Race Weekend Dibs

Chelsea and I are training for a marathon a week apart this fall. This spring we had the same half marathon goals and several half marathon attempts. Being a fellow Packers fan, she sent me a message on twitter recently asking if I was planning on running the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon.

Well. Hmm....

I guess I was throwing around my race intentions for Fall 2015, why not think about Spring 2015?

After Krista ran her killer race at Grandma's, I immediately wanted to run Duluth in 2015. Ok, I REALLY wanted to run Grandma's this past spring, but knew I wasn't going to be marathon ready, so I didn't. Even though I REALLY wanted to. Did I mention I REALLY wanted to??

Duluth is like a trillion miles from South Dakota.

If I did Grandma's, Green Bay would be a perfect half marathon race predictor for marathon race day. But that would be an additional 16 hours of driving, total. Uff.

But my favorite thing ever is fun race weekends with runner friends. And despite having never met Chelsea, she *is* one of my running friends, as weird as that may be.

So I think I'm going to try really hard to make Green Bay work. If I can snag a really cheap flight to Green Bay or Duluth, I think I can handle the drive for the other one.

So now's your chance to convince me to come on a race weekend with you. And if you're Danielle trying to get me to come to Maine, still, please accompany your convincing with an airfare under $500. <3

Race Report: Green Bay Half Marathon

If you follow me on twitter, you know that Green Bay race weekend was a great one.  Hard not to have a good time in Titletown!  All week long we heard about how hot it was going to be.  I waited until the day before the race to really decide my "game plan."  Jenn and I took off for a shake out run at about 11am on Saturday.  We had to stop and walk a couple of times because the heat+humidity+awesome cold she gave me (and still had herself) was making breathing impossible.  This should be fun.....

Race morning arrived and Jenn and I jogged the quarter of a mile to the race start.  Convenient hotel location FTW.  We found the super secret stadium bathrooms with no line, and were a little concerned when we realized we were sweating while peeing.  Uh.... it's already warm.  At this point, my A goal was a mid 1:50s.  I thought I could run about sub 2 pace for the first 7 miles, and perhaps kick it up to 8:30s the last 10k.  Jenn and I finally found each other at the start line after someone needed another emergency bathroom run, shocker, and set off!

I HEART YOU GREEN BAY!

From the get go Jenn took off.  She always starts aggressively, and I never start aggressively enough, so I guess this should've been a given, but I was intent on starting easy, because I knew the heat was going to add its own element of difficulty.  Seeing where my heart rate was at a 9 minute pace, made me realize that my A goal should probably be sub 2, if I was lucky.  I had fun weaving in and out of the Green Bay neighborhoods, chatting it up with the runners around me.  Around mile 1.5 I saw Jenn, and she said that sub 9 pace wasn't happening.  Truth, sistah.  I kept running and feeling good for the first few miles.  I made sure to grab a cup of water to drink and a cup of water to dump on my head to cool me off.  My super cute green sunglasses that I wore all through the Brookings half last weekend with no problem?  They sweated off my nose four and a half minutes in to the race.  So I got the treasure of carrying those along with me.

The first four miles were pretty fun because they were fairly shaded and, heck, we'd only been running for 4 miles.  But I saw more people walking at the 5k mark than I ever have in a race before.
1.  9:07
2.  9:07
3.  9:01
4.  9:11

I first realized that sub 2 probably wasn't likely when I hit the water stop after mile 4.  The crowds of runners were swarming the table.  The volunteers were frantically trying to fill more and more water for the runners.  I had to stop to get my place in line to grab some water.  New goal:  have fun!  I started to get roasty, and all of that shade that I swore was along the first 11 miles two years ago.... was gone.  I kept a pretty consistent 9:10-9:20 pace to the end (while running), but I started walking through the water stops to try to get my heart rate down a bit each mile.  Granted my pace was quite a bit slower than it was last weekend, my heart rate was just as high.  45 degrees, meet 80 degrees. :)
5.  9:38
6.  9:38
7.  9:49
8.  9:18 (clearly no water stop)

We went through some super cool neighborhoods and managed to find some hills (anything is a hill for this flatland girl) to give some variety.  The volunteers that were handing out cups of ice quickly became my new heroes.  Along with the dude who picked up my sunglasses when they fell.  And the folks who were outside with hoses, sprinklers, super soakers, etc.  In case you were curious where my extra .05 came from, I hit every shower/sprinkler/hose I could.

Normally when I run a race, if I see a race spectator or runner with Packers gear on, I'll yell out "go pack go!" when I see them, since it's fairly rare where I'm from (everyone is a Vikings fan, poor souls....) and I love the Green Bay race because EVERYONE is decked out.  Wheeeee!  Feels like I'm with family.

9.  9:34
10.  10:47 (bano break)

Sometime during mile ten I thought I needed to take a pit stop and some portapotties appeared.  I figured it was a sign.  I wasted about a minute there, which is pretty efficient imo, and was on my way. It started to get pretty brutal here.  Seems that the earlier miles were shaded compared to this.  Also the sun was up enough that we were running in to it for what seemed like long stretches.  During the final 4 miles, I actually walked 2x that weren't during the aid stations because I thought I was cooking from the outside in.  (How do you like your Jerbear?  Medium rare?)  I even walked a smidge during mile 13!  Seeing people on the side of the road with their eyes rolled back, and ice packs on their chest really freaked me out.....

I kept thinking that I wish we were running through Lambeau Field again, because that would get me to the finish line sooner.  I tried to pick up the pace the last 1/2 mile, but my legs weren't having it.  I finally found a "kick" of sorts with a quarter of a mile to go.

11. 9:59
12.  9:52
13.  9:53
.15 1:06 (6:37 pace, so yeah I guess I found a small kick...)

13.15 miles in 2:06:05 for a pace of 9:38.  Interestingly enough, my first full marathon time (and still PR) in Green Bay was the EXACT SAME PACE.  Actually a smidge faster at 4:12.

When I finished I was shocked at how full the medical tent was.  It was scary.  I scanned the crowds for Jenn, but didn't know if she had passed me while I was in the bathroom.  Finally I found her and we set out to find AR.  Shortly after our reunion they announced that the race was cancelled due to the heat and humidity.  I immediately started tearing up, because I felt so bad for everyone that had trained their butts off, not to get to finish.  But it was totally necessary.  If the medical tent was that packed at 2 hours, where you'd assume most half marathoners at that pace are reasonably fit, I can't imagine what the people that still had 2-4 hours to go were feeling.

I'll be back for 26.2 next year, and can't wait to run through Lambeau Field again.  Hopefully after another Green Bay Packers Super Bowl Win!

A Destination Race Oversight

This past weekend I traveled to Green Bay WI to run the Cellcom Green Bay half marathon.  In case you haven't heard, the race was called off early because of the heat.  While I finished before the cut off (race report to come soon), you may all understand that I have a bit of a "sweating problem" (read that in the Chris Farley air quote manner, plz).  Well that "sweating problem" is exasperated by the extreme heat and humidity.

Being the smart packer I am, I retired my used running gear to my gear check bag post-race so my none running clothes wouldn't get sweaty/stinky because of close approximation.  To say they were drenched would be an understatement.  However, being the un-smart (or just overly tired traveler by the time I got home) I forgot to REMOVE THE CLOTHES FROM SAID BAG.  Those suckers have been left to marinate in there for approximately 56 hours.... and marinate they did.  I just started unpacking my suitcase and almost died.

And thus ends story time with Jerbear.


(trust me, you don't want anymore of a close up than this. also, I changed in to this shirt, and still sweated through it because I was that hot..... be jealous...)

Headed Back "Home"

If I run the race again, the Packers are sure to win the Super Bowl again right?  That was solely my reasoning anyway........

Hopefully there's a lot of this:

(heel strike?  What heel strike?!?! jk)

My cheezhead haz a sad.

Yesterday as I was boppin' around twitter, I happened on a registration announcement from the Cellcom Marathon, and a notice of the course changing.  Naturally I clicked on it and was saddened to read this:

"The courses have not been finalized for 2012, but the course has typically had a net elevation change around four feet. There is one major change planned for the route this season. Due to the construction scheduled for the south end zone of Lambeau Field, the 2012 Cellcom Green Bay Marathon routes need to be altered and will not take a lap around Lambeau Field during the final mile.


“The Cellcom Green Bay Marathon is an event that draws in the whole community and the Packer organization really enjoys being a part of the excitement,” said Aaron Popkey, manager of corporate communications for the Green Bay Packers, “We worked hard to find a way with the construction to get the runners through the stadium and weren’t successful for 2012. We look forward to having the course return to the inside of Lambeau Field in 2013.”

So I'm bummed, but I won't be running Green Bay in 2012.  But it's on the schedule for 2013.

Now here is the time when you tell me what spring race you're running and bribe me with ice cream to come run with you............. and GO!

Marathon Pictures

Alert the presses, someone got some good race photos!  I was super concerned that I didn't see any photogs around the course, that there wouldn't be any race pics.  Someone on twitter assured me there were tons along the course, which then had me freaking out because I tend to look not-so-cute when running unless I attempt a smile.  I was insanely happy with my pics and am totally dropping the $55 to get all of them.  (Since I was planning on spending way more $$ at the Expo I figure it's okay.)

Starting the race.  Check out that zen facial expression.  I'm probably trying to not cry.  I actually smiled for most of the first two miles because I was so excited.

This isn't actually from the race photos, but I happened to see this one on the Green Bay Press-Gazette website.  Makes me look fast.  Also, the first time I've ever thought I had runner's legs. Yay.

No idea where this is along the course.  I'm willing to bet the earlier miles since the guy on the left is dressed as the abominable snow man.  Sheesh guy.

Again no idea where this is on the course.  Obviously it's warmed up at this point.  Blech.  So hot.

Best part of the race.  Lambeau!!  I really wish I was in stride during this pic.  Oh well.  The smile says it all.  Unfortunately no energy for a Lambeau Leap.

Right before the finish line trying to haul some booty.  Hurts. So. Much. (In case you needed me to decipher the disgruntled facial expression.)

Seriously the sweetest race photo ever.  I found this one in the 2400+ lost and found photos, and couldn't have been happier that I spent that time searching.  Also had to do a side by side Brett pic so you could see the celebratory resemblance. ;)

This one is a bit goofy because they caught me as I was putting my arms down, so it really just looks like I'm doing the freestyle swim move to get me going faster.  But you gotta love the grin of pure happiness. 

I'm a marathoner.  :)

Race Weekend Recap: I Heart Lambeau Field

Honestly, thank you all so much for your support and congrats on the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon.  I've been totally slacking on my posts, and there was so much about the weekend that didn't make it in to the race report, so here goes!

I started my adventure to the land of cheese and awesomeness on Friday morning.  I headed to the rental car place to pick up my flyyyyyy ride, grabbed an iced latte from Starbucks and some snacks for the weekend and I hit the road.  Btw, my obsession with iced lattes is getting way out of hand.  I literally crave one every minute of every day.  More so than ice cream at this point.  Insane.

I was supposed to meet up with Alyssa and Steph for lunch, but due to some unforeseen scheduling issues, it didn't work out.  SO BUMMED!  But we will hang out some time fo sho.  :)  I powered through the drive, stopping only for potty breaks (which was roughly every 100 miles for my tiny coffee fueled bladder).  The first time I saw a road sign for mileage to Green Bay, I got all teary eyed.  Can we say emotional taper beast?  Holy crap.  I got to town 8 hours later and after some minor getting lost, finally got to my hotel.  It. Was. Fab.  I stayed in the Aloft hotels, and they were amazing.

King sized bed for the princess.  ;)  I loved the funky interior of the hotels.  Totally my taste/style.  

Macbook loooooved being able to sleep next to me at night.  (I loved it as well.  Way better than a dude.)

I had planned to do some exploring of the great city but I was struck with the worst headache EVER.  I ordered up some dinner and hit the hay early.  Of course, I managed to wake up in the middle of the night thinking that Saturday was race day and I hadn't set an alarm.  Silly brain.

When I finally woke up on Saturday (super early), I was so excited to head to the race expo.  But more excited to lay eyes on Lambeau Field for the first time.  Sigh.  It was breath taking.  But seriously.  I had no words.  

While at the expo I met up with Neil for some pre-race chatter.  He discussed the course a bit since he's familiar with the area, and totally helped set my mind at ease.  We parted ways so I could go to the first timer's presentation, which was also great at calming my brain.  Such a good program they have and yet another reason I'm glad Green Bay was my first.

After forking over only $20 at the expo (I'm just as shocked as you are), it was time to find some chow.  I checked my list of "must eats" I'd been compiling from friends and decided Curly's Pub would be a great choice.  

Curly Lambeau poster leading up the stairs to the restaurant and amazing ceiling.  I wouldn't mind having that as my ceiling.  The food, sadly, wasn't that great.  But I was doing a strict no-dairy prior to the race to avoid any digestive issues, and they're obviously known for some amazingly cheesy dishes.  So sad.  My special Curly Ale totally made up for the not so amazing food.  No dairy means no amazing ice cream either.  One single tear. :'(

¨

I also knew I needed to make a stop in the Packers Pro Shop.  I promised my debit card that I would go easy on her.  Can I say...kid in a candy shop?  Because....ya.  I could've easily spent $10,000 in that store.  No joke.  I was impressed I walked out down only $110, and the proud new owner of a Greg Jennings jersey and fabulous hoodie.  

Even though I wanted to hang out at the expo for hours, I made myself head back to my hotel so my legs could rest.  But not before taking some cute pictures.  I have a feeling this is what heaven's gates will look like. :)  God's totally a Packers fan.

After a delicious nap, it was back to Lambeau for a pasta dinner.  I didn't realize the pasta dinner was included in the race entry fee, which was awesome!  I got to meet some other runners and enjoy the special 26.2 brew that Titletown had created specifically for the weekend.  Sadly I had a ton of drink tickets and a stupid marathon to run the next morning!

After taking more photos of the field, I actually overheard a lady say, "Oooooooh so there's actually a guy this place is named after?!?!"  I swear to God my jaw dropped.  :)

Then it was lights out for this chica, and well...you know the rest.  :)  The drive home sucked, to put it mildly.  Although, I managed to make it home in 7 hours and 15 minutes instead of the 8 hours it took me to get there.  Never again will I drive the day after a marathon.  Lesson learned.  I have never been as happy to be reunited with my ice pack as I was Monday afternoon. :)

Race Report: Cellcom Green Bay Marathon

Sunday I set out to complete my #1 goal for 2010:  to become a marathoner.  As you may know if you've been reading my blog for awhile, I decided back in 2005 when I first started distance running that Green Bay would be my first full as I'm a HUGE Packers fan.

I woke up after a good night of rest (shockingly) with no horrible race nightmares.  Without much fanfare, I was fed, clothed, and waiting on the hotel shuttle to take me to the race start.


Extra shockingly, there were no hardcore race nerves.  My nerves were so bad on Saturday that I wasn't hungry at. all.  I literally had to force food down my throat.  Sidenote:  this is NOT normal.  I am an EATER.  Luckily I was 100% able to drink beer and enjoyed one at Curly's Pub and a special brew by Titletown of 26.2 created just for the race. Can you say awesome?


Got to Lambeau and made bathroom stop #1.  Did some stretching and was surprised that a knot I've had in my upper right calve was still there from Thursday's easy run.  Get in a loooong line for bathroom stop #2.  Somehow I'm not stuck waiting in line for the bathroom during the Star Spangled Banner (this seriously happens to me in EVERY race leading to some major nerves that I'm going to miss the start/get stuck in the back/etc.)

I chatted it up with a few people around me, and before I know it we were getting ready to start.  And I am beaming (not surprisingly).  I'm starting my first marathon.  In Green Bay.  This is a dream.  I ran without my music for the first couple of miles to really take in the experience.  I revamped my race goals a bit after everyone's very thoughtful and intelligent advice.  I wanted to shoot for a pace between 9:15 and 9:30, erring on the slower side for the majority of the race, and then pick it up at the end if at all possible.

I made sure to check my garmin frequently in those first few miles to avoid getting swept up in the crowds.  There were so many people lined up on the course, it was amazing.  So many adorable little kid Packer fans that I wanted to steal, and many other easy on the eyes Packer men.  Ooh la la! [Sidenote:  Whenever I see a Packer fan, I immediately check him out. I think I'm destined to marry a Cheese Head.  With so many dudes on the course in Packer gear I was in heaven, but almost overly stimulated...whoa! :P]

These first few miles literally fleeeeew by.  I took my first GU at mile 5 and was feeling just dandy.

1. 9:19 
2. 9:17 
3. 9:25 
4. 9:22 
5. 9:30

The miles continued to cruise by, and I somehow managed not to do the mileage countdown game in my head.  Nothing worse than getting to the 10k mark and thinking 20 to go.  Shoot me now.  The crowd definitely thinned out during this point, which was nice.  There were a couple of run-walkers that were leap frogging with me during these miles which was entertaining.  I met a dude who is an Ironman (crazy fool) who was shooting for a 4:10 finish.  I told him I was going to keep my eye on him and let him pace me.  Sadly he stopped leap frogging with me around the half way mark.  I took my second GU at mile 10.

6. 9:19 
7. 9:22 
8. 9:15 
9. 9:24 
10. 9:25

As many people tweeted who were following me at home via email/text message updates, I was running a ridiculously even pace.  Each time I would get to a mile marker, I would spend a minute or so figuring out what my average pace was.  It hovered around 9:22-9:23 until mile 15.  The halfers and fullers split off around 12 miles.  I was running with a group of dudes at this point, and once we were out of ear shot of the half marathoners, I had to blurt out, "This is where we separate the men from the boys!"  Of course that got a good laugh out of them, and my one witty comment of the day was used up. :)  At the 13.1 mark, I was at 2:02:35 and I thought that my 4:04-4:08 goal frame was in reach.  I took my next GU at mile 14.

11. 9:12
12. 9:22
13. 9:22
14. 9:31 

My only complaint about this race (because it truly has had my heart long before I even ran it) is that the crowd support diiiiiiies after the halfway point.  Understandable, since there are 5000 half marathoners and 2000 marathoners, but stinky for us going the full distance.  During this stretch I started to get really really hot.  The clouds that were supposed to be out shielding us from the rays were no where to be seen, and I was toasty.  I started grabbing two water cups at each station, one to drink and another to dump on my back and a splash for my head.  Felt. So. Good.  Highlight of this section (and best fluid station EVER!) was the little punk rock kids jammin' a Blink 182 song!!!!  I was soooo excited.  I'm a big Blink fan, and it made my day that little junior highers were rockin' their tunes.  I took my next GU at mile 18. And yes I was soooo sick of GU at this point.  Ugh.

15. 9:21
16. 9:37
17. 9:25
18. 9:40 

Yeah, screw you mile 18.  I hate you.  Always have, probably always will.  Sorry, if you forget my intense hatred for 18 milers please revisit.  I was getting close to the 20 miler mark; the point where I was going to estimate where I was physically to assess what my finish goal time should be.  Assessment:  nap time!  jk.  But it would've been nice.  I knew speeding up was not an option, except for maybe the last 2-3 miles.  I would continue on at a steady pace.  Based on my calculations at this point, I should be able to finish at ~4:10 if I stayed at a steady pace and didn't give in to walking (although I wanted to REALLY REALLY BAD!).

The Mile 20 "Wall Party" was simply awesome.  You could hear them from about 1/2 mile away (which actually wasn't a good thing because you just wanted to *be* there not at 19.5) and there was a huge inflatable castle wall that we ran under.  People were lined up along the route for a good 1/4 of a mile screaming their faces off.  It was great. :)  I took my last GU at mile 22 and resisted the urge to GU all over those running around me.  I knew I needed it but did NOT want it.  Even a little bit.  Ick.

19. 9:41
20. 9:43
21. 9:42
22. 9:52 

I was so ready to be done.  My hips hurt.  My IT bands hurt.  That calve tightness I mentioned earlier?  It hurt for the first 15 miles, but then because everything else hurt so much, I forgot about it.  Excellent.  Everyone around me was walking, and I really wanted to join in.  I was so overheated that I started to get cold.  Uh oh.  Jeri doesn't really *get* cold.  : /  I knew if I stopped to walk I may not get started again.  I saw those around me stop to walk, start up for a few seconds, and then revert back to walking.  I did not want to go through that pain.  Plus, my 4:10 finish was still in sight if I could run 10 minute miles.  10 minute miles are EASY right?  I can run that without trying, right?  Wrong.  Hah.

23. 10:00
24. 10:25 

Oh heeeeeey there 10 minute and 10 minute + miles.  I haven't seen you in a year and a half of training.  How are you dooooooing?  Luckily I was in such a daze, I didn't even hear my garmin beep, thus not seeing these times.  Guarenteed I would've stopped because I for sure felt like I was running an 8:30 pace.

I knew I just had to make it to 25ish because that's when we could run through LAMBEAU.  I knew I'd be fine once I got there, that was my DREAM.  By the time we got up to the field, I was ready to cut through to the finisher's side and to hell with Lambeau.  I was getting very dizzy, but knew I had about 10 minutes to go and then I could die/pass out/do whatever my body was on the verge of doing.  I ran through Lambeau.  And it was love.  :)  I beamed....even though I'm convinced that smiling while running is wasted effort.  It was worth it.  My garmin lost signal on the tunnel into Lambeau and out of Lambeau so I had no idea what my time was.  I pushed for the final couple of minutes and sprinted (yes! I actually sprinted!) to the finish line.  I raised my hands in the air with the biggest smile EVER, crossed the line, stopped my garmin, and immediately started to look like those weeble wobble toys.

25. 10:22
26.2 12:43 (10:36 pace) (6:34 max pace at the finish line)

26.2 miles in 4:12:00.  Yeah, I'm *that* good.  For a pace of 9:37.
*That* meaning I finished with :00 for the record. ;)

A couple of medics came to support me and guide me into the medical tent, but I refused to let them until I had my medal around my neck.  Priorities, yo!  I have a tendency to faint after long runs, so I wasn't too concerned, but I just didn't want to faint standing up....concrete is not my cranium's friend.  I explained to the medics that I thought I might have some mild heat exhaustion or heat stroke and was probably also dehydrated since I couldn't take down any fluids the last couple of miles because my stomach was so upset.  I chilled for a while, literally with a blanket on and ice pack on my face, and drank some delicious gatorade and then called it a day.  Once the dizzies and nausea passed I was ready to celebrate my marathoness!

Yes my clock time and Garmin time were the same again with the :00.  I swear I'm just as impressed as you all are.  ;)



So there you have it.  I'M A MARATHONER!!!!
Toughest thing I have ever done in my life, and biggest accomplishment to date.

Thanks to everyone for all of your support.  Even though I didn't have anyone out on the course, I knew there were tons of you checking your emails, text updates, refreshing the race website, tweeting away cheering for me, texting me to HUSTLE UP (haha!), writing on my facebook wall.  You are all amazing and much appreciated.

When's #2? ;)