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Gulf Winds Track Club Summer Track Meet

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Location:

Tallahassee,FL,United States

Member Since:

Jun 24, 2008

Gender:

Female

Goal Type:

Local Elite

Running Accomplishments:

PRs:

Mile- 5:27 Breakfast on the Track, August '09
5k- 18:59 (6:07)  Tails and Trails, May '09 (And two more times! GRR!)

8k- 33:08 (6:39) Sweetheart 8k, Feb '11

10k- 41:38 (6:42) TRBC, March '09

15k- 1:02:46 (6:44) Lake Caroline 15k, Nov '08

Half Marathon- 1:36:58 (7:24) Hoover Dam Half, Oct '09

Marathon- 3:37:16 (8:17) Mississippi Coast Marathon, Nov '08

Short-Term Running Goals:

Help my knees help me.

Long-Term Running Goals:


Personal:

Moving to Knoxville this summer. Hooray for being in a place with a running community! 

Favorite Blogs:

Click to donate
to Ukraine's Armed Forces
Miles:This week: 0.00 Month: 0.00 Year: 0.00
New Balance 903 (Orange) Lifetime Miles: 63.00
Red Flats Lifetime Miles: 44.88
Brooks Salmon Lifetime Miles: 304.65
Brooks Black Lifetime Miles: 131.30
Brooks Baby Blue Lifetime Miles: 116.25
Newtons Lifetime Miles: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
346.35137.95484.30
Brookes Adrenaline (Magenta) Miles: 78.35Brooks Adrenaline (Blue) Miles: 79.90
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
1.002.403.40

in the a.m. at the high school track.

1/2 mile warm-up

1600- 6:58

1600- 6:51

800- 3:09

400- 1:18

200- :32

1/2 mile cool-down 

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.006.006.00

 

in jackson on the bike trail

6 miles in about 45:20

Comments
From walter on Sat, Jun 28, 2008 at 21:44:03

welcome to the blog.

From Kelsey on Sat, Jun 28, 2008 at 22:02:57

thanks! i'm not sure if i am even responding correctly but i am sure i will get into the swing of things quickly. hopefully this blog will help me stay motivated enough to get to boston in the next couple years!

From Daniel on Sat, Jun 28, 2008 at 23:06:20

Welcome to the blog! I like seeing fellow grad students on the blog. The blog will definitely help you stay motivated and improve your times. You'll be Boston bound in no time.

From Walter on Sat, Jun 28, 2008 at 23:10:49

Yeah, you did perfect. just respond to yourself and it goes to everyone that left a comment. It sounds like your very motivated and being on here will definately help you with your goals. I have benefited from being on here with staying consistent. Thats a great photo of the capitol behind you. Keep up the good work.

From marion on Sun, Jun 29, 2008 at 18:48:59

Welcome to the blog! Great runs! I get injured really easily to, until... I discovered yoga! It has literally saved my running.

GREAT run!

From Thatcher on Sun, Jun 29, 2008 at 22:54:13

Welcome to the blog! Good luck reaching your goal of qualifying for Boston! You can do it!

From Kelsey on Mon, Jun 30, 2008 at 07:55:31

Thanks for all the welcomes :)

Marion, I was actually considering pilates, which I assume does the same thing? I am not very flexible so I figured it would help with that, and also help prevent some injuries. If anyone has a pilates DVD they recommend, please let me know!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.000.000.00

Tennis!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
1.003.004.00

12 400s with the track club... and it helped me realize that I have definitely turned into a distance runner, although I used to hate to admit it :)

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.000.000.00

tennis

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.000.000.00

tennis

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
3.500.003.50

approx 3.5 miles at a decent pace in San Luis Park

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
6.250.006.25

ran my long run a day late because of the holiday.

 

a little over 6 miles at San Luis.  my knees actually hurt a little bit, so i used that as an excuse to order new shoes today :)

 

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
1.503.004.50

8x600s with the track club... between 2:14 and 2:22.  very hot!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.000.000.00

i was supposed to run in a little local track meet but got sick :(

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
7.000.007.00

7 around San Luis... averaged 8:11 according to the Nike+

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.753.003.75

12 x 400s with the track club

 

fastest was 78, slowest 92 (accidentally did the 2nd one way too fast)

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.000.000.00

4 games of tennis

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
2.001.003.00

8 min easy, 8 hard, 8 easy

 

started at home, ran down mission and made a left at the light.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
8.000.008.00

about 8 miles in bradfordville (regular course plus two loops)

 

i started off feeling kinda rough but was able to finally push the last two.

Comments
From Dallin wilson on Tue, Jul 22, 2008 at 17:38:33

way to go. just keep runnin and Boston will be yours :)

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.000.000.00

pilates

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
3.001.004.00

6x800s with the track club

about 100 degrees with the heat index! started off at 3:28, did negative splits pretty much the whole time, ending around 3:14

Race: Gulf Winds Track Club Summer Track Meet (3.1 Miles) 00:21:39
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
1.003.104.10

5k on the track. I haven't run a 5k since the fall so I had noooo idea how fast I should attempt to run it. I decided to try 7 minute miles to start (which being as meticulous as I am, means I tried 52 or 53 second 200s, and of course checked every 200 meters to make sure I was on). I stuck with the pace very easily, and picked it up a little bit the last few laps, finishing in 21:39.


There was only one other girl in the race, a 14-year old who ran less than 20 minutes! Insane. But we ran with the guys so they kept me from getting in last place!

Next time I want to try to get under 21... that would definitely wear me out a lot more.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
9.000.009.00

I realized today that I don't like using the "slow miles" and "fast miles" on here. Because I run my butt off on a distance run but then don't think I should really consider it fast, although it is fast for that distance. But I'll suck it up and put today's run in as slow miles :)

Ran in the usual place, and it seems like my new thing is for my legs to be really tight and struggle a bit in the first 3 miles or so. But after I got through that I was able to pick it up and run sub-eight-minute miles for almost all of the remaining miles. I was pretty pumped about that, especially with the heat and the hills!

9 miles, avg. 8:11 (5 mile course, plus loop, and two mile hill)

Comments
From Lucia on Sun, Jul 27, 2008 at 12:29:09

You call 8:11 pace "slow" Hmmmmmm.... maybe you should reconsider your goals in here... you can run a 1:45 half easy, and a BQ marathon will follow, no doubt! Have you seen the McMillan running calculator? If you haven't, you should google it and input your times and see what I mean. Great job running in FL weather, by the way!

From Kelsey on Sun, Jul 27, 2008 at 16:54:21

I agree Lucia, that's why I hated putting them under "slow." But I usually just put mileage in there for a speed work out, like intervals. Maybe I should rethink it!

Thanks for the kind words! I would love Boston in 2010, but '09 would be even sweeter!

From Kelsey on Sun, Jul 27, 2008 at 16:58:00

P.S. Thanks for the race calculator site... I've never used that one before and I like how it actually tells you what your workout paces should be, not just what to expect at a race.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
2.003.005.00

intervals with the track club...

 

2x1200- each around 5:03 i think

2x800- 3:15 and 3:10?

2x400- 82 and 76

 

this is the best i have felt during intervals yet! maybe i am finally getting back into good shape. looking forward to the track meet thursday. i don't know what even i want to do... probably the 2-mile. if so i think i want to aim for 6:30 pace and see what happens.

Race: Gulf Winds Summer Track Meet (0.5 Miles) 00:02:34, Place overall: 1, Place in age division: 1
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
2.500.503.00

I had a rough day today (I realized that I erased some of my student's grades and don't know what I am going to do) so I opted out of the 2 mile and decided to go for an 800 instead.  I decided to go out in 80 for the first lap and just see what happened for the second lap. I didn't get my split for the first lap but it was definitely under 80.  Once again there was no one near me... people were either way in front or way behind.  I think I had nearly 100 meters of track all to myself.  I am really happy with my time, I felt great, but definitely left some time on the track, and I know that if I had the opportunity to keep at this I could get a PR.  I tried googling old race results and I ran 2:28 at a conference meet during my undergrad... that may be my PR I am really not sure.  I just wish I could try again! The summer track meet series is over now.

There is a big one-mile race in Tallahassee two weeks from Saturday, and I plan to run that pretty hard.  I think I may aim for 5:50; I really want to go under 6.

Now I go on vacation and have to try to find a place (and the motivation) to do 10 at the beach on Saturday.

Comments
From The Howling Commando on Thu, Jul 31, 2008 at 21:24:25

Great race! Bummer about the grades. No biggie on that though. Don't sweat it. As for the mile race, is it pretty flat? If it is, you should be able to easily meet the 5:50 goal. Just do some 100-150 striders after each easy run, and try to do some 400s at goal pace (6 or 8 of them) 1 or 2 times.

From Kelsey on Thu, Jul 31, 2008 at 22:56:51

Thanks for the pointers... after concentrating on distance for the past year it is exciting to actually have some speed! The mile is on the track, so I have no excuse. I'll definitely try to make it a point to do 400s one day next week.

As far as my students are concerned, I think I'll have to give them all full credit for the assignment. I guess they'll be happy!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.000.000.00

I was quoted in runner's world magazine!! check out page 98 and look for me! (kelsey tallahasse, fl)

Comments
From Arie Beresteanu on Fri, Aug 01, 2008 at 17:49:04

Wow! Saw you on Runner's world. how did you get your quote in there?

BTW, maybe guys sprint by you at the end because they want to make sure they meet you at the finish line...

From Kelsey on Wed, Aug 06, 2008 at 21:14:12

Haha, it was actually not exactly what i said and taken way out of context... but i'm okay with that! i just posted on a message board on runnersworld.com and they picked a bunch of the posts for that article.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.0010.0010.00

Note that this week I put my long run as fast miles :)

I was in Myrtle Beach for vacation and decided to do an out and back on Ocean Blvd.  So I took my Nike+ and used that for mileage... it is usually pretty accurate.

My first 5 mile split was 41:30 which was exactly where I wanted to be.  I was going to just pick it up the last 2 miles but after I turned around I felt great and decided to see what I can do.  The faster I went, the more excited I got, making me go even faster.  The end result: 34:30!!!  So if it was an even 5 miles that would be under 7 minute pace, and under 8 for the entire 10.

This was by far my best "mid-long" run ever.  Things are really coming together and I just hope I can stay quick, healthy and keep getting stronger for my upcoming races, especially the marathon.

 

 

Current Race Schedule:

"Breakfast on the track" mile: in 2 weeks

(Insert a 5k or two and possibly a half marathon here)

Baltimore Half Marathon: Mid October

Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon:  November 29th


 


Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.751.752.50

my running has fallen victim to the busy end of the semester. but now it is over, thankfully!

i went to the track to do a 400 workout but realized i wasn't too motivated so instead i made a workout as i went along.

 

1x800

2x400

2x200

1x300

1x400


Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
10.500.0010.50

Woke up and really didn't want to run but I forced myself to get out there.  Aimed to go 11 miles, but when I drove my car down the course it looks like it was more along the lines of 10.5.  It felt OK, not great, but not horrible.  Dropped like 3 minutes on the way back and Ran it in 1:25.  Slightly hilly.  Didn't feel nearly as good as last week's awesome long run but had one less recover day.

 

(Thomasville Road, from the Publix north to Bradfordville a little past the "School Entrance" sign)

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
1.751.753.50

speed work with the track club. legs are feeling really heavy. forgot my watch, and with only one "coach" showing up we were unable to get times.

 

5x400 (partner style)

1x800

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
3.500.003.50

ran about 3.5 miles in san luis park fairly easy, but pushed the hills a little bit to really stretch the legs.  haven't felt very good this week, but hoping i will feel better for the "race" saturday!

 

just found out i have to have surgery on my salivary gland to remove a stone that has been bothering me for 7 years now :( my first time going under the knife! it is an outpatient surgery, so it shouldn't be bad. i am having it done on wednesday. i wasn't going to do a long run this weekend because of the race, but looks like i should since i may not be up to it next weekend.

Comments
From kristagirl on Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 10:31:23

Glad I could be of some inspiration! I'm jealous that you have found a track club because that hasn't exactly materialized in my training, but I'm hoping to join one soon here. Our half times are very similar, so I am confident you will reach your Boston goal. The best pre-race advice I received was to take it out at a comfortable pace and pick it up at the half-way point.I'm not sure if I negative-split the race, but I do know that it really helped to be relaxed in the beginning and not think about times.

Race: GWTC- Breakfast on the Track (1 Miles) 00:05:44
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
1.501.002.50

Yay! I was aiming for under 6, so I am very happy! I just went out in a little under 90 a lap then picked it up a little under the last one. Felt great!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
11.750.0011.75

I did my long run this morning since I didn't last weekend because of the race, and may not be able to later this week because of the surgery tomorrow and race Saturday (I decided to do an 8k).


Went pretty well... it was kind of divided into three sections-

home to ocala: about 40:30

loop around san luis (2 laps): about 18:30

ocala to home: about 36 minutes (dropped 4 minutes on the way back!!!)

 

wish me luck on the surgery!  


Comments
From spruce on Tue, Aug 19, 2008 at 12:55:12

Good luck on the surgery!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
1.503.004.50

Finally got to run again! My surgery and hurricane Fay had stopped me, so I hadn't run for a week.

This was a very tough workout. Extremely hot and humid, and it didn't help that I went out too fast on the first few. I almost didn't run all the intervals, but I made it! 

 

2x1200

2x800

2x400

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.750.004.75

Ran earlier than usual, it was dark the whole time and actually a little scary (not to mention dangerous injury risk).

 

 

 

 

Right on mission, down hartsfield, left capital circle NW, left tharpe (turned when the sidewalk ended)

About 38 minutes.

Red Shoes- probably about 30 miles on them now

 

Comments
From Christi on Fri, Aug 29, 2008 at 00:32:01

Hey Kelsey! I'm a Floridian myself (now a UT resident) from Clearwater. My dad & best friend from HS both went to FSU. My bf from hs is still in Tallahassee with 2 little girls- Danielle & Bryan Kelly. I know its a big place, just throwing some names at you.. just in case...Keep up the awesome training!!!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
14.000.0014.00

One more long run down! 1:58, probably a little less than 14 miles. i may try to measure in my car later. Pretty tired.

 

mission to tennessee, left ocala, right tharpe, right MLK, kinda wasted some time around 4th ave to get to an hour. 2 min faster on the way back.

 

red shoes- 44 miles

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
1.753.004.75

mile intervals with the track club. 6:52, 6:52, 6:45. way too easy, but sometimes you need those days :)

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.000.005.00

Ran about 5 miles today at San Luis park as a hill workout.

Took a nasty fall during my final lap, luckily it was in the dirt. So I slid on my side for a few feet and got really dirty down the entire side of my body, some scratches and bruises, but nothing too bad. Still don't know what I tripped over! Probably a root or something.

 

Running a 5k Saturday- Red Cross Hurricane Run, which as a hurricane researcher I am pretty excited about! Don't know if I will just run with my friends or really race it.

 

Oh yeah, and I snuck up on a fox. It was kinda neat.

Race: Red Cross Hurricane Run (3.1 Miles) 00:20:00, Place overall: 1, Place in age division: 1
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
1.003.104.10

What a great day! Being a meteorologist I was excited to run this race, and I am very glad I did! I ran my best 5k EVER, even faster than my college times. The only problem is that my goal for the longest time has been to go under 20 in a 5k... I saw the clock and that I would be close so I gave it my all and just missed it. Maybe next time :(  I was first female and received a trophy with a cool hurricane logo on it. This is a great self-esteem boost for my half marathon coming up in 5 weeks.

Comments
From Arie Beresteanu on Sat, Sep 06, 2008 at 10:27:25

Wow! great time. I have a 5K tomorrow (was postponed from today due to Huricane Hanna). I hope to get close to 20 minutes.

Good luck with up coming races.

From marion on Sat, Sep 06, 2008 at 12:00:43

Great race!! WAY TO GO!!! Very impressive :D

From MichelleL on Sat, Sep 06, 2008 at 13:41:33

Congratulations! 20:00 is fast!

From Kelsey on Mon, Sep 08, 2008 at 09:54:17

Thanks guys!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.000.000.00

Sore! I probably should have cooled down yesterday...

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
1.753.004.75


Jason, the boyfriend, was here and came to watch intervals. What was good is he actually took splits for each lap I ran... what was bad is he actually took splits for each lap I ran.

 

1200- 1:35, 3:13, 4:55

1200- 1:35, 3:18, 4:59

800- 1:36, 3:18

800- 1:36, 3:17

400- 1:20

400- 1:18

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
3.800.003.80

hills at San Luis

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
16.000.0016.00

about 16 miles around Tallahassee, ran for time rather than distance, so i turned around at 1:12 to finish around 2:24 which would make sure i ran at least 16 miles if i averaged 9 minutes or faster. i think i ended up getting home at around 2:18, which means i dropped 6 minutes on the way back! not bad!

i think at this point in my training for my last marathon i was crying during my long runs, haha, so i think i have come a long way. i was a litte tired, but still uninjured (knock on wood) and definitely not teary eyed!

 

 

Red Shoes- 60 miles

Comments
From marion on Sun, Sep 14, 2008 at 12:09:58

Excellent run :) Great miles!

From Burt on Sun, Sep 14, 2008 at 14:43:41

Good job!

From air darkhorse on Sun, Sep 14, 2008 at 20:52:15

Congrats on your milestone! I know exactly how you feel. Looking at your speed workouts I can tell you have the speed already to improve dramatically. You only need more volume and more time to build up to that level. After that I can easily forsee at least a 2-3 minute drop off of your 5k mark.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
3.503.006.50

I'm an aunt! My brother- well his wife :) - had little baby Isabella this morning at around 3:45 am!!! Now I just have to wait about 4 weeks til I go home for the Baltimore half marathon so I can see her.

Intervals with GWTC:

1 x 1600 (I think it was like 6:45)

8 x 400 (all beteween around 86 and 93, hard to tell bc we ran them as relays)

 

 

I think my blue shoes need to be retired. I have to order another pair and start working them in with the red ones.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.800.005.80

Hills at San Luis (distance is an estimate)


I really didn't want to go today but I texted Jason and told him i didn't want to get out of bed to go running, and he responded "go now." It worked!

 

 

 

Red Shoes- 66 miles

Comments
From marion on Thu, Sep 18, 2008 at 13:58:19

Sounds like Jason is a keeper! :) Nice miles. Isn't it great to have a friend to get us going :) My running partner pooped out on me today :( Oh well, I had fun talking to myself! Good thing I was out in the fields so no one could hear me ;D

From Kelsey on Fri, Sep 19, 2008 at 09:54:38

Haha, my running partner is my IPOD so instead of talking to myself, I sing to myself. And play a little air drums. :)

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
2.504.507.00

Did a sort of tempo run. Once again I really didn't feel like going, but did anyway, and it was absolutely gorgeous.  Then when I was about done I saw a woman ahead of me down the road, and I could tell she was on a long run. So I caught up to her and asked her how long she was going and she said 18. I ended up doing a little longer of a cool down just to keep her company, and turns out she is a pretty impressive runner, and ran a 3:15 Marathon PR, has done every Disney Marathon, and Boston like 5 times. Pretty cool! Helped motivate me for my 18-miler on Wednesday.   When I turned around to go back home she yelled to me "You better qualify!" Hopefully me talking to her helped her long run as well!

 

 Red shoes- 73 miles

Comments
From marion on Sun, Sep 21, 2008 at 11:13:32

Great run. How fun to meet someone out running. Good luck with your 18 miler on Wed! You'll do great :D

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.000.004.00

Just an easy 4 miler before my long run wednesday.

Comments
From marion on Mon, Sep 22, 2008 at 19:45:35

4... nice :) Enjoy your rest. How long is your long run going to be?

From Kelsey on Mon, Sep 22, 2008 at 21:03:28

18... it's going to hurt!

From marion on Mon, Sep 22, 2008 at 22:09:26

You got it! Slow and steady! Lots of gatorade and jelly bellies :) You'll do just fine :) Cant wait to read about it.

From Megan on Tue, Sep 23, 2008 at 16:49:00

Hi Kelsey... How'd your long run go today? it's now Wednesday... I usually do my long runs on Wednesday, too!

Which marathon are running to try an BQ?

From Kelsey on Tue, Sep 23, 2008 at 20:50:06

Thanks for all the motivation! I'm doing it in the morning... just got a new route worked out, and ready to get it over with! I am running a small marathon in Mississippi the weekend after Thanksgiving. I think it's called the Mississippi Coast Marathon. It's really flat, so that's why I went for it!

From marion on Tue, Sep 23, 2008 at 23:41:32

GREAT thanksgiving fun :) Good luck with your run in the AM :)

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
18.000.0018.00

18 miles down!!! (more or less)  I think my time was around 2:28.  Felt pretty good. Part of my run was along a course our track club holds a 5 miler/10 miler, so I timed one of my miles (mile 11) and I ran it in 7:53! Of course I made sure I ran that one hard though because I was timing it :) I kept that pace for probably the next 4 or 5 miles, then felt myself slow down a little but towards the end, but that is expected I guess.

More importantly, I couldn't find any gu this week so I was stuck eating those "sports beans." I knew I hated chewing while I was running, but I needed something so I was stuck with them. The chewing wasn't quite as bad as expected, but it was still a pain to keep putting my fingers in the bag to grab a couple more, and repeating that, rather than just sucking down some gu! I ate them once around mile 9 and then again at mile 15. At mile 15 I felt like I was gagging them up (gross I know, imagine how I felt!) so I only ate half a bag.  I think they may have been giving me heartburn too, but maybe that was the lemon-lime flavoring. Anyway, the energy they gave was fairly similar to gu (I think a little less), but I will be ordering a box of gu online to keep this from ever happening again.

Also, my new pre-long run food is a peanut butter and jelly Uncrustable (they are soooo good I eat them for lunch all the time). 210 calories and 25 grams of carbs (not to mention the protein) stuffed into this little sandwich makes it perfect to eat an hour or so before. So yes, I was eating PB&J at 6am this morning :) Runners are so weird.

Off to Chicago for a wedding. I'm going to try to run once or twice while I'm there, but we'll see what happens!

 


Comments
From marion on Wed, Sep 24, 2008 at 12:36:08

Excellent run! Sorry about the gu! I have a whole shelf full of it you can have :) It makes me HURL! I like the beans :) But I really like jolly ranchers. One per mile :) Anyway :) Have a safe trip and enjoy the wedding!

I LOVE pb & J! My 5 year old in allergic to PB, so we can't have it in the house, but maybe the crustables would be safe if I ate them outside :) and them washed in the creek before I got back home :)

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
8.500.008.50

Hello from Aurora, Illinois :) I wasn't sure how I would be able to run while I was here, since I didn't know where I could go and I forgot my watch. So I started off at the hotel gym and ran a mile on the treadmill and it was horrible. So I decided to just go out with nothing but my room key and just run for a while, and checked the clock before I left. I found this flat, windy bike trail along the Fox River and loved it, I could have tun on that trail for hours. When I got back i was about 55 minutes later, and I had run at a really fast clip, which I thought to be maybe 7:30 pace give or take. So I'd estimate about 7.5 miles outside.  So I ran a total of 8 to 8.5 miles on a day I thought I'd be lucky to get in 3! What's great is this almost served as a race pace workout for my half in two weeks. Now I can thoroughly enjoy myself (and the cake) at the wedding tonight.

 Monday morning I'll be in downtown Chicago... not sure if I am going to try to get a run in there or not. I'm kind of scared I'll get lost :) 

Comments
From marion on Sat, Sep 27, 2008 at 10:56:24

FUN!!! Awesome run! Adventure girl!!! Maybe you could look up a running store and find out if they have a running group tomorrow? Have so much fun at the wedding! EAt some cake for me :)

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
2.003.005.00

4 x 1200 and it hurt bad! Although I did my long run a week ago, I can see now why they say it takes 3 weeks to really recover because my legs felt dead. I am going to enjoy my little taper until my half next weekend.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.000.000.00

http://www.letmeplay.com/reuseashoe/

For those of you who are like me and have tons of old running shoes, the link above takes you to info on how you can recycle your shoes through NIKE and they build playground equipment. Pretty neat!


 

Didn't run today, but ordered a new pair of training shoes (Brooks Adrenaline GTS 8- the same ones I have now but a different color) AND a new lighter pair of shoes to do speed workouts and shorter races (New Balance 903s). That way I can start cycling them in as my marathon training will wear out my current shoes rather quickly.  Oh yeah, and I ordered a case of GU so no more sports beans for me!


 

red shoes- 108.5 miles

Comments
From marion on Wed, Oct 01, 2008 at 22:47:57

Fun new shoes!!! I love getting new shoes :) Did you have a great weekend away?

From kelsey on Thu, Oct 02, 2008 at 10:41:18

I did, thanks! Not only was it great seeing friends from school, but it is so much fun running in a new place. Now I'm back to the grind of running in the same places and having trouble finding motivation. But I bet new shoes will add a little excitement when they get here... it's the little things in life :)

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
2.502.505.00

I did a 40 minute temp run today, 12 minutes easy, 16 minutes hard, 12 minutes easy. Mileage is just a very rough estimate. I have not been at all motivated lately, but I am hoping the half marathon next weekend will get me pumped up for the final weeks of my marathon training.

Comments
From marion on Thu, Oct 02, 2008 at 10:56:20

Way to get out there and move it! Nice run! I'm glad you made it back ok and had a GREAT time :)

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
7.000.007.00

Once again I felt completely unmotivated today.  So I got dressed in my running clothes, then decided to wait until tomorrow and took them off. But then I started reading my Runner's World mag. and jumped up off the couch and said "I have to run today" and changed my clothes before I could think twice! Whatever works. Now I have to just stay rested and loose for my half marathon next weekend!!

 

parked at San Luis, ran one loop, then ran a loop around Ocala and High, 1.5 race pace miles on the track, then back to San Luis.

Comments
From marion on Sat, Oct 04, 2008 at 12:19:19

Good girl! Looks like the "I don't wanna run" bug is all over the country! :) Good luck with your 1/2 :) Waht time are you shooting for?

From kelsey on Sat, Oct 04, 2008 at 16:20:46

I know, the weather is finally getting better and yet I dread going out there! That definitely shouldn't be the case! I really want to PR which will be under 1:41:33, but it is going to be tough on the hilly course. My dad is running with me, so I am hoping we both feel great and can PR together!

From marion on Sat, Oct 04, 2008 at 18:11:58

That is going to be GREAT!! How fun to run with your dad! That time will ROCK!!! :D You can do it!!!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.752.253.00

The good news:

I <3 tapering :)  maybe a little too much. i would have done a little more if it wasn't raining so hard.

3x1200 at race pace (approx 7:40)

The bad news: 

The top of my foot still hurts because I stepped in a hole on during my run Saturday. Hopefully it feels fine by this Saturday.


Comments
From Marion on Tue, Oct 07, 2008 at 23:55:54

Taper :) yeah!!! I hope your foot is feeling better :( Poor sad foot!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.000.000.00

No miles run, but one publication section of the dissertation finished and ready to hand over the the advisor! I always get excited to post good runs, so I wanted to post this too :)

Hope everyone is having a great day! The weather is crappy here (again) so I am glad I don't have to run today. 3 days til race day!!

Comments
From marion on Thu, Oct 09, 2008 at 12:45:34

VICTORY!!! Every section to the advisor is a good thing! Woo Hoo!!! Enjoy your day off. I think that weather is headed here! :(

Race: Blatimore Running Festival-Half Marathon (13.1 Miles) 01:37:56, Place in age division: 9
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.0013.1013.10

Let me just say, I am sooo happy with my time! Who doesn't love a PR!  The race was great, and running through my favorite city with my dad and best friend was awesome.  You can tell I am still on a runner's high :) 

Don't have all my splits, but...

Mile 1-   I think 7000 people ran in the half, and 6500 started in front of us. They tried to do a wave start but no one listened. The first four miles we actually ran on the city sidewalk instead of the course in the street, just because there were sooo many people that were going really slow. We managed to clock a 7:50 but wasted a ton of energy.

Miles 2-3 still very crowded

Miles 4-5 we started getting into a groove. Got our pace down to 7:40 or just under, and although most people hated the hills I thought they were great!!

Miles 6-8 I started to get a little frustrated. I wanted to run with my dad and Erin but I had a ton of energy I wanted to expend. Erin dropped back at 8 (but still ran an awesome 1:44- a PR and she has a marathon in two weeks). We continued around 7:40-7:45, including stopping to give my cousin a hug while she waited on the sidelines to run for her relay team. Gu-ed up at mile 7.

Mile 9 I asked my dad if we can still get under 1:40 and he said probably not because we were running 7:45s, and I should go on without him.

Mile 10 I ran 6:45!!! I felt amazing, I even danced with some old man cheering for people on the sidelines, haha.

Mile 11- 6:46

Mile 12- 7:05 (this one had some hills)

Mile 13.1- I am not sure what my pace for the last mile was, but I finished in 1:37:56, a new PR by 3.5 minutes!!

I don't know if I would have gotten a better time if I ran the whole race hard. If I left them earlier I wouldn't have had as much left at the end. One day I will obviously have a chance to run a hard one by myself and see, so I do not at all regret holding back in the beginning.  I think we all would have done better without the crowds or the heat (it was pretty bad).

I now have two long runs before my marathon, so these next few weeks are high mileage weeks. At least this race pumps me up for them. Then I get to go to Biloxi and hope for a 3:40 for Boston!!

Congrats to my brother who finished his first marathon! I miss so much living far from home, so I am so glad I got to be there for it since he was there for mine.

Comments
From marion on Sat, Oct 11, 2008 at 16:21:31

Kelsey-

From marion on Sat, Oct 11, 2008 at 16:25:54

wAHT THE HECK?

Kelsey- THAT WAS AMAZING!!! You did SO gREAT!!! ROCK IT BABY!!! I'm glad you took off. You gotta do what you gotta do! It's race day, no saving it for later. You may be right about being conservative in the beginning. WOW! I'd ask some more elite runners about their thoughts. So many runners start out too hard and then crash and burn. YOU SMOKED it!! THat time was FAB!!! You sould look at Kelli and Kellies. They ran Hobble Creek 1/2 in august and then BQ'd at st. GEorge. Your 1/2 time is close to theirs if I remember.

CONGRATULATIONS!!! That is the BEST!!! :D GReat way to start your weekend!!!

YEAH!!! WHOOOO HOOO!!!!! Whoop Whoop!!!

From marion on Sat, Oct 11, 2008 at 16:28:23

I just checked out their Hobble Creeks- they both got 1:40's You are on your way!!!

one more YEAH for the road!!! :D

From Kelsey on Sat, Oct 11, 2008 at 17:06:30

Awesome, thanks- that really is the kind of motivation I need... to see people my speed that did it!! I may have to check their training for some tips for the next few weeks!

From Sasha Pachev on Sat, Oct 11, 2008 at 23:28:36

Congratulations on a PR. Based on your account of the race I would say you should have been able to run under 1:35 going all out from the start, possibly even under 1:33.

Looking at your PRs - I think with proper training you can run around 1:22 in the half and around 2:53 in the full marathon. Maybe faster, but at least that fast.

I would suggest you start with 6 miles a day 6 days a week, maybe a little longer than 6 before the day of rest if you are handling this mileage well. Then keep increasing as you adjust. If time does not allow to train 6 days a week for the full length of the run, even if you can squeeze in 10 minutes of running in between classes, or doing errands on foot, that would be a major plus. Keep the pace easy, that is very important for staying away from injuries.

If running several days in a row even at a slow pace still gives you trouble, try some form of aerobic cross training instead. But do your best to get your HR for an hour to the equivalent of what you would running 6 days a week.

From Kelsey on Sun, Oct 12, 2008 at 08:31:30

Wow, Sasha... if that doesn't give me some motivation to add in some light miles on my off days, or do at least some cross training then I don't know what would. The next few weeks are the really important ones for my marathon. I'll be doing my 18 and 20 milers, and need to put in some high mileage. I will definitely add some workouts in as you suggested (at a slow rate of course, to let my body adjust). I wish I would have started earlier (like with your 6 miles/6 days at the start of my training), but I still have time before the marathon to get some good quality training in. Thanks a lot for the advice and confidence!

From Kelli on Sun, Oct 12, 2008 at 10:06:57

Ah, well then you are way out of my range, but probably in the KellieS range!

GREAT job on the PR!!! That is an awesome race!

From marion\ on Sun, Oct 12, 2008 at 10:51:00

Just remember what Sasha said about not getting injured. With your marathon so close, you don't want to get busted up ;) You can always get that AMAZING 2:53 next year! :) Boston is looking like a shoe in :D Oh wait, I don't want to jinx you.

(see I said you'd ROCK at your marathon!)

YEAH!!!!

From kelsey on Mon, Oct 13, 2008 at 21:11:04

Kelli- don't sell yourself short! i would love to run my next marathon as well as you ran St. George!

From Kelli on Mon, Oct 13, 2008 at 22:12:00

Oh, it was a great race alright. But I will be patiently awaiting your marathon report! You are going to do awesome!!! You will see...

From megan on Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 17:58:13

Aweome half marathon Kelsey! congrats on the PR!

Which upcoming Marathon are you running in? I bet your'll rock at the full!

From MichelleL on Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 18:34:34

Wow, you are doing some great training. This reminds me of my first marathon, where I ran with friends until I got frustrated with their walking through the water stations and after the 2nd or 3rd a group of 10 girls passed me as I walked with them, and I had to tell them, "Sorry, I have to take off." and I ended up getting a 1:40.

What Sasha says about training is right, but you have to work up gradually. Make sure to not add more than 10% mileage a week, and only do that if your body gives you a green light. Listening to your body is so key.

You seem to be on a steep improvement curve. How you train now will help your current marathon, but it will also extend to your next one. Good luck in your training.

(Is that a long enough comment, geez!)

From Kelsey on Thu, Oct 16, 2008 at 18:04:56

Kelli- I sure hope so! I would love to get to meet everyone in Boston!!

Megan- Thanks! I am running a very very very small marathon November 29th called the Mississippi Coast Marathon. It is super flat, so I have no excuse to not do well!

Michelle- Thanks for the support and advice. I have to remember why I cut back on my runs in the first place (I injured a knee years ago, and it swells when I run, so I have to rest it a day or it just accumulates until I can't walk!). So I am just adding one more very slow run a week, to make 4 running days, then next week I will add one cross training day. I think that should be enough for now. Then I may try to do a little more when training for my next one, and see how my body handles it. But you are so right, I definitely don't want to risk too much right now, I've worked too hard. (Long comment back at ya!)

From jtshad on Thu, Oct 16, 2008 at 18:15:12

Congrats on the PR! Go get that BQ time!

From Kelsey on Fri, Oct 17, 2008 at 10:17:48

Thanks!! And I will do my best, I'm pretty excited to try!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
3.000.003.00

3 miles super easy. I would have normally taken today off, but I am trying to do easy runs or cross train on some of the days I would normally take off.

 

 

magenta shoes- 134.1, blue shoes- 3 miles, orange shoes- 0 miles

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
2.003.005.00

4 x 1200s with the track club. Felt pretty good considering I just raced! The first 3 were a little over 5 min., the final one a little under.

I also walked like 3.5 miles while running errands on campus. That should count for something!

 

magenta shoes- 137.1, blue shoes- 3 miles, orange shoes- 2 miles

Comments
From marion on Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 18:07:09

Great job Kelsey! You are just doing so great! What is the date of your marathon? I am so excited for you!

From Kelsey on Thu, Oct 16, 2008 at 18:00:58

November 29th! Getting close! I only have two really long runs left (an 18 and a 20).

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
6.000.006.00

my friend jill and i planned on meeting at the gym to take a 7am "body tone" class. so we got there around 6:45 and went in and realized they are so crowded that you have to sign up for a spot 30 minutes before it starts. that was disappointing! so i left and then ran about 6 pretty easy miles.

(San Luis to Ocala/High loop, two laps around San Luis)

magenta shoes- 137.1, blue shoes- 9 miles, orange shoes- 2 miles

 

Comments
From marion on Thu, Oct 16, 2008 at 09:38:17

Sorry about the class :( But you got in a GREAT run! Good girl! :D Have a fun weekend!

From Kelli on Thu, Oct 16, 2008 at 17:38:15

I hate those super crowded gyms!! Bummer, but you got in a great workout!

What is your track club?

From Kelsey on Thu, Oct 16, 2008 at 18:00:21

I know! Sadly it was the first time I have gone to the gym at Florida State and I've been here almost a year and a half! But all I need is a road or trail, and I use my free weights at home, so I never really had use for it!

My track club is Gulf Winds Track Club in Tallahassee. They are so great, two men "coach" an interval workout every tuesday night: Christmas, hurricanes, 100 degree weather, they never miss a day, and do it all for their love of running. If I qualify for Boston I think I am going to buy them a present :)

From Kelli on Thu, Oct 16, 2008 at 18:29:36

Oh, you will qualify alright!! Now worries there!

So, is it just a group of people that like to run and get together to do it for FUN?

From Kelsey on Fri, Oct 17, 2008 at 10:16:02

Haha, it is. Every week there are 15-30 people there, depending on the weather and stuff. I always look around and wonder why so many of us volunteer to run intervals. Runners are so crazy!

A lot of the people involved also created long run groups on the weekends and tempo groups on thursday, but I haven't tried doing that yet. Part of me enjoys doing them on my own.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.500.000.50

I had my first successful day at our gym! I got on this awesome bike machine and it had it's own video screen. You pick the course and how fast you want your pacer to go, and it looks like you are riding through the woods on a pretty, very hilly trail! It was so neat. I finished a 4.01 mile course in a little under 18 minutes... I have no idea what that means. It also said my heart rate was up to 185, but I have no idea if that's a reasonable heart rate or anything. I would have like to have done another so I could stay on longer but my legs were killing me and I felt like my heart was beating out of my chest! It was neat to get such a hard work out in without running, I could barely walk down the steps! You can create an account so you can actually race yourself later on. I didn't make my account until after though so that ride didn't save :( But I look forward to doing that like once every week as a cross training work out!

Oh, then I jogged half a mile back to my office so I decided to put that in there, haha. Why not! Hopefully my legs aren't too sore for my long run tomorrow! At least I'm only doing about 15.

Back to doing school work :( What a stinky way to spend a Friday night.

Comments
From Meg on Fri, Oct 17, 2008 at 18:18:19

Nice 0.5 mile run Kelsey, lol! Let me know how your marathon goes... hopefully we'll see each other at Boston. I have school work too, ugh. Good luck with Long tomorrow.

From kelsey on Sat, Oct 18, 2008 at 11:36:47

Haha thanks, I was pretty proud. I really hope I get to Boston to meet everyone I have met on here! My advisor told me that my running "worries him." Basically he is mad that I do something outside of school, which of course made me mad! It actually motivated me to dedicate more of my time to running so that I can get even better and keep telling him about it :) Plus, running isn't making me choose, he is.

From walter on Sat, Oct 18, 2008 at 12:18:22

You know Im surprised at the fact that they havnt come up with a treadmill screen simulation yet. It would be fun as heck! I do know of workouts from your home on a treadmill that you can connect to other people on their treadmills though. Nice workout!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
15.000.0015.00

2:05, I estimate about 15 miles. Felt pretty good but I went out too fast, thinking "I feel great, I could keep this pace forever." My legs and the head wind from my 11 on did not agree :) But I just slowed down to finish up, no big deal. I am kind of glad it happened- that is definitely a lesson to remember marathon morning!!

My friend Steve from home (MD) is running the Columbus marathon tomorrow morning and has a chance to win!! He is aiming for a 2:30 so I will be tracking him online during the race!

 

magenta shoes- 137.1, blue shoes- 24.5 miles, orange shoes- 2 miles

Comments
From britta on Sat, Oct 18, 2008 at 15:12:08

Thanks Kelsie! Do you have a marathon coming up?

From Teena on Sat, Oct 18, 2008 at 15:41:51

Nice run Kelsey!!

You are still over a month out from MCM ... you are going to nail your "major goal."

From kelsey on Sat, Oct 18, 2008 at 19:18:28

Britta: November 29th I am running a really small marathon in Mississippi. So I've only got 2 really long runs left, an 18 and a 20!

Thanks Teena, I sure hope so!!!

From montelepsy on Sun, Oct 19, 2008 at 06:05:11

Not only are you fast, but you have such posh tastes in shoe color. If only I could pull off magenta...

From kelsey on Sun, Oct 19, 2008 at 16:42:49

Haha, thanks. I am sure you could pool off the magenta. My dad always said you know if a man is secure with his manhood if he wears pink :)

From kelsey on Sun, Oct 19, 2008 at 16:43:54

Ooops, I was about to respond to your swimming advice and I must have had "pool" on the brain when I typed that!!!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.000.000.00

I'm a cross training master!!! :) Haha, I wish. But yesterday I went out and bought a suit and goggles and I went swimming today!  I was really nervous because I had no idea what I was doing. It was only my third trip to the gym, 1st to the pool, so I didn't know where to go, and what to do when I got there. So I just kind of watched the other girls to figure it out. 

I ended up swimming about 20 laps, resting for 20-30 seconds between some of them, especially towards the end. I lost track though, so I was wondering how else people keep track of their swimming... do you just swim laps for a certain amount of time? I would like to know some way in which I could see improvement week to week that doesn't involve counting.

I don't have form of any sort yet, but my brother told me for the first few trips to just concentrate on my breathing and that will be more than enough to work on, then when I feel comfortable with that I can work on my stroke. I saw people watching me and wanted to yell out "Don't mind me, I'm just a runner!" Haha.

All in all I had a lot of fun! I could have gone longer but today was really just a trial day. I think I could use swimming as a low-impact workout the day after a long run, and maybe one other day a week.

Hope everyone is having a great Sunday. Time to watch my Baltimore Ravens!

 

 


Comments
From marion on Sun, Oct 19, 2008 at 12:53:33

Excellent swimming! Your brother is right. It is very important to get comfortable in the water first. Swimming is EXCELLENT!!! Great sport! Always know too that you can use a kick board and do laps that way. It keeps you moving when you need a break. I bet runners world has a conversion for it. the pool is either 25 or 50 meeters or yards.

Great job!!! :D

From montelepsy on Sun, Oct 19, 2008 at 14:24:13

Does the pool have one of those big deck clocks?

Let's say it takes you a minute to swim a lap and you want to rest 30 sec. You leave when the second hand is on top and when you get back you rest until the second hand hits the bottom. When you get back rest and leave when the hands at the top and keep alternating between leaving at the top and at the bottom.

Then you're doing 50s (assuming your pool's 25 meters or yards) on a 1:30 interval.

After 30 minutes you've done 20 laps. And you didn't have to count. Just warm up before and cool down afterward.

As for improvement, see if your rest time stays consistent.

And if you get over your aversion to counting. Count how many strokes it takes you to get to the other side of the pool and strive to get your stroke count lower.

From marion on Sun, Oct 19, 2008 at 16:03:48

Excellent advice Mike!

From kelsey on Sun, Oct 19, 2008 at 16:46:51

I agree with Marion, great advice! I will definitely look for a clock next time I am there. If so, I will try that out. I tried counting today but I was trying not to breathe in water, drown, or swim into the other guys lane and kept losing track!

From marion on Sun, Oct 19, 2008 at 17:05:24

All of the swim clocks I have ever seen are really big and white with blue and red hands. Very visable :)

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.000.004.00

4 easy miles. pleasant run :)

 

and my arms/shoulders are sore from swimming, so at least I know it was productive!!

 

shoe mileage: magenta brooks adrenaline- 137.1, blue brooks adrenaline- 28.5 miles, orange NB 903s- 2 miles

Comments
From huans32 on Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 13:36:50

LOL got to love changing these up. Sore all over again in new spots to boot. Are you looking to do a Tri with starting up swimming?

From marion on Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 14:49:04

Great run. It is really nice to know that the workouts are really working something :)

From kelsey on Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 15:31:10

Yeah, it's kind of funny that I can run for 2 hours and feel okay the next day, but swim for 20 minutes and I can barely raise my arms!!

I thought about a tri a while back, and borrowed my moms bike and went for a ride and hated it! I am not sure why though, I should really give it another shot. Maybe this swimming and biking as cross training will get me more interested! "Huans32" (sorry I don't know your name!!), I saw that you are interested in doing a tri, have you started training for one or is that just way in the future? I feel like it would also be a lot of commitment, so maybe after I finallllly graduate for good.

From montelepsy on Wed, Oct 22, 2008 at 10:13:46

I'd recommend going to a swim clinic to get a good foundation in form. Especially if you're thinking of going into tris.

Your back should be doing most of the work and there's a possibility of you straining your shoulders.

You don't want to burn bad form into your muscle memory, because you're going to have to unlearn it.

From Kelsey on Thu, Oct 23, 2008 at 13:23:36

That's a great idea, I'd love to get some help so that I'm doing it right. I'll have to look for something in my area. Until then, I'll take your pointers and read stuff online to figure out what I'm doing wrong. Thanks!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
2.003.005.00

12 x 400 with the track club.

my legs always feel heavy during intervals when i get up to my high mileage, and felt especially tired this week. i was going to cross train tomorrow but i think i am going to take the day off instead. better safe than sorry!

have a great night!

 

shoe mileage: magenta brooks adrenaline- 137.1, blue brooks adrenaline- 33.5 miles, orange NB 903s- 2 miles

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.000.000.00

Today is my day off so I have no run to post, but I'm looking for a little advice. These are my Saturday runs planned until my marathon:

this saturday (10/25): 18
11/1: I found a 15k in Mississippi I really want to do (Lake Caroline 15k)
11/8: 20
11/15: 14ish
11/22: 7ish
11/29: race

To look at it like that is kinda scary. But anyway, do you think the 15k would be too much? I really want to do it. I realize I may struggle a bit to go fast because of my 18 but I want to try anyway. I really want to aim to get as close to 7 minute pace as possible, although that will be really hard.  Or do you think I should take it a little easier that week? I could run that race at an easy pace just to get a 9 miler in, but where is the fun in that :)

 
Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Comments
From Nevels on Wed, Oct 22, 2008 at 20:40:53

If you use the whole week after your 18-miler as a recovery, just putting in easy mileage, then you should be fine for Lake Caroline. While I was at MSU, the runners from Jackson were always trying to get me to go do it, but something always came up; by all accounts, it is a really fun race. Best of luck to you!

From kelsey on Wed, Oct 22, 2008 at 20:44:50

Thanks so much for taking the time to read and give me advice. That's what I was thinking, so I think I am going to go ahead and do it. By the way, I am a former Bulldog as well! I graduated in '07 with my master's degree there. I think I am going to head to Starkville for the Kentucky game after the race.

From Nevels on Wed, Oct 22, 2008 at 20:56:53

Nice, I finished my undergrad there last year (working on Masters at Auburn now), and I have been trying to find a good weekend to get over there, but with Pinhoti coming up, weekends are getting scarce.

From rockness18 on Thu, Oct 23, 2008 at 20:27:57

Do it! I did a 1/2 marathon 3 weeks out from the marathon. It was very beneficial. Personally, I wouldn't taper to much for it...treat it as another training run and go hard. You'll still have plenty of time to taper for the marathon. Good luck!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
6.000.006.00

6 really easy miles at San Luis

 

I baked these last night... the best muffins I have ever made!!! People couldn't believe there was no butter or oil in them!

 
Oatmeal Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins.
12 muffins
350 degree oven, 25 minutes

3 large very ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup white sugar (or half it with splenda)
1 egg, beaten
1/3 cup applesauce (I used a lunch box sized prepackaged cup)
1 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 cup all purpose flour (or half and half with whole wheat)
1/2 cup oatmeal
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 cup chocolate chips (I used mini dark chocolate chips... awesome!! I'm sure you could use carob as well)

Mash the bananas in a large bowl. Add sugar and mix until well blended. Add in egg and applesauce, and beat together. Without stirring, add the dry ingredients to the bowl. Once they are all added together, stir the dry ingredients a bit, then incorporate into the wet ingredients; you could just use a separate bowl, but why do more dishes? Stir in the chocolate chips.

Spoon into medium sized muffin tins, well greased or lined with liners. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes at 350 degree oven.

 

Comments
From M on Thu, Oct 23, 2008 at 13:26:00

NICE muffins! (that sounds kind of dirty, hehehehehe) I am going to get my girls to make them tonight!!! Long run tomorrow, so I get a bit extra tonight :)

Great mile too ;)

From Kelsey on Thu, Oct 23, 2008 at 18:01:22

Awesome!! Let me know how they turn out. Everyone loved them at school today!

From Kelsey on Thu, Oct 23, 2008 at 18:16:41

oh, and i meant to say you can compliment my muffins any time. haha.

From Kelli on Tue, Oct 28, 2008 at 13:55:48

Those sound great! I am going to have to give them a try---I have bananas ready and waiting.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
18.000.0018.00

woooo!!! 18 down! 1 long run to go!

a friend of mine met me at mile 3 and ran 9 miles with me, so that was nice to have a little company. was able to push the last 2, probably around 7:30 pace for those.

power gel = my heat and soul

and i came back and still weighed over 100, which means i did a great job drinking and eating along the way! (during my last marathon i always came back under after my long runs, and that scared me).

heading out to the tailgate and game. go noles!!!

Comments
From marion on Sun, Oct 26, 2008 at 10:51:14

Nice miles!! OK- did you mean 100#'s TOTAL? How tall are you?

Nice miles!!! Way to go!!!

From kelsey on Sun, Oct 26, 2008 at 11:07:23

Thanks! It was a pretty good run, but my legs are not too happy about it today.

I'm 5'4, and when I get to my high mileage for my marathon training I get a little too small. So I have been keeping my weight up a little higher this time, and making sure I eat a lot before, during and after. I think I owe most of my success to my bowl of ice cream every night :)

From marion on Sun, Oct 26, 2008 at 11:30:41

Sorry about the legs ;) They'll get over it :D

You are TINY!!! Yes- you must eat! Eat some for me!!! :D

From montelepsy on Sun, Oct 26, 2008 at 12:41:57

You can reach under 100?! You may need to modify your gel belt to carry muffins or just get a muffin backpack.

From Megan on Sun, Oct 26, 2008 at 16:52:09

Nice Long Run Kelsey! I love power gels... once i discovered them, my long runs were so much better/easier. I have a whole box of them:) Your marathon is just around the corner now... r u going to taper for 2 or 3 weeks?

And ditto to the other posters... you are tiny, eat some for me too:)

From kelsey on Sun, Oct 26, 2008 at 18:53:32

Yum, a muffin pack... don't mind if I do!

It is definitely getting close, I'm getting excited/anxious! I am running a 15k this weekend, the following weekend running my 20 miler and then tapering for 3 weeks. Although I am worried about finding a perfect balance so I don't taper too much or too little. I think I'm going to look through everyones blogs for some tapering samples :)

From Kelli on Tue, Oct 28, 2008 at 13:57:14

Add some chocolate to that ice cream!!! great long run lady, I am impressed with your times. VERY.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.000.000.00

Was going to cross train today, but my legs were feeling pretty rough. Last night I kept waking up because my legs were aching, especially my ankles (which have never hurt me before). I know it's because right after my run I walked 2 miles to the tail gate and then stood up for 4 hours at the game. So they just never got the rest they needed. Looking forward to jogging a few miles tomorrow morning to loosen up the muscles a bit.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.000.004.00

4 easy miles to loosen up the muscles for the week! Still a little sore from Saturday, but that comes with the territory :)

Brookes Adrenaline (Magenta) Miles: 4.00
Comments
From snoqualmie on Tue, Oct 28, 2008 at 09:15:54

I keep coming back to your blog, lurking up til now, just because I love to see your picture. You look so happy, beautiful and strong. I often feel like that when I am running but I've yet to see it captured in a photo of myself - rather, I usually look like I'm about to die. Nice miles! :)

From Kelsey on Tue, Oct 28, 2008 at 13:43:41

Haha. Thanks, that's so sweet! Most of my running pictures don't look as graceful :) I was really enjoying myself, and ran at a pretty casual pace so I don't look as tired as I often do in my pictures. It was my first marathon so I was just running it to enjoy it. Mission accomplished! Thanks for lurking :)

From Kelli on Tue, Oct 28, 2008 at 13:54:56

That is funny that she said that. I agree!! All of my pictures come out with me looking like I wish I was anywhere but where I am. Well, maybe that is true???

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
2.002.004.00

I really need help!!! I decided today that I am going to buy a GPS watch. I am a little worried about staying on pace at my marathon since there will be so few people there. I am overwhelmed with the options and if anyone could tell me what they think about any particular type I would really appreciate it.

I want a small one because my wrists are so small, but I also wanted one with the least options. I kind of just wanted one to tell my distance and pace, not heart rate or link to my computer or anything like that.

I'd appreciate any help!!! Thanks!

------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

2 x 1600 @ goal race pace for the weekend


Brookes Adrenaline (Magenta) Miles: 4.00
Comments
From Jody on Tue, Oct 28, 2008 at 19:47:56

I have a Garmin 305. I really like it the best of everything I have tried. I do not recommend those that require a foot pod. Good Luck!

From kelsey on Tue, Oct 28, 2008 at 19:56:49

Thanks so much Jody, that helps more than you know! I was so overwhelmed and just needed someone to recommend a good one. Thanks again!

From JD on Tue, Oct 28, 2008 at 20:54:05

I've got a Garmin Forerunner 205. It's just like the 305 except no heart rate monitor, therefore it's less expensive.

From snoqualmie on Wed, Oct 29, 2008 at 09:32:38

My old Garmin 205 went bonkers this summer and I upgraded to the 405. I LOVE it. It is still a big watch, but it sits more comfortably on my tiny wrists (5.5" around at the wrist bone). I love the Sage green color too -- sorry guys, but we women don't always want a big honkin' black thing on our wrists. Technically, the 405 is a huge improvement over my old 205. I got the one without a heart rate monitor to save money. Good luck! :)

From kelsey on Wed, Oct 29, 2008 at 11:50:38

Thanks everyone for your help! It looks like all of you are happy with your Garmins so I am going to go to best buy to see which ones they have there. Time to spend some money!

From Eric Day on Wed, Oct 29, 2008 at 20:03:11

I have a Polar RS800 and think its great. A heart monitor on your wrist is not 100% exact, the band on the chest is better. And Polar uses a foot pod, but i've had no problem with it. It measures pace, altitude, distance, heart rate, etc, and another 1,000 things I don't know how to use yet.

And its very light, they have smaller versions also...

Found this article comparing Polar and Garmin: http://www.pccoach.com/newsletters/May06/ComparisonReviewS625XvFR305.htm

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.000.000.00

Rest day! I just ordered a 3:40 "pace tat" for my marathon! Exciting. No luck with the garmin today, going to have to go to some specialty stores or go ahead and order one online.

Comments
From marion on Thu, Oct 30, 2008 at 19:07:58

There is one for sale on the blog store for a great price ;)

I hope you enjoyed your rest day :)

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.000.005.00

5 easy miles while my car was getting fixed

Brookes Adrenaline (Magenta) Miles: 5.00
Race: Lake Caroline 15K (9.3 Miles) 01:02:46, Place overall: 1, Place in age division: 1
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.009.309.30

Probably my best race ever :)  More details later, but this is the biggest race I ever won! I felt really strong, and actually ran negative splits. I took the lead at mile 4ish and ran out of fear for the next 5.3, picking up the pace just because I was scared of getting caught. 

 

Long version (more for me to look back on later, don't feel like you need to read it!!):

When Jason and I arrived at the race, I picked out the woman I thought was going to win. So when the race started I kind of went with her and her friend for the first mile. She said she was starting easy and we ended up running around a 6:52, which got me a little worried. I was only aiming to run 7:30s for a 1:10. But I decided to stay with them for as long as I could... why not.  We stayed pretty much on that pace, but by almost four miles I saw her form start to go. So I went for it. When I passed her the fear came and I got really freaked out. I was laughing at myself because I new I went out way too fast, but once again, why not see how long I can hold it. The course was a figure 8, so I new I would be passing the start and seeing Jason at around 4.5. I was so excited for him to see me in first even though I didn't think I could hold it.  I gave him my gloves and saw he was kind of freaked out too (since he knew I was out way faster than expected). I asked him how far back she was and he just yelled at me to go run. Honestly, I couldn't even breathe once I passed him because of the overwhelming emotions, and had to tell myself to get control of my body. So really the next half consisted of me picking up the pace due to fear (dropped to 6:35s). It felt fast, but great. I made sure to enjoy myself as well though, yelling for all the runners and joking around with the volunteers. I had no idea if I could keep it, but when I got to the 8 mile mark I knew I was home free, and I couldn't see any women behind me which was awesome. Since it was a figure 8 the other runners were running in the opposite direction and cheering for me all kinds of encouraging words, and of course being the talker that I am I thanked every one of them or told them good job as well.  I love that part of running. I finished feeling really strong, which makes me feel like I can beat this time one day, it just wouldn't be as fun :) I was also 11th overall, which was something else I was really proud of.  One of the proudest races of my life, definitely my best since college.  Then I ate three chocolate chip cookies and some wafer cookies. Yum!! After the race the woman I picked out in the beginning saw me standing next to Jason's car with the South Carolina tags and she jokingly yelled "Go back to South Carolina!" I loved it! 

Oh, and one guy finished the race on crutches. Crazy.

I am now getting really excited for my marathon (but not so much for my twenty miler!).  

Brookes Adrenaline (Magenta) Miles: 9.30
Comments
From montelepsy on Sun, Nov 02, 2008 at 02:22:28

Wow, congrats! Keep running scared it does you good.

From Barry on Sun, Nov 02, 2008 at 08:57:52

WOW, that is awesome. I have not won very many races, but when i did it was an awesome feeling!!

From Nevels on Sun, Nov 02, 2008 at 16:49:23

Congrats on the win, and props to you for a well-executed race!

From schotz on Sun, Nov 02, 2008 at 19:03:29

awesome job! Your marathon goal is well within reach!

From marion on Sun, Nov 02, 2008 at 21:57:51

KELSEY!!!! HOLY CRAP!!!! I am so glad I logged in tonight! You are AMAZING and I just am so impressed! WOW!!! You are going to have the BEST marathon! CONGRATULATIONS my dear! Those awesome muffins of yours must be the key! ;)

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

From kelsey on Tue, Nov 04, 2008 at 09:25:38

Thanks everyone for your kind words and encouragement! Hopefully you will be able to say similar things after my marathon!

From Kelli on Tue, Nov 04, 2008 at 10:18:14

HOLY COW!!!!! That is so fast. How did you ever do that? You are amazing. Now I am excited to see what the marathon brings you. SO AWESOME!!!!!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.000.004.00

easy miles on the track after class.

Brookes Adrenaline (Magenta) Miles: 4.00
Comments
From Kelli on Tue, Nov 04, 2008 at 09:32:06

You are doing great! I love reading your training, it gives me ideas that I may just one day try. When is your next race?

From marion on Tue, Nov 04, 2008 at 09:42:00

Glad to see you running after your amazing win!!! Whoo hoo!!

From kelsey on Tue, Nov 04, 2008 at 16:18:13

Aw thanks :) I am in a weird position, since I have historically run better with more rest, but I know I am doing the complete opposite of what Sasha recommends. I don't know if I want to amp up my usual training for my next race or try a method closer to what Sasha recommends. It might be worth a shot. But I don't have to worry about that yet, because I am in the HOME STRETCH!!! Yay! My marathon is November 29th, so really I just have a 20 miler and some tapering left. Thanks for your support ladies :)

From Kelli on Tue, Nov 04, 2008 at 16:22:24

Nov 29th? Which Marathon is that??

Sasha is great and amazing, but I think you have found what works for you. We are all different, so stick with it!!

Enjoy a great taper after your 20.

BTW, what age group are you in? You look young (I am sure you are!!!)

From kelsey on Tue, Nov 04, 2008 at 16:39:04

Yeah, I am a youngin, only 24. The marathon I am running is a super super small marathon called the Mississippi Coast Marathon in Waveland, MS. Probably only about 150 people, and the first girl usually runs between 3:30 and 3:40, so if I run a really good race and get a BQ I should also be around top 3! That adds even more excitement, so I am just hoping for a great (uneventful) 20 miler so I can get rid of any training anxiety, and then an even better race. My biggest fear is to get injured during my last long run!

From Kelli on Tue, Nov 04, 2008 at 17:09:09

Oh, then you should win (females anyway)!!! That will be fun!!! You are gonna have one heck of a PR.

From Nevels on Tue, Nov 04, 2008 at 18:33:02

After what you did at Lake Caroline, I think Kelli is right: you should go for the win at the MCM. Best of luck, and enjoy the taper.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
2.253.005.25

4 x 1200 with the gulf winds

Brookes Adrenaline (Magenta) Miles: 5.25
Comments
From marion on Wed, Nov 05, 2008 at 16:21:02

Nice run!!! Are those gulf winds warm? I bet they are soft! :) The cold wind here feels very sharp and it sneeks into all of the cracks. Burrrr!!! I may come and bunk with you for the winter :)

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.000.000.00

rest day! hope everyone had a good one!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.250.005.25

about 5 easy miles, rockin out to the ipod :)

it took over ten minutes to find my shoes this morning in my 800 square foot apartment. i wish school would just give me a break so i could clean and do some laundry :(

Brookes Adrenaline (Magenta) Miles: 5.00
Comments
From barry on Thu, Nov 06, 2008 at 12:37:34

So when is your marathon?

From Kelsey on Thu, Nov 06, 2008 at 13:21:36

November 29th, 3 weeks from this weekend! I do my 20 miler on Saturday. I'm starting to get pretty excited!

From The Howling Commando on Thu, Nov 06, 2008 at 13:24:19

I hear you about the break from school . Sheesh I'm so swamped in work I want to scream!

From Nevels on Thu, Nov 06, 2008 at 13:58:54

Amen to that

From kelsey on Thu, Nov 06, 2008 at 14:54:05

have you ever seen the movie Office Space (one of the best movies ever) where they destroy the fax machine? i would totally do that to my office computer right now if i wouldn't lose my funding :)

From Nevels on Thu, Nov 06, 2008 at 15:10:40

Fantastic movie, and at times, I could do that to my office computer as well, but I've got to go; I have a meeting with the Bobs...

From montelepsy on Fri, Nov 07, 2008 at 08:43:14

When the consultants come in and assess the employees, there's that one guy who says it's his job to take the requirements from the customers and then give it to engineering. He gets fired. I would have been fired too, because that's my job.

Why couldn't you find your shoes? Did they blend in with your magenta, orange and blue apartment?

From kelsey on Fri, Nov 07, 2008 at 09:19:49

haha, i actually thought of you when i couldn't find them because i thought "it shouldn't be this hard to find silver and magenta shoes." they were under a pile of clothes though, which makes it harder. i will be spending my friday night doing laundry and carbo-loading and i am looking forward to it!

From marion on Fri, Nov 07, 2008 at 16:02:29

the shoes ? funny :D

From montelepsy on Sat, Nov 08, 2008 at 01:12:02

You associate me with magenta. Eek!

Carbo-loading is my favorite. I practice it often, even if I don't have a race.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
20.000.0020.00

Estimated about 20 miles, 2:56:45

 

Long runs done!!! If you can't tell I am writing this right as I got home, so I am still on my runners high and enjoying my chocolate milk :)

 

Warning: This may contain too much information.

 

Games I played to keep myself busy:

 

1. Find the cheapest gas- $2.19 but then I forgot to keep looking once I started running with Michael at mile 10. 

2. I spy something gross- I saw some pretty gross things on my run today. The first one was the spine of an unidentified animal. The cool thing was that I saw it on my 18 miler too, and it was still there this week. I actually got to run by it twice today too, lucky me. The second grossest thing on my run was when at mile 9 I snot rocketed down my own leg. (That was the too much information). The winner of the grossest thing on my run was so gross that I will not share it because seriously, you do not want to hear about it. Let's just say it belonged in a bathroom, and I guarantee you it is not what you are thinking.

3. Holler at cha boy- Count how many obnoxious college guys yell, whistle or honk at me. This number increases exponentially on game days, which happened to fall on both my 18 and 20 milers. I had 6 today, which isn't that much but for 7 miles I was running with a guy friend of mine, which usually deters them. And note that 6 is the number of vehicles, not people, as the truck with 4 drunk guys in the back (yes, at 9am) would have doubled the number.

Sadly, I won't be attending the football game today because when I did that after my 18 my legs screamed at me all night. So I am just going to watch it on tv and do some much needed cleaning.

Time for an AWESOME breakfast!! I am going to make pumpkin carob chip pancakes and turkey bacon. Oh yeaaaahhhh.  

Brooks Adrenaline (Blue) Miles: 20.00
Comments
From marion on Sat, Nov 08, 2008 at 10:39:29

Kelsey- you have made my day! I love your list! I am going to copy you from now on!

Glad to see you are going to clean- maybe you have more running shoes than you think ;)

AWESOME 20 miles! You rock!!!

From barry on Sat, Nov 08, 2008 at 10:40:41

I like the play by play action. Nice run today! How are you feeling after your twenty mile run?

From Teena on Sat, Nov 08, 2008 at 20:41:21

Kelsey, You are hilarious!!! And ... you are so ready for your marathon. I can hardly wait to read all about it. 3 weeks, right? SWEET!!

From montelepsy on Sun, Nov 09, 2008 at 04:35:23

Carob! Oh nooo!

Turkey bacon! Double oh nooo!

From kelsey on Sun, Nov 09, 2008 at 19:14:39

Aww thanks guys, I'm feeling great, and ready to begin my taper!!

And I actually used chocolate chips instead of carob chips because I just really wanted them. So there :)

From marion on Sun, Nov 09, 2008 at 19:19:21

I am actually at a loss as to why Karob is supposedly better. I see no problem at all with moderate amounts of chocolate. ESPECIALLY for you my dear ;) Enjoy your taper :) You are going to ROCK your marathon :)

From The Howling Commando on Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 07:45:30

That is amazing! You are one tough cookie!

From Kelli on Wed, Nov 12, 2008 at 23:47:09

I have been slacking, but that was a great read! I am dying to know what belonged in the bathroom, my imagination is going wild right now!!! And to think of cute, tiny little you and a snot rocket---something does not compute!!!

From tarzan on Sun, Nov 16, 2008 at 21:00:08

I love your tricks to keep your mind busy. I may borrow the first two - I'm too old to get whistles for the last one.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.000.004.00

I had a great accomplishment today! I convinced my parents to fly down for my marathon. They weren't sure if they should come because of the cost and all the other things going on at home right now, but I worked on them enough and now they are coming! I ordered their plane tickets for them today so it's official! Since they are accountants they have no life during tax season, and my dad (fellow marathoner) died a little inside when he couldn't see my first marathon. So to make up for it he is running the first half of this one with me (there is a half marathon that is one lap, the marathon is two). How cool is that!

Brooks Adrenaline (Blue) Miles: 4.00
Comments
From marion on Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 21:44:57

That is REALLY cool! I am super happy for you!!!

From Kelli on Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 21:48:25

Yeah!! Where are they flying in from? That is great that they will do that for you---it makes a big difference when you know you have someone cheering for you!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
2.002.004.00

Didn't feel well at all even at the easy pace, so I cut the intervals short. This happened in the spring after my 20 miler too, so no worries.

 

Ended up doing 1 mile, 1200, 400

Brookes Adrenaline (Magenta) Miles: 4.00
Comments
From marion on Wed, Nov 12, 2008 at 12:45:35

Good job on modifying the workout! :) It is so important :) You are smokin' When is your marathon?

From Nevels on Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 00:17:24

Good presence of mind to know what you can handle and when to back off a little rather than just push through and end up either simply fatiguing or, worse, injuring yourself. Kudos

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.500.005.50

easy miles

 

Reminder for race day: I don't usually feel good until mile 4 or 5, so don't get discouraged if I don't feel good in the beginning.

Brooks Adrenaline (Blue) Miles: 5.50
Comments
From The Howling Commando on Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 11:34:51

You are gearing up for a huge PR I can smell it! You are going to have so much fun!

From kelsey on Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 18:30:52

I hope so!! I just hope nothing dumb screws it up. Every time someone sneezes I shudder!

From Kelli on Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 18:50:34

Just be smart! You are, so all will be well. You are going to be awesome.

I KNOW when I hit mile 5 becasue I FINALLY find a rhythm, so I hear ya!!!

From marion on Fri, Nov 14, 2008 at 10:05:35

You can't judge a run by the first few miles... runs are just like books! :) Hang in there! Are you keeping above 100? Do it for me! ;P

From kelsey on Sat, Nov 15, 2008 at 15:47:15

Glad I'm not the only one! During the beginning of my last half marathon I was worried because I felt so crappy for the first 4 or 5. But at least now I know it's kind of the norm.

And Marion, after my 12 mile run today I ate a meal from chick fila with a peppermint chocolate chip milkshake. So that should help :)

From Kelli on Sat, Nov 15, 2008 at 15:52:25

AWW, that milkshake sound delicious!!! Our Chick Fil A does not have and fun flavors like that! But do you not just LOVE Chick Fil A????

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
12.000.0012.00

Ran with Michael. Felt a little faster than I planned but I'll be fine. Maybe it was just because I didn't get very much sleep last night. My turtle is really sick, I took him to the vet last night at 5:30 and 8:30, then again at 7:30 this morning. I slept on the couch so I could keep a better eye on him, and kept waking up and walking over to him to make sure he is alive. He is looking a lot better as of right now. I really hope he makes it, he's the coolest guy ever and only 4 months old. It's been a rough couple of days.

 

The man:

The Man

Brookes Adrenaline (Magenta) Miles: 12.00
Comments
From Kelli on Sat, Nov 15, 2008 at 16:43:34

How can you tell your turtle is sick? Poor guy.

Great run, tired or not!

From britta on Sat, Nov 15, 2008 at 22:33:07

Ditto, how do you tell a turtle is sick? That is so exciting that your parents are coming and that you dad will be running half with you.

When is race day?

From kelsey on Sun, Nov 16, 2008 at 11:24:04

His eyes were swollen shut :( They are getting better though. It's the most pathetic thing I have ever seen. I thought it was an infection but I read some stuff online about defective reptile UVB lights and I had just put a new light bulb in his cage and it was on the list as causing problems. So I think it gave him what they call photo-kerato-conjunctivitis. If that's true he should be much better by tomorrow with no permanent damage. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it's nothing more than that. Poor little man.

My race is two weeks from yesterday! I'm getting excited, and I am so glad my dad will be there to pace me the first half!

From britta on Sun, Nov 16, 2008 at 11:35:19

Poor little turle!

2 weeks!! Yeah! You will do great.

I have been trying to add you on to my favorite blogs but I type your name in and then someone else by the name blog name kstad shows up on my favorites. Do you know anything about that?

From montelepsy on Sun, Nov 16, 2008 at 14:40:36

How do you know he's a man?

I'm touched that you slept on the couch to watch over your turtle. What dedication!

From kelsey on Sun, Nov 16, 2008 at 20:12:29

My blog address is kelseystraining.fastrunningblog.com since just kelsey was already used. that may help! :)

And I am not sure if he is a guy. You can't really tell until they are older, males have longer tails and toe nails. So I hear.

And as an update after long hours of turtle research: It turns out the UV lamp in the new tank I got him may have been leaking UVC and caused his eyes to swell and his lethargy. I am sending the bulb away to researchers in England who are going to test it. Then they can report it to the company and get it off the shelves. Crazy! If this is the actual cause by tomorrow morning he should be around 90% healthy :) If not, I will probably need to go to the vet again.

From Kelli on Sun, Nov 16, 2008 at 20:49:50

Here is to a healthy and happy turtle tomorrow morning!!!

From britta on Sun, Nov 16, 2008 at 22:47:14

Yea! I did it! I don't know why that was so hard for me to figure out.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
2.500.002.50

Very short, slow run around campus I was able to throw in between school obligations.

Brookes Adrenaline (Magenta) Miles: 2.50
Comments
From Kelli on Mon, Nov 17, 2008 at 21:50:35

GREAT JOB, fitting it in sometime is so hard!

How is the turtle?

From kelsey on Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 17:29:42

Thanks! It wasn't as far as I wanted but at least I was able to get out there.

He is actually doing great! Almost a full recovery. I am so relieved, it had gotten scary there for a little while.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
2.002.504.50

2 x 1 mile, 1 x 800

Brookes Adrenaline (Magenta) Miles: 4.50
Comments
From marion on Wed, Nov 19, 2008 at 14:41:00

Hey you! Great runs this week! When is your marathon?

From Kelsey on Wed, Nov 19, 2008 at 14:51:02

In a week and a half :) I'm getting stir crazy!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.000.004.00

Sorry for the lame entries, my home computer is broken and I don't have time at school to say much. I haven't gotten to read a lot people's stuff lately but I hope everyone is doing great!! Especially all those sickos out there. I'm glad I'm 2000 miles away from you!

Brookes Adrenaline (Magenta) Miles: 4.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
7.000.007.00

I'm illegally putting this run in before I do it because I won't have computer access for a while. But I plan on doing about 7 before I leave for North Carolina for a conference. One week til the big day!!!!!!!!!!

Brookes Adrenaline (Magenta) Miles: 7.00
Comments
From Kelli on Fri, Nov 21, 2008 at 21:15:51

Okay, well, then whenever you read this----GOOD LUCK!!! I will be at the computer all day in 7 days waiting for your big PR report!

I cheat all of the time and post in advance (then I have to change it becasue I do less or more, but usually less!)

From montelepsy on Fri, Nov 21, 2008 at 23:51:17

Cheaters never win, unless they don't get caught.

I can't wait to see how much your hard work will pay off.

From britta on Sat, Nov 22, 2008 at 02:39:59

Good luck! You will do great!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.000.004.00

2 marathon pace miles sandwiched my mile jogs.


I will be getting a new computer this week!!!! Then I will be able to catch up with everyone.

Brookes Adrenaline (Magenta) Miles: 4.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.000.000.00

There is a chance of rain right now for Saturday morning but I am not letting it freak me out too bad. However, if any SGers who ran in the rain and wind this year have any pointers in dealing with the adverse weather, I'd love to hear them! 

I think I am going to watch Spirit of a Marathon tonight. Or Run Fatboy Run :) 

Comments
From Kelli on Wed, Nov 26, 2008 at 14:18:10

I loved the rain! It did not affect me at all. I think it hurt the elite runners, but the rest of us kind of did not mind it!

GOOD LUCK and have a great Thanksgiving!

From marion on Thu, Nov 27, 2008 at 10:37:22

Be warm enough! I vote for Run FatBoy RUn!!! You need some REAL inspiration ;)

From barry on Thu, Nov 27, 2008 at 12:12:59

i have no advice on running in rain, but i know that you'll do just fine. And also i want to wish you good luck and God speed. I know you are going to run a great race, so relax and enjoy the race.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
3.000.003.00

3 easy miles

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!! What a great day to have to carbo-load :) 

Brooks Adrenaline (Blue) Miles: 3.00
Comments
From montelepsy on Fri, Nov 28, 2008 at 09:31:45

Don't be so short sighted, every day is a great day to carbo-load.

From Kelli on Sun, Nov 30, 2008 at 20:54:38

Waiting for the race report is killing me!!!

From josh on Mon, Dec 01, 2008 at 03:35:24

I'm running a 10K in Moab this Saturday. If the elevation doesn't kill me, I'm certain miles 4 and 5 will. Nice gloves.

From barry on Mon, Dec 01, 2008 at 07:03:17

I am also waiting for your race report!

From kelsey on Mon, Dec 01, 2008 at 07:56:07

It's up! Kinda sorta... but good enough for now! Thanks for the support :)

Race: Mississippi Coast Marathon (26.2 Miles) 03:37:16, Place overall: 4, Place in age division: 2
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.0026.2026.20

I'm going to Boston!!!!!!!!

 
Sorry for the delay! My home computer is completely broken.  I'll give details later, but I felt horrible, weather was crappy, but I still got what I needed!! I look forward to killing this time sometime soon. Right now it looks like Boston may wait until 2010, but I'm really excited! Splits and details to come...

 

Super-detailed race report for future reference:

At the start of the race it was 68 degrees with a dew point of 65. I couldn't believe how hot and humid it felt, especially after training in Tallahassee. There was a wind of 5-10 which was bitter sweet because it made it tough to run but also wicked away a little sweat.

Mile 1: 8:01  My dad and I decided I would try to do the first half at 8-8:10 pace. That meant any time under 8:23s (what I needed for Boston) could be used in the second half.

Mile 2: 8:03

Mile 3: 8:07 Still feeling pretty heavy at this point and couldn't get comfortable with the pace. I figured it would take a couple more miles. 

Mile 4: 8:04

Mile 5: 7:58 Usually the magic mile, but still felt crappy today. My dad asked how I felt and I just kept saying "it's still early."

Mile 6: 8:03 Still feeling bad but happy with my splits so far.

Mile 7: 8:12 I knew my time I planned to finish would have made me win this race 50% of the previous years which made me really nervous. At this point there was a small out and back portion and I saw 3 women in front of me which actually made me feel great and really calmed me down. It meant I could run my own race.

Mile 8: 8:05 Still felt bad and realized that I most likely would the whole race. Began to realize that this is what a bad running day feels like. I hadn't felt bad on race day in years, so I was well overdue! Took a gu hoping for a little help.

Mile 9: 8:04

Mile 10: 8:12 I usually take a few sips at water stops, but by this point I realized I needed to take in a full cup at each one.

Mile 11: 8:03 This is where the races split and my dad went towards the finish. Game time! It got really lonely after this point, I only passed 5-6 people from here until the end of the race. 

Mile 12: 8:04 Ate an orange slice.

Mile 13: 8:04 Ate another gu and and realized this was the hardest half marathon I had ever run in my life. I was more tired than my fastest half. My split was around 1:46, giving me 4 minutes "in the bank" as my dad and I referred to it. That was good to know.

Mile 14: 8:11 By this point I was taking two cups at each water stop, drinking the gatorade and half the water, then dumping the other half of the water over my head. I never had to do that before. I passed a guy and he looked at me, didn't say a word and fist-bumped me. It was the coolest thing ever, I may need to steal that idea. I passed another guy and gave him some encouraging words. He just looked at me and in the most miserable voice moaned "I'm dyiiingggg." 

Mile 15: 8:03

Mile 16: 7:59 Still keeping my splits where they needed to be, and knew I just needed to hold on to it as long as I could.  At this point I had 5 minutes "in the bank." 

Mile 17: 8:15 

Mile 18: 8:23  Another gu. It started to thunder and we all anxiously waited for the rain, hoping somehow we would only get a nice cooling drizzle.

Mile 19: 8:27 It began to downpour right at the mile marker, with thunder, lightning and wind... the works. 

Mile 20: 8:22 Shoes now completely soaked through for the first time on a long run. Didn't think they would feel this heavy, but I guess anything does 20 miles in.  I just stared at the ground and pulled myself ahead. I knew this would be the longest six miles of my life. It was the first time I felt too tired to talk to other runners that were running in the opposite direction. Most of them I couldn't even pick up my head to make eye contact with.

Mile 21: 8:37 Honestly the only thing going on in my head from here to the finish was "this is the hardest thing I've ever done in my entire life." Over and over. I tried to think about other things but it was too hard, so I went back to that.

Mile 22: 8:36

Mile 23: 8:35 Continued to just pull myself. Ate a gu but it took an entire mile to finish.

Mile 24: 8:50 I think this is where there was a bad head wind.

Mile 25:  8:52 There was no one around me and I actually thought I was lost. That's something that will freak you out 25 miles in! I finished with a 7 minute bubble around me of no runners. 

Mile 26: 8:35 

Finish: 3:37:16. I saw my parents and started to hyperventilate because of all the emotion of being done. Kind of embarrassing. My legs were the achiest they have ever been and I was soooo cold after I stopped, but warm clothes and jambalaya felt awesome! I was 4th girl, 2nd in my age group, and something like 17th overall (I think).

I know this was really detailed, but I want to remember what it felt like to run this far while feeling horrible. It was the strongest my mind ever had to be during a race to get me through this. I did what I had to do to get my BQ, which is awesome, but I can't wait to kill this time! I know if I am feeling good and have good weather I can do it.  I think I will aim for 3:30 next time. I will be working on my race plans for the next week or two, and I'll let you know! Thanks everyone for your thoughts and support!

Brooks Adrenaline (Blue) Miles: 26.20
Comments
From Nevels on Mon, Dec 01, 2008 at 08:12:56

A PR is a PR; pretty good for feeling horrible with crappy weather. Congrats!

From Barry on Mon, Dec 01, 2008 at 09:42:22

WOW, that is awesome! I knew you could do it! I am sorry you have to wait to go to Boston. Now take it easy the next week to two weeks. Congratulation again!!!

From marion on Mon, Dec 01, 2008 at 09:54:10

YEAH!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!! You are just plain AMAZING!!!! Whoo Hooo!!! I think it is those muffins!!! ;D

From britta on Mon, Dec 01, 2008 at 15:19:21

Whoa Who!!!! I can't wait to hear the details.

From marion on Mon, Dec 01, 2008 at 15:26:54

I love the details, Kelsey! You are UNREAL!!! WOW!! I am so proud of you!!!

From britta on Mon, Dec 01, 2008 at 17:50:25

I loved reading all the details. You will be able to smash 3:30!

From Burt on Mon, Dec 01, 2008 at 18:08:50

Are you kidding me? Awesome race!

From Kelli on Mon, Dec 01, 2008 at 18:21:37

YEAH!!! You did so great!! My SIL ran the race, too. She is from New Orleans and I did not even know she was going! She was the 12th woman overall, but 1st in her age division (30-34) with a time of 4:26!!! I wish I had been there, I would have had my first ever place in my age division. Bummer for me.

Anyway, back to you! That sounds like it was a tough race for you, BUT you did awesome and I know you will be even better the next time around. You got your BQ and that is really the most important thing, right???? Heal well and take good care of yourself.

From montelepsy on Mon, Dec 01, 2008 at 19:21:42

Wow, Mile 25 must have been surreal. Congrats on qualifying!

From Mark on Tue, Dec 02, 2008 at 11:07:17

Wow! what an awesome race. I sure know the feeling of feeling like it's not a good day but there is still over 20 miles left to run. And then you got rained on! as well as blown by wind. Great job on battling the forces trying to stop you and congratulations on BQ. Good luck with your Boston training.

From Kelli on Tue, Dec 02, 2008 at 12:26:48

Hey, just out of curiosity, how many people ran the marathon? I can not believe you saw so few people and ran for 7 minutes alone!! That would be enough to freak anyone out. All of the people at the end help you to keep moving (at least me)!! Is it an out an back marathon??

I was just wondering! I have to add again that you did awesome! AWESOME!!!

From Kelsey on Tue, Dec 02, 2008 at 16:52:17

Thanks everyone! It was definitely the most I've ever had to rely on my mental endurance over physical... it made for a totally different kind of race!

Marion, since my parents were in town I actually made the muffins for them, so I may be muffined out at this point :)

Kelli, the race was two loops with a small out and back portion in the middle of each loop. Pretty confusing when your head is all cloudy! I think there were about 150 people in the marathon, then another 150 or more in the half. That's awesome about the sister-in-law, do you know if the weather affected her as well?

From Megan on Tue, Dec 02, 2008 at 18:22:07

Hey Kelsey... Congrats on your Boston Qualifier! awesome marathon girl! Sorry for the delayed congrats, I've been slacking on logging into my blog.

Ang you got 2nd in your division and 4th overall... my gosh you rock! If you change your mind and hit up Boston in 2009... I'll see you there~!

From Kelli on Tue, Dec 02, 2008 at 18:55:05

I think that a small marathon like that would be fun, but maybe not alone!! Like you said, you felt lost. I think having people around bolsters you at the end!! I bet the mental game you had to play was far worse than the rest of us can even imagine.

From rockness18 on Wed, Dec 03, 2008 at 17:13:19

Congrats on the BQ! Awesome race...you could have easily packed in in early. Great job!

From Sasha Pachev on Tue, Dec 09, 2008 at 16:44:22

Congratulations on making BQ! What is more impressive is that you did it with only 100-120 miles a month. I think with proper training you could be an hour faster.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
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walked 2 miles with my parents. legs feel good, ill probably jog a few miles tomorrow.

Comments
From The Howling Commando on Tue, Dec 02, 2008 at 10:26:09

What a great marathon the other day, Kelsey! :) Your hard training paid off!

From Nevels on Tue, Dec 02, 2008 at 13:48:09

You're a better runner than me; I've never had my legs feel "good" two days after a marathon, unless you mean "good" in a weird, distance-running, masochistic sort of way...

From Kelsey on Tue, Dec 02, 2008 at 16:47:52

Thanks :)

I would say my legs were feeling masochisticly well yesterday, but today they are normal-person well. Although when I try to jog on them tomorrow I am sure I will go back to the first description!

From Nevels on Tue, Dec 02, 2008 at 16:52:13

Nice!

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I'm totally overloaded with school work since I slacked off while my parents were here, but of course instead of doing work I am trying to plan my future race schedule.  Here is what I am thinking as of right now. I think it will be best to do Boston in 2010, since I have my preliminary doctoral exams in mid-April this spring.

 
This Saturday: 3k jingle bell fun run with some friends

January 17: 15k/30k in Tallahassee (not sure which I will do)

February 1: Tallahassee Half Marathon

February 21: Flash 12k in Tallahassee 

March 28: Antelope Island 50k

 

There is a marathon I want to do in Albany, GA on March 7th, which is very tempting, but I don't know if I want to run one before the 50k or not. I could run it easy as a training run, but it may be hard to hold myself back. I'll have to talk to the experts about that one :)

Comments
From Nevels on Tue, Dec 02, 2008 at 17:00:44

I've done 26+ mile training runs three weeks out from a big ultra before with no ill effects (and, I'm sorry to say, most of them have been on mainly roads), so you should be able to do the marathon if you take it easy and don't get caught up in the race atmosphere, which tends to be my main problem with races as training runs. At that point in training, if you are in good shape for the 50k, muscle/endocrine system/cardio recovery won't necessarily be an issue, but you may still want to monitor your joints and feet for aches and pains that may result from pounding the pavement for an hour or four. I'd say go for it; it sounds like fun.

Just my humble opinion

From marion on Tue, Dec 02, 2008 at 17:02:10

Hey Antelope Island is in our neck of the woods! We are going to have to have a muffin party!

From Kelsey on Tue, Dec 02, 2008 at 17:20:24

Of course the guy who runs 100-milers thinks it "sounds like fun" to running a marathon as a training run! I wouldn't say that around "normal people" although I'm sure the fact that you have run a 100-miler freaks them out even more. I think it would make my training a little easier because it takes up the spot of one really boring, lonely long run. As long as I keep my pace under control.

And yes Marion, I can't wait to meet everyone! I am totally up for a muffin party. As long as there is a ton of spaghetti as well :) After it is official and I buy my plane tickets we will all have to make plans!!

From Nevels on Tue, Dec 02, 2008 at 19:31:03

Exactly; it will be much more enjoyable than a boring lonely long run on roads you've covered a thousand times, and as long as you can control the pace, it'll be a solid, beneficial, and entertaining training run!

And muffins have carbs, too...

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
2.000.002.00

Went out to do 3 miles but ended up running two and walking the last one in with a slight limp. Looks like my left leg wants to hold Saturday against me for a little bit :)

30 degrees this morning, felt great! 

Brookes Adrenaline (Magenta) Miles: 2.00
Comments
From montelepsy on Thu, Dec 04, 2008 at 14:55:20

Vindictive leg, bummer.

From Kelli on Fri, Dec 05, 2008 at 18:04:35

I am glad you got out to run, even if it was just a little bit! Keep it up, you are awesome! Anyone who says 30 degrees is GREAT must be awesome!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
1.800.001.80

Ran a Jingle Bell Run 3k with my friend Jill and a bunch of other people. Her goal was to do the entire thing without walking and she did, and at a pretty decent clip, I was really proud! For 12 dollars and a toy donation we got a long sleeve t-shirt, santa hat, light up necklace (the race was at night) and a jingle bell for our shoes. There were 3,000 runners and lots of little kids and dogs, so you can imagine how crazy it was. Then I ate dinner there at the winter festival and enjoyed a chili cheese dog, bloomin' onion, and funnel cake... all calorie free and delicious!!! Then we watched the parade and headed home, which included for me a 2 mile walk to my car. I figure my legs could use the walking to get out any lingering tweeks. It was a great night and really put me in the Christmas spirit!

Brookes Adrenaline (Magenta) Miles: 1.80
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.000.000.00

I thought I had my spring races planned out and I just realized, I am used to running at sea level... would I be able to fly into Utah and run 31 miles?? I looked online for any info but couldn't really find anything. Does anyone know about racing in high elevations when you have never run there before?

I appreciate any input, I've got to make my decision soon because if I don't do this race I may run Boston in the spring. Thanks!

Comments
From montelepsy on Sun, Dec 07, 2008 at 15:04:53

The first time I ran in CO (coming from sea level going to 5,000 ft), I couldn't figure out why I tired so quickly. When I first went for a swim, it felt like I was suffocating. I didn't feel like I was getting enough air. I got used to it after a while, but altitude definitely made a difference to me.

I don't think it was just in my head, because I didn't figure it out until after the fact.

From marion on Sun, Dec 07, 2008 at 15:23:16

The elevation makes a big difference for sea level runners. Send a PM to Sasha and ask him. You could come out for a few weeks to acclimate ;) You could stay with us. It's small and LOUD, but you are very welcome :) Hey maybe with the elevation, I could keep up with you!

From Kelli on Sun, Dec 07, 2008 at 17:49:15

You could always just do a run for fun and walk if you have to! Which race are you thinking about? The one in St George??? I would be so happy if you would come and do that one, I want to run it FOR FUN so bad!

From barry on Sun, Dec 07, 2008 at 18:33:37

From my understanding Utah altitude is the same as Idaho, which is 4,580 feet. Are you flying in to Salt Lake area? What race are you talking about?

From kelsey on Sun, Dec 07, 2008 at 19:42:17

That's what I was scared of- getting tired more quickly.

I want to do the Antelope Island Buffalo Run 50k... so it is kind of worrisome thinking of doing 31 miles and having trouble breathing. It was going to be my big spring race (running a fun, easy marathon as a training run), so I was hoping to have a "decent" time, although I have no idea what that would be.

I'm not sure what I am going to do... I guess I could always move in with Marion so I can train in the high altitude :)

What race are you talking about Kelli?

From Kelli on Sun, Dec 07, 2008 at 20:02:10

You could move in with me, too. I have one less kids, so, you know, a fraction less noise!!! But Marion is way more fun than me, and cuter, too!!!

I was looking at the Red Mountain 50k (same weekend as Boston) in the St George area. It sounds like more fun to me, more scenic, better support and more porta potties, plus it is not a repeat (the Antelope one is 2 loops). BUT, if all else fails, I will be doing the Buffalo Run. Once again, for fun! I want my time to decent, but I will not push it over the top!

From Kelsey on Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 14:35:12

Kelli, I guess this means you aren't going to be running in Boston this year... are you thinking of doing 2010?

From Kelli on Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 19:27:05

Yes, my husband is going to try to qualify in Ogden in May or St George in September so that we can do it together in 2010. I am sure he will get it, he has been working his fanny off!!!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
3.500.003.50

Definitely not feeling great yet. When out to do four, but I ran 3, walked .5 then ran the remaining .5. Knees are hurting and my quads felt like bricks.

It makes me wonder how often I really want to run marathons, because they really take a lot out of you. And I think my favorite part of the entire process this time were the shorter races I ran while training for it. And they didn't leave my body feeling so beat up.

Brooks Adrenaline (Blue) Miles: 3.50
Comments
From Nevels on Thu, Dec 11, 2008 at 13:01:48

A marathon can do that to you, but I've always found that the longer distances felt more rewarding at the end. Don't get me wrong, I, too, love doing 5k's and 10k's in preparation for the longer races, but I also enjoy having that larger goal out in the distance to shoot for.

Now if you're really feeling eccentric, you know that the soreness from ultras usually subsides more quickly than the soreness from marathons, so, clearly, the only logical thing to do is...

From Kelli on Thu, Dec 11, 2008 at 19:01:10

Wow, and there is Nevels trying to convince another person to run more!!! Crazy guy!

I hope the soreness works out soon for you, I feel your pain!!! Have you tried Aleve (dumb question, I know, but that stuff is great!)

I HATE short races, I will take the long with all of the soreness! I think you need to pick what makes you happy and go with it!

From kelsey on Fri, Dec 12, 2008 at 08:40:04

Haha, Nevels is always recruiting. I felt a lot better today, and actually I haven't tried Aleve in a while, I may go pick some up.

I love half marathons. I think 13.1 is a fun distance. And you recover from them so quickly you can run a fast one every other week. But you guys are right, a marathon feels more rewarding.

From Kelli on Fri, Dec 12, 2008 at 19:25:33

Halfs are my favorite, too!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
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5 miles without stopping! Furthest since the marathon.

Still a little pain in the left knee.

Running will be tough for the next week or so, I'm going to Alabama for a wedding this weekend, then another wedding in Maryland next weekend. Crazy. 

Brooks Adrenaline (Blue) Miles: 5.00
Comments
From Nevels on Fri, Dec 12, 2008 at 11:27:27

So I just registered for the MS Blues Marathon, and I remembered that you said that you had done the half last year, and I was curious to know if you had any tips or advice regarding the course or the race in general. (And, out of shear curiosity, I was reading race comments on a comment paged linked to the website and was wondering if the comment from K.S. of Tallahassee was yours?)

Congrats on the progression of the recovery; it will come around, as you know, and suddenly you'll find yourself with that little itch to go find another one...

From Kelli on Sun, Dec 14, 2008 at 21:14:56

Great job on the 5! Have fun at the weddings and enjoy some rest and relaxation! You have earned it.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
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three miles at a pretty decent pace... all i had time for

Brooks Adrenaline (Blue) Miles: 3.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
2.003.005.00

I called today my coming out run. I was hoping I would go to intervals and feel great... and I did!!! While I felt like crap the last few weeks I kept remembering Kellies post a while back after SG when she said "this was the first time I felt good since the marathon" and I couldn't wait until I got to say it too!

So... this is the first time I felt good since the marathon.  What a relief to be able to say that.

And my friend is in town visiting, so she got to go to track practice with me which was awesome.

6x800, faster with each, starting at 3:19, ending at 2:57 

Brooks Adrenaline (Blue) Miles: 5.00
Comments
From Nevels on Tue, Dec 16, 2008 at 22:47:25

Good to hear you're recovering well; I know how frustrating it can be trying to get back into the swing of it after a long race. Way to hammer the speedwork!

From kelsey on Wed, Dec 17, 2008 at 02:31:19

Thanks! I knew today was going to make or break my recovery motivation, because I am so tired of feeling horrific. So for the first time since my marathon I'm actually excited to run again, which is a great feeling. I can't imagine what it feels like to have to recover from 100 miles...

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
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Three days in a row!! First time since... I really have no idea, probably 2003.

 

Ran with Natalie at San Luis. It felt so good to get to run with someone again! Knees feel great, quads are a little sore from last night but nothing crazy. Going to attempt a long run friday as a test. Maybe 10 or so.

Also, I just finished for the semester and I am done transcribing forever!! Yay! Long drive home to Maryland tomorrow morning (14 hours). It will be rough going from 80 degrees to 30!

  

Brooks Adrenaline (Blue) Miles: 3.70
Comments
From Nevels on Thu, Dec 18, 2008 at 12:46:46

Three days in a row; are you ramping up for a particular race?

Also, do you know anything about the Keys Ultras? I know Tallahassee is in the complete opposite end of the state, but I thought I'd ask anyway; I have a friend who wants to try it, and I'm trying to decide if I want to jump in or not.

From Kelli on Thu, Dec 18, 2008 at 12:53:46

Great job, that is awesome. Glad you are feeling so great. Happy you never have to transcribe again and enjoy the time with your family (and join the rest of us in some COLD runs!)

From marion on Thu, Dec 18, 2008 at 22:32:54

Yeah school it out! Bummer about the 30 degrees! We here in Utah are feeling your pain, although 30 isn't too bad ;) I'd love a little bit of 80 :) Have a super safe trip!

From britta on Fri, Dec 19, 2008 at 17:08:59

Congrats on the Semester. Enjoy your time off.

From kelsey on Mon, Dec 22, 2008 at 09:29:51

Thanks guys :)

Nevels I don't know anything about the Keys Ultras. When I get back to Tallahassee I'll be sure to ask around, but I actually haven't met too many ultra people there yet. The only race I'm getting ready for right now is the Tallahassee Half in February, but I am having trouble finding the time so it may not be PR worthy like I hoped.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
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Ran 1 mile in 2 degrees (brrr) with my parents black lab. I think I got more of an arm workout than legs. My pinky went numb, and I think my feet were going to be close behind. I don't know how y'all in Utah do it!

I don't have time to update my spring racing plans, but I don't think I'll be doing anything terribly exciting. I don't have enough time to get into marathon shape, and I was told by many people that running a 50k at high altitude is a bad idea if I have never experienced it before. So probably just a bunch of half marathons and shorter stuff. Probably better off with my school schedule anyway.

Brooks Adrenaline (Blue) Miles: 1.00
Comments
From Kelli on Mon, Dec 22, 2008 at 14:34:14

I would have run about 2 steps in that temperature!! Craziness, especially to someone who has t=not worked into the cold SLOWLY!!!

You can only do so much in a year, and school is the most important right now. You will do great whatever you decided to do!

From Marion on Wed, Dec 24, 2008 at 12:33:07

Merry Christmas!!!

xoxoxoxoxo

From Kelli on Thu, Dec 25, 2008 at 10:52:30

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! Hope the weather is treating you good while you are at home!

From kelsey on Fri, Dec 26, 2008 at 22:11:55

thanks, hope y'all had a great Christmas!!!!!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
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Belated Merry Christmas everyone!! I've been sick and busy eating cookies so I haven't been on. 

Cold weather, a busy trip home and a case of the flu has put a pause on my running. When I get back to Tallahassee I will be starting from scratch... which kind of stinks because I was in such great shape, but I think my legs deserve the rest. This way at least I won't be worried that I was overdoing it. It puts a damper on any major spring running plans, but I am okay with it. But I am excited to get back to it again when I am feeling better and in warmer weather!

My aunt gave me a cool ornament with a running shoe and my marathon date and time. It's really neat!  

Comments
From Becca on Fri, Dec 26, 2008 at 22:42:45

The ornament sounds like such a special gift!

From britta on Sat, Dec 27, 2008 at 18:25:37

I love love love your blog name. Have you had Dreyers Loaded Choc. Peanut Butter Cup? It is my favorite. It has such big chuncks of PB Cups in it, and it only has 6 grams of fat per serving. Not bad for such darn good Ice cream.

From Kelli on Wed, Dec 31, 2008 at 23:08:38

I live by the same motto!!! TWINS we must be! Hope that you are feeling all better and back to the warm air!

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A Review of 2009:

In January I ran my first half marathon*, the inaugural Mississippi Blues Marathon in Jackson. This is a bigger deal than it seems. I had try to train for a half before but my knee kept swelling up, and finally after a ten miler it swelled so much that I could barely walk. So I thought I could never do distance.  Well, I kept training and it worked! I was so nervous before the race. Jason came to support me and I remember being in awe of all of the marathoners and what they were about to do. My goal was to run 2 hours, and Jason and I were excited when I finished at 1:51:52. I was officially hooked on distance running! I finished knowing I could have run harder, and was excited to see how fast I could go. Jason even got me flowers :) 

I had told myself if my body let me finish the half I would keep adding miles until it didn't let me go any further, hoping I'd be able to eventually run a marathon. I decided if I did one it would be the National Marathon in March. My best friend had already run a few marathons, and I never thought I'd actually be able to do it too. I couldn't believe I was in the process of making it happen!

The following weekend I ran the Gulf Winds 15k in 1:15. I remember freaking out when some of my miles were under 8 minutes... I thought that was way too fast!

The following weekend I ran the Frostbite Half Marathon in Starkville, MS. I told you I was hooked! I ran a 1:48 on another tough course, and actually ran negative splits. I remember getting to the half way point thinking "wow that was nothing."

The first weekend of February I ran the Tallahassee half. I had been experiencing a really weird foot/leg injury that didn't make me stop, but caused me to slow down for a couple miles. I still finished in about 1:41. I finally felt what it was to "race" this distance and for once felt like I gave it my all. 

I continued to train, and my injury continued to nag. I would be reduced to a walk during my long runs and I would just cry. But I kept going anyway, and kind of realized that if I walked a couple minutes every mile or two I could finish the distance.

I finally made it to my 20-miler! I was so exited and nervous because I knew whether or not I could run the marathon depended on if I could finish this run. I ran in Jackson while visiting, and the night before ate my "pre-race" meal. I went out with my fuel belt and ran out and backs on a bike trail. I had a lot of hip pain (looking back I think it was the shoes), but I did it! After the run I signed up for the marathon.

So March 29th I ran the Suntrust National Marathon. My goal was 4 hours, and I finished just over. Everyone told me to be careful not to start off too fast and I actually started off in 9:45... whoops! I walked 30 seconds through every water stop, regardless of if I felt I needed it.  I ended up doing my half right around 2 hours, and finishing about 30 seconds over my goal time. I really enjoyed the race and the pace,  I met a ton of cool people. I remember someone telling me to never forget this moment, and to write about it when I get home. I waited almost a year to write about it, but I don't think I'll ever forget the feeling. When I finished my mom, brother and sister-in-law were there, and laughed at me because I didn't seem tired. I couldn't WAIT to beat that time!

Since my body struggled a good bit during the training and school was busy, I took some good time off. A couple months. When I started back is when I started the blog. In July I ran an easy 5k on the track, and easily accomplished my goal. The next week I ran the 800 and was so excited to see I ran a 2:34. It's about ten seconds off of my college PR and I wasn't even training that hard. I also felt like I could go faster, and it really excited me. 

Meanwhile, I was training for the Mississippi Coast Marathon in November, slowly adding on mileage, but still sticking with three runs a week. 

In August I ran the Breakfast on the Track Mile and aimed for under 6. I ran a 5:44 (I don't know if that's a PR) and feel like this is another time that I can definitely beat.

There was a race in September that caught my eye- The Red Cross Hurricane Run. As a meteorologist, and hurricane researcher, I felt obligated! I wanted to run under 21. I ran with a friend (Michael) and when we reached the first mile marker I looked at my watch and laughed and said "6:28." It felt way to easy to run that mile, and I realized I could really turn this race into something because I was feeling so good. About half way in I passed the girl in front of me to move into first. At the three mile marker I realized that I was going to be realllllly close to achieving my goal of my running career- a 5k under 20 minutes. I ran as hard as I could and crossed at 20 FLAT!!!!! I was disappointed but happy with my PR at the same time. Maybe next time :(

In October I ran the Baltimore Half Marathon with my dad and best friend, while my brother completed his first full marathon. Our goal was to go under 1:40, and we stayed at 7:45 pace for much of the race. At mile 9 I pulled away and picked it up, dropping my pace to under 7, and finishing in 1:37. (See entry for more details). I look forward to challenging this PR! Everyone thought the course was really hard, but I didn't even feel the hills. I don't know if that means I wasn't going fast enough, or all of the Tallahassee hills have paid off!

The last race before my marathon was the Lake Caroline 15k in Jackson. Jason came to watch and my goal was to go under 1:10. I ended up going out with the first place girls, passing them at 3 miles and taking it from there! I finished in 1:02. (Detailed entry in training log). This is my fastest race according to age grade I think. It is definitely the hardest I feel like I have ever pushed myself. It's going to be tough to beat that one! I think the trick to it was that I was in such great distance shape, having just done an 18 miler for my marathon. I now know the importance of training way further than your race.

Somewhere in the mix Sasha told me I'm not running enough. So I picked up an extra easy day a week, and realized it's too late to change what I'm doing for this race. Michelle reminded me that what I do now will go towards my next marathon too, so it's not all wasted.

My marathon finally came November 29. My goal was of course to PR, but I really knew that there is no reason I shouldn't be able to do that. My REAL goal was a BQ. It was the worst I have EVER felt during a race, but I did it! Most miserable experience though, seriously. I don't know if it was the weather or all the driving before hand. (Once again, details are in the race report). Time: 3:37 and definitely beatable in the near future!

Because of my school calendar I decided to wait until Boston for 2010, and even decided not to do a spring marathon. Although now I am beginning to wish I planned on doing one. But for 2009 I really want some PRs and want to prove that I have some good times in me. I really think I have some talent in there that I haven't touched, and I want to see if that's true. I want to train more, but smart, and see what I can do. And I REALLY want that 19:59 5k!!! I also plan to run as many of the Gulf Winds Grand Prix events, and try to place in the final standards at the end of the year.

So hopefully 2009 will be a great running year like 2008. Happy new year and happy running to all! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
346.35137.95484.30
Brookes Adrenaline (Magenta) Miles: 78.35Brooks Adrenaline (Blue) Miles: 79.90
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