On the Run: Rock CF 1/2 Marathon 2016

I wasn't ready to race a half marathon.  I hadn't done a true speed workout or tempo run since before the NYC marathon in November.  None of my paces have improved over the course of my training cycle and if anything, they have only become more challenging to maintain.  To make matters worse, my quads had been sore for a week from a hilly long run.  Yet here I was, toeing the starting line on March 20th at the 6th annual Rock CF Rivers Half Marathon.  This is my favorite race and I wouldn't miss it for anything.  

Brian and I arrived at 5:45 to volunteer at the packet pickup table.  I love handing racers their shirts and bibs and wishing them luck on the race.  This year everything was staged at Grosse Ile Middle School for the first time - packet pickup, port-a-potties, start/finish, and post-race snacks.  There has been a gradual shift from the high school to the middle school over the years and it was nice to finally have everything at one location.  While I had to sneak away from my shift a little early to prepare to run, Brian could stay on as super volunteer even after the race started.

The atmosphere at Rock CF is always fun and relaxed, thanks in large part to Emily Schaller, race director extraordinaire.  She is why this race has been such a success since it's first year.  I waited in the corral with some of my Be Bold Crew friends, which helped me relax a bit.  I don't get nervous for races often but today I was worried.  How fast should I run?  How fast COULD I run?  Would my quads hold out?  This was not going to be pretty.

Starting the race with Coach Geo

What was pretty, however, was the sunshine.  And the blue skies.  And the water.  So I took it all in as I ran.  This course is beautiful as it winds around the island and the miles always pass quickly.  I was pushing hard but with each passing mile, my legs grew more and more tired.  Generally I'm able to pick up the pace as my legs warm up but I was fearing the worst - I had gone out too hard and was going to bonk.  I took my gel around mile 7 (earlier than usual) in hopes that it would help give me some added energy.  Before I knew it I was approaching the relay exchange, close to the 8-mile mark.  I saw several RUNdetroit friends .  They cheered and I waved, which gave me a confidence boost.  This was great but I also ran a little too fast after because I was excited.  My pacing was just all over the map!

Nothing beats a Rock CF sunrise

Between the exchange and mile 10 I started to struggle.  My quads, which started giving me trouble around mile 3, began to seize up.  I had real doubts about being able to finish the race in any respectable time.  I sidled up to another racer at the 9-mile mark and started chatting.  We talked for about a mile until we got to the hangar.  I knew there I would see Justin and ACE! from RUNdetroit - another boost.  Upon exiting the hangar there is just another 5K to go!  The next mile flew by for me.  YES!  I can do it!

Then I hit a wall.  Yes, a wall in a half marathon.  I'm still not sure I've ever hit one in a marathon but here I was at mile 11 of a half marathon and I was DONE.  My quads were screaming at me.  It was windy.  Every "hill" felt like a mountain.  I couldn't stop looking at my watch.  I contemplated jumping in the police car I passed.  On the outside I was smiling and waving but on the inside I was cursing and crying.  

I passed my friend Zach with about .6 mile to go.  "How ya feeling?" he asked?  "Like sh*t!" I yelled back with a laugh.  "Almost there!" he said.  And although I really was almost there, it felt like forever before I rounded the corner into the finish chute. 

Running through the finish chute felt as if my legs were in slow motion.  Did Emily fill it with pudding this year?  Surely she must have.  I did not give it my all because I had nothing left to give.  I ran it in smiling and waving at Brian.  I wasn't fast but I was happy.  

Photographic evidence - no pudding in the finish chute

Emily congratulated each racer as he or she finished

The best part about the day was being with my running families - RUNdetroit and Be Bold Crew.  RUNdetroit sponsored the 5K and representation was strong in the 5K, half marathon, and 2-person relay.  Everyone ran strong and many people set PRs.  We had a few pacers, as well!  I was proud of each and every one of them!

RUNdetroit Flight Club

Coach Terra was there with the Be Bold Bus and had the tent set up with snacks including bagels and Nakee Butter.  Everyone in the crew set PR's for the half marathon and Roger relayed in his fire fighter gear. 

Be Bold Crew

Coach Terra says I set a happy PR because I ran with a smile.  As for my time, I ran this race 6 minutes slower than two years ago.  Yes, a 6-minute negative PR.  I wasn't happy about that but it gave me a wake-up call about where I am in my training.  It reminded me where I want to be and forced me to take a good hard look at what I need to do to get there.  It's still early in the season.  I have plenty of time for happy, bold, and fast running ahead!

Time 

1:34:26

Pace  
7:13 min/mile

    

Fuel 

Munkpack - Apple Quinoa Cinnamon, banana (pre-race)

CLIF Shot - Vanilla (during)

Tunes

10th Floor Ghost Girl / Cibo Matto

The Joke Explained / Wilco

Ex's and Oh's / Elle King

St. Cecelia / Foo Fighters

Black and White / Parquet Courts

Born Again Teen / Lucius

Violent Shiver / Benjamin Booker

I'm Shakin' / Jack White

Gold on the Ceiling / The Black Keys

After the Disco / Broken Bells

You Were on My Mind / Lucius

Runaway Baby / Bruno Mars

Dead Brains / Jessica Hernandez

The Walker / Fitz & the Tantrums

Shake it Off / Taylor Swift

Pedestrian at Best / Courtney Barnett

S.O.B. / Nathanial Rateliffe & the Nightsweats

Anklebiters / Paramore

Ship to Wreck / Florence + the Machine

Blood for Poppies / Garbage

Rattlesnake / St. Vincent

The Innocent / Mayer Hawthorne

Deceptacon / Jessica Hernandez & the Deltas

50 Ways to Say Goodbye / Train

Man / Neko Case

Race for the Prize / The Flaming Lips

Brave / Sara Bareilles

And of course, none of this would be possible without my rock - Brian.  What other husband would get you to the race at 5:45, volunteer before and during the race, take amazing photos, and be there waiting with a hug when you're done?  

All photos by Brian Wolski

How do you feel about racing when you are not race-ready?

On the Run: Move to the Beats 5K 2015

September is a busy month for me with a race every weekend.  I kicked off things this weekend with a fun Rock CF event in Royal Oak as part of the Arts Beats & Eats festival. Move to the Beats has both a 5K and 10K race but I decided to step outside of my comfort zone and sign up for the 5K.  

If you know me at all, you know I don't do 5K's.  They are basically the worst.  I'm not a sprinter and that's how 5K's are won.  

So why did I do this?

1. This would be a good speed test.  My last 5K was on May 3rd and I wanted to see how my speed work has paid off.
2. I had an 18-miler this weekend.  By doing a shorter race (plus warm-up/cool-down) I would still be able to get in my long run on Sunday.  When I run a 10K I add on mileage after to get the long run distance and that gets exhausting.  Better to start fresh the next day.

Although it would be painful I was looking forward to the race.  Mostly because it was a Rock CF event so I knew everything about it would be awesome!  I picked up my shirt and bib the day before (I always feel better being prepared pre-race).  I arrived during the lunch rush so it was pretty hoppin'.  I stayed and helped Emily (race director, Rock CF founder, and all-around amazing lady) for a while because she was by herself.  It's so much fun to help with packet pick-up.  I love seeing who is going to be racing.  One runner told me he didn't need safety pins because he would use his lucky pins.  He ALWAYS uses his lucky pins.  I thought about my piles of safety pins at home and thought that might not be a bad idea.  But I can't stop hoarding the pins!  (I think I have a problem.)

I have to mention that the swag for this race is awesome.  With your entry fee you get a super soft cotton tee shirt, a bag (with a zipper and a pocket), and 2 tickets to Arts Beats & Eats. Not a bad deal!

On race day I got to Royal Oak early to do my warm-up.  It was very humid and I was already sweating after 2 miles!  Thankfully the sky was overcast and we even got a few raindrops to cool us off before the start.  My RUNdetroit teammate Sara was racing the 5K, as well, so we started together.  I was so happy she was there!  She was ahead of my for the first mile and I credit my speedy start to her and her friend Laura (who won the 10K).  I caught up to them and we all ran mile 2 together.  

After that I started to drop back.  Sara went ahead and encouraged me to keep up but I just couldn't hang.  The early fast pace of the first two miles caught up with me.  I was fading fast.  Although I was still well within my tempo range I had to push really hard.  That finish line couldn't come soon enough!

I was so glad to have Sara in front of me to chase.  She finished ahead of me, first female, and I was right behind.  I gave her a big hug when I crossed the finish line.  I was so proud of her for winning!  And I was so grateful to have her there to help me push hard.  I couldn't have done it without her!

Photo courtesy of Ian Pettigrew Photography

I'm now just 12 seconds off my 5K PR.  A best-shape, Boston-ready, pre-injury PR at that.  I need to work on my pacing (6:12, 6:15, 6:33 are hardly consistent) so I don't burn out in the last mile.  And on October 17th I'll be stepping out of my comfort zone to chase that PR once again!

Distance

5K

Time

20:16

Pace

6:32/mile

Fuel

Banana, CLIF Shot - Vanilla

Tunes*

I Want You to Want Me / Cheap Trick

Hey Jealousy / Gin Blossoms

1983 / Neon Trees

All is Well / Soul Asylum

Everybody Talks / Neon Trees

The Innocent / Mayer Hawthorne

*Cheap Trick, Gin Blossoms, Neon Trees are 2015 ABE artists; Soul Asylum and Mayer Hawthorne are past ABE artists

Medals for age group awards

Rock CF Photo Shoot

Photo Credit: John Martin

Two weeks ago my friend Emily from Rock CF texted me a picture of a performance tank top with the Rock CF logo on it.  They have sweet gear but a performance tank is a first.  I immediately started to text her back to say I wanted one.  Then I got another text from her asking if I would model one for a photo shoot!  I was beyond excited!!  

I picked up my tank top and shorts on Friday.  The company Emily went with is UR Sportswear (pronounces "You Are"), a U.S. company designed by women, for women. The goal is for women to feel confident in their workout clothing.  I think it's pretty cool.  Emily is such a strong and confident woman so choosing UR Sportwear to produce the Rock CF Elite Performance line is the perfect choice.  

On Saturday, Brian and I met Emily, intern Kate, my friend Lindsay, and photographer John at the Dequindre Cut for the shoot.  We had so much fun!  Most of the time we were either running toward or away from John.  Usually together, sometimes individually.  A couple of times he wanted jazz hands, just for fun.  One time he even ran along with us taking photos.  There was a lot of smiling.  So much smiling!  Emily helped out by holding the big white screen and providing comic relief.  Here are some of the behind-the scenes shots.

Photo Credit: Brian Wolski

Photo Credit: Brian Wolski

Photo Credit: Brian Wolski

Photo Credit: Brian Wolski

Photo credit: Emily Schaller

This tank is incredibly comfortable.  I wore a small and the fit was a bit loose, which I actually like.  I love that they are a bit longer, too.  And they are super cute!  I get so many compliments when I wear Rock CF gear so I'm happy to finally have a performance tank top for hot weather.  The lightning bolt on the back is a sweet touch.  And when you purchase Rock CF gear you help support the fight against cystic fibrosis.  

Each tank comes with a Rock CF guitar pick.  Rock on!

Ladies, order your Rock CF Elite Performance Miles tank in Mint or Indigo today!

On the Run: Rock CF 1/2 Marathon Relay 2015

Emily Schaller, you've outdone yourself yet again.  Emily is the tireless race director who expertly executed a 5th Rock CF that was somehow even more spectacular than last year's event.  I always encourage any runner to participate and I wouldn't miss it for anything.

When I had my PRP injection in February and was looking at recovery time, I started panicking about Rock CF.  I am already missing Boston.  Missing Rock CF would actually be worse.  There was no way I would be ready for a half marathon but thankfully this event is more than just a half marathon.  There is also a 5k and a half marathon relay, split into legs of 7.7 miles  and 5.5 miles.  At first I planned on doing the 5k.  The distance would be good.  Then my friend and Girls Running Club coaching partner asked if I would relay with her.  Nicole had planned on the half but hadn't been able to train enough.  The relay would give me more miles, plus alleviate the anxiety of a 5k.  If I ran leg 2 (5.5 miles) I wouldn't have the pressure of starting a race, either.  I could either race it or just run it depending on how I felt when the day came.  No pressure.

Leading up to race day I'd been following my coach's plan of running easy, base-building miles.  My last 4-6 weeks have looked like this: 6 days running 4-5 miles at 8:30-9:00 pace, biking a few days a week, and Mechanics at Detroit Tough 2 days a week.  One day of rest.  For the race I would start at 7:30/mile and see how I felt, hoping to drop down from there (keeping in mind I'm still not 100% healed).

Similar to Corktown earlier this month, I didn't approach this race like most other races. I was running leg 2, so I wouldn't be starting the race at the same time as anyone else.  That was a bit of a game-changer.  It threw things off a bit in terms of warm-up, fueling, bathroom, etc.  Much of that would be done at the relay exchange point while I was waiting for my runner to come in.  

Because I wouldn't need to do those things until the exchange, Brian and I took the opportunity to volunteer at race-day packet pickup.  We're always there early for parking so we figured we may as well do something productive!  One of my goals this year is to volunteer at more races and what better race to start with than Rock CF.  We had so much fun with the other volunteers and loved helping runners and wishing them well on their race.  We got cool shirts for volunteering AND Emily even surprised me with a bib from the Groundhog Day race that didn't get to happen last year due to icy conditions.  

Brian stayed to help man the table until 8:00; however, I left a little early to get in on a RUNdetroit group photo and board the shuttle bus.  Waiting on the bus was probably the hardest part!  It was nice and warm but just sitting wasn't an ideal way to get ready to run.  Finally I had to get off the bus.

The only other relay I've done was The Great Lakes Relay in 2013.  I kind of forgot the excitement that comes with waiting for your runner to come in.  I was standing in the chute, trying to remember what Nicole was wearing, when I heard the announcer say her number.  I started jumping up and down and yelled to the person on my right, "1641!  That's my runner!"  When I saw her coming I shouted to another random runner, "There she is!  There's Nicole!"  I told Nicole how great she did but she was waving me on telling me to go go go!  I was so excited I almost forgot to run!  

So then I was off!  (And eventually remembered to start my Garmin.)  I ran through the water station and and into the stream of half marathon runners.  It was a gorgeous day.  The sun was shining and the water was to my right.  I was so happy to be out on my favorite race course again.  I was doing well running 7:30's and although I'd hoped to drop down, I quickly realized that wasn't going to be realistic.  My hamstring felt good but I was pushing hard to maintain my pace.  I didn't want to overdo it.  What I was feeling more than my legs, however, was hunger.  That is what slowed me down more than anything. I hadn't fueled properly and it was taking its toll.  So I listened to my body and did what I could.  I wasn't going to let anything take away the enjoyment of this race!

I wasn't on the course long before I made it to the Naval Station Hangar, which is the start of the 5k race hosted by RUNdetroit.  Justin Craig, RUNdetroit co-owner and 5k race director, was outside the hanger to cheer and offer support.  Only another 3.1 miles left?  Wow, this race was going fast!  Although it was a chilly day I was really warming up with the sunshine.  The wind had died down so my gloves came off.  I had already seen a few fellow RUNdetroit Flight Club friends (easily recognizable by the distinctive wings on our jerseys) on the course and saw several more as I made my way to the river.  

Due to snow on the track, the race didn't finish in the usual location.  Instead of finishing on the high school track, it ended at the middle school.  This meant more of the course was along the river at the end.  I loved this change, especially since I didn't get to run along the river starting the race.  The new finishing chute was pretty amazing, too.  Nice and long, with great crowd support all along.  I felt like a star running through it!  The first person I saw when I was done was Emily, watching each runner cross the line.  I found Brian.  Nicole was waiting for me.

I think this was my happiest Rock CF finish ever!  No worries about PRs or placing.  Just happy running, pure and simple.  

Time

38:56

Pace

7:05/mile*

Fuel

Banana, CLIF Shot (vanilla)

Tunes

Nobody Really Cares if You Don't Go to the Party / Courtney Barnett
Birth in Reverse / St. Vincent
I've Had it Up to Here / Weezer
All Hands on the Bad One / Sleater-Kinney
Bitter Rivals / Sleigh Bells
The Middle / Jimmy Eat World
Youth Without Youth / Metric
Blood for Poppies / Garbage
Anklebiters / Paramore
Man / Neko Case
Jaded / Green Day
Run Right Back / The Black Keys
The Feast and the Famine / Foo Fighters

*Official time, based on 5.5 miles.  Garmin shows that the course was 5.23 miles for an average pace of 7:23/mile.  That's more realistic!

For fun, check out my other Rock CF posts!

2011

2012

2013

2014

Did you run Rock CF this year?

On the Run: Rock CF Jorts Jaunt

Last week I did a little fun run organized by Emily, founder of the Rock CF Foundation. She's such an amazing person!  She puts on THE most amazing half marathon out there, has some super cool Rock CF swag, and works tirelessly to raise awareness about cystic fibrosis. And I mean tirelessly!  She's going on a 500-mile bike ride in September to raise money and awareness about CF.  You can learn more about Jerry & Em's Great CF Adventure and support her here.

Oh, and did I mention she's freakin' hilarious?  Being with her is a laugh a minute!  And she's also one of the most positive people I know.  

When Emily announced a while back that she was planning a group run in August - The Jorts Jaunt - I was so excited!  I set out finding the perfect pair of jorts, both for myself and for my Rock CF groundhog.  Finding jorts for myself was easy.  I went to my local Goodwill store and found 2 pairs in my size.  I went with the pair that had a lower rise, were a bit shorter, a bit looser, and had more holes for air circulation.  They were basically the jorts version of my favorite Lulu Lemon shorts.  Perfect!

Finding jorts for my groundhog, however, was another matter.  He really has a most unfortunate body type.  Because he has short legs and no waist, he needed a custom pair. Lucky for him, my mother is great at sewing so she was able to make him some.  I'd say she did a fine job, wouldn't you?

The group met at New Center Park, across from The Fisher Building.  14 people RSVP'd to the event but in the end, only 6 of us were brave enough to flaunt our jorts.  (Plus one non-jorts wearer.  Emily let it slide.)  What our group lacked in size we made up for in enthusiasm as we headed onto West Grand Boulevard past the Fisher Building and turned onto 2nd Street.  We ran through the Historic Boston-Edison district, which has gorgeous homes everywhere you look.  Running through that neighborhood never gets old.  Then we turned on 3rd and headed back toward the start.  The route was basically a big rectangle (with one little detour down another gorgeous street) that brought us back to New Center Park.   

We had pockets of crowd support along the way as people cheered for us from their porches and driveways.  Some kids wanted to run with us and others shot water at us with their water guns.  We didn't get any comments on our jorts but we did hear compliments on the various Rock CF shirts in the group, which was awesome!

This was one of the most fun group runs I've done!  Good people, fun conversation, a great route, and hot sweaty jorts.  

When it was done I had to run back to my car, which was parked at RUNdetroit, 1.3 miles away.  So yes, besides the official Jorts Jaunt, I also ran 2.6 miles through Midtown in my jorts, carrying a stuffed groundhog.  Just another day in Detroit.