ShufflingSista

St. George Marathon

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Location:

Indian Harbour Beach,FL,

Member Since:

Mar 05, 2007

Gender:

Female

Goal Type:

Half Marathon Finish

Running Accomplishments:

I owe my PRs to the friendship, support and expert tips I've found here on Fast Running Blog!

PRs

5K ~~24:25 ('07 Run for Kids)~~ 24:12 ('08 Spring Into Summer 5K, FL)

10K ~~52:34 ('07 Spectrum~~) 49:30 ('08 Spectrum )

Half Marathon ~~1:59:47 (Hurricane '07)~~ 1:53:42 ('08 Painter's)

20 Miler 3:00:48 (The Trails River Run Sept. '08)

Marathon 4:00:54 (St. George Marathon '07, 1st marathon- yah!)

Short-Term Running Goals:

Following Hal Higdon's Novice 2 Half Marathon Training Plan for Space Coast Half Marathon Dec.1, 2013

Long-Term Running Goals:

Keep it in balance.

Personal:

Blessed to be LDS. Married to world's greatest guy for over 16 yrs w/ 2 amazing kids. Busy being a mom to 2 active teens (a very equestrian minded daughter & a soccer obsessed son). Mental Health Counselor by training. Loving Life at the Beach. Running to eat & fit in my jeans.

I'm much more active on Facebook- find me there Christi Lovelace Dieckman

Favorite Blogs:

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Miles:	This week:	0.00	Month:	0.00	Year:	0.00

Sat, Oct 06, 2007

Race: St. George Marathon (26.2 Miles) 04:00:54

Easy Miles	Marathon Pace Miles	Threshold Miles	VO2 Max Miles	Crosstraining miles	Total Miles
26.20	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	26.20

Ran my 1st marathon today! Where to begin the race report... I was planning on starting with the 4 hr. pace guys- but got caught up in the bathroom line and missed them. Started w/ some friends pretty far back in the pack. Within the 1st mile my 4 hr. pace band fell off and I realized I ran the 1st mile in 9:41. This wouldn't do- so I took off and tried to catch the 4 hr. pace setter. The first 7 miles were great, I was feeling good. The weather wasn't nearly as bad as predicted and I was fine in shorts, long slv. tech tee, gloves & hat. I knew miles 7-11 would be tough due to the incline around Veyo. I took this pretty well. I reached the 1/2 marathon point in about 2 hrs. I knew I was cutting it really close to my goal of coming in just under 4 hrs (I really wanted 3:59 or anything just under 4). I tried to make all water stops brief. I took GU about every 4-5 miles and followed it up w/ water or gatorade. I also grabbed a banana piece and orange slice at a couple of the stops. I was really happy that I never had the hit the porta potties during the run- I was expecting to need them. I passed up a couple water stops and didn't stop at them at all- so I think I used my time pretty wisely as far as aid stations are concerned. My family was at mile 16 which was awesome! It helped me get from the 1/ 2 marathon pt. to 16. About mile 18 my calves were tight! I stopped briefly (maybe 15 seconds?) for a calf rub- wonderful! I guess I lost a few seconds there- but I was so distracted by my tight calves that it was affecting my pace. From this point on I took it mile by mile trying to keep a 9 min. mile pace. When I got to 23 I thought I had it made. But apparently I was off in my pacing. I missed my goal of under 4 hrs. by 54 seconds!!! The last 2 miles were stressful because I knew I was cutting it really close to my goal and I wanted it so bad! My brother Scott & his family were cheering me at the .2 mark and I almost missed them because I was in the zone! And Michelle, McCall and some of the bloggers were cheering at the end but again- in the zone- didn't even see them. Thanks for your support everyone! I learned a lot from having to pace myself with only a stopwatch! I need a Garmin or stay with someone who will help me pace next year. I'm confident I could cut off 54 seconds! My body feels pretty good, who knows what 24-48 hrs. will bring though. My toes are terrible. I gotta find the right shoes for me. I've had terrible luck this year with that! 1/2 of my toes are really blistered and I'm sure I'll be loosing some more toenails again- already lost some in training- lovely! Overall a great race with great weather and great support staff. It was a little lonely running by myself for the whole time, but luckily I had pretty good tunes on my IPOD. Buff qualified for Boston 3:40:35!!!! She was so happy she was in tears, I was so happy for her! Heather's goal was 4:28 and she did 4:13 so she did awesome too and was thrilled. Matt & Chris and their 10 yr. old son all finished in 4:28. He was the youngest runner this year! Congrats to Paul, Clyde and all the blog guys who came in so fast!!! Sasha I didn't see your results yet but I'm sure you rocked!! Mik'L thanks again for hosting last night. I had cash for you that I forgot to give you so I'll have to catch up with you at a club run or something! Had so much fun meeting you all! What a great group! Hope we have more fun times ahead in our little running world! Lybi- can't wait to put on my socks tonight- you're the best!

Weight: 0.00

Comments

From crumpyb1 on Sat, Oct 06, 2007 at 21:42:14

Christi, I thought about you all morning! While I was running; while I was sewing; while I was eating my second breakfast.

It sounds like it was awesome! Congratulations! No doubt you can cut off those 54 seconds. I bet you could cut off more. I can't believe you are already talking about running it next year! Was the race a total rush with all the people? Did you hear anything weird (people shouting "ONE!" or singing or grunting?) after mile 23?

From Tom on Sat, Oct 06, 2007 at 23:14:30

Go job Christi! You did great especially for your 1st marathon. Very few runners finish their 1st without making tons of mistakes, sounds like you came pretty close to doing everything you were hoping and also learned alot to help you out for the next one.

From Ethan on Sat, Oct 06, 2007 at 23:19:59

Awesome job on your first Marathon :)

I made all the mistakes on my first. Went out too fast...tried for a faster goal than I had trained for...crashed at the end....but I made it.

From James in Sunny AZ on Sun, Oct 07, 2007 at 00:26:03

Way to go, Christi! I am surprised Lybi hasn't commented yet. She was so sad that we couldn't stay to see you come in, but we had to check out of the hotel early and take off for home. Congratulations on finishing your first marathon.

From Buffy on Sun, Oct 07, 2007 at 11:45:56

Christi,

Way to go with the 4:00 time. You defintiely have bragging rights with that, especially on your first marathon. I am really hoping to be joining you next year. (except I don't think I will be able to keep up with you)

From Mik'L on Sun, Oct 07, 2007 at 12:03:06

Awesome Christi! We were cheering for you at the finish and didn't know how close to 4 hours you really were! My sis finished her first marathon just 24 seconds over 4 hours, so I know how that is. But I think the time is rockin! That is super crazy fast to me! I'm really excited for you! I'm glad you are already thinking of running again next year...must have been a great day! Congrats!

From Zoe in Cali on Sun, Oct 07, 2007 at 14:56:43

Great job Christi! I'm so proud of you! I was thinking of you yesterday, hoping your 1st marathon went well. Miss you and hope you can walk today!:) I always enjoy reading your progress~

From Bryce on Sun, Oct 07, 2007 at 16:30:59

YOU ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Did I catch something in there about "next year"??? Crazy girl!!! I'm still bummed I missed it! Love ya!!!

From Superfly on Sun, Oct 07, 2007 at 16:44:29

Good race Christi. That's a great time for a first marahon.

In 2006 I wanted to run Boston under 3 hours. I ended up runnning a 3:00:46 and I was bummed. So I worked a little harder and went back this year and ran a 2:37. So next year you'll be tearing it up.

From Mik'L on Sun, Oct 07, 2007 at 17:19:38

By the way...I did look for you after but it was so crazy in the park. Sorry I wasn't able to congratulate you in person. And thanks so much for the bday present! You didn't have to do that, but I love it!

From Christi on Sun, Oct 07, 2007 at 21:22:56

Thank you everybody for your support and pats on the back. I love this blog and being in contact with you all!

From Michelle on Sun, Oct 07, 2007 at 21:51:53

Again, awesome job on the marathon! You did an amazing job! Would have loved to visit more or run with you but there will be another time. Wondering how you are feeling today?

From laura on Sun, Oct 07, 2007 at 23:18:18

You're awesome, Christi!!! I didn't even realize it was your first marathon. What a great time!! I love knowing that a 5 foot tall runner can do so well on their first marathon - it gives me hope. ;o) Congratulations!!!!!!

From Ash on Mon, Oct 08, 2007 at 01:59:11

I want to grow up to be just like my big sis! I'm so proud of you! I wish I could have been there to cheer you on. Maybe one day I'll be tough enough to run along side you. Don't hold your breath though.

From sarah on Mon, Oct 08, 2007 at 13:45:02

You are awesome...you broke my first marathon record...blew it out of the water. Congrats!!

From sarah on Mon, Oct 08, 2007 at 13:52:39

Just one more thing...Lybi gave you the award for being prettier in real life than your picture and I have to agree...you are lovely!!

From Jon on Mon, Oct 08, 2007 at 15:09:54

Cristi- that is amazing to run that well for a first marathon. They are always harder than we expect. You are so close- next year should be a sure thing!

From Lybi on Mon, Oct 08, 2007 at 16:50:15

The thing I regret most about this whole weekend was that I didn't get to see you come in, Christi! Some of the speedsters were coming in looking kind of hypothermic, so I started worrying about James and went to find him. Then we had to get him off his feet and into the car. Can't believe we had to check out at 11:00! Durn! Anyway, you are AMAZING!!! I think you totally deserve the gold medal for breaking 4 hours. You know, to qualify for Boston the seconds don't count--just the minute. So for 3:40, 3:40:59 still counts. Same here. Great job!!! Can't believe you are already thinking about racing again already! What a wonder-woman!

From Brent on Mon, Oct 08, 2007 at 21:03:35

Cristi, we did not get to meet you at the pasta party, awesome marathon, your first, something to treasure. I am impressed you had the self-confidence to go after the 4 hours after the rough start. 200 commando points for you. Many more PRs to come.

From Michael on Tue, Oct 09, 2007 at 10:20:11

Congrats on your first marathon. Sounds like you had alot of fun too. Dont worry, you dont need pretty toes to be a good runner

From Shauna on Wed, Oct 10, 2007 at 22:50:16

Congrats, Christi! You should be SO proud of yourself! Sounds like you did everything right, and you didn't even hit the wall-you're awesome!

From Sasha Pachev on Thu, Oct 18, 2007 at 17:50:28

Christi - this shows that you have the ability to run around 3:30 with proper training. You had only one month that was over 100 miles (August), and another that came close but was still under (September). I believe you can get at least the Boston Qualifier (3:40) in a year by following a very simple schedule:

Mon - Sat - the day does not end until you've run at least 6 miles unless sick or injured. No skipping, no excuses. Can go more if you feel good, cannot go less no matter what. Run 12:00 pace if you have to, but get yourself through the distance. Do not do any kind of speed until 6 miles a day of easy running with no skipping starts to feel like you are not even training. After that, put your extra energy into going long as opposed to going fast until 8 miles a day becomes a norm. Then start doing tempo runs, first once a week, then twice a week.

Sun - off.

This will give you at least 150 miles a month, about three times your average for the last year, but yet something that your body should be able to handle without problems.

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