Denouement

San Diego Rock N Roll Marathon

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Location:

Kowloon Tong,Hong Kong

Member Since:

Jul 02, 2007

Gender:

Female

Goal Type:

Olympic Trials Qualifier

Running Accomplishments:

Unaided:

5K - 17:11 (track Pre-kids and at BYU) (1998)

10K - 35:48 (track Pre-kids and at BYU) (1998)

10K - 35:34 (road - Shek Mun 10k 12/12)

1/2 Marathon 1:19:44 (UNICEF HM 11/12)

Marathon 2:47:08 (ING Hartford Connecticut 10/10)

Aided:

St. George Marathon 2:50:40 (10/08)

1/2 marathon - Hobble Creek 1:17:14 (8/08)

10K - Deseret News 10K - 35:02 (7/08)

Short-Term Running Goals:

PR 1/2 marathon AGAIN


Long-Term Running Goals:

Break 2:46 in Boston!

Personal:

I used to run for BYU, but only after trying out three times and finally walking on, so I was never a star. However, it was wonderful to run with great people and under Coach Shane. When you run with fast people, you can't help to improve! I graduated BYU in 1998, and didn't run a race until 2002, after having my second child. My hiatus and other crazy life commitments have made my competitive running suffer, but the last couple of years I have tried to get back into it the best I can. I have been married since 1996, to Paul Lowry, who is a runner himself. I have three boys (my three rascals), ages 12, 10, and 8.

After a great 2008 season, I was injured and eventually diagnosed and cross-diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis, a type of arthritis disease, which precludes running for all but the most stubborn.  So I am on medications, trying to stay healthy, and seeing my PT often.  And running!  Now beating the streets in Hong Kong.

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Miles:This week: 0.00 Month: 0.00 Year: 0.00
NB RC900 Black/yellow Lifetime Miles: 183.31
NB RC1300 Red/Black Lifetime Miles: 195.31
2012 MTR Lifetime Miles: 4035.70
890 Blue Lifetime Miles: 310.55
NB RC 1600 Lifetime Miles: 96.76
RC 1400 Lifetime Miles: 90.60
NB 890 Baby Blue Lifetime Miles: 233.26
NB 890 Electric Blue Lifetime Miles: 319.67
NB 890 Tokyo Turquoise Lifetime Miles: 163.54
Race: San Diego Rock N Roll Marathon (26.2 Miles) 02:49:38, Place overall: 11
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTrainer 1 MilesTrainer 2 MilesRacer MilesTotal Distance
0.0026.200.000.000.000.000.0026.20

Woke up at 3:55am, just before my 4:10 alarm went off.  Took two anti diarreahalls, ate some oatmeal, surfed a bit, including last year's results, then woke up the family and got ready to go.  Left the apartment at 4:55am.   Was at the start by 5:30.  My gps froze somewhere here, and I didn't know how to rest, so I just took a guess that I hold the two buttons for a couple of seconds and that did the trick.  The elites arrived at the VIP tent just a couple of minutes after me.  Looked intimidating, as usual.  I said hi to Alvina, who didn't remember me, but Trina did so chatted with her just for a minute.  Stretched and tried to potty several times, then it was time to go to the start.  Did a couple of strides.  Felt nervous with 1/2 hour to go til the race, but felt at peace at race start.  Half and marathoners have common start, but I didn't think much about that, since I knew there'd be lots of ladies faster than me. 

1 - 6:10, lots of people went out way fast, I was trying for a 6:30, but had to be happy with a 6:10, felt pulled along by guys and girls.

2 - 6:16, trying for a 6:20, so that was alot closer to goal.  My outside right calf was tight, but i told myself it would warm up and it did, thankfully, around mile 3 or 4.

3 - 6:09, wanted a 6:10, so again right on, downhill started, some curving in Balboa park.

4- 5:54, more downhill and steeper, half people separate from marathoners and though I didn't notice any difference I felt relieved to have them peel off. Met a girl named Betsy who was also going for OTQ.

5 - 6:06, still downhill, feeling good, in downtown

6 - 6:05, in downtown, took a gu,

7- 6:37, tried to keep effort the same, uphill, being patient, feeling good, some headwind but tried to tuck behind people, several ladies around me

8 - 6:25, still uphill

9 - 6:27, still gradual uphill, got on the freeway. So strange to run on a freeway in a race, a first for me, I am so glad Paul drove me on the course a couple of days ago so I am prepared for the long uphill stretch ONE THE FREEWAY

10 - 6:33, steeper uphill for about .75-.8, then steep downhill, this downhill continues through the next mile, trying to keep effort the same

11 - 5:55, I am a drop of water

12 - 6:23, rolling

13 - 6:13, 13.1 1:22:01, 59 seconds ahead of schedule,  and feeling good

14 - 6:17, still feeling good, Paul and the kids are there to cheer me on, said I looked great, gave Ben a high five, but distracted because I need a bathroom break bad,

15 - 6:30, includes bathroom break, I had to turn off at a portapotty which wasn't right on the course and was faced the wrong way and had to explain to a worker that I wasn't going the wrong way but to the bathroom, relieved to relieve myself

16 - 6:38, gradual uphill, not too great on the pace, but tell myself there will be a similar downhill next

17 - 6:31, beginning of the end?  At about 16.5 miles we do a U-turn and I took it too close, and there was sand on the road and I fell, splat onto the concrete, volunteers just staring in disbelief, some making some less than positive comments, though I can't remember what they say, I get up and keep going

18 - 6:19, still some gradual downhill if I remember right, I pass Alvina Begay, who hasn't given up but has given up if you know what I mean.  I am guessing she did drop out.

19 - 6:44, more stomach trouble, I hit the bushes in a natural beachy sandy bushy landscape.  Dang it!  This now puts me behind

20 - 6:28, wheels coming off, dang, dang, dang

21 - 6:33, trying to surge to keep in it, but realistically know I won't be seeing 6:teens again.  Feeling dizzy

22 - 6:43, let the ugly march to the finish continue

23 - 6:50

24 - 7:04, seriously, I don't remember an above 7:00 but there it is.

25 - 6:43

26 - 6:41, Paul and the kids see me at 25.5 or so and said I did NOT look good

.35 in 6:09, passed a guy in the last bit

2:49:38 total, then lots of delirious walking to get to VIP tent, then more walking to find family, then more walking to get to the trolley, then more walking to get to car, Probably walked 3 miles right after the race, then did Sea World from 2-7pm.  Interacted with a girl named Lindsey who was so sweet, who I had run with from miles 8-10, who ended up picking it up at the end and getting a 2:42.  Amazing.  She was really sweet and I wish her the best.

Right after the race I felt fine about the results.  It was what I expected results-wise a couple of weeks ago, but I was starting to really think I could do it, and during miles 7-13 I was really excited thinking "I can really do this!" but the marathon fitness was not sufficient.  I need to have more endurance and toughness, both are necessary and the former more than the latter was lacking.  I feel really bad in a way but I feel like if I can focus on my training I can make the next leaf. 

Thanks to all who continue to support me through the good, the bad, and the ugly.  Thank you to those who texted me before and after the race.  It is so hard to chase a dream when the attainment is not assured.  I am grateful I got to the start uninjured, and that I am not injured afterward (felt sore all over day after but no acute pain and am better two days later, though still sore).

Saucony St Racer - Pink B Miles: 29.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Steve Piccolo on Tue, Jun 07, 2011 at 16:18:19 from 155.101.146.112

Wow, great race! Sorry you didn't reach your goal, but I bet you'll get it next time!

From TBean on Tue, Jun 07, 2011 at 16:29:48 from 63.241.173.64

Great race! I hate it when your pace slows down at the end of a marathon.

From Andrea on Tue, Jun 07, 2011 at 16:41:08 from 72.37.244.100

Wow - what a race! 2:49 is an awesome time and you should be very proud of it! If you can keep getting stronger throughout the summer, an OTQ looks really good for you in the fall.

I do have to say, your description from mile 17 to the end is what makes me nervous to make the jump to marathons :o)

Great job! Take a couple weeks easy!

From Paul on Tue, Jun 07, 2011 at 16:45:06 from 24.10.141.104

Nice work. Bummer you didn't get the result you wanted, but on the plus side, you now have 2 sub-2:50s under your belt, which is pretty cool. I think this result is actually pretty good considering you had setbacks over the winter with the appendix and all that. You can build on this. Hope you enjoyed San Diego, it's such a fun city! I got to spend a week there for a conference, and have been wanting to go back.

From allie on Tue, Jun 07, 2011 at 16:57:15 from 161.38.218.168

nice job, michelle. you ran a great race. that's two sub-2:50's in a row, which is awesome! you definitely have it in you for that OTQ. take some time to recover and then keep cranking this summer and you will get there. way to go.

From fiddy on Tue, Jun 07, 2011 at 17:46:59 from 155.101.96.134

When stuff goes "wrong"(like falling on your face) and you keep your focus to finish strong (which you did), it sets you up much better for the next one I think.

From Clay on Tue, Jun 07, 2011 at 18:34:34 from 63.248.35.54

Great race Kiddo! Your on track to reach your goal no doubt, but I agree with paul you did have a few setbacks over the winter, so keep at it and you will get there! Your awesome!!! Don't be to hard on yourself either, pat yourself on the back for gutting it!!!;)

From JulieC on Tue, Jun 07, 2011 at 18:37:14 from 70.56.110.194

I agree with everyone. Michelle, you are a fighter!! way to pull off a great time despite the fall and all. Really well done. Loved the report. Thanks :D.

From Smooth on Tue, Jun 07, 2011 at 18:37:26 from 67.2.98.167

Great race Michelle! So sorry you took a spill at the turn! WAY to pick yourself up and battle to the end! You always rise above whatever obstacle that come your way! You are an inspiration to me!!! You will attain your OTQ goal! I know you will!!! :)

Recover well and enjoy the time in San Diego with your family!!! :)

From Jake K on Tue, Jun 07, 2011 at 18:45:25 from 155.100.213.19

Great run Michelle. We were tracking your splits on sunday morning after our run and were really pulling for you! Anyway you slice it, you've got 2 straight sub 250s on legit courses, which is impressive in my book, and the OTQ is well within your reach. You'll get there!

From Lily on Tue, Jun 07, 2011 at 19:02:40 from 67.199.178.210

Nice job Michelle! Keep at it, it's sure to come. We all know how you work! :)

From rockness18 on Tue, Jun 07, 2011 at 19:18:06 from 75.16.160.230

Great job! Keep inching towards that OTQ!

From seeaprilrun on Tue, Jun 07, 2011 at 19:28:40 from 174.70.177.86

Great race and wonderful report! OTQ in the fall! You can!

From Becky1 on Tue, Jun 07, 2011 at 23:06:22 from 76.23.13.133

I am pretty new here so don't know what your goal was, but thats a very impressive time I think especially with the GI issues. Congrats!

From Christi on Wed, Jun 08, 2011 at 00:11:45 from 67.199.177.151

Great job!! Sorry you were just short of the goal-but great race esp considering all the breaks and fall you had to take..you will get it next time for sure!

From Superfly on Wed, Jun 08, 2011 at 15:35:48 from 74.211.21.81

Sub 2:50 Michelle... and not on STG. Your an elite runner for sure! Keep grinding it out. We do this for fun right?

From LuzyLew on Wed, Jun 08, 2011 at 16:59:57 from 208.187.197.42

Endurance and toughness not sufficient? You had 3 major catastrophes’ during this race, held it together, sub 2:50'd’ and then did Sea World. Then you prepared everyone's late filings, made dinner and then took the scouts camping. I’m leaving out the BIG stuff ….Michelle….. You are a real woman with a very big non-running life. You are an elite runner--of that there is no question. My heart is broken for you because I remember where you were two years ago. I know how hard you have trained to get to where you are now. I know how hard you have pushed yourself and how hard your work outs are…I can hardly bear to read them and contemplate the work involved. I know what you have given up and sacrificed, and what you are up to the rest of the time you are not training. You are an elite runner, and an elite human. It would be great if the work we do on the ‘outside’ matched the work we do on the ‘inside’. If that were the case, you’d be a gold medalist already. I love you. You are an inspiration.

From runningafterbabies on Thu, Jun 09, 2011 at 13:41:10 from 71.195.219.247

I enjoyed your race report. You have the mental toughness I think you just needed a little more training time to be able to attack the last 10k. I know you can do it! I am impressed that your pitstop mile was a 6:30. You have skills, Michelle!

From Burt on Sat, Jun 11, 2011 at 11:58:54 from 72.223.90.79

Sorry you didn't quite make it, but it sure was an entertaining report. Great job!

From Kelli on Sat, Jun 11, 2011 at 21:51:19 from 71.219.92.225

More toughness and endurance? Seriously, you are the epitome of both!!! That is all I have to say about that! We all look up to you and live vicariously through your successes, and I know you will never give up and that is what keeps us lesser mortals moving ahead! ;o)

From Holt on Sun, Jun 12, 2011 at 14:00:56 from 50.8.79.137

Thanks for the help/support out on the UVM course today.

From ty on Mon, Jun 13, 2011 at 01:52:12 from 74.211.35.53

Hey it was so good to see you saturday! I was so tempted to yell at ya to run me in haha. 2:49 is amazing, and you are still smoking fast, and I know you are going to do it at chicago!

From flatlander on Thu, Jun 16, 2011 at 09:45:29 from 76.31.26.153

Good job on this race, you are very close and when you make it you will knock it out of the park.

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