My life has taken a crazy busy turn lately. Thankfully, I've still been able to make time to run and work out, but the blog keeps getting pushed to the back burner. So, my apologies that I'm just now getting around to recapping what was probably the best week of running I've ever had. Each race was a different length and each had a completely different feel, which made things really fun.
On June 30, I ran the first of my three races that week. The Double Road Race is the creation of Bob Anderson, the founder of Runner's World Magazine. I was humbled to be in his company and even more honored to have my picture taken with him.
Rather than a straight 15K, the Double is a 10K followed by a 5K with a halftime in between. During halftime, runners are invited into the Recovery Zone, and this is where the strategy comes in. It's up to each runner how they want to spend their down time - eating, drinking, getting a massage, riding the stationary bike, stretching or checking out the vendors who were there.
Before the 10K, I walked around a bit and did some light stretching. It was an absolutely beautiful morning for a race and unseasonably chilly for this time of year in the Midwest. I knew I'd warm up when I started running, but I was honestly freezing before the race began. The 10K portion was two loops of the same route, which wasn't flat by any means but not terribly hilly either. I felt great from the moment I started out and even though not all my splits were negative, I knew I had a PR as soon as I crossed the finish line.
After I finished the 10K, I grabbed a bottle of water and was doing some light stretching when the owner of a yoga studio offered to stretch me out. It was nice to lie down on a mat and have someone else do all the work. After she was finished, I took another bottle of water and walked back to my car to retrieve the extra Picky Bar I'd brought with me. As I walked back to the Recovery Zone, I felt some jealous eyes staring at me, wondering where I'd gotten it, and why not? Personally, this is how I feel after I eat a Picky Bar:
While the lines for a massage were really long, there was no line at the Running Sports tent where they were using massage sticks on the legs of anyone who wanted to take a seat. I opted to go that route and it felt amazing. I've since purchased one of my own, although it's so much nicer when someone else does it for you! :)
After what seemed like forever, it was finally time for the 5K. It was amazing how much tougher 3.1 miles seems after a break. It was one loop of the 10K route and while I felt good, I knew it wasn't going to be a PR.
Overall, I was pleased with my results from the race. I ended up with a 10K PR of 49:04, a fourth overall finish in my age group, and two medals to add to my collection. I had the pleasure of shaking hands with the legendary Billy Mills and even got to meet the women's winner, the crazy talented and incredibly sweet Molly Pritz (don't judge the hair - it was really windy!):
In training for this race and all my runs since then, I've been using some of the gear that Nathan sent me as part of the Ambassador Program. I LOVE my Nathan Sonic Boom armband. This is the only one of several I've tried where the case actually slides along the band for a more snug fit. My previous arm band was New Balance, and I had to fold the band over and sew it together to make it tighter even with the Velcro closure. The Sonic Boom is sturdy, dries quickly, and is comfortable on my arm. Even though I don't listen to music during races, I still carry my phone with me so these features are important.
This was my first race with the Nathan Booster Belt. It is made of comfortable elastic that did not irritate me at all, and it stays in place. The toggles slide along the belt, making it easy to accommodate any size race bib. There are also shock cords on one side that make it possible to carry several gels if you so desire. If you're like me and don't care much for gels, it will also hold a pack of sport beans (it's not as easy, but it can be done).
It's been awhile since I've done a giveaway, so in honor of my 37th birthday, let's do one now! Nathan also sent me a stash of yellow Lock Laces. If you've never used them before, they're elastic laces that lock into place so there are no more worries about your shoelaces coming untied. They're great for running, working out, hiking, and just everyday casual wear. I'll give away a pair of Lock Laces and throw in a few Picky Bars as well to 2 lucky readers. They are my fuel of choice, after all. Check out the widget below to enter, and good luck!
Love me some bearded bros bars!
ReplyDelete