Aspen Valley Half Marathon – Race Recap

As I sit here on the couch, still in complete recovery mode from an epic weekend of running, my thoughts are now gathered and ready to recap the first of two races.

The Aspen Valley Half Marathon – Colorado

My plane ride to Denver was uneventful, and arrived right at 8pm local time.  Since I traveled from the east coast, it was 10pm, “my time”.  I took the shuttle out to the rental car pickup, and within a speedy 20 minutes, was off and driving west.  I had mapped out my journey west prior to getting there, but included none of the necessities like finding somewhere to buy a drink for the trip, and also stopping for a bite to eat before the epically dark trip into the mountains.  I knew it would take about four hours to drive from the airport to Aspen, without stops.  Once I found a place to stop off and grab some food and drink, I was on my way.

Being completely unfamiliar with the area, I tried to stay focused on the road.  I took Interstate 70 west.  I’m sure the drive is tough enough during daylight because, let’s face it, you’re driving through the Rocky Mountains, but driving it in total darkness added more interest and intrigue.  In other words, stress!

I had to come up with plan “B” more than an hour into my trip, because in the darkness, I completely missed the first exit that I needed to take.  Once I noticed it, I decided I would just go up to the next exit, and come back around to make the correction.  Well, the next exit was too far away to double back around so I just decided to keep going and take the longer interstate route.  It was a long drive!  Making it worse and even more stressful were two incidents.  The first being a car fire.  Not mine.  As I was driving west of Vail, I started seeing smoke in the distance.  As I got closer I realized that a car on the side of the road was completely ablaze.  I mean, ON FIRE!  Luckily there were already a few cars stopped to help the passengers of that car, and I could see the fire trucks coming in the opposite direction.  I slowed down, and carefully passed, although for a moment I thought, watch it explode as I drive right next to it.

Another 1/2 hour later there was road construction happening, where the interstate was closed in my direction for repairs.  That meant we were merged into one lane for eight miles.  Complete agony!  I was so tired, and this wasn’t helping.  Needless to say, the trip was long, and taxing on my body, after having flown for almost four hours to Colorado.  My ass was killing me from all of the sitting!  I finally made it to my hotel at 1am.  (3am, “my time”). Exhausted, I fumbled around getting my race stuff ready for morning, and hit the hay about 1:45am.

I woke up about three hours later to get ready for my Half.  I was thanking my lucky stars that I was only running a half marathon and not a full.  Plus, the fact that I was there to pace the 2:15 group, I knew that even being so tired, I could still manage that.  After meeting up with fellow pacer, Jill, from the Denver area, we made our way to the parking lot about five miles away to get ready, and wait for a shuttle to take us to the start.  Jill had never paced before, so I gave her some advice while swapping running stories.  Jill, if you ever read this, it was a pleasure meeting you!

We met up with other pacers for the Half, and I took a few photos before we boarded the shuttle.

I have never been to Colorado, and since I arrived in the dark the previous night, I was just in awe of the natural beauty of the mountains.

The starting line was just so picturesque.  I knew it was going to be a beautiful run from Snowmass to Basalt.  I got rid of my drop bag, and we all got lined up to start the race.  I met up with a bunch of runners who wanted to run with me.  Tricia was the most vocal.  She was a part-time resident of Colorado, part-time New Yorker.  She told me she would be running the New York City Marathon, so maybe we will bump into each other there later this year.

The run was beautiful.  My plan was to keep an even pace, so once we broke out of the crowd, I settled into a 10:14 per mile pace, allowing a tiny cushion just in case.  I had no issues with the high elevation, the air was so crisp and clean.  Chatting with runners all around, we made our way down the Rio Grande Trail toward Basalt.  Even pacing, perfect pacing and company, it was a very enjoyable run.

Most of the course is downhill, but a few uphills on the final miles were just enough to test your legs.  I had no trouble, but many folks were having to walk the uphill portions.  I guess my hill work paid off!

Nearing the finish I started thinking about having to race again the following day.  I was happy I was getting in the shake out run I wanted, but worried that it was too much.  I didn’t have any leg issues, and no trouble breathing.  Pacing the 2:15 was really a great warm up.  I hope I felt that way later in the day.

Coming through the finish line, I grabbed a medal and water, and waited to welcome in folks from my pace group that had faded along the course.  We high-fived and chatted before heading over to a nice picnic area set up as the finisher village.  There was all sorts of food from custom made salads, to donuts, coffee, beer and more.  There was music and friendly runners everywhere.

My finish time was 2:14:41.  19 seconds under the goal.  I thought I ran it perfectly.  My pace after mile 1 never wavered more than two seconds from my goal pace.  What a great, relaxing atmosphere to soak up an achievement.  I relaxed with some other pacers for about an hour before we hit the road back to Denver.  I had an expo to attend, so I needed to get going.  That is a story all itself, as I traversed through Independence Gap, and over the Continental Divide.

Wow!  What an amazing and tiring trip so far.  I wouldn’t have done it any other way!  The Aspen Valley race was very well done.  If you ever find yourself in Colorado in July, I would surely recommend this race.

Pacing to BQ

So the days of Spring are long gone, and so are the days of being lazy, cooped up and on the couch by 7:30pm.  Summer is here, and a new strategy for fitness and speed has hatched.

Summer is always an interesting season for me running wise.  It’s usually too hot for distance training, but the abundant daylight offers so many more chances for the runs I like to do.  Runs during the evening!  Typically I hate running in the dark, as it is very unmotivating to me.  This time of year I can afford to come home from work, relax for a few hours, and then head out for a run.  It makes me happy to be able to do that.  I hate feeling rushed, and feeling like I need to get in my runs when I am not mentally or physically prepared for them.

Almost four weeks have passed since my last marathon, and I have been busy preparing for what’s next.  I took a week off first of all, and really let my muscles recharge.  I intentionally signed up for a local 10k in the beginning of June so that I would have to start doing some shorter, faster runs to prepare for it.  If you’re anything like me, distance training can become monotonous.  I get into ruts, and feel like I can’t improve my speed. It’s always a given that I race faster than I train, but this idea I had is twofold, and hatched almost three weeks ago.

I was going to train for speed.  Focus on pace, and improving my focus.  My eighth run is today, and the seven runs at the beginning of this plan are leading me in the right direction.  I am trying to mix speed work, with endurance to try to achieve a BQ.  I have been shooting for 8 minute miles, and for me, it has been fun, but not easy.  You see, my normal training runs are on some hills, and I usually end up with an overall pace of somewhere in the 8:40 range.  For this plan I tried to choose the flattest route (it’s not flat) that I could to work on speed.  The first mile is always my slowest, no matter how hard I try.  But my results are becoming more what I need to see to possibly make my dream of a BQ come to fruition.

On 5/13 I paced 7:59 for a 5k.  On 5/15 I paced 7:59 at 3.25 miles.  I slipped a bit on 5/17 with am 8:12 for 3.25 miles, but I had worked all day on my feet and was tired.  On 5/18 I yearned for hills, so mixed those in and ended up at an 8:43 pace for 3.5 miles.  Then, super speedy day on 5/20 with 3.5 miles at 7:51 pace.  Two more runs of 4 and 3.5 miles right near 8:00, and I am pleased with how I am doing.  I will push myself hard on 6/6 during the 10k.  I want to see what’s possible, but with like 20+ turns on a challenging course, we’ll just have to wait and see what happens.

Until then, I will keep pushing the pace envelope.  After the race, my focus will be pushing the pace during training runs down to 7:45. I need a pace of 7:49 over the full course of a marathon to BQ, so training for it will be crucial .  The best I’ve done in a marathon thus far is 8:06 pace.  I’ve got work to do!

I will have six weeks after the 10k to be ready for my marathon.  Like I said, I have my work cut out for me, but without a challenge I become complacent, and I do not want that!  I’ve got to see what I am capable of.  Wish me luck!

What are your favorite training go-to’s for increasing speed?  Pleas share!  Happy training yawl!

A Volunteer Runner

As a frequent runner of races of all distances, I owe so many thanks to race organizers, but most importantly the volunteers that make them happen.

Races can’t happen without volunteers.  It takes a team, and most of those folks you see out on the course handing out water, medals, bibs, etc., are all there volunteering their time.  Recently posted on Facebook, I’ve seen the call for volunteers for three upcoming races.  The Asheville Marathon at Biltmore Estate on 3/16, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Raleigh on 4/13, and the Ironman Raleigh 70.3 on 6/1 are all in search of volunteers.  Sometimes races can require hundreds and hundreds of people to make a race happen.

I was recently asked by the race director for RunRaleigh Racing to pace her Half Marathon this coming October.  I gladly accepted!  This is the best way for me to volunteer for a race.  Yes, being a pacer at an event is the same as being a volunteer.  It’s really the perfect way for me to give something back to my fellow runners and community.  I would much rather give of my time on the race course while running it, versus being at a water stop or handing out medals.

My first pacing experience was last Fall.  Not sure if I would like doing it, or the pressure of finishing at a predetermined pace, I agreed.  I ran the Bull City Race Fest as a 1:45:00 pacer in the a Half Marathon, and loved every minute.  Right then, I knew I would have to pace more events.  My consistency in training and race finish times makes me a great candidate, so I will volunteer my time more in this way.  The race this Fall that I will pace is the Rock ‘n’ Rebellion 13.1.  Once again, I will pace the 8 minute mile group.

I much prefer racing events that benefit local or national charities, versus a for profit race.  RunRaleigh Races is local, and proceeds from races benefit local charities, which is a great thing.  So, unless I am asked to pace an event before the Fall, the event on 10/5 will be my next pacing experience.  I was asked to pace at the marathon for the a Utah Valley race this June, but I just can’t afford the expensive round trip airfare.  If travel expenses were provided, I would have loved to pace that event.  We will see what other opportunities present themselves in the coming months.

I urge all runners to give back to the community in some way.  Use your abilities and time to help others.  Volunteer at an aid station, help set up mile markers, work an expo table, hand out medals, or be a pacer.  Races are more successful all around if they have enough volunteers to aid in the runner experience.

Bull City Race Fest – Race recap

Here is my review of the Inaugural Bull City Half Marathon on 10/20/13

I will begin with a few stats….

Bull City was my 18th Half marathon.  8th this year.  I won’t really recap my time compared to other Halves, because I was pacing this event, not really running my hardest.  I agreed just a few days prior to the event to be a pace leader for the 8mm pace group, a goal finishing time of just under 1:45:00.  I was excited, but a bit nervous to be pacing this event, not knowing the course.  Turned out to go just great, and I certainly will be a pace leader again, if asked.

I worked a closing shift on Saturday night before the race, which meant a late dinner, and late bed time.  Being a pro at having all of my gear together prior to race day, I wasn’t worried about the time in the morning.  I was however, worried about parking, etc, as I have rarely spent any time in Durham, and really don’t know the streets at all.  I went to bed peaceful, and tired.  Then it happened! A first for everything, I guess.  I had my alarm set for 3:30am, but I didn’t wake up until 4:50am.  I overslept!!!  Holy sh!t

I usually give myself at least an hour and a half on race mornings, to get up, have coffee, relax, shower and be out the door headed to the event.  Waking up so late meant I had exactly 30 minutes to do all of those things before heading out the door.  I was stressed!  I only had enough time for one cup of coffee, use the bathroom, shower and throw my stuff together.  I realized as I was driving to Durham that I had forgotten a shirt to race in.  I normally wear a different shirt in the car, something I can change back into after the race, so that I have a dry shirt for the ride home.  Thankfully, being a pacer, I remembered that I would be picking up an official pacer shirt once I got there, so I would be running in that anyway.  Whew!  Crisis averted.  Here is what the shirt looked like.

Awesome Bib, with name, and great shirt, too!  Thankfully it was a tech shirt, so I shouldn’t have much trouble with that.  I arrived in Durham, right at 6am, when I wanted to be there.  Parking was an absolute breeze!  Why did I stress about this?  Well, probably because knew that there were close to 6,000 runners that morning, between the Half and the other event, a 5 miler.  Plus they said they were expecting about 10,000 spectators.  I worried about parking, but really didn’t need to in the end.  I have made a mental note for next year.  Since I worked the day before, during the expo, I still had to find packet pickup, and then find the volunteer area, to pick up my pace leader shirt and info.  This too, was easy as pie.  The parking, and all event related happenings were at the American Tobacco Campus on Blackwell St.  This area is a mixed use redevelopment (commercial, residential, and office) in the former tobacco warehouses near the Durham Bulls Ballpark.  The area is just so nice, they have done a great job with it!  Lots of space to move around, and perfect for the start of a race this big.  Race morning temperature was about 52 degrees, and it was supposed to be clear and perfect for the race.

I grabbed my stuff, and heading back to the parking deck, to get ready.  As it turns out, because it was chilly that morning, and a little breezy, it was warmer in the parking garage, so it was a nice place to relax and get my bib on my shirt, etc…  I had an Iced a Gingerbread Clif Bar, and downed a bottle of water with a grape Nuun tablet.  Go to race morning fuel.  It was time to head to the start, as I had to report for pacer duty, and be at the start at 7am.  a full half hour before the gun.  I used the restroom one last time, and made my way there.  People were starting to gather, but my friend Paula managed to find me, and we talked for a few minutes.  Because I had a pacer shirt on, people started walking up to me asking me questions about the race, the course, etc., which I didn’t know how to answer.  It was my first time, too.  I grabbed the 8:00 sign, and held it high above the crowd that started to form.  Then, two folks quickly appeared, who were also pacing with me.  Tina Weiler, and Mark Manz.  Both very nice folks, we got to know each other a bit with simple conversation.  A bunch of runners started to form a group around us, and behind us.  I chatted with a number of them prior to the National Anthem, and gun.

This photo is a bit blurry, but you can see that the start of the race was right next to the Durham Bulls baseball stadium.

Two minutes before the gun, we dropped the 8:00 sign, and started to move up toward the start.  At 7:30 we were off!  It was tough dodging through the race crowd at first, at a slight incline, no less.  We maintained a nice even pace for the first mile.  I had an absolutely ridiculous case of dry mouth right at the start.  I could barely talk those first two miles.  I couldn’t form words because my mouth had absolutely no moisture in it.  This did go away eventually.  I am not used to having conversations while I run, but knew that as a pacer, folks would want to talk.  They did.  We talked about racing, races, etc… and it really helped to pass the time and the miles.

I was really impressed by how beautiful the race course was.  Time and time again, I remember talking about it.  The crowd support was plentiful, and there were even a few bands along the way to keep things interesting.  Starting at the American Tobacco Campus, the course heads downtown and over to the Trinity Park neighborhood.  From there up and around to Duke University’s East Campus, and then down through West Campus via beautiful Campus Drive.  From there the course heads over to Forest Hills for a couple of miles, and then finally returns to Blackwell St., near DPAC.  (Durham Performing Arts Center). The course was challenging, plentiful hills everywhere, and just so interesting and beautiful.  Probably one of the nicest courses I have run, and I have run on many.

Running is this group, as a pace leader, was a truly unique experience.  I really enjoyed it.  I enjoyed being the cheerleader, the supporter, the leader.  Tina, Mark and I managed such a even pace, we often traded the lead back and forth.  The group ebbed and flowed, as the hills came and went, but we maintained a great pace.  After the first mile, we built in a few extra seconds on the pace, sort of banking some extra time just in case.  I met and talked with many runners.  Many with inspiring stories, many swapping tales of races and marathons.  Overall, it just felt so relaxing and easy.  This surprised me.  I am usually the Lone Ranger out there on the course.  I normally don’t chat too much, and stay focused on my goal.  This time, however, the goal was to get others to the finish.  I really need to take part in some group training runs in the future, as the socialization aspect of running is lost on me for the most part.  I really enjoyed it during this race.  I have to be a pace leader more often.  This was a great experience.

The final miles of the the race came so quickly.  My Garmin had a steady pace of 7:52 to 7:53 for the middle miles, so coming to the end, we were sure to get this group of folks to the finish line in time.  As we neared mile 12, I knew it was time to send the group ahead to the finish.  I encouraged each one to run strong, finish strong.  I applauded their efforts.  It kind of felt like putting my children on the bus for the first time to school.  Time to let go.  One by one, over the final half mile they made there way by me.  The crowds started getting bigger and bigger, and then we could see the finish line come into view.  People cheered, and clapped.  We slowed down a bit at the very end, knowing we had made the goal.  As we came into the finish, I reached out to high five both Tina and Mark, and we crossed the line together.  It truly was special to me.  I got my medal from a young girl, and proceeded down the chute.

Awesome medal!!!

The finisher area was open and inviting.  Plentiful water, post race snacks, massages, and plenty of vendors everywhere with giveaways, etc..  They did a great job.  The sun was out, there was music, and the atmosphere just electric.  This event also had a Food Truck Rodeo in the finisher area.  There were like 8-10 food trucks there with everything from kettle corn to cupcakes.  A great way to cap off a great event.  Here are some more photos I took on my phone.

All in all it was a fantastic day.  Great weather, great fun!  This event was the second largest Half marathon I have participated in.  They had a great overall turn out for a first year event.  They had great marketing, and fantastic volunteers.  Just goes to show that local events, can be just as big and well supported as national events.  Between the 1 miler, 5 miler and Half marathon, they had almost 6,000 people register.  The race director stated before the race began, that next year he was shooting for 10,000 participants.  Based on how well this event was run, I do believe it will grow to that size in 2014.  I know I will be back for sure.

My official results:  260/2383 overall.      43/166 for age group.    Gun time: 1:44:28.    Chip time:  1:44:05

Run Local!  Run Bull City!

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