Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Triple Crown DONE! & how it made me love my hubby even more ... Papa John 10 Mile Race Recap


Well - I did it... completed the Triple Crown of Running!

..  & more importantly, finished the race that I dread more than any race ever.  The Papa John's 10 miler.  I make it sound so fun, don't I?

I just really dont like this race.  First, I dont like the hills in Iroquois Park.  I dont like they stick a big hill in at mile 9 when you're wore out, & I hate the parking around that area - which I'll get to more on that later.

I was a nervous wreck going into this race after my horrible 9 miles the weekend before. But I do have to say, a lot of comments from some of you runners really gave me some pep.  Knowing it was on a treadmill & I didnt do nutrition properly, it made a difference... so I tried to keep a positive attitude about it.

Who am I kidding? I kept telling myself the night before I was going to die on this one...

maybe that's why I didn't sleep well & every time I woke up, I felt like I was going to throw up.

Side note - my sweet hubby - every time I woke up & would do deep breathing techniques (what I do to help nausea) Ricky would wake up & say, "You want me to get you water? Want some Alleve?" ... isn't he the cutest?



But when the alarm went off at 6:00am, I had already been tossing & turning & ready to get up & at least get this show on the road.

It really downed my mood when I saw that Spring had left over night apparently & it was like 37 degrees out.

I know most runners are like, "That's perfect"... let me remind you that in 60 degree temps, I'm still wearing 2 shirts, a jacket, gloves & ear warmers.  My blood must not run thick.

With my knees acting up, I decided to go old school & pull out my box of KT Tape.  & yes, I do have a box full of it. I used to live by this stuff. I think I need to put it into action more often again - even on my shoulder.

Knees:
It feels good - but man, makes for ugly knee caps
I usually dont give much thought to my outfit - except for LAYERS - but this time, I knew I was going to wear my camo leggings for this one. I felt like with all the mind games & all the pain my body had been through lately, I was going into this one with a little war on my hands.

A war needs camo...

Race:

The morning was going smoothly & I felt like I was doing good on time - had my usual egg on an english muffin for breakfast, got my braids in, started drinking water & even took an Alleve before the run because I was scared to death my face & teeth were going to hurt.

I had just sat in a dentist chair for 3 hours 2 days before & my face HURT... I wasn't sure how the running & jumping up & down impact was going to be... so I tried to nip that before it started.

Next thing I know, I hear on the news that its 7:10... OH SNAP ... we were supposed to leave by 7... so we grabbed our stuff, which means Ricky had to get his gear of his Starbucks Cafe Mocha, & we were out the door.

Yes, I put on my race song again, Defying Gravity, but I at least did Ricky a favor this time & kept the volume low.  Marriage is about give & take... he gets up to offer me Alleve at 3 am?  I turn Broadway music down low the morning after for him.

Now, we're heading to park near Papa John's Stadium - where the finish line is... & this is a HUGE stadium ... that holds THOUSANDS of people... so tell me why they weren't prepared for around 6,000 runners to park around there?  Turn off the stupid lights!  Get someone to direct traffic - SOMETHING!!!

We were stuck on the expressway....

Traffic:
See all the cars behind me lined up?  Same in front of me...

This is about where I FREAK THE FREAK OUT!!!!!!!

... no seriously... I am screaming!!!


This literally was me in the car 

The race started at 8 & we sat in traffic starting around 7:35... & then it was 7:45... & then 7:55... & we still weren't near the parking lot... & the Start line is a good 10  minutes from the parking area.

I HATE being late to a start line...

Ricky kept trying to remind me its not the end of the world.  It was going to be OK... it just got my blood pumping like I had already ran the race.  My nerves were wearing thin anyways.

By the time we got to the Start Line, we could hear the announcer telling everyone they would be taking down the Start Line in a few minutes - runners needed to get across it.  I ended up starting nearly 13 minutes after it began. UGGGGHHHHHH!!!!!

Now, I know most people, that doesn't phase them.  There were a ton of people hanging out, using the bathroom, chatting with friends, starting late on purpose.  For me?  A slow runner? it felt awful.  I am a back of the packer anyways - so to START at the literal back of the pack?  I just was overwhelmed.

People dont get it unless you ever do stick to the back... its a different world... its a world that's forgotten... & sometimes, not even thought about by other runners. (Obviously not everyone - not pointing fingers or blame)  For instance though - jumping ahead - when I finished, there were no bananas left.  There was limited Gatorade.  Pizza was out.  But as I'm finishing the last few miles on the course, I see runners with ARM FULLS of bananas walking to their cars. Some people had bags full of Gatorade drinks.  People had extra plates of pizza balancing on their arm.  They could care less there are a lot of people left to finish.   & its not like I was last.


I think people cross the finish line & if they hang out a bit, they think, 'its almost over' when there are people out on the course till the BITTER END.... & there's nothing worse than to push yourself & see that you aren't given the same treatment that the other finishers got....

NOTE TO RUNNERS:  A race is not a free pass to do your grocery shopping!!!!

It's so frustrating...

Anyways... let me get back to the point... the race....

I will say, it was a new experience starting so late behind all the walkers.  No offense to people who walk the whole course - because they are the ones having the time of their lives - they are usually with friends laughing & chatting & taking their time & enjoying every minute of the race (I would love to do a race like this one time because it really does seem like a good time!!!) ... but man, people were spread 5 to 6 across the road, just having a party & I was struggling to get through.  It wasn't their fault - they were where they needed to be on the course - it was just me starting so late, it was difficult to get through.

My goal was to run the first 3 miles that got you to the park... by the time I got to the 3 mile mark, my GPS had me at 3.20 - I'm sure from dodging in & out & around people... it was a challenge.

As we headed into the park, I honestly told Ricky to pray for me to get through the park.  He said, "You'll make it - stop it"... to which I told him, "I'll make it, but its my knees I'm afraid wont"

... hit mile 4 & doing OK...

Mile 5 is on the very back of the park & the point where you start heading back towards the finish. I felt great making it there & still feeling really good.

I also knew to start my nutrition about here.  I am not a fan of gels because they upset my stomach, but I had stopped at Target the night before & got some snack bags & some pretzels & raisins.  Just enough to get some salt & sugar in my system.  I'm one of those people whose blood sugar jumps & I can FEEL it. Like I get a little faint if I dont stay on top of it... but I broke that out at a water stop, Ricky even sucked the salt off a few pretzels & then before I knew it, I was at mile 6...

& at mile 6 - it is literally all down hill from there...

& I got the feeling I'd been waiting on...



Now - granted, I am slow but I had a goal & when I hit mile 7, I was 5 minutes ahead of that! YAHOO!!!

My legs & inner thighs got sore, but after a few stretches in the middle of the road, I was good...

I really couldn't believe how many people I had passed & turned around at about mile 8 & saw a big number of people stretching out the distance on the road. I wasn't last!

It was also encouraging that in that last mile, there were some people standing there cheering everyone on.  A group of people at the top of that horrible hill were great at encouraging everyone... & a lady right at the last turn going into the stadium was standing there clapping & rooting people.  She looked me right in the face & said, "You are doing SO GOOD"... I forget how important it is to hear that - even from strangers... & it makes me even more want to go out & root on strangers at other races. It makes a difference. It really does.

But I got on the turf, made the turn & I DID IT!  & about 4.30 minutes ahead of my goal

Funny thing... I hadn't run this race since 2013 ... & my time was EXACTLY the same as that race... down to the MILLISECOND!  Like, I couldn't have done that if I tried.  Do you know how fast a millisecond is?  Gold medals are won & lost on that time.  But it was EXACT.  I thought that was so funny. I told Ricky if I was 1 millisecond slower, I would have probably cried. haha


10 miler:


While we were running, I had seen people leaving with medals on... & again, being a back of the packer, I have heard of so many races running OUT of medals (which makes me so angry) but when we crossed the finish line, there was no one standing there giving out medals.

I just knew they were out.

God love my precious husband. He was like, "OH HECK NO - you are getting a medal"... & my quiet & shy husband who hates talking to strangers, turned & started going to every one who looked official & was like, "I need a medal for my wife"... "Get her a medal"... he even said he was eyeing up a stranger to see if he could get their medal & run for it... HAHA! (He would never y'all. but the idea #swoon)



... but we walked around the corner & they were giving out the medals there.

OOPS.. haha...

Medal:


Our tradition after a race is usually Panera Bread for breakfast... but this race wouldn't get us to there in time before they stopped serving breakfast.  BUMMER!  & I'm not a fan of breakfast at most other places (Cracker Barrel, I'm talking to you - blah) ... & well, they were handing out free Papa John's pizza so we grabbed one & chowed down.

Pizza:
Reward of Champions

Then it was time to walk back to the car - 3 miles away.

I told Ricky that its good to see I made it to the car easily, because that made the miles about 13.1 - giving me confidence I'm going to make my half marathon :)

On the way to the car, we had to pass all of the University of Louisville's little trains that people rent out for tail gating. Ricky was happy to be sporting his UK shirt for the race & had to stop & take this picture for all his friends.

Race:


He really isn't a hateful sports person - but he does like to have fun with it... especially if it teases his sister or his brother in law. :)

So... I made it... I survived.

I can sport my Triple crown shirt that says 19.3 miles now... & I'll wear it proudly.

& I felt like I came out of this one smarter for my half marathon - which is now 5 weeks away... the pretzels & raisins worked great! ... I need to work more on strengthening my hips & inner thighs... & putting lotion on my feet really helped ward off blisters on the bottoms of my feet.

I learned a lot these 10 miles...

especially on how much I love my husband....

Race:

____________
Week 11 Half Marathon Training

Week 11 Created by Photo Grid.  Android  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.roidapp.photogrid  iPhone  https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/photo-grid-collage-maker/id543577420?mt=8:


Monday - Run 3.10 miles
Tuesday - 21 Day Fix - Total Body Cardio
Wednesday - 21 Day Fix - Upper Fix
Thursday - T25 Speed 1.0 (Couldnt run with knee)
Friday - REST DAY
Saturday - Papa John's 10 Mile Race
Sunday - REST DAY




22 comments:

  1. You did so good! How crazy is that, you got the exact same time as the last time you did it! It makes my blood boil when I see runners, or even spectators, walk off with all the food. That is so wrong.
    I think the traffic/parking is the very reason I don't do the triple crown. That's the only thing only dreading about the mini!
    And how sweet of Ricky!!

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  2. Yay yay yay!! Go YOU! I never give much thought to the end-of-race rewards or people cheering on the sidelines, but now I know that it really helps the runners along!! (During the few 5ks that I've walked I only ever take one water at the end- not even food. I don't like to eat right afterward.) I can't wait to hear about the half marathon in 5 weeks! What a sweet husband you have!

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  3. Congratulations to you! I'm so so happy for you and for finishing the race in a great way for yourself and for getting that medal! xo, Biana -BlovedBoston

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  4. Ahhh so proud of you!! Congratulations!!!

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  5. Sooo awesome! Congratulations! I love how supportive Ricky was of you and even more that he was determined to get you a medal! I would have been so stressed over all of that traffic too and you wonder why there isn't more travel preparation for big events-- but even with the delayed start you beat your goal & SO crazy that you got the exact same time!

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  6. whew!! that is crazy. 'm so glad you made it and finished!! i don't like being late either. i was worn out just reading this story!

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  7. Congratulations!!! You are AMAZING!!

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  8. Congrats! I hate being late to the start line too. I have a similar pace as you and I agree with everything you said about the back of the pack. I hate it when races seem like they've forgotten the back of the pack and I write them off my list. As long as someone finishes within your published time limit, you should have the support out for them.

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  9. Oh girl.. Yes the traffic/being late would STRESS ME OUT! I can't believe your time. Millisecond really? Way to beat your goal and how do you look so cute post race?

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  10. I would also be freaking out about being late even though in the grand scheme of things it doesn't matter.

    I'm proud of you! Great job!

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  11. If I could give your a HIGH FIVE right now, I'd do it! So proud of you, my friend! Never for a moment did I doubt that you could and WOULD do it! Way to go!!!!

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  12. I would have seriously lost my cool if they had been out of medals. I would have called Papa John's myself on your behalf until they sent you one. But glad I don't have to go ape shit. Haha.

    I definitely agree about not taking more than your fair share of the post race spread. I like it better when there are volunteers moderating intake...and also, like it when they put the food in the finish line chute, mostly preventing everyones friends & family from deciding they earned some pizza too while waiting around. NOPE. Not fair.

    In my marathon last May I cannot even tell you how many aid stations I ran past that were OUT OF WATER. And for a solid middle of the pack runner that's ridiculous given how many people there had to be coming after me. How do you estimate that poorly?

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    1. Also, edited to add. You knee cap picture above had me in stitches. Haha.

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  13. Yay - you did it!! I was late to the start line last year so I know what you mean about all the walkers -- you want to be encouraging to them too but doggoneit, get outta my way! ;) Raisins and pretzels - I hadn't thought of that but I may try that for the half. There was one group in the park who were handing out chocolate donuts -- I gagged when I saw them. Ugh.

    But yay!! you did it!! :)

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  14. Congrats on finishing the triple crown!! I would hate to be late to start a race so I can only imagine how you were feeling! When I finished my marathon they were giving away free pizza and the volunteers said I could take whole box if I wanted to... I was like ummm no there are still some runners out on the course who need pizza! Maybe the volunteers need a little bit more training.

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  15. Congrats, this is a huge accomplishment! I can't run to save my life, so I find runners so incredible!

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  16. Congrats on the triple crown!!! That is awesome!!!! And seriously, how rude about the pizza, bananas and Gatorade!! The people who run the race should be monitoring that so everyone is treated fairly.

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  17. Awwww! I love this recap, and I think I love Ricky a little bit, ha ha! I would have been hugely stressed out by starting that late. Good for you for putting that out of your head and running a good, strong race. Congrats!!! Oh, and runners grabbing multiples of the finish line food really annoys me--especially when I see them giving food to their kids & family who didn't run!

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  18. Oh I can bet how nerve wracking the whole start was. I've had to start in a further back corral before cus I was waiting in line at a Porto potty and although it really didn't make a difference in my race it still felt like I was unprepared right at the start. Not a goo way to start a race.
    And Ricky is so cute hunting a medal for you. Even though I ha already seen your medal on your FBB post the other day, for some reason I was worried that you may not have gotten a medal....lol. Does Ricky run the entire race with you?

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  19. Congratulations! I get nervous when I'm not on time also. Actually, I get nervous when I'm not early. It's amazing how people grab at free stuff. No sense of the other humans around them.

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  20. awwww ricky is so freaking sweet. kc refuses to come to that race with me haha. seriously though, it is always a mess. they are never prepared and it's ridiculous. i had a friend who finished like crazy fast one year and they were out of pizza when she crossed the line, and then when i crossed the line, they had pizza. it's all weird. but yeah it's super rude when people take more than their share... well, i mean, i always take more than one because i'm a fatty, but i don't hold like 2 bunches of bananas when there are people with no bananas. like if i saw limited bananas, i wouldn't take one. but anyway!! congrats on your time, how funny that it was exact. now the big one is next!! hopefully we see each other! i mean i know you'll be wearing your awesome outfit haha i'm really hoping for super warm weather because i'm like you, 37 degrees sounds horrible.

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