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 2022. Races and travel are back and I’ve had some fun running opportunities this year so far. I ran a ton of miles including a bunch of running tours which picked up this quarter.
Races run this Q– 7. Blue Ridge Half Marathon, Good Life Race 5K, Lakefront 10 Mile, Quarryman Challenge 10 Mile, Bank of America Chicago 13.1, Grandma’s Marathon and Ricky Byrdsong Race Against Hate 5K.
Miles run: 687.8 – which averages to ~7.5 miles per day.
Miles run in races: 78.6 (twice as many as last quarter!)
Run Streak Days: 862 – still trying to decide on ending or keeping the streak! I’m going for 1,000 days now.
Falls: 1 and it was a doozy! I tripped over a planter base by Navy Pier and went flying. This was 10 miles into a 20 mile run. I was holding a handheld water bottle and jammed my right hand pinky and ring finger (and you guessed it I’m right handed). Luckily, my scrapes were minor and I was able to complete my training for Grandma’s Marathon. And my fingers have healed up pretty well.
Personal Records (PRs): 0 – no surprise there!
Rave Run Spots: Mammoth, CA, Roanoke, VA and Duluth, MN
Star Sightings: None.
Pairs of Sneakers: 3 – Currently in the rotation Hoka Rocket X, Hoka Clifton Edge and Saucony Endorphin Pro (my new love!)
Running Stuff I Tried:
- Salis Endurance Release Electrolytes
- Saucony Endorphin Pro
- PROBAR Peak Chewy Snack Bars
- Elixicure Pain Relief
Popular Running Posts:
- June ’22 Runfessions
- Grandma’s Marathon Recap
- May ’22 Runfessions
- April ’22 Runfessions
- Tried it Tuesday: Salis Time Release Electrolytes
- Summer Running Must Haves
Races Planned for Q3: 4 on the 4th (7/4), Big 10K (maybe!) and Hidden Gem Half Marathon (9/10). I’m not big on summer races b/c of the heat.
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 5k, Oak Park, IL – April 2, 2022
This race used to have a women’s race followed by a men’s race which was kind of fun- like high school. It was mixed this year and we had a nice day. I had to rush off right after the run to go to a baby shower, but it was a fun event, as usual.
The Results: Net Time – 22:58 (7:23/mile). Overall place 119 of 519. Gender place 26 of 258. Division place 4 of 28.
2. Lakefront 10 Miler, Chicago, IL – April 10, 2022
We had perfect weather for the Lakefront 10 and I surprised myself with a (just barely) under 8:00/mile pace for 10 miles. Last year, I struggled to run 8:30 pace so I was very happy with the race. It seemed like a smaller field this year because there were other races the same day.
The Results: Net Time – 1:19:50 (7:59/mile). Overall place 136 of 688. Gender place 21 of 317. Division place 2 of 39.
3. Blue Ridge Half Marathon, Roanoke, VA – April 16, 2022
I had a blast with the Flex and Flow crew at the Blue Ridge Marathon weekend. I had absolutely no business running this mountain road race. That said, running with Lauren and Jackie was a ton of fun. I loved flying down the huge hills we ran up (wheeeeeee!) and even got 2nd in my age group! The best part was supporting Alexis (in her first marathon – billed as the toughest in the US!), Aaron and Jamie (who ran the DOUBLE marathon!) Our crew of 10K, half marathon, marathon and ultra runners was so much fun. It was great running the last 10K of Alexis’ marathon with her and cheering everyone on. The race weekend was terrific. Thumbs up all around for the Blue Ridge Marathon – especially if you can train somewhere with mountains.
The Results: Net Time – 2:03:00 (9:23/mile). Overall place 154 of 847. Gender place 35 of 450. Division place 2 of 36.
4. Quarryman Challenge, Lemont, IL – May 7, 2022
Quarryman is also super hilly – not as bad as Blue Ridge, but pretty tough. Last year, I ran the same time in Lakefront and Quarryman. This year I was a bit slower than Lakefront but 3 minutes faster than last year – so that’s progress. We had beautiful weather and a really fun time.
The Results: Net Time – 1:22:40 (8:16/mile). Overall place 89 of 312. Gender place 14 of 115. Division place 1 of 12.
5. B of A Chicago 13.1, Chicago, IL – June 5, 2022
After I deferred Mountains2Beach because of the date change, I signed up for the new Chicago 13.1. This new event by the group who puts on the Chicago Marathon. It ran through three parks on the West Side of the city. The weather was nice but it was surprisingly humid. I ran half with my friend, Paula. I loved the course and the vibe in the race and post-race party. I didn’t run as well as I hoped, but I did squeak under 1:49 which I needed for guaranteed entry into NYC Half. Also, this was my first half in the 1:40s this year – progress!
The Results: Net Time – 1:48.52 (8:18/mile). Overall place 778 of 3,716. Gender place 186 of 1,809. Division place 7 of 126.
6. Grandma’s Marathon, Duluth, MN – June 18, 2022
I signed up for Grandma’s Marathon in April when the date of Mountains2Beach changed. I ran it in 2015 and it’s known to be a fast, fun course with a great competitive field. My A goal was to run 3:40.59 or better (my 1997 Boston Qualifying standard for 25 year olds) and my B goal was to run 3:41 to 3:50. I had a really good run – physically and mentally – and other than a 2 minute pit stop and mile 22 – it went perfectly. I came in 6 minutes under my Boston qualifying time which hopefully will be enough to qualify for 2023 if I want to run it 25 years after my first. Here’s my recap.
The Results: Net Time – 3:48.53 (8:45/mile). Overall place 1,973 of 5,957. Gender place 600 of 2550. Division place 12 of 156.
7. Ricky Byrdsong Race Against Hate 5K, Evanston, IL – June 19, 2022
I did run a 5K the day the day after Grandma’s. Why? It’s a great cause, it was in the CARA circuit and I do a run streak. Oh, and I’m a bit nuts. I didn’t race but I did a respectable 8:14/mile pace and cheered for friends in the 10K and on the out and back portion of the 5K. Felt OK but Monday was a doozy. LOL.
The Results: Net Time: 25:37 (8:14/mile). Overall place 222 of 1179. Gender place 48 of 563. Division place 6 of 74.
How was your second Q in running? Please share in the comments.