Reindeer Run 12k

I ran the Reindeer Run 12k on Saturday. I signed up just to get my butt out in the cold and it was a chilly morning. It was in the high 20s when the race started. We ran in Tower Grove Park and although it doesn't appear to be hilly, there are a few long inclines that were pretty tiring. I really ran my heart out. My time was 1:10:05 and I finished at 150/251. I thought I'd place better, but I can't keep comparing myself to these other runners. I ran a really good race for me. We were also running with the 5k group (494 people), so the first lap around the park was rather crowded. I passed the finish line 2 times before crossing for the third time to finish the race.

I'm signed up to run the Christmas Lights night run this evening, but I don't think I'm going to make it. It starts at 6 p.m., and I don't even get home from work until 5.30 p.m. By the time I drive there and find parking, I'll be too late. Also, they are not closing off the roads, so 700-ish people will be running on the SIDEWALKS. Unless they are letting people go in waves, this just sounds like hell to me. Oh, and rain is in the forecast.

Confused

So, this post might be sort of confusing, lol.

My goal after my last half-marathon was to start running faster. I knew I was running at a pretty slow pace (I mean, I was in corral 16 at the Rock 'n' Roll 1/2). But then again, I knew what my body could handle and running faster just wasn't an option at the time, I just needed to finish the race...successfully.

I ran 8 miles yesterday and it wasn't easy. It always starts out nice, but I eventually get a mean stomach pinch. And it sucks. I know I wasn't hydrated enough, but even when I do hydrate correctly (at least what I think is correct), I still get that stomach pinch. This one yesterday came at 3 miles, a little early as I usually get them around 6 miles. What am I doing wrong??? I took a GU at 3 miles, way too early I know, but it did seem to make my side feel better. Running just plain sucks when your side hurts.

But the good news: I completed my 8-ish mile run (RunKeeper w/ GPS says 8, Daily Mile says 8.30) in 01:18:54. The 8 mile run I did just after the rNr 1/2 in October I completed in 01:22:03 and my first ever 8 miler in September I completed in 01:26:00. So, I am getting faster and that I am happy for.

But after the 8 mile run, I thought to myself...can I really keep going for 18.2 more miles?? And is it really necessary to keep improving my pace when I really just want to complete the April Marathon? My only goal is to finish, not to beat a set time.

Here is where I really wish I signed up for the April 1/2, just so I could beat my time of 02:19:22. I really would like to finish at around 2 hours. But it has always been a goal of mine to finish a full marathon...and how perfect to do it at age 30.

I know the best thing to do is just sign up for another 1/2, preferably before the April Marathon, but running in the cold is another thing I hate. ...and I just don't have the money to travel for a race at the moment.

I am, however, signed up for a couple of the winter races to get my sissy butt out in the cold.

December 17: Reindeer Run
December 19: Christmas Lights Night Run
January 14: Frozen Buns Run
...and hopefully I'll do one of the Frostbite Series in Forest Park or a Snowball Series. These races start to get expensive!

Another thing I'm doing differently: I haven't been running w/ my fuel belt. I've been training without it because it really chafes my sides pretty good.

I really had no idea about my route when I took off running. I knew I wanted to stay close to home and away from the hills in the beginning, and this is what I ended up with. The end of the route got pretty hilly and I wasn't too winded! Only thing really bugging me, other than stomach pinches, is my right knee, but I feel it more when I'm running on the treadmill.

December Training

Training continues for the April Marathon. Mileage will really start to pick up next week. I'm not as strict on my training schedule as I was for the 1/2 Marathon. I was so afraid that if I didn't run on my scheduled day, I'd totally miss it. This time, if I can't run a certain day, eh, I'll make it up at some point. This makes me feel good!

So good, I even ran yesterday...on my 30th birthday. Usually on birthdays, I feel exempt from everything and eat just about anything. I ran for 30 minutes to celebrate 30 years of life. I feel much stronger at 30 than I did at age 20 (when I first started to run to lose the Freshman 15).

I have a nice 8 mile run planned on Sunday. It's supposed to be a tad bit warmer (a high of 43°F). I'm a huge sissy when it comes to running outside in the cold. I've been doing a lot of my shorter runs on the treadmill. I hope it's good enough.

Totally unrelated, but here is my first attempt at HDR photography. This is a little antique shop near my house, they always have the neatest store fronts.