Publix Georgia Marathon

We went to the expo early Saturday morning and we were in and out of in no time. It was really organized and while there were tons of vendors, I didn't buy anything this time. Shocking, I know.

But baller here is going to try and save bank over the coming months dets-maybe to come.

 

But despite not getting my shopping on we still had fun.

Am I the only one that finds the need to take photos at expo?

 

Bibb mug shot anyone?

 

Picture of said bibb.

 

We had the best lunch ever i.e. soup and sandwich. Soup and sandwiches are a luxury to us because we don't have such restaurants where we live and seriously we revel in such soupy goodness. Lunch was followed by Divergent. Divergent was followed by dinner and dinner was followed by an early bed time meaning I was out by 8.

 

I slept soundly that night, thank goodness too because before you knew it 4:45 rolled around. I had everything laid out the night before as I always do so I was ready in no time.

 

Yeah, I do my make up before a marathon- go on... judge.

 

 

We went back and forth on taking the train in versus driving. We were running a little late because someone kept lathering on lipstick hoping to make those newly whitened teeth pop- damn it Michael!

So it was an easy decision at that point dur-drive in. Worse case The Champ drops my ass off and I walk to the start. I mean what is a couple of blocks if you're going to run a marathon, right?

 

Turns out there was no problem. Amen.

 

We got out spot and went to our tent. Yep, we had a tent! Well, not we but my training group i.e. Phidipipides. There were a ton of people gathered in Centennial Park but it wasn't chaotic by any means. There were plenty of Happy Johns (I believe that was the name of the porta potties) and they all had tp and hand sanitizer. Although I didn't use the bag check it took my friends all of 2 minutes to drop their bags off.

 

Around ten till the start we lined up in our corral.

 

As a runner, do you ever find it odd that we get up before the sun comes up to run a ridiculous amount of miles and get excited about it?

 

There was constant movement. My first marathon they released us in blocks and you just stood there for what felt like forever. And although they released us in corrals this time, you were slowly walking the entire time not just standing there. Not that its a big deal but I like that we are moving.

Before you knew it were off (10 minutes after the gun went off). The first few miles involved lots of weaving. We were running with not only marathoners but the half. The plan was to run the first mile because we knew there would to be many people to rock Galloway. But we planned on maintaining our pace 11:27...which was not happening because of the congestion.

I am ANTI weaving. I think you expend way to much energy trying to go around people but man they were killing our time so we weaved.

Around mile 4 we were at our target pace and could easily step aside for our walks. I can't recall when but I fell behind pace twice around mile 8 and 14. I told Harley to go ahead. I could see him in the distance most of the time but it would take a good solid sprint to reach him.

Then I realized I needed someone to talk to. My mind was kinda starting to wander and I made each downhill my bitch to catch up with him.

Its really nice when you do start to struggle to have someone to talk to. I knew the race wasn't going to be pretty if I couldn't find my happy place early on.

We talked as we always do. I can honestly say I don't remember looking at the mile markers nor really crowds. I was really immersed in our conversation and when we weren't talking I was fine because I found my "zone."

We hit the half way mark at 2:20. Around 8 minutes faster the "target" pace. We did this on purpose. Lets face it, the end will only get tougher. And it did.

I am a HUGE balega fan but with my tendonitis I have to wear a stupid boot. Well, the boot causes my socks to move around a lot and cause chaffing (like really bad) so I started to wear compression socks on runs. I didn't have any problems with them on short runs or my 18 miler. But I was warned that they didn't offer enough cushion during marathons and damn, my friend was right.

I love compression socks but I have NO idea how all the "big bloggers" run with them during marathons. My feet were on freakin fire. Around mile 18 I could feel blisters forming. And yes, I put chaffing cream all over my feet before a race.

Around that time Harley fell back and I went on. I pretty much stayed true to Galloway up until mile 20. My legs were fresh but the bottoms of my feet man were on fire, it was awful.

At that point I was oblivious to the time and the mile marker I just jogged when I could and walked when  I needed. Apparently, I walked a lot. 
 

Like all the photos of me were of me walking.

No biggie just walking a marathon scratching my back...

 

 

 

At the last mile though I was surprised to see the Champ holding this.

 

 

 

Of course I was walking (he was not suppose to see me walking!) but soon as I saw him I pepped up. I have NEVER had anyone cheer for me that I knew while on course for a marathon (that I knew) *note I did not say while running a marathon.

 

I even tried to get him to run the last mile with me but that wasn't happening.

 

I did not finish strong. In fact, at mile 22 my time was 4:17 and my finish time was 5:16.

Once I finished I basically walked across the finish line. I limped to get my medal and plopped down.

My left foot was completely blistered which has NEVER happened before. But that's another post.

The point of this is, it was a good race.

They had girl scouts out there with cookies, they had fruit stops all of which were marked on the course map prior to the run so I totally appreciated that. They handed out chocolate milk right when you finished and had fuel boxes too.

But this race was challenging.

I am not sure if it was the socks or what but it was hard. I did shave off about 10 minutes from my last race so that was a plus.

But I was exhausted...

Can you see it in my eyes?
 

Overall, I thought the course support was fantastic, I thought it was well organized but I do not think it would be a good marathon for a first timer. Those rolling hills were really tough.

Race menu
1 Sugar Free Redbull
2 Salt Sticks
4 Cherry Lime Gu Roctane
32 oz lemon lime nuun
32 oz of water x 2
2 Orange slices
 

 

I caught it

I caught it. Yep, that weird achy pain was something after all called perennial tendonitis. I'm not going to get all dramatic on you and tell you all the dets (yet) but since the marathon I have tried to stay off of it as much as possible.



(Source)



Let me tell you it sucks not running.
I knew it was a release but I never knew how big of a stress release it was until I couldn't do it! Now, my podiatrist said I could run but it had to be less then half marathon distance with an emphasis on not pushing it. Since I don't want to inflame anything anymore I rather stay off of it and I have been exploring other realms of fitness.

I tried the elliptical and biking but my perennial tendon was still being used so that didn't work. I did some weights (which I love-after a good run) but my heart rate wasn't elevating. So I decided to swim... When I asked my doctor what to do in the interim he suggested swimming. Of course I scoffed at him as all the pools are closed. Luckily, the Bird pointed out an aquatic center near by that I was oblivious to.

So after work we headed to pool. I was kinda intimidated at first. There were about 14 lanes and all but two were occupied by swim teams. Well, the Bird and I grabbed some noodles and spent the next hour and a half in the midst of teenage swimming angst while "running in water" from one end of the pool to the next. I might have been splashed and almost kicked more then once but whatever I was getting my workout on. Actually I had to really focus on my core to "run" because I kept tipping over.

Although my heart rate didn't go up like it does for a run I felt great. I was starving after the swim and felt so, so relaxed. It was a really cool change up. The next day my quads hurt. I wasn't expecting that but I am happy to know something was defiantly getting worked on. So until my next appointment to the podiatrist you'll catch me in the pool amongst hundreds of kids getting my jog on.

Rock on.

What do you do in the face of injury?
How have you adjusted your normal routine due to an injury?

Lets Talk- Asheville Marathon and Half at Biltmore

Being a race Ambassador is pretty exciting. I have had the opportunity to see and work on things behind the scenes and learn more about races. Since the Asheville Marathon at Biltmore is only in its second year ANNNND we are having the inaugural half marathon I thought I would share some cool stuff about this gem of a destination race and why I choose to represent them.

This race, is intimate. Its small, a 1,300 cap and they do this for a reason. They want it to be an intimate experience, a boutique style race. 

Lets begin by talking swag, cause if you are anything like me it makes a difference. The race personalizes items for you and they are top quality. The race shirts were by Mizuna last year, they had personalized race gloves, personalized race socks by balega socks (my most favorite socks in the world). Now I have received cool swag but I have never received high-quality name brand swag so I'm rather excited. Of course there was swag from other sponsors like a race bag from Hunter Subaru, Water bottle from Mission Health, a gift card to RedStar for a free pair of sun glasses.

Then there is beer...
One of their sponsors is Sierra Nevada.
Homebrew. Hops. American.
That pretty much sums up its greatness.
You'll see them at the expo....and when you finish your race.
Win.win.



In case you were wondering they just opened a Sierra Brewery not far from the Biltmore.

Hello, you know  me and the Champ will be stopping by for a brewery and tasting tour.

Curious about the course? Here is a "fly over" describing the run for the full by our race Director, Daphne.


Asheville Marathon Fly-Over from houckmedford.com on Vimeo.

(In case you're feeling lazy way to excited to watch the video here are some pictures of what is in store for you)

You get to run in front of the US's largest privately owned "house." (Beat that Kardashians). So the home was built in the late 1800's by the Vanderbilts. Name sound familiar? This house was built during the guilded ages, ya know when everything was glitz and glam? So a special architect was brought in to replicate Frances working estates and create a French Renaissance chateau. Obviously, this wasn't going to be a normal house...

The gardens weren't any different. Did you know Vanderbilt brought in gardeners and specialist to make the property self sustaining? (source) Check out some of the properties pictures here. They are kinda jaw dropping.

Ok, ok lets wrap this post up. After your jaw dropping run your probably going to need a drink...luckily for you there will be beer at the finish andddd

you know I feel about space blankets well this race gives you your own take home fleece. Last year it said "Relax and Celebrate" and I don't think it could be anymore right on. Plus, I love a nice lap blanket it will be perfect to cozy up with when we get back home and a great commemorative item.

Last year's medal were wooden and engraved and fit perfectly with the intimate, relaxed vibe of the race.  The big reveal hasn't occurred for this years race and but expect some fine blingage.

Now that the race is on your mind....

Available today ONLY $10 off your half marathon and marathon registration promo code

NEWBILTMOREHALF

and

Use the Redheaded Runner under the referral to get an exclusive gift from our sponsors

 

Questions?

Thoughts?

 

Atlanta Marathon Part II

As you know from my last marathon experience the end of the race was the worst! There was no organization and in my exhausted mind it was chaotic. Well, let me tell I think the race finish was just as more organized as the start. It was fantastic.

Soon as you finished you were given your medal then this...

(Source)

Instead of space blankets they handed out reusable recovery jackets. I have never seen these before but they were the jam. They zipped up in the front, had pockets, and a hood. No disrespect to the space blanket but how does one stretch while holding one around your body? They always fly in every direction so these were perfect for right after the race.

A few feet away they were handing out recovery food packs. I love these! After a marathon or really any race I particularly don't like having to go to different stations to pick up nutrition. This was great as I grabbed my box, was given a nanner, some chocolate milk and water and went my merry way. Because of their organization I quickly and swiftly exited so new runners could make their way in.

I went to the "green area" outside of the marathon. I plopped down on the faux grass and chugged my chocolate milk. Why is chocolate milk so appetizing after a distance race? Seriously, I cant believe I'm going to say this but it taste better then beer after a hard workout.

I opened my little box of joy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It had everything my little runners heart could desire including a hand wipe. It was so nice to just sit there warm in my little jacket, in my herkey position (because that's all I really do to stretch) while picking through my goody box.

Not long after finishing The Bird found me and of course we hammed it up.

 

 

After the race we had lunch and talked about the race. Im tellin' ya it was so nice to talk to another runner about a race. I have tried to talk to other none runner friends and I swear sometimes you can hear the crickets. Running and talking about things like locking up, porta johns, and under boob chafe is just not something that not everyone can appreciate like a runner.

 

I thought it would be worth mentioning the some of the other goodies I received at the race. The actual race bags were empty. No samples, no coupons but...they did give an awesome beer mug. Now that, is something I can appreciate. They also gave you a really sweet pull over that will be perfect for my morning runs.

 

Beer...awesome running swag.
 

Makes for a very satisfied marathon runner.

Recovery jacket or space blanket?
What's your all time, favorite piece of swag you got from a race?
Favorite post race beer?

Atlanta Marathon Part I

I woke up at 4:45 to get ready for the race. Despite the twinge of pain I felt in my ankle I felt great. I turned up the radio and chugged some redbull. Since I was rocking a hat I didn't have to do my hair (Yes, girlfriend has wild hair and I have to iron it just to put it in a ponytail) so I was ready in all of 10 minutes, it was awesome. I ended up just chilling on the couch. leg propped up with some ice while reading some gossip columns as I waited for the Bird to arrive.

We left a little later then planned but it wasn't a problem. I was really excited on the drive as I never had rode with another runner to a race. Its always just me and the Champ and I think he just thinks Im crazy so it was so much fun to get pumped up with someone else on our way. Screaming to System of a Down might have been involved. I would love to have seen our colleagues faces during our little impromptu American Idol moment.

There were plenty of parking spots and we just walked right up to the start line. Always a plus. Bird went her way since she was going for the 4:30 pace group. I took my bad self to the 5:00 group where I met a pumped up Harley.

The race started fast. I think we waited maybe 5 minutes before we started the race. Honestly, I don't remember much from the start I was just so happy to run after dreading the worst all week. At mile 3 Harley's son waited for us to give him our "toss clothes." He held them until the end of the race to give back to us.

I remember thinking we started off a little faster then I wanted. But Harley said we were on target and we were inline with the 5 hour group the entire time. (this was perfect because the extra 30 minutes would give me time to kill in case I locked up, had to potty etc.)

I felt great up until mile 8 and then the ankle hurt. I picked up my heel and started running on the front sole of my foot. It didn't work. I had to stop. I actually plopped my ass down on the curb, took my shoe off and adjusted my ace bandage followed by a potty break. Ohhh they had TP and hand sanitizer. In case you didn't know and if you ever run with me I carry a pack of tissues in the sports bra and carry hand wipes. Girlfriend is anti germs. Ok, so I felt a little better and I started to jog again. I jogged maybe 10 minutes and it hit me. I couldn't go on, the pain wasn't horrible but it didn't  feel right. I would say it was more nerve racking then anything.  Again, I plopped down on a curb, took my shoe off and adjusted my bandage.

At this point I probably lost 10 minutes. I put my face in to my hands and thought about if I should keep going. Was I injured? Was it a phantom pain? Was it just sore? I wasn't sure but I did know nothing was broken, swollen, or bruised. My doctor had given me a veryyyy low dose of pain medication. I didn't want to take it. But I did take precautions prior to the race. I actually brought my gu and my nuun to the pharmacy to see if the medication would mess with it or to find out if the medication would make me tired, woozy or the like. I was given the OK. So, I took it.

I popped in my headphones since Harley was long gone and focused on the crisp fall air, the crowd, and the music. Within 30 minutes I didn't feel that annoying pain in my ankle.

The crowds were awesome. You hit a lolli pop and there were people all around you and they had wobble blasting. Of course I got down with my bad self and got a million cheers. No surprise cause I'm just awesome like that ;)

Not long after I caught up to Harley. I actually saw him several times but he was to far to yell for and to far to sprint to. When I caught up to him it was around mile 13. I was so excited to see him.

We hit mile 13 at 2:30. I was cool with that. Although, it did make me think of what our times would have been if I didn't stop and he didn't slow down hoping I would catch up.

I've only ran one other race where I had someone to talk to so I wont lie having Harley there was awesome. I don't remember what we talked about but I just know I enjoyed everything.

Around my 16 I noticed Harley started losing focus. It reminded me of when I ran my first marathon. I knew he was about to hit the wall. I popped a salt tab, and an ibuprofen  and he took a ibuprofen. He was a champ he jogged through it. But it was in his face just like it was in mine especially when  I look at my pictures from my last race.

Around mile 18 I saw the 5:30 pace group coming up on us. When you really aren't running with a pace group and you end up seeing them its like seeing the grim reaper you haul ass to stay away from them. Harley, knowing my goal was to hit under 5:30 let me go on.

I felt really strong. I took a gu every 4 miles followed by water. I had a 21 oz. bottle of nuun that I drank by mile 16. I had my bottle topped off with water after that.

My last marathon I ran by myself the majority of the time. Like, someone could have snatched me from the course and no one would have been there to help me. This time there were runners everywhere. It was nice because you were able to pace yourself with other people.

Every few miles there were big groups of  cheer squads. You can actually adopt a mile through the Atlanta Track Club (they put the race on) so there was none stop entertainment.

(Source)

Their energy helped me. I think I said thank you when I passed every single police officer and volunteer station. Legit, my throat hurt from saying so many thank yous after the race. But dude, it really meant a lot.

(Source)

The only part of the race I can say kinda/maybe sucked was  mile 23. The sun just started to beat down on you when you were spat onto Cardiac Hill on Peachtree Road (a bitch of an incline that's part of the infamous Peachtree Road Race). Everyone around me walked. It was by no means torturous but I but it was a bit of a challenge but more so because of the heat.

Honestly, I wasn't focused on the mile markers like (like I have been have on every other race). Everything seemed to happen fast this race, it didn't feel like it went on forever, 6 more miles didn't seem like an eternity. I found  my grove and happy place during this race.

Before I knew it I saw mile 26. I thought I would plow through the last .2 miles but nope I walked that .1 until the turn for the finish and like a champ took off.

Although from the photos I'm not sure a champ is what I looked like...

Finish 5:25
Shaved off 21 minutes from my April Marathon

Next up post race.