I always say that I’m 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 – not even close! That said, here is my running recap of the second quarter of 2019.
I did A LOT of running and races this quarter. There were a lot of smiles per mile. I ran (slightly) slower in most races this quarter than the same ones last year, but I raced more. I was 2 minutes faster in my marathon, too!
Races run this Q– 8. I ran 2 more 1/2 marathons (Milwaukee for Jen’s 40th and NJ when I was in town for my HS reunion. I ran Mountains 2 Beach Marathon again (recap). I ran 2 5Ks, a 10K (when visiting NYC) and 2 10 milers. I’ll provide brief recaps and photos below!
Miles run: 574 – which averages to ~6.3 miles per day – though I don’t run every day. This is 64 miles more than 1Q18.
Falls: 0 – whoo hoo!
Personal Records (PRs): 0 – no surprise there!
Star Sightings: Hmm. Oh yes, I got a picture with elites in NYC at the NYC Mini 10K including Tatyana McFadden!
Pairs of Sneakers: 4 – Currently in the rotation Mizuno Wave Rider 20, Hoka Clifton 3s, Karhu Fast 7s (for races) and a new pair of Mizuno Wave Sky Waveknits.
Running Stuff I Tried:
- Mizuno Wave Sky Waveknits (review to come)
- Agogo Socks
- SmartSole Exercise Insoles
- Cryofreeze CBD Pain Relief Roll On
Popular Running Posts:
- Mountains 2 Beach ’19 Race Recap
- Tried it Tuesday: Agogo Active Running Socks
- 5 Personal Safety Tips for Runners
Races Planned for Q2: 4 on the 4th, Rock n’ Roll Chicago Half Marathon, Madison Half Marathon. I think that’s it!
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. Milwaukee Half Marathon, Milwaukee, WI – April 6, 2019
I headed up to Milwaukee to run the Milwaukee Half with Jen and Tara to celebrate Jen’s 40th. We ran together through mile 11 and then pushed each other to pick it up to get under 1:45 to meet Jen’s B goal. We all made it in under the goal and had fun in the process.
The Results: Net Time – 1:43:57 (7:55/mile). Overall place 352 of 3,714. Gender place 76 of 2,272. Division place 8 of 495.
2. Good Life Race – Oak Park, IL April 7, 2019
My fave 5K was the next day, so I ran anyway. It was not pretty or as fast as last year, but it was fun! They run the women’s race and then the men’s so we get to cheer for our guy friends. It reminds me of high school cross country meets and I love it.
The Results: Net Time – 22:28 (7:14/mile). Overall place 168 of 907. Gender place 36 of 492. Division place 1 of 46.
3. Lakefront 10 Miler, Chicago, IL – April 13, 2019
I had a blast at this race in 2018 and it was great for my marathon training so I signed up again. I met a man named Bryan at Mile 1 and we chatted about marathons and life for the next 9 miles. Megan jumped in at mile 5 and ran us in. It was a blast. I’m so glad I ran. I was about a minute slower than last year, but I was super happy with my pace!
The Results: Net Time – 1:15.52 (7:35/mile). Overall place 147 of 1,148. Gender place 27 of 609. Division place 2 of 280.
4. NJ Half Marathon – Oceanport, NJ – April 27, 2019
I went to NJ for my 30 year high school reunion. I know, right!? My friend, Gary, who played football in high school is a mid-life running enthusiast. He signed up so I did, too. Sue was also running, so I stayed with her family and enjoyed running some with her and supporting Gary. This run was a slog. I didn’t drink too much at the reunion, but I stood up for hours, stayed up too late and didn’t eat enough. Let’s just say, it seemed like a better idea than it was. I’m glad I went but I would do it differently next time 😉
The Results: Finish: 1:47.41 (8:13/mile). Overall: 509 out of 3,337. Women: 155 out of 1,800 F 45-49: 9 out of 212.
5. Quarryman Challenge – Lemont, IL – May 11, 2019
This race is HARD. It is very hilly and you have to go up a monstrous hill twice. It’s so bad that they have a CASH prize for the people who get to the top first in the first mile. I’ve had a streak of adding 2 + minutes to my time each year. This year it was 3! Oh well. I still had fun and got in some hills for my marathon! I was second in my AG and kept up my streak of winning a rock!
The Results: Finish: 1:20.42 (8:04/mile). Overall: 106 out of 371. Women: 14 out of 127 F 45-49: 2 out of 17.
6. Mountains 2 Beach Marathon – Ojai, CA – May 27, 2019
Our marathon party of two became a marathon and half marathon party of 10 for M2B this year. We had a blast and an awesome post race celebration. This is turning into a tradition and I love it. The course if great, the crowd is chill and there are always cool people to run with. The weather was nice and cool this year and I beat last year’s time by 2 minutes! Here’s a link to my full recap.
The Results: Finish: 36:24 (7:20/mile). Overall: 862 out of 1,723. Women: 312 out of 826 F 45-49: 34 out of 123.
7. NYC Mini 10K – New York, NY – June 8, 2019
We happened to be in NYC for the NYC Mini 10K. This is one of the first all women’s races and has been run since 1972. It was the first race I ran in Central Park in 1994. Since it fell so close to the marathon, I used it as a run to catch up with friends instead of an all out “race.” I guessed that I would finish in ~7:45/mile pace and I came close.
The Results: Finish: 48:18 (7:46/mile). Overall: 428 out of 8,880. Women: 428 out of 8,880 F 45-49: 24 out of 925.
8. Ricky Byrdsong Race Against Hate 5K- Evanston, IL – June 16, 2019
This race is an awesome community event for a great cause. Last year, it was over 80 degrees and steamy. This year it was in the 50s and so foggy that you couldn’t see the finish line. My legs were not fresh but I had fun and enjoyed hanging out with friends. We also scored a ton of free snacks!
The Results: Finish: 22:48 (7:20/mile). Overall: 132 out of 1,717. Women: 26 out of 841 F 45-49: 4 out of 89.
How was your second quarter in running? Please tell me about it in the comments!
PS. Don’t forget my great giveaways!