I ran the Get Lucky Half Marathon on Saturday. Lucky is
exactly how I feel! Lucky,
Grateful, Amazing…and everything in-between.
Last week Troy and I flew out to TX to spend spring break
with my Dad. It was a wonderful week. We enjoyed Dad’s company and enjoyed the
warmer temperatures. This Minnesota winter is one that just never wants to
end. It is again snowing as I
type. 5-7” of it today.
While in TX I ran my first 60 mile week since I messed up my
ankle in July. I felt strong and I was able to recover after each run. One day Troy and Dad rode bikes 15
miles through Atascosa Wildlife Refuge while I ran the same route. It was
amazing! Warm sun, 15 miles…yes,
amazing. Each day was another
running adventure. I felt blessed and content.
I attended the same yoga classes that my mom used to attend
while in TX and even used her mat which my dad has stored along side his, under
the bed. It was quite an
experience. I could feel her there, with me.
Last week my training program ramped up to 70 miles. Again-
no fatigue, no lingering soreness from my ankle..quick recovery for the next
run. I’m quite amazed, actually.
Saturday was the Get Lucky Half Marathon where I ran a PR. I
didn’t even try! Friday night I
had 6 miles to run on my schedule. I wondered if I should run the 6 or take a
day off to run the 15 Saturday morning. I’d hate to crap out at a paid race! Well,
I reminded myself that the 15 was a training run..which just happens to fall on
day that I entered a race. I ran the 6 and felt fine Saturday morning.
The morning was cool and clear. An early wake up call at 4
AM. 25F for staring temperature, not bad considering that most of my runs have
been below zero lately. I
anticipated a 210 finish. I had prepared some coconut flour/coconut oil/coconut
milk/ bagel type foodstuffs so ate a half before I left home at 500 AM and
another half before the race.
The Get Lucky this year began in St Paul, much like the St
Paul Winter Carnival Half Marathon. We were fortunate to be able to stay warm in
the Transit Depot. It is a beautiful building and perfect for hanging out prior
to the start.
We began the course by going straight up a hill, jogging
around until we were enroute along the river. The course was an out and
back which I always enjoy. I was
with my RAGNAR group so would be able to see everyone along the way.
I began with a few 10 minute miles, warming up and feeling
good. I ran past a few homeless
people under the bridge, wrapped in cardboard with cigarette packs and beer
cans strewn about. Sad. They looked cold and confused by all of us running past
them.
As I ran along I glanced down at my watch at each mile .
Hmm, 945 mile, that’s awesome.
Hmm..930 mile, that’s even better.
I couldn’t believe it! I felt strong, well fueled and recovered.
Amazing. My legs were moving quickly, I was in happyland.
I had to pull my jacket off before the turn around. Moving
fast (for me) and 20F felt pretty warm. I wrapped it around my waist and
continued on.
At the turn around I sucked down a Vespa and carried
on. I couldn’t believe how great I
felt.
I came into the finish at 2 hours flat-a 9 minute negative –
and I felt like I was burning RocketFuel. I’m not a fast runner – I’m sure a
happy runner!
My training plan called for a 15 mile run so I promptly
turned around and ran a while
longer to finish up 15 miles. Immediately after the run I consumed sweet potato
and a protein shake. I think my
nutrition is the reason for feeling so great during these runs. I am paying
great attention to what I am consuming, I’ve cut out the sugar and grains and
am eating (non processed) carbs centered around the workouts. I'm adding in good fats and the necessary protein.
My 20 mile trail run was solid on Sunday. No fatigue, no aches
or pains…just awesome!
Next up is Zumbro 50 Miler. All training is headed toward Superior Sawtooth 100 Miler! Bring It!
