My Journey As A Runner

Monday, December 11, 2017

Still 2017 & 3 Races In 2018 Called My Name (OK, Technically More Than 3)

As 2017 is slowly coming to an end, there are races in 2018 that already have had registration open; Bayshore, Detroit Free Press Marathon, and Bill Roney 5K. I've ran each of these races before and had a really good experience at each of them.

Bayshore. This didn't require much thought. I'm lucky enough that my work will pay for the registration. I just need to cover hotel and travel costs. I've ran the half marathon before, and am signed up to run it again in 2018. I felt really good about being able to get registered, I had the hotel booked in beginning of November. I've learned, though it is possible to drive 3 hours in the super early morning, run a half marathon, then turn around and drive 3 hours back, it's not the most fun experience. Having a hotel room definitely is recommended.

Detroit Free Press Marathon. I had to think about this one. Originally, I was thinking of running Grand Rapids Marathon for the first time and hoping to get a BQ (Boston Qualifier), taking advantage of the flat and fast course. Though it would be great to run in a race I've never ran before, there was another 'carrot' dangling in front of me. This year, the Detroit Free Press Marathon has the Motor City Challenge Series. Because it's the first year for this, and I like crazy challenges, I decided to sign up for The Supreme (marathon, 5K, 1 mile). I still plan on training hard for the marathon and still am going after that BQ. That part hasn't changed.

Bill Roney 5K. Last year was my first year running it, and I got a 5K PR! It's a flat and fast course. All proceeds from the race go to support the Hansons Brooks Distance Project team too. If I'm able to keep working hard over the winter, I'm thinking another 5K PR might be obtainable.

I know there will be other races I'll be running in 2018 that I haven't signed up for yet. I'll be running Mason State Bank 5K, Crim 10 Mile/5K combo, Capital City River Run Half Marathon. I've ran those races before, have had really good experiences and set PRs there in the past.

Here's hoping to an injury free rest of 2017 and a strong start to 2018!

Saturday, September 23, 2017

The Streak Is Over: My Marathon Training Journey For The Half Marathon Race

For my last 10 mile race and last half marathon race of the year, I wanted to get a PR in both. I knew I could follow a half marathon training plan. I did follow the Hansons Half Marathon training plan for Bayshore Half Marathon in May. I did get a 10 minute PR in that race. I wanted something more. I knew getting a PR in both races would be a challenge (my 10 mile PR was set 20 years ago!).

Many runners consider the Hansons Marathon training plan to be tough. I knew I might revisit running a marathon again in the future, and was curious to see if I could complete the 18 week training plan. I planned the 18 weeks to end the same weekend as the Capital City River Run Half Marathon race. During the training, I would also be running the Run Thru Hell 10 mile, Crim 5k/10 mile combo and Lake Lansing Team Marathon Single Loop (5.2 miles). Essentially, I was signing myself up to do something for fun (because, why not?!?)

I really like how the Hansons training plans have the speed/strength workouts on Tuesdays and tempo runs on Thursdays, Wednesdays are rest days and Sundays are long run days. I got used to that pattern when I followed the half marathon training plan, so there wasn't too much adjustment. The adjustment would come with running long tempo runs and higher mileage long runs.

During the training plan, I learned so much about running that helped me with my training.
  1. Easy days: You got to keep the pace E.A.S.Y. Don't run these at race pace, or even a fast pace. Take full advantage of these days. Work on learning what an easy pace feels like. It isn't an easy thing to do, but it can happen if you work at it. My goal race pace was 7:30. My easy runs were around 9 minutes a mile. I loved my easy runs! If I felt the run wasn't challenging enough, I would try to focus on getting even, or near even, splits. This helped me keep my mind engaged and it became a game.
  2. Rest days: Don't underestimate them! Some runners may want to do some type of workout on these days. I always took full advantage of doing absolutely nothing. I knew the next day would have a tempo run waiting for me. I wanted to be fully rested and able to hit the pace and complete the distance of the workout.
  3. Shoes: It should be common sense by now: the more miles you run, the more shoes you will need to buy. What I didn't know was how having a second pair of shoes that you rotate the days you wear them, and how that can help extend the life of your shoe. I ran with the Brooks Ghost 9s (4 pairs of them), Brooks Launch 3s (1 pair) Brooks Launch 4s (1 pair).
  4. Strength training: I knew it was important, but when I started to incorporate it in to my routines on a regular basis, I was able to see big gains. I was starting to get stronger with hill workouts and I didn't feel my quads burning as much. The hills on the Hansons Lake Orion store group run were starting to feel less intimidating and I wasn't slowing down going up them.
  5. Hydration: It goes without saying, you need to be hydrated when you run. What I learned was how important it is to stay hydrated even when you're not running. If you get dehydrated before you start your run, it doesn't matter if you have a water bottle with you during the run. Your muscles will definitely complain to you. I made it a point of drinking at least 2 bottles of water each day, and 32 oz of water after every workout.
  6. Sleep: Many people struggle with getting enough sleep each night. When I started the training plan, I was exhausted by the end of the day. I found it tough to stay awake past 8pm! I was able to adjust and stay awake until 9pm, but I would never stay up later than that. I knew I needed rest to let my body recover, so when my alarm went off I would be ready to get my run in.
  7. Weather: Weather is something we can't control...to a point. I wasn't able to change the weather. What I was able to do is change when I got my workouts in. I got most of my workouts in between 5 and 7 am each day. Usually the weather was still cool and I didn't have to have the sun blasting down on me. I really believed this helped me when running intervals, tempo runs, and even long runs. One long run ended up being in the afternoon. It wasn't a super hot day, but I wasn't used to the heat and humidity. I started the run ok, hitting my paces. As time went on, I was struggling to hit my pace and had to finish the workout using the walk/run method.
  8. Group runs: For majority of my workouts, I did them alone. It's something I'm used and have done for most of my running life. I found making it to a group run every now and then can be a lot of fun. One of the local groups I started running with was very inspirational. The girls in the group weren't the fastest, but they were determined and were able to run twice as many miles (or more!) for their long runs. I really enjoyed the conversations we had when we would be out at Dark O'Clock on a path to get some miles in. Another group I ran with a few times was with the Hansons Lake Orion store group. This was a different group than the local one. This group was more focused on getting the miles in and getting the job done. That focus isn't a bad thing though. It helps when there are other runners trying to hit the same mile pace. I found the course challenging, but fun at the same time.
  9. Preventative Maintenance: This should be baked into every runner's mind. There are reasons why a warm UP is called a warm UP and a cool DOWN is called a cool DOWN. You need to get both of them in on interval, tempo and race days. A warm up helps get your body ready for the workout. A cool down helps get your heart rate down after a workout. Stretching should be thrown into this category as well. I didn't know much about the different types of stretching. This was before I was getting injured and seeing a physical therapist on a regular basis for those injuries. I learned to get in a few dynamic stretches, like high knee lifts or butt kicks, will help get your body ready for a workout. After the workout, that's when the traditional static stretches are done. I would spend 5-10 minutes taking my time with each stretch. I found I was way more flexible at the end of the training plan than when I started.
  10. Social Media Groups: Like most things, if there are others who are going through a similar experience, it usually helps you get through it as well. There are many runners who have used Hansons Marathon training plan in the past and many who are still using it. This really helped when I would be hitting a rough part of the training plan. I was able to look on social media to see others who have completed the same workouts and survived it! They all have told me the same thing - trust the plan.
By the end of this training plan, I had racked up a lot of personal bests.
  • Most miles in a single training run
  • Most miles in a single week
  • Most miles in a single month
  • 5K PR (since I was in high school)
  • 10K PR
  • 10 Mile PR
  • Half Marathon PR
One of the additional goals I had added to my list was to run 10 consecutive weeks of 50+ miles or more. Looking at the training plan, I was looking at the training plan and thought I would be able to hit this goal by running one more week after the training plan ended. That last week would be more of a 'victory lap week', and would be solely focused on getting miles in. I was on track week after week to hit this goal. I wasn't getting injured and I was still able to follow the training plan. After week 9 of this goal is when things changed. I started to get sick and could start to feel the wear and tear of marathon training on my body. I knew I was close to hitting 10 weeks and had only around 35 miles left to go in week 10. I decided to pull the plug and let my body rest and heal. I would rather make sure my body is able to recover and get back to training again sooner, than push for a goal. It's tough when I know I was so close. I look back at what I've accomplished with my other goals and PRs and know missing one goal didn't define my race season.

There were some people who thought it was odd or maybe a bit funny that I was following a training plan for a marathon, but not running a marathon. I like challenges and proving people wrong. I chose one of the tougher marathon training plans out there and survived. I got a lot of PRs and was able to get in the best shape of my life. I would definitely do it all over again.

Tuesday, July 18, 2017

Why not?

I've been thinking a lot about what's out there in the running world I haven't done yet. I've ran fast times. I've ran multiple half marathons and even a marathon. I've set PRs this years (post high school PRs). I consider high school version 1.0 of my running life. I don't think I'll ever get back to those times. That's ok! I'm running on borrowed time now and want to get as many things checked off my 'running to-do/accomplishment' list as possible.

This August at Crim, I'll be running a 10 mile race, then right after I'll be running the 5k. Why not? The mileage adds up nicely to a half marathon. I've ran 10 mile races before and survived. I've ran half marathon races before and survived. I'm guessing the 5k will be more like a cool-down after the 10 mile...but who knows?

My first marathon was a 'I just want to cross the finish line' race. I wasn't able to properly train for it and did most of the training getting in bike miles. But...I still crossed the finish line! Next year, I'm thinking of running my second marathon. I was looking at shaving off 3 hours from my current PR. That would put me at 3:30. Being able to do that would be AWESOME! It's not often you're able to say 'yeah. I shaved off 3 hours from my marathon PR'. Looking at the 3:30 finish time got me thinking though. I wondered what it would take to qualify for Boston? I've never really thought I'd be remotely close to that time. I know I'm talking about a marathon - 26.2 miles. My comfort zone is with the half marathon. I don't think I'll be running many marathons in the future either. My body has been reacting well to the training I've been running this year. I'm more fit, stronger, and faster than I've been in about 20 years. If all goes well, I'll be running the Grand Rapids Marathon in October 2018. Why not see what my body can do and if I can get a 3 hour PR or even qualify for Boston?

Thursday, June 1, 2017

Found Really Comprehensive Running Playlist - Part 25

Here are the comprehensive running song playlist - the X, Y, and Z bands.


XXCrystalised
XXIntro
XXIslands
XZibitHey Now
XZibitLos Angeles
Yahel ShermanThat Night
Yeah Yeah Yeahs10x10
Yeah Yeah YeahsDate with A Night
Yeah Yeah YeahsGold Lion
Yeah Yeah YeahsHeads Will Roll
Yeah Yeah YeahsNo No No
Yeah Yeah YeahsY Control
yeah yeah yeahsZero
YeasayerSunrise
YellowcardBombers
YellowcardBreathing
YellowcardCut me mick
YellowcardFighting
yellowcardHollywood Died
YellowcardOcean Avenue
yellowcardWay Away
YesOwner of a Lonely Heart
YesStarship Trooper
Ying Yang TwinsShake
Young DisciplesApparently Nothing
Young MCBust a Move
ZZ TopDoubleback
ZZ TopLa grange
ZZ TopLegs

Friday, May 26, 2017

Found Really Comprehensive Running Playlist - Part 24

Here are the comprehensive running song playlist - the W bands.

Waking AshlandI am For You
Walkmenthe rat
Wall of VoodooMexican Radio
Wallflowers6th Avenue Heartache
WallflowersOne Headlight
Wang ChungEverybody Have Fun Tonight
Warp BrothersGoing Insane
WarrantCherry Pie
Warren ZevonLawyers guns and money
Warren ZevonThings to do in Denver When You're Dead
WaycrossNineteen
We the KingsCheck Yes Juliet
We're From BarcelonaOversleeping
Weather GirlsIt's Raining Men
Webb WilderTough It Out
WebbieIndependent
WeenA Tear for Eddie
WeenHelp Me Scrape the Mucus off My Brain
WeenI Got to Put the Hammer Down
WeenPiss Up a Rope
WeenSpinal Meningitis Got Me Down (Live in Chicago)
WeenStroker Ace
WeenThe Stallion Pt. 3
WeezerBeverly Hills
Weezerbuddy holly
WeezerHash Pipe
WeezerPork and Beans
WeezerPerfect Situtation
WeezerSay It Ain't So
Weezer undone
Weezer Memories
Weezer This is Such a Pity
Weird Al YankovicPretty Fly For A Rabbi
Welle JuliPerfekte
Whatever You WantStatus Quo
wheatusteenage dirtbag
White StripesBlue Orchid
White StripesCatch Hell Blues
White StripesIcky Thump
White StripesSeven Nation Army
White StripesTheres No Home For You Here
White Stripes blue orchid
White Stripes icky thump
White Stripes there's no home for you here
White Tie AffairCandle Sick
White Tie Affair You Look Better When I’m Drunk
White ZombieMore Human than Human
White ZombieThunder Kiss '65
WhitesnakeHere I go Again
Whitney DuncanSo Sorry Mama
Whitney HoustonI want to dance with somebody
Whitney HoustonIt's Not Right but It's Okay
Whitney HoustonLove is a Contact Sport
WhoBaba O'Riley
WhoEminence Front
WhoHowever much I booze
WhoPinball Wizard
WhoThe Seeker
WhoWho Are You
WhoWon't Be Fooled Again
Why On EarthGet That Back
WickedDefying Gravity
wideawakeMaybe TOnight Maybe Tomorrow
widespread panicaction man
widespread panicyou got yours
WilcoHeavy Metal Drummer
Wild CherryPlay That Funky Music
Will SmithGettin Jiggy With It
Will SmithMiami
Will Smithswitch
will.i.amScream & Shout ft. Britney Spears
William OrbitL'Inverno
Willie NelsonHighwayman
Willie NelsonThe Maker
WingerSeventeen
Winter Sounds Candlelight
WiseguysStart the Commotion
Wolf ParadeYou Are A Runner and I Am My Fathers Son
WolfmotherDimension
WolfmotherJoker and the Thief
WolfmotherWoman
Wreckx-N-EffectRump Shaker
wu-tang clanda mystery of chessboxin
Wu-Tang ClanGravel Pit
Wu-Tang ClanProtect Ya Neck
Wyclef JeanSweetest Girl/Dollar Bill

Thursday, May 25, 2017

Found Really Comprehensive Running Playlist - Part 23

Here are the comprehensive running song playlist - the V bands.

Valley of the QueensStar One
Vampire WeekendA-punk
Vampire WeekendCousins
Vampire WeekendThe Kids Don't Stand a Chance
Vampire WeekendWalcott
Van HalenAin't Talkin' Bout Love
Van HalenCant Stop Loving You
Van HalenDreams
Van HalenHot for the Teacher
Van Halenhumans being
Van HalenI'll Wait
Van HalenIt's My Life
Van HalenJump
Van HalenPanama
Van HalenRight Now
Van Halenrunaround
Van HalenRunning With the Devil
Van HalenUnchained
Van MorrisonBright Side of The Road
Van MorrisonBrown Eyed Girl
Van MorrisonCome Running
Van MorrisonComfortably Numb (Live) FT Roger Waters
Van MorrisonSweet Thing
Vanessa CarltonA Thousand Miles
vangelischariots of fire
Vanilla IceIce Ice Baby
Vanilla IceNinja Rap
VaporsTurning Japanese
Velocity GirlFinest Hour
Velvet RevolverFall to pieces
Velvet Revolverslither
VengaboysMovin' Around
VengaboysWe Like To Party!
Veronicas 4ever
Veronicas Untouched
Vertical TheoryHaujobb
Veruca SaltSeether
Veruca SaltVolcano Girls
VerveBitter Sweet Symphony
VerveLove is Noise
VerveLucky Man
Verve PipeThe Freshmen
VictoriousTiesto
Victorious Cast and Victoria JusticeMake It Shine
Vince DiColaTraining Montage
Vince DiColawar/fanfare from rocky
VinesGet Free
VinesRide
VintersorgOdemarkens Son
Violent FemmesBlister in the Sun
Violent FemmesGone Daddy Gone
Violent FemmesKiss off
Virgin BlackThe Everlasting
virginsrich girls
VitalicNo Fun
Von BondiesC'Mon C'Mon
Vonda RheaOver Like a Fat Rat
Voodoo & SeranoBlood is pumping
Voodoo Child RadioRogue Traders
Voodoo Glow SkullsLos Hombres No Lloran
Vowel MovementsEligible Bachelors

Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Found Really Comprehensive Running Playlist - Part 22

Here are the comprehensive running song playlist - the U bands.

U2Bad
U2Beautiful Day
U2City of Blinding Lights
U2Desire
U2Elevation
U2Get on Your Boots
U2gloria
U2Helter Skelter
U2I Will Follow
U2In a Little While
U2Like a Song
U2Out of Control
U2Pride
U2Rattle N' Hum
U2Staring at the Sun
U2stuck in a moment
u2Sunday bloody Sunday
U2Sweetest Thing
U2Unforgetabble Fire
U2Vertigo
U2Where The Streets Have No Name
U2Yahweh
U2Zoo Station
UFONatural Thing (Live)
UGKOne Day
UmbrellasBoston White
UnderoathIt's Dangerous Business Walking Out Your Front Door
UnderoathReinventing Your Exit
UnderworldBorn Slippy
UnderworldKing of Snake
UnderworldUnderneath the Radar
unearthzombie autopilot
Union UndergroundTurn Me On "Mr. Deadman"
Unwritten LawFight
urizenmy friend says you're ugly
UsedI Caught Fire
usedLet It Bleed
usedpretty handsome awkward
UsherDJ Got Us Falling in Love feat. Pitbull
UsherLove in This Club
UsherMore
UsherMoving mountains
UsherOMG (Disco Fries Remix) feat. Will.I.Am
UsherYeah!
Utada HikaruKeep Tryin'