Hottest Half 2011

Sunday I competed in the Hottest Half at White Rock Lake. This is notorious for being a horribly hot, difficult, dreadful race here in Dallas...hence the name. So, only the serious (or stupid) runners come out to compete. The runners that are dying for competition in an endurance race, something over a 5k (that seems to be all that's available anytime after June 1st around here!)

So, Coach Jason Soria suggested I did it this race this year in preparation for my Chicago Marathon. The heat training would be good for me, yadda yadda and no matter how how Chicago might be hot it will be nothing compared to what I'll be racing in here in Dallas. So, here I am -- signed up for the Hottest Half with all the crazies.

So, Sunday morning at 7am I find myself at the start with other nutty peeps getting prepared to run 13.1 miles in 92 degree heat and awful humidity. Luckily the course is flat as a pancake and I try to mentally prepare but I can't ... I just keep dreading what's ahead. I know that's a horrible way to start a race but I can't stop. Before I can size up the competition or look around we're off! Everyone is flying! Whoa! Some fast starters in this group...but then I think back to what Jason told me, "Everyone is going to go out too fast because the course is flat...hold back and CONSERVE...come up from behind on the back end when everyone else is blowing up and you'll kill this race..." So, that's my plan. And let's just say that it worked -- PERFECTLY! I ran quick, but not fast for the first 6miles letting people pass me and move along...I could hear their breathing and just knew they couldn't keep this up. The sun was coming up high in the sky and the heat was climbing. I felt good and knew I was in a good position to finish strong. So, about half way through I began to pass everyone and kept a STEADY pace the entire race. That steady pace brought me into the finish with a final time of 1:43:10. I knew it was good for me (my PR is 1:41) but didn't realize it put me at the top. Paul and I didn't stick around for the awards. I really needed to get out of the heat. I was extremely dizzy after finishing and couldn't get the liquids in fast enough. I was too nausea to eat but needed the fuel -- it was rough. I felt a little better after part of a bagel but knew we needed to leave. When we got home I went downhill further...I just couldn't get the nutrition in fast enough! It wasn't until 3pm when I was finally feeling like myself and my salt/electrolyte balance was back. ugh...

But then the results were posted online that really lifted my mood and I was feeling MUCH better then! Results revealed I was THIRD in my age group, whoa! That is such a big accomplishment for me. I was suddenly super bummed that we didn't stick around for the awards! Also, I was the 8th female finisher overall. What a great day! Makes all that training, early mornings, and for-going booze suddenly worth it!

1st Annual 29th Birthday

I have an amazing husband. Paul had planned such a fantastic birthday/anniversary weekend for me! We kicked off everything Thursday evening by celebrating four beautiful years together -- we had dinner at Isabella's Italian Restaurant & wine bar. Its a quaint restaurant in Frisco with an array of sophisticated wine and delicious Italian food. It was the perfect place to enjoy a quiet, romantic dinner and to cheers many more years together!

On Friday, Paul organized a happy hour birthday celebration for me with our friends at TruFire Pizza Kitchen. I was overwhelmed with all the amazing friends who came out to share "29" with me! I am so thankful for each and every one of them for so many different reasons -- At times like this I am reminded how blessed I am with great friends! We had cocktails, apps, pizzas and laughed the night away together!

Saturday Paul and I stopped at our friends - Liz and Oscar's housewarming party and then headed to NYLO hotel to have a bday/anniversary evening together. Paul had prepped the room with all my gifts, champagne & strawberries, and all of my overnight things. We had cocktails at the hotel and stayed over. I was so happy to be swept off my feet a little! So sweet!

Sunday I took the day off. No running -- Paul and I just spent the entire day together. We went to the movies, out for lunch and relaxed by the pool with friends. It was the perfect end to a perfect weekend!

4 Year Anniversay

4 years ago today I married my best friend. that day was the best day of my life...but now, each day with him just keeps getting better and better!

I love you Paul.

Training update!

Well, with less than 2 months before I find myself at the start of the Chicago marathon I must admit I'm a little nervous. I feel like I'm running soooo slow! The heat is suffocating and makes my legs like lead! In case you haven't heard, the weather in Texas is hitting RECORD highs. For instance this week we've had a few days of 110 degrees and we've had 33 strait days of 100 degree temps -- about to break the record of 40 days set in 1980.

So, it's making endurance training a bit difficult! But, I'm still about on target for my training schedule. I'm up to 14 mile long runs and nailing my tempo and speed work during the week. I only do the treadmill when absolutely necessary and I really do feel my body is acclimating to the heat with each workout outside. My heart rate isn't shooting up as high or as fast and I don't fatigue as quickly. Hopefully, this heat training is working to my advantage and when I get to the cool crisp Chicago weather I feel like I am breaking free and bust out a PR!

I'm also trying new shoes. I've always worn NIKE Frees around the gym to train clients, etc. But I've been wearing them on my shorter runs and have felt REALLY good in them. Even though they are a minimalist shoe with little support I felt lighter, smoother and faster in them -- and without any knee/ankle pain. So, I've transitioned wearing NIKE Frees to my longer runs and am LOVING it. Later Asics... this is a bold move for me since I've worn Asics FOREVER but I think it's really going to workout for me. I'm on my second pair right now -- now, my husband says they're tacky but I say they're racing shoes baby!

Don't worry -- I'm not going to become one of those people running marathons in those "toe shoes" -- aka Vibram 5 Fingers. But I do think there is something to wearing a minimalist shoe and letting your feet, ankles, calves get stronger that truly DOES improve your stride and run. Ever read that book "Born to Run"?