But it's just a half marathon!!!

No - I would never actually say that.  Prior to Sunday's Gulf Coast Half Marathon, I had vivid memories of my first half marathon in 2007 (I think) in Nashville.  I had trained with Team in Training, and raised over $4000 for cancer research to earn my spot on the Team.  I had done the work, and I was ready to run.  And run I did.  For 13.1 miles.  It took me 2 hours and 18 minutes to finish, and  by the time I got to the last few miles, I thought I was going to die.

I was very much an infant runner at the time, and I made very bad choices.  Like believing that if 1 or 2 Gu's were good, then surely 4 would be better.  I mean, why would they hand them out on the course if you weren't supposed to use them, right?? So I  spent a large portion of the next couple of days in or near a bathroom, convinced I had poisoned myself.

So, to answer your question before it is asked - No, I did not take this race lightly.  Just because my preferred distances are 50 and 100 milers, I still respect 13.1 and 26.2.  My flaw for this race was not taking into consideration a couple of factors:  First - it was going to be very humid and HOT.  I think it was 70 degrees before we even left the hotel room at 5:45 a.m. on race day. The weather had been cooler in the week leading up to the race, and I didn't bother to really pay attention to the forecast and I didn't pre-hydrate like I usually do for my races.  Second - I was not just running 13.1 miles - I was RACING 13.1 miles.  I had a goal to come in under 2 hours.  My previous PR for a half was 2:08, I think??  It had been YEARS since I tried for time in a half marathon, so I really didn't prepare my body the way I should have.

So, race morning we head down to the race site - Fontainebleu State Park, Mandeville, Louisiana. I had run one race here earlier this year a Q50 Full Moon Trail Race, so I remembered just how beautiful this park is with its lake views and moss filled oak trees.  The only sticky part about this race is the traffic.  This is a fairly small race - about 2,000 people - but the park where the Start/Finish and festivities are has only one two-lane road entering it.  So, even with a fairly small number of runners, the traffic can back up on the park road as people attempt to find a parking space.  This was a pretty small inconvenience though, since everyone was able to park without issue - it just took a little while.

Acadiana runners ready to do their thing!!

The race started without a hitch, and from the beginning it was awesome!  There was never a time when the course was congested.  With this being a small-ish race, and with wide roads and paths, there was never a traffic jam.  The course itself was beautiful.  We ran through some quaint Mandeville neighborhoods (and past the race sponsor, Varsity Sports), and along the lake.  But with it already being warm and humid, when we reached the lake front at about mile 5, it felt like the temperature jumped 20 degrees.  Once we turned back into a neighborhood and were revisited by the breeze, it was better.  Still hotter than I would have liked, but better.

There were plenty of water stops along the course - probably more than necessary, but in this case it is ALWAYS better to be safe than sorry.  The aid stations were very lively, too...

These lovely folks gave up their free time on a Sunday to
hand water to a bunch of hot, stinky runners.

As I mentioned earlier, I wanted to PR and I really enjoy running races, so I probably pushed my pace a little more than I should have early on, but it was a nice morning, I was surrounded by friends, and a small part of my brain knew that even if I blew up at 9 miles I could suck it up and make myself run the last 4 miles.  This is where experience and confidence in my capabilities is a bonus.  I wasn't terribly worried about bonking, since many of my weekday runs are now 10 plus miles, so the distance is not intimidating to me like it once was.  I would just prefer to not puke when I cross the finish line (more on that later - but that is one reason I wouldn't choose to volunteer at the finish line of any race).

So I ran.  I ran with different friends at different times during the race, but as most of my running buddies understand, on race day its every runner for herself (or himself). As for nutrition,  I did my usual 1/2 Gu at mile 6 or so, and the second 1/2 at mile 10 - a far cry from the 4 Gu's I did for my first half.  Once I got to mile 11, I started to regret the second half of that Gu.  Remember, it was HOT and I was pushing my pace, so my GI system was a little testy.  My mantra for the last couple of miles was "Don't puke til you cross the finish line".  I said this over and over to myself.  As I was approaching the finish chute, I saw the clock - 1:56!  Yay!!!  I would PR!  At least that was what I would have been thinking if I wasn't still telling myself "Don't puke til you cross the finish line".

And cross the finish line I did.  I received my medal (a beer bottle opener with Gulf Coast Half Marathon on it - genius!) from a very sweet and very brave lady, then I went to the side of the chute and finally got rid of that damn 1/2 of a Gu that had been threatening to make an appearance for the last two miles.  Once that was gone, I felt mostly better.  My body felt like I had spent the morning being interrogated by the mafia, but it was over.  I had PRed at a second distance for the season. I don't know if you guys remember my Big Butts Race Review where I broke the 7 hour mark in a 50k for a personal best at that distance. So far this season is going well.  Lots of HOT summer runs are paying off.  Now if I can hold it together for Cactus Rose in a week and a half (YIKES!!).  

After all of that, what was the best part of this experience?  Sharing it with friends. 

Erin, Danette, Me, Liz, Christina, Emma

Eric, Laurin, Phillip, Randy, Bob, Dustin

The only people outside of college students who appreciate a good vomit story.

and Leslie!!

And Sandi :)

Until next time,

HAPPY RUNNING, Y'ALL!!

Edie

Lots of Loopers!

Six names were added to the short list of crazy running-type people who have run the whole 20+ mile loop of Chicot State Park on Sunday, August 26th.  Here's the whole group:

From left: (standing) Tim and Karin Gill, Lonny Gaspard, Eric Gravish, Randy Aymond,
Me, Emma Valentine, Christina Gravish, Jason LeBlanc
(kneeling) Sandi Hernandez, Tara Greer, Kristi Mire

Three of this group had done the whole loop (20+ miles) the day before, but came out to grab a little more trail with us on Sunday - it's a sickness, folks. :)  Lonny, Randy, Emma, Jason, Colin and Sandi would all be looping for the first time.  They had all done trail runs of shorter distances in preparation, but this was the big day.  No out and backs for them, it was all or nothing.  Okay - that makes it sound a little more dramatic than it was, but it is a really big deal when folks make the whole loop for the first time.  It is NOT an easy run, and when it is hot, it is REALLY tough.  But, holding firm to looper tradition, there were no wimps or whiners in the group.  

We set out at a reasonable pace (walking the uphills from the start), knowing that it was going to be a tough day without us starting it out by making bad decisions.  Everything went as planned.  When the group would spread out a bit, we would bunch up at set points, then take off again.  We saw a huge family of hogs, but luckily they had no interest in some very smelly runners.  Everyone carried their own stuff - for me it took about 80 oz of water, and 2 gels.  For others it may have been less water and more gels - everyone is different.  But, everyone who was out there had completed long distance runs before, so they had taken the time to figure out their formula.

Even when we split up, it was easy for us to hear Emma.  Every time she saw a big mile marker, a yell could be heard throughout the forest.  It made me laugh every time.  The last mile marker on the trail is at mile 19, so it is tradition to get pictures with first time loopers there.  Some folks were ahead of me, so I missed them, but here are a few:

Yep, she yelled for this one too.  And yes, that is a
tiara on top of her hat.  This was her birthday present to herself -
her first 20 mile run EVER, and it happened to be a
very tough run.  Great job, Emma!!!

Randy at 19.  

Sandi at 19.

There were quiet spots when no one was talking when you knew there was some suffering going on, but there was no complaining, and everyone maintained a positive attitude (this is more important than you realize out there).  I have said it before folks - say what you want about other sports, but trail running only attracts the toughest and most humble people.  Those that are lacking in these qualities never last.  They may come out and crush the loop one time to say they did it, but they will never be a regular on these trails, and they will never have the discipline and smarts that these folks did to gradually work themselves up to running 20+ trail miles.  

There is no fancy equipment to buy for this.  You can't go out and spend hundreds of dollars to get the latest shoes that might be a little lighter, or made from carbon, or more aerodynamic, to help you out.  There is basic gear that everyone has that is pretty much the same stuff.  The results of your efforts are BECAUSE of your efforts.  If you run faster one loop than you did for the previous one, it can not be attributed to the gear or fancy bells and whistles.  It is because of YOU.  It is your legs that carried you forward, and your heart that kept you from quitting.  That is why it is so satisfying to me to bring people out there and watch them do something that is completely out of their comfort zone.  That is where the good stuff is, folks.

I have been glowing all week, just thinking about how proud I am of Sandi, Emma, Lonny, Randy, Colin, and Jason.  There is something very empowering about conquering something this difficult.  It makes you start to wonder what else you might be able to accomplish that you never even considered trying before.  I can't wait to see where this leads.  All good, all good.

Randy finishing.  It is so damn good to see those
cars, and know there is cold beer in your near future!!

Sandi finishing.  Sandi has brought most of her family
out with us to either run or hike the trails.
She is definitely paying it forward.

Special thanks to Lonny for the ice cold fruit at the finish.  That was such a great surprise, and much appreciated.  And special thanks to Randy for having beer iced down for when we got off of the trails.  The best tasting beers are those after a hard effort.

So if you are wondering if trail running is for you - there is only one way to find out!  Try it!!  It should be cooling off soon, and the insects should be chilling out some, so if that is what has been holding you back - EXCUSE CANCELED. :)

Have a great holiday weekend, and Happy Running!

Edie

Training Update:  Solid 50 mile week last week.  Felt strong, and no issues.  Staying on top of my stretching and cleaning up my diet.  Hurricane derailed me a bit this week, but no worries.  Got in a 13 miler today, and while it sucked, it was yet another deposit into my running account.  Cactus Rose in late October is a BIG withdrawal  so I have to build up my accounts as much as possible before then.  Hill training starting in September.  Tower of Terror runs looming!!  I'll keep you posted in case any knuckleheads out there care to jump on board.

Business Update:  Well I continue to be ignored in my requests for the same monthly reports that I sent my "partners" every week while I was working at the store. I guess they think that if they ignore me long enough, I will just give up.  :)

Great week running, and other funny stuff

First let's get the foolishness out of the way, then move on to more important things.  Maybe I am not understanding what it means to be terminated via text (which I saved copies of, as well as all of the other lovely texts I have received) and banned from the store that I am still part owner of (not sure of the legality of that).  Maybe some are realizing that things were handled poorly.  Maybe this would have all been cleared up sooner if handled in person, or if any of the parties involved would choose to speak to me in person instead of hiding behind texts and emails.  Funny that now I should receive a letter asking me to formally resign my position as general manager when I was "terminated". ( I can't say that word without picturing Arnold Schwarzenegger. )  Since I am being ignored otherwise, but I know those interested are following this blog, let me respond to their letter here.  Let's see....ummmm....NO.

Moving on to a more interesting topic - Danielle's first run at Chicot! (AND her longest run to date!!)

13 miles run!!  Awesome job Danielle!

I would say that this past weekends run didn't go according to plan, but I never really have a set plan when going out to Chicot.  I was aiming for my last 20 miler, but the morning of the run, a couple of people had schedule conflicts which would have had us rushing to finish so they could make it back home for another event, so we all agreed to do an out and back for 12 or 13 miles. (I really didn't need another 20, since my race is next weekend, so it was easy to agree to this).

I should have known this would not be just another trail run.  From the beginning, it was like the trail gods were trying to tell me something.  When we get to the park, the first stop we always make is at the park bathroom before we get to the trail head.  There are always deer around the area, since there is a feeder nearby.  The deer in Chicot are very bold.  They are protected, and they know it.  But this weekend was a first.  There was a herd of 5 or 6 does crossing the road ahead of our truck.  When we got close they just looked at us, and kept walking across the road.  We actually had to stop to let them get by, and as the last doe was crossing and we were about to start moving, a buck ran in front of us. It was like trying to drive through the parking lot of WalMart.  Crazy.

When we got to the trail head and I took my Camelbak out of the back of the truck, I noticed the bottom of the pack was soaked.  I fooled with it a bit and found that the bottom quick release valve was leaking.  I couldn't get it to stop completely, but I figured since I had filled the pack with enough water to do the full 20 miles, I should be able to make 12 or 13 even with a leak.  I was wrong.  As soon as we started running, it really started leaking - pouring out the pack, down my legs, and into my shoes.

By mile 2.5 or so, the pack was almost dry.  I knew it would be a bad decision to go in too far and risk running out of water completely, so I turned around at this point.  At first I was aggravated that my mileage goal would not be met, but it turned out to be a great run back.  Since I wasn't accomplishing a whole lot with this run, I decided to take this opportunity to take some pictures along the way.

This is my favorite!

Lots of trees down this week from the storms the night before.

And it sounds and smells just as relaxing as it looks.

So, my last long run turned into a 5 mile run/walk/photo shoot.  I didn't stay aggravated for long.  It is so peaceful out there, it has a way of washing any negative feelings right out of you.  I enjoyed waiting at the finish and getting to see all of my friends (new and old) pop out of the woods.

Emma finishing.  Evidently she ran so fast, her shirt
flew off.  A common occurrence on the trails.

Liz finishing strong as usual!

Sandi dancing.  Or having a muscle spasm.
Either way, pretty cute.

Run, hike, skip, prance -
All are welcome, regardless of your chosen
form of locomotion.

Taylor, Kristofer and Tara sweating and smiling!

Everyone did between 8 and 13 miles on this outing.  Three newbies were introduced to Chicot, and there were 10 of us in all.  What an awesome trip!!

Don and Christina tearing up the trail

"That spider was THIS big!"

Liz and Randy doing Chicot yoga.

Randy on the trail.

L to R
Kristofer Harrington, 12, first time trail runner!!
Tara Greer, first timer, Taylor and Sandi - veteran
trail monkeys.

So, this week ended with 36 miles.  About 20 miles short of my goal.  I'm not thrilled with that, but I am not all tied in knots about it either.  Keep in mind, the race this weekend is not my "A" race by any means.  It will be 31 miles of suck, and I am looking at it as a training run/learning experience.  I am also looking at it as a great break over race to lead me into training for Cactus Rose, my first 50 miler of the season, in late October.  I did 31 miles in 3 days this week - all in the hottest parts of the day.  Ouch.  I am not expecting to do anything spectacular with this race, I am just really looking forward to getting there, and being surrounded by other ultrarunning fools.  I know there will be some GREAT stories!!

A big group of new trail runners are planning on doing their first loop of Chicot together on August 26th.  I can not wait for that day!  They will finally get to see all of the beauty of Chicot, and see what it feels like to pop out at that finish line with one heck of a tough trail run under their belt.  I am VERY excited about sharing that with them!!

I will try to get my pacer blog done this week some time, and I will put together a full race report after my 50k this weekend.  As always, there will be stories to tell!!

Happy Running!

Edie