Showing posts with label BAAhalf. Show all posts
Showing posts with label BAAhalf. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

BAA Half Marathon & Distance Medley Recap

When I registered for the BAA Distance Medley Series back in January, I had no idea that I would end up on the sidelines (practically) for two months prior to the final race in October.

In April I ran the BAA 5K the day before the Boston Marathon and crossed the finish line on Boylston.


In June, my youngest step-daughter joined me in running the BAA 10K along Commonwealth Ave and into Boston Commons.


After accumulating two DNSs (one in August and another just two weeks ago), I was facing a tough decision about the BAA Half Marathon. My last long run of nine miles was on August 11. Since then I have been battling a hamstring injury. Two months of rest, PT, biking, walking, and only 8 "test" run miles and I still wanted to run the half marathon.

WHY? Why would I even consider doing this? To get that distance medley medal. 

The kicker was that the BAA had a 2 hour 30 minute cut off (supposedly) to get the medal. After chatting with running friends on Twitter, it sounded like we had a 3 hour window to "guarantee" race officials would still be handing out finisher's and medley medals.


After mr.C offered his support to help me get across the finish line in under 3 hours, I decided to give it a try. After all, I had finished two out of the three races, I would get to see some of my running friends, and even if I didn't finish I would know that I did what I could.

So we headed to Boston on Saturday to spend the day in Beantown and enjoy a nice anniversary dinner. After a little shopping, we eased back to the hotel to get ready for race morning. The right outfit can help with positive energy and I choose one of my favorite Oiselle running skirts, a pink Nike tank for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a new Lululemon bra, and my #mezamashii Mizuno Wave Creation 14s.


The BAA Half Marathon was held in Franklin Park south of the city. It was a quick walk to Mass Ave to catch the T to Forest Hills station where we loaded the shuttle bus to the park. Super easy and super organized. As I experienced in the past, the BAA also made it easy to pick up race shirts and drop off gear bags before the race start. There were more than 7,000 participants and their spectators, so finding my running friends wasn't easy, but I finally found Katherine.


Knowing we were going to be going at a slower pace, mr.C and I hung back and waited to start with the final wave. He had figured out that if we ran/walked 14 minute miles, we would make the 3 hour finish. The first three miles went smoothly and I even managed a port-a-potty stop. 10:34, 10:58, 14:44

Miles 4 - 7 went pretty smoothly. We caught up to Michelle and Eileen and thus began a leap-frog game that would continue for the rest of the race. Soon after my quads started feeling the effects of my under-training. Just past 7.5, I had to sit down and stretch. 11:59, 10:27, 11:05, 13:07

Continuing to count down the miles, I made it just beyond mile 9 before visiting the medical tent in the hopes of finding Advil and/or analgesic heat rub like Bengay or Icy Hot. They didn't have either, but they offered ice and a quick massage that got me moving again. 11:52, 11:29, 15:01

The last three miles were the longest and although we walked more, we were both thinking, keep moving and the sooner we'll finish. At this point, my knees had joined the achey party and I just wanted to see the finish line. 11:27, 12:46, 12:27

And then there were none...no more miles to run. Just pass through the finisher's area grabbing water, medals, and food. IT WAS AWESOME!


Crossing the finish line could not have happened without the world's most amazing husband. In an attempt to show him my appreciation, I gave him my BAA Half Marathon medal. He did earn it after all!


I wish I had more pictures from the course, but all I could focus on was moving my legs. Jamaica Pond had gorgeous views and the last miles took us through a small zoo inside Franklin Park. However, nothing compared to the amazing spectator signs lining the course.


It still amazes me that we ran a half marathon after two months of non-running. Our official finish time of 2:42:12 also seems crazy good considering how under-trained we were and the lingering head cold I was still feeling.

What's the craziest thing you've ever done for BLING?






Monday, October 14, 2013

Training Truths: Injured & Sick, But I Ran a Half Marathon!

As I have been telling you, week after week, I have been suffering from a nasty hamstring strain of some kind since early August. I had to skip two races (NH 10 Miler and ZOOMA Cape Cod Half Marathon) and have only logged approximately 8 running miles over the last 2 months.

On top of the injury, last week I caught my first New England head cold, and it was a doozy! Although my weekly training has been scattered and limited, I ended my workout week with a half marathon finish.

Monday - I started the day with my 50 squats as usual (trying to see how long I can do my #squatstreak). In the evening I developed a sore throat, but still managed my #SweatFor5 workout and some curtsy twist squats.



Tuesday - #squatstreak and feeling crummy. My after school easy run became an easy walk with some mountain climbers thrown in before attending my step-daughter's soccer game.

Wednesday - #squatstreak and that's it. Thought I could push through an easy day at work, but ended up coming home early. Jumped right into my comfy clothes and went to bed.

Thursday - Took a sick day from work, slept in, and felt good enough to do my #squatstreak. Then I spent the rest of the day resting.

Friday - #squatstreak and back to work. After work I had some ART done at PT and then caught up on the last couple of days worth of challenge exercises.


Saturday - #squatstreak and some more challenge exercises before heading to Boston. After checking in to the hotel, we walked around town doing some shopping and having dinner.

Sunday - Up early to catch the T to run/walk the BAA Half Marathon (recap coming soon!). My husband offered to run with me (he hasn't been running much lately either) to help me get across the finish line and earn my distance medley medal. #squatstreak while mr.C previews my post for me :)



A half marathon finish after the lousy training I've had the last couple of months is a pretty good way to end the week!




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