Divas Half Marathon Race Report

 

 

2014 Divas Half Marathon

Myrtle Beach, SC

 

 

Warning: This is long. What did you expect? I've only been talking about this half marathon for how long now?

You'll survive. Go get a glass of sweet tea and put your feet up, while you read.

 

*****



As I sat down to write this race report, I thought of all the other reports I've written and how I've always tried to make them somewhat humorous. However, this particular race unfolded in a completely different sort of way. Here, let me tell you what happened.....

All spring I have been training for the Divas Half Marathon. Yet, I was not as focused during training for this half as I was for my first one, last October. (Read that race report here.) First of all, I was training alone. Second, I got the flu. It took a good three weeks to feel normal after that. Third, I bonked on my 11 mile training run. And that incident scared the bejeebies out of me so badly that I came down with a huge case of the nerves very early on. Any goals I had set for myself at this point was pretty much out the window. I had to find a way to get my composure back and fast. So, I did what I always do in times of trouble.....I prayed! Not only did I pray, but I enlisted prayer from two of the sweetest prayer warriors ever. Mama and Joyce, my neighbor at the beach. These two ladies have the most faith of anyone I know. I was on the phone with Joyce early last week and was telling her about my nerves and said to her that I know it is a very small thing to ask prayer for, but would she mind whispering a prayer for me that I could get over these nerves. And what she told me totally changed my view of how we should approach our problems, as minute as they may be in this big world with so many problems and hurting people. She told me to praise God for a good race ahead of time.

I took Joyce's advice and began praising God for all the things that were concerning me....I praised Him for strength, endurance to finish the 13.1 miles, stamina to maintain a certain pace.....praise that my ankle would not hurt and that my hip would not tighten up or that I wouldn't bonk again. Joyce's advice put things into perspective for me. At that moment, I wasn't worried about what my competitive side wanted...passing people, not finishing last, etc. With this new focus, I changed how I viewed things and realized that when my heart was in the right place, that nothing is too small to ask God. I realized that he cares for the things I care about and wants me to do well. There is a passage in the Bible that proves this and it's found in Matthew 6:26. Here Jesus is talking about worry. He said, "...Look at the birds in the air. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, but your heavenly Father feeds them. And you know that you are worth much more than the birds."  I was changed. My fears and anxiety and nerves went away. I hardly thought about them again and if I felt them starting to rise up, I just praised God.

Sunday morning, let's just say my gut nerves acted up a little, but I really didn't feel nervous. When Cliff and I got to the race and stepped foot on the race course, I couldn't wait to begin running. The atmosphere was electrifying. I heard that between the 5K and half marathon participants, there was somewhere in the neighborhood of 5000 racers there. Music was playing, people were dancing and I was literally bouncing up and down. And then I noticed something significant......my legs felt strong and warm. My ankle was not hurting and I felt a lightness that I haven't felt but maybe once or twice ever, while running. And I just smiled!

The race began and because there were so many people there, it took at least two minutes for me to cross the start line and another few seconds to actually begin running. But when I did, I had the wind beneath my wings. The race progressed along. I worked my plan as far as nutrition and hydration - stopping for water and Gatorade at every water station and taking gels every 3 miles. I couldn't really control my pace that well because I was overdosing on adrenaline. I went out way too fast, as usual. After a couple of miles, though, I was able to take control of that. I really felt like running faster, but I knew if I did that I would pay for it on the back half of the race. Along the way, I saw a girl sidelined and being looked after by the medics because of an asthma attack. And later, another girl had to be carried away by ambulance. I didn't find out what happened to her. My heart went out to them. Cliff met me in different locations along the route, snapping pictures and making sure I was ok. I sure love that man! And I love how when I need a little something, whether it's moral support or a familiar face, he pops up. And that strengthens me for a while longer.

Between mile 5 and 6......

If I have a sweet zone, I would say that it's between mile 4 and 8. By mile 4, my muscles have completely warmed up. And for the next 4 miles, I settle into a rhythm with my breathing and cadence.

Around the 9 mile mark, I started getting fatigued and my pace slowed a good bit. If I started feeling anything that could potentially cause problems, e.g. hurting ankles...I just praised God for no pain and whatever I may have been feeling went away. During the times I felt really hot and fatigued, a breeze would begin to blow and cool me. It was amazing.

From mile 10 through mile 11, we ran through a subdivision with fountains shooting water up from very small lakes. I felt the urge to go swimming, but I managed to not go there. I picked the pace back up a little around this point and then sometime after mile 11, I noticed my calves started tightening up. I was concerned enough at that point that I knew I would not make my goal of finishing in 2:45 hours. So, I quickly set a new goal. I asked God to please let me finish in under 3 hours. I didn't care if it was 2:58.....just as long as it was under 3 hours. Lo and behold, as you will see later, that was another answered prayer.

At mile 12, the tightening in my calves turned into cramps. I hydrated well along the route with water and Gatorade, so I didn't understand why I was getting cramps. I mean...I know the reasoning behind it, just thought I was doing what I needed to avoid them. But the cramps persisted, especially when I tried to speed up. I decided to play it safe and keep running a comfortable pace.

Just before mile 13, we went through the tiara and boa station where we were adorned as Divas. I draped the boa around my neck and placed the tiara on my head and ran on. Usually, I will sprint that last quarter of a mile to the finish, but that was impossible Sunday. Every time I tried, the cramps got really bad and I felt like they might throw me to the ground. The very thought of falling right at the finish line, splayed out in front of half naked firemen and all those Divas, made me get the shivers. So, I just eased on through the finish line. Thankful for a great race.

Finished, water break and now on to get that medal....

 

 

Said shirtless hunky fireman....

Cliff met me at the finish and I proceeded on through the line to have that gorgeous bling-bling medal draped around my neck by one of the shirtless hunky firemen. We were given a rose, had our pictures made and left through the food line. My friend, Christie, met me at the finish with congratulations. It meant a lot to see her there. We are planning to run a half together in the fall. Can't wait.

Waiting in the photo line.....

Cliff and I walked back to his jeep, which was parked down a very narrow street. School buses used this street as their transport route to pick up racers who parked further away. I was trying to be quick about getting into the jeep because there was a bus approaching. As I climbed up into the jeep, a cramp seized my right calf so bad that it made me yell. There I was, bunked up half-way inside the jeep trying to keep from getting hit by the school bus, yelling, "OMG! It hurts! What do I do to make it stop?!?" Just in the nick of time, I was able to get my bahunkus in far enough to close the jeep door before the school bus took me and the door off. Can you imagine? Oh glory, I held onto that cramp until it finally eased. And for the rest of the day, I was scared to flex my foot at all. So, if you're ever out and see someone walking all stiffed legged and repeating "owie" every step....you'll know that's a half marathon runner.

I'll wrap this race report up by saying....to God be the glory, I give him honor and praise.

And now, in case you were wondering....

Ran Half Marathon: 13.1 miles (My Garmin says 13.25, but whatev...)
Time: 2:58 hours (Lo and Behold....what did I tell you?)
Avg. Pace: 13:35
Overall Place: 2133 out of 2753
And since there were a few men who ran this race, Sex Place: 2108 out of 2718.
Lesson learned: If I care about it, then God cares about it. Nothing is too small.

Yes, I am still slow. Although, I PR'd at the Divas Half. Holler! I shaved 8 minutes off my first half marathon's time. What's next? I'm resting this week because I am sore as heck. I am supposed to run a 10K race this coming weekend, but we'll see how that goes. I'm going back in the gym this summer to work on getting stronger, especially core strength. I'll be riding my bike and adding a day of yoga. I'll continue to run, but not half marathon intensity or distance. And then by the end of the summer, I'll be back in training for the 'fall' half marathon. Please don't let my little antics scare you away from running, if you're interested. I wouldn't change any of my experiences. That's how we learn and grow.  Hope you get out there and get some exercise this summer....it does a body good.

Til next time,

Diva Laurie

Grab The Bull By The Horns

Yep, I figure this is what I need to do.

To my children and grandchildren......

If one day I end up crazy, it started today. I can not believe that it is only Tuesday and my daggum nerves have gone fool! The half-marathon is not until Sunday and I'm already in overdrive.  

Help!  

I can not stand this!

Why is this happening? I've run how many miles? I've run how many races now? This should not be an issue. I can't even go out and do an easy 3-mile run this morning because every time I start to dress in my running clothes, my stomach starts to flip flop.

It's bad....I'm telling you it's bad! I'm talking to myself, to my gut, to my nerves...... nothing is working.

I guess the only thing left to do is grab the bull by the horns and just go.

Well now that you know when I started to go crazy, I'm going to try putting on my running clothes again and see if I can haul that bull to the ground.

Time will tell.

 

Laurie

Last Long Run - Praise Be!

My Azaleas

Spring 2014

Remember last weekend? Remember I bonked? Like everything quit working....legs, arms, brain. I have never felt like that before and hope never to again. When I got back to the car, it took all I had just to open the door. I got in and had to sit there for about 5 minutes or so before I could crank it up and leave. I was worried I might not be able to press the brakes at the stop sign.

I'm serious.

It took me a couple of days to recover from that. And then I had a couple of good runs during the week. On one run, my pace was the best it's been all year.

Saturday, I had another long run.....12 miles. My last before the Divas Half Marathon in 2 weeks. I was so scared I would bonk again that I couldn't sleep Saturday night. By the time 7 a.m. Sunday rolled around, I had myself so worked up that my nerves were acting up. And it was just a training run, not even a race. I'll tell ya, as hard as you fight it, at times your brain communicates with your body in a whole different way.

I was able to get it together enough to grab some gels, water and Gator Aid and head out the door. I carefully planned my route to circle by the ladies room at the Piggly Wiggly, just in case. I also strategically parked my car so that I could swing by for nutrition and hydration. Cliff had a bike ride that morning, but afterwards came over and ran a few miles before settling down near the running path. After last week's bonking incident, I'm sure he was concerned. He bought me a sweet tea and pulled out a lounge chair and sat it by the running path. HaHa! I'm sure I was a spectacle of heaving because when I got close to him, he jumped up out of the chair for me to sit down for a second or two. Don't think I would have finished without him.

Praise Be, my long runs are done. Now, I just need to concentrate on being well after the little flu or virus or cold or whatever I had. Hopefully, by the time the Divas Half rolls around, I will be somewhat back to normal. I have to run this race, regardless. I need another finisher's medal....ok! Have you ever heard of the Divas 5K and Half Marathon Series? OMG, you get all sorts of cool stuff.....a pretty pink tech shirt, a crown, a feather boa, a rose, a medal and for those so inclined....a glass of champagne at the finish line.

Changing gears......

So....Lidia and Sawyer were here for Spring Break.  They rock climbed, biked, swam in the indoor pool and played video games all week. I got a couple of pictures of them on the go.....mostly it was of their backs. That's ok, I'll take what I can get. Just glad they had a good time. It was back to school this week, and I know they are already dreaming of summer break and beach time with LaLa and Papi.

Birthday Bike - Spring Break

April 2014

Still Toothless (since Christmas) - Spring Break

April 2014

Footprints in the Sand....Spring Break

April 2014

Rock Climbing at Lakewood - Spring Break

April 2014

Already looking forward to summer!

Talk soon,

Laurie

Wild Hogs and My First DNS

Gosh, a week goes by very fast these days. Lots to catch you up on.

Lidia and Sawyer on lunch break.

Last weekend Emily and the kids were here. We gave Lidia a new bike for her birthday. So Saturday, Cliff and the kids rode their bikes around Market Common while I ran my 10 miles. Emily met them for lunch and they sat at one of the outside tables. I kept running by and would grab a swallow of Cliff's Coke, which I hate, but it hit the spot at about mile 8. And then I grabbed a piece of Sawyer's pizza. I just got the corner of the pizza, just bread really and it hit the spot, too. They finished lunch and I finished my run. The kids then went roller skating with their daddy and Emily, Cliff and I went to see "Divergent".  On Sunday, it was back to Market Common with the bikes. I rode mine this time with Cliff, Lidia and Sawyer. We rode for about 4 to 5 miles and stopped for lunch. Emily met us there. It was a good thing we stopped when we did because Sawyer was starting to go downhill. He said, "I'm starting to think this was not a good idea. Maybe, I should have stayed at home." HaHa! I had to encourage him a little to let's have lunch and if he still felt that way, that he could ride home with his mama. Well, just as I thought. After lunch, he was all refreshed and ready to ride some more. We sort of back tracked and ended the day with 9.76 miles. And then, it was time for them to head back home. :(  I'm sure the kids slept good that night, though. They are going to be here for Spring Break. Yay!!! Let's see who can tucker who out.

Oh, by the way, remember the picture I posted not long ago of Sawyer's toothless grin? Well, he's still toothless. I told him that at the rate his teeth were growing back, he might better go ahead and send Santa Claus a letter now. He thought for a minute and said, "Well, ok, but I don't want any wood teeth and I don't want any plastic ones, you know....fake ones." He cracks me up!!!

I ran 3 miles on Monday. And then 3 miles, again, on Wednesday. I met Cliff at the Jericho trail afterwards...like after running 3 miles, ok. I just needed you to know that. So, back to the trail... I rode the mountain bike, while Cliff ran. I nearly died. It was the hardest ride I've ever done. And, it shouldn't have been. The plan was to do a 3-mile out and back. I almost didn't make it. It was so hard. I had to get off several times to walk around mud holes. Cliff was running and he was faster than I was on the bike. He got completely out of sight. I got to a fork on the trail and stopped to try to determine which way to go. I lost my balance and fell. After figuring out which way to go, I got back on the bike and about that time Cliff was calling me to see if I was ok. He had already made it to the turn-around-point. I was seriously thinking of stopping and waiting until he got back, but he really wanted me to see this particular bridge. So, I told him that I would keep coming, but very slowly. I finally got to the bridge and just could not believe how hard of a time I was having. Honestly, it was not normal.

This is the bridge Cliff wanted me to see.

 

Here's another one...I didn't make it this far.

 

Ok, bridge tour over and it was time to head back. I wouldn't even try to ride the bike back. I started walking. At one point, Cliff said, "Get on the bike and I'll push you." That worked for a little while until we got to the first mud hole. I had to get off the bike to walk around. So, I just kept walking at that point. There was a slight shortcut back to the highway, up ahead. I told Cliff to ride the bike back to the Jeep and come pick me up at the end of the shortcut. It is scary as heck being left in the middle of the woods by yourself, let me just tell ya. I was being brave though......had no choice. It was the best way to get out of there. I pushed snakes right out of my mind. It was a little cold for them anyway, I thought. But, what was more on my mind were wild hogs! Or bears! We have little black bears in our woods, believe it or not. I've seen them....well one. But, hogs? Girl, hush your mouth. I've never seen any, but they are there. Cliff even gave me instructions on what to do, if charged by one. He left me with a weapon.....a knife, with maybe a 4" blade. Well Lord, maybe I could aim for an eyeball. Still thinking of hogs, I thought to myself that maybe a little noise would scare off any hogs that might be in the neighborhood. So, I started singing.....Amazing Grace. And I can't sing! Can't carry a tune in a bucket! But I sang my little heart out, and then that sent me to a whole other level. God and I were having a moment! I knew then that I would be alright. When my mind came back to the trail and the thought of hogs, I began to realize that my singing could very well be mistaken for a wounded animal. And I don't even want to know what's in those woods that would love to come upon a wounded animal. So, I figured I better stop the singing altogether. And then, praise be....I was at the end of the trail. Cliff and I had made it to the rendezvous point at almost the exact time. I nearly collapsed in the Jeep.

After getting home, I went straight to take a hot bath. I sat there trying to warm up and relax my muscles. When I was finally able to get out of the tub, I was freezing to death....to the point of shaking. That's when I realized that I had a fever. And the body aches and fatigue was most likely from that. I felt like I had the flu. I felt terrible the rest of the night. Had a terrible headache. I was up and down all night long, taking Advil, trying to get rid of it. Thursday and Friday, I felt terrible and now had a sore throat. I was sure I had the flu. Saturday, I was supposed to run an 8K. There was no way. This was the first time I've ever had a DNS (did not show). I felt so ashamed, but I quickly got over that. It was raining buckets anyway. I would have had a hard time making myself go run in the rain, even if I wasn't sick. We missed dinner with our good friends Alice and Tom. I was bummed! By Sunday, I was feeling better. I was already starting to think about running again, but Alice said that I should rest another couple of days. I'll take her advice, she's a nurse.

Phew! Glad I feel better. And I'm sure Cliff is too. Now he doesn't have to load and unload the dishwasher. He really is a trooper. He helps a lot, when I'm sick and such. But, maybe, possibly, one of the reasons I'm glad I'm better is that I have a bone to pick with that Jericho Trail.

Update.......most of this post took place a week ago. I'm still training for a half-marathon and due to whatever I had last week, my training has been almost non-existent. I ran one day this week....it was supposed to be 6 miles, but I could only squeak out 3. Last night, I felt feverish again. And then today, I needed to run 11 miles to be on schedule with my training. Today's run was the worst I have ever had! I kid you not. It started out really nice. The temperature was in the low 70's, I was feeling good....just perfect. But by the time I reached mile 8, I was starting to feel extremely fatigued. By mile 9, I was struggling big time. Finally, I determined that I had bonked....hit the wall! I was also determined to finish the 11 miles. So I walked/ran the last 2....ok, mostly walked. But I finished! Christie rode by twice and asked if I was ok. I guess seeing me walking was not what she expected. OMG! I wanted to crawl up in her car so bad, but I fought the urge. And then when I was almost back to my car, I just wanted to lie down on the grass. I didn't really care if anyone saw me or not, but again, I fought the urge.

Cliff saw this while out kayaking yesterday.

Poor thing.

After my run today, I felt just like this!!

If I hadn't fought the urge to lie down in the grass, this is exactly what I would have looked like, too.

I'm taking it easy for a couple of days.  Hope today's run didn't ruin it for the rest of the week.

Time will tell.

Later Gator,

Laurie