Denouement

Spanish Fork 1/2 Marathon

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Location:

Kowloon Tong,Hong Kong

Member Since:

Jul 02, 2007

Gender:

Female

Goal Type:

Olympic Trials Qualifier

Running Accomplishments:

Unaided:

5K - 17:11 (track Pre-kids and at BYU) (1998)

10K - 35:48 (track Pre-kids and at BYU) (1998)

10K - 35:34 (road - Shek Mun 10k 12/12)

1/2 Marathon 1:19:44 (UNICEF HM 11/12)

Marathon 2:47:08 (ING Hartford Connecticut 10/10)

Aided:

St. George Marathon 2:50:40 (10/08)

1/2 marathon - Hobble Creek 1:17:14 (8/08)

10K - Deseret News 10K - 35:02 (7/08)

Short-Term Running Goals:

PR 1/2 marathon AGAIN


Long-Term Running Goals:

Break 2:46 in Boston!

Personal:

I used to run for BYU, but only after trying out three times and finally walking on, so I was never a star. However, it was wonderful to run with great people and under Coach Shane. When you run with fast people, you can't help to improve! I graduated BYU in 1998, and didn't run a race until 2002, after having my second child. My hiatus and other crazy life commitments have made my competitive running suffer, but the last couple of years I have tried to get back into it the best I can. I have been married since 1996, to Paul Lowry, who is a runner himself. I have three boys (my three rascals), ages 12, 10, and 8.

After a great 2008 season, I was injured and eventually diagnosed and cross-diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis, a type of arthritis disease, which precludes running for all but the most stubborn.  So I am on medications, trying to stay healthy, and seeing my PT often.  And running!  Now beating the streets in Hong Kong.

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Miles:This week: 0.00 Month: 0.00 Year: 0.00
NB RC900 Black/yellow Lifetime Miles: 183.31
NB RC1300 Red/Black Lifetime Miles: 195.31
2012 MTR Lifetime Miles: 4035.70
890 Blue Lifetime Miles: 310.55
NB RC 1600 Lifetime Miles: 96.76
RC 1400 Lifetime Miles: 90.60
NB 890 Baby Blue Lifetime Miles: 233.26
NB 890 Electric Blue Lifetime Miles: 319.67
NB 890 Tokyo Turquoise Lifetime Miles: 163.54
Race: Spanish Fork 1/2 Marathon (13.1 Miles) 01:20:16
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTrainer 1 MilesTrainer 2 MilesRacer MilesTotal Distance
6.0013.100.000.000.000.000.0019.10

Fourteen miles in new racer.

I ran this in 2008 in 1:22:09, a great non-aided PR, on a tough course.  I set the course record then.  This year I beat my 2008 Provo 1/2 time by 54 seconds.  Coach McMillan wanted me to try for sub 1:21, which would be a 70 second improvement on this one.  I assessed my 2008 splits and it made my stomach churn, the splits I would have to beat.  Here's how it went down:

3.5 mile warm up, including strides and stretching.  I wasn't feeling great during the warm up, but told myself that you don't have to be all jazzed for a 1/2 start, you ease into the race.  I needed to feel on at mile 4 and beyond, not in mile 1.  Saw Susanna and Teena and Josse's mom, Karan.  The Spanish Fork guys were out in force.  I showed Carl my split plan, hoping he'd run with me, but he probably just thought I was a nut.  

Actual splits per markers first, goal splits in parentheses.  I had an overall time check at 7 miles of 43:52 and mile 11 at 69:25.

1 - 6:13 (6:19), cross and headwind, started off a bit too fast with guys but settled down, tried to trail a guy for a wind break but he didn't like it.  Carl passes me and is too far ahead for wind break.  

2 - 6:17 (6:16) heavier headwind than normal on this bit of riverbottoms road, slight uphill grade, feeling good

3 - 6:13 (6:16) headwind, still slight uphill

4 - 6:15 (6:15) had a 6:15 on this mile last year, despite the hill in the middle of the mile, most likely because I saw Tyler and KellieS in this mile and was showing off, so glad to match that split from 2008, feeling good

5 - 5:57 (6:01) per course tool .57% downhill, but I think of this as a 1% downhill.  I see a trend of going under my goal paces, which is good because I have a 5:50 planned for mile 13 and it'd be good to give myself some leeway.

6 - 6:21 (6:24) flat with short steep Zephyr uphill, MacK joins me for part of this mile, I choke down a gu, about inhale the water.

7 - 6:23 (6:21) big uphill first 2/3 then downhill last 1/4, was headed for a 6:40 at the top of the hill, then started to crest strong, hit 43:44 at the top, so just 8 seconds under goal, I decide I can grow that.

8 - 5:46 (5:54) best downhill mile of the course, Mack joins me for part of this.  She cheers for me, then gives me the funniest encouragement I've ever heard in a race---"You smell nice.  You don't stink at all."  I laughed and said "Yet".

9 - 6:17 (6:15) I lost it on this mile a bit in 2008, it was a 6:26, so was able to keep it together better, it is a flat mile with about 1/4 of uphill in the last bit

10 - 6:08 (6:14) This mile is gradual uphill, then downhill at the end, on the uphill segment it is into the sun. I am still feeling good, I tell myself the sun is energy warming up my muscles and giving me energy.  I say a prayer of thanks for a good race so far.  A guy passes me, I pass two guys on downhill.

11 - 6:01 (6:10) flat and slight downhill, I pass Carl at the beginning of this mile, I take about 2/3 of a gu, I try to hang onto a guy who repasses me who is running strong.  I hit the 11 mile mark at 67:5something, when my drop dead for sub 1:21 is 69:25 (but that is with killer finish)

12 - 6:08 (6:10) slight downhill, working hard

13 -  5:54 (5:50) I see my mom at the slight uphill to come out of riverbottoms way before she sees me.  She has a water bottle and looks like she wants to give it to me, but I don't grab it.  Just 1/2 mile to go.  She hasn't seen me race for 12 years.  I don't know how I pulled out a 5:50 in 2008, 5:54 will have to do.

369 ft in 21.5 sec, about a 5:09 pace?

My watch measured the course at 13 miles, and other blogger's gps's are in concurrence. I talked with the race director (a friend of mine) she said they used two gps units to mark the course and it measured 13.1.  The map my run map shows 13.06, but that course shows the race ending before it did (so use that map and add .03?). Anyway, the course was anywhere between 13 and 13.1.  It was the same course as 2008, except we started a little further back this year, so it is a course PR of 1:53 regardless.  Also set a new course record, jah baby!  If you are conservative and go with 13.0 miles, gross up the race from 13 miles then that means I should add 37 seconds, to 1:20:53, still within goal.  Sorry to analyze it to death.

Had fun hanging out with bloggers, my mom, other local runners.  2.5 mile cooldown, won $75. 

After a not so great TOU 1/2 and the not so great 10k this Monday, so grateful for a great race.  This race was really critical for estimating my marathon in four weeks, so I am grateful I opened a good gift (see Nan's 9/6 post). 

On a side note, this time last year I volunteered for the SF half, and got in one mile of running.  Kicking AS. 

2010 Mileage Miles: 35.00Brooks Defyance (purple) Miles: 5.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 124.60
Comments
From RivertonPaul on Sat, Sep 11, 2010 at 17:05:52 from 70.199.250.1

Terrific race and report!

From catherine on Sat, Sep 11, 2010 at 17:45:19 from 69.169.157.242

Great job! Congratulations!

From RAD on Sat, Sep 11, 2010 at 18:07:14 from 67.172.229.125

Kickin' AS's A&& :)

You are simply amazing Michelle. You should feel GREAT about this run, and it certainly is a good gift!

From JulieC on Sat, Sep 11, 2010 at 18:29:48 from 174.23.34.11

YOU'VE COME A LONG WAY BABY!!from last year w/c to lightning speed and BIG PRs this year!!! You are an inspiration!! ONE TOUGH WOMAN CONQUERING AS!!!!!

From Maynard on Sat, Sep 11, 2010 at 18:52:19 from 71.213.17.142

You rock! Fantastic run and congrats on busting your own course record.

And then thanks for pushing me along those last few blocks. I was ready and willing to just coast along... :/

From Smooth on Sat, Sep 11, 2010 at 18:56:30 from 174.23.160.38

MICHELLE!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!! I remember everything about last year when you volunteered w/ your 2 sleepy boys, cheered, ran me in while battling AS. YOU ARE ROCK STAR!!!! INSPIRING!!! I had no idea your mom hasn't come to your race all these years! WOW! It was so good to see the pride and love she has for you at the finish. THANKS for running me in again this year! I bragged about you for a mile w/ this kid (Tyler).

Can't wait to see you smash your goal in your next marathon! WAY to conquer and triumph so STRONG & AMAAAAYZING!!!

From Paul on Sat, Sep 11, 2010 at 19:28:47 from 174.27.187.235

Nice job. Looking forward to seeing what you do in the marathon.

From rockness18 on Sat, Sep 11, 2010 at 20:15:26 from 75.42.154.65

Impressive run!

From Burt on Sat, Sep 11, 2010 at 22:33:02 from 68.225.214.248

Are you sure it was Josse's mom or was it Ericka's mom? No need to apologize for over analyzing. Fast people never need to apologize.

From Jody on Sat, Sep 11, 2010 at 22:59:56 from 75.141.137.54

Congratulations! Very Well Done!

From MarcieJ on Sat, Sep 11, 2010 at 23:07:34 from 74.211.9.251

Awesome race Michelle! You are making a major comeback! I am soooo happy for you! Also it was good to talk to you the other day!

From Teena Marie on Sat, Sep 11, 2010 at 23:32:59 from 174.52.45.85

Beyond impressive, Miss Course Smasher!!!

DANG!!!! :) :) :)

From jtshad on Sun, Sep 12, 2010 at 09:56:39 from 69.20.183.178

Congrats on a great run!

From Maurine/Miles on Sun, Sep 12, 2010 at 10:38:30 from 63.255.172.2

Amazing! Great job on the PR and course PR. You are having a great year. Which marathon are you racing?

From Brent on Sun, Sep 12, 2010 at 13:09:31 from 76.8.201.223

Lion Queen, 1,500 commando points for the course record, PR and win, nice full come back.

Stay Kool, B of bS rools out

From seeaprilrun on Sun, Sep 12, 2010 at 14:53:59 from 68.103.248.145

You have truly made a comeback! Awesome! Inspirational!

From Bonnie on Sun, Sep 12, 2010 at 21:51:23 from 128.196.228.134

WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL.

Congrats Michelle!

From Superfly on Mon, Sep 13, 2010 at 12:07:06 from 208.117.127.110

You really have come along ways. Good job! I'm excited to see what the marathon and next year will bring for you.

From Clay on Mon, Sep 13, 2010 at 13:13:59 from 67.222.229.46

Nice race Kiddo!!! I am so Happy for you and proud of you too! You are an inspiration to me and alot of other people on this blogg and I really think the sky's the limit for you now!!!

Keep up the awesome work.

From Jon A on Mon, Sep 13, 2010 at 15:18:02 from 67.214.249.195

Congratulations! Awesome race Michelle! Can't wait to see you kick SG!

From Brink on Mon, Sep 13, 2010 at 18:17:08 from 192.206.158.10

You did awesome, Michelle. I've never been on that end of the race and seen the winners coming in. I didn't feel worthy to even clip your chip off your shoe. :)

Usually when I finish the winners have already showered and had a little nap. So it was fun to see you guys crossing the finish line.

PS - In all my cyber stocking I can't find your email address or phone number. When you get a spare minute can you send me an email, I have a tax questions for you. dbrink262@hotmail.com

Thanks, Doug

From Merri on Fri, Sep 09, 2011 at 23:41:24 from 160.7.252.148

Michelle, this is an awesome race report! I am running this tomorrow and this was just the motivation I needed. Hope you're loving Hong Kong.

From Burt on Sat, Sep 10, 2011 at 01:09:30 from 72.223.91.148

I expect you to beat Michelle's time, Merri.

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