Marathon Training Update

My marathon comeback is less than six months away.  My six hour endurance run is now two weeks away.  My hope is that it will provide a good indication of what I will need to finish the marathon under six hours.  Last week I did a 16 1/2 mile training run in a little less than 4 1/2 hours.  I took it long and slow as it was incredibly hot.  I needed to stop and stretch a couple times and reapply Body Glide in places but felt reasonably ok considering it was 3 1/2 miles further than I have run in a very long time.  I moved slow for the rest of the day and I don't recommend going on a 12+ hour car ride the following day.  I think that was the hardest part of the run was the next day and peeling my stiff self out of the car during each rest stop.  I was using my Trigger Point ball on my legs throughout the trip but I haven't been that stiff in a while.  My training has slowed this week tremendously on vacation and I am concerned about getting back on the scale when I return home.  I need to get in gear!

My First Duathlon (since 1990!)

With minimal training and not sure exactly what to expect, I completed my first duathlon and I am totally hooked.  My last duathlon was probably in 1990 and I did it as a relay with someone else doing the run portion.  My preparations consisted of two twelve mile rides to make sure I could cover the distance on the bike.  I figured that if I can run 12 miles I should be able to ride twelve miles.  And I was correct in that assumption because I finished strong.  

The first run section was out and back and upon finishing it was clearly obvious that I was almost last.  There were a couple folks behind me but at the speed they were moving it appeared that they were just late to the starting line.  The bike section was the best, even with the road conditions and the head wind on sections.  It was a two lap course and it felt so good to push a big gear.  It also felt good to pass a bunch of folks.   The course made me so grateful that I chose my mountain bike.  It was bumpy and had lots of patched spots in the road that made the ride less than enjoyable in some sections.  I was also so happy that I made the last-minute decision to switch out pedals and opt for toe clips to avoid changing shoes.  The decision was not exactly last-minute though.  I had decided to make the change at least a week earlier but with school year ending and all the preparations that took, I unfortunately waited until the last minute to make the pedal switch.  By last-minute I mean it was 8 o'clock the night before the race.  It was a good thing that I didn't procrastinate much longer because I was only able to locate my left pedal with toe clips.  My right pedal was nowhere to be found!  After a while looking and knowing that the local REI store closed at 9 pm, I made the drive to REI and bought another set of clipless pedals so I could have a matching pair.   I do need practice on my cornering abilities but managed those safely and without interfering with anyone else.  Back to the transition and the next run.  The transition went smoothly.  I only had a slight feeling of deadness in my legs and they quickly adjusted to using different muscle groups.  By this time, there were a lot of the triathletes running and moving fast.  That helped keep my going.  My run wasn't especially fast but I maintained my walk/run intervals and finished with a personal best!  (The PB is a default but I can't wait to improve it next year!)  In the meantime, I'm looking for more duathlon events for my race calendar but unfortunately they conflict with other running events I have planned.  For 2013, I want plenty of duathlon events on the race schedule.  With my continued running progress and with actual cycling training, maybe even with my road bike, I can expect great things.

Timing Issues Resolved

My shirt is still the wrong size and I am still missing the champagne but the timing issues were resolved from the half marathon last Sunday.  My net time is now 2 1/2 minutes faster.  It may not seem like a lot but I need all the help I can get!

Could Have Been A PR. Half-Marathon #25 Race Report

Successfully completed my 25th Half Marathon since October of 2009.  It was one for the record books but unfortunately not the personal record book.  I was excited to try the See Jane Run Half in Alameda.  Who can resist an all women's race with a tag line, "I run for chocolate and champagne."  More on revising that tag line later.  The morning started rather uneventfully.  The roads were blocked to access the parking recommended in the race updates but managed to secure a primo spot right across from the park with quick access to the start line.  Alameda is much cooler than training in Sacramento so I had high hopes for my performance.  The race started off and I began my 3:1 run/walk ratios and was making consistent progress.  The first part of the race runs next to the bay so the views were nice.  The roads weren't so nice.  The camber of the roads weren't severe but unpleasant throughout most of the race and it was nearly impossible to find a flat place to run unless one ran on the narrow trails which became quickly crowded.  Despite the road surfaces, I was making consistent good time.  Made it to the half-way point at 1:26 and was hopeful for a PR.  I picked it up a bit and the PR seemed well within reach until the bridge.  Yes, at about mile 10, I was among one of the first runners stopped behind the bridge gate while they opened up the bridge to allow a boat to pass.  About four minutes or so later we were able to continue on.  Now there was no one in front of us and my legs just never really recovered from that pause.  I drudged in the last couple miles and still managed to finish under three hours.  So that means 4 half marathons so far in 2012 and all of them under 3 hours.


But, my bad luck continued upon crossing the finish line where I was welcomed to one of the most disorganized finish areas ever seen.  I got my micro-medal and a bottle of water and then it was unclear where to get food, finisher shirt, and champagne.  I found the food line with limited options--Luna bar, banana, and bagel.  I then found the goody bag and finisher shirts on the other side of the expo area only to be provided a shirt size that I didn't request and doesn't fit because they ran out of the size that I asked for when I preregistered.  I then stumbled into the champagne glass line and did manage to get a glass only to go to the next booth and be told that there was no more champagne.  Hence, I'm thinking the revised tagline should be  "Run for wrong size shirt, chocolate, and empty champagne glass."   It doesn't exactly have the same ring to it though.  


Now back home, I look up my results only to discover something happened with my timing chip.  I only have a gun time reported which is less than 3 hours but my official chip time should be about 2 1/2 minutes less than that!  So disappointing.  


I will cross this race off my list.  I am happy that it was offered on a free weekend and allowed me to successfully complete half marathon #25.  The organization was a bummer and probably won't be a repeat runner in this one.

No Excuses 5K

I had plenty of excuses not to have a very good race this morning....I ran 8 miles yesterday and then rode my bike 15 miles, I have ongoing GI issues, did not properly fuel or hydrate as a result...but still managed to improve my 5K time.  My final time was 37:06.7 which makes my overall pace 11:58!!!  That's an almost one minute improvement over my previous 5K last summer.   Imagine what could be possible with well-rested legs!  My next half is Sunday and this performance gives me a reason to celebrate with no excuses!!

A Full Marathon on the Schedule

I did it.  I registered for a full marathon.  With my recent half success I feel that I am ready to compete against my younger self and attempt another full marathon.  My time should be within the range of my last marathon in 2000 and below the six hour course limit of our local marathon.  I have about 8 months to continue preparation for this and I'll be ready to conquer this distance again.   I can't wait.

The 22nd Time is my Lucky Charm!

Shamrock'n Rocks!!  Finished my 22nd half marathon since Fall 2009 today and it was great!  There has been only one other half where I was able to finish under 3 hours.  I have been dancing around that time for the past two years with no success until today!  Today however, I managed to skip the 2:50-2:59 time all together with an amazing time of 2:49.59.97.  I am not making that up.  I don't think I could come closer to it if I tried.  The best part is I felt great throughout the race (a little nagging foot pain that I have come to expect) and felt great afterwards.  This was my 4th Shamrock'n and the trip up the stairs from Raley Field has always been my least favorite part after the finish.  Today, it was no problem.  


I am only two and half minutes from my PR set in 1999 when I was 13 years younger and carrying significantly less poundage then I currently have.  Seeing that I walked the first 1/2 mile (it was cold and crowded and I didn't want to get swept up in the excitement) and maintained my 3:1 walk/run ratios, I think that a new PR is doable in the very near future.   


I couldn't resist putting my time in the race predictor calculator for the marathon distance and my predicted marathon time is consistent with my past times and falls below the six hour CIM cut-off.  Perhaps another marathon is in my future as well.  Lots to look forward too.

2nd Best 10 Mile Time Ever!!

Today during the Buffalo Stampede/Parrott Migration I managed to get my 2nd Best 10 Mile Time Ever!!  My best 10 Mile time was back in 2000 at the Annapolis 10-Miler and what is now my 3rd Best 10 Mile Time was at the Army 10-Miler shortly thereafter.  In 2000, I was significantly lighter AND was training and completing marathons!  Yet despite my current extra poundage, comparable limited training mileage, AND being 11 years older I managed an impressive time of 2:07.34!!!  So excited.  


I have done this particular race for the last 3 years.  Here's a summary. 

• Year 1:  Required a police escort for several miles during the race because I was LAST!  Finished with a time of 2:43.47
• Year 2:  No police escort needed.  Finished with a time of 2:25.15
• Today:  2:07.34  

That's a 35 minute improvement or 3:30 min/mile faster in just 2 years.  The coolest thing is that when I plugged in my finish time in the race predictor calculator, it said my half marathon time would be 2:50!  That would also be my 2nd best half marathon time ever!  I'm seeing a trend here.  I'll be able to see if it holds true in three weeks.  I can't complain but I also can't wait until my times become my BEST time ever.  

2nd Best 5K Time Ever!!

Over the weekend, I did an evening 5K and achieved my 2nd best time ever!!  I am still slightly shocked.  I improved my time almost 3 minutes from just over a month ago!!!  That's crazy insane.  Who does that?  I guess I do.  What's even crazier is that I had worked out 2 1/2 hours in the morning.  I did my regular Saturday morning routine of Spinning Class followed by Turbokick and I still managed this unbelievable time.  Who does that?  Me.

In my summer of exercise, it's amazing how losing 15 lbs (so far!) and gaining 15 lbs of muscle (so far) in the month between the 5Ks can make such an dramatic impact on the time.  Now, I am chasing times from back in the day when I was thinner and fitter.   I have only 6 more minutes to shave off my 5K time to get a new PR.  Off to the gym!  There's another 5K in 5 weeks and I'm hoping to shave off a couple more minutes.

OMG... I Am So Happy!

I did a 5K today!  Now that might not seem like breaking news but I haven't run in ages due to a nagging foot injury.  My last race was the Shamrock'n Half which was a miserable experience.  I tried to run a couple times following that but it wasn't pleasant.  So I dedicated myself to the gym and in particular, Turbokick classes.  I first tried Turbokick back in January and was tripping over myself trying to master the moves with the music.  Not a pretty sight!  But I stayed with it.  When Round 45 came out I had most of the basic moves and had figured out what my feet were supposed to be doing and became obsessed.  I was traveling to clubs far and wide to do this class every day.  And what a great workout!

Fast forward to now.  I am off work for the summer and now have lots of free time to work out.  I began missing running again.  Last night I decided to go for a run today and if I am going to run, I might as well run with several hundred people.  I found a 5K this morning, showed up, signed up, and off I went.   I wasn't really sure how my foot would react so my plan was just to run and see what happened.  (I figured I could finish in an hour if I needed to walk the entire thing.)    I set my watch to 2 minute running and 1 minute walking intervals and I was off!  The crazy thing was when two minutes was up, I felt great and kept running.  I settled into doing 5 minute running and 1 minute walking intervals, with walking up the few hills on the course.  I ignored my watch and was enjoying being able to run for the first time in about three months.   At mile 2 the suspense was killing me and I looked down and saw my time was 26:30!    My competitive self began thinking that I could break 40 minutes, so I picked up the pace a bit.   I didn't break 40 minutes but was only 3 seconds shy of my best time.  Go figure!?!?

Three months off running and spending time in the gym doing other things has dramatically improved my fitness levels and endurance.  What do I have to thank for this?  Turbokick.  So after the race, I got into my car and made it to the 10 am Turbo class.  To borrow liberally from the Round 45 playlist....OMG....I am So Happy!

Lucky (?!?) 7 Race Report

I got a PR!  (Disclaimer:  I was guaranteed a PR because I have never raced this distance.  But it's a PR nevertheless.)   It probably wasn't the brightest of ideas to do this race because of my recent leg issues and with two more half marathons coming up but it was a beautiful day.  One of the few recent sunny days in days of rain, rain, and more rain.  The race ran along the trails of Davis.  I must say I prefer these trails much more than the Davis Stampede course.  It's hard to comprehend that I lived in Davis for three years and never knew these existed.  It was a beautiful course along the various greenbelts.  My only complaint was that the mile markers appears to be randomly placed along the course.  They were in correct sequence but some "miles" were 1/2 miles, others were 1 1/4 miles, and some others were 1.5 miles.  I am glad I had my Garmin but during the race I kept on thinking whether this was going to actually be a 7 mile race.  My concern is that maybe it was going to be much longer.  In the end after all the twists and turns it was 7 miles.  

And the kids races are still haunting me.  The kids races start at the finish line.  So as I was running to the finish, the kids (and they were little) were lined up at the finish to run in my direction.  Luckily they delayed the start and some volunteers cleared a path for me to cross the finish line.   Next year, I will have the goal of finishing before the kids races line up.  In the end, I finished in 1:40.22 and I was almost ALIVE last again.  I was 3rd from last.  Too bad there aren't awards for the back of the pack.  I would be cleaning house this year on those.    Where have all the slower runners gone?  Maybe awards will help bring them back.


After the race, my leg was hurting and I was so ready to get my congratulatory Starbucks and head home.  I went to start my car and the battery was dead.  Aurgh!  I just wanted to go home.  An hour later, after AAA was there and I had to buy a brand new battery I was able to head home.  The jury is still out as to how "Lucky" this run was in the end.  Shamrock'n is next weekend and I hope my leg is up to the challenge.

Bay Breeze (aka Bay Freeze) Half Marathon Race Report

Day 2 of my Four Day Weekend was spent completing Half Marathon #18 in the Bay Area.   We had rain all week and I also had a monster sinus infection that kept me from working out which would have been great reasons not to do this race.  But the hourly accuweather forecast predicted rain before and after the race but not during the race.  So I woke up super-early and made the long drive down to San Leandro to get there early, nab a prime parking spot, and squeeze in a pre-race nap.  So far, so good.  But during the hour before the race started, it was raining at a pretty good clip.  I thought about going home since I already had picked up my shirt but that's not really my style.  I had come this far, it seemed silly to turn around.  The weather cleared about ten minutes before the race started and the sun even came out momentarily.  It took it as a sign that I was meant to complete this race.  I suited up and lined up at the start.  About twenty minutes into the race the accuweather forecast was accu-WRONG.  It rained on and off  for the next three hours.  


The course runs out along a trail from the San Leandro Marina to the San Mateo Bridge and back.  Even though it was raining, the course drained nicely so there wasn't a lot of puddles and mud to run through.  Just lots and lots of bridges to cross, watching the tides roll away, and lots of different types of birds.  This weekend is the Great Backyard Bird Count and there were plenty to count!  But instead of counting I was determined to NOT go off course this time!  On the way out, I saw where I missed the turn during the Summer Breeze event so I stayed focused on the pink ribbons along the course.  I met my goal of staying on course!  Similar to the half I did in January, there were very few of us in the back of the pack which made for peaceful running.  I again loved the buffet-style aid stations with more things than I could even imagine eating during a race.  I stuck to the M&Ms and the gummy bears which suited me just fine.  Maybe someday I'll try Doritos after 11 miles.  Not exactly the first race food that comes to mind!

I wasn't feeling the best at the beginning (not surprising since I did not work out at all this week!) and then when the rain kicked in I made a pact not to obsess over my pace.  I am proud to say that I didn't even look at my watch until mile 4, when I was at 57 minutes.  I vowed to check my pace at 2 mile intervals.  This worked out well since my hands were inside my jacket almost the entire race.  I kept up the 2:1 intervals to the bitter end.  The last few miles I would have preferred not running but did it anyways.  Unlike previous races where I tanked and was forced to walk, I continued with my pace and finished.  Here I am close to the finish, drenched but still smiling.  My final time was 3:10.27.  This is my slowest of 2011 but clocks in as my 8th fastest time of the 18 half marathons completed since October 2009.  I can't complain.  I just hope another sub-3 hour time is coming soon.

Davis Stampede (Half #17) Race Report

I will have to wait and see if running todays half marathon was the wisest idea in the long run considering I have been feeling sick, but I did it AND finished with my 3rd fastest time among the recent 17 half marathons.  I kept to my 2:1 intervals that worked out well until about mile 11 which is where I tanked.  Today was hot and the aid stations left A LOT to be desired.  From the first one being completely out of water by the time I got there to no aid stations having any energy drink until the very last one.  After tasting the Gatorade the folks mixed up at that station its easy to imagine why it was missing from the other stations.  It was grossly concentrated.  Yuck!  Fortunately, I carry my own water source with me while running but today I needed to rely on GU over the energy drinks which isn't my preference.   It's hard to complain given my time.  The best part along the race was the ONLY UC Davis cheerleader displaying any spirit who had her own cheer towards the end of the race.  It was something along the lines of "Don't quit, soon you'll be able to sit!"  I know that's not the exact words but definitely the spirit needed to finish the race strong.  And the VERY BEST part was I managed to finish before the little ones which was not the case last year.  Given these challenges surrounding this race, future racing in 2011 looks promising.  Hopefully a loss of additional weight will help me break the 3 hour barrier again.

Half #17 in Jeopardy

Half-marathon number 17 is Sunday and I woke up today feeling like my head was going to explode.  I don't know if I will make it.  I was so looking forward to this half.  The course if flat.  I had a super-fast time last year (even though I couldn't keep up with the kiddie run happening at the finish), and I am ten pounds lighter than I was for the half two weeks ago.  I was super curious to see how that would impact my finishing time.  I am resting lots, taking different meds, drinking fluids, and somehow managing to sit through class this weekend and hoping for the best.  If half-marathon #17 doesn't happen on Sunday at least there is always the Super Bowl!

Finished ALIVE Last!

I completed the Whole Foods Running School Half Marathon this weekend.  It is my 16th half marathon since October 2009 and I logged my fifth fastest time.   The best part was that I managed a first in all my running athletic history.  I finished in DEAD last!  Though since I'm still breathing, I prefer the term alive last if there is such a thing.  It's hard to believe that my fifth fastest time, or top third, would mean that I was the 143rd finisher out of 143 finishers.    The funny thing is that it was probably one of my best races in recent memory.   The course was beautiful and you couldn't ask for better weather in January.  The aid stations were well-stocked and most of them still had people at them when I brought up the rear.  Speaking of "bringing up the rear"  I didn't expect all the elevation on the course.  Lots of rolling hills that didn't feel that bad until it seemed that mile 6 and 7 were entirely uphill.  A slow, gradual climb that really took it's toll after a while.  The course had several out and back jaunts along different parts of the trail.  It was great especially for me being so far behind to see folks several times along the trail.  I have to say it say that it made for an encouraging race.  Participants cheering me on as the straggler.  I felt good and didn't think I looked too bad but I sure got a lot of encouragement!  The race was almost entirely run on trails so that meant I missed out on the experience of a police escort that usually accompanies the lonely runner at the end.  I did 2:1 intervals throughout and my running times remained pretty stable throughout which I found most surprising.  My last few halves I wanted to end at mile 10, but this one I was strong through the end.  Yeah!  Progress!   I think all my high intensity cross training and the incorporation of weights has helped tremendously.  It makes me look forward to my remaining running events in 2011.

My First 5K (of the Year) Race Report

I finished  My First 5K (of the Year) downtown at the Capitol.  It was a nicely organized race.  The kids race started before the adults and it was great to watch the little ones running alongside giant fruit.  The race is organized by the Wellness Task Force so the focus is on fitness.  It highly encourages first-timers and rewards them with a medal.  So it was great to see so many newcomers to the distance out on this dreary, rainy Sunday morning.  I managed to keep up my 3:1 run/walk ratio for most of the race and switched to 2:1 for the last mile as I felt myself slowing down.  My final time was 40:41 which is less than 10 seconds off my best 5K time in recent memory.   And, it was 9 minutes faster than my painful turkey trot experience just six weeks ago.  Yeah!!!  I was pushing myself but felt strong throughout.  I think a sub-40 5K will be in my future very soon if I keep up this pace.  It started raining hard right after I finished so I didn't stick around for the Resolution toast, but I did fill out a card at the resolution table.  The Wellness Task Force will mail it back to folks mid-year for extra encouragement.  I can't wait!  It will provide an opportunity for reflection, readjustment, and celebration of health and fitness goals mid-year.  Overall, a great race and one I would definitely recommend in future years.  

Enjoying Running Again

I have been fortunate enough to have the last two weeks off for vacation.  I've had plenty of projects to do to keep me out of trouble.   I am most grateful to have had the time to spend working out, going to the gym, and running along the trail the few times the sun was out.  The first couple days were pretty dreadful and it was difficult to get out of bed the next day because my body was screaming at me.  But now, even though it remains a challenge to actually start exercising, once I get moving I feel so much stronger.  


Today on the treadmill, I realized that I haven't really enjoyed working out since June last year.  I still managed to keep up my long runs and complete a number of races in the fall but the whole endeavor had lost its sparkle and enjoyment.  I had completely stopped working out mid-week with any kind of consistency.  My overall fitness suffered tremendously.  Now, after two weeks of consistent daily workouts focused on building up my fitness level, I feel pure joy when I am working out.  The body is amazing thing.  Its ability to recover and gain strength is remarkable.  I was on the treadmill for over an hour today.  The Rose Bowl was on and I was waiting for half time to hop off and do weights.  I had been doing an easy interval workout with lots of walking to recover from long run yesterday and prepare for race tomorrow.   But I threw in a number of intervals in to mix things up a bit.  With two minutes left on the timer, I ran at 6.0 for 1 minute.  I did this maybe 10 days ago and completed it but barely.  And I didn't do it at the END of my workout.   I set the treadmill at 6.0 and did 1 minute without a problem.  Probably could have completed an additional minute (but not much more).   If I was able to bare run a 10 min/mile pace for 1 minute less than two weeks ago and now can maintain that pace without a  problem,  I wonder what pace I will be able to maintain two weeks from now?!?  The possibilities are endless and I can think of no better way to start the new year.

Last Race of the Year

The last month has not been one my best for running.  My times have gotten slower and running and become less and less enjoyable.  My plantar fasciitis in my foot has been screaming.  I took some time off since my last half marathon and did a Thanksgiving 5K and ended up walking most of it.  At that point, I decided I needed to be super aggressive with my treatment.  I got some super heavy-duty arch supports and was wearing my shoes almost 24/7.  I slept in a splint but the moment I got out of bed it was into supportive shoes.  I also tried to do a lot of stretching my calves as well.  That has been going on for the last two weeks with absolutely no exercise what so ever.  


Today was my last race of the year.  I couldn't resist doing it since it was happening in my neighborhood and I could walk to the starting line.  I mean even I can't come up with an excuse to get out of that one.  Because of my injury though I signed up for the 1.2 miler.  I have never done a 1.2 mile race before so that's a race I can check off my race list.  I managed to do 3 minutes of running and 1 minute of walking.  I avoided looking at my watch for my pace and just listened to my body.  I was very pleased to finish the race in 14 minutes without any pain in my foot.  The great thing about this race, besides being outside my front door, is that the 5K, 10K, and 1.2 miler started all at the same time.  This meant my finish time allowed me to finish BEFORE all the speedy 5K people.  So I got a chance to watch them finish when usually I see those people walking to their cars while I am still on the course.  That was a nice change of pace.


Now with the last race race of the year under my belt, it's time to reflect on my accomplishments and set a vision for my running future in 2011.  Stay tuned...

Half Marathon Number 15

I finished Half Marathon #15 today.  That's 15 half marathons in 14 months and the last one this calendar year.  It was 70 degrees today and the race started in the late morning so it definitely did not feel like a mid-November run.  My time was almost identical to Nike.  So not too great considering there wasn't a hill in sight.  And I walked up all the massive mountains along the Nike course.  Since I had plenty of time for reflection given my snail's pace, I realized my training had done an excellent job adequately preparing me to run slow.  I did 3 minutes of running and 1 minute of walking through most of the race and I could not pick up the pace.  By mile 10, I was just kind of over the whole thing and wanting to finish.  My next half will probably be January or maybe February.  In the meantime, I need to pick up the pace and do some speed workouts or I will truly become callipides who essentially ran around in circles.  Not fun and makes one terribly dizzy.

Summer Breeze Half Marathon aka Winter Wind

     Finished my 12th Half Marathon since last October on Saturday.  I had reservations about doing the race given my limited training but I am so grateful that I did it.  Yes, getting up super early to make the drive down to San Leandro wasn't the most fun but the race was terrific.  There were only 165 runners in the half and I'm proud to say that I finished in 163rd place!  Even managed a 12th place finish in my age group (out of 13).  

     The race started at the San Leandro Marina and then ran along trails to almost what I presume was the San Mateo bridge.  The trails meandered along the bay which meant my labored breathing was muffled by the soothing sounds of waves lapping up against the rocks along the shore.  There were numerous water birds of various types along the course and we must of crossed five or six wooden foot bridges throughout the race.  All the aid stations were set up better than an all you can eat buffet!  Way too many choices which is a great thing.  The course was nice and flat and the summer breeze in the title felt like a winter wind as it was super cold.  I didn't mind after my experience in Philly.  It was a welcome relief.  I could have done without the head wind on the entire way back.  I also wish I hadn't managed to forget a turn and continue straight on the trail until I began thinking, "What happened to all the pink ribbons marking the course?"  and "What about that guy that wasn't too far ahead of me?"  At that moment, I heard some yelling behind me and saw another runner who we had been leap frogging each other throughout the race madly waving to me.  I figured out my mistake and managed to get back on the trail.  My goal was to catch up to my hero runner and give a proper thank you but I never managed to do that in the last five miles.  Thankfully, I had the opportunity after I crossed the finish line.  

     Final time was 3:14.19 which I am pleased with considering my lack of training, my off-course adventure, and the massive head wind.  I was happy that I managed to maintain the 3:1 run/walk breaks throughout (although they did get slower at the end).  I passed the 10 mile mark at 2:23 which is 20 minutes faster than my 10 mile time from last year.  I'm planning on the doing the 10 mile race again in a couple weeks so I think maybe a sub 2:20 is possible?  We'll see.