3:01 :)
No cliff hanger here ;)
This will be brief. I never thought I'd be so happy with missing my goal but happy I am :) See, can't stop smiling :):):):):):)
Long story short:
I decided yesterday that I wasn't running, then that I was only treating it as a training run due to the tightness I felt in my chest during my easy 3 mile run. I think I just totally freaked out. My whole family is/has been sick and I have been dreading getting it too and I haven't been 100% but honestly I think it might have just been anxiety!
Anyway, after texting Coach Doug and Heather that I was out, I texted them back to say '**** it, I'll run and see what happens'.
Today was cold, wet, and windy in Houston. Nice running weather for this Scottish girl. I stayed downtown in my own room and didn't know what to do with myself so I spent the whole time last night reading and missing my kids (who met me at the end and have since driven me crazy - so normality has been resumed ;)).
I am not good in big crowds and boy were there a LOT of people there this morning. This is y 1st big marathon but I had no problem getting a porta-loo, bag drop was easy, I got pretty close to the start line. All good, nice job at moving a lot of people around seamlessly Houston.
I caught up to the 3 hour group and there I remained. I felt great, i wanted to go at mile 13...no wait...mile 14...no wait. Then mile 16 hit, I was waiting until mile 18 to make my break but holy moly the life just seeped out of the soles of my feet.
I learned a HUGE lesson today. This runner DOES need fuel during a marathon. Yes, I had decided not to take anything other than a few sips of gatorade from the 10 mile point on. All that stuff messes with my stomach and I thought I didn't need it. WRONG.
I have never felt anything like it, the pace dropped off, my eye sight went terrible, I was weaving around and felt so light headed. I started asking all the spectators is they had a gel I could have. Then I saw a man with orange slices I grabbed one and inhaled it, still no gel, I NEEDED a gel. I kept going and asking everyone then I got lucky and a woman gave me one! THANK YOU BEST SPECTATOR EVER. I told her she had saved my life, a little dramatic perhaps but she did save my race.
I took it, then washed it down with gatorade (made it to the next water station) then got a banana from someone. Ok, kick in, kick in, kick in! And it did, I felt a million times better, felt energy come back and then it was back to business. I could still see the 3 hour 'balloon' so close and yet so far. I told myself to relax and take my time getting them back. I knew if I could just get there I could settle in and I'd get my goal. I worked to close that gap but I could not get to them.
I took gatorade from that point onwards and another gel at around the 20 mile mark where there was a fuel station.
Crossed the line, in 3:01 did the whole stop running and my legs would not cooperate and walk thing! Was held up by a nice guy until I looked like I wouldn't veer into the barrier and/or collapse anymore. So that's a 12 minute PR, I'll take it.
It was so awesome. I'm so happy. I know there's so much more in there even at this point. But the really exciting thing is I feel like I understand what my body needs fuel wise (I'm sure I still have a lot to learn but todays lesson was a very important one) and I know that with the right training (mega miles) I have so much more to give.
I found my family and within 5 minutes of finishing I had my 4 year old on my shoulders and was making the 15 minute walk to the car so we could get back to the hotel. Life was restored to normal (4 year olds have no respect for the fact their mums have just run a marathon). Love her.
Bit of a sore tummy afterwards, price to pay for those gels but worth it for pulling my race back around today.
22nd female, 3rd in AG.
Next goal, sub 2:55 by the end of the year (would really like low 2:50's actually so might revise that). But talk, as we know is cheap. Rest time then back to averaging some serious milage for 2013.
I'm adding the most important part late!!!!!!! Huge thanks to Doug Storey, Coach extraordinaire. Like I told him, I knew he knew his sh** ;) If you're 'serious' (ie prepared to work hard) and are looking for someone who takes your thoughts, wants and needs into account (he gets that we runners are all different) then he's your man.
I'm adding the most important part late!!!!!!! Huge thanks to Doug Storey, Coach extraordinaire. Like I told him, I knew he knew his sh** ;) If you're 'serious' (ie prepared to work hard) and are looking for someone who takes your thoughts, wants and needs into account (he gets that we runners are all different) then he's your man.
This totally wasn't brief, what a shocker for me :D
ReplyDeleteI tracked you this morning. You are a great, consistent race. V smart! I can't believe you don't take gels in marathons. I take 5! They make a HUGE difference, particularly those with caffeine. I have no doubt that 2:55 or 2:50 will happen next time. Super job out there, truly impressed:) I hope you are celebrating!
ReplyDeletethank you! This was only my 2nd marathon (well 3rd but 2nd racing) and I did eat something during my 1st a year ago (not gels, i didn't know what a gel was) but didn't think I needed it :s I NEVER want to experience what I went through at mile 16 ever again! I was so spaced out, I couldn't see and wasn't sure I was forming my words properly, kind of slurring :s I have learned a big lesson, I will take them from now on. At what point do you start taking them? I was thinking mile 10. I do have stomach issues with them so am reluctant to start too early, I want to know I'll be done before the cramps and nausea set in! I am celebrating with a chinese meal (when my hubbie gets home from picking it up) and glass or two of bubbly - I don't need him to be here to start on the latter ;) So bloody proud of myself today (I NEVER feel that way) ;D
DeleteJust as a side note, I now take 2 imodium before my long runs and races and they have helped me soooooooo much. No more cramps during races which is a HUGE thing for me, once they start it is game over :s
DeleteCongrats on hanging tough and a huge PR! Gels are a tough thing because they do help, but can be murderous on the stomach. I read on SeeMomRunFar's blog who has similar issues and she uses VI or something like that. Maybe that would be an option for you. Also, the conditions today were tough with the wind. I think 2:55 and 2:50 are so within reach! What is your next race?
ReplyDeleteThanks, Woodlands half in March with a cheeky 5k in a couple of weeks (if I can walk by then!) You know, I only started to have issues around 20 mins after I finished and they only lasted for around an hour. My coach told me to drink a heap of water and so I did, maybe that's what helped cut it short? So fingers crossed I will be ok using gels during races and I guess I'll use them during longer runs sometimes to get my stomach used to them. I need to sit down and look for a marathon, I would like one oct/nov time and then I could do Houston again too. I also want to run an ultra this year and some 800's and miles during the summer - a real mixed bag!
DeleteI think you may want to start experimenting with some nutrition. If gels won't work (and there are many kinds out there!), than maybe sports beans or blocks...Once you figure out the nutrition you will be unstoppable! I know the feeling you describe at mile 16....scary:) But you pushed through!
ReplyDeleteI tried those beans once, last year before the woodlands half and I have never been in so much pain in my life. That includes child birth :s (but I kind of like giving birth...I digress :D).
DeleteI think I'll persevere with the gels, I didn't suffer at all during the race and only for around an hour afterwards - that's a trade off I can handle. It was a horrible experience, all the time watching the 3 hour balloon get further and further away. Not one to be repeated!
Amazing, amazing, amazing!! You killed it! Congrats, Vicky! So thrilled for you, and in awe. :)
ReplyDeleteAs for fueling, my strategy finally worked and I felt good the whole time, but my knees were unhappy with more concrete than I've been training on. Overall, a super fun day!
Thanks, you did a great job too! Sorry about the knees, rest up! I was really impressed with my 1st Houston marathon experience.
DeleteJust saw your question on fueling timing- I've read it's wise to start early (around mile 4-6) and take something in consistently every 4-5 miles. You can also take one right before the start, only 5-10 minutes before. Sooner than that would raise our blood sugar too quickly, but once you're running, it's not an issue.
ReplyDeletethanks for the info!
DeleteHi, I have enjoyed popping in to read your blog for a little while now- but had to comment today to say congratulations on an amazing run! Great to see you get a PB :)
ReplyDeletePB, where are you from?! I have converted to PR, the American effect ;) Thanks, I appreciate it!
DeleteHa well spotted, i am Scottish too, can't bring myself to use PR, it was always PB when i was young. I used to run cross country too, it crossed my mind we may have raced against each other as kids but just noticed from your latest post that we are not the same age.
DeleteHow old are you? Do you live in the states now? Who did you run for? So many questions ;D
Deleteps is has been and always will be a 'warm down' ;)
DeleteDon't live in the states, hubs work takes us there later this year but we live in korea just now. I ran for a small club in the north, i thought if we were the same age we might have crossed paths at inter districts or school nationals or something, but I'm 31 so with 4yrs difference its unlikely. Ha, yip will always be a 'warm down', even though it makes less sense!
DeleteNice running, I know what you mean about gels... I only take them when I racing a marathon. I run marathond for fun and to jog a sub 3 is one thing (I can go a little faster) but If i'm going for it I don't want to run out of fuel. So I start taking gels at 11km and then every 11km. To be honest I don't know if they work, but I'm not going to line-up without them. Then a couple of weeks ago I was out for a little run on the mountain, and at 2h30 I was toast!!! so i eat a gel and made it back to the car. On training run I don't take before I need, and in races I take so I won't need!!! (I know what works for me.)
ReplyDelete3h01, So close, yet so far... I have a couple of 3h01's and it hurts. I know you are pleased with the 12 minute PR, but I bet you will alway look back with "If and Buts". And we will all say" Next time I see you going big...
ha, 'jog a sub 3' one day.....one day! 11km = around 7 miles, that's when my training buddy took them, I think I'll try something similar next time, thanks. It was a good lesson to learn, I guess its a very personal thing and you just have to work it out through experience.
DeleteI was surprised by how happy I was with the time, I am the queen of beating myself up, I think I was just so glad to have pulled it back from being a complete disaster. The 1st, 'oh ****, so close' type thought didn't enter my head for a good few hours! I am happy though, it's just a stepping stone and I feel like I found out where I am and what I'm made of. Was most pleased with how I dealt with my 'bonk' and the fact my thoughts were 100% positive throughout the whole race, not ONE negative thought - VERY unusual for me.
It has just fueled my fire to blow that 3 hour thing away next time :)
Congrats on your race and PR... especially just deciding to race this last minute!! My first marathon I did not take in any calories and that killed my race. Gels do not bother me now, but I have experimented with dates (similar nutritional specs as gels) and those seem to be easier on my stomach.... might want to give them a try:)
ReplyDeleteThanks and hi, I enjoy reading your blog! I went to the dr's the week before after being unwell for a week and she gave me pills, lotions and potions for bronchitis. I just felt like it wouldn't shift and the day before my easy 3 felt so awful, my chest was so tight. I wonder how much of it was anxiety, I'm not really that way inclined but I do think nerves played a part. I will say I don't think it affected my race one bit, my breathing was easy the whole time. PHEW!
DeleteI love dates, I heard your stomach can get used to gels and I didn't suffer too much this time so I will persevere. I am thinking you only ever run 1 marathon without taking in enough fuel - lesson learned right?! :)
CONGRATS on your PR...that is a huge drop and you did so so so awesome!!!
ReplyDeletealthough I don't train with fuel, I know that when I'm racing I need it! did you forget to pack a gel?
I had a similar experience at CIM, except I had the gel, I just couldn't open it and had to ask a volunteer to open it for me! :) we runners are crazy!
I'm jealous you have a coach, I'm thinking about possibly looking into getting one if I run faster this year.
I hope you're recovering well & feeling great post 26.2!
xoxo!
I decided before hand that I didn't need any fuel so no, I didn't have any with me :s Whilst I was mid 'bonk' I was thinking 'why didn't I just carry one with me, what harm would it have done?!' :D
DeleteI also couldn't open it, my hands were frozen and I could move them! I have to try to grip it and rip it with my teeth! I was pretty desperate and got into that baby :D I told one somewhat startled looking volunteer at the aid station where I got my 2nd gel, 4 miles after the initial 'bonk' 'you should open these for people!' as I tried to get into it. Sorry wonderful volunteer who was out in the cold and rain to help fools like me :s
If you need a coach I have a great one I can recommend ;) my email is 'missvickyclark@hotmail.com', if you want a little info, no strings attached drop me an email and I can fill you in. Nothing ventured nothing gained. This guy has brought my friend and I to 11th and 22nd placed females in Houston from nowhere really. I think he could have 2 top 10 placed runs next year if all goes to plan. WHilst he does live in Houston we don't get to see him often it's all email and text but works for us. No pressure ;D
That's a huge PR even if it wasn't exactly what you wanted. Way to go!!!! You'll get it next time.
ReplyDeleteThank you, I imagine people think I'm disappointed to be so close and yet so far but I gained so much confidence from this run and I know the training I have in store for me will (all being well) see me blow that 3 hours out of the water. So despite missing my goal I'm pretty happy with it. Hope that little bundle is letting you get some sleep (it's gets easier and easier, and then I'm told worse and worse when they're teenagers but lets not dwell on that! :D).
DeleteOh my goodness!! you did incredible!! I am so impressed with how much you have improved in the distance this year. I also can't believe you didn't take anything. At the level you were pushing yourself, it's amazing you didn't keel right over when you ran out of energy.
ReplyDeleteHUGE huge things in store for you this year. I am so excited to see how you do at the Woodlands. Are you registered as an elite there? If not, you should!
Ah! I still can't believe a 3:01 and 12 minute PR!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Raina, I was due a good one ;) Yes, elite at the Woodlands but only doing the half. Time to sort that PR out!
DeleteI told my husband last night, that the marathon was my easiest run for a long time. I am a FIRM believer in high milage, it just gives you so much more 'legs'. I'm not saying it didn't hurt and try as I might I could not pull that 3 hour group back but I've just started on some high miles and I want more!
The best I can do to describe it is, before on lower miles I would have to push and try to find more and fight for every step and it HURT like hell! Now, almost without having to think about it, my legs turn over mile after mile without having to ask them to - does that make sense? My thighs still 'locked up' very tight towards the end of the marathon but my lungs were very easy and my kegs just kept turning over. It's a good feeling, reassuring that you have it in there, it's money in the bank!
I am trying to talk anyone who'll listen into get their milage up if they want to see big improvements. Can you tell???? :D
I passed 19 people in the last 4.5 miles, 2 past me. Have I convinced you yet ;D (no I wasn't counting, my husband found some statics page full of info!)
DeleteI would totally do 100 mile weeks if I thought I could. So far, my feet will allow 80. Maybe I need to keep pushing it up slowly. It certainly works for you!!!
DeleteAlso, I put a link to this on twitter today. Such a good read!!!!
DeleteIt will show up as a t.co on your stats :)
I have no idea what that means but....thanks? :D
Delete80's great, how do you feel on it? I guess we're all different and I seem to gain energy the more miles I run it's just the time it takes that's hard to find.
Maybe once the kids are all at school I can run all day..... ;)
:)
Delete80 miles / week. I am not sure...It's my breaking point I think. Maybe if I hit it without any speed for a long time I could go higher. I Would like to be able to...Having kids in school would allow more time for that.
WAY TO GO!!! I heard the conditions were ROUGH so you should feel doubly proud!! Amazing!! I hope you are relaxing and feeling like you are on Cloud 9 right now. You deserve it :)
ReplyDeleteThanks! Conditions were perfect for marathon running! The day before was warm and humid, I was SO glad we got the cold, rain and wind we were promised :) The wind wasn't much of a factor, so sheltered downtown, and the rain stopped early on. I think I'm just about off cloud 9 and ready to get back to work. Have been looking around for a marathon round about October time and thinking about Chicago (I googled 'fast and flat marathons :D). Have you run it, any other suggestions????? Looking forward to your next one and seeing that PR in the 2:4? where it belongs.
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