Denouement

Yokohama Women's Marathon Championship

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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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to Ukraine's Armed Forces
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: Yokohama Women's Marathon Championship (26.2 Miles) 02:53:25, Place overall: 18
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTrainer 1 MilesTrainer 2 MilesRacer MilesTotal Distance
0.3026.200.000.000.000.000.0026.50

Seriously!!! Just lost 30 minutes of my race report.

I don't know if I can write this again.  Will go to word then paste in :( 

Woke up at 7am because it’s race day, even though the race started at 12:10.  Had some oatmeal, then did some CPA CPE online (good times), then walked 1000m to drop off water bottles, walked back. Watched Masterchef while I stretched, foam rolled, tennis balled. Heard the building creaking, then felt vertigo, then realized it was an earthquake, and I am on the 10th floor of a 15 floor building.  I just sit at my desk like an idiot, should have gotten under the desk.  No one seeing me would think that I grew up in California and had earthquake drills all the time as a child.  Took a shower, got dressed, and went to staging area.  I was in the first row behind the elites.  They sure were fit and lean ladies.  True six packs.  It was a beautiful sight.  I saw a video highlight of the race at the banquet tonight, and the only part of the video I was in was at the start, and I looked downright burly and masculine compared to the elites (and half of them were not Asian, there were Europeans and Kenyans).  Anyway, guess I should take up bodybuilding next. . .j/k that sounds like no fun to me.

Plan was 3:55-4:00k for the first 5k, then 3:55/k (19:35 5k splits) thereafter.  3:56 overall gets me right under 2:46.  When the gun goes off I let lots of ladies pass me, I am warming up nice and easy.  First k was 4:00.  Perfect.  First 5k was 19:29, though, a tad faster than I should have done.  Then had 4k under an elevated highway, which messed up my gps.  I should have right away changed the screen to total time so I could track actual splits, but I ran by feel and by place (stayed behind two ladies), and as a consequence ran 3:50/k for 4k, which brought me to 9k 20 seconds too soon.  3:56 for 10k meant 10k split was 38:45, 25 seconds too fast.  Didn’t worry about it at the time (I am delusional and thinking, “boy I really am in good shape”  what a dufus, really, have I learned nothing?).  Next 5k felt great, got a 19:39.  But by 15k legs started to feel a bit heavy.  Then next 5k was 19:48 and I know I am in trouble because legs are too heavy for half way through.  Midway split is 1:22:34 (same as Andrea’s).  I pull out my 5 hour energy drinking hoping it will help. But guess what, caffeine can’t get rid of lactic acid.  It does help, though, and I do 19:39 for the fifth 5k, bringing me to the 25k mark in 1:37:51, four seconds ahead of my “plan”.  Splits start to sag though, start tracking individual k’s, trying to ignore pain in my quads (SORE!).  26k was about 3:55, 27k was 3:56, 28k was 4:05, 29k 4:06, 30k 4:07, 20:12 for that 5k.  Still on pace for sub 2:46 but legs keep getting more and more hurty 31 was 4:22, 32-34 pace was 4:20, 35 was 4:25, 21:54 for that 5k.  Wait—it gets worse!  Now I start to go paces that count as easy runs normally, and I watch getting ranked top Hong Kong runner go down the drain (have to beat 2:49:58 to get that). 4:26, 4:30, 4:43 for 2k, then it goes toward 4:50, but I am not lapping at that point, what’s the point.  I do manage a measly kick to prevent a girl from passing me, she came in one second behind me.  Got 4:42 pace for the last 3.21k. Brilliant.  Amazingly, only three girls manage to pass me in the race (all between 32 and 41k).   

I start bawling after the race.  I’m sure I was quite the spectacle to the spectators.  BTW, there were spectators all along the course and it sounded like many were saying “Andale”, as in Spanish, but perhaps they have a phrase that is similar?  I am not sure.  Had several people call LOWRY! And that was fun.  I waved to lots of kids, and smiled a lot (not after 30k, to be sure).  There were also voluteers everywhere.  Many more volunteers than runners.  They had a volunteer posted every 10-20 meters—seriously.  You could not get lost on this course. 

I am gutted.  This is truly a hard pill to swallow.   I am officially tried-real-hard-and-got-close. Of course I didn’t get close in this race.  2:47:08 October 2010.  So close.   I can't even tell you how painful the race was.  I suffered through the second half big time.  Ended up running the last 5k slower than a normal easy run because my legs hurt so bad.  The hard truth of it is that I must not have been in shape to do a 2:45, I don't know if it was because of the late injury or self-delusion.  I should not have had lactic acid build up so early in the race, even being 5 sec/k off.  It was like the PF Chang marathon (bad race for me in Jan 2009) only harder.  I will have to compare paces.  

Sorry if this race report isn’t too uplifting, I want to write it while I am processing the race and the end of four year pursuit that has been fraught with medical issues. 

After the race I went to a Japanese spa/bathing house.  Lots of runners went, we had a discount, and it was really neat.  You get naked, and there are tons of naked women walking around, and you go to an area where shower sitting down.  I washed my hair and body.  Then there are multiple baths you hang out in, and there was a cold bath, so I alternated cold and warm baths for four times.  Lots of naked ladies.  About a third are runners, and they are thin and toned.  Women's bodys are beatiful, what can I say.  It was like skinny dipping with 70 of my closest Japanese friends.  I haven't seen any friends naked since skinny dipping in HS.  Anyway, afterward, you get in a kimono and go to individual prepping stations where you do your hair.  Then there was an awards banquet with dinner and dessert.  They had multiple speeches, though, and no sitting. It was torturous.  I am so sore!  The food was good, but only one of the 8 or so desserts was a true chocolate dessert, so I had that one twice.   

Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From josse on Sun, Nov 20, 2011 at 11:06:28 from 166.250.3.202

Unfortunately the marathon doesn't always show our true fitness level. I do think you were in shape to run the time you wanted but the day was just off. I am so sorry for that it just stinks when you train that hard and come up short. My heart goes out to you.

Boston maybe:)?

the bath house sounds like a plus;)

From MCKENZIE on Sun, Nov 20, 2011 at 11:36:33 from 174.19.52.124

AHHHH! So true~ the marathon is tricky. That doesn't make it any easier to swallow but that race doesn't define you as a runner. BOSTON?!?

From Bam on Sun, Nov 20, 2011 at 12:32:03 from 86.40.3.113

Sorry the race didn't go to plan. But you've got the miles in your legs and you will have gained vital experience for your next marathon. Get your chin up and be proud of yourself - you've run faster than many will ever do and you're sure to break 2:45 very soon. Well done.

From JulieC on Sun, Nov 20, 2011 at 13:18:15 from 67.41.189.197

Wow Michelle. Thanks for the honesty. The "non uplifting" parts help all of us. Sorry you didn't get your goal yet.,,but you will : D Also I really had a good laugh over your bath scene. Hmmm high school, yup last time for me too. I would not be able to get naked in front of tone women. Obviously you fit in :D.

From marion on Sun, Nov 20, 2011 at 14:59:21 from 174.27.205.46

I love you and I am so sorry :( I am so glad I got to chat with you this morning.... I mean last night.... wait, I mean tonight ;)

xoxoxoxo

From Jody on Sun, Nov 20, 2011 at 16:16:46 from 75.141.131.35

{{HUGS}} A very tough day for a very tough competitor. You are an amazing runner and many good things are ahead of you. Time with your family will be wonderful as you are all in this new adventure.

BTW - you are so much more brave than I could ever be. No way could I walk around naked in front of others...

From Tara on Sun, Nov 20, 2011 at 16:28:53 from 75.169.159.43

I have been thinking about you all week. (that sounds weird, cause I really don't know you:)but, I am sorry the race did not go as planned. I think it was the race, not the runner, I really do. Just not your day. I think you are capable of that time for sure, just another race. You are still young. Congrats for making it through such a tough race experience and having an amazing time considering the total burn out at the end, right? You are gifted for sure and this race doesn't compromise that or define you or your abilities. We all have these races, even the elites.

From seeaprilrun on Sun, Nov 20, 2011 at 18:32:33 from 68.103.252.193

I enjoyed reading your report and your frank honesty. There are so many of us that can identify with the feeling of a marathon unraveling and goals falling away, maybe not at your level, but still the same feeling, hard to swallow. I guess even superstars know how it feels. I cannot wait for your day to come--it will! 2016! Now you have four years to carefully plan it out and get it done, and no, you are not too old! I am not thin and toned enough to have hung out in that bathhouse, but it sounds pretty cool. And yeah, those toned runners bodies, male and female, they are quite beautiful.

From Jake K on Sun, Nov 20, 2011 at 20:42:29 from 74.92.85.81

I'm proud of you Michelle. You moved to a foreign country, worked your butt off, had an injury that nearly derailed you from getting to the starting line just a week ago, yet you were out there today... on the line, "in the arena," and you chased your dream. You went for it. And you know better than I do that sometimes you can be in shape to run really fast, but the marathon can do things to you that shorter races can't. Its only predictable to 98%, and that last 2% can be huge. It was for you today the same way it was for me.

You've been an inspiration to Andrea and I since we met you earlier this year, and especially over these past few months as we have all been chasing the same dream. Your work ethic and love of the sport has helped push us to give it everything we have.

Keep chasing your dreams, whether its 2016 or whatever else you want to in your life. Keep taking chances and putting yourself out there and living life to the absolute fullest.

From Superfly on Sun, Nov 20, 2011 at 21:24:24 from 74.211.21.81

I know it's not the time you wanted but that's a solid race. Super job! Hope you bounce back and aren't too bummed about it- sooner than later:) We have short memories so it will hurt for a day or so but then the wheels in your head will start to turn and.... who know what race is next? Eat some chocolate and cheesecake then drink a few Dr. Peppers or something. It always helps me.

You rock!

From flatlander on Sun, Nov 20, 2011 at 21:26:42 from 76.31.26.153

Really sorry to hear it didn't work out today, but really respect the focused and consistent effort you put into this sport. I learn a lot from reading about your training, and not just X's and O's. You still ran well and I am sure you will run better very soon. (I've been to those houses (on the men's side) and they are cool. Can't say the men are toned though.)

From jtshad on Sun, Nov 20, 2011 at 22:48:37 from 69.20.183.178

A great effort. As previously said, marathon's are a tough beast to conquer and those great days at this distance are hard to come by and predict. You ran great, sorry about the result but you are a very talented runner and there will be more opportunities.

From AmberG on Mon, Nov 21, 2011 at 00:32:01 from 71.219.57.12

Michelle,

Thank you for sharing your race report and your love of running with us!!!

My heart goes out to you, I know how much this particular race meant to you :( I'm so sorry it didn't turn out the way that you had planned. I have to agree that you are MORE THAN CAPABLE of running an OTQ. . .You have trained so well and consistently. You are THE MOST COURAGEOUS girl and runner that I know. Hands down. I just have to repeat that, you are THE MOST COURAGEOUS runner that I know!!! You are passionate about this running sport and you are true to yourself. I love that!

Just want to say I'm proud of you for all that you've accomplished in your life. An OTQ time doesn't define who you are (I'm not discounting how great it would be), but you have overcome so many obstacles in running where most would have given up.

No matter what, you've proved a champion, and you've been a super example to the rest of us. We are so stinkin proud of you!!!

. . . I mean, really, you went to a bath house :) :)

From Clay on Mon, Nov 21, 2011 at 00:47:56 from 166.205.13.55

I'm sorry you didn't get the time that you wanted kiddo! Marathons are a tough gig, sometimes it just kicks you in the butt and you dont know why! Keep chasing your dreams, your an awesome runner and a special talent! But most of all always remember you are a mother and a wife and that's what's most important. Keep up the good work, the bath house thing sounds crazy, I love your reports they are so interesting!

Stay safe!

From MichelleL on Mon, Nov 21, 2011 at 07:43:35 from 42.98.202.26

Thanks everyone for your posts and support. Many of you continued to support me through crutches and a wheelchair, and I especially like Clay calling me kiddo :D

From allie on Mon, Nov 21, 2011 at 07:54:39 from 24.10.191.18

i'm sorry for the tough day, michelle. i know how much you wanted this and i know how hard you worked. i'm very proud of you and very much admire you for your work ethic and determination. seeing everything you have been through over the past few years and how far you have come has been incredibly inspiring to me. you are such a strong and talented athlete, and the day for your OTQ will come.

enjoy the recovery time and don't forget to indulge in a few more desserts. :)

From Paul on Mon, Nov 21, 2011 at 10:53:57 from 24.10.141.104

Great effort, I am sorry it did not work out better though. Hopefully you can take some time for yourself, rest, regroup, and continue to love aspiring, training, and racing. Performances will stem out of that, and eventually you'll get those 1 or 2 races where every comes together.

From Britta on Mon, Nov 21, 2011 at 11:03:47 from 99.72.11.25

Michelle you are Amazing. So sorry the race didn't go as planned. Your family has got to be so proud of you and all you have accomplished. :) Have a great Holiday season!

I could never have bathed with a bunch of naked ladies... so funny!

From LuzyLew on Mon, Nov 21, 2011 at 19:03:17 from 208.187.197.42

You ran a marathon IN JAPAN after moving to Hong Kong, you went to the race after an earthquake, people on the street called out your name, they write you up in the papers....! AND you got to the see the inside of a Japanese bath house as an honored guest(bonus). These are the experiences of your life. It maybe hard to swallow the tried-real-hard-and-got close. But you tried-real-hard-and-got-close! YOU PUT IT ALL OUT THERE at a place and time in your life it's almost unimaginable. That takes balls. You wanted it, you went for it. Look where where shooting for the stars has taken you. I wish for your sake you could achieve what you've worked so hard for. But inspire anyway. I'm proud to know someone like you-- you went for it, in spite of the odds. Good Job on the marathon Michelle. You ran a good race and put it on the line. You can always be proud of that.

From Seth on Mon, Nov 21, 2011 at 21:27:38 from 67.177.36.131

Great run, that's still a solid effort! they can't all be your best performance ever. Keep at it and I'm sure you'll reap the rewards.

From Aubs on Mon, Nov 21, 2011 at 21:52:06 from 67.199.173.92

I have two words "YOU'RE AWESOME"!

You are amazing and such an inspiration to so many. I know how determined you are and I believe that if you keep at it you will ultimately make your goal. As big as a bummer it is we've all be there at one time or another. Keep at it!!!

From runningafterbabies on Mon, Nov 21, 2011 at 22:43:03 from 71.195.219.247

You are an inspiration to all of us here on this blog - and many others out there too. I have always been impressed with your determination, work ethic, tenacity and grit. You are one tough comptetitor. I do believe that if you should decide to go for 2016, the four year cycle will be much kinder to you than this last one. You are amazing and I KNOW you have an OQT in you.

From reddogrunning on Mon, Nov 21, 2011 at 23:21:54 from 210.87.245.169

Hey Michelle. Too bad that you did not get the result you deserved but what an experience. I love Japan for its Marathoning fervour. Very different from HK where non-runners don't often get it!

If you can recover well after a race I can suggest a race close to HK which has a pretty quick course and an interesting experience to boot give some consideration to khon Kaen (Northern Thailand) in late January. The weather at that time of the year is great for marathoning. I did it a couple of years ago and they had a strong field of Kenyans(male/female) who pushed the pace hard.

From ty on Tue, Nov 22, 2011 at 20:34:23 from 174.255.146.51

Michelle there isn't much to say that hasn't been said and I agree with it all. You are such a talented runner....I swear that sometimes the stars have to align just right to get our bodies to respond perfectly when we need them to on race day. And u do have amazing training runs. Maybe now that you don't have the pressure on you, you will have your big day (even though it will just be for your peace of mind). Either way you kick butt and will always at least be a local celebrity to us!

From julieesplin on Sat, Nov 26, 2011 at 16:49:40 from 75.169.183.69

So surprisingly sad. I think you have it in you too. Unfortunately it didn't come out last Sunday, the day you needed it most.

I was so self conseous showering around other people in high school. I'd enjoy it a lot more now. I think the bath house sounds fun.

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