Denouement

Boston 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: Boston Marathon (26.2 Miles) 02:51:27, Place overall: 53, Place in age division: 44
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTrainer 1 MilesTrainer 2 MilesRacer MilesTotal Distance
1.0026.200.000.000.000.000.0027.20

First of all, I feel awkward writing about my marathon when such a tragic event happened associated with this event, which affects many families negatively.  My race didn't go well, but my disappointment was promptly tempered by the tragic bombings at the Boston marathon today.

Last night I just got 4 hours of sleep, but that is not too uncommon, got a good night of sleep the night before.  I took 2 antidiarreheal medicines at around midnight.  For more rest laid in bed resting from 2:15 to 5am, though I couldn't fall asleep, I felt pretty rested.  I went to the elite buses early and at around 7:15 I took 75 mg of indomethacin and a third anti diarreheal.  This is what I normally do before a marathon. 

I met a girl named Kelly who had the same time goals as me yesterday at the elite meeting, so we rode up together and lined up together.  I had written on my arm my splits for each 5k for 2:44 at even effort, which was 19:25 per 5k, I was fine going under a bit in the first half, though it needed to feel easy the first half.  

I realized with about 7 minutes to the start that I forgot to put on glide.  Am I an amateur or what?  I also forgot something else that I still can't remember now.

Here are my splits and description:

 Mile Mile split 5k split Comment
 1  6:16  The front pack starts out SLOW, and most women were in that pack, I back off after perhaps 800m, wanting to keep it easy, and Kelly is in the back of that slow front pack. So we ran together for about 3 min!
 26:11  There is a headwind, not bad but persistent, so I draft of ladies as much as possible, I feel by now that though I haven't felt my tonsillitis for days, that I felt off, like I was a bit sick
 3 6:08 5k 19:10 or 19:11 I continue to draft in a small second pack, about 5 ladies
 45:57  I start feeling better and pull out from the second pack, trying to chase some stragglers from the 40 person front pack which has started to fall apart
 5 6:14   
 6 6:07 38:12 Feeling good but trying to hold back
 7  6:08 Somewhere around 7 miles I start to feel like I am going to need to go to the bathroom early in the race, but I try to hold off
 8 6:22  
 9 6:17  
 10 6:28  
 11 6:21  
 12 6:12  
 13 6:36  Right after the 12 mile marker I went to the portapotty, took a bit longer than a normal break, but not bad, probably cost me 30 seconds.
 14 6:23   
 15  7:06  Right after the 14 mile marker I had to go to the bathroom again, not a fast experience, I have a bit of a cry in the marathon, because I feel bad, like this is going to be a miserable experience, stomach is upset, and I spend time trying to decide if stomach is strong enough for my 5 hour energy drink which is in my 25k water bottle stop, diluted by water (about 15.6 miles), I am upset about the time lost but feel like I could still be sub 2:45 if I go strong (had a 1 min cushion)
 16  6:08  I get my pace back on track, stomach settles and I drink most of my 5 hour energy drink
 17 6:40  There is a hill in here, and I don't take it as strong as I should, I am not focused on my watch but on my effort, I try to stay relaxed, a blond chick passes me and attacks the hill, another girl passes me whose goal was 2:46, another girl joins me and we trade off
 18 6:44  The girl who I trade off with pulls ahead then falls on the asphalt, she seems to be ok (I talk to her) but falls behind for a bit, a little dazed, first Newton hill here
 19 6:21  This is supposed to be a downhill mile, right? I feel like I need to go to the bathroom, but I try to hold off, because the men are about to pass, and no bathroom is close to the road
 20 6:35  Small newton hill, men pass me right at the 20 mile mark
 21 7:36  I find a bathroom at this mile and obviously spend some quality time in it, because this is a downhill mile!!
 22 6:21  Try to get back into the race, legs killing, stomach sour
 23 6:53  A bit of downhill, feeling deflated
 24 8:03  I am considering how awful it is, all the effort I put forth to get in my best shape and to not get a PR (2:47:08), let alone the sub 2:45 I hoped for, I pass my mom and she takes pictures, I beg vocally for the downhill to stop, it is torturing me. I frantically search the side of the race for a bathroom, I find one and spend some more quality time there. People everywhere, and they noticed me hopping in the john, so when I get out there's some faint cheering, so I raise my hands and I get a large cheer and I get going again 
 25 6:52  I get into the groove in a limited way
 26 6:49  An Asian dude passes me (I think from Japan) but he is going slow, so I keep with him for a while.  He doesn't like it and slowly breaks away.  What is with the hill out of the underpass.  I was going 6:35 pace before that
 .22 1:24 (6:33 pace)  I hope no lady will zoom past me and none does, so grateful it is over

 So normally in a marathon I lose 25-90 seconds on bathroom breaks.  This time it was more like 4 minutes.  That only counts the actual potty time, not the overall effect of the abdominal upset.  I was also thrashed from the hills, and have a new respect for this course.  I should have trained more specifically for this course, more hills and downhill training, if I wanted to have my magnum opus here.  But I think I could have totally PRed modestly without the stomach issues.  When I crossed the finish line, there was more relief than disappointment.  I did not break down, I knew the issues were out of my control.  Kelly finished right before me and was really disappointed because she struggled with tunnel vision the last three miles.  I did perhaps make a mistake in taking so much indomethacin so close the marathon.  I have taken 50 mg without any stomach issue, but 75 was more uncharted territory. I did not cry until about 40 minutes after the race, and that was when I was trying to explain to my mom the work and emotional effort I put into the training for this race, because she doesn't really understand running.    

My stomach woes have continued to wipe me out this afternoon and evening (9 trips in 9 hours).  Watched a lot of coverage on the bombing, which occurred when I was in the shower.  Tired and emotionally drained. I am grateful that my mom and my friends are safe, but those injured and killed are someones family and friends.  I wonder how his bombing will affect race logistics at Boston and other races in the future?

 

RC 1400 Miles: 26.30NB 890 Baby Blue Miles: 1.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Britta on Mon, Apr 15, 2013 at 21:25:41 from 99.107.166.81

Glad your ok!!! Sorry it was dissapointing! I think you are amazing!!!

From JulieC on Mon, Apr 15, 2013 at 22:01:53 from 63.224.116.124

Way to go michelle. I saw u in a couple moments of live coverage...when lead men passed u and at finish line. Cool! Sorry about your tummy. And of course maddened and saddened by terrorism.

From AngieB on Mon, Apr 15, 2013 at 22:42:52 from 65.130.73.138

I'm sorry about the stomach issues. You truly are my hero though. Keep your head up. I know your frustrated and a ton of preparation goes into these marathons and unpredictable things happen. You are very capable of running 2:44. It will all come together. Glad you and your family are safe.

From josse on Mon, Apr 15, 2013 at 22:43:32 from 174.232.194.150

I wanted to talked to you right after you finished, I am gald you are safe and am so sorry for the tummy troubles. I really hope you do another marathon and get that 2:45 that I know you can do:) recover well and we will see you in the summer. Great job babe:)

From Rob Murphy on Tue, Apr 16, 2013 at 06:13:42 from 24.10.249.165

Great race under the circumstances. I understand about your mom. My dad never got this crazy sport but he was also my biggest fan.

I hope you have a safe trip home.

From Bonnie on Tue, Apr 16, 2013 at 07:57:26 from 64.119.33.134

Hugs to you, Michelle. Glad you are safe, I am sorry your race was marred by this horrible act.

Congratulations on a hard fought race.

From allie on Tue, Apr 16, 2013 at 08:05:14 from 161.38.221.168

way to go, michelle. thanks for the report and the updates. i am glad you are okay. what a day.

i am sorry about the sour stomach that you had to battle with all through the race. that can really take a toll, not only physically, but mentally as well -- it's very distracting. not fun.

i know how hard you have been working, and i know you went into this race very prepared. i'm sorry it didn't go down quite as planned, but way to hang tough -- you showed amazing strength and you still ran very well.

congratulations and safe travels back home.

From Carina on Tue, Apr 16, 2013 at 08:13:45 from 204.15.86.83

You are an inspiration despite your disappointment! Your time is exceptional not even considering the issues you had. I have blog stalked a lot of your training and know you are totally capable of sub-2:45. Sorry the day ended the way it did. I think you are a rock star!!

From Russ on Tue, Apr 16, 2013 at 08:59:27 from 74.114.3.253

Great job Michelle. Like others, I've blog stalked you and was pulling hard for you yesterday. You finished strong even though your race didn't go as planned. Your 5K splits show that you went for it, held nothing back, and that's all you can do on any given day. Sleep lots on the return trip.

From Andrea on Tue, Apr 16, 2013 at 09:01:43 from 72.37.171.52

That's a great performance at Boston...I know it wasn't quite what you were hoping for, but still a solid time! A true accomplishment to run with some of the best in the world. Congrats!

From seeaprilrun on Tue, Apr 16, 2013 at 09:05:38 from 68.102.189.33

Congrats on a hard-fought race. I can understand your disappointment, but there are more races to come, and it was an amazing fight with the stomach issues. Glad you are safe.

From Jake K on Tue, Apr 16, 2013 at 11:13:49 from 24.2.76.138

Hey Michelle - you have a lot to be proud of. Just look at everything you've done in the past year, its been amazing. You went for it on a course that is absolutely unforgiving if anything goes wrong at all. Those stomach issues are a bummer. But to still run 2:51 is really good despite all the stops.

Keep your head high.

From Rachelle on Tue, Apr 16, 2013 at 13:14:16 from 67.199.182.207

Definitely agree with all of the previous comments. You stayed so strong and persevered when things got tough and that says a lot. So frustrating to deal with stomach issues the entire race but you fought through it and finished with a great time. Congratulations on the race and thanks so much for update.

From Sasha Pachev on Tue, Apr 16, 2013 at 13:37:58 from 69.28.149.29

Michelle - come run Utah Valley or Top of Utah. You will not lose so much on the bathroom stops and you will come home with some cash as well. Congratulations on a virtual PR, though!

From Rob Murphy on Tue, Apr 16, 2013 at 13:51:10 from 163.248.33.220

I'm going to remember "I get into the groove in a limited way".

From Clay on Tue, Apr 16, 2013 at 14:32:00 from 66.182.65.162

I didn't even know you were running it kiddo! Stomach issues aside you would have got your PR, stay with it and you will get there! I'm so glad you are okay! It was a sad day for our country and the running community.

From LuzyLew on Tue, Apr 16, 2013 at 17:00:58 from 174.52.135.83

Wow Michelle. Wow. And, also, you traveled like 5 time zones. Sorry the race was trouble. That's why they call those hills between 17-20 'heartbreak hills'. Even more than your race-- you are safe. Way to represent team Italia all the way from HK. You are a rock. So glad your Mama could be with you.

From MichelleL on Wed, Apr 17, 2013 at 04:17:19 from 72.93.40.183

Everyone, thank you so much. Not just for comments on this post but for all of your support along the way. As the race day approached I thought of all of the people who helped made me the runner I am today and the blog is a big part of that. I will comment on a few posts:

Josse--I almost called you, but I was just ashamed to talk to anyone, honestly, but I am feeling better now.

Jake--you are right, this cycle is not a waste. Sometimes it is the things we accomplish along the way to the big one that end up being the best part.

From MichelleL on Wed, Apr 17, 2013 at 04:17:58 from 72.93.40.183

Luz--12 time zones to be exact. Love you!

From MichelleL on Wed, Apr 17, 2013 at 04:18:15 from 72.93.40.183

Sasha--I can't imagine how I could train for a downhill race effectively in Hong Kong. I don't think there is one road I could run that has two miles of 2-6% downgrade let alone longer stretches. Besides, I will only be in Utah in July, so that means Des News which would chew me up and spit me out. I do like the idea of a revenge marathon. It peeves me now I didn't go for a PR at Standard Chartered HK seven weeks ago. I was holding back for Boston. Ha. Not really laughing. . .

From Burt on Wed, Apr 17, 2013 at 08:37:58 from 68.106.9.193

I read your report Michelle. I don't even know what to say. I don't know what I'd do without you.

From Sasha Pachev on Wed, Apr 17, 2013 at 12:22:29 from 69.28.149.29

Michelle - I do not consider Utah Valley or TOU a true downhill race. DesNews, yes, St. George, yes, but 1-2% drop is not the kind of downhill you need to train for. I would be more concerned about the altitude, but truth of the matter is that if you've lived at altitude for some time, you should be OK.

April G is a good example here. She lives in Kansas, so no altitude, no downhill, but she ran great in St. George in spite of the heat.

I think you are perfectly capable of racing in Utah with your preparation.

From reddogrunning on Thu, Apr 18, 2013 at 03:30:02 from 210.87.245.169

Hi Michelle. Good race despite not meeting your goals. I have a route for you that you may consider running for downhill training. I have only done it going up but it would be doable in reverse too. It is 3.5 km long and averages out at 5.5% gradient. It starts from aShing Mun Reservoir (near the taxi stand where you get off for the 10km evening race in July) and you go down towards Tsuen Wan. There is a subway under the main road and you run then on a service road beside Shing Mun Sports ground.

From Superfly on Thu, Apr 18, 2013 at 20:54:18 from 74.211.21.81

Good job all things considered. That's a long trip for a race:) Sorry about the bad stomach.

From MichelleL on Fri, Apr 19, 2013 at 07:21:34 from 42.3.85.107

Sasha--I see what you are saying but I would still consider those aided courses, so wouldn't want them to be where I get a "pr". Also there is the minor point that I cannot come to Utah in those months. I will be in Utah for July only.

Burt--Now I don't know what to say.

Red Dog--good idea. Will keep it in mind for when I do Boston again. Will perhaps attempt it again in a few years.

From Smooth on Sun, Apr 21, 2013 at 15:46:39 from 65.130.2.239

Michelle, I just want to tell you that I think the world of you. You have worked so so so hard and so so so prepared. I'm sorry for the tummy issue. I admire the way you toughed it out. You will get your 2:45. I believe in you! :)

From runningafterbabies on Sun, Apr 21, 2013 at 21:28:19 from 71.195.219.247

Ditto on everything else already stated - but just know that I believe in you and know you were fully capable of your sub 2:45. Great job on all that you have accomplished. Keep your head up - your race will happen!

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