This was my second Bike for Women event. It is one of the events that is almost as hard to get in as it is to complete. COVID restrictions are still in place so we were masked up before and after the race. It was the first time I got to see some of my race buddies for a while too. Tina let Kelly and I join her team Pedal Pushers so we were all able to start together. A winter of spin classes and PT paid off, while I was not fast by any means, I beat my previous course time by 10 minutes! Pretty excited about this since gravel on the roads was just cleared this week and I haven't been out on my bike yet this year. Kelly and Tina both rocked this race. I am so impressed with them both. This is the same bike course with lots of rolling hills that we will use for this years Gold Nugget Triathlon too. Update: Not sure what I did wrong but I hurt for a solid week after this race.
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We are running in person again!COVID was a long break without a lot of running. I finally joined the running club, and am recommitting to getting back in shape. I have been doing small group training at two local gyms this year and hope that this will help me get stronger. Of course, running is always more fun with friends! The first race of the season, was Who Let the Runners Out 5K, and sponsored by the Mat SU Running Club. I talked G into running the race with me at the last minute. He even went to running club with me once, and so did Landon. I was content with my time in the race, the weather was perfect and my time aligned with my previous 5K times. G made some running buddies and shaved minutes off his last 5K time, coming in 3rd place in his age group.
Kenai Half MarathonFinding races and getting out this year continues to be a struggled, I reached out to a running colleague to make another trip down to Kenai. I had fell in love with this little race last year. I simply love small towns, small race, and fall weather. The course changed this year into a loop through Kenai and the weather proved to remain questionable. Normally you take a bus to the start line and then run back to the visitors center. It was super windy for the weekend. We were blessed to stay at a friends Air BNB right next to the Eagle Rock Boat ramp. Definitely a great place to stay with your entire fishing party if you ever head down to Kenai! Will and Diane were wonderful hosts to myself and my running pal Jess. I was not expecting big things for me as I had not been running as regularly as I liked. We picked up our packets the night before and grabbed food from a local restaurant. Masks were worn to packet pick up and to at the starting line. There was suppose to be a bin to drop them after the first 1/4 mile but I never saw it and left it in a dumpster instead. Running along the river for a few minutes was beautiful. This loop around Mission Ave was great and then you cross the Kenai Spur Highway and run near the airport. Shortly after turning on Bridge Access Rd, the half course turned down Beaver Loop Rd. This road was a proverbial wind tunnel. I was glad when we got to take a break and run through a neighborhood. The wind seemed to hit you no matter what direction you were running from. Jess had a goal of breaking 5 hr and 30 min in the marathon. After I finished, I drove back to the Air BNB to shower and watch Jess finish. I almost didn't make it back. She crushed her goal and finished in just over 5 hours. I on the other hand, ran a full 25 minutes slower than last year. I was so excited for Jess and can't wait to go back next year and watch her crush her goal again. Zombie Half Marathon This This race has been on my bucket list a while. It is part of the Sleeping Lady Challenge put on by the Anchorage Running Club and the weather was mild enough this year that I didn't mind the drive to Anchorage to start. Due to COVID restrictions masks were worn at the start and finish, but it is now so cold that no one minds. They took our temperature before race start, just to be safe. Costumes are encouraged on this run, but I didn't participate. This course is one way on the Chester Creek and Coastal Trails and ends at Kincaid Park. I caught a ride with Jess and Nick back to the start. They had started in later waves so didn't have to wait around for me as I started in the early wave. This was a good plan because it was cold. It also ends up a big hill that is about a half mile long. I admittedly, walked the bulk of that hill and was grateful when I reached the finish line. This was another slow race for me, but I don't mind, it is keeping me on track for my goal of 50 during my 50th year
A Socially Distanced Half Marathon ExperienceUsually by this time of year I have written several posts about runs and triathlons. This year the COVID shut down started just as running season opened up here. Most of my favorite races were deferred to next year. While I am still getting out hiking and back to the gym, I managed to gain a whopping 20 pounds during the first two months home and have not been able to shed any weight despite workouts and fun hikes....so.... I was supposed to be out of town this summer to attend a chemistry education conference and had hoped to run a race in Oregon while I was gone. So I didn't initially sign up for Hightail. Then my conference got canceled and Hightail went virtual so I decided to sit out for the year. On June 24th, Hightail announced they would have a small in person race of up to 200 runners and would also hold a virtual option at the same time. Hightail is my favorite all women's race. It is so supportive all runners and while it is a little on the pricey side there is lots of great swag and discounts. See my July 2019 and July 2017 posts to read about how the race usually goes. (This race was previously called HerTern). Anyway, so despite minimal training I went for it. That crazy goal of running 50 half by the end of my 50th year makes getting a race in this year essential. Wednesday I went in for packet pick up and used the drive as an excuse to hike the Flattop Sunnyside trail in Anchorage. The trail is about an hour and a half from my house. Totally doable hike, about 1500 feet of elevation gain in under two miles but just a little farther away than most hikes. PacketPickup: As always packet pick up is outside on the small lawn next to Skinny Raven. In the past these is usually a large tent with lots of gear, music, and a very festive atmosphere. This year because packet pick up was spread over a couple of days it was very low key. There were signs helping people socially distance and mask wearing was required (Anchorage requires masks in public spaces at this time). Lines were minimal so it was quick and easy. I had the opportunity to speak with the Raven Events director about a couple of upcoming race plans and the opportunities that had to be overcome to put on this event. The canvas swag bag was preloaded with your finisher's bracelet (no medal in this race), coupons, macaroons, a wine glass, Nuun, and Huma energy gels. I went inside and purchased new trail shoes and a bonus Hightail t-shirt (you get a $20 Brooks merchandise coupon in your swag bag). Race Day: Luckily I read the email and realized that the event location and course had changed. All day long Saturday I tried to convince myself not to go. I knew my training was minimal (a few runs during my son's soccer practices) and that carrying this extra weight was going to be a problem. I somehow convinced myself to just go. Upon arrival it was easy to tell that the race was going to be different. There was no line for the port-o-potty. Space in front of the port-o-potty was marked again to help you socially distance. Everyone was staying spread out and had their mask with them. The announcer was peppy and light and the music was upbeat and typical of a race start. The announcer called each wave over to the starting coral (about 20 runners at a time). In order to enter the starting coral your temperature was taken using a touch-less thermometer (97.1 - normal temp for me) and then you were allowed to enter the coral. At the starting coral there were blue flags in the ground showing runners where to stand and masks were removed by this point. A lot of runners were joking about how we wish all starts were this way and not so crowded as they can be. I flash backed to a Rock N Roll race I ran in DC where I was in the next to the last coral, it was 32 and raining, and we started over an hour after the official start. This made me very grateful to be spread out and to have great weather (low 60s with drizzle). This starting process recycled every three minutes until all the runners were on the course. This year the course started at Westchester Lagoon and then turned on to the coastal trail. This is relatively flat but has that slow gentle uphill. By the time we reached the first bridge I was running by myself, which isn't too abnormal for my back of the pack style. Occasionally, runners from later starts would catch me and pass me. The coastal trail is a paved trail that follows the Cook Inlet and is a mix of inlet views and woods. I did not see any bear scat on the trail and there were definitely significantly less tourists traveling the trail. I reached the 10K turn around still feeling pretty good and definitely socially isolated. I think I surprised the person working the turn around point by continuing on to the half marathon turn around point. The coastal park goes by the end of the Ted Stevens International Airport runway and there was definitely a lot of air traffic. It didn't look like many of the runners used the aid stations and while I took water I wished I had carried some Nuun with me as I started to feel light headed about mile 8. At this point I slowed down a bit...ok a lot. I pretty much walked most of the last five miles. Sorry no pictures of the course. You will just have to come to Alaska and run this one yourself! As I rounded the corner by the lagoon I could hear the announcer cheering the runners in. She did a great job encouraging that last bit....and I got serenaded with Jolene, Jolene, the Hightail Queen (yes, I am named after the Dolly Parton song). There were only about four runners who finished after me. My time was about 23 minutes slower than last year but I did it. Usually this race ends in a rose garden with mimosas, girly food, and lots of camaraderie. The camaraderie still existed as there were groups of runners who had set up their own unofficial Hightail party. The race organizers provided a coupon for juice and champagne from a local store and also some fun canned Italian sodas at the finish. Half marathon number 33 in the books...17 more to go and only 5 years to do it! All in all I think they did a great job under the circumstances. The runners were supportive and kind to each other. I will be better trained and hopefully in town to do it again next year. Run/Walk for Recovery 5KTina let me know about a nice little race in Anchorage. This one had the same heart and sole that I love at Hightail Half. Everyone was cheering for everyone else no matter what the pace. I talked my friend Emily into making the trip into Anchorage and joining me once again. This running journey is really about the people that you meet on the way. So many great supportive athletes. The weather was perfect for running and I was so happy to break 35 minutes in a 5K! Kenai Half MarathonTina really wanted to go down to Kenai to run their half marathon. They have had a really rough year with all the forest fires so we wanted to go to support them. It was really eye opening to drive through the forest fire area. It was even still smoking in some areas. We got into a bit of a traffic back up on the way down and missed the opportunity to pick up our packets the day before the race. Race conditions were cold and wet. We met a great group of runners on the bus out to the start. This is a point to point race and so you park at the end and take a bus to the beginning. It started at a hockey facility to rest rooms and warmth were available as you waited for the race start. It actually didn't start raining until a couple of miles into the race and then it didn't stop. There are several places where you either run along or cross a major road which is a little intimidating. Puddles on the back roads were plentiful. However, this must be my bodies favorite running conditions because I took another 2 minutes off my half marathon time and ended up with a PR! Alaska Distance ClassicI am not sure what the deal is with this race, but this is my second year to run the double up classic as a training race for Anchorage Runfest, and both times my heart just isn't in it. The Double up Classic is a back to back challenge of running a 5K followed by a 10K. For faster runners there is a bit of a break in between, for me....not much. I ran both races faster than last year (about 10 min. total off my time) but just don't seem to find my stride in this race. I had hoped to stay with Emily in her first 10K but again, she totally dusted me. Oh well, third time is a charm and maybe I will find my love for this race next year. At least I had two of my best running buds here for support. Anchorage Run Fest - One MileNo secrets here. I love coming in to town for this one miler. It's a chance to stretch my legs and see what I can do in a relatively short distance. My goal was to be below 10 minutes this year. That goal is definitely in the dirt. I hope that I can keep this momentum going and continue to build the core strength that I think is helping me, and of course run injury free. Two other reasons that make this one of my favorite race weekends. 1) Getting to check in with Jeff Galloway at the race expo. Seriously, how often do you get to meet someone who has done so much for the sport by encouraging so many to be involved and 2) My mini me runs the community mile with me (he still leaves me in the dust....but I am working on catching him. Anchorage Run Fest - Skinny Raven Half MarathonMy goal with the half was to see if my time from the Hightail Half was a fluke or just a one time adventure. We were running in remnants of a tropical monsoon though so I wasn't sure how it would go. The wind on the coastal trail was brutal. A tree was down on the course and we had to take the time to climb over it, which is an adventure with tired legs. Alaskans....we just keep going. This course also ends up a hill, but this is my third time running this one and so I was prepared for it. In the end, my time was still under my 2001 time (but just barely). So I guess my pre-baby strength has returned....it only took 17 years. lol. Must remember to keep the yoga, spin, and barre going through the winter....that will be a challenge! Hatcher Pass Marathon VolunteerI have started volunteering to help out at some of the races I love so much. I volunteered at the Gold Nugget Triathlon and at the Run 4 Women so I decided to volunteer for a race that I would love to think I would be able to do some day....but it would definitely be a challenge! Grayson wanted to work on volunteer hours so he spent the day in the sun with me too. Hightail Half MarathonI ran this race two years ago when it was the Her Tern Half Marathon. This is a very pricey race but it has a boutique feel. They don't give a medal but a piece of jewelry instead. It ends with mimosas in the Delaney Park rose garden. It's an out and back course along the Chester Creek trail and ends with an uphill jaunt back in to Delaney Park. The atmosphere of this race is just so supportive. Women really building each other up. I do the early start to make sure that I make it back to the rose garden in time for the festivities. I knew today was going to be warm by Alaska standards and the air is still smokey from the wildfires to our north and south. I made myself relax and take it easy and through the wonder that was yoga, I actually felt great for most of the race but started to fade in the last three miles and really fade when I started to think about that uphill finish. It's amazing how we can psych ourselves out. My new tank from CVG got a little attention at the water stops and so I will have to remember to wear it when I need a boost. My running philosophy for this race was to be grateful and thankful. Every mile I chose someone to pray for or to think about when I felt my feet couldn't carry me any further. So here's where I see if you are still reading....see I did a thing. Thanks so much to the hill angels. The people who spend their day running us up the hill to the finish. I get picked up by one of them and through their encouragement I ran that second part of the hill. I didn't know it at the time, but that kick at the end...led to a PR. I have been running half marathons (off and on) since 2001. Today's race is the first time I beat my time from 2001....not by much, but I did it. It feels so good when your 40 something self is able to do what your 20 something self did but better. All the hiking, yoga, spin classes have been making a difference. Now if only I can keep the momentum up. Thanks to all the amazing runners I have connected with for helping keep me motivated!
Bill Mitchell 5KRun 4 Women
Why Not Tri
Solstice 4 MilerThis was more of a cross country race this year on the Palmer golf course, or rather around its perimeter. I really struggle with cross country style running and was definitely one of the last runners in, but then again, I did see a few other runners cut the course. The course is beautiful and this is a low key race. Mayor's Half Marathon
Bike 4 WomenThis was my second year to do the Bike 4 Women and this course is so intimidating for me. It's downhill on the way out and uphill on the way back. It's so good to have friends out on the course though! Seeing them before the race really helps calm the nerves. I am still way behind the power curve when it comes to cycling. Something about flying down the road on the bike makes me nervous. I even used my feet to slow me down around one of the turns. Bonus: I took 4 minutes and 13 seconds off my time from last year. Alaska Torch RunI heard a rumor that one of my coworkers children was going to run the torch at the local torch run. This was one of my favorite races in Maryland so I thought I would give it a try. The Alaska version is much more low key. No timing no frills. Loved the t-shirt though. I didn't mind as I had a triathlon scheduled the next day. It was fun to watch Jaidra carry the torch and follow her through. Gold Nugget TriathlonThis was my first triathlon since returning back to Alaska and my fourth overall. I have done this race two other times but those were on two different courses. The first time was when the Bartlett pool was being rebuilt and so the race was held at Chugiak. The other time was at Bartlett but the bike course went through base. The logistics of this course is amazing and the volunteers work so hard to take care of all of our equipment as the transition areas are in two different places. I volunteered the day before and got my bike set up early. I got there early and enjoyed some Kaladi coffee and then found a locker to put my gear in. The wait on the swim deck was pretty long. The pool deck area was really warm. I opted for the deep end because the lines seemed shorter but I ended up still waiting as I wanted a lane near the ladder so I could get out of the pool. I felt strong in the swim and even passed the other swimmers in my lane. I had to slow to a breast stroke a few times because they were going slower. Some day I will figure this swim thing out (or maybe I should practice the swim a lot more because today was literally my first time in the pool since moving back!) Coming out of the pool I headed to Transition One. I don't know why I am so slow at putting socks and shoes on but I clearly am as my transition time was one of the slowest. I pulled my running skirt on top of my swim shorts, threw on a t-shirt and jacket, along with my race bib. I thought I had this set up in my bucket so it would be quick but maybe not. The bike is always the hardest leg for me. I didn't have my bike in the right gear so I struggled to get started. The course starts with a gentle up hill and then you cross the Glenn Highway on an over past, the next segment is a long very slow up hill, but then you turn around and its a nice long glide down that hill you just came up. By this turnaround point, my lady parts were numb so I got off the bike and took a bathroom break. I felt better and that downhill glide certainly helped. After the turnaround you catch a couple of serious (well for me) hills and the course ends uphill. I had let stories of this uphill psych me out and got off and walked the last few feet only to discover I was already up the hill. Transition 2 is amazing. They take your bike, hand you your bag and walk you to a seat so you can change shoes if needed. (I don't have cycling shoes) but I did ditch my jacket. They then wrap your bike in blankets and a team of FedEx drivers halls it back to T1 where it is waiting for you after you finish. The run was a surprise to me. It is on a tank road which is a nice little gravel road. I know this is a segment where a lot of people see bear. No bear for me this year and I really struggled with the run. You do eventually run back onto pavement and into a park that is across the high way from where you started. Conveniently, there are local buses that pick you up and take you back to T1. I volunteered to help break down the finish line area and spent the rest of the day directing traffic, moving supplies, and watching the last racer finish. What a long day for this race committee but they do an amazing and well coordinated job for a race with so many moving pieces!
Valley Thaw Out 10KWhat an awesome day to run. I can't believe the pre-race jitters last night and this morning almost kept me from running this one. This time of year is just simply awesome to run road races. The temps are cool (mid 30s at start) and the mountains are gorgeous with their snow. The snow is gone at our altitude but, the roads are in need of sweeping. This is a new local race and starts less than 10 miles from my home. The race director advertised it as walker/all ability friendly so I had to give it a whirl. After a bout with a severe cold/sinus infection last week that sidelined me from running I was hesitant to give it a try, but I did it anyway. The race field was small with only about 20 runners for each event (5K, 10K, and half marathon) and none of the fanfare of big city races (large crowds, blaring music, long port-a-potty lines). It started at an elementary school and the bathrooms were open and the heated building provided a nice pre-race shelter. Pick up and parking are a breeze because they are in the schools lot. This is NOT a flat course, but has a nice balance between long uphill grades and long down hill grades. The uphills really made you appreciate the down. On the way out there was a head wind, but I didn't notice a tail wind on the way back. It seemed to just have stopped. We had a windstorm two days prior so I was thankful for what the weather gave us. I relaxed into the race, listened to the Another Mother Runner podcast* and kind of drifted a long. I had given myself an attainable goal and just tried to maintain a comfortable pace. My splits were a little uneven but understandable based on the courses highs and lows. I took the uphill with the advice I had heard in a podcast earlier in the week. Run the hill at a pace as if the whole race was that hill. I managed a nice negative split on one of the down hill portions and kept each mile under 15 min/mile, which was my second goal of the day. There were great signs posted along the route, to help with the entertainment and enjoyment. I wish I had taken a picture on the one long stretch, where it is pretty much you and a gorgeous overlook into the hay flats and mountains. Aid stations were stocked beyond belief but I kept to my standard Gatorade/water mix. I probably drank a little too much at that last aid station. I finished second to last in the 10K and about 11 minutes slower than my PR but I am still happy and pumped to have spent the morning out on this gorgeous run with the nicest fellow runners you could imagine. I plan on using this course for long slow distance and hill training this summer. Post race - I managed to make it back in time to see the awards handed out. I wished I had made the boys run the 5K as they both would have placed. The awards were very generous for the top 3 finishers (male/female) in each race and then the bonus of the door prizes. I won a $50 coffee card and if that doesn't pump you up I don't know what would! I have a busy race spring planned. The only question is do I take the Gold Mint Challenge and run Hatcher Pass and Archangel Marathons? Hatcher Pass is an all, most of the way uphill event that is sure to take me all day. Archangel is the reverse marathon run a month later. *AMR Podcast on Sleep and one of my FB questions was answered! Thanks for answering! |
JK McDowellLong time back of the pack runner, science lover, Christian, educator, and mom. Archives
July 2019
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