Running – Page 66 – Zenaida Arroyo

Category: Running

13
Dec
2015

RnR NOLA Week 1

categories: Chicago Endurance Sports, Half Marathon Training, Rock 'n' Roll Race, Running

I’ve mentioned that I’ve run over 50 half marathons but have yet to finish one under 2 hours. My half marathon PR is 2:17:01 at the ING Hartford Half Marathon. My goal for my next half marathon at the end February is to finish under 2 hours. Can I seriously do it? It may sound like a lofty goal but at least I can try right? Of course Plan B is to get a PR.

RnRNOLARecap

*Week #1, December 7-13

Monday:

PLAN – 5 miles all easy effort
ACTUAL – 5.02 miles @10:26 average pace

Overall, the run felt blah. I’ve felt better during my Saturday runs. Splits are:
Mile 1-10:35
Mile 2-11:03<—– Headwind. I stopped a few times to catch my breath.
Mile 3-10:19
Mile 4-10:04
Mile 5-10:09

Tuesday:

PLAN – Cycle Zone and Body Works Plus Abs
ACTUAL –Cycle Zone and Body Works Plus Abs

Yep, two classes in one day. I almost did not make it to my evening class (and I got there late) because I was so sleepy from my morning class.

Wednesday:

PLAN –2 miles warm up (10:00-10:45), 2 minutes around 8:30 with 3 minutes recovery and repeat until you get 2 miles, then 1 mile cool down
ACTUAL – 5 miles @11:45 average pace

RnRNOLARecap1

The sunset was gorgeous and I was bummed I had to do this run at the gym. I actually enjoyed this workout. I did 1.30 mile warmup @11:10 before realizing treadmill was not at 1% so then ran the rest @10:32. 2 minutes run were @8:32, 8:39, 8:39, 8:39, 8:39. 3 minutes recovery were at walking pace. As for cooldown, .50 was @10:55 and .50 @10:32. The 8:39 pace felt hard but not too hard.

Thursday:

PLAN- 3 miles negative splits
ACTUAL- 3.02 miles @10:13 average pace

RnRNOLARecap2

Boom! Done!! Decent weather but very windy. I am taking advantage of this warm weather so I ran in shorts. Splits are:
Mile 1-10:34
Mile 2-10:04
Mile 3-10:02

Friday:

PLAN – OFF
ACTUAL- OFF

Saturday:

PLAN- 7 miles
ACTUAL- 7.12 @10:25 average pace

The weather in Chicago has been warmer than usual. I am not complaining at all. I am a 10:30 pacer for the Chicago Endurance Sports Winter Warriors Program and have been enjoying my runs with the group. This was the 4th Saturday pacing the group and each week has been very different weather wise.

Run was going well till the last mile where I walked twice. Just felt really tired. Splits are:
Mile 1-9:51
Mile 2-10:12
Mile 3-10:30
Mile 4-10:23
Mile 5-10:37
Mile 6-10:47
Mile 7-10:37

RnRNOLARecap3

Sunday:

PLAN- Yoga
ACTUAL- Did not make to class.

*Runs on treadmill are done on 1% incline.

Thoughts:

I am finally seeing numbers that I like. I definitely feel that I am running faster. Even my former coach, Sara, whom I ran with yesterday made a comment about it. That made me happy!
Earlier in the marathon training season I ran in the Brooks Launch 2 but had to send them back because they hurt my feet. Well, I found them on sale on Running Warehouse, decided to give them another chance, and ordered a pair. No pain. Love them. So I ordered another pair and should be getting them tomorrow.
One week before winter break. To say that I am excited is an understatement.

01
Nov
2015

Done with the Chicago Marathon. Now what?

categories: Half Marathon Training, Rock 'n' Roll Race, Running

Hello November! Cannot believe only two months till the year is over.

It’s been three weeks since the Chicago Marathon. I think I have recovered. I’ve been out for a few runs but nothing more than 4 miles. I really have not had any desire to run. But once I am out there, it is definitely a different feeling. The weather has been pleasant in Chicago so I’ve been able to run in shorts and a short sleeve shirt.

Last Saturday I went for a run and it was gorgeous! A bit deceiving because on my way back it poured like crazy. I saw my cousin and he offered to give me a ride home. I had about 1/2 mile to do and was determined to run 5 miles. And I did!

On Sunday I went to the outlet mall in Aurora to buy a new Coach purse. I came home with two. I checked out the Nike Store and found a Chicago Marathon finisher shirt for about $16. The price was right, the material feels soft and I love the athletic cut which fits perfect. Plus, I had a gift card so it was free right? I ended up buying more stuff than needed there and at Under Armour. I am going back next week to return a few items.

I love the Long Roga Shorts from Oiselle. Yes, even if they did chafe me really bad at the marathon. I bought another pair but somehow they’re big even though they’re both the same size. Not cool.

Thanks to Pinterest something random I did with my kids.

This past Thursday was a Brooks fun run at Fleet Feet Chicago. Some of the runners wore costumes. I ran three miles in 40 degrees weather and it was wonderful. I had so much fun and I did not care that I got all positive splits (10:11, 10:20, and 11:10).

What is my plan now that marathon training is over? Well, I’ve run over 50 half marathons but have never officially trained for one. Also, I’ve never run one under 2 hours. You would think that I would have since I’ve been running for quite a few years. I know it is tough to get out there when it is cold outside so I signed up to be a pacer for the CES Winter Warriors Half Marathon Training Program. Definitely no excuses at all from me. My goal is to run the RnR New Orleans Half Marathon under 2 hours. So I hope you continue to read as I train for my first sub 2 half marathon.

Oh, and not running related but I know I am late to the party here but I am finally watching “Dexter”. All I can say is “Wow”! I watched 8 episodes today and cannot wait to watch more tomorrow.

Dexter fan? What is the best half marathon you’ve run? Any exciting races this month?

19
Oct
2015

2015 Chicago Marathon

categories: Chicago Marathon, Running

Last Sunday I ran my 7th marathon – the Chicago Marathon. It was also the 4th time I’ve run this race (2006, 2008, 2010, and 2015).

You can read about my trip to the expo on Friday here.

I got my stuff ready and went to bed early. I woke up around midnight to use the bathroom and had no trouble going back to sleep. Before I knew it, it was 4am and time to get up and get ready. I checked the weather and was somewhat pleased with it. Too many suns in there worried me a little.

Well, nothing to do about it but get on the train and head downtown. I chose to drive to the train station instead of walking. I am so glad I did because I chafed really, really bad and could hardly walk. Well, let me just say that it hurt more to walk from the chafing than from running 26.2 miles.

Anyway, I made it to the CES Race Resort. Wow! I am so amazed by it and glad I signed up. I had a warm place to wait, plenty of real bathrooms to use, water, coffee, bananas, bagels, and other food. That was just breakfast. For after the race there was pizza, hummus, vegetables, mostaccioli, and other stuff I cannot remember.

It was finally time to go. I found my corral and waited about 30 minutes for my official wave (2) to start. Then I waited about 15 more minutes to cross the start line.

It was gorgeous! A bit sunny but not hot nor cold at all. I started too fast and ran my first mile in 9:06. Yikes! I stopped to walk because I knew I would pay for it later. Mile 2-11:13; Mile 3-10:22; Mile 4-10:54; Mile 5-12:13. I was feeling great and did not realize I was going faster than I should have. I wore my watch but chose not to look at it all of the time.

There were areas that were sunny but many more were shaded which felt great. Before I knew it, I was at the halfway point. Per my Garmin, I finished 13 miles in 2:24:59. I did not feel tired(yet) nor sore (could be the two Tylenols I took at the beginning of the race) which isn’t how I felt after finishing the Chicago Half Marathon two weeks ago. When I finished the half I did not have it in me to run another 13.1 miles. But I did not feel that way on Sunday. I felt like I could run another 13.1 miles.

Then I got tired. And really hot. I walked. But I ran too. The sun simply would not go away. I tried to listen to music but somehow that just aggravated me. Plus, there were so many supporters and that helped me block any negative thoughts.

Then the chafing began. Oh my goodness! That was painful. Then my feet hurt. Not the actual feet but my toes and the sides of my feet. I could feel so many blisters forming with each step I took.

I love Pilsen! As a spectator that is the place I like to wait and cheer for the runners. There were so many people. I saw my friend Maria and that made me happy. She hugged me and I hoped she did not notice I was smelling so bad.

I saw another friend at mile 20. I was still hot and tired. And my feet? Just thinking that I still had 6.2 miles almost got me crying.

I don’t think I hit the wall. I still felt good. It was just my feet. The last 6 miles were brutal. I wonder if I would have felt better if I had taken off my shoes and ran without them.

I love seeing the markers letting me know that I had a mile to go, then half a mile, and finally a quarter of a mile. I ran and walked up Mt. Roosevelt and was so happy to see the finish line. Love it!

Finish time is 5:21:17. Now here is where it gets “complicated”. I know that no one really runs the tangents and usually ends up running more than the actual race distance. I remember at one point of the race my watch was showing .40 more than the mile markers. Well, my Garmin watch states I ran 27.64 miles. It is a difference of 1.44 miles. Is it possible? I remember that for some parts of the race I did follow the blue line. But here we are looking at more than a mile. The Nike+ app (which syncs with my watch) has me finishing a marathon in 5:01:41. Now I know that is not an official marathon finish time but at least I know that I did run 26.2 miles in that time. Yes, that make me very happy.

As for my feet? A few blisters and two nails with blood. I read online that I can drain the blood using a paper clip but that kind of freaks me out. But I also do not know what else to do. Thoughts?

And the chafing? Much better now. I ran in the Oiselle Long Roga and have never had problems with them.

Sometime during the past few days I asked myself “What if? questions” One of my goals was to PR (5:16:53). I know I missed it by about 5 minutes. I looked back at the race and wondered “What if I hadn’t walked so much on 18th street (Pilsen)?” What if I had used a run/walk timer to run the last 6 miles? What if I had run without my shoes since they were giving me so much trouble? It drove me crazy that finally I had enough.

I know I ran a great race. I actually had fun running the marathon. And I don’t remember EVER feeling that way. My official finish time may not really reflect it but I know ran a marathon in 5 hours.

I think Lola likes the medal. What do you think?

So bring on Chicago Marathon 2016!!!

What watch/app do you use for your races? What has been the most difference in distance between your watch and the race?

16
Oct
2015

2015 Chicago Marathon Expo

categories: Chicago Marathon, Running

Last week on Friday I went to the expo to pick up my bib for the Chicago Marathon. I bought more stuff than I should have. But it is OK because most of the stuff I needed anyway. 🙂

I love the stairs right before going into the expo.

Come on in! I do not know who the people are in the right photo. I just wanted to take it because it shows the World Marathon Majors: Chicago, Boston, Tokyo, Berlin, New York City, and London.

I’ve run the Little Rock Half Marathon and would love to run the marathon just for the medal. Look at the size of it!!

I saw Joan Benoit Samuelson.

I’ve heard great things about Gasparilla which has races of various race distances–13.1, 15k, 8k, and 5k. For those that like a challenge, there are 3 that include running the 15k on Saturday and 8k on Sunday (Michelob Ultra Lime Cactus Challenge); running the 15k & 5k on Saturday and the half marathon on Sunday (Michelob Ultra Amber Challenge); or running the 15k & 5k on Saturday and the half marathon and 5k on Sunday (Michelob Ultra Challenge).

I love the color of the Newton Kismet. I also tried on the Fate (not pictured) and I think those are the ones I will get to train for my half marathon in February.

Just felt like taking pictures of these because I really like them and got me pumped up for the race on Sunday.

I thought this was cute too.

None other than Hal Higdon and Bart Yasso.

Everything that I bought.

Love the shirt color. For sure I will be keeping this one.

What is the most you’ve spent at a race expo? Are you currently training for a race?

01
Oct
2015

Chicago Half Marathon

categories: Race Recap, Running

On Sunday, I ran my 62nd half marathon, the Chicago Half Marathon. The last time I ran this race was in 2009. This race is my last one before the Chicago Marathon. The only reason I ran it is because of the CARA Marathon Incentive Program. So now I need to volunteer at the expo, run the Chicago Marathon, apply on December 1 (yes there is an application) and cross my fingers that I get in for next year. Now that I think about it, it does sound really crazy for a supposedly guaranteed entry. I mean, it isn’t really guaranteed because there are a limited number of spots available and once they’re filled, you’re out of luck!

Back to the race. I was told not to race it but instead to use it as a training run. And that is pretty much what I did. I was up very early at 4am, got ready, and drove to the race. Luckily I found parking right away and waited for about half an hour before heading over to use the bathrooms. It was very dark.

I met up with another Chicago Endurance Sports runner (Amy) to run together. The weather was just perfect. No rain and overcast. Definitely ideal running weather.

I do not remember hearing the National Anthem but we were kind of far so maybe we didn’t hear it. Anyway, a few minutes later we crossed the start line.

We settled into a nice and comfortable pace. I had my iPod but ended up not using it. Yep, I ran the whole race without listening to music. I love the course! And I love even more that we ran on Lake Shore Drive instead of the running path. That would have been very tight and a disaster.

ChicagoHalfMarathon7 — Source: http://www.chicagohalfmarathon.com/

I took an Advil at mile 4. My calves were tight and my feet were bothering me since the beginning. The Advil kicked in a few miles later. I wonder if maybe for the marathon I should take 2 of them earlier in the race.

Amy and I got separated after mile 8 but then I caught up to her. I saw the 2:20 pace group and did my best to stay with them but they were running a little bit faster than I could/wanted to. With 2 miles to go I told Amy to go ahead and I did my best to finish.

Throughout the race I had my watch to only show average pace. I was hoping to keep it at 10:55 which is pretty much what it was on throughout the race. However, that number crept up once I took my walking breaks and then I could not bring it down. I then changed it to show just the time. I ended up finishing in 2:24:41 (according to my watch) which is an 11:01 average pace. I am very pleased with my finish time.

Seriously the best medal ever!

A cute shirt and one that I will definitely keep.

One of my friend sent me the picture below. I remember seeing them when I crossed the finish line and thought about waving but did not want to look stupid. But it is still pretty cool!

Overall it was a great race. The course is awesome. There was plenty of crowd support and enough water stations. We lucked out with the weather so it made it an even better experience.