Columbus Marathon (Half) Pre-Race Thoughts and Expo

Wow, I’m very behind on the blogging/social media scene. I’ve been in Ohio with my in-laws doing some fun family/friend stuff, and just arrived at my parents’ for some more fun family stuff (including babysitting my sweet little niece!) so life has taken precedence over all online activity. Today I have a little bit of time so HELLO! I’m back! Time to talk about the lead-up to my weekend race.

toddlers at zoo

My daughter and little niece having fun at the zoo yesterday.

The Columbus Marathon is my favorite race. I had my PR marathon there, and I had my biggest blow-up marathon there – still loved the race afterward. This year I decided to run the half marathon for the first time.

Columbus Marathon post race

Post race last year, 2011, my blowup race! Enjoying the after party with little bro Jason (who won the half) and Currie.

I approached this race as a “training run”. This initially felt very hypocritical to me because one of my pet peeves has always been when runners say “I’m not racing it, just using it as a workout.” I always think, “why wouldn’t you just run your hardest?!” I’m starting to realize there are major benefits to running hard, but not your hardest, with thousands of other people (in my case, 18,000 others).

The main reason I decided to do Columbus as a training run is quite frankly, I’m not in peak shape right now. I’m not in contention for money making. What I really need are some good solid workouts that make me feel confident about the rest of my racing for 2012. I need to work on a few aspects of racing, one being marathon fueling, pacing, working out stomach issues. I need to get a few long, fast runs completed. What better way to accomplish everything than in a race atmosphere?

Saturday pre-race:

I didn’t taper do a real taper for this race. I did a one-day-taper, meaning I ran regular mileage* all week until the day before when I ran 3 miles.

farm lane

3 mile pre-race started from my in-laws’ farm lane.

I have the asterisk after regular mileage above because there has been nothing regular about my miles lately thanks to crazy life. My mileage for the past 4 weeks went like this:

  • 40 miles: no workouts
  • 30 miles: no workouts – bad “life” week for me
  • 60 miles: 2 miles of speedwork (2 x 6 min mile), other miles easy
  • 52 miles: 1 day of speedwork alone, Columbus Half speed, other miles easy

Back to Saturday. After 3 miles of running, I showered and met my brothers and their ladies at Spaghetti Warehouse then carpooled over to the expo. Talking to my brothers about pacing strategies, I immediately knew the decision to use Columbus as a training run was a good idea.

It was SO GOOD to see my brothers. I giddily chirped away about nothing at all, and being the awesome brothers they are, they let me talk and talk about nonsense the whole way to the expo, through the expo, and back to the restaurant. I was feeling so good about racing and running and seeing my family the whole weekend. Life was good. I was ready to “race” the next day.

columbus marathon expo

Outside the expo with big brother Josh, me, little brother Jason, and his speedy girlfriend, Nicole.

I’ll end this post with some fun pics from the expo. Race recap coming next!

  • We found a banner of Jason on the start line and had to take a picture of him pointing at himself.
Jason Ordway runner

Hey, it’s me!

  • Loved the way they alphabetically divided up bib pickup and spelled out A-Bra
marathon expo bib number pickup

A-Bra… har har

  • This muscle man
muscle man columbus marathon expo
muscle man columbus marathon expo

Sort of cool, sort of creepy

  • Jason and me, taking time out to pose for a picture together.
jen and jason ordway

Siblings!

  • My bib
columbus marathon elite bib

What do you think about using races as training runs? What’s the coolest thing you’ve seen at a race expo? What is your favorite fall race?

 

Casa Larga Race for Grapes 5k “Peoplechase”

I got another win today, but it came very easy so there wasn’t much glory!

casa larga race for the grapes

First 50 meters of the race – was waving at Currie which is why my arm is in an awkward position. Big smiles the whole time!

Let’s start at the beginning. I was invited by the race director to run the Casa Larga Race for Grapes 5k “Peoplechase” (I got a free entry). The race was at a local winery, Casa Larga, and I was a little hesitant to run it because of the “peoplechase” concept. The women start at 10am and the men start at 10:03am. This gives the women a 1 minute per mile head start over the men and awards are given in the order people cross the finish line, male or female. So, the men are chasing the women down the whole race.

  • It’s a cute idea in a way. In high school my coaches would tell me the best guys would be about a minute per mile ahead of the best girls so I could gauge my performance on that. Turns out, that advice might be an “ok general rule”, but it easily places people in boxes of where they “should” be finishing and I don’t like sticking people in a box.
  • I can compete in the top 10 overall at most local races, and don’t need a head start.
  • I need competition to race well, and with this being a small race, I knew the chances of fast women showing up wouldn’t be good so I wanted to start at the same time as the guys.

I decided to do the race because:

  • I checked the forecast and the weather looked good, 50s and sunny.
  • Our friends live close to the race site and we planned to have lunch with them afterwards.
  • I figured it would be a good workout.
I had my usual pre-race meal. Pasta! I added bell peppers and “asian greens” from our CSA. I have no idea what the actual name of the greens were, but they were pretty bitter (still tasty). If you can tell what they are, I’d love to know! :) And no, they are not bok choy, as google tried to suggest, though we got some of that too.
runner's pre-race veggies

bell peppers and mystery greens

I woke up this morning to a downpour, an upset stomach, a kink in my back and a strange ache in my heel. I got online to read about the race and saw last year’s winner was over 22 minutes (5k distance). I briefly considered staying home and going back to bed, but my love for racing took over and I decided to go. I drank about half a cup of coffee with my usual almond butter sandwich, but my upset stomach just wasn’t liking the coffee so I dumped it. I downed some water, packed up my stuff and family and noticed the clouds were clearing. We headed to the race.

Casa Larga race for grapes shirt

The race shirt

Number pickup and restrooms were quick and easy. I got my t-shirt and started my warmup, which was running the course so I would know which way to go. I was also wondering about this “challenging course” I heard about.

The course was hilly, but it was out and back, so for every uphill there was a downhill. It was sort of in a Y shape, so you went out a little over a mile, then went down a no outlet road and back, then out another no outlet road and back, then back to the start. I’m simplifying the course here, but that’s the approximate shape.

I guess if you think hills are really challenging, then yes, it was a challenging course. For me, hills really help break up a course that might otherwise be a little… uh boring… so I really enjoyed them.

The race went like this. Women started at 10am. I guess the men started exactly 3 minutes later. By the first half mile, I had a really good lead and by the one mile the lead car stopped leading me and went to the second place person. The out and back style is nice because runners can cheer for each other along the way. I said some sort of “good job” to every person I saw and most did the same back. It really had me smiling the whole time.

casa larga race winner

I was smiling here, you just can’t see it. Trust me, friends!

I actually raced in my Garmin since I was doing miles before and after to make this a longer mileage day. My first mile was 5:59, second 5:59, last 5:59, (so cool!) and finished somewhere around 18:50. This is much slower than my usual 5k pace, but with the stomach problems I woke up with and knowing competition was going to be slim, I told myself I was going to really enjoy the scenery and people, and make it more of a 6 min/mile tempo run. Looks like my body knows a 6 minute mile! I came in first overall, by almost 3 minutes. 2nd and 3rd place were men. 4th place was the next woman.

casa larga race winner, finishing

Bringing it home for the win!

The race was SO MUCH FUN! I don’t think the hills really slowed my time much. I was taking it easy so I wouldn’t discourage someone from racing based on the “challenging” aspect. That being said, my hamstrings were sore within 2 hours, so the hills were definitely there. I don’t get sore like that very often!

I was very confident that I would get at least a bottle of wine for winning and breaking the course record. I thought I would potentially get a case of wine. Instead, I got these:

Casa larga race wine glasses

Positives:

  • Out and back course good for cheering competitors.
  • Quite a few spectators for a small race. All very supportive and energetic.
  • Currie did such a great job cheering for me today. She yelled “go mommy, you can do it mommy!” so many times in a row! I love when she gets excited about my racing!
  • Pumpkin maze for the kids!

casa larga pumpkin maze

Negatives:

  • Not good competition – not a PR race!
  • Stomach issue I woke up with and monster sideaches for entire warmup and first half mile of race. (heel pain went away and was able to stretch out the back pain to almost gone by race time)

I’m glad I raced today, and very happy to have my family there supporting me! On to the next!

Did you race this weekend? How did it go? Any idea what the asian greens are and how they should be properly prepared? What do you think about the peoplechase concept? Have you ever run an entire race smiling?

 

JCC Brueggers Bagels 5k Race Recap

I ran the bagel race and was first female for the 3rd year in a row! Woohoo!

Brueggers Bagels run awards

Medal, money – $100 cash, bagels for a year certificates!

It was a wonderful morning for a race, slightly humid at the start, but right around 60 degrees and sunny. Jeff and I dropped a hesitant Currie off at the free sitter service and were on our way to do a warmup. My plan was to get a long warmup in as this was my long run day. Unfortunately, we were running late to the race, like always, and I only had time for about 2.5 miles before the gun went off.

I have to be honest. I felt horrible out there. I love the course, which goes straight out for a mile, does a big loop (with a few curves) through some residential streets, then comes right back on the same mile stretch to finish in front of the local JCC. But, I just felt slow… like I’m lacking 5k speedwork. Could it be because I AM lacking 5k speedwork? Absolutely!

I came through the first mile at 5:26, the next mile was much slower at 5:48 as the pack spread out and I was off in no-man’s-land. Then my last mile was right around 5:50 with the last 0.1 in 30-some-seconds. I finished at 17:37. I don’t like having 20 seconds difference between my first and second miles, but I’m a bit out of shape and that’s what happens so it was to be expected. I’m content with my time given my week, my current fitness, and the lack of competition.

After the race, Currie wanted to take a picture of Jeff and me.

brueggers bagel run 2012

Jeff came in 2nd overall, I was 5th overall, 1st female. Good day! And good picture for a 2-year-old!

I had a great time talking with all sorts of people after the race. There were lots of familiar faces and I love that about local racing… you feel like you know everyone!

Strange things:

  • guy at the starting line who, when the race starter said “30 seconds til the gun” says, “30 seconds? That’s enough time for you to have sex.” WHAT?!
  • This picture:
Jcc Brueggers Bagels awards

Create your own caption…

  • We have lots of hard working, talented running ladies in Rochester, and none of the other female local elites showed up. There’s money 3 deep, plus bagels on the line so I expected a better turnout from fasties.
Great things:
  • Nice out and back course
  • Post race food, bagels in every flavor and cream cheese!
  • Every participant got a coupon for 3 free bagels
  • Good prizes – money 3 deep for overall, masters money, nice medals 3 deep in each age group.
  • Atmosphere – everyone was so nice and friendly and I loved talking to people before and after the race!
  • Kids handing out water at the end and prizes. I love when the kids get involved. Fun for us and great for them!
  • Personal great thing – Jeff was second overall and won $50, so it was a good family payday!
jcc brueggers bagels awards

Family photo post race awards. Currie wasn’t sleeping, she was crying because she wanted to play Cookie Doodle on the iPhone…

brueggers bagels 5k award

Currie holding the medal our friend won!

After the race, I ran home to add some more miles since it was long run day. I felt so strong on the run home. Much better than I felt on the warmup, race, and cooldown so that was a pleasant surprise. During the run I kept thinking about how ridiculous I looked. First, I forgot to change into my cute Oiselle tank, so I was jogging home in my race singlet with the race number still pinned on. At least I remembered sunglasses, but they weren’t my athletic sunglasses, they were my normal everyday pair. Also, I realized I forgot to call my parents to tell them the race results and knew I would be too busy when I got home so being an avid multi-tasker, I called them while running. I know, talking on cell while exercising is one of my pet peeves too. I can’t believe I did it! (Still clocked a 7:41 mile while talking.) Here’s what I looked like:

talking on cell phone while exercising

Ridiculous!

So there you have it! Another year of free bagels. If you come visit me and have you drive or fly more than 2 hours, I will gladly share some of my bounty. :)

So who’s going to come visit? How did your weekend racing go?

 

 

University Race Recap

I raced pushing the stroller Friday night and had a great time! It was a very low-key, tiny race at the University of Rochester to welcome students to the new school year. Don’t feel bad that I had to race pushing the stroller, feel bad for me because I was organizing my house and walked up and down the stairs to the second level and then attic (carrying boxes) about a million times in the 2 hours leading up the the race.

The course was 2.1 miles in a big loop along the Genesee River. Based on the past 2 years, I had a feeling I could tempo-pace this race and get second. My husband was running and would capture first place, but I was hoping to keep him in sight as long as possible. I lined up in the front, right on the starting line and started out fast. The “fast” was short lived. Within the first 50 meters I almost caused a pile-up as my BOB stroller went haywire on one of the bumps on the bike trail. I was swerving back and forth across the path, blocking anyone who wanted to pass. There were some gasps from the pack and a guy passed me. I could hear   people right behind me. I knew I’d have to go slow on the bumpy parts of the trail.

I can tell you how the whole race went: me going as fast as I could on the flat trail parts, then me going very slow on the bumpy trail parts. It was sort of like a fartlek actually! There were just 2 hills and I thought I could gain some ground on the downhills to make up for the slow parts but no, the downhills made my stroller sound like a car peeling out of a driveway… SCREEEEEECH and it started zig-zagging again so the downhills were not places for making up speed.

CS run university of rochester

Here’s a blurry, far away pic of me. I’m hunched over because I was coming off an uphill. I don’t usually run with both hands on the stroller, but the bumps in the trail (at 6:20 pace) left me no choice!

Around the one mile mark, I passed the guy ahead of me so I was in second place. I saw my first mile split: 6:20. Much faster than I expected considering my stroller troubles. I ended at 13:15 or 6:20-ish pace for 2.1 miles. I was happy with that. After Currie and I crossed the line, I released her from the stroller and she ran 50 meters back on the course, then ran across the finish line with him. Actually, ahead of him! I caught the most classic picture with my iPhone!

CS Run at university of rochester

Currie inched ahead right at the finish line right as Jeff was wiping sweat out of his eyes! What an awesome, unplanned picture!

After the race, we enjoyed a beginning of the school year BBQ which was quite tasty. While we were eating, Currie asked: “Daddy when will I be able to run as fast as you?” Ah, that was heart warming.

So there you have it. I know there were better pictures taken during the race, but I’m not sure when they will be available so I’m going to post this recap without them.

Next up, a 5k this morning where the first place prize is $100 and bagels for a year. I won this race the past 2 years so I’ve had a lot of bagels since we’ve lived in Rochester and I would like to keep this streak going. I pre-gamed last night by eating some of my winnings from last year’s race. Gotta keep my eyes on the prize. (HA!)

How did your racing or long run go this weekend? Have you raced pushing a jogging stroller? 

 

Race Recap – Run for Aidan 2012

I had such a great time racing on Saturday! After a high-ish mileage week, including 10 miles for my pre-race day, I was really curious how I would feel on race morning. I was a little tight, but have felt worse on race days in the past so I knew I could run a good effort. I was warned that the course was 5k-ish, very hilly, full of roots and gravel, and was a few minutes slower than a normal 5k. I wasn’t going for time, but for effort.

The race took place at Wilburton Hill Park in Bellevue, WA. It’s a cute little park with a large playground and some great running trails. I instantly loved the location and knew it would be a great morning.

I watched Jeff run the men’s race and took a few pictures. I had about 20 minutes between the end of his race and the start of mine. I handed him the stroller with Currie and headed out to run the more confusing part of the course as my warmup. Before I knew it, I had run about a mile (usually warmup 2 or so miles, but kept it short due to time constraint) and it was time to put on my flats and get racing.

Jeff racing in picky bars shirt

As we stood on the line, the race director explained the course, then took a moment to thank us for coming out to support Aidan, his son, and reminded us that we are out moving our bodies in ways that so many others, like Aidan, can’t. Talk about a tearjerker, yet a wonderful start to the race.

The second we heard “on your mark, get set, go!” we were off sprinting and my Oiselle teammates were cheering me on – love my team! I instantly started thinking about my college cross country team. The corners of my mouth turned up and formed the hugest smile that didn’t leave until well after I crossed the finish line.  As my mind wandered, I realized I went off course. I was in the lead, and although the path was well-marked with cones, I lost track of them because I was lost in a moment. I quickly got back on course and tried to pay attention!

After the first mile, I realized I was pretty far in the lead and knew it would be more of a tempo effort. I was the only non-high-school person trying to run fast. (My teammates were running for fun and the others were high school kids.) I ended up gaining more of a lead each mile.

woman running fast

Running on the only paved portion of the race

By the end, I was a few minutes ahead of second place. We ended on a nice, flat soccer field so when Currie started chasing me down the field, I stopped. I waited for her to catch me and we ran about 50 meters into the finish holding hands. It was one of my happiest race moments! My time was over 20 minutes which was expected given the course, and stopping, and jogging it in with a barefoot Currie. I didn’t care one bit!

mom and daughter finishing race together

Hand-in-hand finish. So much fun!

Things I loved about this race:

  • true cross country style course with hills, roots, gravel, grass, interesting loop course
  • separate race for males and females so Jeff and I could both run
  • Oiselle teammates ran
Oiselle ladies racing

Post race picture!

  • finished with my little lady
  • small race atmosphere with friendly runners, bake sale, funny awards
run for aidan 2012 awards

Jeff won this inflatable grasshopper which Currie loved!

  • people cheering for me and each other all over the course
  • the race raised money for a cause – to help fund medical costs for Aidan, a little boy who is full of life and diagnosed with DMD (Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy) at a young age.

I would recommend this race to anyone and everyone in the Seattle area in the future. Make sure to pack water and any food you want (other than bake sale items). It is a small race atmosphere and all proceeds go to help Aidan’s medical needs.

 Do you like cross country courses? What is your fondest racing moment?

 

Giveaway Winner!

Thank you to everyone who entered to win the Oiselle Roga Shorts giveaway! As I said, the winner was chosen by my daughter… the ultimate randomizer.

oiselle giveaway

First we wrote the numbers and cut them out.

oiselle giveaway drawing

Then we put them in the totally trials tote and Currie posed for a pic.

Then I took an iPhone video of the results! See Vlog results!

So if you didn’t catch that… the winner is…

 

Tess @ Cross Country Cajun!!!!! Tess please email me at jen@thelocalelite.com for further instructions!

I took a break from the ME Monday post this week since I was working on giveaway prep. It will be back next Monday!

 

Oiselle Roga Short Giveaway!

I have an A-W-E-S-O-M-E giveaway to tell you about today!

If you follow me on Twitter or know me in real life, you know that I’m a little obsessed with Oiselle. It all started back in 2008 when I was sick of looking ridiculous in ugly, poofy running shorts. I did all my runs in cotton “cheerleading shorts” because they looked *better* but didn’t feel right for running. I had a friend who worked at the local running store, Super Jock N Jill, and she told me to try this new brand called Oiselle. She handed me the Marseille Short and I wanted to say “no thanks”. It looked like every other short on the rack. I guess just because I was too nice to say no, I tried on the shorts and they truly changed my running life. No poof. Perfect cut. Lightweight. Small key pocket inside. So flattering. I couldn’t believe it!

Oiselle’s Marseille Short was revolutionary in my mind, so I started buying other Oiselle apparel, and landed upon the Roga short. O-M-G! This short is a little slice of heaven.

Oiselle Roga

My most recent purchase, violet melange roga! Photo from www.oiselle.com

Here’s the Roga description from their website:

The Roga Short is a Oiselle classic. A super flattering yoga style waist band combined with weightless running shorts. It’s the short that started the Roga Revolution. If you haven’t run in the Roga yet you’ll understand the revolution as soon as your run in your first pair. No poof, super streamlined, one rear zip pocket, booty flattering wonder short!

If you crave a little more coverage, you’re in luck! The Roga Short also comes as the Long Roga Short now.

– yoga style waistband with drawstring
– technical liner with integrated pocket
– 4” inseam
– rear zip pocket 
– four way stretch for full motion
– flatlocked inseams
– machine washable

A little side note from me: I don’t generally run with my iPhone but took it this past weekend for 17 miles. It fits perfectly into the back pocket of the Roga, doesn’t move at all, and I couldn’t feel it in there at all. Impressive!

SO GUESS WHAT?! The wonderful ladies at Oiselle are going to giveaway a pair of Oiselle Roga Shorts to one lucky Local Elite reader!

The rules:

Mandatory for entry: Go to the Oiselle website and tell me your favorite Roga color. Leave a blog comment about it.

Extra entry: Follow me on Twitter @jenbigham and leave a separate comment.

Extra entry: RT this contest or link on your blog and leave a separate comment.

Extra entry: Write me a fun/funny poem or haiku about running shorts and put it in a separate comment.

Ladies- If you’ve never worn Oiselle, you are in for quite a treat. You MUST sign up for this giveaway.

Guys- Do this for your wife, girlfriend, sister, mom, daughter, aunt, cousin, niece, running partner, any lady you know. They will love you forever.

The winner will be selected randomly, and by random I mean my 2-year-old daughter will draw the winner from this tote:

Oiselle totally trials

The Oiselle Totally Trials tote!

Contest will end and winner will be selected on Monday, August 13, 2012 at 2pm PST. Winner will be announced by 9pm PST that same day.

 

 

Cop Out Workout

Last week I doubled my weekly mileage (including a 17 mile long run when I’ve been doing 8-12) and my legs are a little creaky. I ran The Monday Night Run with Super Jock N Jill on Monday night at a pace that was definitely do-able, but much faster than I’d usually run a recovery run. I’m a sucker for running with other people and get so excited about being with a group (and child-free for a run!) that I tend to go overboard. After the run we did drills to finish off.

Needless to say, the legs were feeling a little achy today and I knew a full track workout wasn’t smart. Plus, I’d eaten a large meal just 1.5 hours beforehand so I knew sideaches were a definite. But… I wanted to get some speed done. So… I did a cop out workout. Yes, I did a workout that was easy, but still got my legs turning over and boosted my confidence.

Jeff and I brought Currie to the track and let her run around and I did 8×100 meters hard with 100 meter jog. I felt fast so this was a good confidence builder even though it wasn’t exactly a quality workout. Then I got the urge to do a 400. I did a 75 fairly effortlessly but could feel a little pull in the hamstrings from lunges the night before so I shut down the fast stuff right there, did a cool down, and did some good stretching. We finished up with some fruit/veggies smoothies at Jamba Juice. Yum!

Sorry no cute pics today.

What do you think? Is a cop out workout better than nothing at all?

The Racing Scene

I haven’t raced or done a serious workout since June 23rd.

Since July 2010, I’ve raced a lot and I’ve had a lot of fun. New PRs, easy races, tough races, new friendships-I’ve experienced so much and it’s been great. This year my racing hasn’t been as serious. I’ve raced quite a bit when I look back on it, but I feel like I’m totally out of the racing scene. Here’s how the year has played out so far:

  • January: No races, 3 workouts*
  • February: 5k race 17:07, 1 workout*
  • March: 5 mile race 29:07 (2 days after a 5 day stomach flu), 2 workouts*
  • April: Hilly 15k race 56:52, Half Marathon “training run” 1:22:18, 3 not-so-impressive-workouts*
  • May: 5k race 18:13, 4 workouts*
  • June: 3 back-to-back weekend 5ks on certified courses: 17:16, 17:49, 17:32, no workouts*
  • July: no races, 1 short workout* of 1.5 mile tempo + hills.

*I ran every day except when I had the stomach flu in March and a bad cold in July. The things I call “workouts” are days when I actually picked up the pace and got my heart rate elevated more than usual. As far as killer workouts that I’m proud of, I’ve only done 3 in 2012.

johnny's running o' the green 2012

5 mile race after battling stomach flu all week. Felt horrible from the gun, but pushed through the pain. One of my proudest races.

So now July is over and I didn’t run a single race. I’m feeling so out of the racing scene because we are in Seattle which feels like a vacation and we have been traveling during our time in Seattle so I haven’t exactly had a free weekend. Now I’m trying to decide whether to find a Seattle race or just chill awhile longer. It feels strange to be out of the racing scene, but it also feels pretty good right now.

How many races do you usually run a year? I had 17 last year, 2 were marathons, and 8 so far this year, one half marathon. Are you where you want to be?

The Garmin Only Works…

if you remember to start it…

The same day I wrote the Precise Logger post, I planned to do my first speed workout with Club Northwest in Seattle and forgot to start my Garmin. AHHHH!! I would say “how could that happen”, but given the workout buildup it makes sense.

garmin stop and start button

Sorry to forget about you little Start/Stop button!

My husband left work early so he would have plenty of time to get home and watch our daughter so I could join the workout. There was an accident on the commute so his normal 25 minute bus ride turned into a 90 minute commute. He got home 30 minutes after practice started. I was feeling sorry for myself, and went out for a pouty run alone. I started my Garmin and headed out. I took a path where I thought I might find the group and sure enough I found them! When I saw Tom who leads the practices, I stopped running and stopped my Garmin. We chatted about the workout and we made a plan that I would run out a little more at a tempo pace then come back and do the 5 x hill repeats (since I already missed the 20 minute tempo the group was doing). With all the excitement of finding the group and thinking about doing my own up-tempo run, I forgot to restart the Garmin! I didn’t realize until the 3rd hill repeat. To make matters worse, I ran a route that I don’t usually run so I really have no clue how far I ran that day! Oh boy. But guess what? I was totally ok with it. I had a slight uneasy feeling but realized it didn’t really matter. I know I was gone less than an hour total because my husband had been grilling chicken and it was just getting done when I got back.

I counted the run as a solid 5 miles. I know I worked pretty hard with a moderate pace for a few miles and pushed it a bit on the hills. I’m ok with that! It actually felt a little good to have no idea about the numbers. I was slightly sore in my hips, butt and hamstrings the next day so I’d say it was a success.

The big question: did I wear my Garmin on the run the next morning? You bet!