2012 Gasparilla Virtual Finisher's Certificates

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The day that was ...

With a mere five hours of sleep, I dragged myself out of bed at 5:15am on Gasparilla (Saturday) morning. I did have the foresight to check out parking, layout my clothes/running gear and boil some eggs the night before. Even with preparation, the morning went by quickly. Of course, my system was working overtime too with three separate trips to the bathroom before heading downtown …

I ate two hard boiled eggs and two slices of wheat toast en route. A couple of pieces of lemon candies were wedged in my bra for the race. Lemon works well to settle my upset stomach and give a slight sugar boost.

Once parked, I went to the bathroom one more time before the starting gun fired.

It was 6:45am when I made my way to Bayshore.

I always try to be in place for the “National Anthem,” but it didn’t happen on Saturday. There’s just something about the song that gives me goose bumps and I proudly sing along.

My late arrival placed me pretty near the back of the pack for the start. I asked a fellow runner to take a few pre-race pictures of me then …

Pop!

The wheelchair race was underway and I was next.

I toiled with the decision of what to listen to during the race—Pandora and suffer through tunes that I don’t like or my “Freakonomics” or “This American Life” podcasts.

The freak won out. I like economics and the hosts have a way of making everyday stuff interesting. I learned about the science of food, the $ behind the NFL lockout and pain—how timely was that?

The pace of “Freakonomics” probably didn’t help my running pace, but with full sun and rising temps I wasn’t trying to break a record. Finishing in an upright position suited me just fine.

Within the first two miles I came up on Allison. We ran together for a few steps and then I spotted a port-a-potty. If you lost count, that was the fifth pee since waking at 5:15am and I didn’t even drink a lot.

Nerves. All nerves.

The first leg heading was pretty good. I maintained my run a ½ mile, walk for a minute pace.

As I approached Gandy Blvd., I thanked God for the shaded neighborhoods in Ballast Pointe.

It was downhill from there.

The sun on Bayshore was brutal. A decent breeze, but not enough to dry the sweat that kept dripping into my eyes.

Water stations served two purposes—hydration on the inside and cooling off on the offside.

My run a 1/2 mile, walk a minute pace stretched out to walk when needed. I still maintained the one minute walk break, it just came more frequently.

About this time, “Freakonomics” stopped working. Correction, it played just fine, but wasn’t enough to distract me from the heat, hunger and overall displeasure with the conditions.

Mile 6

An easy 5k to go … Eat a lemon candy.

Mile 7

Less than two miles … Have a sports drink.

Mile 8

The homestretch … Eat another lemon candy.

Mile 9

I see the finish line.

In classic Natalie style, I pick up the pace a bit and without fail this triggers wheezing. I get so excited with my accomplishment and focused on finishing strong that breathing becomes a challenge.

I manage to pull it together and slow my breathing, but not before a few tears trickle down.

Crossing the finish line is a major milestone for me—even more so than my first half-marathon. Unlike two years ago, for this race I had so many responsibilities competing for my training time. Nonetheless, once my colleagues and I committed to Gasparilla, I followed the mantra of Tim Gunn on “Project Runway” and made it work.

Be it running at 9:30pm on a weekday or five miles with Luke in the jogger—I made it happen and my reward was footsteps away.

Even with the heat, hunger and frequent walk breaks, I still managed to finish with a better time than my training indicated.

My clothes were soaked from a combination of sweat and dousing with water. I collected my finishers metal and breezed through the post-race party.

Sadly, I didn’t see any colleagues so I made my way to my truck.

En route, I found the CAMLS building that we frequently receive e-mails about … I also found the urge to use the bathroom again. Only this time, a port-a-potty would simply not do!

So, I hit the upper deck of the Selmon Expressway and high tailed it home. Thanks , Sam, for talking to me the entire way and distracting me from my overactive system J

Thanks to everyone else for the accountability texts, Monday morning updates, weekday runs and the opportunity to commit to something that was such an important part of my past. I hope this experience (re)ignited the desire to run more in all of us.

Finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t give a shout out to my training partner for long runs. There were few Sunday mornings that you missed. Be it hot, cold, windy or calm you were right there with me—begging for treats, waving to cars and triggering just as many bathroom breaks as me!

Thanks, Lukey Luke!

Runner Tracking & Text Messaging

Sign Up Now to take advantage of metroPCS Runner Tracking & Text Messaging. You have the option of tracking someone, including yourself, via phone, email, Facebook or Twitter.

metroPCS Runner Tracking will be available for the following:

15K - Half Way & Finish Line
5K - Finish Line
Half Marathon - Half Way, 9-Mile, 11-Mile & Finish Line
5+3K - 5K & Finish Line

Live Entrant Tracking - sponsored by T-Mobile

http://www.xacte.com/templates/gdr/

On your mark, get set, GO!

Depending on your distance and if you are running or walking, the start times on Saturday vary from 7am :-( to 10am (Is DeeDee joining us?). So ... should we attempt a group photo? If we do it at the conclusion of the Saturday events, then we are probably looking at a 10:45/11am shoot time. I am open to other ideas on how to make this happen.

SuperSam--Are you still planning to attend the Saturday races and support the team?

Team--If you are able to attend the Sunday race and support Sam in the half-marathon, then I encourage you to do so. I can attest that thousands of participants and spectators will be on hand on Saturday. Sadly, spectator turn out on Sunday--from your average Bayshore resident, to bands and cheerleaders--is markedly less.

SuperSam--What is your estimated finish time for folks who can't be on the course the entire time?

http://www.tampabayrun.com/Race_Info/15K_and_5K/General_Information.htm#Date%20&%20Times

Publix Super Markets Gasparilla Distance Classic 15K & 5K start times

Saturday, March 3, 2012 7:00a.m. 15K Wheelchair Start Bayshore and Verne Wheelchair participants and seeded athletes ONLY can access the 15K Start from the front by utilizing the Wheelchair/Elite Entrance located adjacent to the Start Platform. All other Participants must enter the start from the rear, utilizing the Platt Street Bridge.

7:05a.m. 15K Open Men and Women Start Bayshore and Verne Please access the 15K Start from the rear and by utilizing the Platt Street Bridge; adjacent to the Franklin Street Entrance of the Tampa Convention Center. SEEDED MEN & WOMEN ONLY WILL ACCESS THE 15K START FROM THE FRONT AND SHOULD UTILIZE THE SEEDED/ELITE ENTRANCE LOCATED ADJACENT TO THE START PLATFORM ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF PLATT STREET.

9:30a.m. 5K Open Start Bayshore and Verne Please access the 5K Start from the rear and by utilizing the Platt Street Bridge; adjacent to the Franklin Street Entrance of the Tampa Convention Center. SEEDED MEN & WOMEN ONLY WILL ACCESS THE 5K START FROM THE FRONT AND SHOULD UTILIZE THE SEEDED/ELITE ENTRANCE LOCATED ADJACENT TO THE START PLATFORM ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF PLATT STREET. 9:50a.m. Kellogg's 5K Walk Start 5K Walkers (Adults and Kids 5 yrs & Over) should begin lining up on Little Bayshore Boulevard at the foot of the Platt Street Bridge. ONCE THE 5K RUN HAS STARTED, WALK PARTICIPANTS WILL BE WALKED TO THE START LINE ON BAYSHORE BOULEVARD. 10:00a.m. Kellogg's 5K Stroller Roll Start 5K Stroller Roll Adults & Kids In Strollers (4yrs & Under) should gather in the Publix Super Markets Parking Lot that is adjacent to Little Bayshore Boulevard. ONCE THE 5K WALKERS HAVE CLEARED LITTLE BAYSHORE BOULEVARD AND ARE WALKING TO THE 5K WALK START, 5K STROLLER ROLL PARTICIPANTS WILL BEGIN LINING UP ON LITTLE BAYSHORE BOULEVARD; ONCE 5K WALK START AREA IS CLEAR, 5K STROLLER ROLL PARTICIPANTS WILL BE WALKED TO THE START LINE ON BAYSHORE BOULEVARD

Packet pick-up

To be clear, all participants MUST pick-up their race number,timing chip, etc. from the expo. Below is a link to the website and specific info about the expo.

If this is your first large race, then I encourage you to attend the expo when you have time to hang out--not during lunch. There is much to see and do there--buy all kinds of gear and accessories, have your gait analyzed, win free stuff, meet other athletes, etc. It's fun!

http://www.tampabayrun.com/Race_Info/15K_and_5K/General_Information.htm#PacketPickup

Publix Super Markets Gasparilla Distance Classic 15K & 5K Race Packet, T-shirt, Race Number Pick-Up will take place during the 8 On Your Side Health & Fitness Expo being held at the Tampa Convention Center – East Hall on Friday, March 2, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., and on Saturday, March 3, beginning at 6 a.m.

If you are not able to attend the Expo and pick-up your Race Number, a Race Number Pick-Up Authorization Form must be completed, signed and presented by whomever WILL be picking up for you. A downloadable version of the Authorization Form can be found below.

Race Shirt Etiquette

This is hilarious, I had to share... don't get caught breaking the rules! LOL

Race Jitters

Who's getting race jitters? I am! It's hard not to think about anything else...

So, to the experienced runners, what do you do/eat/drink the day(s) before, especially the night before, the race and the morning of the race? What's your plan?

Trail Race? Check!

Trail running is a very different running experience, but very fun too!

Getting bored, need a change? Give trail running a shot. I would do it again, although not as often as road running :)

Here's how I did at the Flatwoods Ramble 5K race at the Flatwoods Park trails:

Finished in 28:30. Not my best time for that distance, but avoiding holes and tree roots on a single lane trail is no joke! Not sure exactly where I placed yet, but I was given a cap at the crossing of the finish line, which means I made the top 25 females list. All in all, it was a fun experience! :)

Heat and Humidity

Only 65 degrees, but that 95 percent humidity got the best of me. How will I make it through the summer months?!?!

Today's run slapped me back to reality, reminding me of how much I still have to learn about the sport of running. I was getting away with ill preparation for my long runs. The cool weather made me ignore the need to stay hydrated.

I learned a very hard lesson today and can't leave it up to chance that race day will be cool. Got back to my research and ready to take on my last long run before race day... (I think)

Trials and tribulations of a newbie :)

It’s all good

This morning I did the unthinkable.

Against my better judgment, I bared all and ventured onto the scale …

Boo. Hiss. Curse.

As you may have guessed, it did not reveal what I wanted to see.

While I am thankful to be back to pre-preggo weight, I expected two months of running to yield more pounds loss.

Then again, I am chomping on a heart shaped Valentine’s Day doughnut filled with delightful cream and topped with sweet chocolate chips as I blog …

Despite my weekly mileage, the ‘eating season’ that kicked off on Halloween and chugs along through the Easter is doing me in.

No worries.

My mental well-being and physical health (as far as I can tell) is much improved.

See ya in the candy aisle for the post-Valentine’s Day sale on tomorrow!

What a difference a week makes

A week ago I was sweating bullets during my run. Yesterday, I was still sweating bullets, but in a good way.

I reached the gate of my complex at 8am. For five minutes—I counted—I shivered waiting for a vehicle to come and allow me to exit.

It was 36 degrees.

Just as I turned to return home and add another layer of clothes, a car came and so I was off.

My family thought I was crazy for running in such a cold temperature. Why not wait until later in the day?

Well, I like running early. The roads are quieter which means less vehicle exhaust and I can actually listen to my Freakonomics podcast. Plus, morning is a great time to reflect. I can plan my day, my week or just be at one with my body. Besides, I like to do what I need to do and get it out of the way so the rest of my time is free.

Winter has always been my season. I love the briskness in air. People tend to dress nicer in winter—think cozy boots, funky tights, cool coats, trendy gloves and accessories.

In terms of running, I have a much better endurance and pace in cooler temps. I was kicking butt up until about mile five and then my right hip started to stiffen up. More breaks and stretches followed.

I knew if I doubled back that discomfort would get the best of me and I would fall short of my distance goal. So, I slowed my pace and literally took the long road home.

When MapMyRun called out seven miles, I threw my hands in the air like Rocky. Well, Mrs. Rocky … Only one more mile to go. I got this!

Sure enough, I did have it.

Eight miles. Check!

A super run

This morn I woke at 7am to run. The goal for today was six, but I really needed to do seven to stay on schedule. I was approaching my complex at six miles. Instead of heading home I took a detour for a mile or so and finished with seven miles and some change ... Ok, I'm ready to eat. Who's hosting the Super Bowl party?

No regrets

I had hoped to run on campus after work. However, my running partner was ill and Luke had a doctor’s appointment at 4pm. Before I knew it, it was 4:45pm and I was on I-75 heading home …

Since I arrived home earlier than usual, I could run in the neighborhood before sunset.

Not happening.

By the time I pulled into the garage, both of us were hungry.

We ate dinner and played with blocks. I gave Luke a bath and he immediately asked for “Muk, muk” (milk).

No reading. No rocking. Little man was tired and done for the night or so I thought …

It was well after 8:30pm when I headed out for a run.

A little later than usual and a little lighter … Sans stroller, cellie and podcast.

The great thing about my neighborhood is that it is small and everyone knows you. However, its ‘smallness’ can be frustrating when trying to log more than a mile or so. I had to run six boring loops to equal three miles.

Poor me.

So, what does one think about to make the loops go by faster?

Unfortunately, a lot of USF work related stuff. Sad, huh?

Once I got over work, I noticed all of the open windows in my community. They reminded me of pre-Luke days when I too would have every window, plus the slider open.

It really was a gorgeous night. Not sure what the temp was, but I was more than comfortable running in a sleeveless top.

The skies were almost clear. I insisted on gazing at the half moon and tried to find constellations. I am pretty sure I saw Orion and Cassiopeia before I had to look downward for fear of a crook in my neck or a misstep and fall.

It occurred to me that The Gasparilla Distance Classic is almost one month out.

Yikes, it is February and I didn’t use my January

Chick-fil-a cow calendar coupon. Shucks!

I also need to put my 2012 vehicle registration sticker on my license plate.

My original goal was three miles, but heading out I told myself I’ll do four loops and see how I feel. I felt good and pressed on for the last two loops with a final count of 3.6 miles. I was consistent with my walk breaks—one minute, every half mile. My pace and breathing were relaxed. In the end, I was happy I made myself run.

And, the first thing I did after returning home was to open a few windows (away from the nursery) and enjoy the cool breeze and moonlight.

* * *

I originally started this blog post at around 10pm last night.

My office is next door to the nursery. Even with both doors closed, I could hear Luke coughing. It was bad and pretty consistent.

I stopped typing to look at the video monitor and Luke had coughed himself awake. So much for sleeping through the night …

“Hi.” That’s what he said as I entered his room. Poor baby.

Between 10:30pm and 1:30am it was rough going for us.

He wet the bed and his clothes. Change of clothes for him and new linen on the bed. After that, he was really awake and wanted milk. We caved. He was on his way to sleep. Gave breathing treatment and passed off to hubby.

Wrong move.

Luke woke and was crunk. He wanted mommy, but mommy still had tasks to do and it was
getting late. In his crunkness, he fussed and fought. With his nasal congestion it wasn’t long before he spit up on the floor and me. Change of clothes for both of us.

“Muk,muk.” Luke wanted more milk.

I resisted for 30 minutes, but Luke can be stubborn. He continued to fuss and fight. No one got sleep. I caved. He went to sleep and so did I, right in the rocker.

The last time I looked at the clock it was 1:30am.

In hindsight, do I regret going for a run instead of turning in early?

Not a chance. Little did I know that the time I spent star-gazing, to-do listing and looping my neighborhood was the calm in the midst of a storm.

A PR and a few other tidbits

This morning I set out to run (jog is more like it) six miles. On the way out the door, I told my husband to be prepared to come and get Luke. The last time Luke accompanied me on a run it was for five miles and he grew restless near the end.

To my surprise, Luke finished what we started without a fuss (or a nap)! A personal record for both of us … We aren’t counting time, right?

After two potty breaks for me, a false poop alert and diaper change for Luke and several ‘pauses’ to replenish snacks the finish time was … Let’s just say we finished and leave it at that!

However, today’s outing brought a few issues to light that others might want to note.

Waste management

I have a week bladder. Always been like that. Always will be. As a result, before I start a run I scout out where my relief options are located.

Today was no different. I planned my route so that I could hit Lowe’s at two miles and Kohls at four. But, what happens on race day when there likely won’t be a Lowes or Kohls to run in to?

You definitely want to empty everything before leaving home. And, if you’re like me seek out a release option before the starting gun fires. The location of Gasparilla helps. Depending on the start time, participants can choose from the Publix or Walgreens on Platt Street. However, once you past them it’s just you, port-a-pottys and the great outdoors. Trust me, the latter is really not an option for Gasparilla. There are way too many participants, spectators and not enough bushes along Bayshore Blvd.

Either way, it’s wise to know your body, your options and plan ahead.

Little things can add up to a lot

Something didn’t feel right in my right shoe. Before leaving home I took off my shoe and readjusted my sock. That did the trick for about four miles. Then I felt the rub on my inside arch.

Not good.

I took my shoe off and tried to loosen the area along my arch. It didn’t work. Before long, my gait was different trying to overcompensate for the discomfort in my foot.

Really, not good.

Whether it’s toe, thigh, nipple, heal or arm rub—sooner or later you are bound to fall victim. The key is to identify the problem area ASAP and take action. There are lots of products on the market that can be applied to high friction areas to minimize pain from rubbing. Take it from me … ‘Tis better to apply often and be friction free than to go without and suffer from a burn.

Ouch!

A change must come

There comes a time in our training when we need a change to get us to the next level. I’m not saying some of us have hit a wall … we just need something different to get us over the hump.

Over the past week others have shared that they lost their running partner due to injury, lost their ‘mojo’, can’t get past 5/6 miles, can’t get off the treadmill and run outside or whatever.

Personally, I lost my running partner—Luke just isn’t down with the jogger once we hit the one hour mark. Can’t say I blame him.

On a recent road trip, I popped in one of my ‘driving’ CDs. You know the CD that will keep you alert when you’re behind the wheel. This time it was a compilation of my favorite alternative songs.

Man!

What a great flashback. I sang non-stop for 1 ½ hours across Alligator Alley. The air guitar and hand banging was in full swing. But, better than that I was reminded of my running days from yesterday …

My awesome alternamix also doubled as my half-marathon training music. Listening to Weezer, Green Day, Lit and Everclear immediately catapulted me to hill repeats on the Martin Luther King Bridge and dewy, Sunday morning runs along the Riverhills golf course.

So, as much as I love catching up on “This American Life” and “Freakonomics Radio” I have come to the realization that our running relationship must end.

I, Natalie D. Preston-Washington, need the high strung guitar and pulsating beats of AFI, My Chemical Romance and The Offspring to get me through 9.3 miles and on to the finish line.

What change do you need to claim victory on March 3rd?