Denouement

ING Hartford 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.

Click to donate
to Ukraine's Armed Forces
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: ING Hartford Marathon (26.2 Miles) 02:47:09, Place overall: 2
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTrainer 1 MilesTrainer 2 MilesRacer MilesTotal Distance
0.4026.200.000.000.000.000.0026.60

Dang!  Just lost my partial write up.  You’ll have to tolerate the length of this post (or not).

An 8am start time for a marathon is sweet.  I set alarms for 6am, but naturally woke up at 5:15.  Proceeded to ponder how great it felt to be in a kingsized bed, surrounded by fluffy pillows and to not be rushed to get to the starting line (like St. G).  Had two packs of oatmeal, Emergen-C, water, pills, and some wheaties.  Earned one star at the hotel, and I had the premonition that I would earn no more (before the race).  That came to pass.  I guess a late race start means I should modify when I take my Immodium? Eventually joined the pre race traffic madness, but got a good parking spot.  Headed to the Elite tent.  Hung out there, stretched, then they moved us to the capitol building.  Temps were 55F at the start, so I had on knee high nylons on my arms, but would ditch them by mile 3.

Marathon and half marathon started at the same time, so there would be no way to peg my position until the half peels off at 1.2 miles.  My strategy (given by Greg) was to run 6:20-6:30 for the first mile (preferably the slower) then choose my pace according to what felt right, to not struggle in the first half (leave that for the second half :D ) then play happy, positive mind games to stay strong.

I had 5 mile splits on my arms, both for 2:45:57 (6:20 pace) and for 2:49:45.  I knew I should be somewhere around there.

Miles 1-5 watch was screwy for the first three miles, likely due to tall buildings, so the first three miles were 19:12.  I felt like I was hitting the right groove. 6:11 for mile 4, 6:17 for mile 5 31:40 on the dot (they had clocks on the course at 5 mile intervals, way cool)

Miles 6-10 knew I was in fourth by this point 6:17, 6:14 (took a gu), 6:20 – pass to get into third here, 6:17, 6:15 63:10, 10 seconds below split for OTQ

Miles 11-15 6:18, 6:24, 6:21, 6:20, 6:20 this section is starting to get challenging, I am trying to keep my cool, 1:22:50 at the ½ mark, still 10 seconds below split for OTQ at 15 mile mark, though the clock was off by 1 min.

Miles 16-20 gradual uphill in 16-17 (6:26, 6:33), then turn around.  I tell myself here that it’s ok I am off pace, that I will make it up on the way down, I pass #2 girl and become #2 girl (#1 girl is about 4 minutes ahead), I think of KellieS and our conversation about me being a cheetah.  It was very helpful as I reel in #2.  I try to pick it up after the turnaround, and keep it together until the 20 mile split. 6:15, 6:19, 6:20, I am about 15 seconds off OTQ pace.  I tell myself I can still make it if I can pull off a couple of 6:15’s.

Miles 21-25 6:26, 6:21, 6:26 I know I am too off to regain, I am now racing for 2nd place and to try to break 2:47.  I don’t want to get caught because #2 gets $2,000 but #3 gets $1,000, a big difference. 6:25, 6:38 (keep it together!)

Mile 26 dang uphill and head wind, catch a guy as I crest the hill, some spectator tells me it’s all downhill from here, but there is a second hill, watch has changed setting so I can’t view pace, but I just try to finish strong.  Turns out this mile is 6:41.  Don’t know my split for the .2, since I didn’t turn off my watch.  So many spectators cheering me in. 2:47:09 finish time.

I am pleased with this race.  It is my best marathon by far (3:33 PR, off a St. G time).  Though I fell apart at the end a bit, it wasn’t a dramatic crash and burn.  I now know what it feels like to race a marathon in this time range, so I think I’ll be better equipped to tackle the OTQ time again.  I am so grateful to my coach, Greg McMillan, my fastrunningblog support network of amazing friends (who understand my fanaticism and my public stretching and ab workouts), my work--who have been so flexible and understanding, my PT Steve Orrock and his team who keep me going, my family who supports me.  And most of all, to my Heavenly Father who loves me and has given me this year, and this opportunity.  It's been a great year, after a hard year.  I am grateful :D

I had no bathroom breaks in this marathon.  It’s a marathon miracle! 

Now I am off to Boston to meet up with Paul. 

 

Saucony ST Racer - Pink Miles: 26.60
Night Sleep Time: 7.50Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 7.50Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Dan on Sat, Oct 09, 2010 at 14:27:23 from 24.209.83.20

Awesome! Seriously I am inspired! Great race, congrats :)

From Paul on Sat, Oct 09, 2010 at 14:42:01 from 174.27.187.235

Splendid race! I'm inspired.

From DonGardinero on Sat, Oct 09, 2010 at 14:42:45 from 75.162.176.42

Congrats!!!

From allie on Sat, Oct 09, 2010 at 14:50:42 from 174.19.51.35

congratulations, michelle! this is just awesome. a PR on an unaided course and $2,000 to boot. it's truly inspiring to see what you have done after a hard year in 2009. i am so happy for you!

congrats on the marathon miracle as well. i think you were rewarded for your kind deed of unwrapping the toilet paper at TOU. :)

From seeaprilrun on Sat, Oct 09, 2010 at 15:22:40 from 68.103.248.145

Wow Michelle! YOu ran so strong all the way to the end! You will get the OTQ for sure next time! Looking forward to hearing about your 2012 trials race!

From runningafterbabies on Sat, Oct 09, 2010 at 16:13:03 from 67.161.249.168

Very nice race report and even more spectacular racing! I am so impressed. I can't believe no pit stops! Wahoo.

From Cody on Sat, Oct 09, 2010 at 16:53:38 from 174.52.244.185

You are amazing! So glad that things went so well. Soak up that awesome feeling!

From Kelli on Sat, Oct 09, 2010 at 17:19:58 from 71.219.65.246

NOTHING beats a marathon miracle, you were blessed!

I love your gratitude at the end-AWESOME! You have quite the support system behind you. YOU ARE AMAZING and you have really earned this great year!

From Maynard on Sat, Oct 09, 2010 at 17:24:11 from 71.213.16.167

That's awesome! Congratulations!

Autumn in New England is awesome! How did this course rate as far as the fall foliage?

From Kelli on Sat, Oct 09, 2010 at 17:26:02 from 71.219.65.246

Oh, and Scott say, "GOOD JOB!"

From RAD on Sat, Oct 09, 2010 at 17:38:17 from 67.172.229.125

AMAZING! I loved reading the report and just love your fanaticism with running!! You deserve it Michelle - CONGRATS!!

From Maurine/Miles on Sat, Oct 09, 2010 at 17:43:28 from 63.255.172.2

What a great job you did! Congratulations on a PR, 2nd place and good $$$$. I am so happy to see you succeeding after all your struggles in 2009.

From Maria on Sat, Oct 09, 2010 at 17:50:28 from 90.192.241.16

Congratulations, Michelle!! I learned about your time from Bonnie on FB :). You are so inspiring and impressive after all the hard times you went through last year. Wishing you great success in the next marathon, it's only 2 minutes to go now until OTQ!!

From Holt on Sat, Oct 09, 2010 at 17:51:02 from 71.213.84.126

Great job Michelle! A very positive step in your running career; and you deserve it!

From rockness18 on Sat, Oct 09, 2010 at 18:38:27 from 75.40.139.136

Great job! I'm 40min from Hartford, but have never been able to run the course. Great to see a blogger place 2nd! Beautiful day to run.

From marion on Sat, Oct 09, 2010 at 19:39:10 from 71.213.120.240

Man oh man does all that Nutritious Virtuosity pay off!!! You are an inspiration to EVERYONE and especially me :) I love you and am SO proud of you!!! I can't wait to celebrate Monday! I'll have to invent another chocolate cake to celebrate when you kick that 70 seconds off for your OTQ!

Fly home safe!!! See you soon.

From jtshad on Sat, Oct 09, 2010 at 19:49:28 from 69.20.183.178

Congrats on a strong run and 2nd place! That is a great result and that OTQ is not that far off! Awesome work!

From Dustin on Sat, Oct 09, 2010 at 20:17:57 from 204.113.48.131

Congrats on a great race, glad to see everything went well.

From Jon on Sat, Oct 09, 2010 at 20:20:49 from 75.169.144.211

Were you seriously only 7 seconds off OTQ? That is awesome! A PR, 2nd place, and a great race. And your "crash and burn" of only slowing down 13 seconds? Sounds more like "conquer and destroy"!

From timp on Sat, Oct 09, 2010 at 21:48:15 from 68.164.215.42

Great race!

From Teena Marie on Sat, Oct 09, 2010 at 22:00:28 from 174.23.122.157

WOW!!!!!

Seriously, you are so so so so so amazing.

It is so hard to believe the hardships you were going through last year. Who would have thought.

Here's to the OTQ time, it's right around the corner.

Celebrate with those 2 big ones!!! :) :) :)

Congrats again!!! YOU ROCK!!!!

From Smooth on Sat, Oct 09, 2010 at 23:09:49 from 67.41.235.104

CONGRATULATIONS Michelle! You are truly the most inspiring athlete! You have gone through so much in 2009 and worked incredibly hard for this most amazing come back! HUGE PR! AWESOME WIN!!!! So very happy for you and so very proud of you! THANKS for sharing your wonderful experience with us! :)

From JulieC on Sat, Oct 09, 2010 at 23:14:56 from 168.103.185.42

Way to PR Michelle!! I am so happy for you!!

From Jody on Sat, Oct 09, 2010 at 23:17:16 from 99.127.14.11

Congratulations on a great race! You are amazing! Very happy for you and cannot wait to see what else you do.

From Clay on Sun, Oct 10, 2010 at 00:47:44 from 174.52.209.168

Simply amazing Michelle!!! I am so proud of you kiddo, you are truly inspiring!!! You have worked so hard and you deserve every success that your having!!! This is the tip of the iceberg for you, I just know it.

From Seth on Sun, Oct 10, 2010 at 11:01:17 from 67.177.37.10

I would say this race was a success, great job! Keep at it and you'll get that OTQ time.

From Mattrow on Sun, Oct 10, 2010 at 12:01:08 from 8.22.13.133

Good job, this gives all of us coming back from injuries that we can return and pass where we were before. You will get that OTQ time soon.

From Superfly on Sun, Oct 10, 2010 at 12:18:16 from 208.117.127.110

Great, great, great race. Super job! Way to work through the training and to put together a quality race.

Good Job you deserved it big time.

From Snoqualmie on Sun, Oct 10, 2010 at 15:05:06 from 24.18.192.33

Well done! Loved your report. :)

From julieesplin on Sun, Oct 10, 2010 at 22:04:07 from 75.169.166.136

Congratulations Michelle! I can't think of anyone more deserving than you of such success. Your hard work and determination is amazing.

From Mark on Mon, Oct 11, 2010 at 11:41:05 from 24.129.132.74

Truly inspiring!

Some monetary compensation was nice too :)

From Sasha Pachev on Mon, Oct 11, 2010 at 12:21:53 from 192.168.1.1

Michelle - congratulations on a PR and a very respectable time on an honest course, biggest career win money wise, qualifying for a bummer (you cannot say it is a bummer if you are whole 5 minutes off), finally running more like a true Michelle, and doing all of the above on a non-Sunday! I know you like to travel. Same race in Dubai should give you an OTQ if you can make it equally fresh to the starting line.

P.S. After all this time I am still laughing about "Long term goal: 3:10, is it even possible?"

From James on Mon, Oct 11, 2010 at 12:32:56 from 205.127.241.18

Great race and PR!

From Jon A on Mon, Oct 11, 2010 at 13:41:17 from 67.214.249.195

Congratulations Michelle! Awesome race. Its going to be so much fun watching you at the Trials after you qualify. Kelly and I will be telling our friends, "We know her!" :-) Your awesome!

From Sean Sundwall on Mon, Oct 11, 2010 at 13:59:09 from 67.136.216.18

Really nice job. This was my first choice marathon for the Fall but wanted to get an extra month of training so I have opted for Indy. Glad to hear things went so well.

From josse on Mon, Oct 11, 2010 at 14:01:03 from 75.196.249.170

It's always a great day when you don't have to stop and use the bathroom:) I am so proud of you and what you have accomplished over the last while. You are an inspiration to us all.

From Lily on Mon, Oct 11, 2010 at 14:53:52 from 67.199.181.73

Wooohooo Michelle! See I knew you'd do well. You have had such a super year. You deserved this 2nd place win for sure. Thanks for keeping us all inspired!

From Burt on Mon, Oct 11, 2010 at 18:51:01 from 206.19.214.144

You are awesome Michelle.

From RivertonPaul on Tue, Oct 12, 2010 at 13:02:47 from 67.42.27.114

Congratulation on the terrific progress and pr. And you still have so much upside. Way to go. P.S. you look strong on the video showing your finish.

From MarcieJ on Tue, Oct 12, 2010 at 13:06:32 from 74.211.3.255

AWESOME Michelle!. SO SO Happy for you! You have so much drive and determination. I am so excited for your future!

From Christi on Tue, Oct 12, 2010 at 13:08:01 from 174.56.35.183

Congratulations!

Looks like you ran a great race-awesome job!

From Burt on Wed, Oct 13, 2010 at 12:41:47 from 206.19.214.144

...and you're hot.

(bloggiphorically speaking.)

From Adam RW on Thu, Oct 14, 2010 at 09:26:38 from 155.101.152.123

Michelle, I am so happy for you. Congratulations on seeing all your hard work pay off.

From Calvin on Thu, Oct 14, 2010 at 11:41:05 from 66.133.117.3

Very impressive racing, once again Michelle. I'm really happy for you!

From Byron on Fri, Oct 15, 2010 at 00:56:59 from 128.187.97.2

Way to represent! All of us here in woodland hills are super proud.

From MichelleL on Fri, Oct 15, 2010 at 12:39:13 from 67.41.166.190

Thank you all so much for your comments. I appreciate and need your support. As I was all alone in Connecticut, not knowing a soul, I thought of all of my blog friends and how my race mattered to more than just me.

Some specific comments:

Allie-yes, I didn't think about TOU but that must be it!

Maynard-the leaves were starting to turn, but I think I was probably, two weeks too early, what say you dave rockness?

Marion- 69 days of nutritious virtuousity for 69 seconds.

Jon - if I was 7 seconds off I would have gotten it for sure. I was 68 seconds off. But close!

Clay-you calling me kiddo shot your comment to best comment of the day (til Burt called me hot, that is :D)

Sasha-Looked up the Dubai race for kicks, money is 10 deep, but 10th woman was 2:32 and 11th woman was 2:52 last year. Funny! I didn't mention in my report, but mile 18 and 19 when I was trying to get back into the groove after the turn around, I was thinking "ta ta ta ta" just like you were running next to me.

RivertonPaul - I didn't even see my video til I read your comment. I didn't look as crappy as I felt.

Byron-didn't know you were on the blog. A late welcome!

From Burt on Fri, Oct 15, 2010 at 14:04:44 from 206.19.214.144

Michelle, you weren't alone. Flatlander was there, too. And even though I know how very far apart we are, it helps to think we might be wishing on the same bright star.

From RivertonPaul on Fri, Oct 15, 2010 at 16:42:03 from 67.42.27.114

My favorite of your photos:

http://www.capstonephotostore.com/uploaded/HM10/preview/HM10TB5961.jpg

From Burt on Fri, Oct 15, 2010 at 16:56:08 from 206.19.214.144

That's a good one. She looks like a Thundercat.

A HOT Thundercat!

From Sasha Pachev on Sat, Oct 16, 2010 at 17:32:33 from 192.168.1.1

Michelle - you might not need to go to Dubai to hit the qualifier, but you will need to be in slightly better shape to do it on a US course. If you think you have a good marathon in you in December, try Rocket City in Huntsiville, AL. With an OTQ performance you come home with money, although not a whole lot, but that course is good, I've run it. It has nothing that I would call a hill, and everything looks like a hill when you have hit the wall bad, which I did.

I have not run Dubai, but looking at the times that have been achieved there, it has to be near perfect.

From rockness18 on Sun, Oct 17, 2010 at 22:10:34 from 75.16.162.204

Fall leaves? 6 days off at most. Go get that OTQ!

From Walter on Tue, Nov 30, 2010 at 17:48:11 from 68.171.231.20

Great race my friend! I'm proud of ya cookie, way to represent.

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