Week in Review (July 30 - August 5)

Tuesday (12,502 steps) - Strength class during lunch. Skipped Milk Market to go to Heather's house for Taco Tuesday.

Matt and the family were visiting from Florida - we had a great time socializing and roasting marshmallows. Also was nice to get out of the Denver heat for a bit.

Also, a cool surprise was a "Squirrel Girl" bobble head from my friend Dan. I've had that nickname since high school, and apparently it is now a Marvel character/collectible.

Wednesday (19,415 steps)  - Core class during lunch. Runners Roost Boulder! We were running late and had to meet people at the trail head (which is what we planned anyway). Difficult run up NCAR, but surprised myself by running a bit faster than usual.

Thursday (12,282 steps) - LONGEST.DAY.EVER. Got to work early, worked through lunch, worked late. I had called the hotel to make sure they had me down for a late checkout, only to find out that if I arrived after 2 am they would not be able to check me in? Even though they have a 24 hour front desk? Ugh. Then sometime after everyone left for the day I looked and my already very late flight was delayed a half  hour and ETA into St. Louis was 1:55 pm. Magically, I was able to switch to the earlier flight, but that meant I had to leave RIGHT THEN to get to the airport on time. I got there in plenty of time and went to Root Down for a beer before boarding.

Flight was still delayed, but I did get there an hour or so earlier than I had planned. By now, after midnight.
Friday (48,403 steps) - The line for the rental car was pretty insane, but I was able to get my Nissan with very few problems. It was only a 15-20 minute drive to the hotel, which I found with no problems. It was also one of the top three sketchiest places I have ever stayed. First off, it was like there was a block party in the lobby. Guys eating and watching TV at volume a million and there was no one behind the desk. Guy finally shows up. He seems nice enough, but already sensing issues. Like I have to make an additional $20 deposit because their key-maker isn't working? Whut. Finally it's about 1:30 and I'm walking to my room. "Thankfully," the hallways were darkish as it was FILTHY. My room was no better. Quick rundown - floor probably hadn't been vacuumed in months. The window and TV were covered in something that was leaving stains. The bathroom floor was sticky (change was glued to the floor). Used soap in the shower and on the counter. TRASH HAD NOT BEEN EMPTIED. Pretty sure I was going to get bedbugs or murdered. So gross. (Really wish I'd taken pictures, but I kinda want to forget this experience ever happened).

Interestingly, I actually got some sleep (trying not to think about the incredibly stained pillows and hoping at least the sheets were clean). I was awoken by incessant knocking on the door around 8 am. Thinking it was housekeeping, I told them to go away. Knocking continues. Irritated because there was no door hanger to put out saying "do not disturb" I finally got up. (Mind you, I had planned on sleeping until 10). It was a man who was raving about "things hanging from  my window. Whut. I have no idea what is happening. I tell him WTF I checked in after one in the morning, you need to leave. (I did check and saw nothing outside my window). Tried to go back to sleep, failed. Finally took a shower and got the eff out of there. Interestingly, when I checked out - the same guy was there that had been knocking. No name tag and had not identified himself as staff. I mentioned it was one of the most disgusting places I had ever stayed and I was NOT happy about my early wake up call. He seemed uninterested in my complaints. (FYI, avoid Super 8 in Bridgeton/St. Louis at ALL costs).

With now HOURS to kill, I decided to head into the city and wander around downtown. I hadn't been to St. Louis since I was there to run the Rock n' Roll in 2011, and I remember traffic/construction irritating me back then. Really hadn't improved. Struggled to find street parking, then walked around, got some pictures of the arch and had lunch.

Finally I decided I would just head to the race start, thinking maybe I would be able to take a nap in the car. Spoiler, it's a million degrees, so no, a nap didn't happen.

The Shippey 100K.
Saturday (82,125 steps) - Continuation of The Shippey 100K.

Prior to travel, I had looked to see where the breweries were closest to the airport. The one I really wanted to go to didn't open until two, so I went to the other one. I decided to close my eyes for a minute, and next thing I knew, Ben was calling. I had passed out for about 45 minutes, which I meant I just headed right to the one I initially wanted to go to. Had two beers and some popcorn at Six Mile before going to the airport.

I had managed to switch my flight to an earlier one. It was also delayed, but I was so tired that I ended up falling asleep on the plane. Woke up with about an hour left of the flight. Landed only a bit late. Took FOREVER to get back to the lot to get Lucy. Ugh. Home by 9ish. Ben had come down and bought pizza and beer, but he had fallen asleep waiting for me (he had to work the 3 am shift, so it was understandable). I went to bed shortly after eating. LONG DAY.
Sunday (10.849 steps) - Slept until almost 10. After having coffee, we decided to take Pika for a walk to the lake (and for once, we got Ariel to go with us).

Snacked on pizza, and then Ben and I went to 4 Noses.

Picked up Torchy's on the way home. I think that was it? Pretty low-key day.
Monday (14,972 steps) - Blah work. Met Ben (and Tyler) at North Table. They were doing the big loop, and I was planning on staying on the canal trail and walking with Pika.

Had street tacos from the food truck and beer.

Stats:

• 200,548 steps
• 65.2 miles run
• Two gym classes and lots of walks

Rock 'n' Roll St. Louis Half Marathon (Race Recap)

St. Louis, MO

Sunday, October 23

Half Marathon #47

State #39

Weather - Coolish at start, Warm mid-race and SUNNY

Rock ‘n’ Roll St. Louis, yet another race I registered for in February. I had another night of somehow sleeping fabulously. Woke up at 5:45, got ready, and then headed out to meet up with the Marathon Maniacs and Half Fanatics for a group picture. We managed to get there in time and without getting lost. Amazing! Didn’t recognize any of them, although I think I am a (bad) Facebook friend with at least one of them. Realize I forgot my gum. Damn. But probably pretty low on the list of things I try to remember to take with me. Forgetting GU or my iPod would have been much more devastating.

Half Fanatics & Marathon Maniacs

Can you believe that sweatshirt on L was a THROW AWAY??

Decided to head over to the bathrooms before the start. The line took forever. Got to the potty about a minute or two before the start, and of course the one that I used was out of toilet paper. Figures. At least it had hand sanitizer. Once again, the corrals were congested and we were not able to enter.  

I didn’t especially want to go in the corral I was assigned to – Corral 4. When I registered way back in February, I said I could run in 1:55… Heh. I haven’t run anywhere CLOSE to that since January, when I did run a 1:58:30. Anyway.

By the time we sneaked in, it was already about corral 6 going by, which was an ok pace to be running. We somehow got sandwiched RIGHT BY the 2:00 hour pace group. I don’t like pace groups, nor the crowds that occur as a result. But I also didn’t wan to run faster/slower to get around them. Problem. Anyway, pace is pretty good, but the beginning of the course is tough. LOTS of turns, and it is tough to maneuver. There were turns where we practically had to walk. Immediately the temps started heating up. First to go were the gloves. Balled those suckers up and tossed off course. Might have hit someone. Very shortly after that, the arm sleeves went to - I tie them to my race belt. It was hot, sunny, I was already overheating.

One of the things I really enjoy about RnR races is that there are tons of water stations. I’m a bit bummed that most races seem to be cutting costs and no longer have electrolyte drinks at all the stations. First aid station, only water, feeling good.

Shortly after mile 2, we run into a friend, Lauren, that we met in China. She was running the half, and her boyfriend was running the full. In Corral 2. Yeah, he is pretty bad ass. I could already tell that she was running a pace faster than I felt comfortable running, so I wished her luck and pulled back a bit. (Again, what ARE the odds of finding someone I know on the course… especially with 22,000 runners??)

There's Lauren, in the blue by the center lines... so long!

Didn’t feel the calf tightening like before, so that was good. There were more hills/inclines than I was expecting, so I was instead having tight quads. Nothing unmanageable. The course around mile 3-4 was super hard to run, the road was REALLY torn up and I kept thinking I was going to twist an ankle. I hate having to stare at my feet.

Best aid station was right before mile 5, the local YMCA. They had little kids dressed up like the Village People and their own balloon archway. Rad! Just before mile 6, we spot the random Marathon Maniac that we saw in Bismarck AND on the marathon course in Denver. He was super chatty and pretty much told me every single race he is running between now and April (FYI, a TON). Felt like I slowed down a bit to talk to him (he was having some knee pain), but the split at the water station right afterwards showed we were running a decent pace.

Just past mile 7

Another course where I really don’t remember too much. The miles didn’t really “fly by,” but I was feeling ok, and was pretty distracted. At the GU aid station around mile 7.5 I grabbed a few extra. OK, I took 5 total. My fuel belt isn’t big enough to hold my phone AND that many, and since my skirt didn’t have pockets, I had to shove the excess in my bra. Don’t judge me. And as a result I couldn't get my phone out of my belt, so, no pictures after that aid station (I suck, sorry).

The course split around mile 8, and then I go blank again. Although I vaguely remember running by a park, changing leaves… not too much else. Until a huge hill at mile 8.5ish. Almost forced me to walk. It was huge (or it least it FELT huge). Then aid station at the bottom of the backside of the hill. Nice long decline with about a billion timing mats. WHY?? You might think I was exaggerating, but there were at least 6-8 of them within about a quarter mile. A funny thing off the course… a car trying to exit a driveway of some sort. And there were 2 or 3 cars behind him. And they were all just holding down their horns. I don’t understand this. Where do you think he is going to go? And just from the little time I spent in St. Louis, there was LITERALLY SIGNAGE EVERYWHERE. Your fault for not leaving home early enough.

About mile 10, I notice we are still keeping a pretty awesome pace. I figure “it’s only a 5k left” (Yeah, I just keep telling myself that, even though I know otherwise), and I’ll push as best as I can. Last aid station around mile 11.5, and very shortly after that, a beer table!! L and I each took a cup, thanks!

Pretty decent sized uphill the last ¾ of a mile or so of the course and like other RnR courses, the LONGEST CHUTE EVER. L did run ahead of me in the chute, I don’t blame her. By the end I could barely move. Crossed the line and my legs almost gave out on me. But!!! Another really good time!

Bib #4525

Official Time - 2:09:21

Official Pace - 9:53

5K Split - 30:26

10K Split - 1:01:34

10 Mile Split - 1:39:26

Overall Place - 5043/14511

Gender Place - 2377/9635

Division Place - 490/1732

Garmin Time -2:09:22

Garmin Distance - 13.17 miles

Garmi Pace - 9:49

Mile 1 - 9:42

Mile 2 - 10:04

Mile 3 - 9:34

Mile 4 - 10:11

Mile 5 - 9:55

Mile 6 - 9:18

Mile 7 - 9:48

Mile 8 - 10:21

Mile 9 - 9:41

Mile 10 - 10:15

Mile 11 - 9:46

Mile 12 - 9:57

Mile 13 - 9:07 (!!!)

Mile 13.1 - 9:33

Man, this is a BAD picture...

Of note. Didn’t have to use the bathroom during the race. Again. I think this is 4 in a row!

Got my medal, bottle of water, and a banana. Quick finisher picture, then we headed back to the hotel to shower and check out. We figured we had about an hour to see the RnR band, Sugar Ray, so we walked BACK to the race (about a mile away). We stopped at a booth, where I got this - check out their website:

Isn’t it awesome?? Of course it will stay in the packaging until I have actually DONE all 50… Then we watched the band, Sugar Ray. I gotta say, he still looks pretty good, and they sounded good live. 

Sugar Ray!!

We only had a chance to stay for about 5 songs, then we headed back to the garage to get the car. 

Fountain with red water for the Cardinals

Occupy St. Louis

Not sure what this is...

Best view of the city - The Gateway Arch and changing leaves

Get to the parking garage and notice that there are about a billion people in line for the exit. I jokingly say it looks like it’s going to take a half hour to get out. This was no joke. With about 20-25 cars in front of us, I am NOT joking when I say that it took 45 minutes to get out. FORTY.FIVE.MINUTES. People were getting out of their cars, and after 40 minutes, I’ll admit I got out too (we had moved in 40 minutes about 8 car lengths). We had a 2:25 flight, it was already almost 1:00, and we were still 20 minutes from the place we had to drop off the car, take a shuttle, get to the airport, check in, go through security, use the bathroom, lunch.

I’ll admit. I snapped. The guy claims the gate is broken. I want to know a). why they have a system that is so old/stupid that there is no way to manually override it so PEOPLE CAN GET OUT, and b). who was going to pay for my flight change if I missed it.  Literally the line started to move right then. I’d like to pretend it was because of me.

FINALLY get out at 12:53… Cutting it close. The guy at the gate had the nerve to small talk with us, wanting to know how our race went. Really? Get us the heck out of here. At least the $18 parking fee was waived…

We still have to stop and put gas in the car, but luckily there is a gas station a half block away from the rental car return. You can imagine that the man we returned the car to was the SLOWEST MOVING HUMAN ON EARTH. Finally board the shuttle at 1:16… an hour until the flight leaves.

Go inside and luckily no wait at the kiosk, get the boarding pass and then book it through the airport to get to security. Which is… you guessed it, moving SUPER SLOW. Takes another 15-20 to get through security. Seriously, who ARE these people who don’t know to take off their belts and take the change out of their pockets? Security has had the same rules for like 10 years now.

Anyway. Finally get to the gate, use the bathroom. 30 minutes or so until departure. Phew. Only place to eat is Quiznos. There are about 6 people in front of me. Did you know that Quizonos employ the OTHER SLOWEST HUMANS ON EARTH??? 21 minutes for 2 subs. Seriously. Only 6 people in front. Only people to board behind us were the other idiots who thought Quiznos would be a fast lunch. Flight is fine, arrive without freaking out.

Sigh. What a stressful trip.


Overall about the race/St. Louis

• Driving in St. Louis is SUPER stressful. Allow LOTS of extra time. With that said. Running St. Louis was actually pretty fabulous...
• The course is pretty good, but obviously very congested, especially in the first 8 miles before the marathoners split
• LOTS of great crowd support
• Plenty of aid stations
• Actually got to see the concert - so that was nice

Cincinnati Half Marathon (Race Recap)

Cincinnati, OH

Saturday, October 22

Half Marathon #46

State #38

Weather - Foggy, Chilly

When we originally booked the St. Louis race, we hadn’t planned on doing a double weekend. Then a race appeared in Ohio, the Cincinnati Half Marathon. Looking at a map, it seems like Cincinnati is “right by” St. Louis. Well. It’s not.

Anyway, our flight out of Denver was supposed to leave at 10:40 am. Mechanical problems on the plane caused a switch to a different plane and delayed our departure by about 40 minutes. Only mildly important because we had to get to the expo for RnR St. Louis (thanks to their crappy Saturday expo hours and refusal to release packets to anyone else) and THEN drive to Cincinnati.

Fairly uneventful flight to St. Louis. L and I weren’t sitting next to each other, so I got my homework done. When we landed, quick trip to Sbux for a pumpkin misto, then off to rent our car. Which, we didn’t realize was off site. Annoying. Finally get the car, then head to the expo. Another awesome thing about big city races is that they host expos in gigantic convention centers in downtown so you have to pay (a ton) to park. $8 later, we park across the street from the expo, intending to run in and run out. Which is next to impossible for RnR because they are so big. Got J a shot glass from the race, then we quickly checked out runningskirts and some other vendors. We almost got an awesome running top, but their signage was confusing and I was horrified when I got to the register and they wanted me to spend $35 on a tank top. I don’t give a crap if it’s made of bamboo, I’m not spending that.

Angrily head out of the expo and get on the road. 

MLK Bridge

Only to find out the drive is somewhat further than we thought… By the time we left it was after 4:00. L was resting, and I was screaming. Literally. Driven through the Midwest lately? ALL CONSTRUCTION. ALL OF IT. I swear it’s a good thing I’m not a violent person, I about blacked out from road rage. We stopped in some teeny town in Indiana (funny, I completely missed even being in Illinois) and had dinner. Yep, at Applebee’s. And yes, it was delicious.

Back on the road, and L realizes that all of a sudden we are in eastern time. So to top it all off, we have lost an hour, so it is even later. Still driving in construction. Still annoyed. Still screaming (but quietly, since L is resting). Arrive (finally) at the hotel, and pretty much go right to bed, since it’s already almost midnight.

I somehow managed to sleep FANTASTICALLY. Woke up at 5:50 feeling refreshed (VERY rare on a race day), and we got dressed and headed out. And it was COLD. Like really cold. Glad I had brought a throw away sweatshirt. Only took about 10 minutes to get to the parking lot by the start. We were really close, maybe only 2 minute walk to where we picked up our packets. Then we just sat in the car with the heater cranked. Couple trips to the bathroom, but honestly we stayed in the car as long as possible. Almost shouldn’t have trashed the sweatshirt since we were so close to the start but I didn’t think about it until it was too late. Literally only about 3 minutes after we joined the field, we were off. I accidentally started my watch a bit early since there was no banner or anything to indicate the start. We did cross a timing mat and we were off.

At the start line - Look how well we coordinated our outfits with the race bibs

L and me

Immediately I was concerned about my calves. After last weekend, I really hoped I wouldn’t have the tightness again, I wanted to have a good race. I had worn my arm sleeves and L gave me a pair of gloves, which I was glad for. Again, it was COLD. The first part of a course was a 5 mile loop through an industrial district and part of downtown. 

Not sure which stadium this was.

We ran by a stadium and the baseball hall of fame, but honestly I really don’t remember too much of the course. The first aid station was about 2.5 miles in, and I was really happy because my calves were not tight yet, but we were already running a faster pace than usual and I wanted a quick walk break. The next few miles were uneventful, although much L’s annoyance, I did stop to pick up a quarter.

This is where I picked up the quarter! lol

Pretty much the only hill on the course. I *think* mile 4.

Next aid station was at mile 5, right by where we parked the car. 

Loved this sign!

The next 8 miles were an out and back. The course was advertised as flat and fast, and it really was… the temperature never really went up and it was SUPER foggy. Nice because I didn’t overheat, but I ended up keeping my sleeves on all race (which I’ve only done one other time, in Alaska), and wore gloves most of the race. The first elite runner heading back passed us when we were at about mile 6… speedy. 

What the first mile or so of the out and back looked like. Somewhere around mile 6.5? (Or 11.5 on the way back)

Course goes through a sort of residential area with some smaller businesses. Aid station at mile 7 with Gatorade (finally!) and then at mile 9 we turn around but run about ¾ of a mile by a river before meeting back up with the street just before mile 10.

Girl with the white shirt/pink shorts - Shirt says "duck, duck, moose" - I spent about a mile wondering what the front looked like.

On our way out, it seemed like we would be running uphill on the way back, but it didn’t feel (or look) that way when we were running it. I was still feeling really good, but was working harder (and running faster) than I have in a long time. Aid station at mile 11, and we thought that was the last one on the course. Course turns off around mile 12, and we ran on this cobblestone sidewalk through a “garden for Africa” and are pleasantly surprised with another water station. YAY!!!

I have been watching my Garmin for the last few miles and it is really looking like we are going to have a great time. I am getting tired, but running with L really helps me push myself a bit more. We see the finishing area and I give it all we have. I click my watch, and YES, for the first time since MARCH, I finally have another sub 2:10 race. I was starting to think I’d never be able to run that fast again.

Cross the line and get… a CHM towel. Best idea ever!! Get a bottle of water and our medal, grab a few snacks, and head back to the car. A man thanks us for setting a pace. I tell him he lucked out that I was having a good day.

Winner!

Overall, the course was just “ok” visually, but flat and fast, and wow, these guys are organized! Tech tee in men’s and women’s cuts, reusable bag for a race bag, plastic cup, commemorative towel, a rad medal AND good course support? Top it off with a reasonable entry fee? I recommend this one. 5 stars.

Bib #1203

Official Time - 2:09:26

Official Pace - 9:53

Overall Place - 655/1130

Gender Place - 298/647

Division Place - 59/107

Garmin Time - 2:09:36

Garmin Distance - 13.23 miles

Garmin Pace - 9:48

Mile 1 - 9:22

Mile 2 - 9:25

Mile 3 - 10:13

Mile 4 - 10:34

Mile 5 - 10:11

Mile 6 - 9:41

Mile 7 - 9:38

Mile 8 - 9:59

Mile 9 - 9:31

Mile 10 - 10:00

Mile 11 - 9:41

Mile 12 - 9:44

Mile 13 - 9:31

Mile 13.1 - 9:06

Head back to the hotel, shower and pack, check out only a few minutes late. Then comes the inevitable task of trying to find souvenirs. Quick stop at Dunkin Donuts for a pumpkin latte, and then about a billion stops at drug stores and gas stations trying to find shot glasses and key chains. No luck. Frustrated we stop and get lunch at White Castle (Yes it was good, No I didn’t get sick), and they have… souvenirs. J gets a pint glass instead of a shot glass, and R gets a candle instead of a key chain. Win.

Tasty!!

Dreading the stupid long drive through all the construction back to St. Louis. Which, in case you forgot is NO WHERE NEAR CINCINNATI. Luckily L was on deck to drive, so it was a lot less annoying. I spent the time on my phone researching the last few races we will need to sign up for to round out all the states. Yes, we are THAT close. Trying to get on a highway, miss the exit because it isn’t properly labeled for construction. Spend about 20 minutes driving around trying to find an exit that can actually get us back to where we need to go. CURSE INDIANA. CURSE IT ALL. But, we got an awesome tour of the deserted parking lots by Indianapolis International Airport.

Stop at some random store in the middle of nowhere advertising Nike. Get a tech tee that we plan on racing in. Yes, you heard me. Tee. Not tank. Should be awesome.

Tried to find an Applebee’s on the way in that was off the highway. Wish there was an easier way to tell Jill (my Garmin) that I want one ON MY ROUTE… Finally find one, again in the middle of nowhere. Had dessert this time too.

Trying to get to our hotel in St. Louis… we see a construction sign about some bridge being closed and that an alternate route should be taken. I comment that they should tell you an alternate route to take, because most people aren’t going to know where to go. Turns out that Jill was routing us on that closed bridge. After 20ish minutes of driving around, getting totally lost, pissed off, and annoyed, we finally find access to the MLK bridge, and get across the river. Finally find our hotel, only to discover we have to park in an $18 a day parking lot… across the street. Tick. Can’t find the underground tunnel to the hotel. Registration hard to find, and then we get our room… ground level, right by the pool with a toilet that won’t stop running. Boy. CANNOT WAIT TO LEAVE THIS CITY.

Lights out early.  Too annoyed to even be awake.