We ran, we finished, we ate pancakes

Yay…we did it!  And we all came out alive (I was a little worried there during the race).  After several months of playing running coach for Tarah, Anthony, and Aaron – the time had come for the feet to meet the pavement.

All smiles before the start of the Labor Day Half Marathon in Woodinville.

I’ve run several races now, and this course was not one of my favorites.  It had both a few hills and flat areas (which is good), but so much of the course was on trails – trails that are popular to other bikers/walkers/runners/strollers.  Essentially, many times during the race – we had to be on the alert and actually move over for passing bikers.  Personally, for a race we pay for – I don’t think we should have to be competing for running space like that.

Nonetheless, the gang did really good.  We had set a strategy pre-race that I would stick with Anthony the whole time (as he would benefit more from my persistent nagging to “keep moving”) and Tarah and Aaron would pair up and run however fast they could. 

Tarah ended up finishing first of us four – yay for her!  Aaron was next – as he had to stop briefly because he was about to throw up.  And then Anthony and I raced to the finish line. 

Even though they didn’t meet their goal time of 2:10 – they did great!  It was Anthony and Tarah’s very first half marathon.  (And until we started training for this race, they had never run longer than six miles.  So they came a LONG way).  The last part of the course was not so fun – we were running in the really hot sun, with no water stations for the last three miles.  I was happy I got Anthony to finish strong though – which required a bit of bargaining.  “We’ll walk to that bend in the road…but then you have to run until the next mile marker.”

Aaron, me, Anthony, and Tarah. 

 

Ewww…a sweaty Lisa sandwich.  Aaron and Anthony are major sweat monsters. 

Even though the gang was exhausted – we finished up our race experience with a super delicious breakfast!  A veggie omelet, hashbrowns, and pancakes!!  Perfect recovery food

13.1 in 12 days

As you may already know, I’ve been playing faux running coach to my friends for the past few months.  Their goal being to run their first half marathon (aka 13.1 miles).

We have our half marathon selected.  It’s in Woodinville on Monday, Labor Day (12 days to go!).  I’ve never run this course before, so that will be new for me. 

Trying to coordinate a running schedule for four people, during a very busy summer – well, it’s not easy.  The original goal was to not only finish, but to finish with averaging a 10 minute per mile pace.  Hmm.  Go re-read the first sentence of this paragraph.  Go ahead.  I’ll wait.  Umm…yeah.  I’ll be shocked pleasantly surprised if we can accomplish this.  I’m not saying it won’t happen…that would be very un-coachly of me.  But, my friends will need quite a bit of pep in their step that day.

Aaron, Anthony, and I ran a 10k at the end of July.  It was on a Friday evening, running along the waterfront at Myrtle Edwards Park. 

How rude.  The sun is making us squinch our faces.

It was a fast and easy run.  And a good opportunity for Anthony, to get a longer race under his belt.  The fun part was at the end…

Ha!  Aaron thought he could out sprint me at the end.  I don’t think so!

We beat the bridge, but we did not keep our feet dry

Our friends Tarah and Anthony, along with myself ran the Nordstrom-sponsored Beat the Bridge 8k (about 5 miles) race this morning.  In typical Seattle fashion – it was raining pouring.  It didn’t make for the best running conditions, but we managed to still make it through to the finish line (soaking wet from head to toe)…and then on to a much-deserved huge ol’ breakfast (complete with chocolate chip pancakes). 

We decided to run this race together, which was fine with me since I figured I could try and push them a little harder.  We did great!  We finished in 45:53…just about 9:15/miles. 

I’m super proud of them!  In addition to keeping up with half marathon training, I’ll be looking for a good 10k or 12k for them to run this summer.  Our other friend Aaron, will rejoin the gang shortly (he’s been out letting his fractured elbow heal). 

And in case you are wondering, yes – this was a Nordstrom-sponsored race, but that doesn’t mean Micah was any bit interested in participating…as a runner!  Instead, he donated some money in my name and was our chauffeur

Running hail fail

With all the gray, gloom, and rain around here the past few…months, it’s been a little challenging finding the motivation to go running outside.  Part of the reason I’m running at all is because of my new coaching “job.”

I happened to muster up the energy and motivation to go running the other day after I got home from work.  I’m talking, walk in the door, immediately change into workout clothes, grab my iPod and out the door.  I thought that was pretty darn good. 

Less than two miles into my run (of the five I was planning on), it started to HAIL!  I’m talking pelt you in the face, “ouch that hurts” sort of hail.  And it wasn’t letting up.  Not only was I drenched in just a couple of minutes, but the hail was so tremendous it was seriously hitting my eyeballs. 

I had the option of sticking it out and continue running, or head back home as the first part of my run was a two-mile loop…and I was nearing the end of the loop.

I debated, but in the end, the hail made the decision for me.  Off to home I went…soaked and with sore eyeballs.  Sigh.  Sun…any day now. 

My running entourage

I have an entourage!!  Well, not really – but I am serving as running “coach” for my friends Aaron, Anthony, and Tarah.

Although I have quite a bit of running experience and knowledge, I must preface this post by confessing that I really don’t love running.  I’m not sure I ever have…it’s just something I’ve done.  Weird, I know.  Now, let’s continue.

The goal: Run and finish a half marathon (13.1 miles).  They’ve selected a half marathon in September in the Woodinville area.

The mission:  Help them train so they can complete the race in under 2:10 (that’s 2 hours and 10 minutes).  And of course, do it injury-free (I didn’t say sore-free) and have fun with it.

The challenge:  Well, for starters that’s a long distance to run!!  Aaron has many half-marathons under his belt, but is looking for my help so he can beat the time part.  Tarah and Anthony have never ran a half…and probably only ran six or so miles at the most at one time – so they need help with getting their endurance up, the mental game, pacing, hills, speed, etc. 

The plan:  We do have quite a bit of time to train.  And we’ve already started.  Each Saturday morning, the four of us (I named us the “Quad Squad” – although it doesn’t seem to be catching on with the others) meet up and run.  Simple as that.  For now, once a week or so will work.  But starting in June, we’ll need to run more often and up our miles.  Right now, focus is on building up our miles from week to week (we’re currently up to 5.5 miles).  Soon, for fun and variety – I’ll throw in some speed workouts and the oh so fun hill workouts. 

Additionally, we’ll sign up for a few “fun” runs during the upcoming months of at least 8k-12k distance.  It’s a great way to see where you are physically and mentally, and give you experience dealing with running in traffic (i.e. dodging in and out of other runners).

Thus far…everyone is doing great!  One particular challenge for me will be to make sure they all stay motivated for training.  I’ve been there…training – especially as you get up there in miles – SUCKS!!!

Key tool:  Aside from shoes, a watch, and an iPod – I also love using this site to map out the runs.  Yes, there are different apps out there that track your miles in real-time – but it doesn’t help you know ahead of time where to run.  I’ve used Gmaps Pedometer for years to plan my runs.