Race Recap: Cincinnati Flying Pig Half Marathon

Saturday:  The Expo 

 Last year when I did the Pig 10k I didn't go to the expo.  A friend of mine when down and got our packets.  I'd heard it was pretty good expo, plus lots of swag in the race packet...so saddled up the boys and dh and headed off on Saturday afternoon.  I wish I'd had more time, and frankly, the boys hadn't come.  They were being typical 5 & 8 year olds (not the ideal shoppers- or good in crowds in general).  I did manage to swing by the Proctor & Gamble swag table and pick up some nice toothbrushes, loads of Dawn dishsoap, and Olay lotions.  

Sweaty Bands- RunCincinnati

Stopped by the Sweaty Bands booth as well.  I've eyed them for a while, but since I have a small head, I needed to try them on. They are awesome, definitely see why people like them.  Picked up 3 cute ones and hinted to dh (my birthday was coming up) on some other ones. 

So after wondering through the expo and talking to the Air Force Marathon people (more about that later) and Canton Marathon people (just maybe...) finally got to the shirts, bags and posters.  The PIG is known for giving out good swag.  The Asics athletic bag is awesome, definitely worth having around.

Sunday:  Race Day 

Race time: 6:30 am

Temp at start:  not too bad, but the humidity looked bad

Time to get up: 3:00 am

Time to leave the house: 3:45

Time to pick up Running partner:  4:15

Time to get to Cincinnati: 45 mins

That left us 1.5 hrs to park, potty and stretch/warm up (get nervous)

Our drive down was one I don't think I'll ever forget.  We came across a police car on I-75 that was in the left lane and a car that had run into the median and was blocking the road.  Between the car and the police cruiser was 20ish looking man, laying on the road.  No one was helping him, and it looked like he was dead (RIP). I think the policeman had just gotten there, since he wasn't covered up.  The ambulance was coming down the other side of the highway after we passed. Needless to say, it was a somber moment.

So, on a happier note...the race.

Carrie and I were in different corrals.  I was in B she was in D so we decided to place ourselves in C.  It was a pedestrian cut through as well, so no one was checking bibs there, so that was pretty easy!  

Miles 1-6 were uneventful.  I went out at the pace I'd thought I could do, little slow the first mile but I was weaving around everyone, trying to find my spot/pace.  I did run into the 1:50 pace group but there were so many people surrounding the pacers it was a traffic jam.  Generally I don't get claustrophobic in races but I had to get around them or to the side.Too many people and too close for my liking.  7th street was a long stretch looking into the sun.  There were tons of people cheering us on.  Refilled my water bottle along the way.

Miles 7-10  Holy Hills!  This was worse than I expected.  I had seen the elevation chart but I never really grasped how many and how big those suckers were!  First hill, I was thinking " this is like a standing hill  w/ resistance about 16" on my spin bike, but then you'd turn a corner and there was another hill, etc. The crowd support was great thank goodness.  When we got near the top, there was a spectacular view of the Ohio River and Kentucky.  

Mile 11- all downhill- just let the legs go! Note the time difference for mile 10 and 11.

Mile 12-13.1- sunny, hot, and I'm tired.  The finish line could not get there soon enough. I thought for sure I was shuffling along.  I realize I really should have had another Cliff Blok on at mile 9.  

Love the instant gratification of race results right after you finish!

Overall, it was a great race.  I didn't PR but I'm pretty darn proud of my time. It was a tough course. Even better, no foot problems what so ever!   Will I do it again?  We'll see. Now, time to tackle 26.2 in the fall. 

Pre race goals and worries

Flying Pig 1/2 marathon is tomorrow!  I'm so excited yet anxious at the same time.  I signed up for this a week after my plantar fasciitis seemed to be gone.  So far, it has been tamed... My foot still hurts but it's different closer to my toes and arch not in my heel. It's not all the time So...I'll take that as a go and that I'm healthy! 
So this is what my last week of training for the PIG  has looked like:
Sunday- 12 miles
Monday- 18 miles in Spinning class
Tuesday- 3 miles in the heat- yuck!
Rest of the week- resting.

I'm feeling good.  My only major stresses are what to wear and dealing with parking on race day!

 I had planned a tank I bought a while ago, but I've only wore it once in April since it's been so cold.  It's a pretty sweet looking Adidas lime green tank.  I got it at the Adidas outlet and they only had small and extra large.  I tried the small and I thought it fit.  I've run it but when I did, it was freezing and I had a top over it.  Now, I'm wondering if it is too snug. It's not super soft. I don't know how forgiving it will be.  We'll what ever I where it will be a running skirt and some form of a tank.  Starting time temp is supposed to be 63 degrees.  Should be good- perfect would be in the 50s. 

As for my goals for time:

Goal A:  1:45
Goal B:  1:49.07 (current PR)
Goal C:  Break 2 hours

It is a hilly course (another worry of mine) I won't be surprised if I don't PR-I'll be ok with that - really.
BUT...at the same time...I've PR'd in the 5k, 8 seconds off my PR 10k  time  both this spring...so maybe?

Product review: YMX running Tee

I'd see the YMX brand on occasion in my Athleta catalogs that I always thought their designs were so unique.  The price tag stopped me in my tracks since they were always priced on the high end for me.  I tend to outfit myself in the Target C9 collection, with exception to my runningskirts.com obsession.

So,when a blogger I read dawnieslife.com had a contest, I joined in on the chance of winning.  Well, I didn't win. :-( but I had "friended" YMX on Facebook.  Later, they had a chance of buying their products for $25 for 3 days, then they'd have another product for $25 for 3 days.  Anyways, I jumped on the chance to try out these shirts for $25 over the normal $69.

If you don't know about YMX here is a little about what they say on their website.

"ABOUT YMX

YMX (acronym for YellowMan Expression) was launched in 2009 as an extension of the original, high-end tattoo clothing brand, YellowMan (founded in 2004). Built on an extensive library of original tattoo artwork collected around the globe, YellowMan offers collectible, limited wearable art prints. YMX was created to offer an alternative to YellowMan in a broader, commercial market, while still preserving the authenticity of its origins.

Back, love the pocket!

YMX offers multifunctional garments that bridge the gap between athletic and fashion garments. Featuring high-comfort, lightweight MadKool fabrics and detailed, original prints, YMX garments can be worn for athletic use, or for casual wear. As a matter of fact, because of the moisture-wicking properties of the fabric, many people wear YMX in both active and leisure activities without having to change!"

Front

Tribal Sea Running Tee
 Product description according to their website:
"Not just for running, this sport tee offers beautiful tribal art, moisture wicking fabric, UPF 50+ sun protection, and silky-soft comfort. 

Fabric: MadKool ® 88% Polyester 12% Spandex

Properties: "UV protection SPF 30+, moisture-wicking, lightweight, wrinkle-resistant"

Fit: "slim fit, wear one size up for relaxed fit"

Uses: "running, casual, workout, cycling, travel"

 PRICE:  $69.00"

I've been using this shirt and the pink/orange version for about 2 months now.  They are always the first shirt I grab now for spinning and for running.  

Pros:

• It is so light weight and feels like a stretchy silk. I used to always wear tanks for spinning since tees just tended to be too hot, but this is so light weight that you hardly notice it.

• Unique design- I'm sure I'm not the only one out there who has "fat days".  It's nice to have a shirt that is busy (a very cool busy) that tends to cover up the slight muffin top when you put on your shorts/capris.  Nothing I hate more than a solid color shirt that shows your rolls!
• Nice length.  Long enough that it isn't going pull up and show tummy if you are stretching.  
• Slim design- feminine cut 
• Extra pocket on the back-I've never tried it out so don't know if it would bug me to have something there- maybe kleenex or tp or something light?  
• UPF 50+ sun protection- wow! didn't realize that til now!
• Washes up beautifully.  No smelly shirts!
• smooth seams, no chafing!

Cons:

• Price- $69 is a bit pricey 

• no v-neck
  

Last week before the PIG! gulp.

So, I haven't been blogging lately since our family schedule has been crazy.  I think we ate at home once last week.  Between soccer practices, games, and being gone a weekend, then guests the next weekend...you get the idea.  Ok, so here's what I've been doing for the Flying Pig (which is next weekend!!!!)

 

Pig training:

Last Sunday-ll miler which sucked.  I had been dreading it, since it was the distance I got hurt on in the fall.  I procrastinated on Saturday and finally ended up doing it on Sunday.  It was not a good run.  My hips hurt, my knees hurt, my heel (gulp) started hurting the last mile or so.  I was just happy to get it out of the way!  **Good thing** heel didn't bother me at all the rest of the day, so it wasn't plantar fasciitis- thank God!

Monday- Spinning class 20 miles with lots of hills.

Tuesday-  Multitasking day- Tempo run during soccer practice.  Did 5.8 miles at 7:50 pace. I'd started out for just an easy run, but I wore my Kinvaras, which always make me feel speedy. Plus, all the soccer moms watching me, made me push myself a bit more.  It was super windy as well, so good resistance training.

Wednesday- Spinning class, 22 miles, hills- a PR of sorts- burned 700 calories!  I say that- but I doubt it's true, since you can't put in your age or weight.  I like to use the calories to see how hard of a workout it was, since if you have low resistance but high mileage you won't get many calories burned.  you have to have high resistance and miles.  Normally, I try for 20 miles and 600 calories.

Thursday- Rest day- soccer practice and soccer game = rest day for mommy

Friday- quick 3 miler after work before getting the boys

Saturday- 2 rained out soccer games = extra time in the am for spinning class, 18.5 miles (586 calories).
Today- 12 miles on the trails with my running bud, Carrie.  Hips, knees felt fine, heel bothered me a bit the last 3 mile loop.  I've been using my spikey golf ball and icing today. Hoping tomorrow it will be fine, like last Monday.



Now, time for "Taper Tantrums".  This week should be pretty easy on the training.  Planning on Spinning on Monday, 3 easy miles Tuesday, off Wednesday, 2 on Thursday, off on Friday & Saturday.

Now, I get to worry about the weather on Sunday morning, the perfect racing outfit, and dealing with the insane time of getting up for a 6:30 am race time, which I have to drive an hour, etc.  I'm thinking a 3:30 am wake up.  Yuck.  Next year, hotel in Cinci.  

Visiting OU

Last weekend my dh and I had an opportunity to go visit our alma mater, Ohio University.  We'd been back one other time since graduation but it was nice to see that some things had stayed the same and others had been changed. 
My dh was busy the whole weekend doing his stuff (why were there in the first place) so I got to just kinda hang out and enjoy reminiscing without having to really do anything at all.

 Ok, well, I had to get my long run in but other than that, I was free.  I took a lovely 10.5 mile run on the bikepath and around campus on Saturday morning.  It was cold and raining when I started but it was perfect for running.  Just me, my music and my memories.  Loved every mile of it. 

for my fellow Bobcats- here's were I went!

I started off running the bikepath starting by the Kroger's on E. State street then ran the path past the hospital to W. Union, then I turned back and headed towards Richland Ave.  I wish I'd taken pictures but my phone was in my arm band it was going to be a pain to get it back in after it was already sweaty. 

From Richland, I ran past Peden stadium, past Ping Rec Center, past Klipinger lab, up the hill past Gordy Hall (my old haunts) then down Morton Hill, through East Green and up Jeff Hill, then around College green, down Richland- then I did it again! The second time through I hopped back on the bikepath and back to the Kroger's on E. State. 

If you didn't go to Ohio University-this means nothing to you, but it was so great!  Here are some pictures from the day before.

McGuffey Hall

Galbreath Chapel (where dh and I were married)

back of Cutler Hall

Good Old Ellis Hall- I spent most of my undergrad in that building

Morton Hill- looking down the hill (ran down this)

Tiffin Hall on East Green- my freshman dorm

East Green- ran down this

Bryan Hall- always loved the staircase

Jeff Hill- hated walking up this in school- ran up it x2 this time!

College Green and Mem Aud

Cutler Hall from the front (and College Green)

College Gate (I have wedding pictures here too!)

Me! tried out my new running skirt w/ my fav running tee

Feeling pretty good with my splits- what could I do with adrenaline and people?

 Of course, as soon as I got back to the hotel, I break my toe getting into the bathtub! I had to laugh at myself. What  a dork!  I've taped it and it hardly hurts now a week later! yay!

compression socks under the boots that night! :-)

Attempt at blogger app post

I ran 10.5 miles this morning at OU. I did most of it on the bike path past the campus. Weather was great cool upper 40s so it was a refreshing run.
I'm feeling good about the pig half at this point. I ran 10.5 in 1 hour 31 mins with a pace of 8:43. After I went back to the hotel I slammed my toe on the edge of the tub while getting in, crack! Nice sound to hear with pain! So it's definitely broken I'm hoping a few days rest will cure it. It's taped and I'm hoping it won't interfere wih training. Nothing planned til Tuesday .here's some pix from my run more later !

Back to life, back to reality

Vacation is over.  I had a great time wasting time.  I did nothing I planned to do.  But I did go shopping, ran and saw the Hunger Games so I suppose it wasn't a complete waste of a vacation.  I felt refreshed and ready to head back to work until my alarm clock when off at 5:15am and I realized I slept in my contacts.  Great way to start the week! 


Training this past week for the Pig:

Mon- Spinning class (20 miles)
Tues- 4 mile tempo run (7:40 pace) loops around the park where soccer practice is for my son.
Weds- Running clinic
Thurs- 6 miles on the trails. (8:50 pace)  This was the first time I've really done longish mileage out there by myself.  It went by pretty fast.  I tackled the steep hill and didn't stop and walk it. I just kept telling myself it was like a seated hill to a standing hill in spinning class.
Fri- rest day
Sat- 10k race...a little training run/speed workout (more about that in a bit)
Sun- rest/massive pigging out on jellybeans/ robin eggs
 Total miles:  16 (stepping down week)

Mon- Spinning class (21.5 miles)
Tues (today)- 5 miles (8:34 pace)- with some nice hills and 20 mph winds
Weds- (running clinic- last day) + 3 miles
Thurs- 4-5 miles
Fri- rest
Sat- 10 miles in Athens OH.  I. can. not. wait.- we'll be at Ohio University (OU) for something w/ dh, but it also is alumni weekend (yay! we won't be the oldest people in the bars!) I'm looking forward to taking tons of pics during my run! 
total miles:19-20?


Back to that race...

I won! I won! I won!  Yes, I know I'm bragging but I am so excited! Now, granted, this was a very small race- 35 total in my 10k- more ran the 5k.  I was the first woman overall.  Time was 46:52 with my mile average at 7:40.  The part that I'm really excited about is that I felt great, strong, and I wasn't pushing myself (too much). I was truly surprised to see my time was so close to my PR from last year (46:45) and I did that with lots of track workouts leading up to that race. I haven't done any this spring (unless you count spinning class). There were lots of people and excitement for the Air Force 10k, but this race I ran alone the whole time.  What could I do when I have people pushing me? 

My new favorite running outfit (running skirts "Mums" and Nike Pro combat tank, runlove compression socks)

How was everyone's Spring Break/Easter holiday?  
Any races coming up that you are training for?  

Feel free to comment people (not that I'm begging, or anything!). 
Let me help you...finish this sentence:  My favorite workout clothes are...



Also, do me a favor and follow me! I won't bite! 

Have a great week and look for pictures of OU in the future! Can you tell I'm excited to go back?