Hospital Hill Half Marathon

Done! Saturday, June 6, I completed my second half-marathon, the Hospital Hill Run in Kansas City, Missouri. My time is listed as 2:11:49, which put me at 1,680 overall (out of 2,391 finishers), 658 among women (out of 1,130 finishers), and 45 in my age group (out of 93 finishers). I am satisfied with the finish, but of course, not completely happy – I really wanted to finish between 2:03 and 2:05.

Race day, things were in my favor. We had a nice pasta dinner the night before. It was 68 degrees when we left the hotel and cloudy, but no rain was predicted. It was windy – winds were from the south so I faced them from mile 1 to mile 7 – but they weren’t awful. We drove the course the evening before so I knew where the hills were and yes, this half-marathon is appropriately named as it was definitely hilly. Miles 4 and 5 and miles 10 and 11 were the toughest. I had battled a stiff right quad all week, but it felt great on Saturday morning, never bothered me during the race, and was fine after.

What hit on Saturday, however, was my left knee. About mile 4 it started to bother me and drifted from my knee to my hip. Uphill it wasn’t bad, but downhill it was uncomfortable. Off and on during the run it ached and I have no doubts it had an effect on my final time.

The best parts of the race other than finishing: I got a great send-off hug from M, who made this journey with me and ran the 10K. On our drive over we heard the Nickleback song, “Rock Star,” which both of us like. At mile 7 of my run, I rounded the corner to start the trek back and some people were out on their lawn cheering on runners. One family had a radio and yes, “Rock Star” was blaring. I smiled and had no doubts and no flinches that I would finish the race. I looked down at my watch and realized this happened just about the time M would cross his finish line. I couldn’t help but be happy. That kept me going the rest of the run.

The absolute best part, M was at the finish line. He had successfully completed his second 10K, gone back to the hotel room, picked up the camera, and walked down to take photos of me crossing the line. What a guy!

Next up – I am debating the Lewis & Clark Half-Marathon in September. I have enjoyed the long runs, the training challenge, and the reward for completing. And I really would like to run closer to, if not better than, 2 hours.

Row Row Row Your Boat....

Run run run your legs off….

That sums up my weekend.

Saturday was the longest run of my training – 12 miles. Brutal. Not sure why it didn’t feel good. I was rested, hydrated, and fed. The weather, however, was heavy and the sky was cloudy. Maybe it was partially those external forces. Or maybe it was that I’m feeling a bit burnt out at this stage of the training game. There just seem to be so many more things to do other than think about or plan for a long run.

Two more, however, then the half-marathon. After that I’m uncertain. There are plenty more opportunities for half-marathons in the next few months, but gosh, do I want to give up so much to it? I’m just not certain. Of course, I don’t need to decide today either.

Saturday afternoon I finally had some time in my garden. M put in a couple of plants for me (tickseed was one – not sure if I like that name or not, but I do like the plant) and I filled the containers. I still have more to do (always!) and will try to get to that this weekend.

On Sunday, to ensure a full-body workout, M and I went kayaking. We started on the Gasconade River and paddled roughly 7 miles to where the Gasconade meets the Missouri River . Then we paddled another 6 or 7 on the Missouri River, to Hermann, MO. This was my first trip on the Gasconade and second on the Missouri. And my first paddle through a confluence. When I think about it now I should have expected the churning waters where two rivers meet, but of course, I didn’t even give that a thought. Let’s just say, that was the most challenging part of the trip for me. Once we cleared it, however, we had relatively smooth paddling to Hermann.

The Gasconade River, which was up significantly from when we saw it in the spring, is a beautiful, winding river. When we got on we actually paddled upstream for about a distance and it wasn’t too bad. I had my GPS with me and we saw that the current was running about 1.5 mph. It took us about four hours to get from our starting point to the Missouri River. We paddled slowly, took a couple of side routes, and all in all just enjoyed the trip. I must admit, however, since the river was so high the number of places to stop was limited. This means we didn’t get out until we were more than 3 hours into the trip.

The Missouri River was much faster – there were times when the current was moving at 8 mph! We paddled about 6 miles in an hour. Like the Gasconade, the water was high, which made me a bit nervous. Especially when M almost had a run in with a channel marker (buoy). He couldn’t quite get around it so it sort of came up on his boat. He did an excellent job of staying upright. Wow did I feel my eyes get huge when it came up on him, however. We saw one other buoy bobbing along and steered a good distance from it.

One

The past few weeks, like many this year, have been a bit nuts. Since the 10K, I’ve done a couple of long runs. Last week it was 10-plus miles, lots of hills, and a route that took me down a long, busy, two-lane road. Not a wise move on my part, but at least it was Mother’s Day morning and there wasn’t much traffic. I was pretty beat up at the end, but did recover well so I’m feeling confident about recovering from the half. That M and I have decided to spend an extra night in KC helps. I figure after the half we can enjoy the festivities, then I can go back to the room and sleep before we do whatever one does in the evening in KC (I’m thinking the Plaza for dinner).

We are finding a bit of time to garden and I was so excited to see that one of my peonies bloomed! With just one flower, but that pretty girl is the one on this entry. I filled containers at M’s last weekend and will do the same at my place this weekend. So ready to have them out on the patio, looking pretty!

It’s getting on to late since this gal had a 4 a.m. wakeup call today and has a 5 a.m. tomorrow. More garden pictures coming up!

Lament

We went for a run today and M commented that I had used the word “lament” on more than one occasion recently. This puzzles me and I simply can’t remember how or when I used it (though I don’t doubt he’s right). It makes me feel bad because it is a sad word, and I really am not sad these days. So I remain puzzled.

The half-marathon is a mere five weeks away. M went with me on my long run over the weekend (9 miles) and it is probably the last long run he’ll do with me from beginning to end. It was a good run, through my little town. Slow, but I had a definite sense of accomplishment when I finished. And also a sense that I would be able to complete the half.

One thing that was different was that instead of using a sports gel I used a sports drink. At the 10K the sports gel did my gut no favors. I’m not sure if the sports drink has enough of everything, but at least for the 9 miler it worked just fine. I’ll try it again this weekend on a 10 mile run.

The goal for the half has changed, by the way. I was wanting to run it under 2 hours, but now I’m to the point of: 1. No injuries. 2. Finish. 3. Run the entire thing. And oh yes, enjoy it as well.

Next topic - last night I discovered yet another critter...a mole track in my backyard. Ugh ugh ugh. That battle begins today.

As for the image on this post, I have not recently had time - or taken time - to put pen to paper. I am hoping to change that.

We Finished!

Yesterday was our 10K and we finished in one hour flat, which is a rousing 9:41 min/mile pace. Given that the wind going out was brutal (30 to 35 mph gusts) and that, if not from the front we faced side winds, coupled with a couple of stomach cramps (me), I will take it. And hey, it was the first ever 10K for M and only the second for me. We ran the entire thing and finished together.

And perhaps most importantly, had a great deal of fun as well. We ended our day with a trip to Augusta and Defiance where we checked in on a couple of wineries. We considered paddling but passed because of the wind and because of my shoulder.

I should explain that I have “frozen shoulder.” M and I took Jake for a walk a few weeks ago. I had Jake in my left hand and Jake saw a bunny. Jake took off after the bunny and pulled me down. The brunt of my fall was on my right arm/shoulder and now, it seems, that shoulder is frozen. I start physical therapy tomorrow night and will, I hope, be in great shape to paddle in a few short weeks. At least, that’s how I think therapy should work.

Now I am in search of a 5K after the half-marathon because K has expressed an interest and gosh I would just love to run a race with her. I think – think – think – think she might be starting to catch the running bug. I would so love if one of my girls would run.

As for the house and home, it’s been pretty neglected, but it is spring and things are starting to bloom and I am thinking garden. I’m sure there will be photos coming soon.

The Running Trail

Gosh, I am behind on posting. The past 2.5 months have been crazy. We have had Valentine’s Day, two birthdays, a St. Patrick’s Day 5-mile run. I’ve also “committed” to a half-marathon that, apparently, includes plenty of hills. M will join me at the race and will run the 10K that is affiliated with it, which is sweet for me because that means I will have someone to greet me at the finish line.

How spoiled am I?

The half training is, knock wood, going well. There are some gaps – undoubtedly not enough speed work to finish at my goal time, for example – but I am enjoying it. I like the long runs, the distance build, even the hill workouts. All of it, actually. And the explorer that I am is very much looking forward to running on new and different streets for this one.

But first, we have a 10K this weekend. This will be M’s first “timed” race. Since it will also be close to the date of our dating 6 months we will try to finish together, which would be sweet.

Since the last post we have also purchased kayaks. We have talked about a few destinations. I’ll update that as plans firm up.

Coming Up: St. Patrick's Day

M and I will the St. Patrick’s Day Run in downtown St. Louis. It’s a five mile run and will our first race-type run together (I say race-type because we pay an entry fee, but we are not going to be timed). K is promising to come along and cheer for us at the finish line.

Now that I’ve moved to the same office as M we have taken to running or working out frequently over our lunch hour. This is awesome. It gets me away from my desk, gets me out exercising, and I get to spend an hour in the middle of the day with M. What a lucky gal I am!