TX/NM Challenge Race Recap

Sorry folks it has taken me a few days to get this race recap to you all.  But, better late then never.

Me and the running bud JL  headed to Hobbs New Mexico, Friday April 22 to run in the First Annual TX/NM Challenge Half Marathon held on Saturday.  We drove the 4 1/2 hours and it was an adventure.  Since there would be no running expot we decided that we would have to find some shopping and pretend we were at an expot,  we found some great sales and saved the hubby's some money....



at state line

 Lovington New Mexico is where we signed in and picked up our race packets and swag bags.  For the $15.00 entry we received a great brooks tech shirt and some nifty items in our bags.  Along with a pasta dinner.  We were starving by the time we got there.  Bring on the food!

At packet pickup we found out that there were a total of 350 runners registered for the 5k, 10k, half and full.  113 would be running the Half Marathon and 61 the Full Marathon.  

We finished eating and went to check into our hotel in Hobbs NM, 10 miles away.  After we got settled in, we decided to go check out where we would be starting the race and see if we could find the route.  Luckily it was right across the street from our hotel.  We can walk!  Only thing,  they had the start time 9am.  hmmmm   The Marathon started at 7am.  Wonder why we would not be starting at the same time.

Along the running route, we found a casino. Have to go and check it out.  It was all slots, and it was packed.  Walked out with an extra $100.00.  WooHoo!

Back at the hotel we got sucked into a Marathon of "Say Yes To The Dress"  I love that show!  Randy is my Favorite...

When the alarm went off I was feeling really good I was actually ready to run!  Went down and had a bagel with peanut butter and some coffee.  I knew this was just going to be a fun run.  No PR expected...



me and JL pre race

 As we headed to the start, the temp was 70 degrees with 15 mph wind.  The high for the day said 90 with 15 mph wind.  O dear, please tell me this is not so.  As we stretched we were actually baking.. It was HOT!  And the day was only going to get HOTTER!!!

The race started 40 minutes late.  5k, 10k and Half runners all started at the same time.  Strange!  We decided to keep our plan of 5min run 1min walk.  As we all headed out the path turned narrow and it was tough to run.  Finally at the turning point for the 5k and 10k it thinned out and we were on our way.   

5:1 was working pretty good,  at about mile 5 the heat was setting in and was zapping my energy.  My face looked like a tomato.. Thank goodness we were carrying water.  The water stations were about every 2 miles and the water/gatorade was warm.   We had to switch to a 4:2 because the wind and heat was getting worse.  I did not train for this weather and I was getting frustrated.  We even stopped sweating, is that possible...

The foot was doing good until I passed mile 7 then it was letting me know it was there.  I was trying to enjoy this experience but this dang weather threw me a curve ball.  Thank goodness for JL she is AWESOME, she stayed with me the whole race pushing me and giving me encouragement.   We had to walk 2 miles straight and she was there with me.  I can not thank her enough...  The goal was to Finish! 

And finish we did.  In 2 hours and 50 minutes... Another State Checked Off!  We brought home some Bling and a really nice sunburn....

Shower, Beer, Food!



This was the best tasting beer




slider, egg roll, chicken, chipolte shrimp


I can honestly say We Ran Half Crazy   










    

3 Things..

·         My firstborn turned 21!  Where did the years go?  Seems like yesterday that he was pulling his little wagon full of sticks and rocks, riding his little red trike, playing the plastic bowl drum set and I was reading him bedtime stories.  Now he is serving in the US Navy, plays in a rock band,  and is still making us so Proud!

·         I hate to pack.  I have to pack a bag for my Half Marathon this weekend, and I need to pack a bag for Mr. Incredible to bring to me when we meet at my dad’s for Easter.  Did I mention I hate to pack, and now I have to pack 2 bags..  

·         Running Skirt or Shorts?  That is the question.. I need to decide what outfit to wear this weekend to run in..   I am thinking something pastel in honor of Easter!  And maybe some Bunny Ears..

If your going to Run, Run Half Crazy



Great Run

Thanks for coming to my Pity Party last week.  I really appreciate all the encouraging words and advice.  You are all amazing…  

After, I cried pretty much all afternoon.  I started researching the Galloway Method that Morgan over at CAUTION: Redhead Running  suggested.  This method is a RUN/WALK theory.   

Run Injury Free with Jeff Galloway is the Motto.

I scanned all over the internet checking out this method.  There are so many people who rave about it.  Some have used it to just finish a race but a lot have used it to PR, How is that possible.  Well hey if it will help me cross the finish line I am in.

Here is the Galloway Method in a Nut Shell:  You run for x amount of minutes and you walk for x amount minutes.  You do this method from the start to the finish of your run.  The idea is that your legs will be stay strong to carry you through to the finish.  You determine how many minutes your run/walk.

Sunday was my long run (8 miles).  I would have loved to run in the beautiful outdoors, but with winds at 45 mph I had to hit the Mill.  I decided to try out the Galloway Method to see what run/walk ratio I was going to need to do, it would be easy to monitor with the timer on the Mill.  I decided to try run 5 minutes walk 1 minute.  That seemed to be the popular theory.   I walked 1 mile for a warm-up and then headed into a nice easy run (10.56 mile) for 5 minutes and then walked 1 minute.  I repeated several times until I completed my 8 miles.  Since the Mill only runs for 1 hour I had to do 2 sessions. I felt like a total runner having to reset the Mill to finish up my run. I stretch in between sessions; my calves get really tight on the Mill. Do yours?  

I thought I would have a hard time with the run/walk method. Surprisingly I felt really good.  It felt weird at first, but then I got into a rhythm.  Actually I did not even feel like I walked any.  It was a GREAT run.  And I needed a great run.  I was dripping sweat, I looked liked I just got out of the shower.  I love to sweat!

Do you like to sweat when you work out?

I will be doing some more research on the Galloway Method, but so far it looks like I have found a way to boost my confidence and finish my long run strong.  I have no doubt that I will be able to finish my Half Marathon on April 23^rd in Style…

Have you ever used the Galloway Method?

Thank you, Thank you for all your support and advice! 

If your going to run, Run Half Crazy!

Injury Injury Injury

Running can be a pretty SIMPLE sport but by no means is it an EASY sport.

The last few weeks I have been reading several blogs that are battling injuries, and most of them are out of the game.  Some have had to pull out of races.  I am so sad for these runners,  but I  completely understand what they are going through. 

Running is pretty hard on the body because of  the constant pounding our bodies endure.  Especially the legs and feet.  Although there are a number of precautions we runner’s take to avoid injuries (stretching, cross training and rest days) those precautions are not 100%.

 Any runner who runs on a regular basis is likely to have an injury at some point during their running. The injuries can vary,  some being mild enough that the runner can continue running and training.  While others are so serious that the runner has to completely stop running and training until the injury heals completely…

Are you injured right now?

Mentally, injuries take a toll on runners.  No matter if you can keep running or not.  Well for me it does anyway.  I am injured and fighting through the mental game of running and training.  I have been very lucky that I have been able to continue to run, not as much as I would like.  I also have a great running bud, JL, who is keeping me real.  And hey, at least  I am still in the game. 

How do you handle injuries Mentally?

I have a Half Marathon in 2 weeks and 2 days.  I do not feel anywhere near prepared to race.  I just want to cry.. My mental game is so off.  Due mostly to my  injury (plantar fasciitis) in my foot.  I have not been able to run farther than 7 miles.  I have been on the bike doing cross training.  And my endurance seems great.  But I am starting to panic a little, well actually a lot.  I know that this will not be my best race and I will be happy just to finish,  even if I have to walk/run.   There is no shame in that right?  Please tell me I am going to be okay?  It’s okay to cry a little?

 I have decided to take the OKC Half Marathon (May 1^st) off the table and take 4-6 weeks off from running to let my foot heal.  I will continue to ride the bike and do lots of cross training.  Any suggestions?  

Thanks for listening, and I will try to keep my head up and my spirits high over the next few weeks….

If your going to run, Run Half Crazy