Wednesday, March 2, 2011

iPod Security Blanket

I was always an iPod runner when I started a few years ago. I needed the iPod to get through every run. I had a zillion different play lists changing them almost monthly or maybe even weekly to get me through. But at some point in training for my half marathon I just stopped using music to get me through. Maybe it was because I was training with friends but at some point I didn't need the security blanket anymore.

So when it came time to hit the start line for the Hyannis Half Marathon I had this idea- hey why run with my iPod? I was going to be running with friends and the biggest weighing factor- for my trithlons iPods are out of the question. Might as well get used to running without it.

I have to say the half wasn't bad without it. And it makes me think I can race my tri's this season without it. I have to say I get geared up for my runs now and I look at the iPod and wonder if today I really want or need it. I mean don't get me wrong I am far from a technology free runner- I've got my Garmin and my heart rate monitor. But now I think about whether my brain could use the quiet time on the run to just enjoy the run. I know it isn't for everyone and I know some of my runs I welcome the distraction but I have to say it is nice to know I don't need the security blanket anymore!

Hyannis Half Marathon- Race Recap

Sometime in mid December over twitter I was peer pressured into signing up for the Hyannis half marathon. Lets be honest given the fact that a half ironman was in my plans for this season I didn't take too much to convince me. I registered and started training. Notice I said I registered- well about two weeks before the race I checked active and my registration didn't exist. I emailed the race director to no avail. I decided since I had trained to run w j and Ashley i was gonna run number or not!! Luckily race morning I ran into a old friend who had a extra bib. Yay I was gonna have a number it wasn't my name but I had a legit number!

The weather was far from perfect. Rain to snow to rain. I was drenched and cold but i kept slogging through. J and I had planned on a 10 10:30 pace but the weather made that go by the wayside. When we realized we weren't going to keep that pace up J made it her goal for me to PR the race! I knew my first half was somewhere around a 2:30. She turned to me around mile 10 and said "PR this Bitch!" At mile 12 I had to stop for a second. I thought I was gonna puke. J told me to puke and keep running.

It was great to have a little monkey sitting on my shoulder to help push me through. We finished at 2:25! TOTALLY got my PR. Silly J told me if I got a PR she would run the Worcester half marathon with me. So we have our next race together!

This race meant so much more to me to PR. I was very nervous going into it that I was going to hurt myself again. My first half marathon is what caused the stress fracture and made for the pain that brought me to eventually having my hip surgery. I know that my hip was obviously an issue for a long time and the running is what caused the tendon tear, stress fracture and need for surgery- but mentally I needed to get over the hurdle. I can't believe that 10 months out from surgery I ran a half marathon. Pretty crazy when 4 months of that I couldn't even run!

I am so thankful to J for pushing me through and for the support of D- he was right there screaming at the finish. Thankfully I have great support for my races and it makes all the difference in the world!

I had great race photos- I can't believe my head is up and I am smiling the whole time?! woah!!