Bobbi and I modeling our Oiselle Running Shirts and Atalanta Athleticwear Skirts.
Today was a practice test. The goal was to go out and do everything like we will on marathon day- including pace, fueling and fitness levels. Overall, we both are right on with our pace schedule. Our average for the first 9-11 miles was under 8, then, our pace came down a bit (mine was 840 avg). In the previous post, you can see that hill at the end which was pretty nasty and although we didn’t walk- it was a SLOG! Bobbi finished in 1:45 and I finished in 1:50.
Honestly, I am a bit disappointed in my time. My stomach was cramping for the entire 13.2 miles and there were several times in the race when I just wanted to puke. Bottom line, I still need to figure out a better way to carry my drink of choice and hydrate properly before and during the race. Started taking water at mile 10 and COULDN’T get enough. Felt like I could drink a gallon or more at each opportunity. Also, when you tell 7750 runners to get to the bus stop no later than 530 AM, 7000 runners will show up at 530!! This was very problematic as it was a one lane road to the parking area. In the end it took us 3 times as long as we planned to actually get to the starting line. We had five minutes from the time we jumped off the bus to the actual start time. Thank God for timing chips- this gave at least gave us a window of time.
The good news is that my legs and lungs felt strong. No major knee or hamstring pains or cramps. Got to met Heather Langendorfer, founder of Atalanta Athleticwear at the expo and she’s really nice! Very cool to actually meet the woman behind one of my favorite running skirts! The race day shirt is improving. It had a nice color and graphics but they still don’t fit us. If I could cut the sleeves off, make the shirt cut to fit a woman’s body, and cut off 4-6 inches off the bottom, I would be thrilled. Then I would have a perfect race day shirt.
Again, this was a test and I am glad I have two more months to train for the full marathon. I am just more determined to get stronger. Eat cleaner, gain a few more pounds of muscle, and grab a full 8 hours of sleep on the night before…trying to get it right.
You can read Bobbi’s version here.
14 responses so far ↓
1 workout mommy // Aug 18, 2008 at 4:35 am
AWESOME!! Congrats, I have no doubt that you will BQ in October.
2 Running Knitter // Aug 18, 2008 at 5:42 am
Amazing job! Keep it up!
Running Knitters last blog post..Milestones
3 MizFit // Aug 18, 2008 at 10:48 am
*waves*
Im so frigging impressed and SO CHEERING YOU ONWARD!
MizFits last blog post..Monday Facetime. Subtitle: Really, People? You wanted MORE pushing upward?!
4 Lance // Aug 18, 2008 at 11:15 am
Great job – that’s awesome! Big race it sounds like – I love the atmosphere of those events.
Lances last blog post..Olympic Strength – It’s In All of Us
5 Fit Mommy // Aug 18, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Thank you everybody! I appreciate all the virtual cheers.
6 Mark Salinas // Aug 18, 2008 at 2:11 pm
You did fantastic! Well done! Be proud!
7 Jill Will Run // Aug 18, 2008 at 2:56 pm
Awesome effort… I would love if I had a time like that. Maybe someday!
Jill Will Runs last blog post..Extraterrestrial Full Moon Midnight Half-Marathon
8 kch // Aug 18, 2008 at 7:55 pm
Great job!
Re: your hydration issues – I would suggest starting to hydrate earlier. Mile 10 sounds way too late to start drinking to me.
kchs last blog post..The Keys to Life
9 Lori L. // Aug 19, 2008 at 12:40 am
How exciting! Great job
10 Fitarella // Aug 19, 2008 at 3:03 am
YAAAAAAAY! YOU GO WOMAN! SO SIKED FOR YOU!!!
Fitarellas last blog post..It ain’t easy being average
11 Sally Bergesen // Aug 19, 2008 at 4:57 am
Congratulations on the big race! And good on ya for sticking in there. I’ve often struggled with that hydration balance, and when it goes south, it’s not pretty. But better now, than in the marathon, right?
12 A Mom in Red High Heels // Aug 19, 2008 at 6:17 am
Congrats on your finish! Be proud of your accomplishment!
13 heather // Aug 21, 2008 at 12:36 pm
Congrats on hanging in there — no better way to “test the waters” before the big day! I’d be curious if you were drinking water or something with some electrolytes in it?
Anyhoo… it was lovely to meet you! I’ll look forward to seeing you in St. George.
14 Fit Mommy // Aug 21, 2008 at 1:55 pm
Thanks everybody! I was drinking HEED before the start and for the first 6 miles. Should have done water first, then HEED. Pretty much overprepared for all of the event.
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