While it may seem that everyone from Oprah to Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers has done a marathon, it's still a formidable check on bucket list. It takes a huge amount of courage to sign up for the marathon, but after you shell out the money and take the plunge, there's a moment of "oh shit, what did I just commit to?!"
Well never fear: If you are running a spring marathon, be it Vermont City Marathon or another spring classic, start tuning into the Run Down, where I'll be guest blogging through the fall, winter and spring about all sorts of issues related to the marathon from picking a training plan and a running shoe, to surviving the winter doldrums. I'll still be blogging here as well, including lots of entries on my own path from here to VCM 2012.
As John "the Penguin" Bingham says, "The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start." Signing up is the start of an incredible experience. Like most things worth doing, the marathon has its ups and downs, but I don't know many people who have completed one who wished they hadn't. So be courageous. Sign up to run a spring marathon, then tune in here and on the RunDown for everything you'll need from start to finish.
Showing posts with label Vermont City Marathon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vermont City Marathon. Show all posts
Friday, October 7, 2011
Sunday, October 2, 2011
The Decision 2011
While I'm no King James, I've been wrestling with what my next target race should be. I have a little less than 2 years before medical school, during which time I would really like to get my Trials standard. I'm operating under the assumption that for at least the first two years of medical school, the only running I'll be doing is between the library and my bed.
I want a course that is tough enough to benefit my tough-it-out style. I want a course with great crowd support. I want a race morning that is easy and predictable. I want to know every uphill, downhill and flat between mile 1 and 26. In short, I want to control every variable except for the weather. I loved City of Oaks with its quad busting hills, but hated running alone for 8 miles. I hated pretty much everything about Vegas. Boston was a brutal course with unbelievable support. So what's a girl to do when she wants to make big strides (well, little ones if you've ever seen me run) towards a Trials standard?
Man, this is very tough. My heart will always be around Vermont. This Spring, I'll be taking my talents to the Vermont City Marathon on May 27th, 2012.
Want to join me on an epic weekend in Burlington? Registration opens tomorrow.
I want a course that is tough enough to benefit my tough-it-out style. I want a course with great crowd support. I want a race morning that is easy and predictable. I want to know every uphill, downhill and flat between mile 1 and 26. In short, I want to control every variable except for the weather. I loved City of Oaks with its quad busting hills, but hated running alone for 8 miles. I hated pretty much everything about Vegas. Boston was a brutal course with unbelievable support. So what's a girl to do when she wants to make big strides (well, little ones if you've ever seen me run) towards a Trials standard?
Man, this is very tough. My heart will always be around Vermont. This Spring, I'll be taking my talents to the Vermont City Marathon on May 27th, 2012.
Want to join me on an epic weekend in Burlington? Registration opens tomorrow.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Vermont City Marathon Recap
Short Version: We survived the heat, rain and humidity and I crossed the line (still carrying my sign!) at 4:14:37 Chip Time. Great success.
Long Version: It was a grim race morning. From a soaking shower at the start to serious humidity and pollen, few would claim that last Sunday was the day they were hoping for. I tolerate heat well after years of running in Alabama, Mississippi, Texas and North Carolina. Still, I was anxious about my group members, many of whom were doing their first marathon.
Howard and I stood in the middle of Park Street, signs lifted skyward as we gathered our sheep. We had lots of first timers, but a few veterans as well. Once the gun went off, it took us almost two minutes to cross the line. The first mile was very slow and we had to do a lot of weaving. In fact, we were part of a huge group for most of the race (just ask the aid stations we repeatedly overwhelmed). Much to everyone's surprise, I behaved and didn't pull us through any miles too fast.
Long Version: It was a grim race morning. From a soaking shower at the start to serious humidity and pollen, few would claim that last Sunday was the day they were hoping for. I tolerate heat well after years of running in Alabama, Mississippi, Texas and North Carolina. Still, I was anxious about my group members, many of whom were doing their first marathon.
Howard and I stood in the middle of Park Street, signs lifted skyward as we gathered our sheep. We had lots of first timers, but a few veterans as well. Once the gun went off, it took us almost two minutes to cross the line. The first mile was very slow and we had to do a lot of weaving. In fact, we were part of a huge group for most of the race (just ask the aid stations we repeatedly overwhelmed). Much to everyone's surprise, I behaved and didn't pull us through any miles too fast.
1: 9:47
2: 9:25
3: 9:37
4: 9:27
5: 9:34
6: 9:40
7: 9:36
8: 9:40
9: 9:38
10: 9:23
As we headed South, I started to check in with people, making sure that they were still feeling comfortable, that they were paying attention to their hydration and fueling needs. This was the first time that the face of the group shifted considerably. We were still a big group, but we'd dropped quite a few and picked up an equal number through the South Cove neighborhood. As we worked North towards Battery, it was time for tough love. I reminded them that it was one hill, that we had plenty of time left after the hill and that if all else failed, we were only 10 miles from beer (which, sadly, would be shut down when we got there. More on that later.)
11: 9:50
12: 9:10 **Pee break for me, had to catch up.
13: 9:35
14: 9:36
15: 9:40
Once we topped Battery, the sun decided to come out from behind the clouds and we all started to suffer. I started to slow down through aid stations to make sure that people were drinking and assessed my own hydration level. I felt good, but not great. Howard, however, was sheet white and I was starting to get anxious about him and a few others in our group. Working north, we encouraged everyone to take advantage of any and every sprinkler stop. The neighborhoods in these miles provided incredible support in the form of water, food, and sprinklers. Around Leddy, Howard let me know that he was going to stop because of the heat. This was an excellent message for some of the runners in the group, who were pushing too hard and needed to know that it was a day to listen to your body, not your goals. We rolled on through Leddy, across some muddy boards and up towards the final turn towards home. A friend of mine was running and joined up with us for a few miles as an unofficial pacer (Thanks Hillary!). She's run VCM a number of times and is a Girls on the Run coach, so her energy was hugely welcome.
16: 9:44
17: 9:35
18: 9:36
19: 9:36
20: 9:34
Watching other people hit the wall was intensely emotional. I didn't know whether it was more helpful to be silent and let them work through it, to address it honestly or to try to distract. I chose a combination of the three. I pointed out milestones. I told them everyone was feeling the same way and that they were doing an amazing job. I talked about my own experience with the wall in Vegas, when I was convinced I was going to wither in the Las Vegas desert. We all breathed a sigh of relief, however, when we turned onto the bike path. It was cooler and shaded, a welcome break from the sun beating down on us. We also picked Howard back up around 22, an enormous mental boost for me. My feet had started to scream and I was struggling to stay upbeat. Together, we rolled home. The most devastating moment was at 25, when we found out that the beer table (which I had been promising for 25 miles, thankssomuch Officer Buzzkill) had been ticketed and shut down. As we recovered from that blow and passed by the skate park, I sent my group ahead to finish their marathons.
21: 9:31
22: 9:36
23: 9:39
24: 9:47
25: 9:44
26: 9:47
.2 (or .42): 4:01
Over the last 6 miles, we passed 196 people. 5 people passed us. I carried a sign for 26 miles. I only dropped it once. All in all, it was an amazing experience. I don't know if I'll pace next year as I have thoughts of making VCM my next big goal race. However, for anyone looking for an entirely different kind of challenge that doesn't require you to run 100 miles or jump over obstacles, pacing comes highly recommended from me.
Run On.
S
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Almost Famous
As nervous as I am for tomorrow, I was almost as nervous for this article to come out. I've done interviews before, but never a free-flowing, running interview. I wasn't sure what I'd said, if I was coherent or if I said anything offensive. Not to mention, what picture was used. So when I woke up yesterday, I took a deep breath and clicked on the Burlington Free Press and...not too bad.
It's a great picture of Jen and I, with Joe peering over out shoulders. Jen actually has compartment syndrome as well, so it's doubly appropriate to share here. The article is great too; informative, interesting and full of wisdom from people like Jack Pilla and Bob Sullivan. In fact, it's a lot like the group of pacers I have the pleasure of running with tomorrow. Together, we have run hundreds of marathons and ultramarathons, hold course records, are below national standards for our age groups and represent the beauty of running: we hold day jobs, but are superheroes on the weekends.
I'm excited/nervous/proud to be part of the pacing team tomorrow. Huge thanks to Skirack and Mizuno for making it possible.
It's a great picture of Jen and I, with Joe peering over out shoulders. Jen actually has compartment syndrome as well, so it's doubly appropriate to share here. The article is great too; informative, interesting and full of wisdom from people like Jack Pilla and Bob Sullivan. In fact, it's a lot like the group of pacers I have the pleasure of running with tomorrow. Together, we have run hundreds of marathons and ultramarathons, hold course records, are below national standards for our age groups and represent the beauty of running: we hold day jobs, but are superheroes on the weekends.
I'm excited/nervous/proud to be part of the pacing team tomorrow. Huge thanks to Skirack and Mizuno for making it possible.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Running in Style
If you really want to read about style, then Wore Out is the blog to read. But for those curious about who to look for on Sunday morning, here are some pictures of the men's and women's pace uniforms.
See you at the Expo.
~S
~S
Thursday, May 26, 2011
What to do on a Tornado Thursday
Vermont is currently under a tornado watch (which, upon Googling watch versus warning for the 30th time, is the better of the two). Once you've secured an interior space with no windows, what's a tapering, anxious runner to do with a couple days to go?
- Watch Spirit of the Marathon (on iTunes, Netflix and Hulu) with your legs up, sipping on some water.
- Start laying out your clothes. Have you worn the shirt on a long run? What socks will you wear?
- Think about Sunday morning. When will you leave your house/hotel? Where will you park? Where are the porto-potties and when is my "final pee?"
- Write a thank you note or two to the people who got you here. No wo/man is an island, especially when training for a marathon.
- Review the course map. VCM will be clearly marked, but it never hurts to know where you're going.
- Read The Run Down, your guide to all things VCM, from how to drink on the move to parking to your eBag of coupons.
- Run longer/harder than you are scheduled to. Yes, I know you feel out of shape or like you need just one more good run. Just don't.
- Eat anything new.
- Give friends/family visiting a walking tour of Burlington.
- Check weather.com 25 times in a day. Nothing we can do about it but prepare.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Hot in Herre
The one thing we can't control on marathon day is the weather, but that doesn't stop us from checking it incessantly from two weeks out. The weather for Sunday looks...grim. Most marathoners would agree that 55 is about as warm as you want it. Even Boston, which topped out at about 65, felt very hot. So what's a runner to do in the heat?
A hotter day means more sweat, upping your hydration requirements. While hydration is a slippery slope (and new runners tend towards over-drinking rather than under-drinking), pay attention to your thirst. Consider drinking more sports drink than you had planned to compensate for additional salt loss. Pay attention to how you feel. Hydration is tricky; if you wait too long, it can be impossible to catch up. What's your plan for drinking?
A sunny day also requires sun protection. Don a hat and sunglasses and make sure to wear sunscreen, which will keep you cooler over the duration of the race. If you are a profuse sweater, skip sunscreen on your forehead. The hat should protect you and you won't spend 3+ hours trying to keep sweat out of your eyes.
An unexpectedly hot day (like 75 in May, when we've been cool and rainy for weeks) requires an honest re-assessment of goals. Heat affects most runners profoundly and we should adjust our goals down if the day is hot. If we wake up on Sunday to heat and humidity, how will you adjust your goals?
Finally, showers add a bit of excitement to the whole picture. Damp conditions necessitate a full assault on chafing. If you think it might chafe, body glide it. Then Body Glide it again. I often put Aquaphor on my feet, especially between my toes. This gives a little more water-repellent action and keeps me blister free. Places you might not think about? The neck of your tee shirt or tank and the backside of your shirt where safety pins rub.
While we can't control the weather (so stop hitting refresh on your browser), we can adjust our plans to make it the most comfortable run possible.
See you Sunday...
Monday, May 23, 2011
No pressure, but...
I am typically anxious about races, although I've been getting better at handling my nerves during the past year. My anxiety about Vermont City, however, is of a totally different type. Normally, if I blow a race, no one cares but me. Next Sunday, however, a group of runners will put their faith in me to get them across the finish line in 4 hours and 15 minutes.
On one hand, I am confident I can handle the pace, which is not always true when I toe the line of a race. I know I can finish; I did Boston 6 weeks ago, a 20 miler that took longer on my feet than the race will and an 18 at Sunday's 9:35 pace. While I may be nervous about pacing, I won't have the nerves and adrenaline coursing through my veins causing me to turn in a sub 6:30 first mile (true story, did it in Vegas.)
On the other hand, 9:35 is a comfortable, but slow pace for me. I'm worried that I'll be antsy and go too fast. I'm worried that over four hours on my feet will wreak havoc on my normal nutrition approach or that I'll get a blister or chafe. I'm worried that on Church Street, I'll get drawn along with the crowds. I'm worried that I'll miscalculate and bring us in at 4:16. Or 4:13. I'm worried about the weather; 73 and drizzly is gruesome running weather. In short, I'm experiencing anxiety about this race much like most of my group probably is.
I'm hopeful that the weather will be okay and that if it's going to be 73, it does drizzle to keep us comfortable. I'm hopeful that after a few miles of high nerves, I'll settle comfortably into 9:35s. I'm hopeful that between Howard and I, we can cover each other during the inevitable tough miles. I'm hopeful my shoulder doesn't kill me while carrying the sign.
Seems like patience and intelligent running is my theme this year. I hope that my practice with pacing during Boston and during the 6 weeks after pays dividends next weekend. And that I get ONE race photo where I look happy. Just one. Cannot be too much to ask...
Run On
~S
On one hand, I am confident I can handle the pace, which is not always true when I toe the line of a race. I know I can finish; I did Boston 6 weeks ago, a 20 miler that took longer on my feet than the race will and an 18 at Sunday's 9:35 pace. While I may be nervous about pacing, I won't have the nerves and adrenaline coursing through my veins causing me to turn in a sub 6:30 first mile (true story, did it in Vegas.)
On the other hand, 9:35 is a comfortable, but slow pace for me. I'm worried that I'll be antsy and go too fast. I'm worried that over four hours on my feet will wreak havoc on my normal nutrition approach or that I'll get a blister or chafe. I'm worried that on Church Street, I'll get drawn along with the crowds. I'm worried that I'll miscalculate and bring us in at 4:16. Or 4:13. I'm worried about the weather; 73 and drizzly is gruesome running weather. In short, I'm experiencing anxiety about this race much like most of my group probably is.
I'm hopeful that the weather will be okay and that if it's going to be 73, it does drizzle to keep us comfortable. I'm hopeful that after a few miles of high nerves, I'll settle comfortably into 9:35s. I'm hopeful that between Howard and I, we can cover each other during the inevitable tough miles. I'm hopeful my shoulder doesn't kill me while carrying the sign.
Seems like patience and intelligent running is my theme this year. I hope that my practice with pacing during Boston and during the 6 weeks after pays dividends next weekend. And that I get ONE race photo where I look happy. Just one. Cannot be too much to ask...
Run On
~S
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Pace Yourself
I’ve been pretty quiet since Boston. Between trying to regain some footing after a crazy couple of weeks, the end of the semester and post-marathon blues, I haven’t had much to say about running that is appropriate for a blog. Despite the rainy day and a forecast for nine more days of rain, recovery is wrapping up. I’m heading into a very busy race season, with a focus on short, faster races. Before that transition, however, I’m excited to serve as a 4:15 Pacer for the Vermont City Marathon.
Not only do I get to run a beautiful course, I get to engage in the activity I like almost as much as running: talking! I am looking forward to getting to know some new people, to being part of many people’s first marathon and to celebrating a great weekend in Vermont.
Howard, my fellow 4:15-er, and I have been talking a lot about our approach. A 4:15 pace comes out to a 9:45 average pace. However, since Howard and I are slightly imperfect, it is unlikely that we will run a perfectly even race and perfect tangents. Thus, we are planning a 9:35 pace, which allows us a little time for crowds, hills and water stops. We will aim to run almost even splits; banking time is rarely a good idea in a marathon. While you might have a slightly positive split, it’s best to pick a pace you can hold for the entire race and stay there. The hardest places to do this are the beginning, when tapered legs feel amazing and your chosen pace feels like a jog. Resist the urge to go too fast. It will come back to bite you in the last few miles.
Interested in joining a pace group at Vermont City? There’s a whole bunch of us from 3:30 to 5:30. More information available here and at the Expo. We will also be leading two preview runs the day before the marathon, where you have the opportunity to run either the start (great opportunity to practice your patient approach to pacing) or the finish (great mental activity).
Run On.
S
Not only do I get to run a beautiful course, I get to engage in the activity I like almost as much as running: talking! I am looking forward to getting to know some new people, to being part of many people’s first marathon and to celebrating a great weekend in Vermont.
Howard, my fellow 4:15-er, and I have been talking a lot about our approach. A 4:15 pace comes out to a 9:45 average pace. However, since Howard and I are slightly imperfect, it is unlikely that we will run a perfectly even race and perfect tangents. Thus, we are planning a 9:35 pace, which allows us a little time for crowds, hills and water stops. We will aim to run almost even splits; banking time is rarely a good idea in a marathon. While you might have a slightly positive split, it’s best to pick a pace you can hold for the entire race and stay there. The hardest places to do this are the beginning, when tapered legs feel amazing and your chosen pace feels like a jog. Resist the urge to go too fast. It will come back to bite you in the last few miles.
Interested in joining a pace group at Vermont City? There’s a whole bunch of us from 3:30 to 5:30. More information available here and at the Expo. We will also be leading two preview runs the day before the marathon, where you have the opportunity to run either the start (great opportunity to practice your patient approach to pacing) or the finish (great mental activity).
Run On.
S
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