6th Times a Charm - AndyM BQ's in Ottawa
6th Times a Charm - AndyM BQ's in Ottawa
I haven't written a race report in quite some time and have been kinda sparse on the threads in recent years. Parenting, working and life in general seem to take up most of my time leaving just enough time left for some running. But I feel like this one deserves a report.
I hadn't run a marathon in 2 years. But following some PB's in the half and 10K last fall I started to wonder if I could PB at a marathon too. Who knows. I was getting fast enough to even dare to dream of a BQ.
I set an aggressive training plan recognizing that I'd have to run more than ever before. With my busy life, I planned out a complicated scheme of running some runs before work on the TM (5am TM go - ), some of the shorter ones at lunchtime from work and then the long runs happened whenever I had childcare (sometimes Saturday afternoon, sometimes Sunday - thank you ZRC for being there for some of those and even the occasional Friday vacation day).
My training was unremarkable except for a foot issue that plagued me after my first 30K LSD on a mid-march day that was very, very frigid. I ended up having some sort of plantar faciitis issue or peroneal tendon issue that almost completely sidelined me for about 3 weeks. It caused me to miss ATB. My first ever DNS. I figured my marathon goal and surely BQ dream was out the window. I did the right thing by following a rest, ice, stretch, wine and whine program and eventually got back to proper training.
I knew I set the bar high with a goal of hitting a 3:38:00 (needed 3:40 to BQ). My shorter distances seem to indicate this was possible however my previous marathon PB set 5 years ago at this race was 3:56:56. In the time nearing the race I spent a lot of time working on getting my mental house in order. I knew the body was ready but I needed to be mentally strong.
And then it was race day. I was a bit nervous the first 10K as it did not seem super easy. I was battling the mental game early on hoping it wouldn't get hot, wondering why I could feel my hamstring hurting already and what it might feel like in 25 more km. I had tried to put even a min in the bank yet couldn't seem to do it. I was 15 sec behind my goal at 21.1K and felt like I had expended more than I wanted to at that point. I was not feeling fresh and peppy and I worried. My garmin was showing a 5:07 pace (needed 5:09) but I knew I was running long so I didn't have anything banked. But I held on to my pace and started passing people like wildfire (this continued for the whole second half). Dominated the hills up and down on the Quebec side and sped by anyone in my way. By 30K for some reason my spirits lifted and I was "only" behind by 9 seconds. Then I had some "happy" km's. I ran with music for the first time ever and zoned into some peppy songs (a little 90's Salt n Peppa - lol, some Imagine Dragons - I'm on top of the World) and made myself feel pretty darn good that if I was able to be happy at all at 30 some kms that I had a good shot at pulling it off. I thought a lot about all the important people in my life and how blessed I am and that made me really happy.
Then it got hot. My legs grew heavier and my blisters and growing black toenail became hard to ignore. I had some "low" km's around 35K or 36K. With about 4.5K to go I glanced down at my watch and saw some km's at 5:26, 5:27 and I got worried I might not even make the 3:40 if I let 20sec a km bleed for 4 more km's. I dug deep. Really, really deep, hunkered down and didn't even waste energy glancing at my watch. I was shocked that I was so close to the 3:38 when I crossed the finish line. I thought I was gonna just squeak in at 3:40. Finishing was so weird as I was instantly surprised it was actually over. I felt like I spent so much time wishing for it to be over and then there it was over. With a PB a BQ and a smile that's lasted since Sunday.
If you are still reading, thanks, that was a long one!
Official Stats:
Split 1 5 km 00:25:42 5:08/km 00:25:42 1833 243 63 07:26:20
Split 2 10 km 00:25:53 5:10/km 00:51:35 1905 260 69 07:52:13
Split 3 15 km 00:26:11 5:14/km 01:17:46 1922 262 69 08:18:24
Halfway 21.1 km 00:31:33 5:10/km 01:49:19 1911 255 68 08:49:57
Split 5 25 km 00:20:02 5:07/km 02:09:21 1820 237 64 09:09:59
Split 6 30 km 00:25:55 5:11/km 02:35:16 1630 204 55 09:35:54
Split 7 35 km 00:25:45 5:09/km 03:01:01 1508 182 54 10:01:39
Split 8 40 km 00:26:10 5:14/km 03:27:11 1282 152 42 10:27:49
Split 9 42.2 km 00:11:00 5:00/km 03:38:11 1285 154 45 10:38:50
Finish 42.2 km 03:38:11.0 5:10/km 03:38:11.0 1285 154 45 10:38:50
I hadn't run a marathon in 2 years. But following some PB's in the half and 10K last fall I started to wonder if I could PB at a marathon too. Who knows. I was getting fast enough to even dare to dream of a BQ.
I set an aggressive training plan recognizing that I'd have to run more than ever before. With my busy life, I planned out a complicated scheme of running some runs before work on the TM (5am TM go - ), some of the shorter ones at lunchtime from work and then the long runs happened whenever I had childcare (sometimes Saturday afternoon, sometimes Sunday - thank you ZRC for being there for some of those and even the occasional Friday vacation day).
My training was unremarkable except for a foot issue that plagued me after my first 30K LSD on a mid-march day that was very, very frigid. I ended up having some sort of plantar faciitis issue or peroneal tendon issue that almost completely sidelined me for about 3 weeks. It caused me to miss ATB. My first ever DNS. I figured my marathon goal and surely BQ dream was out the window. I did the right thing by following a rest, ice, stretch, wine and whine program and eventually got back to proper training.
I knew I set the bar high with a goal of hitting a 3:38:00 (needed 3:40 to BQ). My shorter distances seem to indicate this was possible however my previous marathon PB set 5 years ago at this race was 3:56:56. In the time nearing the race I spent a lot of time working on getting my mental house in order. I knew the body was ready but I needed to be mentally strong.
And then it was race day. I was a bit nervous the first 10K as it did not seem super easy. I was battling the mental game early on hoping it wouldn't get hot, wondering why I could feel my hamstring hurting already and what it might feel like in 25 more km. I had tried to put even a min in the bank yet couldn't seem to do it. I was 15 sec behind my goal at 21.1K and felt like I had expended more than I wanted to at that point. I was not feeling fresh and peppy and I worried. My garmin was showing a 5:07 pace (needed 5:09) but I knew I was running long so I didn't have anything banked. But I held on to my pace and started passing people like wildfire (this continued for the whole second half). Dominated the hills up and down on the Quebec side and sped by anyone in my way. By 30K for some reason my spirits lifted and I was "only" behind by 9 seconds. Then I had some "happy" km's. I ran with music for the first time ever and zoned into some peppy songs (a little 90's Salt n Peppa - lol, some Imagine Dragons - I'm on top of the World) and made myself feel pretty darn good that if I was able to be happy at all at 30 some kms that I had a good shot at pulling it off. I thought a lot about all the important people in my life and how blessed I am and that made me really happy.
Then it got hot. My legs grew heavier and my blisters and growing black toenail became hard to ignore. I had some "low" km's around 35K or 36K. With about 4.5K to go I glanced down at my watch and saw some km's at 5:26, 5:27 and I got worried I might not even make the 3:40 if I let 20sec a km bleed for 4 more km's. I dug deep. Really, really deep, hunkered down and didn't even waste energy glancing at my watch. I was shocked that I was so close to the 3:38 when I crossed the finish line. I thought I was gonna just squeak in at 3:40. Finishing was so weird as I was instantly surprised it was actually over. I felt like I spent so much time wishing for it to be over and then there it was over. With a PB a BQ and a smile that's lasted since Sunday.
If you are still reading, thanks, that was a long one!
Official Stats:
Split 1 5 km 00:25:42 5:08/km 00:25:42 1833 243 63 07:26:20
Split 2 10 km 00:25:53 5:10/km 00:51:35 1905 260 69 07:52:13
Split 3 15 km 00:26:11 5:14/km 01:17:46 1922 262 69 08:18:24
Halfway 21.1 km 00:31:33 5:10/km 01:49:19 1911 255 68 08:49:57
Split 5 25 km 00:20:02 5:07/km 02:09:21 1820 237 64 09:09:59
Split 6 30 km 00:25:55 5:11/km 02:35:16 1630 204 55 09:35:54
Split 7 35 km 00:25:45 5:09/km 03:01:01 1508 182 54 10:01:39
Split 8 40 km 00:26:10 5:14/km 03:27:11 1282 152 42 10:27:49
Split 9 42.2 km 00:11:00 5:00/km 03:38:11 1285 154 45 10:38:50
Finish 42.2 km 03:38:11.0 5:10/km 03:38:11.0 1285 154 45 10:38:50
2014 Races:
Around the Bay 30K - DNS
ORW Marathon - 3:38:11 - PB & first BQ!!!!
Personal Bests:
Marathon - May 2014 - 3:38:11-----30K - Mar 2013 - 2:37:42----1/2 Marathon - Oct 2013- 1:38:53----10K - Oct 2012 - 45:31-----5K - Feb 2009 - 22:21
Re: 6th Times a Charm - AndyM BQ's in Ottawa
Well! Isn't that awesome! Congratulations! That is one well run marathon! Hope to be there in Boston with you!
It's not the size of the dog in the fight...it's the size of the fight in the dog! 11K Marker post - 2010 ATB.
Introducing 2017
GoodLife Half Marathon.
TBD
Introducing 2017
GoodLife Half Marathon.
TBD
Re: 6th Times a Charm - AndyM BQ's in Ottawa
That's a pretty big PB! Well done! Is that a 2-min buffer for BQ? That should be enough to get in next year.
"Maybe I will be my own inspiration." - UltraMonk (Laura)
"Everywhere is walking distance if you have enough time." - Steven Wright
"Everywhere is walking distance if you have enough time." - Steven Wright
Re: 6th Times a Charm - AndyM BQ's in Ottawa
Nothing more for me to say, than what we have already chatted about, other than Congratulations ....
Glad that you took my advice about ice and wine and whining after DNS'ng ATB, Ha !!!
Glad that you took my advice about ice and wine and whining after DNS'ng ATB, Ha !!!
Race Results: http://itsmyrun.com/index.php?display=p ... unner=HCiD
Re: 6th Times a Charm - AndyM BQ's in Ottawa
oh wow, i'm so glad you decided to post a report!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!
- IronGoddess
- Jerome Drayton
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Re: 6th Times a Charm - AndyM BQ's in Ottawa
What a great way to return to marathoning! Sounds like you executed the race perfectly.
Congratulations on the PB and BQ.
Congratulations on the PB and BQ.
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Re: 6th Times a Charm - AndyM BQ's in Ottawa
What a glorious report for a great PB and a BQ!!
So happy for you.
Glad you got "your mental on" for this race
So happy for you.
Glad you got "your mental on" for this race
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"Princess" J0-JO...The Awesome Running Machine.
"a precious, unique and quirky individual"...definition given by a Toronto Cop
An Ever Loyal and Devoted Official Doonst Fan.
"In the midst of winter, I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer" -Albert Camus
"Keep Going. Never Give Up." Spencer
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Re: 6th Times a Charm - AndyM BQ's in Ottawa
That is fantastic pacing resulting in a spectacular result. Congrats to you on a huge PB/BQ and an overall great race...
Re: 6th Times a Charm - AndyM BQ's in Ottawa
Wow!!! A Huge Congratulations to you Andrea. All your hard work and dedication really paid off... Now, get online and start looking for a Fabulous hotel to stay in in Boston. You deserve it....
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- Lynn Williams
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Re: 6th Times a Charm - AndyM BQ's in Ottawa
I'm so sorry I wasn't there to cheer you in person but I cheered you on from here! I'm so proud of you! Congratulations! Great job mama!!!!!!!
When your legs get tired, run with your heart.
Overcome the notion that you must be regular. It robs you of your chance to be extraordinary.
Overcome the notion that you must be regular. It robs you of your chance to be extraordinary.
Re: 6th Times a Charm - AndyM BQ's in Ottawa
Congratulations on the PB and BQ! A 27 second negative split is awesome especially in hot conditions.
Re: 6th Times a Charm - AndyM BQ's in Ottawa
Congratulations - that's a fantastic race you ran!
2014: the year of new awesomeness!
Rogers Insurance Run for L'Arche Half March 22 - done
Calgary Marathon Wild Rose 50k June 1 - done
Stampede Road Race 5k July 6 - done
Magrath sprint tri July 12 - done!!
Jog for the Bog 10k July 27 - done
Seawheeze Half Marathon August 23 - done
Subaru Banff Sprint Triathlon September 6 - done
Blitz Duathlon September 21 - registered
Portland Marathon October 5 - registered
Rogers Insurance Run for L'Arche Half March 22 - done
Calgary Marathon Wild Rose 50k June 1 - done
Stampede Road Race 5k July 6 - done
Magrath sprint tri July 12 - done!!
Jog for the Bog 10k July 27 - done
Seawheeze Half Marathon August 23 - done
Subaru Banff Sprint Triathlon September 6 - done
Blitz Duathlon September 21 - registered
Portland Marathon October 5 - registered
Re: 6th Times a Charm - AndyM BQ's in Ottawa
That was a GREAT report! Congratulations on the BQ!
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--The Garden Song
"By perseverance, the snail reached the ark."
--Charles H. Spurgeon
"I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it."
--Pablo Picasso
Re: 6th Times a Charm - AndyM BQ's in Ottawa
Wow, that is fantastic racing! Great report too.
Congratulations.
Congratulations.
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Love, like I'm on borrowed time
It's good to be alive, yeah....Jason Gray
Running is a conversation with your body. Sometimes you listen and sometimes you tell it to stop whining and do something. - Ian
Love, like I'm on borrowed time
It's good to be alive, yeah....Jason Gray
Running is a conversation with your body. Sometimes you listen and sometimes you tell it to stop whining and do something. - Ian
6th Times a Charm - AndyM BQ's in Ottawa
Congratulations on the PB and BQ! Way to conquer The Mental.
"Keep Going. Never Give Up" - Spencer
"Have a little faith in yourself and watch the magic begin" - Ironboy
Plans for 2014:
Run for Women 5K, May 11
Ottawa Race Weekend 10K, May 24
"Have a little faith in yourself and watch the magic begin" - Ironboy
Plans for 2014:
Run for Women 5K, May 11
Ottawa Race Weekend 10K, May 24
Re: 6th Times a Charm - AndyM BQ's in Ottawa
Congrats again on the huge PB and BQ! Great report and great job with the mental! Glad some tunes helped you "Push It (Push It Real Good)".
Re: 6th Times a Charm - AndyM BQ's in Ottawa
Congratulations!!! Hope you are celebrating this week.
- canalrunner
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Re: 6th Times a Charm - AndyM BQ's in Ottawa
A hard fought first BQ is an awesome thing. Soak up the feeling. It is almost better than running your first Boston.... almost. Congrats.
The longest journey begins with a single step.
2016 Races
May: Ottawa Marathon
2016 Races
May: Ottawa Marathon
- scrumhalfgirl
- Lynn Williams
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Re: 6th Times a Charm - AndyM BQ's in Ottawa
you are awesome! you often manage to pull out that strong second half, so your performance doesn't surprise me. Congratulations on a huge victory - can't wait to hear about Boston. I've got some work to do so I can leap frog with you again in a future race!
Jesse's 2017 Plans
April - Boston Marathon
May - Sporting Life Ottawa 10K
May - Ottawa Half Marathon
April - Boston Marathon
May - Sporting Life Ottawa 10K
May - Ottawa Half Marathon
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Re: 6th Times a Charm - AndyM BQ's in Ottawa
Fan- freaking- tastic!!!!!!
Congratulations on the PB and the BQ- well earned!
Congratulations on the PB and the BQ- well earned!
On the books for 2017:
50th Birthday!!
Boston Marathon- April 17th what a day- DREAM COME TRUE
Run for Water 10K- May 28th
Scotia Half - June 25th
Trail River Run half marathon- Sept. 30- CANCELLED
MEC 10K Race 10- Nov. 5
50th Birthday!!
Boston Marathon- April 17th what a day- DREAM COME TRUE
Run for Water 10K- May 28th
Scotia Half - June 25th
Trail River Run half marathon- Sept. 30- CANCELLED
MEC 10K Race 10- Nov. 5
Re: 6th Times a Charm - AndyM BQ's in Ottawa
Have you booked your hotel yet for Boston? No, seriously, have you?! Do it now!!!
(Stay at the Sheraton - you're right in the centre of everything)
(oh, and congrats, and all that
(Stay at the Sheraton - you're right in the centre of everything)
(oh, and congrats, and all that
If it ain’t broke, run through it -- Strider
Re: 6th Times a Charm - AndyM BQ's in Ottawa
jes wrote:Have you booked your hotel yet for Boston? No, seriously, have you?! Do it now!!!
(Stay at the Sheraton - you're right in the centre of everything)
(oh, and congrats, and all that
You want Jes to be your Sherpa? Ha!!
Race Results: http://itsmyrun.com/index.php?display=p ... unner=HCiD
Re: 6th Times a Charm - AndyM BQ's in Ottawa
HCcD wrote:jes wrote:Have you booked your hotel yet for Boston? No, seriously, have you?! Do it now!!!
(Stay at the Sheraton - you're right in the centre of everything)
(oh, and congrats, and all that
You want Jes to be your Sherpa? Ha!!
I suspect she already has someone lined up
If it ain’t broke, run through it -- Strider
Re: 6th Times a Charm - AndyM BQ's in Ottawa
Congratulations doesn't seem like a big enough word! I am super inspired at your mental strength. I will be thinking of this my next race.
If all that you read is everything you believe then let go, then let go, then let go.
Nothing will change if you never choose.
2018 goals: May half marathon, September half marathon
Nothing will change if you never choose.
2018 goals: May half marathon, September half marathon
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