Race Recap: Detroit Half Marathon

Sunday was the Detroit Half Marathon that I’ve been training for over the last 10+ weeks. Woody and I flew to Michigan Thursday after work. Friday we headed down to Detroit to pick up my bib since we wouldn’t make it on Saturday while the expo was open. The expo was pretty well organized – you followed an S of vendors including Women’s Running Magazine (where I got to meet B.O.B.), Brooks, local running shops, regional races, Meijer, and to my dismay, McDonald’s. The bib pickup was pretty seamless even though not only was there a half marathon, but a full and a relay.

After the expo we got back on the road and headed home for dinner with my Grandma. Saturday was a great but exhausting day, and after watching MSU beat Michigan for the fourth straight year, and give UofM their first loss of the season, we packed up the car and headed back to Detroit. We got to the hotel around 8:30pm, a little later than I had hoped. It took us quite a while to figure out the exact start location of the race. The race goodie bag was by far the worst I’ve seen. There was only one sample and maybe only two or three coupons. I was hoping there would be more details about the race, like when the waves start, where exactly the starting line was, etc, but no such luck. The only map that was detailed enough to show the start line was that on the Android App I had downloaded on my Dad’s phone. Anyway, once we figured that out, it was time for me to get everything ready for the next day which included stuff for wet weather as there was a good chance it would rain. On top of being super windy.

The alarm went off at 5:10am and it was time to get ready (I’m still half asleep in that picture). At Six, Woody, my parents and I found our way out of the hotel and followed the crowds to the start line. We were there with plenty of time before the 7am start so I got in one of the long port-a-potty lines and chatted up with a few other runners. Soon I was saying goodbye to my cheering section and got in a wave, several behind my assigned wave which was based on the finish time I had hoped for way back in January before my stress fracture in the Spring.

It was still dark out when the gun went off and each wave went about a minute and a half after the one before. All the runners were mixed in together – full, half, relay – and I kept reminding myself to run my own race. My warm up only consisted of the nearly mile walk from the hotel and some dynamic stretching at the hotel and in the corral. Thankfully, it was a nice 50 degrees and no rain. Just wind. I wasn’t sure how my legs were going to feel once I started running, but turns out they felt great!

My cheer squad was down the road not even a mile and I waved as I passed. Then we hit the first water station – I always go to the end but that was a mistake because they already had Gatorade at the first water station. So, I had to wait till the next one. I also never saw the 1 mile marker and when we hit the mile 2, I realized they didn’t have timers up so there was no way I’d be able to keep any track of my splits. Which really didn’t bother me too much, but I thought it was weird.

Soon we were nearing the Ambassador Bridge heading to Canada. The approach was a little crazy, lots of loops and all gravel. Then, the high winds started. Not only do we have to climb a bridge, but we have to do it while battling crazy strong winds. What?!?! I pushed my way to the top and on the way down I thought it was sweat that hit me as a guy whizzed by me, but then after I felt a few more drops, I realized it was rain. We were welcomed into Canada by a cheering crowd, which was nice cause a lot of the route had been pretty quiet. We ran down the road along the Detroit River – and I checked out the houses and imagined the amazing view they have of Detroit. By now the sun was up but it was really cloudy and the light rain was still coming down. I walked through the last water stop, took my Hammer Gel, and headed towards the tunnel just was the rain started to come down a little harder.

The start of the tunnel wasn’t too bad, but after about three minutes, the cool factor was gone and I was ready to be out of there. Thankfully I’m not claustrophobic but the stale air was kind of gross and it was about 15 degrees warmer in there than outside. The incline seemed to go on forever and I could not have been more happy to see the customs and borders patrol guys saying “fresh air right around the curve”!

We ran through Hart Plaza, hit another water station and my cheer squad wasn’t far beyond. It was great to see them again and our plans were working on where to meet! I loved the signs they had made and my Dad was there with the camera. A little more than a mile later, my left leg started to feel a little funny up towards my hip. To this point, I was feeling great and had to keep slowing down my pace because I would catch myself going too fast. The pain kept getting worse but I tried to keep it out of my mind. The last few miles I just kept thinking that I was getting closer to the end and I tried to focus on the neighborhoods we were running through, the mariachi band that was playing outside the Mexican restaurant as we went by, the neighbors in Cork Town that had set up a massive sound system and were blasting classic rock to keep our spirits up. The crowds were pretty slim throughout most of the race, but when there were spectators, they were great.

I saw my cheer team again and knew I was almost there. Usually I’m able to sprint to the end, but this time I just wanted to make it across at a speed above walking. I crossed the finish line in 2:16:03, got my cool medal and found some water. I saw people with bagels and chips but never found out where they actually got them from. It’s okay though, since I wasn’t the least bit hungry and I can’t eat bagels anyway! I called Woody, broke out through a gate that was open and limped my way to meet up with them. I couldn’t believe how much my leg hurt. Seriously worse than when my leg was fractured. We made it back to the hotel after taking some pictures with the Spirit of Detroit and I iced for about 15 minutes and drank mint tea.

We checked out and headed to a Coney Island for brunch. It was also my Dad’s Birthday and I’m so glad we could spend it with him. Although I felt bad that it required him to wake up so early and stand in the cold dampness for hours as I limped my way across the finish line. He loves me though, so we he didn’t mind, too much! We also stopped by a Cider Mill in the afternoon for some hot apple cider and donuts (for Woody).

Aside from the pain (which I spent the majority of Monday at the Hospital for Special Surgery having tests done trying to figure out what’s going on), I had a great weekend! I think I’m spoiled by the NYRR uber-organized races that I run because I do think quite a few things about this race was unorganized or unclear, but I do recognize that the logistics must be crazy to have so many runners going across international borders, so I do have to hand it to them for that. Also, it’s a great event to bring people to Downtown Detroit, which I’m always in favor of! But I’m not sure if I’ll run this race again. Actually, I’m going to rethink the distances I’m going to race in the future all together.

(Thanks to my awesome Dad for most of these pictures!)

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Today’s workout -

None. Resting.

Detroit Half Marathon Training Recap: Week 9

Six days until the half marathon! It’s finally almost here. And just in time, too.

Monday -

After running 12 miles last Sunday (the longest run of the training cycle) I took Monday as a rest day. My legs felt stiff and heavy.

Tuesday -

Took a little coaxing to get me out of bed but once I started my run I felt great! I was really surprised how easily it came Tuesday morning and how quickly it was over. Yes, it was only 3 miles, but still flew by.

Wednesday -

So, I admit it. I took another rest day. My legs were still feeling really heavy and stiff and I thought it would be best to get more rest. My week was turning out to be pretty exhausting and stressful at work, so I thought the extra sleep might be what I needed more than a x-training session. Looking back it might have been better to go and spend a little time on the bike loosening up my legs.

Thursday -

Still feeling tight, I got up and went for my run. It was a beautiful morning and the weather was incredible. One of those runs that made me really thankful to have the opportunity to watch the sun rise. I couldn’t help but stop and take a picture.

Friday -

It is unheard of for me to take 3 rest days in one week when I’m not on vacation, sick or injured, but that’s exactly what I did this week.

Saturday -

Easy three mile run that took me to Whole Foods. I needed to do a little grocery shopping and wanted to get it done early, so why not combine a run and errand?

Sunday -

While I guess I’m technically in taper mode, I had one last long run to do. 9 miles on the plan and 9 miles is what I did. My legs were still really tight and heavy so the last few miles were a bit tough. I have trouble pacing, so I also kept having to remind myself to slow down. It was really warm on Sunday as we’re having a summer like weather this weekend and I definitely prefer to run in cool weather. I finished the 9 miles, put some ice packs on my legs and drank mint tea (the tea, and eating a low fiber dinner the night before is helping my post-run stomach!).

Overall it was a good week of training but I wish my legs weren’t so stiff. I stretch morning and night and before and after my runs, so I’m not too sure what else too do except keep stretching! Other than that, I’m feeling pretty good about this race on Sunday. I’m excited to go home, see my family, see some friends, go to the Michigan State football game, and maybe a visit to a cider mill even!

• What was the best part of your weekend?
  • Mini-golf with Woody on Pier 25, finding a random hidden community garden on Houston St and taking the east river ferry to the Brooklyn Flea! (more tomorrow)
• Do you ever combine your run with errands?
  • Sometimes, like Saturday.
• Do you love or loathe taper?
  • I have no strong feelings one way or the other, especially when taper is only a few days long for a half marathon

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Today’s workout -

• stretching
• ab exercises

Detroit Half-Marathon Training Recap: Week 7

I’m another week closer to the half marathon with another bump up in the mileage and (thankfully) I’m feeling pretty good!

Monday -

Went to the gym and spent a good 45minutes on the stationary bike then finished up with a short strength training session. I always do a little stretching at our apartment before we head to the gym so I can jump right on the machines when we get there,  not wasting any time.

Tuesday -

Easy 3 mile run. Took my new morning route that stays on the main streets most of the way. Had to pass the protesters camped out in Zuccotti Park and all the cops watching them, then found out the water fountains in City Hall park have been turned off. Overall, it was a good run.

Wednesday –

Back to the gym for some more quality time with the stationary bike. I’ve decided to forgo the elliptical on my x-training days so I give my legs a bit of rest from the impact as the mileage increases. I don’t want to risk another injury. Especially this close to the race!

Thursday –

It’s been a while since I’ve done more than 5 miles before work. I mapped out a route that combined two 3 mile routes, which meant I doubled up on a small section. This was good because I needed to stop at the Wall Street pier to grab a drink from the drinking fountain. What I didn’t need though, was to see the naked man standing by the pier. Thankfully it was still dark and he was turned towards the water. Overall, it was a good run and I’m glad it wasn’t raining.

Friday –

Rest day!!

Saturday –

This was an odd workout because it was race day! I had 3 miles on the calendar but, well, the 5th Avenue Mile is only 1. I’m not sure how many miles I ran, exactly, because I warmed up around the area then ran the race. It was definitely different than any other I’d done, and it was a lot of fun. (race recap to come tomorrow)

Sunday –

This was a big run for me. 10 miles. My longest in a long time. I was nervous about this, especially since the forecast again called for rain and it’s been warm and insanely humid this whole week. I really wasn’t sure how it would turn out. Thankfully, it didn’t rain, but the humidity was pretty wretched. It was warm and sticky, the area was pretty busy with the protest and thousands of runners for the Tunnel to Towers 5, and I was running into the wind for several miles as I went uptown, but I finished the 10 miles! Woohoo!

So, here’s the big question I have for you. After my longer runs – about 7 miles or longer – for several hours, almost the rest of the day, I get on and off stomach cramps. It’s the weirdest thing and pretty much sucks the fun out of the rest of the day. One minute I’ll be fine, the next in pain. Do you know what I’m talking about? Any tips on how to stop this? (other than not running longer than 7 miles) This happened when I was training for the marathon too. It doesn’t seem to matter what I eat the night before, or pre-run, or during the run, it just happens.  I’d love any suggestions!!

Next Saturday will be my longest run before my race – 12 miles. I’m trying to figure out how I can run my six miler on Thursday in Central Park before work to get in some more hills.

• What was the best part of your weekend?
• Have you ever run a 1 mile race?
• How do you spend the day after a long run?

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Today’s workout –

• stretching, REST DAY!

Detroit Half-Marathon Training Recap: Week 5

Week five done. Half way through this 10 week plan. When looking at my schedule over the next five weeks, I gotta say, I’m a little nervous. Next week is the step back week so my long run will only be 6 miles, but the week after is another story; 10miles. Quite a big leap. When I decided to use this plan, I thought it would be just fine, but now that I’m actually doing it I’m not sure. We’ll see though. I’m not giving up!

Monday -

Woody and I decided to actually sleep in on Labor Day and didn’t get up till about 8am! It was fantastic! We used the gym in our building so I spent 35min on the stationary bike and did some strength training.

Tuesday -

It was pouring outside and still dark, so I opted for the dreaded treadmill. Of course, some ab work, stretching and strength training went along with it.

Wednesday -

Another morning of x-training at the gym. I opted for the bike again to put a little less stress on my legs but did 45minutes this morning. Strength training, ab work and stretching, too.

Thursday -

While the day ended up beautiful, it was raining still when I got up to workout so I hit the treadmill. Again. I was definitely sick of it. Four miles on Thursday.

Friday -

Ahhhh. Rest day! I did spend about 15minutes stretching on my yoga mat to wake up. I’ve gotten in the habit of stretching morning and night. Makes it so much easier to have the yoga mat at the ready by our couch!

Saturday -

4mile run, my usual route. Unfortunately I had not been paying attention and didn’t realize there was a big 9/11 anniversary event happening along the waterfront in Battery Park City at the same time I was out for my run. There were quite a few people and it was moving to see them observe moments of silence at 8:45am. Of course, I had to stop as well. I then had to dodge thousands of people along the path, so that was interesting. Did a quick strength session back in our gym when I got home.

Sunday -

8mile long run. I knew it wasn’t ideal to run downtown yesterday morning so I opted to go uptown to Central Park. When my train hit 34th St, no less than 20 FDNY Firemen got in the same car I was in. They seemed in good spirits and were apparently on their way to a service uptown. My run was really slow and my quads are not used to the hills of Central Park. I really need to spend more time up there. The 8 miles were hard. Harder than I remember them from before. It’s really frustrating, but I finished. This half marathon will not be a fast one, but after the run of injuries I’ve had over the past year plus, I have no crazy ambitions to set a PR. I think I may head back up there for my 6miler next weekend.

• What was the best part of your weekend?
• Did you have a long run or race? How did it go?

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Today’s workout -

• Rest day with stretching.

 

Detroit Half-Marathon Training Recap: Week 1

Last week was the official first week of my half-marathon training. In an earlier post I wrote about the pretty conservative training plan I’m following this round, hoping it will help me stave off injury and get to the start (and finish) line on October 16.

This week was a little unconventional for me because my parents had been visiting over the weekend and I had a higher than usual (albiet interesting) workload. Thankfully the first few weeks are pretty low on running mileage, so I had no trouble getting it done.

Monday

40 minutes on the elliptical plus strength training.

Tuesday

Unplanned, but much needed rest day. Sometimes sleeping an extra hour is more important than following a plan to the T.

Wednesday

3 mile run plus a long stretching session and ab work

Thursday

3 mile run plus a long stretching session and ab work, and an abbreviated strength training session

Friday

Scheduled rest day.

Saturday

Switched the long run due to Summer Streets. Ran to 25th St and back which turned out to be about 5.75 miles. Lots of stretching throughout the day.

Sunday

3.25 mile run plus strength and stretching

Random non-training related note – yesterday turned out to be a perfect day for a movie, so I decided last minute to go see The Help. You might remember I reviewed the book a while back (which I absolutely loved). While I had high expectations for the movie and I often compared the film to the book, it was a great movie and I highly recommend it. Even if you haven’t read the book yet. What an outstanding story and cast.

• What was the highlight of your weekend?
• What are you training for? How is it going?

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Today’s workout -

• 40min stationary bike
• 2x20 seated row
• 2x20 lat pull down
• 4x10 monster walk
• 2x15 squats
• 100 ab exercises
• stretching