It’s been a few days since I ran one of my favorite local races, the CHKD Run/Walk for the Kids 8K. Naturally, the race that supports the hospital that financially supports me; it would be a favorite race! Not to mention, the hospital is simply awesome. It’s the only free-standing children’s hospital in the region, so they {we!} do really great things there. As I approach my 12-year anniversary of working in the NICU, I reflect on what has changed—mostly thanks to technological advancements. Working in neonatal medicine has taught me to be adaptive to change, always embracing the “latest & greatest” trends that have been discovered, to hopefully improve the outcomes of those babies born up to 18 weeks too soon. We really have made great strides in technology & do good things for those itty bitty babes & their families!
But…. this is a running blog, so enough about those cute babies! However, there will be more to come later in this blog post about upcoming changes for The Running Blonde!
As I toed the line on Saturday, I was solo. A busy weekend kept some friends away; while others were deterred by the down-pouring rain {not mentioning any names….ha!}. Although this amazing sport of running creates great team camaraderie, when it really boils down to it, running is a solo sport. The grit & determination must come deep within the heart & soul of the individual runner. And that is how I raced on Saturday.
This was my lucky number 7th time completing this race—but happily embraced the brand new course. And boy was it better!! Not that we actually enjoyed any sunshine this year, as it rained the entire time, but the beaming sun portion of the course from previous years was eliminated. This will be quite helpful in future years, I am sure! Of course there were twists & turns, with puddles to dodge or charge though; but the changes were excellent in my opinion.
I had zilch for goals upon starting this race. I have done zero speedwork & I’ve logged zero tempo miles. I did however wear my racing flats & was ready to push the pace. I decided that if I could run under 40 minutes, it would be a very good day. Reflecting back, I’ll never forget achieving a long-time goal of breaking 40 minutes at this very race a few years back. Likewise, I will always remember where I have come from in regards to pacing. Although I am still rehabbing the effects of the moped crash, I do feel like I am stronger & closer to being able to optimize training for the Chicago Marathon this fall!
Shortly after “the gun”, I found myself in a steady pace, just under 8:00/mile. Perfect, I thought to myself. I saw a few familiar faces & wished them well in their races. I ran sans music & just enjoyed the day. Early on, a girl, I guess you could say a “rival”, passed me. This chick runs one of my normal everyday routes & passes me often with her very distinct stride. When she passed me, I never imagined that I’d do the same to her at a later mile… but spoiler alert, I did!! I am not super competitive, but that did fuel my fire for the remainder of the race. Throughout the 5 miles of trudging through Downtown Norfolk & Ghent, I found inspiration all around me—the father & son duo; the young brother & sister encouraging each other along {I assumed their relative status, but they could have just been friends}; the heavy-breather who was still pushing on despite the pain. But most of all, a random petite girl who stayed stride for stride with me for 95% of the race. She’d push forward a little; I’d follow. I’d bump up the pace; she’d match my acceleration. After the race, she & I chatted for a few, thanking each other for the motivation. It was nice to run “with someone” on the day when I was comfortable having a “solo experience”. It really does speak volumes to the kindness & appreciation of others, amongst the running community!
In the end, I beat my 40 minute goal, by 40 seconds—for an average pace of 7:55/mile. This was an effort for sure… thank you, average HR of 180bpm, but it is nice to have a starting point for marathon training. I’ve got a long way to go, but I’ve been here before & I am up to the challenge!
Splits were pretty consistent, which felt great to see! 7:48, 7:57, 7:52, 7:52, 7:39.
Nope, not done yet. Hehe! You’d think I could keep an 8K recap pretty concise… but no, not when you throw a 1-mile run in the mix! My 5-year-old boys completed their 4th race on Saturday & saying that was a proud momma moment would be an UNDERSTATEMENT! I saw fortitude in my twins that I had never witnessed before. They are maturing before my eyes & it is just mesmerizing to see. Most of my 1-mile fun run was with Andersen, who crossed the finish line in just over 12 minutes. Little brother Alexander, who my husband ran with, was maybe 30 seconds ahead of us… that same little brother who finished in LAST place at the Christmas Town Dash 1-miler just a few years back. Dudes got some speed coming in! These were PRs by over 8 minutes!! Andersen, through a few tears, never gave up. It made me teary & proud. Hand-in-hand, we ran together, taking a few walk breaks; but each resumption of running was initiated by him! I dislike the boys being competitive with each other in everyday life—but seeing it on the race course was another story. Go boys, GOOO!
My littlest loves! Not many pics on a rainy race day! 😉
As for those changes I mentioned, most come in the form of strengthening this body. Through PT {amongst other things}, I have learned just how weak my core is, & well… my muscles in general. I have come a loooooong way though! Yesterday, I had my final personal training session with the wonderful Jack at Jim White Fitness. We are both moving on to bigger & better things; but I’ll always be grateful for what I have learned from him during the last 18 months of training! To help during this transition time, I resumed Pure Barre a couple weeks ago. I truly LOVE that workout! Hellllllllo bikini time!
But, what I am looking forward to MOST is beginning a workout with an amazing group of girls who I have become quite close to. Life really does come full circle at just the right time.
In 2012, I was a new mom. In May of that year, I attended my first Stroller Strides class. It was a decision that I will forever credit to my eternal appreciation of fitness & being healthy. I met an amazing village—many of who have helped to mold me into the mother that I have become. There are many aspects of my current life that may have never been, if I hadn’t immersed myself into that community. Heck, I met my BRF that same month! So, next week, I will re-join those girls, in a class called BodyBack. To some, this may seem like a silly workout class. But those who have been involved in the Norfolk Fit4Mom village, you know it is so much more than that. I know the workouts will be tough, but I am ready. I am inspired by these girls, many of which I have done the 2 Ragnar races with—they are wicked strong & uber supportive. So, bring it on girls!
Thanks, as always, for reading about my running escapades!
Up Next For The Running Blonde: Miles…. lots of miles. Chicago Marathon training starts on May 22nd!! But, no planned races. I have a few in mind, but nothing I’ve definitely signed up for.
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