sidebar | life and training 2.3 – 2.9
Even though I don’t always like running, I really do love running.
Sunday I ran my third half-marathon. Last time I tried the distance was in Tallahassee in 2020, straight before COVID knocked everything down – I fell victim to a calf injury after that race that would’ve sabotaged my marathon aspirations anyway (I was training for my second Big Sur at the time). Tallahassee was a PR, though I don’t remember what my time ended up being; around 1:50-something I think.
I signed up for this race, the St. Pete Distance Classic, after my running buddy told me he was planning to do the half. In a sick twist of fate he came down with the flu on Thursday, so I ended up riding out to the race solo on Sunday morning and seeing what there was to see.
My training cycle for this race was a whole lotta meh. My pace workouts were mediocre and I really did not know what a realistic goal was. I hoped for under 2 hours, above all, and thought perhaps an 8:45 average was realistic, maybe 8:40 if I were having a pretty good day. I’ve been focused on shorter distances this year so the half felt like a foreign undertaking, and stamina isn’t really my strong suit anyway.
I woke up at 3:30a on Sunday morning and practically leapt upright. Any hesitation and I would’ve been behind my self-imposed schedule. I went for a one mile wakeup walk then came back in for coffee and my pre-race stroopwafel and peanut butter. I only had about 20 minutes or so for my snack before hauling to the bathroom to get ready and gather up my fuel and drinks for the ride over + the race.
I parked out in a side neighborhood about 1/2 mile from the start line and walked over. I had plenty of time so I did a one mile warmup jog plus strides, some stretches, and basically lumbered about observing. The starting chute was pretty active with runners of the four distances occupying the whole of the park, I’d guess 3-4000 runners overall split between the marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K.
The race started 10 minutes late, while still dark out (6:20 was scheduled 6:30 actual). Some fuck stepped on my ingrown toenail in the chute, which was not the most pleasant start to the whole affair. Before long, though, I shook out the pain and we were off.
I set myself between the 1:50 and 2:00 pacers and, I don’t know, guess kinda zoned out and found my stride. I felt good through and through, only really lapsing when I was due for my gels – I know this was the catalyst of my compromised energy because once I took them, I felt worlds better. Water stations every 1.5 miles or so were a lifesaver, and I drank at all but two: one I missed the hand-off as the two volunteers turned to pick up more cups, and the second was at mile 12.8 and I did not want to stop at that point.
The course wove around the water for the first few miles, and the sight of the sun hazily climbing above the mirror-like surrounds was really meditative. We then scampered through neighborhoods and eventually down Central, which was the roughest part of the course for me since the roads are kinda old and poorly paved. My time slowed considerably for a couple miles; my legs didn’t take well to the gravelly asphalt. We plopped thereafter onto the Pinellas trail, splitting off from the marathon course, and finished up with a loop around the park to get to the finish line.
For whatever reason, shit just clicked that day. I didn’t look at my watch once and didn’t really worry about anything other than maintaining good form and good breathing. The half is a very aerobic undertaking and breathlessness, ideally, should not be a concern (except maybe in the last mile or so when it’s time to hit the gas and empty the tank).
The biggest issue I encountered was my left hamstring seizing up around mile 8. That bitch has given me several problems over the past few months and usually makes itself known during race efforts. I felt my gait get a little clunky for awhile but I focused on shortening my stride and keeping my arm swing stable.
My little finishing spurt impressed even me. I threw down a 7:35 pace for the final .1 miles and crossed the timing mat with pretty steady breathing, though my legs were quite shot at that point! I meandered around, got my medal and a water, and bugged a lady to take a photo of me. I found the food tents and grabbed a banana and a chocolate milk (which tasted fucking glorious), but didn’t have much to do otherwise since my friend wasn’t there and I didn’t have anyone to talk to. Nor did I have to stay for the awards: I finished a respectable 6th in my age group, out of 45.
The rest of Sunday I spent occasionally foam rolling, but mostly plopped on the couch reading and snacking A LOT. My appetite was pretty odd: my stomach felt sensitive but I just wanted to eat. I enjoyed a slice of cake (recipe coming soon!) and a glass of wine, and for the Super Bowl we made a HUGE tray of nachos (which was part of my mantra for running a strong race) and nibbled on a veggie platter. I passed out a couple times early in the game and definitely napped earlier in the afternoon, too.
I plan to take a couple weeks of recovery and see how I feel about any further racing. I ran today (Monday), a very slow old man shuffle for a few miles just to get the blood flowing, and hereafter will take a couple days off before considering another short run and resuming my strength workouts. I’m in the base-building/reverse taper mode, getting my mileage slowly back up to a consistent level (around 30 mpw) before adding back any meaningful speedwork.
Prepping for the race encompassed most of my week. I visited Paradeco Coffee twice, once on Thursday with a friend but mostly since I had to be out there anyway to pick up my race packet, then the second time on Saturday with Little Miss Ba. Really like that place: the aesthetic is gorgeous and their oat cappuccinos delightful and smooth. Ba enjoyed a little swing on the vines in the back of the cafe!
I also made this cute wreath to start my transition into spring decor. Well, to be fair, the inside of my house contains a lot of spring decor already, but my porch still has my winter stuff on it. I need to find a new welcome mat and some plants to put around the door. A work in progress!
I hope this week to find a spot to go for a celebratory lunch or dinner, and probably a coffee stop for Little Miss Ba’s sake. It’ll be really nice to not worry about large runs or workouts, though I hope to get my strength training program back in force sooner than later – I don’t love lifting but it’s been nice to see some strength gains again.
Happy Valentine’s week, all! I’m not huge on it but below you’ll find a sample menu if you’re planning to celebrate your sweetheart (or your gal pals) at home. I had a lot of fun besides myself developing recipes for the occasion. And eating them. Hopefully you’ll find a similar enjoyment.
The Fuck We Cooking This Week?
…A cheesy, veggie-laden rice casserole!
…Gooey cinnamon rolls for weekend brunch.
A Few Things I’m Digging
Veggie ground…I tested the Impossible Ground Beef in a new recipe I CANNOT WAIT to share…this shit is the real deal. Tastes beefy and has a convincing texture mimic. Not really cheap, about $7 for 12 oz, but worthwhile to use if you need some extra protein and want to make something like a bolognese sauce or tacos.
Granola…The Purely Elizabeth granola is really wonderful – too bad it’s almost $8 a bag! I bought the Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Granola and the Vanilla Chocolate Chip on BOGO at Publix, and I kinda wish I would’ve bought more. Biggest fucken clusters ever and so tasty with yogurt.
Tank top…I’m not sure if these are the same ones, but tanks of this style are my favorite for running. They’re breathable, stylish, and comfy.
FMG Valentine’s Menu
Staying in for sweetheart day? Here’s my lineup of dishes from which I’d pick and choose for a lovely Valentine’s at home!
Starters
Roasted Honey Bourbon Strawberry Crostini
Raspberry Kale Salad with Poppyseed Vinaigrette
Mains
One Skillet Crispy Salmon and Asparagus with Lemon Risotto
Desserts
Rose Chocolate Chip Cookies…coming soon!
Drinks
Strawberry White Hot Chocolate
Shops and Wish List
Fashion
Target…This crewneck pullover is really cute – love the cream heart or red heart colors – or this French terry one. Eyeing these medium wash straight jeans since I typically use my other pairs for work.
Week in Training
Monday, 2.3: 6.2 miles, 10:00 pace + 15 minute legs
First real day of taper, last real workout, and it was a total flop. I have no idea what happened but my pacing was awful (I also woke up angry, and had worked a 10 hour shift the day prior). 9:05 average pace over 3 miles, with the final mile the only one remotely in my expected range (8:42). SO bad. I really hope my fitness is better than this workout indicated.
Strength:
- 3 x 6 deadlift 120#
- 2 x 10 hip thrust 60#
- 2 x 10 sumo squat 80#
- 2 x 8 ea. split squat 40#
- 2 x 8 ea. leg press 100#
Tuesday, 2.4: 5 miles, 10:47 pace + 15 minute back & bis
Easy miles, don’t think my body is quite used to the climbing humidity and temps yet cos my heartrate was a big higher than it had been prior. Still felt pretty good though.
Strength:
- 2 x 8 row 40#
- 2 x 10 biceps curl 20#
- 2 x 6 lat pulldown 70#
- 2 x 10 hammer curl 20#
- 2 x 8 mid row 60#
- Core work
Wednesday, 2.5: 4.5 miles, 10:40 pace
5 x sprint this morning with a nice top speed of 4:44. Humid but not wholly unpleasant.
Thursday, 2.6: 3.5 miles, 11:02 pace + 15 minute chest & tris
Easy little miles, nothing spectacular. Honestly felt good having a shorter session, usually I’d perform my second speed workout on Thursdays instead.
Strength:
- 2 x 10 shoulder press 20#
- 2 x 6 chest press 60#
- 2 x 8 skullcrusher 20#
- 2 x 10 lateral raise 20#
- 2 x 8 triceps pushdown 32#
- Core work
Friday, 2.7: 4 mile walk (1:01:14)
Saturday, 2.8: 4.5 miles, 10:17 pace
Shakeout run before tomorrow’s big kahuna! Performed 4 x 400 at a smooth pace – 8:22, 8:20, 8:17, and 8:17.
Sunday, 2.9: *ST PETE DISTANCE CLASSIC HALF MARATHON* 13.17 miles, 8:30 pace
Holy smokes was that an incredible effort! My “making a killing” goal pace was 8:35, and apparently I made a serial killing instead. 1:51:54 by my watch, 1:51:50 officially (8:33 pace). I felt incredible the whole way through minus a couple tougher miles in the middle where the roads were really rough. The course was excellent, it was a beautiful morning, and the frequent water stops were a lifesaver. I fueled before the race with a Maurten gel, at mile 5 with a Honey Stinger Salted Caramel Latte, and at mile 10 with another Maurten. This strategy seemed to work really well with my body. I threw down a 7:35 pace during the final stretch and finished 6th in my age group. Overall a stellar race for not having embraced the half marathon distance in 5 years!
Total running mileage: 37.9 (with the race), 24.8 (before the race)
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