“Train like a caged animal, race like a freed one.”
Today’s Workout-
AM- 10 Miles, 2 warm up, 3 X 2 miles, 2 mile cool down
PM- 3 Miles at an easy pace followed by Core Work
Anyone want to hear my Virginia is for Lovers 14K Race Recap one week late? Good news is that while I’ve been a bad blogger, I’ve been a good runner. In my last post I was hesitant to give you all a goal pace time for the race. Why? It was a combination of it being my first race under Coach Hadley’s program, my first race in two months, and a tad of fear. What if the starting gun went off and I suddenly had two left feet? What if this program wasn’t for me? Who likes exposing themselves like that? I’ve never run a longer race without a real taper before. I should have braved up though and told you our goal pace for the 14K was between 6:08 and 6:05. I’ll cut to the chase and tell you I ran 6:00 flat pace.
The morning of the race was cold and windy. I woke up and ate a banana with peanut butter & honey plus 16 ounces of red Gatorade for breakfast. Oh and coffee…two big mugs of coffee. The race started early so that was all I needed. Friends and I warmed up for 2.5 miles and the entire run was a windy cold mess. Wind gusts of 40 mph are no fun. We gathered in the starting line area and there was no room to do the usual strides or warm up routine. No big deal though because when the gun went off I knew right away that I was going to have a good race. Sometimes it all just CLICKS and the pace feels smooth, strong, and relaxed. Those are the moments I live for in racing. My first mile was 6:07 and I was 5th place female. There were some very windy spots and the course is not a fast one, tons of turns with a few 180′s. It’s a fun course though because you can always see friends running and J & A Racing does an incredible job of decorating the course with cute signs, candy hand-outs, etc.
I hit the 5K in a conservative 6:08 pace and then I worked my way down to sub 6 minute pace. At that point I can say that I ran every mile faster than the last. The second to last mile we hit a major headwind so my pace faltered but the effort was stronger and stronger until the finish. I crossed the finish line with a smile on my face as 3rd place female behind two Olympic Marathon Trials women. Yes, it flipping hurt but it was the kind of hurt that I was in control of as opposed to the kind of hurt that you are counting down the miles to finish. There is a huge difference there. If you never experience the first, it can be so difficult to love racing. Here are my stats. Click on the picture to go to the results page.
After the race J & A Racing had a great party! They are the most amazing race organizers. As soon as you finish you are handed a finisher’s gift, your medal, and food. This year we were given a beanie hat (in addition to the wine glass and t-shirts in our goodie bags). They also always have soup in bread bowls, beer, and a band. It’s a great indoor after party similar to their Surf N Santa after party. Here is a blurry, dark picture of my 14K teammate (We finished as 3rd place team!!) Thomas Hicks, Renee High, and I. I NEED to get better about taking pictures for the blog. I always forget. I wore my lucky Twin Cities Marathon headband, Thanks Brady!!
This upcoming week is a big training week for me. It’s higher mileage which I am used to but more quality than I’ve ever done before. I am excited for the challenge. In case you are wondering my title quote is from Coach Mark Hadley. Only 56 days until the Boston Marathon! Have a great week everyone!
Congratulations Kris! You’re simply amazing!
AHHHHH!!!! YAY!!!! Congrats. Phenomenal:) I am so inspired. I have my first race of the year this weekend, first race under Hadley and first race since November, and an overall good fall racing season for me. SLIGHTLY nervous!! It was so good to read this and how you talked about the controlled hurt vs the counting down the miles hurt – I’m looking forward and planning on racing this weekend with the controlled hurt, that I know and love:)
Love the title!
Your workouts have been AMAZING. You are going to do great!! Have a great time!
LOVE IT! SO happy for you and very excited for what is to come! Congrats!
That is amazing!! I can’t wait to see how you rock Boston! I can’t believe it’s only 56 days away…
So glad you finally posted a race recap! And so excited for you, that is a stinking awesome pace! I remember that day; it was blowing a gale up here and even some regular runners stayed inside!
Thank you so much!! The wind was ridiculous all over that day.
I don’t know your coach personally obviously but anyone that approves that much coffee prerace is okay in my books. Seriously though holy moly I can’t even imagine where Boston is going to go for you. Awesome work.
Is that too much coffee? I’m amazed how many people have mentioned it. I thought it was completely normal, ha ha.
Congratulations Kris, that is an amazing time and it sounds like a great race overall with the after party and the finisher’s award. I love how you finished right after some Olympic Marathon Trials women too, that definitely shows you’re on the right path to success with your training.
Awesome Kris! I am so glad the Coach Hadley and the plan are working so well for you. Congrats on an awesome race!! I think Boston is going to be amazing.
I will be cheering you on!
That Hadley dude is smart! Love that quote—and so happy that you had a great race! Looking forward to hearing how this week goes for you.
Congrats Kris!!
Yes, you hit the nail on the head. I love the hurt you describe, but hate the hurt of counting down the miles…been there too often.
Congrats on an amazing finish!
Congrats on a solid race!! Great recap, too. My favorite part is that you drank TWO mugs of coffee before the race… if I ever get a coach- I am definitely hiring yours
That’s awesome Kris congrats on a great race! I wish I could have been there. I am so excited about your new training and your new coach.
Nice work you little speedsta!!
Congrats! Love the quote in your title – who said it?
Coach Mark Hadley tweeted in a few weeks ago. It’s one of my new favorite quotes.
Just discovered your blog, one link led to another… I think it was that Bulldog guy. I really like it! You have a way of writing about your workouts that is *not* mind-numbing. As someone who’s not yet run a marathon, I look forward to following your path to Boston.