I always say that I am more of a “blogging runner” than a running blogger. I do like to write about running, races and tips/tricks for running but that is not enough to call this a running blog. That said here is my running recap of the second quarter of 2015 (a few days early).
Races run this Q– Six – 1 marathon (Grandma’s Marathon), 2 Half Marathons (San Luis Opisbo – SLO) and Brooklyn), 1 5K (Good Life Race), 1 10K (Ridge Run) and 1 10 miler (Quarryman). I will provide brief recaps and photos below!
Miles run: 648 – which averages to ~7.1 per day – though I don’t run every day. 71.7 miles were in races – more that 10%!
Falls: None that I can think of! So that is something!
Personal Records (PRs): 0 – no surprises here. I did not run any new distances or super fast courses. I did realize in Friday’s post that I ran 7 PRs in 2005 that still stand.
Toughest Conditions: Humidity at the Ridge Run and the week before the Grandma’s Marathon were really tough for me. The soaking rain at the start of Grandma’s were also a bit of an FU from mother nature.
Pairs of Sneakers: Still wearing my Karhu Fast 4s, Mizuno Wave Rider 17s and got some new Hoka Cliftons (yay). I tried these Mizuno Wave Enigma 5’s as part of a campaign for Fitfluential. They are a nice, firm, cushioned shoe, but they made my right foot go numb. The mesh top has a strangely heavy feel to me, too. I am going to stick with Wave Riders. Any one want to give these a try? I am a women’s 9. I will send them to you for the cost of shipping.
New Running Goodies that I tried:
- Wigwam Ironman socks (updated)
- Tiux compression socks and Louva arm sleeves
- Injinji Women’s socks – Injinji started making gender specific socks (read smaller toes – yay!)
- Bombas socks
- CEP Compression No Show Socks – review and giveaway coming soon!
Popular Running Posts:
- Why Runners Are Awesome – Grandma’s Marathon Recap
- Firsts are Special
- Happy Places, Happy Races- Left Coast Edition
Races Planned for Q2: Waterfall Glen Xtreme 10, Bastille Day 5K, Esprit de She 5K, Mag Mile Women’s 5K, Oak Brook Half Marathon… and… we’ll see!
Brief Race Reports – I included a few “how I did” postscripts on posts that I wrote on race days. Here is a brief recap of the races I ran this quarter:
1. Good Life Race -Oak Park, IL April 12, 2015
The Good Life Race is actually two races. First, there is a women’s race and then a men’s. This is a total throw back for me to high school. The men cheer for the women during their warm up and the women cheer for the men during their cool down. I just love it! It is a flat course with a competitive field. It is in the CARA circuit so a lot of strong runners come to race. I ran almost the same time as the last time I did it and squeaked in under 21 minutes so I was happy.
The Results: Net time: 20:58 (6:45/mile pace). Overall place 35 of 567. Gender place 35 of 567. Division place 4 of 90 in women 40-44.
2. San Luis Obispo Half Marathon (SLO) – San Luis Obispo, CA April 24, 2015
Erin and I decided to meet up to run the SLO half marathon. My MIL lives nearby and Erin is a race ambassador. Erin got pregnant, so she moved to the half marathon. We met up and had a great weekend in Cayucos with a bunch of friends old and new. The course was REALLY hilly and tough for this flat lander, but like my old coach used to say, “it was tough for everyone.” Read my full report on this fun weekend and race HERE.
The Results: Net Time – 1:40.34 (7:40 pace). Overall place 96 of 2,228. Gender place 25 of 1,459. Division place 2 of 159
3. Quarryman Challenge (10 Miler) – Lemont, IL May 9, 2015
This was my third year in a row at the Quarryman Challenge. This 10 miler contains some serious hills – up and down. This year’s race was pretty humid and I definitely felt the wear and tear on my legs. This was my slowest running of my 3. I still got a rock! I am three for 3, so that’s something!
The Results: Finish: 1:15.12 Pace: 7:31. Overall: 86 out of 448. Women: 11 out of 163 F 40-44: 3 out of 25.
4. Brooklyn Half Marathon – Brooklyn, NY May 16, 2015
I almost skipped the Brooklyn Half because I was a bit burned out from travel and running. I am SO glad that I didn’t. The Husband and I went to NYC for a weekend get away and to support our friend Emily in her first half marathon ever (spoiler – she had a blast). I got to catch up with so many friends at the race and before/after. I ran with my friend Carly and just enjoyed every step. Read my full report (and about my first half marathon, too) HERE.
The Results: Finish: 1:37:58 (7:28/mile) Overall 2,177 of 26,479. Female: 352 of 14, 209. Age Group: 23 of 1,339.
5. Ridge Run (10K) – Beverly, IL May 25, 2015
I signed up for the 10K/5K double that Kristin and I did last year, but had my first DNS of the year in the 5K. The humidity was RIDICULOUS and a huge rain storm was coming. The 10K was brutal again this year and one of my slowest races of the year (relatively). Around mile 4, I decided to finish and just go home. I even went to the gym and finished my speed work. I was happy I did. This was a rough one for me.
The Results: Finish: 45:52 (7:22/mile) Overall 45 of 621. Female: 9 of 280. Age Group: 1 of 33.
6. Grandma’s Marathon – Duluth, MN June 20, 2015
The weather forecast was a bit dire for Grandma’s. 100% chance of rain and thunderstorms. The good news? no lightning/thunder. The bad news? LOTS of rain before the race and after the start through mile 7 or so. This is a fast, fun course that is known for the small town feel and local pride. It is a great race and I can see why people love it. Having had a strong run in Phoenix, I came in with modest expectations and not much of a strategy. I had a fine run and met some cool folks. Next time, I am going in with a plan (and a poncho). Read my full report HERE.
The Results: Finish: 3:35.31 (8:14/mile) Overall 1,395 of 6,077. Female: 333 of 2,640. Age Group: 33 of 322.
How was your second quarter in running? Please tell me about it in the comments!
The winner is Judith R.! PS. Bonus – Share a comment and you will be entered to win a 12 pack of Grape Cocogo. I will select a winner in order of comment on Sunday, July 5th. US addresses only and void where prohibited.