But first, here’s a recap of weeks 7 and 8 of training for the New York City Marathon…with one being a bit more eventful than the other, haha.

WEEK 7

Mon., Aug. 24: Taekwondo class

Tue., Aug. 25: 3 miles

Wed., Aug. 26: 5 miles

Thur., Aug. 27: 4 miles

Fri., Aug. 28: Taekwondo class

Sat., Aug. 28: Rest

Sun., Aug. 29: 14 miles

Total weekly mileage: 26 miles

WEEK 8

Mon., Aug. 30: Rest

Tue., Aug. 31: 5 miles

Wed., Sept. 1: Taekwondo class

Tue., Sept. 2: 5 miles

Fri., Sept. 3: 5 miles

Sat., Sept. 4: Rest

Sun., Sept. 5: 10 miles

Total weekly mileage: 25 miles

So in week 7, I had a bit of a special adventure in the woods. Todd and I were plodding through our 14-mile long run on Sunday, and even though we’ve been getting up at the asscrack of dawn to get in these cockamamie summertime long runs, it had warmed up FAST. Desperate for a few minutes of respite from the blazing sun, I suggested that we run on a shaded trail at the park we frequent.

Well, long story short, this trail was riddled with various holes and raised tree branches and rocks and various other obstacles that could easily take a runner down in a matter of seconds. Todd hates any sort of trail running for that exact reason, but on this day, I decided that the trees and shade and few minutes out of the sun made it all worth it.

I was just in the middle of telling him to stop being such a baby and “I love trail running, doesn’t the shade feel great, what are you so worried about, etc.” and a moment later, I was FLYING. My foot got stuck in a hole or caught on a branch or something — I don’t even know, because the next thing I knew, I was lying on my back in the mud.

I was super lucky, because I walked away with just a bloody, bruised knee and a couple of scratches, and I know it could have been much worse. I did the best I could to clean myself up in the bathroom at the park, and I ran through a number of sprinklers, but I ended up spending the rest of our 7 remaining miles or so getting lots of strange looks from passersby.

Fortunately, I have an excellent sense of humor. I was able to pick myself up, dust myself off, and keep on going. This kind of thing WOULD happen to me, right? And, of course, we DID make it to 14!

14 muddy miles…DONE!

The scale-back week in week 7 was pretty uneventful, except for the fact that even the 10-milers have been getting to me lately.

I’ve gotta be honest with you guys. Part of the reason I’ve been MIA here is because I’ve been having a really hard time with my training lately. The majority of my runs as of late have left me feeling discouraged and frustrated, and I’m having mini-meltdowns on a fairly regular basis (you know, of the “woe is me, I can’t do this, let’s bawl like an infant in the middle of the park” variety). Even on the “easy” weeks, I’m struggling.

The only reason I’m smiling? I’m about to walk into Shop-Rite to get me some Dunkin’ Donuts iced coffee.

Fortunately, our 16-miler this past weekend went pretty well (more on that soon!) but as the summer has been winding down, I am DESPERATE for some cooler temperatures. I find myself hoping every day that it’s just the heat that has been getting to me, because I gotta tell you…I’ve been MISERABLE. Crossing the weekly runs off my training plan has felt like nothing more than a chore, and I’ve been wallowing in self-pity every time I find myself sucking wind at what should be easy, comfortable paces for me.

Long story short…I have NOT been enjoying myself. And I sometimes can’t even remember what I like about running in the first place (other than the pretty medals, I mean).

The long runs thus far have been pretty bad. We always get it done, and our average pace hasn’t been atrocious or anything, but we take a lot of walk/water breaks and we come home completely drained (not to mention drenched in sweat). I don’t think either of us has been enjoying the marathon training process all that much lately. Todd sucks it up and rarely complains, but I let it completely crush me. And I know I get on his last nerve when I spend the better part of three hours on a Sunday morning whining about how hot it is…and my feet hurt…and I’m tired…and this sucks…and I’m thirsty…and I need a potty break…and I’m miserable…and I’m hungry…and I want to go home…etc., etc., etc.

Whoooooo’s exhausted?

It’s something so stupid, and something I know affects just about every runner — and I know that cooler weather is FINALLY on its way — but fighting my way through every single run is beginning to take its toll on me. I’ve also been dealing with a bit of a back injury, which isn’t making things any easier; I’ll share some more details in my next post.

Needless to say, my self-confidence has pretty much been non-existent lately. Despite the fact that I’m keeping my goals for NYCM very conservative — all I want is to do better than last year — I’m really starting to worry about November. Physically, there’s no doubt in my mind that I can do it. But mentally? That’s another story.

Do you run on trails? And, if so, can you teach me how to do it without falling on my face?

How do you stay positive when marathon training starts to SUCK?

]]> http://thefinalforty.com/nycm-training-weeks-7-and-8/feed/ 13 http://thefinalforty.com/race-recap-downtown-westfield-5k-and-pizza-extravaganza-2015/ http://thefinalforty.com/race-recap-downtown-westfield-5k-and-pizza-extravaganza-2015/#comments Tue, 28 Jul 2015 18:17:32 +0000 Jennifer http://thefinalforty.com/?p=5875 Hey, guys! So, I do have an update on my second week of training for the New York City Marathon — plus some karate-related news! — but I’ll share that later this week.

In the meantime, Todd and I ran our annual pizza 5K for the third year in a row last Wednesday, and it was just too delicious fun to not share a quick recap!

In 2011, the Downtown Westfield 5K and Pizza Extravaganza was my VERY FIRST 5K. So beyond the post-race food and festivities, I also like to run this one for the nostalgia.

Did I mention it was 90+ degrees that year?!

Beyond the pizza, the second best part of this race is that the entire “downtown” area is packed with local vendors and giveaways and a live band and all sorts of excitement. And my favorite running store, the Westfield Running Company, just so happens to be located right in town, so it becomes sort of the local gathering place for runners.

We got our bibs and race shirt — which I have to say is always one of the ugliest and most ginormous (even in a size small!) race shirts I collect every year — and enjoyed some of the pre-race festivities. I was in excellent spirits because unlike 2011, 2012, 2013, AND 2014, the weather forecast for this year’s race was NOT supposed to be insanely hot and humid (SAYWHAT?!)

Well, at least somebody’s enjoying it…

The high only reached the low 80s that day; temperatures were still hovering in the mid-70s by the time the race started at 7pm, but there was practically no humidity. The weather conditions were — dare I say — downright pleasant. As a result, I wasn’t (secretly) dreading this race like I normally am, because I knew I wouldn’t feel that overwhelming urge to drop dead after “only” three miles.

The race draws some 2,500 runners (translation: it’s freakin’ crowded), and the course is pretty much all rolling hills, so this is definitely not a PR race for me. Plus, seeing as how it was only my second week of marathon training after an extended running hiatus, I knew I had to maintain realistic expectations. We both looked at the race as a mid-week training run followed by lots and lots of yummy pizza.

Getting ready to run…

When the race started, I was surprised to see that we were easily maintaining around a 10-minute/mile pace. My half marathon pace (in cooler conditions, of course) is right around a 9-minute/mile — so I’m pretty thrilled whenever I can hold something in the realm of a 10 when I’m running in the summer months.

There were plenty of spectators and ample water stops, and there were lots of people shooting runners with hoses and offering their sprinklers for us to run through — an offer I always gladly accept. I probably look like an idiot, but there’s something strangely satisfying about running through a sprinkler (other than the fact that I’ll do anything to cool off during a hot summer run). Makes me feel like a kid again or something.

In the second mile, our pace slowed just slightly as we climbed a few hills, but I was still proud of myself for being able to hold that 10ish-minute/mile. I knew I wasn’t performing anywhere near my usual “racing” potential, but I was okay with that. Plus, I kept thinking back to last year’s 5K…which was pretty disastrous. It was boiling hot and the humidity was unbearable, and I struggled THE ENTIRE WAY. Yes, even for just “three miles.” We finished in over 34 minutes last year, which was probably my longest (non-Disney) 5K time ever. This year, we weren’t “racing,” per se’, but I knew because it was cooler that I could expect to perform a little bit better.

Last year’s race

As we approached the finish line, we were able to spot Todd’s parents, who are seriously the best race spectators ever. They could not be more excited to see us and cheer us on, and you can’t help but feel like a total rockstar.

We finished under 32 minutes this year, which, again, is nowhere near either of our 5K PRs under any circumstances — and I actually performed a bit better in this race in 2012 and 2013 — but I was more than happy to finish with a comfy 10:15 pace in a summer race on marathon training legs after a lengthy running hiatus. Ain’t nothin’ wrong with that.

After you cross the finish line, you’re immediately directed to the pizza area. UM, YES, PLEASE! There are countless pizza boxes and dozens of volunteers handing out as many slices as you can eat. Granted, the pizza is typically cold by the time you eat it, so it’s not exactly the most scrumptious meal in the world…but after a sweaty race, it still tastes DAMN GOOD.

We met up with Todd’s parents, found my parents, and we all chowed down on pizza. Oh, and cookies. There were lots and lots of yummy chocolate chip and sugar cookies for dessert. Nom nom nom.

‘Cuz, you know, running for 30 minutes totally warrants scarfing down pizza and cookies, yes?

Afterwards, Todd and I hit the running store to check out their clearance shoes (god forbid they EVER have my sneaker in the correct size…), and I ended up buying a replacement pair of the sneakers I’ve been wearing since March (for full price, of course). Plus, they had the new 2015 design, and since I have to wear a men’s shoe because of my freakishly wide foot, I loved that they were snazzy and (somewhat) girly…plus, I love anything ombre.

My new kicks. Photo credit: boulderrunningcompany.com

I’m the type of runner who simply buys the same exact pair of sneakers over and over again: Brooks Glycerin. Granted, I hadn’t done a WHOLE lot of running after the marathon in April, but my feet were definitely feeling the effects of worn-out shoes and I knew it was time.

So, all in all, it was another successful year at the Westfield Pizza race. And I’m sure we’ll be back again to eat pizza run in 2016.

Is there a race you run every year?

Have you ever run a pizza race?

Do you ever run local races as weekly training runs for a half/full marathon?

Not only can they make excellent costume accessories, but my love for my PRO Compression marathon socks goes much deeper than that. I swear!

When I first started running, I had all kinds of issues with my lower extremities, from frequent blisters to tendonitis to pretty severe calf pain and tightness. My first course of action was getting properly fitted at a running store (of course), but my second step was to re-evaluate my sock situation. As runners, we have an ENDLESS array of options, and I ended up trying lots (and lots…and lots…) of different socks.

But I have to tell you that the first time I ran in PRO Compression socks, I knew I had found my one true love(s)!

And these are just the ones that happen to be clean right now, lol

I’m not gonna lie — I invested in my first pair just because I thought they’d look sort of like the black boots that Mrs. Incredible wears as I assembled my costume for a local superhero-themed half marathon, haha. That day, the weather was rainy and miserable, the course was BY FAR the hilliest and most challenging I had encountered in my young running career, my legs and feet were shot…and I struggled BIG TIME.

So you can imagine my complete and utter shock when I woke up the next morning and felt as though I had done nothing the previous day but lounge around on the couch watching Gilmore Girls reruns (among my favorite rest day activities, BTW). My feet felt completely fine, my calves were hardly sore at all…and I even felt fresh enough to run that day. (Not that I did…I’m just saying I COULD have run that day…)

Since then, I very rarely run without compression socks,  and I NEVER race without them!

I wouldn’t dream of tackling a long run in anything but my PRO Compression socks, and I even got Todd hooked on them, too. Fortunately for him, our feet are practically the same size, lol.

Some runners prefer to just use them for recovery, which is clearly a major benefit. I often change into a clean pair of compression socks after long races to help keep the blood flowing (and, you know, ensure that I can walk the next day), and I never, ever get on an airplane without them. I get some strange looks at security sometimes, though, haha.

But for me, running in them has helped make all of my early issues with pain, discomfort, and tightness in my legs and feet virtually disappear…and that’s why I pretty much consider them to be magic socks.

Since I just love taking on all of these back-to-back race runDisney challenges (the Dopey, the Goofy, the Glass Slipper, the Dumbo), I’ve even been known to sleep in them to help my legs feel as refreshed as possible for the next morning’s race. I am CONVINCED that they are what save my legs during a 48.6-mile challenge like the Dopey, especially since I always go ahead and spend the entire rest of the day walking around the Disney parks after each race!

So, how do they work? First, allow me to to directly quote from their website:

The science is complex, but the results are simple: recover faster and feel better sooner.

Compression socks help improve your circulation, which can reduce inflammation and help your body to recover more quickly. Which, of course, is of the UTMOST importance when you’re making your way through a half or full marathon training plan. It’s kind of hard to log 3, 4, or 5 runs per week when your legs and feet are still practically dead from the previous day’s miles.

I’ve only tried the marathon socks so far, but PRO Compression has all sorts of other options — calf sleeves, ankle socks, etc. I’ve already collected almost all of the solid colors, and now I’m making my way through their various patterned socks.

They have designs for pretty much any holiday-themed race you may want to run, from shamrocks to these patriotic socks they sent me. Guess I’ve got the finishing touch for my 4th of July race costume!

Can they be pricey? Sure. But, to me, they are SO worth it. Besides, there are almost always special coupon codes — use BLG15 for 40% off socks and sleeves! — and they also offer a “Sock of the Month” e-mail list with new product announcements and other special coupons and deals. You can sign-up via their website here, or check out their wide array of socks and other goodies here.

To learn more about PRO Compression, like them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter!

Okay, here it is! If you’ve ever wanted to try these awesome socks (or add to your collection!) please enter the giveaway below. The contest will run through the end of the day on St. Patrick’s Day (do YOU feel lucky?!) and the winner will be randomly chosen via Rafflecopter and announced right here on the blog on Wednesday, the 18th. I will contact the winning reader to get your sock size and address, and the folks at PRO Compression will send you a complimentary pair of their marathon socks! GOOD LUCK!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: PRO Compression kindly sent me a pair of socks to add to my enormous collection, but I received no other compensation for this post. All opinions are very much my own!

Back in 2013 (which seems SO long ago), Princess was my very first half marathon. And there are no words that could ever even begin to describe the feeling of crossing that finish line.

It really was the race that started at all. Dozens of half marathons and four full marathons later, who knows where I’d be right now if I hadn’t had the courage to randomly sign up for a 13.1-mile race in 2012. It was one of the first times in my life that I had taken such a giant leap of faith…and good lord was I TERRIFIED that I wouldn’t be able to do it! Seems crazy to think about now.

This race will always hold a special place in my heart. But in honor of my fellow princesses, I thought I’d share some other reasons why I think this particular race weekend ROCKS! And if you’re running this weekend…have a magical race!

The Girlishness

The Princess Half Marathon may share the same course as, say, the Walt Disney World Half Marathon…but, to me, the experience feels completely different.

It starts from the moment you walk into the “Fit for a Princess” expo and see nothing but rows and rows of sparkly skirts and headbands and jewelry and all sorts of other girly things.

Then there’s the middle of the race, when you see countless mothers and daughters, sisters, and friends running together, many in matching sparkly costumes.

Afterwards, you hear nothing but “congratulations” all day from your fellow runner ladies in the parks — most of whom are still wearing their tiaras and tutus, just like you.

It’s just…a special race. I don’t know how else to say it.

The Costumes

Of course, you’ll see people in costume for any of the runDisney races. But I find it especially cool that so many women channel their favorite princess during this race experience.

All weekend, everyone is decked out in flouncy tutus and sparkly tiaras, and racing in costumes inspired by the female heroines from classics like Cinderella all the way up to Disney’s newest princesses.

The Royal Treatment

At the Princess Half Marathon, you really are made to feel like royalty. You might even be escorted into the expo by these fine gentlemen.

Everyone calls you “princess” all weekend long. Plus, it’s kind of hard not to feel royal when you’re wearing a tiara.

The Photo Opps

Again, all runDisney races have the BEST photo opportunities. But where else can you get a picture with a group of these handsome fellows?

The Princess Half Marathon shares a lot of the same characters as the other races, but it’s the only race weekend when you’re likely to score a picture with the Fairy Godmother, or Mickey and Minnie in their royal costumes.

Plus, if you’re dressed as your favorite princess, you might just spot her after the finish line! (Totally worth the 45+ minute wait.)

The Medals

Need I say more?

What girl doesn’t like a little extra *BLING*?

 The Girl Power

Yeah, so, it may be cheesy to say…but I LOVE how this race weekend really is the perfect opportunity for women to prove that we can be girly and feminine but also strong and athletic. You can’t help but feel like a total badass…yes, even in costume.

It’s always especially fun to see so many women taking on their first 5K, 10K, or half marathon during the Princess…and kicking ass on the race course.

If anyone is running this weekend and interested in checking out some recaps from 2013 and 2014, here are mine!

Glass Slipper Challenge 2014

Enchanted 10K 2014

“Fit for a Princess” Expo 2014

Princess Half Marathon 2013 (part one, part two)

“Fit for a Princess” Expo 2013

 My First Half Marathon

Have you/would you run the Princess Half Marathon?

What was your first half marathon?

What’s your favorite runDisney race?

Long story short, I’ve been swamped with work lately. When you’re a starving freelance writer, trying to stay on top of deadlines and schedule interviews and meetings and submit revisions and answer last-minute questions and, basically, keep all of your clients happy, can suck up your entire life. Which has left me ZERO time for recreational writing (i.e.blogging), as of late. (Not that I’m complaining, believe me!)

However, I really wanted to pop back in to let you know that 1.) I didn’t drop dead or anything and 2.) provide some updates on my New York City Marathon training.

Because, as my headline might suggest, we are now down to the FINAL MONTH before I run NYC!

One month from today! Photo credit: competitor.com

So, here’s the story. My training hasn’t exactly been going as well as I had hoped. Don’t get me wrong, I’m doing the absolute best I can, and I’m being as consistent as humanly possible when it comes to squeezing in those weekend long runs, including the “scale-back” long runs of 12 or 13 miles in between each longer distance.

But training in the summer damn near killed me. I’ve truly hated it. And I sort of resent the fact that now that it’s FINALLY starting to cool down, I’ll be tapering in a matter of two weeks! Seeing the “slower” paces on my Garmin and feeling how drained I was after an “easy” five-miler when it was 80+ degrees has really messed with my confidence, I have to say, and I feel like I really have absolutely no clue how I’m going to do come Nov. 2.

I did a 16-miler that was an absolute DISASTER. I started early in the morning but it was a HOT day, and lucky for me, my monthly friend decided to arrive that morning. Between the intense crampage and the fatigue and the sun beating down on me, I was in pure agony every step of the way, and — I kid you not — cried my eyes out for pretty much the last 5k. Good thing I was wearing sunglasses. But I fought through it. I ripped off my sneakers and collapsed in the park at the end, and took this fine “proof” photo for you guys, haha.

My 18-miler, on the other hand, started out FANTASTIC. It happened to be a cool, crisp morning. The sun wasn’t out and it felt like fall for the first time, and I knocked out the first 10 miles without any effort at all. It was the first time in a long time that I actually found myself enjoying a run — which is sad, but true. At one point I even thought to myself, “oh, that’s right…I actually DO enjoy this!” The last 8 were a little harder because it was starting to warm up — and, you know, I was tired — but I still finished that run feeling fairly strong and confident that I would be okay on race day.

You’ll notice the 16-miler and 18-miler took me almost the same amount of time, haha

Meanwhile, my mid-week runs haven’t been the most consistent. My plan is basically calling for 3 mid-week runs between 5 and 8 miles, and I gotta tell you, I don’t always have time to get that 8-miler in, or a second 5-miler. I’ve been overwhelmed with assignments and I have a completely full load of piano students now that school is in session again, and it’s no easy feat trying to juggle it all. I would say I’ve been getting in two mid-week runs and the long run on weekends, and I’m lucky to get in a rare fourth run each week.

Don’t think I’m sitting around eating bon-bons on my non-running days, however. My other issue as of late? My karate “master” decided that October would be the month to hold his next black belt test in Thai kickboxing, for which I am eligible. I earned my bo-black belt in Jan. 2013, and now I’m ready to test for the black belt.

What that has translated to is making a commitment to getting in as many Thai classes per week as possible, including the weekend classes I’ve been skipping ever since I moved 30 minutes away from my karate school, on top of candidate-only classes and extra sessions on sparring led by a fellow black-belt candidate. That is to say, most days I will do a run and at least one karate class, if not two. This past weekend I logged 8 miles, then a Thai class, then a Thai candidate class, and then an hour-long sparring session. Yep. I pretty much have no life right now.

I will have to spar with full gear at my test this weekend, and guess what? I had never actually sparred before! We’ve done plenty of drills and I’ve done some basic sparring without pads, but if you want to test for your black belt, you actually have to fight others. Like, for real. So I panicked and have been spending pretty much every waking moment at Karate World to get as comfortable as possible with the idea of going head-to-head against a real person.

My usual fighting partner…

Meanwhile, I earned my blue belt in Taekwondo in August, and have also been trying to squeeze in at least one or two blue belt classes each week so I can learn the curriculum and not have to wait all of 6+ months to advance to red belt.

Needless to say…it has been HARD to make it all work. And I’m EXHAUSTED. I’m basically comatose by 10pm every night, and I am pretty much always in pain. Whether my calves are tight and my hips are sore from running, or my quads are aching or lower back is stiff from karate, my body has just about had it.

I have my 19-miler this week, and then since I had to skip last weekend’s scale-back run last week of 13 miles in favor of taking a zillion Thai classes on Saturday and Sunday, I’m going right into the 20-miler the following week. My test will be over and I know things will calm down, but because I’ve seen nothing but my “summer” paces for months now, and my body is especially worn out from all the running and karate, I kind of feel like I’m going into the marathon blindly with no sense of how I’m actually going to do when I’ve had a little time to recover and the weather will (hopefully) be a lot cooler.

The moral of the story? No matter what, I am EXCITED for this race, and I know I’m going to finish. I feel very fortunate to be in the kind of physical shape where I can enjoy all of these different activities and remain injury-free (KNOCK ON WOOD), and that I’m capable of setting these ambitious fitness goals for myself. So, who am I to complain?

That being said, I know I may not be able to bang out my “A” goal next month. I’ve come to terms with that. Sometimes life gets in the way, and all you can do is the best you can do, right? I’ll be thrilled with my “B” or even more conservative “C” goal of under 5 hours…but even if I don’t make that, I know this marathon is going to be AMAZING. I am so excited to be thisclose to race day!

How has life gotten in the way of your training?

Does anyone else look forward to tapering as much as I do?

Much like the Firecracker 4-Miler on July 4th, I run this race every year…and, back in 2011, it was my very first 5k!

Is there any better way to celebrate your first 3.1…?

This year, AS PER USUAL, the race just so happened to land on a disgustingly hot, humid evening — the “real feel” temps were near 100 all day, and even though the race kicks off at 7pm, it didn’t do a whole lot to curb the humidity. I was breaking a sweat just walking to the starting line. (Pretty, right?)

Anyway, I didn’t go into the race with high expectations or anything like that. I mainly run this one for the pizza. And the cookies. Not even gonna lie.

2012

It’s held in the downtown area of Westfield (obviously), and has sort of a fun, festival atmosphere with lots of giveaways and goodies from various local businesses and vendors prior to the race — and, of course, a pizza party at the finish line.

When Todd and I arrived with his parents (my parents and sister met up with us later on), we headed straight for the local running store, Westfield Running Company, which was having a giveaway of its own — free “Run This Town” tech shirts with the store name on the back for anyone who signed up for their mailing list/entered a prize drawing. Sounded like a pretty fair trade to me. They ran out of the men’s shirts by the time it was our turn to sign up, so Todd got a free gray Nike tech shirt. Not too shabby.

We also walked away with swag including ice packs (which I anticipate using an awful lot over the next several months) and the usual snacks, t-shirts, etc., on top of the tech shirt that came with race registration. Which, as per usual, I don’t particularly care for…in fact, I think it may be their most unattractive shirt yet, and it’s not even “real” tech material (it’s that weird polyester I’d never even consider running in).

Anyway, it’s a hugely popular race, attracting some 3,000 local runners, so we lined up somewhere near the 10:00/mile pacer and started out nice and easy. Mainly because there was NO WAY I was pushing myself on a 90-degree evening, but also because there really is nowhere to run due to the crowds. Unless you start right in the front with the super-fast runners, you’re not going anywhere for the first mile or so. Which was fine by me.

Everything started out well enough. The course is very familiar to me, obviously, and even though it’s a tad hillier than I’d like for a 5K, at least I know where all said hills are located and can prepare myself mentally. Todd and I were casually shooting the breeze during the first half mile or so, and I felt okay, but by the first mile marker I knew the remainder of the race wasn’t going to be all that pleasant for me.

I was guzzling water at every station, running through every sprinkler and hose the kind folks of Westfield were blasting upon us sweaty runners, and even stopping to WALK through the water stations — which I normally would never do in a 5K — but I was feeling like crap. My legs were tight and sore, which I chalked up to the previous evening’s martial arts classes, but overall I just did not feel well. I wasn’t pushing myself by any means — my Garmin reported an average 10:30-11/minute mile, my usual “comfortable” pace in hot temperatures — but my body just wasn’t having it.

It still amazes me how a 10K or even a half marathon can fly by, but sometimes a measly 5K at “only” 3.1 miles can feel like an eternity. It felt like those final two miles dragged on FOREVER, and I know I wasn’t the only one struggling. We saw a runner on the ground receiving medical attention in the third mile, and I heard of at least two other runners who went down on the course, presumably as a result of the weather conditions.

When we finally crossed the finish line, I thought for a moment that I might be one of those runners — I immediately felt lightheaded and needed to sit down RIGHT AWAY. I was really afraid of fainting, so I found the nearest curb and plopped myself down. Todd gave me some water and the feeling passed in a few minutes, fortunately, but when I stood up again I still didn’t feel quite “right.”

Not surprisingly, this year proved my worst finish time ever for this race. Even better, it is now my official worst time for a 5K ever (not including runDisney races, of course). We came in a few seconds after my very first 5K time of 33:03, with a chip time of 33:09.

It’s not an encouraging stat, to say the least, but all I can say is that a.) I know my body doesn’t perform well in the summer, b.) It’s not bad given the fact that we really weren’t “racing” and all of my previous attempts at this race have definitely been for time, c.) I’m in marathon training and my legs are not “fresh” in any way, shape, or form, and d.) I wasn’t feeling right and did not want Todd scooping me off the ground and having to alert the paramedics during what was supposed to be a fun 5K race.

We found both sets of our parents and I felt a lot better once I started gobbling down pizza. (Gotta love the salt.)

I’m going to go ahead and assume that I was dehydrated, but as I will discuss in my forthcoming weekly workouts post, this seems to be an ongoing issue. I’m working on figuring out what I’m doing wrong, because my last couple of runs have NOT gone well. And I will be definitely be asking for your advice!

The remainder of the evening went well — it was the first time our respective parents met, so we were chatting and having a grand old time chowing down on pizza and cookies. A reader also came up and introduced herself, which also has a way of boosting my mood.

But then the sky turned black and race organizers started warning people to get to steppin’, because that evening’s forecasted severe thunderstorm was rolling in FAST.

We took a few final photos with the lovely backdrop that was the BLACK sky and started to make our way out, but not before the sky opened up and I found myself doing just a little bit more running — to the car.

I definitely didn’t mind getting rained on at that point, and I counted our lucky stars that the storm held off for everyone to finish the race and grab some pizza before we all had to get the hell out of there. I would have been more than a little upset if the storm started earlier and cancelled the race!

Have you ever felt sick/dehydrated during a race?

Has a race you’ve signed up for ever been cancelled due to the weather?

First, a little background. I ran this race last year in the POURING RAIN, and it was pretty miserable. But this year, race organizers promised a brand-new course, and the weather forecast just so happened to be damn near perfect (albeit, slightly too warm for my liking), so I thought it would be a good time.

Plus, we had some fabulous costumes — I’m obsessed with the minions from Despicable Me, and since everyone runs this race dressed as Batman or Super Woman, I thought we’d go with something a little different!

Or, I should say, Todd’s mom tried something a little different. She’s the mastermind behind many of my recent race costumes, and I gotta give her props! Although, I DID cut out the circles for the eyes…

Another piece of information you should probably know?

I didn’t train for this race. Like, at all.

Since running marathon #2 back in March, I’m not going to lie to you guys…I’ve taken a bit of an extended running hiatus. Does that mean I’m sitting on my rear in front of the television every day? No. I’m still staying active — I’m being consistent with my martial arts classes at least 2-3 times per week, I’m cycling at least once or twice a week, and I am lacing up my sneakers and logging a few miles here and there — but, as many of you know, when it comes to running I have been BURNT OUT.

With no major races in my sights until Disneyland at the end of August, and the official start of my New York City Marathon training not set to begin until July, I’ve given myself permission to scale back and let my body (and, even more importantly, my mind) fully and completely recover after an endless string of half marathons with Todd last fall and then months of insane Dopey Challenge training and then running yet another marathon less than eight weeks after my first.

So, long story short, if I’m going to be perfectly honest, the longest I had run in the month prior to this particular half marathon? Five miles. No long runs, no tempo runs, no speedwork, no nothing. Since running a fairly disastrous April Fools Half Marathon and my slowest half to date, the Rutgers Half Marathon, in April, I got in a few short 3-4 mile runs here and there, one or two 5-milers, and that was about it.

Am I proud of it? No. Am I recommending it? No. But since this was a PURELY “for fun” race, and both Todd and I have just about had it when it comes to training plans, I’m the first to admit that I let myself slack off. I knew the race wouldn’t be pretty, and I was prepared to take full responsibility for that and just hope for the best.

We picked up our packets at the Morristown Running Company the day before, so we were all set to head straight to the starting line on race morning. Parking was easy, but as per usual, we were running a few minutes behind schedule (biggest issue in our relationship: I’m a slob and he’s chronically late, haha) so we only had a few minutes to hit the port-a-potties and rush to the starting line.

Fortunately, Kim from Barking Mad About Running spotted us, so we got to meet up with her again and chat for a few minutes. (And then I stole her picture…hope she doesn’t mind!)

The race began at the park a few minutes late, so it all worked out. When they let us go, the swarms of some 3,000 runners made it damn near impossible to go out too fast, which is my usual M.O. Not that I was gunning for a PR or anything, as you know. We settled into a comfortable 10:30 pace, which is where we remained for the majority of the race, and I focused on just taking it easy and getting through the 13.1 miles ahead of me.

I have to say, I was initially excited about the new course. Last year’s had a KILLER hill (not even remotely exaggerating…paramedics were stationed at the top, haha), and it was a pretty boring double loop, so I figured it couldn’t be any worse than that.

Well…this year’s course was flatter overall (still plenty of “rolling” hills), but the last half of the race pretty much took us through the woods. No joke. It was a long trail through another park, and there were no spectators whatsoever. Water stations were decent (other than the fact that they couldn’t quite fill the cups quickly enough), and I did appreciate the shade because the sun was out and temperatures were rising fast, but it was almost a little creepy (and boring) to be running with all of my fellow costumed runners through a shady trail for 7+ miles. The early miles were pretty much all residential, and Chatham/Morristown/Madison is a really nice area, but I still wouldn’t call it the most exciting course in the world.

As far as how I held up…I honestly felt completely fine up until about mile 8 or 9. My overall pace has slowed significantly, and I have to fight to break a 10-minute mile these days, but other than that I was surprised by how well I was holding up giving my lack of consistent running and any recent long training runs. I won’t lie and say we didn’t stop for a few walk breaks towards the end, which is very much unlike me in a race, but I didn’t feel a whole lot of difference in terms of my stamina.

The way my body felt physically, though, was a bit of a different story. By the last 5K my legs decided to pretty much shut down. No surprises there. Everything started to tighten up, my legs felt heavy and dead, and putting one foot in front of the other become a struggle.

But I did the best I could, and finally the finish line was in sight. It was another 2:30ish finish for us, which I know isn’t bad at all and I’m definitely not complaining, but it is still a pretty far cry from how I used to perform in half marathons.

We collected our medals and wandered around looking for post-race food, which was across the field under a gazebo. We enjoyed the usual fare — bagels, bananas, granola bars, etc. — and hung around for the costume contest. Figured it was worth a shot.

Had to do it…minions love BANANAS!!!

As it turns out, the costume contest consisted of race organizers calling up anyone who was still around after the awards ceremony — not a whole lot of people, I might add — and then they judged our costumes right then and there. There were 5 prizes, and we won 4th and 5th place, behind an Iron Man-themed couple and what was by far the most elaborate costume of the race — a She-Ra, complete with a horse and everything! Here are some pictures of the contest winners and other costumes on nj.com, including one or two of yours truly.

Our prize? A coupon for a free 30-minute massage. Now that’s what I’m talking about!

At the end of the day, I wasn’t happy that I went into this race so poorly trained, but I was satisfied with how I performed given the circumstances. I took it as yet another reminder that I AM strong, and it gave me hope that even though I’ve had to let myself take a bit of a break from training, that I haven’t completely lost everything I’ve worked for.

A half marathon is NO JOKE, and since I seem to no longer have the mental capacity to participate in so many races back-to-back, I am considering this the final race in our running streak. I think Todd and I both got a little overzealous and signed up for WAY too many races in the past year, and I feel I’m paying the price with how much I’ve struggled over the past couple of months.

We’ve decided to be a lot more selective with our races moving forward, and I’m slowly but surely trying get back into a running groove again. When it comes time to train for NYCM, I want to pour everything I have into what I know is going to be an AMAZING experience (and, you know, break a 5-hour marathon), so I want to be sure I’m fully ready to take on the challenge.

Have you ever run a race when you weren’t properly trained?

Mon., April 28: 5-mile run

Tue., April 29: 3-mile bike ride, 2-mile run

Wed., April 30:  Rest

Thur., May 1: 3-mile run

Fri., May 2: 4-mile run and Taekwondo class

Sat., May 3: Thai kickboxing class and gym workout/strength training

Sun., May 4: Thai kickboxing class

This week, I tried to slowly start getting back on a consistent running routine. And I have to say, even though they were all shorter runs, I’m still having a hard time. Physically, I can definitely feel the lack of consistent training catching up to me (good thing I have one more spring half marathon to run in 2 weeks…*gulp*…) but mentally, I can feel my urge to run coming back. I am starting to “miss” it a little bit, and I am legitimately starting to enjoy my runs again.

I was willing to do whatever I had to do to break out of the running rut I’ve been dealing with for the past few months, and I do think that some time off has done me a lot of good — even though my legs (and, let’s face it, waistline) would probably disagree.

My plan is to run the Superhero Half Marathon for fun and then continue to run “by feel” until I start New York City Marathon training in July. That way, I’m hoping my body/mind will be fully recovered from the countless races I ran in the fall, and the two full marathons in January and March, so I can hit the ground running (no pun intended) when it comes time to train for New York!

In the meantime, I’m focusing on staying active and getting in plenty of cross-training. When I want to run, I run. When I want to cycle, I cycle. And I’ve been making it to as many martial arts classes as my schedule will allow — last week I was FINALLY granted my purple belt in Taekwondo! In addition to memorizing combinations and new kicking techniques for each belt level, you also have to demonstrate a form to music (it’s always patriotic, like Stars and Stripes Forever or God Bless America), and let me tell you…it took me forever to learn it!

Have you ever taken time off from running?

What are some of your other favorite cross-training activities?

I can also report that Todd and I both have a new half marathon record for our worst finish time to date. Much like I was having lady issues for our last half marathon, this time, it was Todd who was sick. (Not with lady issues, though. Obviously.)

He had been sick all week with some sort of cold or sinus issues or who knows what, and was dealing with a fever and headaches and all kinds of snotty/coughy goodness. Though he had started feeling a little bit better by the time race day rolled around, let’s just say that I had a bit of deja vu from our Rock n’ Roll USA experience — I got to play the role of cheerleader again!

I won’t say too much about the “expo” on Saturday because it was practically non-existent…a handful of vendors with a miniscule amount of merchandise. It was pretty pitiful, and I’m not really sure how they could even call it an expo.

We did get our bibs, a mug, and our race shirts, which are the same brand/quality as the April Fools Half Marathon — not the best, and unfortunately, they wouldn’t even let us trade sizes when Todd wanted to swap for a large. They supposedly only ordered “an exact amount of shirts”…even though race registration was still open and, to my knowledge, last-minute registrants were getting shirts. Hmmmm. Interesting.

On Sunday morning, we parked in a garage near the finish line and took a handy shuttle to the start, which was a breeze. After port-a-pottying it up, we made our way to the starting line. It was supposed to climb into the 70s that day, and it was already warming up — after running in the frigid cold for months and months and months, it might has well have been a 90-degree summer afternoon. I knew I’d be a hot, sweaty mess by the time the morning was over.

The race included an 8K and a half marathon, so we were joining a total of about 6,000 runners that morning. I knew that Todd wasn’t feeling great, but he didn’t have much of a choice…at that point, you can either run the race, or drop out and eat the $100 registration fee. So, our plan was to take it slow and enjoy the sights. He went to Rutgers and I knew the reason he wanted to do this race so much was to show me around, so what better way to do it than a half marathon that takes you through three different campuses, right?

He gave me an abbreviated tour on Saturday after the expo — which was interesting, because Rutgers’ ENORMOUS campuses and city-like environment was nothing at all like my liberal arts college education at the private Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, with its tiny campus and small town atmosphere.

The race was going to take us through three of the campuses, including some renovations to Livingston that he had never seen, and through the park that I ran through for last year’s Miles for Music 20K.

The race began at 8am and we started out around a steady 10-minute/mile pace. I could tell after the first mile that he was going to have a really hard time. He was already coughing and pulling tissues out of his pocket every couple of minutes, and he told me he was feeling tired and had no energy whatsoever. I tried to keep his mind off the way he was feeling with some chit-chat and my usual brand of hilarity.

It wasn’t exactly going to be a walk in the park for me, either. My legs were DEAD. I don’t know if it’s all the consecutive races or my lack of recovery time after marathons this year or the fact that I’m back to karate and taking Thai Kickboxing and Taekwondo classes at least 2-3 times a week — including the days before the race — but my body is just NOT cooperating with me anymore.

I feel as though my mojo is back in that I WANT to run, but every time I lace up my sneakers, it only takes about a mile or two before I can feel just how tired my body is. It’s frustrating. My legs are heavy and I just can’t find my groove. I want to go faster, but I just can’t. I can’t even remember the last time I could comfortably hold a 9-minute/mile the way I used to. Even if Todd was in tip-top running condition that morning, I couldn’t have gone much faster. For the majority of the race, we were averaging somewhere between a 10-11 minute/mile when we were running.

As we made our way through the Busch campus, and then Livingston, and then back to Busch, it was already starting to feel like the longest 13.1 miles ever. I felt okay, but my legs were ridiculously heavy (and it was getting HOT). I sensed that he wasn’t doing too well, either. We ran between water stops and only stopped to walk to hydrate and take our Clif Bloks, and I have to be honest…I was really, really looking forward to each water stop.

They were well-stocked with water and Gatorade and lots and lots of volunteers — mainly students. I thought the first half of the race was lacking in the spectator support that we both desperately needed, but fortunately, it got a little bit better as we made our way through the second part of the race (with the exception of the park). There were also a few bands performing along the second part of the course.

By the time we were headed into the park, we were both dragging. He told me he was getting a headache and his lethargy was getting worse, and I was just ready to STOP. RUNNING. But I kept trying to keep his mind off how he felt, mainly by asking him “so, what are we looking at now?” I’m sure he loved that.

We ended up taking a few extended walk breaks in the park, and a million years later, started making our way back to College Avenue, where the finish line was located.

The last few miles went on…and on…and ON…but, finally, we crossed the finish line.

Our clock time was 2:34, which I’m not complaining about at all, especially since he was sick…but I have to say, I am starting to wonder if I’ll ever be able to run a 2:00 half marathon again!

The post-race goodies weren’t too shabby, and included pre-packed bags of random treats like chips and bananas and those uncrustable PB&J sandwiches.

And, much to Todd’s delight, we were also given soft pretzels (his favorite)! He seemed to perk up a bit after he ate, haha. I was super proud of him for choosing to run that morning and finishing the race, despite how crappy he was feeling — that’s the mark of a true crazy runner for you.

Even though it was a rather warm day, I was excited to enjoy some hot chocolate after the race.

All of the runners ate and hung out (and stretched…and napped…) in “the quad” after the race, which was nice. It also made me miss college real, real bad, not gonna lie. It’s still an entirely different campus environment than what I had, but it definitely made me think that I wouldn’t mind going back and doing it all over again.

Overall? The race had lots of energy and decent spectator support, and if you’re a Rutgers alum (or just a fan in general), then I’d say it’s definitely worth doing. I know if FDU ever sponsored a race on campus, I’d be the first one to sign up. Even though he was sick, I do think Todd enjoyed taking a little walk (er, run) down memory lane.

I wasn’t a huge fan of the medal, but I did like the 8K medal — which was actually quite a bit larger than ours! Obviously, it wasn’t the best day for either of us to be running, but I did have fun. (And, Todd is feeling quite a bit better now, so all is well there).

Now, fortunately, we have a few weeks off until our next half marathon: the Superhero Half Marathon in Morristown. My plan is to take it easy. Now that it’s FINALLY getting warmer, my bike is going to come out of hiding, and I’ll still take my karate classes, but as far as running…I’m taking it one step at a time. (No pun intended.)

Have you ever had to run a race while you were sick?

How do you recover in between races?