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Hampton Court Half Marathon

Yesterday morning I woke up bright and early to meet Charlie and a few other Team Run Naturally ladies for the Hampton Court Half Marathon.

I signed up for this race a few weeks ago after reading online that it was a flat and fast half marathon surrounding one of the historic palaces in London – Hampton Court. I thought it’d be a fun warm-up to the Adidas Silverstone Half Marathon which was supposed to be my goal half marathon for the season. Even better, Bo and I already had tickets purchased for Hampton Court as my parents had heard great things about the castle. I was elated that my parents would finally have the chance to greet me at a race finish!

When my parents cancelled and delayed flights caused them to arrive in Europe three days late, that resulted in a change of plans for this coming weekend. One of those changes includes us touring Lyon, France versus me running my goal half marathon.  Charlie, Gia and I discussed making the Hampton Court Half my goal race instead and while we all agreed that it would be a game time decision based on the weather, course and conditions, Charlie promised to run with me and hopefully pace me for a PB of 2:06 or less.

My bib arrived in the mail on Thursday, just in time for Saturday’s race! I love that thus far the London race seem to mail bibs to you in advance versus making you pick them up at a chosen location the week of the race. It makes things so convenient!

The race started at 8:30, which many locals deemed to be a “very early” start time. I felt like this time was actually right in line with most US races and understood the need for the start time as most of the course was on open roads. An earlier start meant that we runners would share the road with far less cars which is always my preference. Getting out to the start was easier than I expected and while it took 55 minutes from doorstep to doorstep the train from Waterloo arrived perfectly on time, allowing me plenty of time to check my bag and find Charlie before the start.

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After a few frantic texts and phone calls, we found each other near the 2:10 pacing group. While the location was not ideal we found it nearly impossible to squeeze forward due to the crowds. The race sold out which is great for the race’s first year but not necessarily so great for coordinating such large crowds in a small area. This seemed to be a theme throughout the entire morning. IMG_6228

As we heard the race begin Charlie told me that she wanted us to get ahead of the 2:10 pacers as quickly as  possible so we didn’t get stuck in the slower crowds. I agreed and for the first two miles we did exactly that – weaved in and out of runners doing our best to push forward as quickly as possible. We started off around a 9:05 pace which felt tough but doable. However, we then made a turn into the woods and were greeted with lots of mud and uneven footing along with a few bottlenecks as runners merged onto the path. IMG_6244Trying to keep my pace on this path definitely pushed me and as we exited the path and started heading over the bridge towards the lovely Hampton Court Palace Charlie and I were faced with two issues: no one’s Garmin was beeping as we passed the mile marker AND the wind gusts were definitely picking up. At this point Charlie and everyone else’s Garmins were about .4 miles different than the course mile marker. As we passed the next mile marker we realized the issue wasn’t improving.

The short course combined with the strong headwind took all my will power away. I knew that regardless how hard I pushed myself this half marathon wouldn’t count as it seemed we were running a short course. I told Charlie at that point that I’d keep pushing but that this wasn’t shaping up to be a PB/PR (personal best or personal record) day. At this point we decided to enjoy the run together, keep up as fast a pace as possible but not kill ourselves. We started enjoying the sights, talking a bit about other races and plans and taking fuel or water when necessary.

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We ran along the Thames Path, over looking the area which just a week ago was severely flooded and enjoyed the softer gravel and more even path. This portion of the path was so much more enjoyable than the uneven and narrow sidewalks in the residential section that it was a welcome change.

At mile 7 I took my first fuel, Ella’s banana all natural baby food which quickly taught me that I definitely prefer the apple and mixed fruit flavors over banana. It was WAY too sweet for me and just unappealing. I guess there is such a thing as too much banana! At this point Charlie was definitely smiling more than me. By mile 8 my outfit was far too warm and my legs were starting to scream and I could feel the lack of training. For most previous half marathons I’ve run at least 10 miles once or twice before the race but due to illness, my longest run was 8 miles at a relaxed long run pace.

Charlie and I both kept our minds in a more positive place by just telling ourselves that we were out for a long run together. Shortly after this point we headed over a bridge, crossing the Thames and finding ourselves in a mixed use residential and shopping area where the course twisted and turned for about a mile. No race course is perfect but this portion just seemed down right awkward. We crossed through construction sites and small alleys for bit before finding ourselves back on the Thames Path heading back towards the finish line.

Charlie and I couldn’t help but laugh about the wind at this point. My ponytail was almost horizontal in the wind and the headwind was directly in our faces. We both got pretty quiet at this point, putting our headphones in and just pushing forward.  We made our way back through the woods again before exiting into the small, residential area near the start. At this point I started to pass the time by looking for Leah, who due to illness opted to cheer at the finish versus running the race. A smart decision as the Paris Marathon is her goal race, it helped pass the last two miles as I had no clue where she’d be. Suddenly we heard someone scream our names and I quickly recognized her huge smile and waving hands! She cheered us on and captured a few pictures as we pushed through the last quarter mile to the finish line.

We crossed the finish line in 2:07 which was not a PB considering the short course but still a strong long run pace as this was now just another long training run for each of us.

IMG_6231It took about 10 minutes to get from the finish line through the queue for fruit, water, finisher bags, and medals but these colorful, heavy metals were worth the weight! Relaxed and happy to be done we greeted my parents who made it out to spectate their first race! It was so special to see their smiling faces after getting my medal. This picture is true happiness!

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Of course I couldn’t let my first London race experience finish without a picture with King Henry VIII, who lived at Hampton Court back in the day. Such a fun touch!

Overall, I want to acknowledge the race organizers for all their hard work as this was the inaugural Hampton Court Half Marathon and considering the course flooding they had to deal with just one week earlier, they did a great job. The few things I’d update or consider for next year would include ensuring the course is actually 13.1 miles in length, have a larger starting area or a staggered start, pass medals out immediately after the finish line, and more bathrooms along the course. While I didn’t need a bathroom I don’t believe I saw any along the actual course.

Charlie and I both have our eyes set on the Geneva Half Marathon in May which allows us plenty of time to train for strong races. We each have some big, hairy audacious goals for the race and with 10 weeks of training I have no doubt we can each finish strong and celebrate new personal bests that day along Lac Leman!

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Nativity Run 5K Race Recap

Over the past few years, Bo and I have enjoyed kicking off the holiday season with a holiday themed race. For the past few years our race of choice was the New York Road Runners Jingle Bell Jog which brought thousands of runners to Prospect Park for a jingle bell filled 3-5 mile race depending on the year. In fact, last year’s race was a huge PR for me, the first time I ran sub 9 minute miles for a NYRR 4 mile race.

This year I wanted to keep the tradition alive and therefore started looking for local holiday races in London. Luckily back in October Leah and I discovered the CAFOD Nativity Run which features a 5k and 10k course. The name of this race is one of the big differences we’ve noticed about the holiday season in London and Geneva. People still greet people with Merry Christmas versus happy holidays and there are religious references in many different events such as this run.

The race, which takes place in Clapham Common, encourages runners to kick off the season by running the race in Nativity themed costume or other holiday costume and stick around after the race for mulled wine, hot cocoa and mince pie. Since it is a more casual race, the start time of 10:30 was also a welcome change especially since so many weekends kick off with holiday parties on Friday night. The entry price of 5 pounds (5k) or 10 pounds (10k) included chip timing, race number and post race festivities. Almost every runner was in full costume ranging from nativity characters to spandex Santa costumes.223

Leah who has organized Team Naturally Run, a group of London bloggers who attend events together and organize things through a very active Facebook group, suggested we make a celebration out of the race. Not only did she organize the group but she also ordered engraved race medals for each of us and elf costumes! The elf costumes, which were made of felt, were actually quite warm and comfortable thanks to a cinch waist feature. The felt was a bit too warm while I was running but while we were waiting and socializing afterwards I was thankful for the extra warmth since I was only wearing shorts and compression socks underneath. 770 So let’s talk about the race itself. When Bo, Emily and I registered originally the plan was to race the 10k and hopefully go home with a shiny new PR or PB, personal record or personal best as the gals in UK call it. Well unfortunately the three weeks I’ve been fighting an ongoing cough and cold, which has limited my workouts. This week I decided it best to drop to the 5k considering the distances I’ve run recently and I’m still not feeling 100%. The organizers were super understanding and even refunded us the price difference, though we never requested nor expected this!

Using Athlinks I found that my 5k PR was from 3 years ago and was a 9:35. With this new goal in mind I asked Emily if she wanted to help pace me to a sub 9 since I feel like I can do anything for 3 miles even when sick. My fellow Team Naturally Run girls laughed when they heard this yesterday as they each warned that this wasn’t a very race friendly course. The course, which at times felt like it was shaped like a snowflake, felt like something a little kid drew on paper.

It went through woods, huge mud puddles, piles of leaves, up hills, and across the common, rarely running on the paved path. We can only imagine that the course was as twisty as it was in order to make the distance but it was still a humorous experiences. During the run I couldn’t help but laugh out loud to Emily that I couldn’t believe we were doing this. Every time we encountered mud I had a vision of me becoming a mud covered elf if I slipped.  Our shoes were covered in dirt by the end!225Regardless of the terrain for each of the 5 kilometers we pushed on as fast as my lungs and legs could considering the elements. Luckily the one thing in our favor was the weather as it was a gorgeous, clear day around 40 degrees and sunny! We had no idea what are pace was as we ran Garmin free. When we crossed the finished we high fived each other, proud that we’d still given it our best effort but were definitely thankful we didn’t have to run another loop for the 10k. We later found out that our effort resulted in a shiny new PR of 28:38 or a 9:13 pace. While this isn’t the sub 9 that I was hoping for it is still a huge improvement from my previous 5k time and has me excited for half marathon training this Spring when I can focus a bit more on strength and speed! 231

These London bloggers know how to organize events, that’s for sure!The fifteen of us had a blast yesterday catching up, celebrating the holidays and Leah’s recent engagement! These ladies even brought champagne to toast with afterwards! 230

I’m also thrilled that Bo, who also ran the 5k,  was able to meet each of them!228 

Have you ever run in full costume? What was it?

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Reflections on My First DNF

I woke up this morning excited to give the Lausanne Marathon my best try. Through the night we woke up multiple times to the sounds of thunder and torrential downpours. This morning Emily and I texted back and forth trying to make last minute plans on how to best prepare for a rainy marathon. The updated weather report showed 80% chance of rain until 1pm.

We took the train from Geneva to Lausanne, ready for the worst, wearing running rain coats, hats or visors, lots of plastic bags to protect electronics and good spirits. But, when we arrived at the marathon and 10k start area there was very little shelter and it was still pouring. It was raining so hard that we had to write our names on our baggage check bags as we feared the stickers would peel off.

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We took cover under a building overhang and waited for 20 minutes before dashing to the bathroom and heading into the corrals. Just as we headed over to the corrals the rain stopped and we thought our prayers had been heard.

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I unzipped my New Balance Reach the Beach running jacket in hopes that I could leave it in my checked baggage. As soon as we took this picture, the rain started again. We actually thought the marathon start would be delayed as there was thunder nearby.

But, in the Swiss fashion, the marathon started exactly on time and Emily and I quickly moved into corrals behind the 4:30 pacer. We figured that she would provide us some much needed motivation during the rainy miles and help us stay on pace through the hills and puddle jumping. We crossed the starting line barely able to see in front of us due to the heavy downpour. In fact, by the 5k point our shoes felt like weights due to the rain.

For the first 8 miles I stuck with Emily and the pacer, thinking that a second marathon in so many weeks was in my reach along with a PR. I ran with my heart and legs, focusing on the scenery and staying strong through every hill. I leaned forward at my hips, followed Monica’s arm swing tips and kept smiling.  My Garmin wasn’t enjoying the constant downpour and would go from constantly beeping, showing random paces to turning off all together.  At the next KM marker I did some quick math and realized that they were going far faster than a 4:30 pace. Based on my rough estimates they were keeping closer to a 9:55 pace. This amazed me as we’d climbed some pretty good hills and the rain was making everything more difficult. For one second I felt excited as this is a strong pace considering the hills and rain. But, the next second I realized that if I wanted to finish I needed to slow down, more in line with my goal pace. I gave Emily a wave goodbye and told her I was going to hang behind. Around a mile later the rain stopped and as the clouds cleared, the lake finally came into view. I told myself that I couldn’t put headphones on until the marathon turn around point, at mile 13. I asked a nearby runner what his pace was and when I heard 10:20, I said perfect and asked if I could run behind him since my Garmin was only showing overall time.

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For the next 3 miles or so I felt pretty good. My shoes were heavy but my breathing was in check and I felt mentally strong. I took in the sights, enjoying a few small Swiss towns, vineyards, fun Swiss residents cheering from their windows,  and views of the lake. But then at mile 11.2 I felt a pain in the back of my right leg. Right where my ITBand connects was pulling and had me wincing. I tried slowing my pace seeing if that would help. For a half mile or so it would feel a bit better but then it started again. I pushed through for 2 more miles, through the half marathon starting line. I knew I had to make a decision at this point.

I could push through the pain and maintain a run walk for the next 13 miles. But, I feared a few things at this point. But then I remembered what Gia said to me earlier this week. She told me to listen to my body. I’ve run marathons but never two in a season and I’ve actually never run a 10k or half marathon within a few weeks of a marathon. Historically I’ve focused on yoga and cross training during November and December before hopping into half marathon training after the holidays. I remembered Emily’s story about pushing through severe pain during her first marathon and then being on the “disabled list” for 8 months afterwards.

At 14.2 I finally made my decision and pulled to the side of the course.

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I ended today with my first DNF. I expected tears and depression during the hours that followed. Instead, I texted my close friends and family who were following my progression letting them know I decided to bail. I shared the news on Twitter with followers as they were all so supportive over the past 24 hours, providing rain and hill suggestions. Instead of being depressed, I spent the rest of the afternoon cheering on the half marathon runners with other friends and greeting Ranald and Emily at the finish. I can’t wait to run the Lausanne Half Marathon next year. The starting line was a huge party with each starting wave dancing and waving to the wave behind them. There were massages and food for participants BEFORE the 1:45 start time!

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By the end of the day, we had a marathon, two half marathon distance, and a 10k in our group. Not a bad way to end the day. As the medals for all events are the exact same, my girl Emily grabbed me one as she finished the marathon. As she gave it to me she said, “you did after all run a half marathon today.”

I am sure readers will have mixed emotions about my unsuccessful attempt to run 2 marathons so close together. But, I will never know my body’s ability if I don’t try. That is what today was all about, trying something I hadn’t done before and giving it my best attempt.

I’m taking this week off from formal training, enjoying some cross training and yoga, before jumping into 10k training as we are signed up for the Clapham Common Nativity Run 10k on December 14th!

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