Race Recap: 2013 Steamboat Classic

Saturday morning started in a frantic dither. I overslept my alarm (first time ever for a race!), thus my heart was racing long before the start of the 40th annual Steamboat Classic. Hubby and I quickly whipped on our clothes and dodged out the door. I didn't get a chance for breakfast, coffee, water or that pre-race number two. Not a good start.

Hubs had a pre-race photo to make, so I dropped him by the start and then went in search of a parking spot. It forced me to park further away, but I was pleased to get in a pre-race warmup. I jogged the 1/2 mile up the street to my own pre-race photo with the Sole Sisters...

I literally stepped in the photo and then shot off to the bathrooms. Sorry ladies, I was really non-social that morning... highly unusual for me. By time I made it through the bathroom lines, the National Anthem was playing and I was cutting it too close for my comfort. I jogged up the sidewalk and slipped in by the 8 min/mile pace sign.

The gun went off and the crowd was slow to get going. Finally, I hit the starting mat and saw some holes in the crowd to shoot through. The first 1/4 mile is the toughest part of this race since it's super crowded and also the only uphill portion of the course. There are no assigned corrals thus lots of walkers and slower folks up front. I can normally get by with ease, but Steamboat is packed and it is tough to maneuver at the start.

I hit the first corner (nearly tripping on a couple kids who cut in front of me) and let out a sigh. Here we go... one long shot to Glen Oak Park and then a turnaround to come back downtown. Straightaways are great in races for speed - no crowded corners to slow you down, but it can also be mundane on the brain. The temps were nice this morning in the low 70's, but that summer humidity still hung in the air.

Mile 1 - 7:58
Mile 2 - 8:27
I didn't feel particularly fast this morning, but when I saw my first mile split at 7:58, I knew I should back it down.  I do want to look alive in the last stretch.

Mile 3 - 8:29
I hit the turnaround and pushed into the third mile, which everyone agrees is the hardest of this race. Fatigue is starting to set in and yet you're only halfway done. It's always my worst mile split of Steamboat. I felt myself wavering; my chest compressing, searching for air. At one point, I slowed and caught my breathe. Then I started repeating the names of all my friends who were injured, on the disabled list. It's a long list right now. I focused on remembering every single one of them and just kept repeating their names like a roll call. It took my mind off the discomfort and helped to get me through mile three.

Mile 4 - 8:09
Shortly after crossing under the mile 3 banner, my friend Erin came up on my side. Her words were simple and short... but perfect. "Get that PR Jess... pick 'em off one at a time." I really didn't know how close I was to my 4 mile PR (33:54 at the downhill River Trail Classic), so I just focused on the upcoming turn... Reach it. Push to the corner. Once I made the turn, it was a beautiful downhill shot to the finish.

The past two years I've run Steamboat, I've always had a pile up of people in front of me that make it difficult to sprint that final stretch. This year it was still a busy street, but there was a perfect window of room for me to run. It was like they parted ways for me. Loved it! Perhaps my best finish yet.

I came through the chute exhausted.  My secret goal was to get under 33 minutes and I missed that. I still didn't know if I had toppled my PR, but was pleased with my run regardless. I grabbed a couple bottles of water and headed back down the stretch to cheer in my hubby - who is on a streak lately, breaking his PRs at every race he runs. I guess it pays off to not train. Ha!

Official Chip Time 33:28

8:22 average pace

Overall #722 of 3495

Female #171 of 1809

Div F35-39  #16 of 260

In my third year of running Steamboat, I've managed to improve each year by at least a minute...

2011 - 35:55

2012 - 34:33

2013 - 33:28

One of the most common questions I get is "How do you get faster?" In my mind, it's simple... Consistency. Get out there every day and keep on running. The speed increases naturally as you become a stronger, more fit runner.

Now the BEST part of Steamboat... the after party! Honestly, I run this race year after year just for the happy runner reunion afterward. It's likely the most popular local race in Peoria, so I get to see lots of my favorite people. It even calls back runners who have moved away to return for a visit. I simply love our time on the grass along the riverfront. Did I mention FREE BEER?!

And after the race beer ran out, we continued our shenanigans at the local Hooters.
After all, it was a long walk back to our car and we needed a bathroom stop...

CHEERS to happy running!

Giveaway: Venus de Miles

I've struggled lately with TIME. There never seems to be enough time in a day for all the things I want to do. This is nothing new of course, and I'm sure many of you feel the same way. One of the things I'm stressing over is my upcoming bike event, the Venus de Miles, July 28 on the north side of Chicago. While I do Spinning class several times a week, it's not the same as road miles. With a little over a month to go, I'm feeling unprepared for a race. And I never do that!

This morning I was browsing their website and read this...
Venus de Miles is a lot of things, Northern Illinois' first all-women's road ride a celebration of sisterhood, support for Greenhouse Scholars, and crazy fun – but one thing it’s not is a race. So, don’t be afraid to walk your bike up that hill, and, most importantly, enjoy yourself.

It put things into perspective and set me at ease. Venus de Miles is not about how fast I can cover the miles. It's about a fun experience with fabulous endearing women. Yes, the mileage itself will be a challenge... I signed up for the 61 mile event, but there is also a 25 mile event. I may have a sore booty the next day, but surely I can do this! Yes, I can!

Her Majesty (my bike) was so good
to me during my first triathlon

My plan for the next six weeks is simple... Give Her Majesty some love! Love being equal to road time. I will also be starting up my new Half Marathon training plan, so it will be a balancing act between the two sports.

Six-Week Training Goals

Spinning / indoor cycling: 2-3x each week

This can't change much since I teach classes.

Outdoor road ride: 2x each week

One fast tempo ride of 7-10 miles

One comfortable paced ride of 20-35 miles

I wish I had devised a more definite training plan, but to be honest, I've never done real cycling training.  It's always been a "fly by the seat of my pants" kind of thing for me... mostly dependent on the weather and scheduling. I did a little research looking at training plans for the bike, but there's not nearly as much out there as compared to running. And most plans talk specifically to the illustrious Century Ride. It kinda overwhelmed me and I quit reading. I'm not up on the cycling lingo and admittedly have a lot to learn about the sport.  I'm a huge book hound... so I am looking for a great cycling book. Any riders have a recommendation??

Next task... What shall I wear?!?

Who wants to be my training buddy? Hold each other responsible for the miles and learn from one another... and then meet up on July 28 at the Venus de Miles women's bike event!!

If you'd like to be a part of this exciting ride, enter below to 

WIN A FREE Venus de Miles REGISTRATION!!

It's gonna be EPIC fun!

Are you a West Coast gal? Check out the Colorado Venus de Miles event in September!

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Can running ruin your marriage?

I read an impactful post here from SwimBikeMom (and Dad) this morning. They talk quite frankly about their marital struggle during Ironman training. It hit home for me... in a big way, at just the right time.

Training for race events can be tough, both physically and mentally. Whatever level you are at (Ironman, marathon, 10k or your first 5k), a new training schedule alters your focus. Let's be honest, it can consume you. A training plan changes your daily routine... but more importantly, there is a change in your heart and soul, in the very fiber of who you are. This can make your life flourish... or completely ruin your marriage.

No doubt about it... my running hobby has become a family affair.

When I started my running in 2009, my hubs wasn't exactly fond of this new hobby. I left him home with two little babies. In my absence, he was 100% responsible for their well-being. As a new father, the 'what ifs' kinda freaked him out. Nothing ever happened. Everyone survived. Mommy got her daily run in, lost the baby weight, and everyone lived happily ever after... right?

Me and the hubs in the starting chute
of my first marathon. It meant SO
MUCH to run that first mile with
him by my side. (He ran the 5k)

Instead, Mommy got sucked into the world of running. It literally changed my life... No doubt, it changed ME. I was no longer the same woman that my husband married. I was changing fast and furious. I loved having a big race event on the calendar, training my butt off, making new friends in the process, and then finally, the glory of accomplishment when marathon day arrived. The changes inside me were evident... all positive, right? Perhaps.

All this new activity inherently takes time away from other things... quite naturally from those we often take for granted - our family. There were many nights (still are) when family dinners don't happen. Instead of grocery shopping and preparing meals like a good little housewife, I was consumed with reading running blogs or writing this one.  There are countless Saturdays that I missed a lazy morning with my kids watching cartoons and eating pancakes. Story and craft time slowly transformed into gym time. We've skipped numerous weekend events because mommy is just too exhausted or has a long run in the morning.  I party (a.k.a. drink alcohol) much less now... which was quite often, couple bonding time in our "previous life". There is no doubt that athletic training involves a certain amount of sacrifice... and creates a new way of life.

So how does one keep doing what they love without losing the ones they love?  It's the million dollar question, right?  First of all, I'm no expert. I make mistakes; I do and say things I regret. But I feel like we have been up and down the mountains of adversity... and have come out of it happier than ever. Honestly, I can not imagine a better life than mine right now, at this exact date in time.  My hubby is incredibly supportive of my nonstop running (and now cycling) escapades, but honestly, he probably wouldn't shed a tear if I stopped it all right now.

With every training cycle, athletes learn more and more about their bodies... how they react to workouts, how they get injured and recover.  We push and push for the next level, squeezing the most out of every workouts - without doing any damage. It's been the same balancing act for me with my family - moreover, my marriage.  With every race I train for, I learn better what works for us. There is a delicate balance of too many races (him) and not enough (me).

So without further ado, here are some of my tips to keeping it all happy...

As an (early) Father's Day present this year, I bought
hubs a fancy new bike. He WILL be a cyclist yet!  LOL

Include your spouse (and family) in your passion. And be a part of theirs. Sometimes this can be difficult - especially when your spouse has absolutely no interest in taking up running, cycling, etc. That's pretty much how it started with me and my hubby. It can be rough and hard to stay motivated when your spouse isn't the least bit interested. Explain your passion and continually invite them to join the experience. Eventually, my man became interested, ever so slightly. He has now run numerous 5K's as well as a half marathon (never again, he says).  I wouldn't say he likes running. In fact, he doesn't even train for his races. He likes to brag that he's perfected the art of couch-to-5K... quite literally.  On the flip side, play an active role in wherever your spouse's interest lie. It's a give and take kind of game. My hubs likes golf and baseball games. I'm not always an active part (I hate golf!), but I do buy him gift cards for rounds of golf and try to give him the space to slip away as needed.

Make your training as tolerable as possible.  It's no secret that I get up real early in the morning to run. Partly because I like mornings, but that wasn't always the case. I started setting my alarm for the buttcrack of dawn to ease the stress on my family. I cut my sleep short so I don't cut my time with them.  It really helps relieve that feeling of "sticking him with the kids". I can be done with my run before they even finish breakfast, many times before they're even awake! If early mornings aren't possible for you, I know a lot of working moms who do lunchtime runs. Even others who squeeze in their run between the kids' bedtime and their own. As a stay-home mom, I've done a lot of runs with my kids... in the stroller or with them on a bike by my side. It's not always easy; but where there's a will, there's a way. The key is to find what works best for you and your family... without feeling guilty or that you "owe" your spouse. Of course, I also know women that are fine with "owing" their spouse and pay up in fun ways... wink, wink.

Have I mentioned yet how much
I love this guy!?!?

Renew relationships in your down time. Every athlete should schedule down time in their training cycle. Again, when that time is varies for everyone. I typically have a big race in the spring (train hard Jan-April), and then relax before I gear up for a fall race. So my down time falls over early summer and again during the Nov/Dec holidays.  I try to schedule fun family time during those periods. In summer, camping is our thing. The solitude away from home (and electronics) is the perfect renewal for us. I always return home, feeling completely in love with my little family. This past weekend we had one of those great camping escapes - in which we even squeezed in a 5k race. This mother runner is smiling ear to ear this morning.

I'm a firm believer that running (and the fit life in general) has made my life and marriage better. But it definitely has been work to get it to that point. Initially, there was a lot of juggling and arguments compromise to figure it out. We may not be perfect yet, but life is good. After all, when momma is happy, everyone is happy. This rings true in our household, which makes my hubby even more supportive of my running addiction. Some days, he even pushes me out the door, "Go Run... for the sake of us all!"

I'd love to hear how you make it all work with your spouse/family. 
Please share the methods to your madness in a comment below...

Race Recap: Tremont Turkey Festival 5K

The alarm rang through our camper at 5:45am, which felt incredibly early after a six-pack of beer the previous night. The whole family got dressed and made the short drive to Tremont for the Turkey Festival 5K.

The start/finish line was in the heart of the Tremont Turkey Festival

This was an unplanned race for me. A buddy of my husband's was running his first 5k, and hubs wanted to be there for support. Of course I was happy to oblige... under one condition - his teenage daughter watch our kiddos so I could run too. Deal done.

Hubs (far right) and his buddies

I wasn't exactly feeling in mint condition for a speedy run. A PR was the last thing from my mind with this mild hangover. In fact, the thought of running made my stomach turn. But I lined up at the start to make the best of it. I decided to just run how my body felt, rather than trying for a certain pace. I've been running naked for almost three weeks now, so this has become quite natural for me.

It was a perfect sunny morning with cool temps in the low 60's.  The gun sounded and off I went. My legs knew immediately what to do... and in a blink, one mile was done.
Mile 1 - 8:00

Love having my babies at my races!

We headed out a country road for a long out and back, which I personally enjoy. I saw several of my friends - infront and behind me. We exchanged high five's and cheers. The leaders, as always, were amazing to see whizzing past. (Overall winner finished in 15 minutes!) Out and backs give you a good view of the competition ahead. This race had a strong fast field; there were so many runners infront of me! Awards later confirmed that unless you ran a sub-23, you were pretty much shut out of age group awards here.
Mile 2 - 8:29

I was running pretty well (and didn't feel like I was dying), so I tried to make an honest effort in the last mile. There was a gradual incline in the last 1/2 mile that kinda hurt, but I got up it.
Mile 3 - 8:24

When I made the final turn, the 24 on the clock shocked me. Holy cow, how can I be so close to my PR (24:48)? I pushed it down the final stretch in hopes of crossing sub-25. I just missed it, but am still pretty happy with this race. I didn't think I had this kind of speed in the engine anymore...

Official Chip Time 25:01

8:04 average pace
Overall #120 out of 360
Div F35-39 #6 out of 36

We hung out afterwards for the pancake and sausage breakfast, and watched the awards ceremony. The trophies were cool looking, and I was sad I couldn't snag one. Rebecca, a blog reader whom I just met, took 3rd in my age group. Congrats! It was great to meet her, but seriously... we can no longer run the same races until I turn 40 - she's way faster than me!

I love to meet readers... except when they snag awards in my age group!

Bonus... this 5K race was only $22 and came with one of the neatest t-shirts I've gotten in a long time. Most of our local 5K races have skyrocketed this past year to a $30-35 price tag. I don't like it, fundraising or not. We're cutting back our 5K races this summer because of it. I just can't rationalize $70 for us to run 30 minutes... especially when the cheap shirts end up in our garage sale pile the next week.  The Turkey Festival 5K is one we would repeat... especially since we found a really nice campground (Kentuckiana Kampground) just 10 minutes away. I loved the small town friendly feel of this event.

Spartan Race Entry GIVEAWAY!

If you've read my blog for any amount of time, you know I'm a road runner. But... I do like the occasional adventure race if I get to dress silly and beer awaits me at the finish line {proof and proof}.

The ULTIMATE in adventure racing comes under the name SPARTAN.

The Spartan Race series has long intrigued me, but I'm a bit gun-shy after a friend broke her arm in one. Spartan is not for the weak at heart. It is straight-up hard core. I have several friends who have completed a Spartan - both the Super and Sprint distances. I look at them with great pride and admiration... and slight jealousy. Make no doubt, SPARTAN is a title I crave. I want to be as tough and badass as these ladies...

These photos just scream... I can survive ANYTHING!

And that's the attitude I try to have through life.

Cassie and Patty are both fellow Sole Sisters with whom I run and train. When asked if they would repeat their Spartan experience, they quickly replied "YES!"

Cassie illustrates how monumental Spartan was in her life... "Completing the Spartan was pretty symbolic for me. I wasn’t much of a risk taker in the past. If I thought something would be hard or require too much effort, I’d pass. When I encountered obstacles in life, I’d take the easy road because it felt safer. When you finish a Spartan and you look back at the grueling course that you completed, something inside you changes. You realize that you can push through anything and still be standing on your own two feet in the end." Just last month, Cassie completed her first 26.2 marathon. Indeed, anything IS possible!

- - -

Spartan Race is on a mission to get you active, healthy, excited about change, and return to our ancient roots where running through woods, getting dirty, and facing adversity was part of everyday life. Our events are all about challenging today’s perception of normal. Our events challenge the familiar, today’s perception of normal living and getting you out of your comfort zone! At Spartan Race, we do this everyday and it shapes everything we do.

Do you want to run a Spartan Race? 

Enter below via Rafflecopter for your chance to WIN A FREE ENTRY into any open heat of a 2013/2014 Spartan Race in the continental U.S.  
Find a Spartan near you here.  My favorite picks are Chicago, Milwaukee, Nebraska, Virginia, and Philadelphia. Hint... You just may see me at Miller Park in Milwaukee on September 7...

I CAN'T WAIT... I'M IN!!  

Go ahead and register now, but save some cashola
by registering through the link HERE to receive 

15% OFF your race entry!

Spartan Tips (courtesy of my friends Patty & Cassie!)

1. Work on cardio and strength training and never, ever give up!  If you're already a trained runner, you'll be fine with cardio, but work on upper body strength. The more you do beforehand, the better the race will be. You don't want people carrying your load. Be self-sufficient.
2. Like any sport, what you wear (or don’t wear) is very important. NEVER wear cotton! There are many obstacles where you will be fully submerged in muddy water. The last thing you want is to have your clothing weighing you down or God forbid, falling off. I saw more naked rears climbing out of the water than I care to remember! What I suggest the ladies wear are compression capris or pants. When you’re crawling under that barbed wire, your knees with thank you!
3. At any time during training, if you have doubt or just needed a pick-me-up, go to spartanrace.com and watch the motivational videos and read the blogs. If those don’t inspire you to get up and get moving, nothing will!

Being able to say you are a Spartan is a privilege.

Wear the badge proudly! AROO!

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5000 Giveaway

I dangled the idea of a big giveaway last week out on Facebook. No surprise, everyone was interested and excited for free stuff!  I'm nearing 5000 likes on the Run With Jess Facebook page. I normally don't  get too involved in the popularity contest numbers game, but 5K is just too cool of number in a runner's world to ignore.

I've been mulling over what kind of prize seems appropriate for a 5K celebration. There are so many valuables to pick from, but in the end, I've settled on several products that are "can't live without" items in my own running journey. These are items that I believe in, trust and recommend to any runner. So without further ado, here is the GRAND DADDY 5K PRIZE PACK...

• A pair of Pro Compression socks - your size and style (knee-high or low trainers)
• A Bondi Band headband
• Sample collection of GU fueling products: gels and chomps
• Tube of Nuun electrolyte tablets + Nuun sports bottle

Holy cow... HOW do I win??

First, Run with Jess has to hit 5000.
LIKE IT if you don't already... and by golly, SHARE MY PAGE with your friends and followers!!!

Second, you gotta complete a 5K this week.
5 kilometers = 5000 meters = 3.1 miles  
Get it... run a meter for each of my 5000 likes!  Run it, walk it, bike it, elliptical, I don't care how... just GET ACTIVE and DO IT!!  You didn't really think I'd give away a big prize without making you work for it, did you?! The whole purpose of Run With Jess is to encourage and motivate others to run and lead healthy active lives. I won't stop until everyone slaps "runner" on their resume!

Once you've completed your 5K... comment below -OR- post on my FB page, telling me about your 5K. Include a photo if you'd like (I love to see sweaty run photos!).  All comments/posts will get an entry into the prize drawing.  Just that easy. Limit 1 entry per person. Winner will be drawn/announced 48 hours after I hit the big 5000... so you'll have plenty of notice to get running.

This is just a fun contest to say THANK YOU for reading and following Run With Jess!

Back in the Saddle

I've been putting off an important task for quite some time. Finally yesterday, I pulled up my big girl britches and got it done...

I changed the flat tire on my bike... all by myself.

Late last fall, my back tire went dead.  I'd re-pump every time I went out, but the slow leak persisted. Then cold set in and I hung my bike up in the garage and returned to the Spinning room for winter. The poor weather this spring has made it too easy to ignore my bike - especially knowing that I'd have to tackle the flat first. But I'm too stubborn to "take it in" to get fixed. I mean seriously, if I'm going to be a real cyclist, I have to learn to change a flat eventually.

So I got out my hands dirty and figured it out last night. An hour later, her Royal Majesty was fixed up and ready to ride. When my alarm went off at 5am this morning, I gave my running shoes a rest... and reached for my bike helmet instead. There was a giddy excitement percolating inside me to get back on the bike.

The saddle felt small and the tire so skinny. It took me a solid mile to find my balance again... and then I was off like a rocket, my confidence growing with each pedal. I love the FAST feeling that I get from a bike (versus running).  Everything sails by so quickly and the wind kisses my skin so cooly. I fall into a deep focus - working the gears with elevation and maneuvering around rocks and cracks in the road (no more flat tires please!)  It's been so long since I've ridden my purple beauty... and oh, how I've missed it!

The morning sunrise on today's bike ride

Views on my ride

On my first ride back, I put in 16.5 miles along my favorite country roads. Pure heaven! Time to get back in the saddle again ... and start my training for Venus de Miles in July.

Coming up this week... 

Your chance to WIN A FREE ENTRY into the Illinois Venus de Miles bike event on July 28.

I'm giving away a free entry... who wants it??

You're Still Fat

There was a break in the rain this afternoon. The kids had just laid down for their afternoon nap, and hubby was following suit on the couch. I did what every mother runner would... slipped on my sneakers and snuck out the door.  I quickly decided on my 10k route and set off down the street.

The air was refreshing and cool - what a blessed change from last week!  I happily turned down my neighborhood streets without a care in the world. With no concern for pace, I took in all the sights, smells and sounds around me. It was a peaceful afternoon and I was delighted to be taking it all in. There is a special calmness to the air after a rainfall that pleases me. This running naked thing is really started to grow on me. It may take awhile to strap that Garmin on again.

My legs felt so strong and I was sailing down my favorite part of the 6.2 mile route. I didn't know my pace, but was feeling good about how quick my feet were moving. Honestly, I was having a "proud moment"... some people nap in the afternoon to refresh themselves. I run and it has the same effect for me. I used to be the prior, and now am so happy to have changed my life through running.

And then a car of young men drove by and yelled out the window at me...

YOU'RE STILL FAT!!

KEEP RUNNING FATTY!

I tried to wipe it away like the sweat on my brow. But like the rain that was spitting again, it slapped my face and wouldn't go away.  It hit a chord in me that will forever be my weak spot. As a former "fat girl" of 230 pounds, I've come a long way. I started my run journey to lose weight, but now I run for so many other reasons. But make no doubt about it... I will always be self conscious about my weight. I will always be trying to hide my imperfect tummy that gave me two perfect babies.

Will there ever be a time that I look in the mirror and like what I see? Probably not.  I love running and so desperately crave a "runner's body", but also know that it's most likely not in the cards for me.  For the most part, I'm okay with that. I like how running makes me FEEL. Yes, there are physical benefits, but when it comes right down to it, I run to feel alive. I like the healthy balance that running adds to my life. The peace and sanity it provides. The pure joy it adds to my days. And no one can take that away from me.

So to the punks in that car today...
To you, I flip up my finger ponytail and keep on running. 
There is nothing you can say that will keep me down.

Three Things Thursday

ONE
My spring calendar is always my busiest race schedule. I train hard all winter and pray for results come spring. Since I nabbed a new marathon PR last month, I'll deem this past training cycle a success. After the relay race last weekend, I put my Garmin away for awhile. It's time to let my body recover (heal) and just relish in the joy of the run.  This week I've done a couple Spinning classes and a several runs as well.  I find running naked (no technology gadgets) a completely FREE feeling... releasing myself from the analytics of a watch and the expectation of how fast I should be moving. To be able to finish and feel good is enough. I plan to run naked for the rest of May. It's so old-school running and I love it.

TWO
It's been a busy week in our house, wrapping up the school year. Tomorrow is Big Girl's last day of school... and yesterday was Little Girl's preschool graduation. Both my kiddos will now be in grade school!  I can hardly believe how quickly the years have passed since they were babies. I'm taking extra effort to make this "the best summer ever" for us. It takes tricky coordination to squeeze in my runs, so I better get used to that 5am alarm.

Proud parents a new Kindergartener!

THREE

My arm needs to be wrapped when I run
since I have poison ivy all over
the underside. UGH!

Nature bit me back for clearing trails through our back woods. After relentless washing, poison ivy still found its way into my system. I went running to the doctor as soon as I saw the rash develop. Obviously, the doc didn't understand my explanation of "I'm highly allergic". The rash and blisters have only gotten worse, despite the prednisone. I returned yesterday for more pills, prescription-strength cream and a nice cortizone shot in the ass. I'm so uncomfortable in my skin right now... praying for relief to come soon.

Race Recap: River City Marathon Relay

My history with relays is not good. In fact, it's quite clear that if you are ever on a relay team with me...
1) At least one person will get injured the week before the big race.
2) It will be the first scorching hot day of the year.
3) We'll get lost driving to exchanges several times.

All this has made me steer clear of relay events, but when Peoria announced their first marathon, I had to be a part of it! I already had a full race calendar though, plus a wedding the night before. My choice for a shorter distance was clear, so I reached out to my out-of-town Tough Chiks to build ourselves a team.

The River City Marathon restored my faith in the relay... or at least made the logistical chaos seem 100% worthwhile!  This past Sunday, my Team Tough Chik kicked some butt and had a fantastic time in the process at the 1st annual Run River City Marathon in Peoria, IL.

Getting to the start line was not completely void of obstacles though... Our fast closer, Carmen, suffered an benching injury one week out, but found a quick replacement... who then also bowed out with an injury the night before. OMG. We sat in a circle Saturday night with our cell phones busy, trying to find a new runner. We got lucky with Katie, who just happened to be traveling to Peoria to watch her hubby run (kick ass!) in the marathon.

Weather is out of our control, but the forecast got worse day by day. A humid, hot and sunny day was awaiting our team. We were prepared (as much as you can be) and relaxed on our time goal a bit. We didn't want anyone pushing themselves outside a safe zone in this heat.

One of the downfalls of "first time" events is the organizational stuff. When we found out there was no shuttles for the relay, I immediately started to fret over the driving and directions. This is MY town and I didn't want my team to get lost... and leave a runner hanging in the chute. (It's happened to me before and it is a really sucky feeling.) I got frustrated with the instructions provided by the race (wrong and then multiple revisions), so I made my own and did a trial drive through. I'm happy to say we did not get lost or leave a runner hanging. Success!

Race morning came and I was so damn excited you would have thought I was doing the full 26.2! Our team of five (The injured Carmen still came to town to be our coach and cheerleader) met up downtown Peoria and were ready to go... finally!

Shannon, Amanda, Katie, me and Carmen

The marathon started downtown and Katie took the first leg so she could stay downtown and cheer in her hubby. While she ran, the rest of us watched the later 5K take off (which my hubby's PR'ed on a wedding hangover!). And we goofed around downtown with the camera...

For a last minute replacement, Katie completely smoked her 6 mile leg with an 8:29 average pace! At the first exchange, Amanda sped off for leg #2...

During Amanda's 7 miles, the sun started to heat things up on the course. It was obvious by watching the runners coming through the second exchange, drenched with sweat and dumping water over their heads. When Amanda came in, I could tell she was miserable, but she did a fabulous job - hauling it in just over an hour (9:03 pace).  Shannon was now up for the leg #3 and I couldn't believe how fast this race was going by!

The third leg was the shortest in distance, but involved a long elevation climb. Shannon is from Orange County (CA) and didn't seem as effected by the heat as the rest of us. She kicked those 5.5 miles with ease (9:29 pace).  Before I knew it, it was my turn!  I suddenly got really nervous. My soaring adrenaline was making me hotter than the weather. I dumped cold water over my hair - before I even started running. And then it was time to take the baton and wrap this baby up...

The final leg of the marathon relay was 7.75 miles (my Garmin read 7.8, most likely due to the early pushoff in the exchange chute). There were a couple little rollers along Forrest Hill with a big descent back to the riverfront.  

Mile 1 - 8:11  I started off way too fast through the residential area. Runners were pretty spread out at this point on the course. To keep myself driving, I focused on a runner up ahead and picked them off one by one. Side note - when I run 26.2, it annoys the crap out of me when relayers come flying by in those tough final miles. Ha! Today I got to be that person!  I'm usually getting passed up in the 20+ miles, so it was kinda fun to be the passer for once.

Mile 2 - 9:21
Mile 3 - 9:07  I was surprised how much community support was out in these late miles of the marathon. Many residents had unofficial water and ice tables set up, along with sprinklers and hoses to cool us down. I took advantage of every single one! I grabbed water every single time, took one big drink and then dumped the rest over my head and down my shirt.

Mile 4 - 8:52
Mile 5 - 9:49  Now I entered into territory that I run often near Glen Oak Park and Springdale Cemetery.  I guess it calmed me because I slowed down a bit. I was having trouble breathing with the humidity and slowed several times to stabilize myself. Oddly enough, my legs also started getting tired at this point.

Mile 6 - 9:34
Mile 7 - 9:36   It was a long stretch on Madison Ave to get back into the downtown area... but a nice flat straightaway with a little shade now and then. The local water company had their mister up and several people were spraying us with hoses. It felt so good! Amanda met me at the Mile 25 marker. My initial goal was to hit a sub-9 pace on my leg. I knew I'd need help bringing it in and she volunteered to come push me. I didn't quite make my goal (9:08 avg pace), but she certainly kept me honest in the final mile.

The last 0.8 - 6:32  The final stretch was fun because I know it so well from multiple years of running the Steamboat Classic. It's exactly how you want to end a race - fast smooth downhill on Main Street and a great crowd along the finishing stretch.  Carmen and Shannon met us at the final turn and we all ran it in together.... four strong TOUGH CHIKS!

Thanks to my hubby for getting the money shot of us coming down the finish!

It felt so good to cross the finish line with these ladies and hear the announcer call us out one by one. It was nice to be on the early end of finishers... we had a clear lane all the way to the finish and got lots of cheers.  The community was super supportive. I didn't always see who was cheering, but I heard my name a lot - so thank you friends!!  In the end, we hit our team time goal (sub-4 hrs) after all!!

Official Chip Time 3:56:49

(9:03 average pace)

4th Place Female Team!!

Were there issues with this inaugural event? 
Absolutely. As with any first time event, there are mistakes and things that could be done better...  communication, porta-potties, written relay instructions, mile markers, post race food.  I believe race organizers learned (and heard) many ways to improve for next year already. I personally had a FANTASTIC time and our team had no problems. In fact, it was one of the most enjoyable race experiences I've had in a long time. I could brag on and on about my great teammates. I saw wonderful acts of community support... and runners pulling each other through the adverse weather. The finisher's medal is outstanding with a stained glass look. I witnessed so many of my run buddies achieve huge achievements.  I am so very proud of everyone who ran - and the community that I live in!!

I will definitely be returning to Run River City Marathon in 2014.  I hope you'll join me!