A look back at 2015

2015 was a great year for me in the running life and I am a little surprised at the little successes I had this year after a lack luster 2014.

All in all I ended up running 1813 miles, reached my 4 year streak-a-verssary, PRd in the Half Maratohn two times, PRd for the 5k, 25k, and 30k, won first place for relays in Spint Tri Women, won 2nd place in my AG at the Aloha State Games 10k, 3rd place for my AG at the Mango Days 5k, 2rd place for my AG at the Coconut Chase 8k, and PRd for the Honolulu Marathon course with a 4:33 marathon (14 minutes faster than last year).

Happy 4 Years of Run Streaking! 12.27.2015

It's easy for me to remember the last time I didn't run.  I was celebrating Christmas with my high school besties out in Hawaii Kai and we stayed past dark.  When I got home I told myself that I deserved a break since everyone needs a rest day and I decided not to go out for a run (even though I could have). I hadn't had a rest day since Thanksgiving at that point.  Anyhow, I took that day off and after that I decided to try streaking and the rest if history.

Running every day has become a part of my routine. I never ask myself if I will, it's always when will I?  As a full time working mom with 2 very active children I have to schedule my runs just like I schedule anything else.  Sometimes I know that it has to be a very short mile and other times its a frenzied OMG hurry up and do the mile before it's too late!  In the last 4 years I have learned to run in the rain, learned that in Hawaii I can normally count on 12 minutes of ok weather, I have learned to go to events looking like I just ran, I have learned to pack my running clothes in my car, I have learned to "live" in my running clothes, and I have learned to run through some pain (think days after the marathon).  

 More importantly though, I have learned a lot about who I am. I know that I am very goal oriented, I know that I can pretty much accomplish anything I set my mind to, and I know that I am surrounded by some very amazing and supportive peeps.
So, day 1462, year 4 is in the books and another year begins.  :) Let's get this party started!!

PR for the Honolulu Marathon 12.13.15

OMG, not a marathon PR but a PR on a tough course on a miserably hot and humid day!  4:33:17.  My toes are blistered bloodied mess, I am sure to lose most of my toenails but I am on cloud nine!  Marathon #7 is in the books!

One Week!

There's a week left until I run my 7th Full Marathon, 4th Honolulu Marathon. I am incredibly excited.

Amazing! 11.20.15

It was pouring, I was cold and drenched. I wondered if my phone and ipod were gonna die. I turned the music louder and ran wild. Laughing, leaping, wringing out the water, shaking my head....feeling more and more liberated with every step. Cars were splashing water all over me, the road was flooded. The rain fell harder and harder. I ran fast and reckless. It was fucking amazing.  ‪#‎runlove‬  ‪#‎runfree‬ ‪#‎wild‬&43

And I hate to run in the rain.  I guess I was wrong. 

Half Marathon PR! 11.15.15

Guess who PRd her 18th Half Marathon today by 3 minutes?!!

This 43 year old chick!

I went into this race feeling good and running strong. I knew I didn't train for a sub 2 but I was hoping that I would get a faster time.  I did all my normal pre-race routines and was feeling good the morning of. When the gun sounded I went with my strategy of staying at sub 10 as long as I could and running on the edge. I started out strong and saw the normal runners that I have been pacing with for the entire series.  As I ran up Diamond Head road I had a tough time with the wind that was blowing stronger than usual.  I told myself to stay mentally engaged and stay close with the people I pace with.  I took my first gel at the 2nd water stop at the Gas Station and continued to push.  About a quarter of a mile onto Kalanianaole I started to see the lead runners.  Their times seemed slow as well and it was awhile before I saw the first woman.  I tried my best to follow behind bigger runners to combat the wind but that didn't help either and so I just willed myself to stay on pace until the turn around.

At the turn around I immediately felt a rush and it became easier to run without the wind pushing me back. Unforutnately, my callouses and new blisters began to throb.  I had never had blister issues in past racing seasons so I am not sure why all of a sudden they're becoming an issue at every race.  As I was running I saw my buddy Darren who told me, "Don't let me catch you!" and I took that with me for the rest of the race.  It was exact what I need to hear.  I needed to up the intensity and go for negative splits. No regrets!  Anyhow, I continued to push on and keeping certain runners in sight.  I didn't feel like I had the energy or strength to pass them with 6 more miles to go so I told myself just to not lose them.  I ran well on Kalanianaole and as I turned on to Kahala for my challenging finish I took my 2nd gel.

This stretch has always been a mental challenge for me no matter what distance the race is so I tried to keep as mentally focussed as possible.  I kept my target runner within distance and powered up the hill to Diamond Head.  As I began to climb I reminded myself that this is my strength and it was now or never.  I began to run as hard as I could up and as hard as I could down.I didn't dare turn around but it was a good thing because I told myself to run hard so that she couldn't catch me.

As I ran to the finish and entered Kapiolani Park I saw that I was under the 2 hour minute mark.  If I could run a 6 minute mile I would be able to get that sub 2.  I knew I couldn't and I decided to stop the negative thoughts and instead embrace the fact that I was going to PR. It was just a matter of by how much.  It was starting to get hot and I wasn't exactly sure what I had in reserve so I ran pretty conservatively but as I approached the Tennis Courts I gave it my all. I could see the finishing clock and I could see that I was going to be able to post a 2:01 time. I gave it everything I had and finished with a 2:01.47.  Yes, a few regrets and a lot of thinking about how I could have knocked off 1:48 in my race but also a lot of excitement because knocking off 15 seconds per mile is totally doable for me and my dream is becoming closer to reality.

After the race I ran 2 slow miles for my LSD and the blisters were killing me. I will need to experiment with some different socks this weekend.  With three 3 weeks til the Honolulu Marathon I am feeling completely happy with my training and getting more and more excited to run my 7th Full Marathon.  :)

10.25.12 HMSA 30K

Personal Record!!  By a lot!!

I was a little worried going into this race because I haven't been hitting long runs every week like in the past.  Instead I've been running hills, biking, and doing long runs every other week. Anyhow, I wasn't sure what was going to happen but my game plan was to stay as close to a 10 minute per mile pace as I could for as long as I could.

The air was crisp and cool as I waited for the race to start. I had a few issues on the ride to town with my stomach and really need to investigate what's going on with me and wheat. I felt no real jitters and was semi-confident that I would be able to finish the race.  The horn went off and I took off at a nice easy pace.  As everyone sprinted past me I reminded myself to stay on track, stay calm, stay relaxed, and run my own race.  I kept at a steady 10 minute mile and heading up the first Diamond Head hill ran strong and confidently even though I was nervous since I hadn't been training in town as in years past.  Diamond Head seemed easy and it validated my decision to train in Mililani and skip the long drives into town.  I ran the down hill fast and skipped the first water station at Triangle Park.

I kept a steady pace for the next few miles but was pissed when I had to stop and tie my shoe by Kaimuki Middle School.  I made a mental note to myself to fix that issue going into the Marathon.  The air was still feeling cool to me and I continued to run well.  As planned I took out my first gel as I neared the gas station and fueled up to prepare for Kalanianaole.

As I ran toward Hawaii Kai I told myself to stay in the middle of the road and repeatedly told myself to beat the sun.  Running into the sun is brutal and I knew it would zap much of my energy so I wanted to try and miss it.  Running out I drank some water and Tailwind at each station walking through them so that I wouldn't pour water in my nose.  I was feeling strong mentally and physically and was pleased that I was maintaining my 10 minute pace without much trouble.

At the turn at Hawaii Kai I felt strong and was happy to see that the sun had just begun to peak over the mountains.  I was making good time and I was glad.  I ran well for the next few miles but by mile 12 a blister on my pinky toe began to throb. It's the same toe that I had a blister on at the 25K.  It slowed me down a lot and messed up my foot strike which then put pressure on my callouses on my bunion as well as the outside of my foot.  I began having mental battles with myself. Part of me said it was okay to do a 10:30 pace, the other part of me was getting mad, but no matter what I did I could not pick up my pace.  I hung in there as best as I could and continued to run and walk through the water stops.

As I neared the end of Kahala Avenue I looked to my right and saw my buddy Darren Ching.  We talked a bit and began to run the last two miles together.  Every time I was slowing down Darren would push me more.  Hearing him coach me and push me made me run those last two miles amazing strong.  I climbed Diamond Dead with conviction and sprinted toward the end.  Darren was by my side telling me to push, telling me to kick and somehow I surpassed all expectations with a 3:05.1 finish time (yes, I am pissed that I didn't run 2 seconds faster for a 3:04) which resulted in a 14 minute PR from last year!!!  I was simply amazed!!!

After I took a few drinks of water I then went out an ran a few more miles to make it an even 20 to max out at my long runs.  Here on out I will concentrate on getting stronger and my pace. I have lofty goals for my 4th marathon and I think I can get it if I work a little harder, push a little harder, train with intensity, and push myself.

I am quite excited. :)

 

Brio 25K of the Marathon Readiness Series

I last ran this race in 2012 and it was so ridiculously hard that I never ran it again.  Since I have been having a hard time getting motivated and out the door for training runs I decided to suck it up and sign up.  Well, a week before the race I found out that they didn't have base access and would be changing the route and I wasn't sure if that was going to make it harder or easier.  Today I found out.

Harder:

Big hill by Kalaheo high school followed by rolling hills, rolling and rolling and rolling. So much so that I was on the verge of laughing.

Rock in both my shoes. I kept debating whether I should stop and take the rocks out. I decided against it simply because I wasn't sure if I would be able to run up the next hill.  Turns out I should have took them out because now I have bad blisters.

Slanted roads.  Not only were the inclines numerous but the roads were in poor shape and slanted.  My left hip and knees are whacked because of it.

Easier:

Course was way short.  They timed it on a 14.75 mile distance but my Garmin came up shorter than that.  I ended up running extra miles after to get to 17.

Weather!  Today weather was my friend.  It was overcast and drizzly and thank goodness because for sure I wouldn't have survived if it had been it's normal HOT!

All in all I am glad I did the race.  Not sure whether I would run it again but I won't say NEVER.

Runner's hi 20k 9.6.2015

The Hickam Half Marathon convinced me that I can run in heat so I decided to run the runners hi 20k.  It's the only race in the marathon readiness series that I haven't run since th heat plus course of 4 laps just isn't appealing.  However, since i no longer have a training partner getting out and running has been a real challenge for me.

I made a few bad choices prior to the race. Min was too lazy to make pasta so I at th steak and potatoes my mom made.  Too much oil and garlic and I was having issues all night and in the morning.  I considered skipping but drove out anyway.

I made it to barbers point with time to spare and I was amazed at how much kaaleloamamd Kapolei had changed since I worked in th area 7 years ago.mi was glad ton see that it was cool and i wondered how long that would last.  

When the horn went off to start the race I began running and was happy to feel at my body felt good.  No feet issues no tummy issues I was feeling great.  I decided to keep a 9:40 pace and just go.  

I felt good until about 7:30 when the sun was high in the sky,mint was warm and the warm water at the aid stations weren't helping. I made sure to drink water and tailwind at a have station as well as throw water on my face and back.  It slowed me down but I was being safe.  As I reached my last lap I decided to give it all I got and set out to run some negative splits.  As I crossed the finish line I was happy that I ended with. 9:45 pace and a time of 2:01 but kicked myself for not pushing just a little bit harder and finishing under 2.

After finishing I grabbed some water and went back out to run 3 more miles to hit my lsd of 15.  It was brutal but I cheered on as many runners as I could.  It was crazy hot and the water station was closed as I passed but I trudged on.  With half a mile left I tweaked my hamstring and decided to walk back to the start.  

All in all it was a pretty good run and I think I would do it again.  Happy that training is going well mans hoping to get my leg fixed up this week.

Hickam half marathon 8.22.15

Since I wasn't able to attend the Seawheeze Half Marathon last week and the Windward Half Marathon was cancelled this year I decided to sign up for the Hickam Half.  I ran it in 2013 and in the 2 year break I guess I forgot how brutal the race was.  Add in the fat that it's like the hottest summer ever and you get a challenging morning.

I had been worried about this race all week.  I've been super tired and have had some leg pain and my runs hadn't been going well at all.  The heat and humidity have been sucking all the energy out of my and my runs have felt sluggish.  In all honesty I was looking for a reason not to run the race and as I waited for my friend Elaine who was going to get me on base I was also secretly hoping that she wouldn't show up.

Lucky for me by the time I got to the race and used the portapottie with the long line it was time for the race to start so I didn't have much time to think.  As I lined up with the other runners I decided to run at Marathon pace and aim for 10 minute miles.  As the gun sounded there was quite a bit of jostling. I wasn't too worried because we were starting behind the timing mat and I assumed that it was a chip time (I was wrong).  I set off running with the pack and settled in to a 9:45 minute pace.  All around me the runners were sprinting off and passing me and I let them go.  I knew that the sun would be up soon and that I needed to run smart.  We continued on around the base and I reminded myself how lucky I was to run this race.  The first 3 miles are very scenic and take us through housing and on to the water. I love running past the officer's quarter's and the Officer's Club.  From there we head out along the beaches piers and toward the golf course.  I love this part of the run because it brings back great memories of my youth spent at Hickam fishing, crabbing, and playing at the beach.  Once we pass the canal though, it gets really hard.  It's a hot straightaway directly into the sun and completely brutal.  All the concrete, black top, and planes make the air hot!!!  On today's run there were tons of golfers trying to weave and pass us on the road and it was a little scary.

I was happy when I got to the turn around and told myself to run the next 7 miles strong and on pace. By this point I was hovering around a 9:55 pace but I slowed down to about a 10 because the heat was getting unbearable. I took all three gels and threw water on my body at each stop.  Thankfully there were many stops, but sadly none had any Gatorade which I really needed.

For the last 3 miles I was staying strong in my head and passing many runners who were walking.  I gave myself a mental high five for sticking to my game plan and playing it smart.  As I looked at my watch I knew it was going to be close to get in at 2:09 as I neared the finish line I realized that the course was long and I was not going to make it.  I ran strong to the end and finished with a 2:12, my slowest Half this year but pretty good considering everything.

After the race I was rewarded with a medal and a free massage and I ran an extra mile around the track to hit my week's scheduled LSD of 14 miles.  All in all a great day and just like that Half Marathon #17 is in the books!

T

Norm Tamanaha 15K 8.9.15

I woke up this morning with a really sore back and a sore throat.  For the first time ever I contemplated skipping a race.  My mindset just wasn't into it. Thankfully I talked myself out of staying home and drove out to Kapiolani.

I was tired on my way there and contemplated cloying my eyes for 5 minutes after parking the car but thankfully I talked myself out of that huge mistake too.

I got my timing chip then went back and stood in the long bathroom line.  Lucky I was early and was able to line up at the start with about 10 minutes to race time.  When the race started I decided to keep a nice and easy pace.  My plan was to run 10 minute miles and relax.  Somehow I got caught up in the race and went out at about a 9:40.  As I ran up Diamond Head at a 10+ pace I realized that running Mililani hills yesterday wasn't the brightest of ideas.  My pace was slower than usual and as I neared Kaimuki Middle School I was way more fatigued than I should have been for short mileage.  At the gas station I decided to take a gel and drink some water as well as tailwind.  Unfortunately the Tailwind didn't work for me and I had to work hard on the Kahala stretch.  I had decided to use the Cliftons today and my knees started to hurt.  I switched and ran in the middle of the road to avoid as much slant as possible but that mean I was running in full sun on the back side.  As I approached Triangle Park I took another good drink of water and looked at my watch.  My average pace was at about 9:55 per mile and that just wasn't feeling good to me so I started yelling at myself going up the hill and willed myself to run as hard as I could.  I was able to finish the last 2 miles very strong and end up with a 9:38 pace.  I should have done better but I wasn't mentally prepared for today (good wake up call to be better as I prepare for the Honolulu Marathon) and in all honesty my body is simply tired.

After I finished the race I had some of the free and yummy Brio ice cream then ran 2 laps around Kapiolani Park and the Zoo for a nice and slow easy 5 milers to get my LSD up to 14 miles this month.  Right on target!!!!

My next race will be the Hickam Half Marathon so I am going to give me body a little rest this week and hopefully find a little but of mojo.  Just thankful that with everything going on I was able to pull off a pretty solid race and get my mental problems resolved by the end of the race.  Lots of work to do but I am up to it.

A desperate plea from me to you

Today I am one pissed off mom, wife, lady.  One night of sleep has calmed my nerves but fueled my anger and there are so many things I need to say.

As some of you know my husband was in an accident yesterday.  After a full day of spending time with our kids on our last weekend of summer doing all the things they wanted to do, we came home to rest before dinner.  It was a great day and I was feeling happy.  As I began getting ready to cook, Mike told me he was going to go for a short little ride.  He left and I got down to the business of cooking dinner.  As I was getting ready to feed the kids and make their plates, I got a call.  I picked up my cell and saw that it was Mike. My first thought was, “he’s not supposed to be calling, he’s on his bike.”  I knew of course that something was wrong.  He told me, “I had a crash come outside, someone is bringing me home” and hung up.  I ran outside with a million emotions and thoughts running through my head.  There were a million questions running through my head and panic as well.  My kids must have sensed it as well because they came running outside of the house to see what was going on and I was yelling at them to get back into the house because I didn’t want them to see their dad in his “crashed” state.  I kept looking up and down the street with no idea how long I was going to be waiting and what state my husband would be coming home in.  

After what seemed like an eternity a truck came down the hill and parked in front of our yard.  I remember Mike getting out of the truck, the man getting out of the truck me checking to make sure all his body parts were okay, not seeing blood and the nice man telling me to take Mike to the ER, lifting the bike out of the truck and a little bit of chaos.  I ran in the house grabbed some food, got some warm clothing and jumped in the van speeding off to Kaiser ER.  I was in a frenzy, trying to stay calm, needing someone to check my husband out and tell me that he was okay.  

On the drive to Kaiser Mike told me what happened.  He wanted to bike up the hill and was riding near Mililani Shopping Center.  Out of the side of his eye he saw a white car speeding toward him from behind.   He tried to move to the side of the road to get out of her way and through his mind tried to do all of the Emergency procedures that our friend Reid Yoshida gave him.  He braked and moved to the side but hit a lot of debris in the roadway (shame on you Mililani Town Association) and next thing he knew he was flipping over the handlebars and landed on his shoulder hard.  He told me that a dad pushing a double stroller got to him first, and then a man in a truck (our angel Neal Honda) stopped to help him, offered to take him to the Emergency Room, and ultimately brought him home with the bike.  Seriously, talk about Guardian Angels!!!! 

At the ER we again lucked out with a fabulous ER Nurse, Nurse Michael who kept everything lighthearted with a lot of laughs, and a Doctor that we had had before who was also a runner.  His prognosis was a separated shoulder but he’ll have an appointment with an Orthopedic Surgeon on Wednesday. 

All that being said we are truly lucky.  There were definitely angels protecting Mike yesterday.  His singlet is not torn, he has minor scratches on his shoulder and knees, and he did not hit his head at all. He will not be able to race on Sunday, but there will be other races.  He can’t work his job this week because he needs to be able to use his arm, he won’t be able to set up his classroom for the new school year BUT he will eventually be able to run, bike and swim again, he will be there to coach and watch his kids, and he will be able to train for the Honolulu Marathon with me again.  Believe me, we are both very THANKFUL and know that we are BLESSED.

Nevertheless, today I am angry.  Very angry.  True, I have my husband by my side today but it could have been so much worse.  Luckily, he was able to move out of the way in time, but others have not been so lucky lately and it seems as though every week there is news of a pedestrian, car, bicyclist accident.  I am so very mad because my man trained really hard for this race.  He set a huge goal for himself and worked the hardest I have ever seen him work in the over 25 years I have known him.  Week after week I sat at the pool and at the beach to watch him swim in big south swells.  Many a night I put the kids to bed so that he could train with his buddies.  Last week I followed him in our van as he rode his bike from Diamond Head to Hawaii Kai to make sure he would be okay.  Through all my fears of all the horrible things that could happen to him, yesterday it all came to a head just a few miles from our home, in a small little town where most of the speed limits are 25 mph.  A little town that is supposed to be family friendly with wide roads, little traffic, and places for people to be healthy through running, biking, walking.  Today I am angry as I had to help my strong and fit husband put deodorant and his shirt on before I left him with my kids to go to work.  I reflected on the fact that he is finally able to stay home and not work (which is what we always wanted) but humorously unable to rest due to pain, and unable to do ANY of the housework that I need him to do.  The next few days and weeks we’ll see just exactly how this accident affects our family.  What will he be able to do and not do?  How will he recover physically? How will he recover mentally?  So many questions unanswered that are tormenting me today. 

If you know me you know that I am a Do-er.  I do.  I want action.  I get angry, come up with plans, and expect change.  So here I am with all these ideas and wants running through my head. I want to make a change. I want to do something. Pedestrian and bicyclist safety has hit home.  I want my husband to be able to train on the road in the future without me sitting at home worried.  I want others to be able to train safely as well.  How do I get the word out there to make this happen?  Well, it starts here.  It starts with me on Social Media asking my friends and family to be aware when they are out on the road.  By talking to their friends and family to ask them to be aware when they’re on the road.  And as I do so I continue to plan and brain storm what I am going to do next.  Because this cannot go on.  Thank you for spreading the word. 

J   

Coconut Chase 8K 7.12.15

Holy humidity! A month ago 8k at 6:30 am seemed like a great idea. This morning 8k seemed too long and 6:30 am too late! But I decided to go out there and give it my best shot. I got to the race nice and early and was so happy to finally have a race close to home.  After spending the last two days at the Junior Olympic Track Meet and running around doing all kinds of things it was nice to sleep in a little.  I was uneasy about the racing venue due to the high population of homeless people that make Neal S Blaisdell Park their home and sure enough, there were tents and people sleeping in the pavilion. I was very relieved that the bathrooms were clean.  I hung out and enjoyed the view while waiting for the race to start and chatted with a few friends.  Noah was conked out in the van after a long day yesterday and Mike was with him so I had a bit of quiet reflection time.  

Soon enough it was time to line up at the start.  It was a rare race for me--one whose course I had no idea of and I was a little surprised to know that we had to make two U-Turns at opposite ends of the bike path.  I made the decision to not carry water earlier but before the start I decided that I had better take a Shot Blok so I walked to the water station and got some water to drink it with.  I lined up slightly to the back of the group and when the siren went off it was awhile before I could get running. I had to dodge a few people on the narrow path but I soon settled in to my pace.  I had planned on running the first mile at about a 9:30 pace and then pick it up but as I looked at my watch I was holding a 8:50 pace so I decided to ride it as long as I could.  We were heading west with the sun at our back and I felt pretty good. It has been a long time since I ran on the path and I was surprised that it was relatively clean.  I wasn't sure how long we would be running this way but at about mile 1.3 I saw the lead runners coming toward me so I knew it would be soon.  At about this time my bunion callous began to hurt and I would feel it for the rest of the race.  This isn't a new issue but one that I usually get with a certain pair of shoes and socks. :(  Poor sock choice!  I'll remember that next time.  

I was running for the first 1.75 miles but when we turned around at the u turn and into the sun my pace slowed down significantly. I tried to run as hard as I could but I went from a 8:50 pace to  9:20.  I continued to tell myself to run strong and held on until the first water stop at about 3 miles.  I made the decision there  that I didn't want to slow down and stop so I grabbed a cup and threw as much water in my mouth as I could (bad idea). I barely got any water and that would be a problem later on.  I continued to run into the sun and guesstimating how far I would have to run until the 2nd turn around. At about mile 3.25 I saw the lead pack coming toward me and I knew it wasn't too much further.  A we ran we ran past camp sites, chained up dogs, and other interesting sites and I couldn't help but think what the mainland runners were thinking of the route.  Finally I saw the U-turn up ahead, and much to my dismay it was  up a little hill.   I willed myself to keep going strong and just hung in there.  As is my new race strategy I began to look around and see whether any of the other runners were in my age group. I saw one up ahead but I just didn't have the gas to catch her.  I kept telling myself that I really hoped that it wasn't going to haunt me later.  

I was able to hold pace and gave it my all at 4.5, crossing the finish line smiling and in breath.  When the results were posted I was pleasantly surprised to come home with 2nd place but a little ticked that I indeed came in 2nd to the woman I thought was in my age group and only by 20 seconds.  I then called the hubby who was still in the van with the sleeping little man and they joined me for the awards ceremony.  Since Noah brought home 2 silver medals and one bronze medal at his Track Championship yesterday we joked that it was Daddy's turn to win something.  :) 

The Tropical Triple Crown has been good to me :) 

Aloha State Games 6.21.15

After talking story with some running friends I decided to sign up at the last minute for the Aloha State Games.  I figured it would also be good practice for the hubby since he'll be running in the area for the Tin Man Triathlon next month.

Saturday was another busy day with the kids sports but I tried to stay off my feet and well hydrated as much as possible.  I didn't get enough sleep Saturday night but my body was feeling okay Sunday morning when we arrived at Kapiolani Park.  The race was a small race and as we lined up at the starting line the hubby pointed out that Yuuko N was indeed running the race.  She's the elite 41 year old athlete that wins our age group or the elite top 3 at every race.  We were laughing that I didn't stand a chance.  The sun was already high in the sky, shining bright, and the air was thick and humid. I didn't have any real plans except to run as fast as I could.  I elected not to carry any water since it was only a 10k and I didn't want anything weighing me down.  The gun went off after a few tries and we were off and running.

We headed out toward Diamond Head and the fast runners took off. I settled into a 9 minute pace and told myself to hang in there. It had been a long time since I trained in the area but I hoped that my afternoon Mililani miles would be sufficient.  As I reached the base of Diamond Head I told myself to climb hard and pass anyone that I could. I was able to pass about 4 people going up the hill and as I ran I tried to figure out who was in my age group (,y newest running strategy).  I ran at about a 9 minute pace for the first mile but slowed a bit in mile 2 and 3 where there was simply zero shade and the heat coming straight into my face.  At the half way point I was passed by two women runners. I knew that one was older than me so I didn't sweat it, but the 2nd was running at a crazy pace pushing a jogging stroller. I told myself not to worry because she was for sure YOUNGER!  As we reached Diamond Head again I was getting tired and hot and I told myself that I was an idiot for not carrying water.  I knew I needed to get a good drink at the water stop and so I drank a good two gulps at the last one before my ascend.  There was a woman in front of me and I was closing the gap.  She had shared that she was from Japan so I thought that although she looked young it was very possible that she was in my age group.  I knew I had to catch her.  I closed the gap going up the hill and when we reached the peak I decided I was going to give it everything that I could to pass her.  I passed her and two other men on the way down and at that point I told myself that I had to hold my lead and run strong the last half mile.  Believe me, it was crazy hot and it wasn't easy but I willed myself to keep on pushing and not go into cruise mode.  I had zero kick for the last .3 miles but lucky for me, neither did anyone else.

We waited afterwards for the award ceremony since the race was old school withe zero chip for timing and when the awards were announced for my AG I was stoked to learn that I had indeed taken 2nd place behind Yuuko N and that the woman I passed was indeed in my AG and had taken 3rd place.  It felt so good to know that I was finally figuring this racing thing out.  :)

And just like that this chic has a 3rd and a 2nd place in the span of 8 days.  Chee hoo!

Mango Days 5K for the win! 6.14.15

After over 60 races and many 4th place finishes I can finally say I won an individual award!  I took 3rd place in the 40-49 age group with a 26:02 gun time.  Not bad for an old lady!  :)

Dannika took 5th place in her 9-13 age group with a 35:06.  Being that she played an indoor soccer game followed by a track meet and got home around 7:30 the night before I think she did amazing!!! Mike paced her and tried to get her through the very hot and humid conditions and was able to get her to finish so strong at the end that I wasn't able to capture her finisher pic.  Bummer.

As for me, it was a pretty ironic race.  I had shared with my 1st grade summer school class on Friday that I had ran many races but have never been able to win. Then on Saturday, I was talking story with some of the Track peeps and again told them how I run races but never win.  One of them women who I talked to told me that I needed to figure out who was in my age group and make sure that I passed them on my run.   Little did I know that that piece of advice would be the best ever given to me.

Sunday morning rolled around and I struggled with the wake up. I told myself that I was so over early morning races but I somehow got ready, got Dannika ready, and we were out the door. We got to the Ala Moana Park with log time, found a great parking, got our timing chips and used the bathroom.  As usual Dannika was excited to be a part of the race.   We lined up at the start and she told me, "Bye mommy, see you later." The siren went off and I started to run.  This course through Sand Island and Ala Moana Beach Park is not the easiest. There are a lot of turns, narrow corridors, sand, cars, and other hazards.  I went out fast with the real racers but once I got through half of Sand Island settled into an 8:20 pace.  Being a little over weight (ok, a lot) has been tortuous for me and I had to work to maintain that pace.  All around me I was hearing runners breathe hard and I reminded myself that I should be breathing hard too.  You see, I am a real cruiser of a runner and I rarely put myself in that "breathing hard mode."  Anyhow, I told myself to "breathe hard" and  I rallied to keep up with the runners around me.  As usual I picked a couple of runners that I wanted to stay with and eventually pass and I was able to keep that going throughout the first mile.  At about 1.2 mile and the water stop there was a runner down on the ground and I slowed a bit.  This has been happening way too much on my races (every race) and it always rattles me.  I pushed on after that and tried to keep her out of my mind.  I stayed with my pack and passed a few of the runners I had targeted.  At the 2nd mile there was some bottle necking going on and I fought hard to weave and pass.  After we made the turn back into the park I told myself to start pushing and began to put myself to work.  At mile 2.5 I remembered my sage advice from yesterday and spotted a woman that looked like she could be my age.  I told myself that I had to dig deep and pass her so I pushed hard for the last 1/2 mile.  As I neared the finish line I glanced at the clock and was a little pissed that I was going to be over the 26 minute mark (although that was the time I was shooting for) and pushed as hard as I could to the finish.  I was incredibly winded which is not something I ever am at any race (not even marathons) and I was drenched in sweat.  I walked over the finishing times and was elated to see that I came in 3rd place, a mere 2 seconds faster than the woman I had passed (I was glad I could spot a 40 something woman).  I then waited by the finish line to get pictures of Dannika and Mike.

After the race was done we headed to Ryan's Grill for my first ever Awards Ceremony and I was so incredibly stoked when I saw the beautiful plaque I was going to win.  A part of my was paranoid thinking that they had made a mistake and I wasn't going to win the award so when they called my name I was crazy elated.

It was truly the #bestraceever

Race Updates! April and May 2015

I've been busy since my last post.  April and May are always chock full of great races.  This year many were cancelled including the Kids 5k and the North Shore Marathon but that didn't stop me from enjoying my love of racing.  This year I once again did the Wahiawa Pineapple 10K and the Hibiscus Half Marathon and I also added in the Honolulu Triathlon competing in the Sprint Tri with two awesome friends!  Here's a re-cap of each race.

Wahiawa Pineapple 10K 5.16
Ran a solid run and finished with the same time as my Ford Island 10k:  54:21.  I was disappointed to know that this year's age group winner ran a 53 minute 10k.  My PR at this course is a 52.  So close.  Anyhow, it was as usual hot, humid, hilly, and shadeless but still a run I love to do.  It's close to home, starts and ends at a great school, and you get pineapples and a medal!!!

Honolulu Triathlon 5.17
Ran the 5K leg while my friend Kathy swam the 800 meters and Dee rode the 12 miles on her bike.  We came in first place for women and I PRd the 5k course with a 24:41 split.  Yay!

Hibiscus Half Marathon 5.24
Missed a PR by a little over a minute at 2:06.10. I went to the bathroom at mile 2.  Yes I am beating myself up about it. Grrrrrr.

Kroc Hero 5K & Hapalua Half Marathon 4/11 & 4/12 2015

What an awesome weekend!!!

Dannika and I ran the Kroc Hero 5K and she came in 3rd in her age group.  Mike and I ran the Hapalua Half Marathon in 2:04.41 which was a 9 second PR for me and a 50 second PR for him.

:)