Saturday was the Madison Mini Marathon. I posted the recap HERE. I felt great Sunday morning - got up, took the dog for a walk / little run and went to church. Husband and I then decided to bike to Sauk City. From the park and ride where we started from in Middleton it was a 35 mile round trip bike ride. I looked up a couple different routes using Map My Ride and after some deliberation decided on the path that DID NOT include biking along State Hwy 12. This is a busy road and I didn't really think that was the best option. There is a bike path along some of the route, so we stated on a paved bike path and then turned off onto county roads. Holy cow - hills, hills and more hills. To be honest they were not too bad, but I felt pretty sorry for my husband. I bike a lot - he doesn't and he weighs a lot more than me, so it takes a lot out of him to bike up hills. Added to the hills was the STRONG wind coming out of the North / northwest - which was exactly the direction of the wind, which was blowing close to 13 mph with gusts up to 18 mph. At the summit of every hill, I would wait for my husband - we would head down the hill together and just about every time, there was another hill. We took a couple of breaks, where we stopped for water and to regroup and then kept going. He was a trooper. Once in Sauk City, we stopped and spent some time watching the Wisconsin River and then headed to find someplace to stop for a bike to eat and to figure out a different route to get home. We settled on Culver's, a local "fast food, made to order" restaurant offering sandwiches, burgers and frozen custard . . . neither of us ordered frozen custard. ;-)
We decided that we would head back to Middleton on the other route, biking on Hwy 12 for 2.3 miles. WOW oh WOW was that a different bike ride home. Granted we had the wind at our backs, which clearly make a difference, but this route was considerable flatter! We were on a bike path for about 2 miles coming out of Sauk City, then a couple of back roads for another 4 miles (with all of these being very flat to moderately rolling), then we turned onto the Hwy - which has really wide shoulders (a car width) and as long as you are mentally OK with cars buzzing by you at 55-65 mph it is OK. Once off the Hwy, another section of back road, and then we crossed over and were back on the bike path for the last 9 miles. What a difference a route makes.
It took us close to 1hr and 20 minutes to get to Sauk City and a little over 1 hr to get home. We will do this ride again - I would be fine with the hilly route - husband would like to stick to the flatter path. ;-)
On running news - I took Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday off from running. I got back into the swing of things and ran both yesterday and this morning. I looked over some training plans - in preparation of the Haunted Hustle, which is my next half marathon at the end of October. I am going to actually train to cut time off of my 1/2 marathon pace. Last year I finished the Haunted Hustle in 2:07:41 and would like to break that record this year. So I need a plan - I am going to try and follow Ryan Hall's Half Marathon plan from Runners World - hardest part will be "really following it". I tend to modify things as I go - don't wake up early enough - skip that particular workout. So far so good. Although I "missed the Tuesday workout - I did both the Thursday 30-40 minute easy run . . . doing 3.8 miles in 37 minutes and this morning doing a 1m warm-up - 4 mile tempo and then 1m cool-down (cut a little short). My avg tempo pace was 9:34 for the 4 miles - pretty happy with that.
Hoping that Irene backs away from the East coast and that all the bloggers running the Hood to Coast relay on the West coast have a great time.
Those of us in the middle have a super beautiful weekend coming up. We are going out to eat with some friends tonight - taking the boat out for a little ride on the lake and then heading to Nau-ti-gal, a local restaurant on the lake for dinner. Then tomorrow it looks like we are biking to New Glarus again. Hubby picked up a New Glarus Spotted Cow t-shirt on our last trip to the brewery (I got a "I got Totally Naked at New Glarus Brewery" t-shirt (my fav beer)) but he picked up a 2XL size . . . soooooo big . . . while he isn't a small person - he isn't that large! Obviously we could drive there - but biking is so much more fun!
Looking forward to tonight's dinner with friends
tomorrows bike ride
and Sunday's long run - 8 miles
Enjoy the moment!
Showing posts with label Madison Mini Marathon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Madison Mini Marathon. Show all posts
Friday, August 26, 2011
Sunday, August 21, 2011
3rd Madison Mini Marathon
This was the third running of the Madison Mini Marathon. I have run it all three years and enjoy it each and every time . . . actually liking it better each time. It doesn't get boring - maybe it is the idea of a "home field" advantage. Not like I am setting any records - but running through the streets of Madison makes me proud to call this city my home. All of the major attractions / locations that the mini travels through mean something special to me. I have no pictures from the Mini - maybe I will be lucky and actually have a NON-embarassing finish line photo - or one on the route that I can share with you when the photo's are posted.
The race was scheduled to start at 7:00 on Saturday morning. Although I don't lay things out ahead of time, I am usually calm and collected the morning of a race - but for some reason I was disorganized on Saturday morning and felt like I was running behind from the start. I headed downtown and had to stop to pick up some gatorade, while on the way to the local PDQ store, I saw a fox - right in the city. I thought this might be a sign - I was going to be fast as a fox . . . even though I didn't really get many long runs in. Well that was what I had hoped it meant.
Once I got downtown, I parked in a ramp a little ways away from the start location, so that I had a chance to walk / job to the start. As I said I was running late and heard the singing of the National Anthem from State street and still had about 3 blocks to make it to the race start. I made it to the G corral right aroung 6:55 and settled in . . . for a couple of minutes, until the anouncer came on the microphone and said that due to an approaching storm, they were going to delay the start of the race. They instructed us to go to the Memorial Union, Red Gym building or the Lakestreet parking structure. They said they would give people plenty of time to get back to the start when the race was back on. Well I headed to the Lakestreet parking garage, sat down and settled in . . . chatted with a really nice women, Kristy. The rains came - the thunder came - the wind came. We waited. Somewhere around 7:45 I left the parking structure to use the porta pottie. I figured no matter whenever we started we were going to be running in the rain, so getting a little wet didn't really matter. I headed back over the the finish area and used the facilities - then headed to the Red Gym to wait it out there. Found a spot to lean against a door, then settled in on the floor. And waited - Finally about 8:15, the race was on and we all headed to the start. Since I was really close - I did take some cover from the rain for a while, until more and more people were there. The rain continued - not too bad . . . until the start. Then it poured and as we rounded on corner the winds blewwwwwww!
The run started at 8:30 - I crossed the start at 8:33 and was off . . . slowly.
I usually don't run with my hat, unless it rains. The forecast was a chance for showers so I thought I would bring it and I was soooooo glad that I had it on to keep the rain sort of out of my eyes.
The rain subsided after a half hours, eventually the sun appeared and it was a beautiful day - full of sunshine.
Here is a list of some of the places we passed and their meaning for me.
Start: We start out at the Memorial Union. Although I didn't graduate from the UW, my husband did and I remember spending time at the Union when he was a student. We also like to stop there from the water and buy an ice cream cone. I also attended a wine tasting class there - and it was a blast.
Next up is the Capitol. Well - what can I say about the state Capitol. It is a beautiful building - located in the center of the city. When I drive to work, I look directly at the Capitol - and hey they changed the lighting to Green and Gold in honor of the Packers.
Mile 1: We then headed down State Street. Anyone who lives or has visited Madison has been to State Street. It is downhill and many runs head down this famous street.
Mile 2: We then headed near the Kohl Center, home of the UW basketball and hockey teams. And graduation site of the local high schools - so in addition to watching great basketball and hockey games - both of my sons graduated from high school at the Kohl Center.
Mile 3: We ran past the Space Science and Engineering Building (my husband works there) and then Camp Randall, home of the UW Badgers football team.
Mile 4: Passed through the Henry Vilas Zoo - this is a free zoo and I spent a lot of time there when the boys were young. Passing through the Zoo, one of the city's hospitals, St.Mary's is in view - both of my sons were born at St. Mary's.
Mile 5&6&7: Before mile 5 we enter the UW Arboretum - this is a beautiful nature preserve area. BUT I always find this a boring area for a road race - since there are very few homes - there are few spectators and isn't really anything to look at - trees - vegitation - trees - and more vegitation. Don't get me wrong - I like to run through it - but for a race - it always seems like a long way with not much to distract me. But on a hot day - it is always a cool location, due to the dampness and tree coverage. Since I have been biking more the last couple of years I am quite familar with the Arb and feel like I know where the hills are and know the turns quite well.
Mile 8 & 9: Just out of the Arb and running near the Nakoma Golf course and then though the Monroe St area. Although I have never golfed Nakoma (private course) I have walked it when son #1 golfed on the East High School golf team - it is a beautiful course. Then there is Monroe St. In my mind - this area of Madison is made famous because of the red flags that are along the intersections - pedestrians carry a flag when they cross the road. I swear they just walk - it doesn't matter whether they have a walk like or not - if they have a flag - they walk and as a driver - you slam on your brakes. Can you tell this irritates me tremendously!!!!
Mile 10: This section is mainly residential - but near Madison West - which is one of the other high schools in town - I spent a lot of time on their tennis courts with son #2.
Mile 11: Brings us to the UW CoGen Plant - my employer MGE and the UW co-own this generation plant. Next up is the UW Hospital - I spent a lot of time there with my mother (years ago) And the best part about mile 11 was looking forward to Chelsea, previously from Early Runner, HERE - BUT now from Theology and Geometry HERE. She was not running the mini - but was going to be near mile 11 cheering us on. I was so looking forward to seeing her - mile 11 is tough - so close - but still a couple miles to go. And there she was - with a poster and all!
Mile 12: Lakeshore path - cool temp's because of all of the trees - easy on your legs, because it is a dirt path - right on the shore of Lake Mendota. Whenever I run this path I remember when I was training for my one and only marathon - I ran from my house to here and stood there and looked across the lake and thought wow - I have a long ways to run home! I also say Kerri, from TutuRunner - HERE and her Team in Training friend Dano along the path - they came up behind me and were running STRONG, especially considering this was mile 12. Kerri had a great run and a PR by 5 minutes. :-)
And the FINISH: back at the Memorial Union - the crowds cheering and the best part was the Milwaukee Brewers Sausages were there and I high 5's each one of them, including the Hot Dog, the Brat, the Italian Sausage, the Polish Sausage and Kerri's favorite the Chorizo.
I saw Kerri from TutuRunner HERE, and Dano at the finish - and gave her a good hug! I had hoped to see Jamie from Running Diva Mom - HERE - but didn't see her before or after the run.
I headed for chocolate milk (YUMMMMMM) a banana and picture in the big chairs ( a mini tradition) - then off to search for co-workers.
2011 - 2:16
2010 - 2:08
2009 - 2:12
. . . so this was slower then the past two years . . . but who cares! I don't!
Sometimes it is ENJOYING the journey that counts! I had a blast and must have high 5's at least 20 people - that is a GOOD DAY!
ENJOY the MOMENT! Don't sweat the small stuff - running fast - running slow - it is all running!!!!
The race was scheduled to start at 7:00 on Saturday morning. Although I don't lay things out ahead of time, I am usually calm and collected the morning of a race - but for some reason I was disorganized on Saturday morning and felt like I was running behind from the start. I headed downtown and had to stop to pick up some gatorade, while on the way to the local PDQ store, I saw a fox - right in the city. I thought this might be a sign - I was going to be fast as a fox . . . even though I didn't really get many long runs in. Well that was what I had hoped it meant.
Once I got downtown, I parked in a ramp a little ways away from the start location, so that I had a chance to walk / job to the start. As I said I was running late and heard the singing of the National Anthem from State street and still had about 3 blocks to make it to the race start. I made it to the G corral right aroung 6:55 and settled in . . . for a couple of minutes, until the anouncer came on the microphone and said that due to an approaching storm, they were going to delay the start of the race. They instructed us to go to the Memorial Union, Red Gym building or the Lakestreet parking structure. They said they would give people plenty of time to get back to the start when the race was back on. Well I headed to the Lakestreet parking garage, sat down and settled in . . . chatted with a really nice women, Kristy. The rains came - the thunder came - the wind came. We waited. Somewhere around 7:45 I left the parking structure to use the porta pottie. I figured no matter whenever we started we were going to be running in the rain, so getting a little wet didn't really matter. I headed back over the the finish area and used the facilities - then headed to the Red Gym to wait it out there. Found a spot to lean against a door, then settled in on the floor. And waited - Finally about 8:15, the race was on and we all headed to the start. Since I was really close - I did take some cover from the rain for a while, until more and more people were there. The rain continued - not too bad . . . until the start. Then it poured and as we rounded on corner the winds blewwwwwww!
The run started at 8:30 - I crossed the start at 8:33 and was off . . . slowly.
I usually don't run with my hat, unless it rains. The forecast was a chance for showers so I thought I would bring it and I was soooooo glad that I had it on to keep the rain sort of out of my eyes.
The rain subsided after a half hours, eventually the sun appeared and it was a beautiful day - full of sunshine.
Here is a list of some of the places we passed and their meaning for me.
Start: We start out at the Memorial Union. Although I didn't graduate from the UW, my husband did and I remember spending time at the Union when he was a student. We also like to stop there from the water and buy an ice cream cone. I also attended a wine tasting class there - and it was a blast.
Next up is the Capitol. Well - what can I say about the state Capitol. It is a beautiful building - located in the center of the city. When I drive to work, I look directly at the Capitol - and hey they changed the lighting to Green and Gold in honor of the Packers.
Mile 1: We then headed down State Street. Anyone who lives or has visited Madison has been to State Street. It is downhill and many runs head down this famous street.
Mile 2: We then headed near the Kohl Center, home of the UW basketball and hockey teams. And graduation site of the local high schools - so in addition to watching great basketball and hockey games - both of my sons graduated from high school at the Kohl Center.
Mile 3: We ran past the Space Science and Engineering Building (my husband works there) and then Camp Randall, home of the UW Badgers football team.
Mile 4: Passed through the Henry Vilas Zoo - this is a free zoo and I spent a lot of time there when the boys were young. Passing through the Zoo, one of the city's hospitals, St.Mary's is in view - both of my sons were born at St. Mary's.
Mile 5&6&7: Before mile 5 we enter the UW Arboretum - this is a beautiful nature preserve area. BUT I always find this a boring area for a road race - since there are very few homes - there are few spectators and isn't really anything to look at - trees - vegitation - trees - and more vegitation. Don't get me wrong - I like to run through it - but for a race - it always seems like a long way with not much to distract me. But on a hot day - it is always a cool location, due to the dampness and tree coverage. Since I have been biking more the last couple of years I am quite familar with the Arb and feel like I know where the hills are and know the turns quite well.
Mile 8 & 9: Just out of the Arb and running near the Nakoma Golf course and then though the Monroe St area. Although I have never golfed Nakoma (private course) I have walked it when son #1 golfed on the East High School golf team - it is a beautiful course. Then there is Monroe St. In my mind - this area of Madison is made famous because of the red flags that are along the intersections - pedestrians carry a flag when they cross the road. I swear they just walk - it doesn't matter whether they have a walk like or not - if they have a flag - they walk and as a driver - you slam on your brakes. Can you tell this irritates me tremendously!!!!
Mile 10: This section is mainly residential - but near Madison West - which is one of the other high schools in town - I spent a lot of time on their tennis courts with son #2.
Mile 11: Brings us to the UW CoGen Plant - my employer MGE and the UW co-own this generation plant. Next up is the UW Hospital - I spent a lot of time there with my mother (years ago) And the best part about mile 11 was looking forward to Chelsea, previously from Early Runner, HERE - BUT now from Theology and Geometry HERE. She was not running the mini - but was going to be near mile 11 cheering us on. I was so looking forward to seeing her - mile 11 is tough - so close - but still a couple miles to go. And there she was - with a poster and all!
Mile 12: Lakeshore path - cool temp's because of all of the trees - easy on your legs, because it is a dirt path - right on the shore of Lake Mendota. Whenever I run this path I remember when I was training for my one and only marathon - I ran from my house to here and stood there and looked across the lake and thought wow - I have a long ways to run home! I also say Kerri, from TutuRunner - HERE and her Team in Training friend Dano along the path - they came up behind me and were running STRONG, especially considering this was mile 12. Kerri had a great run and a PR by 5 minutes. :-)
And the FINISH: back at the Memorial Union - the crowds cheering and the best part was the Milwaukee Brewers Sausages were there and I high 5's each one of them, including the Hot Dog, the Brat, the Italian Sausage, the Polish Sausage and Kerri's favorite the Chorizo.
I saw Kerri from TutuRunner HERE, and Dano at the finish - and gave her a good hug! I had hoped to see Jamie from Running Diva Mom - HERE - but didn't see her before or after the run.
I headed for chocolate milk (YUMMMMMM) a banana and picture in the big chairs ( a mini tradition) - then off to search for co-workers.
2011 - 2:16
2010 - 2:08
2009 - 2:12
. . . so this was slower then the past two years . . . but who cares! I don't!
Sometimes it is ENJOYING the journey that counts! I had a blast and must have high 5's at least 20 people - that is a GOOD DAY!
ENJOY the MOMENT! Don't sweat the small stuff - running fast - running slow - it is all running!!!!
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Broken Record - hamstring issues - but a good beer makes it better!
Just when I was feeling better I went water skiing and twinge went my hamstring. ;-(
Friday evening was a beautiful time to be on the boat - hot, humid, low winds and almost no other boats. The family all went out of the boat to get some good water skiing in and cruise around the lake. I jumped in second and immediately on getting up on the ski's I felt a tug to my hamstring. DANG - double DANG!
I am taking it easy AGAIN for a couple days, I ran / walked 2 miles yesterday and decided to take today off. I am going for long run Monday morning and hope that it feels OK. The Madison Mini Marathon is on Aug 20th - JUST 3 weeks away and I am still committed to running. I have come to accept that it will be tough and I probably won't be running very fast - but I am just hoping that I can run it without being in pain. My mileage has been really low to almost non-existent for July, between the heat and humidity and piriformis and hamstring problems I have not put in nearly the time I had planned. When I look back over then month I only ran 7 times with the longest run happening last week with 6.65 miles. I need to work out a new plan to fit some longish runs in between now and Aug 20th . . . oh and bike 150 miles in the MS 150 bike ride, which is August 6 & 7 . . . so obviously I won't be running on either of those days. Wish there were more days in the week.
I did put in 362 miles on my bike and feel ready to tackle 150 miles next weekend. I biked to work 9 days and went on 10 training rides all in preparation of biking 75 miles on Aug 6 and 75 miles on Aug 7 in the MS 150 Bike Ride. I am really REALLY hoping that this cross training will help me out during the 1/2 marathon.
Yesterday my husband and son biked to New Glarus on the Badger State and Sugar River bike trails - it was hot and sticky - but our goal was to make it to town in time to get to the New Glarus Brewery - home of Spotted Cow and Totally Naked, to name a couple of my favorite beers made there - and we did. The brewery stops offering tastings at 4:00 and we walked in about 3:50 and were able to buy a glass and get it refilled with a second beer before they closed the doors. Since we were there I also bought a case of Totally Naked and got my son a sampler six pack with some of their other beers that he has not tried. How did we carry a case of beer on our bikes? (My son's girlfriend works in New Glarus and had our SUV with bike rack with her - we got a ride back to Madison and actually stopped at a local bar in New Glarus for a burger and fries before heading home.) I have got to say, that I can't remember the last time I ate a burger and fries and although I know I won't probably be eating another one soon - it sure did taste REALLY GOOD - YUMMMMMMM!
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| New Glarus Brewery - Hilltop |
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| Joe and Todd on the front steps - it was hot and we were looking for shade! |
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| Todd and me enjoying our brew after a 26 mile bike ride |
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| Sample 6 pack and case of Totally Naked! |
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| Totally Naked and a Raspberry Tart! |
Since the MS 150 is a fundraising event to help find a cure for MS - I have been raising money and am including a link to my fundraising page. If you know someone suffering with MS and would like to contribute towards finding a cure - check out my page HERE and leave a donation. THANKS!
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