked down it, made a turn and headed for the exit. 

On our way out, I saw a sign sitting next to an expo table, "Scott Jurek, Author of Eat and Run, here today at 4:00."  A volunteer was pulling the sign down and I mumbled to my friend, "Scott Jurek?  Holy cow!  He is amazing!"  While continuing to move forward, I glanced behind me to see where he probably once sat.  Like a star struck 12 year old girl, my heart raced.  "WAIT!  There he is!"  I ran over, waited a few seconds in line, talked to him for a few minutes, got a great picture, and had him sign my racing bib.  I am sure I looked like a crazy person because I was so excited to meet him, but that was by far one of the biggest surprises of the whole trip.  For hours, I couldn't stop smiling. 

That night, we got dressed, saw Le Reve and took it easy - Sunday was bound to be exhausting.

Neither of us knew exactly how to eat for a night race.  We knew we had the entire day to make decisions that would impact our run directly and we were careful not to mess it up.  Each of us had a large but healthy breakfast, but opted to snack for lunch.  I didn't want to repeat the cramping nightmare that ensued during the Boulder Half Marathon.  Figuring it was better to run on a emptier stomach, we had Cliff Bars and fruit salad a few hours before the race.

When we toed the line, I heard my stomach rumble violently.  "That's not a good way to start!"  I told Monica.  But the crowds were enthusiastic and the lights from the strip were flashing beautifully.  No matter how hungry I felt, I wasn't going to let anything take that moment away. 

Before the gun, we reminded each other one more time that this was wasn't about a PR, it was about the experience and sticking together.  We were out to have fun.  Each corral was separated by about 90 seconds.  This provided enough time to spread out.  I only felt boxed in a few times during the race and it didn't last long.  When we started, I was pleasantly surprised how much open space each runner had between them.  We took off at a good speed and I felt the lower altitude working towards my advantage immediately.  We ran for 4-5 miles at a 8:26 pace, faster than I usually start.

By mile 3, we were heading down the newest part of the strip.  The hotels, live shows, flashing lights, thousands of spectators, horns, whistles, music, and smiles were more than I could have imagined and I couldn't help think, "Man this is GREAT!"  My muscles, lungs, and heart all felt okay.  We had a nice 20mph wind right behind us which gave a nice push to our speed every few feet.  But I worried about the near future when that wind was going to meet us head-on as it was an out and back race.

 
The last time I went to Vegas, we stayed at Circus Circus as I was only 10 years old.  Various movies have brought the city to life, but running the strip at night gave me a tangible understanding of the most vibrant and lucious city in America.  We ran past all the major landmark hotels, drive through wedding chapels, statues, and Elvis impersonators.  Nothing that screams Vegas was left from the run and I was in awe throughout the experience.

While my mind revelled in all the excitement, my body wasn't so happy.  I was starving by mile 5, and my knees, ankles, hips, and toes regretted the treadmill stress tests I completed only days before we left for the race.  I started too fast and I didn't taper properly.  Between September 22 and December 2, I ran 4 half marathons and 1 duathlon.  I desperately wanted to PR in my final race of the season, and while I missed it, I am proud of my accomplishment.  Monica and I wanted to run together and we did.  When my legs felt like they were literally on fire, Monica looked at me and asked, "You okay? Want to walk a few?"  Because she was there, I didn't walk.  I wanted to finish strong.  She kept me going through that awful wind and I while I am sure sticking with me slowed her down significantly, it meant the world that she stayed.  As we said from the beginning, it wasn't to beat any personal records.

I found it appropriate the finish line was the Mirage Hotel and Casino.  In Vegas, distances are much farther than they appear.  Monica said, "See there it is!  Almost done!"  I laughed and thought the hotels were moving away from us with every step we ran.  We finished in 2:02:05.  Bands filled the air with live music, strobe lights flashed, and fans screamed passionately.  We were immediately handed water, Gatorade, and warming space blankets.  The walk to the food was a bit longer than expected, but there was an ample supply of bagels, smoothies, apples, Marathon bars, and pretzels. 

The after party didn't start until 11:00 that night so runners had ample time to go back to their hotels, shower, and dress properly for a night of drinking and dancing...in theory.  In our case, we returned to the hotel, showered, snacked, got dressed, did our hair and makeup, and somehow ended up lying down "just for a few minutes."  One and a half hours later we woke up, debated heading to the after party and decided it would be better to sleep.  Both of us planned for weeks on dancing and enjoying the post race festivities, but we knew we would regret it the next day if we rallied. 

The race was very well organized and more fun than I can describe.  Getting the chance to vacation and run with one of my friends was amazing.  Together we had a lot of fun and we enjoyed the views.  Monica kept me centered at the finish and reminded me we weren't out for a win. 

I need to take each race as a new opportunity.  You can't compare one race time to the next because each has very different circumstances.  I can't think of a better race to take it easy and admire the views.  Furthermore, Vegas taught me a lot about racing at night and planning pre-race food more appropriately.  It also reminded me how important it is to spread out races.  My body took a beating this year.  I ran 10 races, only 2 of which were less than 10K.  I am proud of my racing season and Vegas was the best way to solute 2012. 

We were both excited to return to our kids, but sad our ladies vacation came to an end so quickly.  On our trip back home, we agreed one race away from home a year is a must!

Backcountry Wilderness Half Marathon

Heading into the Backcountry Wilderness Half Marathon I had two goals: watch my heart rate monitor, and don't get hurt.  I wanted to recover easily for the Rock 'n' Roll Vegas Half in less than 3 weeks.  Adding to the stress, my heart rate has climbed to extremely high rates over the last couple months, leaving me a strict doctor's order to keep it under 185 beats per minute.  My doctor scared me enough that day to take her warnings seriously.  "You may feel good, but your heart is not.  You are on your way to a heart attack!"  I wanted a good work out.  I wanted to experience the racing environment that I crave, but I didn't want permanent damage. Therefore it wasn't going to be a race that I would go all out and take a stand to prove my running abilities.  My 24-hour echo cardiogram, and stress test are scheduled for next week.  Until then, it was about enjoying the ride.

Freezing before the race!

Randall and I ran the Backcountry Half together.  He said he wanted me to pace him so that he didn't go all out and regret it later when he was too sore to move.  But I know why he stayed, he didn't trust I would watch my heart rate monitor closely enough.  I knew he was babysitting me when he tried to take off a few times in the first couple miles and when I didn't follow, he slowed, looked around for me, and ended up letting me take the lead.  Once we hit Monarch Blvd, we settled into our pace and I was glad Randall was there.  He provided great company and camaraderie, making me laugh when it hurt.

I applaud the Highlands Ranch Race Director for making a route that was somehow uphill for the majority of the first 11 miles.  That couldn't have been easy!  Our map clearly defined the inclines, but until you run a course from start to finish, it is impossible to appreciate the ascents.  The course was extremely well planned.  The first 2-3 miles were contested on larger paths and dirt roads, allowing racers to pass easily and move into their projected pace groups.  By the time the trails narrowed to single track, passing was less of an issue and racers were polite, moving aside to let faster runners charge through.

After we reached the top of Monarch Blvd, the wind pelted our faces and a hard packed sleet assaulted our cheeks and ears.  I was not the only runner to moan at the pain of those sadistic, little ice balls.  I picked up the pace throughout those rolling hills, just to escape the torment of the cold; but my pulse fenced me in and I ended up slowing down again before crossing Daniel's Park Rd.  Once we reached the other side of Daniel's Park, the wind stopped.  Running through the scrub oak was majestic as the snow flakes politely fell on our faces.  A fellow runner took the lead, pacing us through the next 2 miles, and as he pushed to the front he laughed, "I am so glad I am not on the couch right now!"

I felt the best between miles 7 and 11.  I was in my element and my heart rate settled right at 177 beats per minute.  I no longer glanced at my watch every 30 seconds to monitor my heart.  I took in the views, listened to my breath, joked with Randall here and there, and enjoyed the up and down of the rocky trails.  The Douglas County Search and Rescue crews made up the majority of the volunteers on the course and they kept spirits high with their great smiles and hilarious comments.

We charged through the final 3 miles at an 8:00 to 8:30 pace.  I felt like a gazelle galloping down the slopes, jumping rock-to-rock, until we made the hard pavement for the final mile.  My body was so adjusted to the textures of the trail, that the hard cement really threw me for a loop.  We continued our sub 9 minute pace to the finish, but I was clearly tired.  Once I saw the Colorado Race Timing finish line, I smiled.  That smile stayed plastered to my face for the last quarter mile.  As we charged up the final ascent to the finish, spectators cheered, chanted, and made me laugh through the finish.  Their spirits gave me the last push I needed to finish strong.  One spectator saw I was smiling and screamed, "She's smiling!  She still has it in her!  Go smile to the END!"

That finish was an accomplishment.  I felt really good throughout the race and I did as I promised my doctor.  I didn't take any unreasonable risks, but I felt I finished strong.  We crossed in 2:07, only 7 minutes slower than the Denver Rock 'n' Roll Half and the Boulder Half a few weeks prior.  The trails were tough and the climbs relentless.  I needed to buy new Pure Connects a month ago, as the cushioning is gone, but I didn't because I had too many races to risk breaking in new shoes.  By the end of this race, my feet were blistered and my shoes were trashed. 

The finisher's party was really small, but I understand how hard it must be for a race director to get companies and volunteers for a race that is this small, cheap, and cold.  There was ample water at the finish and enough C.B. and Potts pizza rolls for everyone to have a couple.  I wish they would have placed the finishers dog tags around our necks as we finished, but they were clearly busy with other tasks and quickly remedied the mistake.  Once we received our dog tags, we headed to the warmth of the car.  I was shivering uncontrollably and needed warmth fast.

Before heading home to the kids, we stopped for lunch.  As we ordered, I was still shivering so severely, the waitress thought I was truly crazy.  "I didn't think it was that cold outside!" she snickered.  I told her we just finished a race and I was frozen from the finish.  Her eyes widened looking at me like I was crazy.  Some people just don't get it!

Finally, we headed home and I put our youngest son, Owen, down for a nap.  Next, it was time for us to rest.  We never rent movies, but after the race, we made an exception.  Randall, Ethan, and I all curled up on the bed in our basement, to watch Ethan's movie he's wanted for weeks.  Randall and I quickly fell asleep.  After a short nap, Randall whispered in my ear, "My body hates me.  My knees hate me.  My ankles are begging, 'why?' I think my blood is pooling! But it was worth it.  Thanks for running with me, Jen."