Full Race Recap

GARMIN: miles 13.2  Time:1:57:55
Official Race: miles 13.1  Time: 1:58:54

1:58:54. I finished running the Country Music Marathon in Nashville, Tn. in under 2 hours!
Overall I finished 3386 out of 24,674 people and in my age group 30-34, I finished 242 out of 2803. I am still pretty stoked!
So here is how the day went.

I stayed at hubby's Aunt's house, who just happens to live 3 housed down from Johnny Cash's old place!! Very cool area!  I woke up race morning at 3:45am and figured that would allow me ample time to eat, park, take the shuttle to the start, and be ready to race by 7:00am.  Wrong!
I ate my oats, banana, and coffee and left the house at 5:00am.  My plan was to drive to LP Stadium(the finish line) and take the shuttle,which were supposed to stop running at 6am, to the starting line.  I got to the exit for the stadium at 5:15am and was excited to make good time until I saw the cars......it was gridlock! Cars were backed up for miles to get to finish line parking!!  What's worse is that there was no one directing traffic and I had to pee!  I finally made it to parking at 6:05am.  Thankfully they extended the shuttles until 6:30am.  So, I got in the 1/2 mile long line for a shuttle I asked the lady in front of me if she would hold my place in line while I dashed off to the porta-potties.
START
I made it to the start line at 6:40am and was just about to get in line for a second time at the porta-potties(I have to pee when I get nervous....kind of like a cocker spaniel) when I heard the announcement that because of the storms moving in they had moved the start time ahead 15 minutes to 6:45am!!  I decided I could hold it,  not smart when you are about to run 13.1 miles, but I figured I could always stop along the way.  I ran to find my coral, coral #4 and by the time I got there the runners in the front of coral #4 were already crossing the starting line.  I was so flustered! I tossed off my raincoat and sweatshirt, turned on my Garmin, and crossed the Start line.  In hindsight, the fact that it was so rushed really worked to my advantage.  I didn't have time to get anxious or nervous or freak out. 

Miles 1-6(according to Garmin)

Mile 1-8:29

Mile 2-8:31

Mile 3-8:54

Mile 4-8:54

Mile 5-9:01

Mile 6 -8:32

I felt fantastic the first 5 miles. The course had a LOT of hills which I was not totally prepared for.  At the end of mile 5 I started to feel my quads cramp up a bit, so I stopped, downed a water and GU and stretched for about 20 seconds at a water station.  Legs felt MUCH better after that.

The course was very pretty and the streets were completely lined with supporters cheering.  It was a really fun and exciting atmosphere.  There were bands every couple miles and cheer leading squads on almost every corner!  I welcomed the distractions.  

The roads in Nashville are pretty narrow and there were 24,674 people running so you can imagine it was pretty crowded.  I kept expecting it to thin out a bit but it never did.  There was never a point where I couldn't reach out and pinch someone...if I wanted to.......and I did want to a couple times...

Miles 7-10

Mile 7-8:56

Mile 8-9:12

Mile 9-8:45

Mile 10-9:05

As you can see my pace started to s.l.o.w. down.  Miles 7-10 I was still feeling pretty good though, the hills were starting to mess with me a bit.  I stopped again at 9.5 miles and stretched my quads. This time I stretched for about 30 seconds.  Stopping to stretch made such a huge difference for me this race.  Normally I don't stop.  I just try to run through the cramp which inevitably leads to injury...  I do believe I'm getting smarter!! 

At mile 10 I downed another GU and some cyto-max.

Miles 11-13.1

Mile 11-8:57

Mile 12-9:16

Mile 13-9:37

I really need to practice negative splits!!! In my defense the last mile and a half were up hill.  Okay so I need to work more on hills too.;)

I really don't remember much about the last few miles, I was so elated that I was on time for my goal.  I was already on cloud nine before I crossed the finish line!

After I crossed the finish line and stopped to get my medal and a water my quads locked up.  I went and got two ice packs and sat down for 15 mins and iced my knees and quads.  I think that really helped in my race recovery because the next day my quads were not nearly as sore as I anticipated.

After I had gone through the picture line, food lines, potty lines..line lines... and all the other lines I headed out to find my car.  I got in my car, shut the door and it started to POUR!! It rained and rained and rained!!  

Now, just so you understand, it was 100% chance of rain for Saturday.  It was also 100% chance that the rain would start by 8am.  Personally, I believe that it was an answer to prayer.  I prayed that the skies would be dry until I was finished and they were.  I didn't get one drop of rain on me! Praise GOD!!

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!

I think the half marathon is my new favorite.  I am going to run the Women's Half Marathon in Nashville, Sept 25th.  I think an all women's race would be fantastic! I have already recruited my running buddy Angie(she just doesn't know it yet!)

Plus, look how cute the medal for the Women's Half is:

 Thank you all for your comments, encouraging words, tips, and advice!!  I am grateful for all of you!!!

 

If you're new to my blog, welcome! If you're not new, thanks for stopping by!  I love reading your comments and feedback!

Grace and peace,

 

I.DID.IT!

 

I did it, I did it, I did it, Yeah!! I finished the Country Music Half Marathon in under 2hrs!! 1:58:54 to be exact!!

I am still on cloud nine! It wasn't much under 2hrs, but I don't care. It was by far the hardest course I have ever run because it was extremely hilly.  I'm happy that I prepared with hill training, otherwise this would have been a nightmare.

I will have a full race re-cap tomorrow!!  

Thank you for all your encouraging words!!

 

If you're new to my blog, welcome! If you're not new, thanks for stopping by!  I love reading your comments and feedback!

Grace and peace,

 

Three Things Thursday

1.The big race is Saturday and the weather report is calling for thunderstorms all morning....not sure what I'm supposed to do.  I don't mind running in rain at all....but thunder and lightning not so much.  Do they postpone races this big? I'm making a trip to a local thrift shop for a rain coat I can throw away.  I am also praying for dry skies..

2. Hubby is traveling out of town for work, so I will be making the 2hr trip to Nashville solo.  I'm staying the night with Hubby's Aunt and I'm excited to spend some quality time with her.  I haven't really had a chance to see her since her husband passed away a few months ago.  It should be a very nice, low-key, evening. 

3.I can not wait to go to the Expo tomorrow! I'm hoping it is as good as the R n' R Arizona expo.  That expo was like Disney Land for runners and I've got my spending stash ready! I want to find a couple cute running shirts.  Last time the girls from Run Happy Tees had a booth set up and I almost bought one of their shirts and then changed my mind.... I regretted it as soon as I left because they were significantly discounted at the Expo and the Tees are super cute! 

I want to thank you all for your encouragment, support, and advice! My nerves are better today and I know that I am prepared.  I trained hard and I trained smart....

My next post will be my race re-cap!!! 

Good wishes and blessings to all of you who have races this weekend!!

If you're new to my blog, welcome! If you're not new, thanks for stopping by!  I love reading your comments and feedback!

Grace and peace,

a distraction

Today as a distraction from my Half this Saturday I am focusing on Birthday parties....

My Little Prince 

and 

my Littlest Prince

 (How cute is that popeye smile!!)

both have birthdays at the end of April.  So on May 2nd we are having a huge BBQ to celebrate them both.  I'm not sure yet how a co-birthday party will be, of course Littlest Prince will only be 2, so all he will care about is cake and balloons.  However, Little Prince will be 9, and I don't want him to feel like he is "sharing" the spot light(even though he is). 
I know this has nothing to do with running(that is the point...distractions....) but, I am looking for ideas to make it special for both of them separately....together. 
So, any ideas are welcome!!!

  Please!!!

If you're new to my blog, welcome! If you're not new, thanks for stopping by!  I love reading your comments and feedback!

Grace and peace,

4 days and counting....

First of all I want to say a HUGE Congratulations to all of you who ran the Boston Marathon!! You are amazing!!

It has been a super busy few days.  I am behind on everything, work, laundry, reading, blogging, eating, sleeping.....you get the point.
This past Saturday I ran the Foot Pursuit 5k.  I placed first in my Age Group at 24:45. I was going for a PR  and missed it by 2 seconds.... Oh well. It was a fun race put on by my friend Linda and the race raised over $2000 for the Special Olympics. 
I will be adding some extra speed work into my training after the Half this weekend to hopefully get my 5k time under 24 mins.

Speaking of the half this weekend, only 4 days left until the Nashville Country Music Half....I am really nervous...like dry mouth, nauseous, pitting out just thinking about it...nervous.  I wasn't this nervous before the last two Half marathons that I ran.  I think I am putting too much a little more pressure on myself this time.  The first Half I ran, I went into with no expectations or time constraints. I just wanted to finish.  The second one I missed my goal of a sub 2 hour by 1min 44sec.....and I strained my IT Band.
Saturday night I had a dream that I was running the Half and I was staring at my Garmin and no matter how fast I ran I could not get my pace under 9:30......I woke up pretty freaked out.  I never have anxiety dreams. 
I ran my last big training run on Sunday. A 12 miler that started off rough and turned into an 11 miler.  That run didn't do anything for my confidence....yesterday I did an easy 2 miles, this evening I will do an easy 4 miles, tomorrow I will do a 30 min tempo run and then Thursday and Friday I will freak out rest.

My friend and running buddy Angie put a race care package together for me yesterday that included everything I will need for race day, GU, new race socks, kleenex(because the porta-potties are ALWAYS out of T.P.), sanitizer wipes, my favorite cherry Laffy Taffy(for after the race) and some other great goodies!!  Angie has really been a huge support and it is nice to have someone to keep me accountable as race day approaches.  Especially when normally I would be feeding my anxiety like a mad woman, Angie continually reminds me to eat clean.  And I have been eating clean....... for about 2 days....;)

The rest of the week I will be focusing on peace.  I am happy to serve a God who is the Prince of peace!

What do you do to calm your nerves before a big race?

If you're new to my blog, welcome! If you're not new, thanks for stopping by!  I love reading your comments and feedback!

Grace and peace,

3 Things Thursday

I can't believe it's already Thursday! This week has been super busy and just flew by!

1. I registered for the County Music Half Marathon in Nashville this morning.  I know, I know....cutting it close.  I never, ever register more than 2 weeks in advance for a race.  The reason is because hubby's work schedule can change dramatically from one week to the next and I never know if I will have someone to watch the 3 princes.  I have lost money on several races because his schedule changes or a babysitters falls through....most of the time on the smaller races I register the morning of the race. Thankfully, none of the races I've register for have been full.  I was a little concerned about this one because it is such a popular race, but there were no problems. 

2. I'm having shoe issues that I hope to have resolved before the half. First of all, let me say that when you get a new pair of running shoes it is not a good idea to run 11 miles in them the first day.....uh-duh.....and then a 6 miler the second day...double uh-duh..... you are supposed to ease new running shoes into your running routine.  Yesterday, I took a mandatory rest day to stretch and ice my knees, thighs, and hips, which were all throbbing.  Yesterday I also had serious doubts to whether or not I could run a half in sub 2hrs. Funny how a little pain can totally shake you. A product of my own stupidity.
Today I donned my "old" running shoes on a 4.92 mile run and I feel FANTASTIC. Seriously, I guess I babied myself just right yesterday because today I have NO pain but better than that....I have no doubts.  Really I have no doubts because my faith in God is so much stronger than my faith in myself.  I know that I will fail myself over and over again, but God will never fail me and that gives me the confidence to know that I CAN do all things through Christ who strengthens me(Phil 4:13), and that includes running a sub 2hr half marathon!

3. Me and 4 of my girlfriends are taking a KID-FREE and HUBBY-FREE vacation!! It has been years since I have had an all girls getaway!  A friend of mine has a condo right on the ocean we will be staying at. We are going right before Mother's Day as a mother's day gift to ourselves!  I can not be more excited!  What I'm really looking forward to is sleeping past 5:30am.....wow have my vacation expectations really changed since I've had kids!!!:)

Hope you all have a fantastic day and a blessed weekend!!

If you're new to my blog, welcome! If you're not new, thanks for stopping by!  I love reading your comments and feedback!
Grace and peace,

Turf Toe....What??

I know you have been awaiting the results from my appt with the podiatrist.  The official diagnosis was that I have "Turf Toe". 

So, what is "turf toe"? 

Turf toe is a condition of pain at the base of the big toe, located at the ball of the foot. The condition is usually caused from either jamming the toe, or pushing off repeatedly when running or jumping. The most common complaint is pain at the base of the toe, but you may also have symptoms of stiffness and swelling.  My symptoms were pain in the ball of my foot and burning sensation in my big toe.

What is the treatment?

Treatment of turf toe consists of controlling the inflammation of the joint capsule. The most important aspect of treatment is to rest the sore toe to allow the inflammation to subside and the joint capsule to heal. In addition to resting the toe, inflammation can be controlled by icing the area, and elevating the foot, and anti-inflammatory meds.
Athletes diagnosed with turf toe should avoid their sport at least three weeks (not going to happen)to allow the joint capsule to heal. Without doing so, the injury can progress, and can lead to an even longer recuperation. It is not uncommon for athletes to try to come back too soon, or to try to play through the injury. Unfortunately, this usually leads to a more chronic injury, and ultimately a longer recovery.

Ok, so my Dr. offered to give me a steroid shot in the ball of my foot. Um, NO Thank you... so he wrote me a prescription for oral steroids and told me to take it easy.  Really?  Take it easy?  I have a Half Marathon that is begging to be run sub-2hrs in exactly 11 days.  I promised I would take it easy after April 24th, and I will. Relatively. 

Anyone else ever have "Turf Toe"?  I would like to know what kind of recovery time I'm looking at.
♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦
I finally got new shoes!  I went over to Fleet Feet on Friday.  I've been wearing Mizuno's for the last 6 months and really like them, so I decided to stay with Mizuno.  After measuring my feet the guy suggested I go up a half size to a 9.5.  I've never had any problems with my size 9's, but I figured he knew better than me, so I agreed. 
I ended up getting the Mizuno Wave Nirvana 6

I tried them out yesterday for the first time and was a little disappointed.  I think I need to go back down to a size 9.  After my run I had blisters on both big toes.  I've NEVER had blisters on my toes before or any pain on my toenails.  I'm thinking that my toes have too much room to move around.  I ran a total of 11 miles in them yesterday and tried another 6.25 miles this morning.  Tomorrow I will be making another trip to Fleet Feet. Thankfully Fleet Feet will exchange your running shoes even after you run in them.
♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦
Last, week because of allergies and congestion I only ran a total of 12 miles and I totally wussed out of the 5k on Sunday......I also consumed the rest of the Easter candy.  On a positive note, there is no more candy in the house.LOL!

Hope you are all having a great week!  

If you're new to my blog, welcome! If you're not new, thanks for stopping by!  I love reading your comments and feedback!
Grace and peace,

3 Things Thursday

1. Yesterday I doubled up on my running.  I cut my usual 5 mile lunch run to a 3.5 mile run due to the CRAZY amount of pollen.  Everything was coated in yellow dusting of pollen.

 Pollen dusting

This is the first year since living in Alabama that pollen has affected me. I have never had allergies. But by the time I finished my run I was a hot mess! Sneezing, sniffling, eyes watering!  A friend stopped by my work and gave me a claratin 24hr which seemed to help a little.  By the time I got home I felt a little better.  I turned on the weather and the guy told me that thunderstorms were moving in.  I had a hill run planned for this morning and since it was going to be raining all morning today I canned this mornings run and decided to do it yesterday evening instead.  I felt great during the run and I believe I rocked those hills, however, after the run was horrible!!  I had youth group last night and by the time I got there my whole face was running, my eyes were swollen, and I couldn't stop sneezing!

2.I have to pig out at a staff breakfast work on Saturday, so I will not be running the River City 10k as planned.  Instead, I found a 5k race this Sunday at 2pm that I will be running.  It is the Art in Motion 5k and supports our local Fine Arts Center. I love the small local races!

3. We have another jam packed weekend with baseball games and birthday parties.  Hopefully I can get some laundry done. Hubby is still working a crazy schedule and will be working all weekend. I sure do miss that man! No matter what happens this weekend, I WILL have new running shoes come Monday! Fleet Feet here I come!

Oh, one more thing....I know that's 4 "things". I have an appt. with my podiatrist today at 2:45pm to get my foot checked out.  I'm loving the new orthotics however, from the ball of my foot up into my big toe feels like it is on fire after a run....not sure what's up with that. Maybe I just need new shoes?:) I'll keep you posted! I know you can't wait to hear about my feet!Ha!

If you're new to my blog, welcome! If you're not new, thanks for stopping by!  I love reading your comments and feedback!

Grace and peace,

On the fly!

I don't have time for a post today, so here is a pic from our Easter weekend!

Notice Hubby is MIA....he was in bed with the sickies!:(

He is all healed up now!

Hope you are all having a wonderfully blessed week!!

I'm running hills in the morning! YaY!! I'm learning to love hills!

If you're new to my blog, welcome! If you're not new, thanks for stopping by!  I love reading your comments and feedback!

Grace and peace,

Heart warming Acts of Kindness

Two things happened yesterday that warmed my heart.♥
First,  I run a 1.5mile loop at a local park on my lunch.  About once a week there is a man on a big tractor mower who mows the grass along the path.  The mower kicks up all kinds of dust and debris into the air.  Normally, he doesn't pay attention to runners or walkers and keeps right on mowing and I just try not to breathe as I run by.  Yesterday, there was a new guy mowing.  I did three laps, and every time I was about 50 feet from the mower he stopped and waited until I was well past him before he started mowing again.  I though it was a nice gesture. Hubby thinks the guy just wanted to watch me run by. Could be. I really don't care. In my head, he was being nice and didn't want to kick up a bunch of grass in my face!

Second, last night was running group.  Before the group run one of the other coaches Linda came up to me and handed me the book "Run Like A Mother"!! I was shocked!  She said she had thought of me when she saw it and thought I would like to read it before I started training for my first marathon.  What a sweetie!  I only met Linda 4 weeks ago and have only talked to her briefly on Monday nights before the group runs.  If I wasn't so emotionally stunted I probably would have teared up.  What a kind thing to do.  It always feels good to know someone is thinking of you.  I have never even told her that I want to read that book or that it was at the top of my "To Read" list.

So yesterday made me think of what I could do to make the people in my life feel special.  Random acts of kindness go a long way to making someone's day so much brighter.

I want to know if you have been treated by a random act of kindness lately.  Or have you treated someone to a random act of kindness? Tell me about it.

 If you're new to my blog, welcome! If you're not new, thanks for stopping by!  I love reading your comments and feedback!

Grace and peace,

 

Sugar High

 Yesterday I ingested an ungodly amount of Easter Candy....I am feeling it today. Poor peeps....those things are so cute and so yummy!!
Seriously there is no telling how many calories I consumed.  I'm sure it was well over my weekly allowance.  I would not feel so bad about it if I had gotten in my long run Saturday.

I had a 15miler planned for Saturday morning at 6am.  I woke up at 5am to eat and check the weather. The weather man said there would be strong thunderstorms moving in around 8am.  So I figured I may not get in the 15miles but surely I would have enough time to squeeze in 13.  WRONG.  At a little before 7am the sky lit up with lightning and the bottom fell out!!  The weatherman is a liar....It poured!!  I was running with 2 friends and thankfully we weren't too far from my mom's house.  We hoofed it there and woke my brother up. I borrowed his car to take my friends home.  Bummer. We only got in 4.5 miles. 
It cleared up by 10am and turned into a beautiful day, but I didn't have the time to get anymore running in on Saturday or Sunday.
My brother's wedding reception was Saturday afternoon at my house and it was perfect.  It was warm and sunny, everyone enjoyed themselves, and the food was amazing!!   It wouldn't be a family gathering without too much food and of course my mother's mostaccioli (which I overindulged in).  Talk about carb loading!  We had enough food to feed a large army!

I'm pretty sure this weekend I gained back the 6lbs. that took me 3 months to lose. And it is probably in the shape of a peep sitting on my muffin tops!

In other news,  only 19 days to the Country Music Half Marathon in Nashville!!! I can not wait!!
I just talked to my Aunt who lives up there and secured my place to stay.  I waited too late to book a hotel downtown and the only ones left were about $300 a night.  Nothing like scoring a free place to stay! SCORE!

Saturday I receive the Stuffitts that I won from Allie at That Girl Is A Running Fool.  Today the temp is going to reach 85 and that means my feet will be sweating like crazy! I'm excited to try these out!  Thanks Allie!!!

  I am SO thankful that Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead three days later showing the righteous justification that you and I can now have in Him!!

Hope you all had a blessed Easter!!

If you're new to my blog, welcome! If you're not new, thanks for stopping by!  I love reading your comments and feedback!

Grace and peace,

Giveaway Winner & 3 Things Thursday

Wow!! 110 entries were made for the iFitness & GU giveaway!!!  Random number generator picked number 48!!!
And the winner is......

Congratulations to Jen at Setting You Free !  

Jen is the winner of an awesome iFitness Neoprene Double Pouch and 4 packs of Jet Blackberry GU!

Jen, email your contact info to mommysfitfortheking@yahoo.com and I will get it sent right out!

Thanks to the people at iFitness for sponsoring such a great giveaway and having a fantastic product!

Thanks to everyone who entered! I have another giveaway in the works, so stay tuned!

3 Things Thursday

#1 Today is April Fool's Day, I always feel special on this day.  The first day of my month.  It's pretty cool to have a month named after me. And of course, it IS named after me and not the other way around....at least in my head.

#2  I am the Queen of over committing. Example, tomorrow I usually run with my friend Angie and we are suppose to do hills in the morning.  I also told my boys school that I would do chair massage for the teachers from 8am-2pm.  Middle Prince has an Easter egg hunt with his class I told him I would attend at 10:30am.  And finally, I am hosting my brother's wedding reception at MY house Saturday and Friday is the day I am supposed to be getting the house ready.  Oh, and I don't have a babysitter for Littlest Prince on Fridays.........hmmmmm I need to learn to say NO!

#3 I have a 15miler planned for Saturday morning at 6am with some friends! Very excited to get this new month started off right!!!

Happy April to you!!! Have a blessed day!!!

If you're new to my blog, welcome! If you're not new, thanks for stopping by!  I love reading your comments and feedback!

Grace and peace,