If you didn’t know I was doing a race last week, don’t worry. I didn’t tell anyone! Except Rob, because he had to pick up my bib. I’ll be sharing more about this surprise race later this week, but for today I want to back up and talk about the week leading up to the race.
So to back up a bit, I started running again after taking 6 weeks off at the end of August. Around the end of September I got up to running 6 miles, then I did a 10 miler and 11 miler over the past 2 weeks. I talked about how I knew this wasn’t a great strategy, but I was just going with what felt good. I also shared how running 3 days a week has been helping me to keep up with my strength and cross training.
So around the time that I was able to complete the 11 miler, I decided I wanted to sign up for the half marathon. I registered, but for some reason it charged my card and never processed my registration. So for a few days I was in limbo while I sorted it all out, not sure if I would be racing after all.
Luckily early last week the race directors were able to refund my registration so I could register again, and I had a bib number right before online registration closed. I knew that in order to pull this off, Rob would have to pick up my bib. Packet pick up was Thursday and Friday, and I would be away for work in DC. So it all worked out and I was able to participate.
However, spending the 3 days before a race traveling for a work conference is never a good plan. I got back on Friday night feeling all out of sorts and really tired. In the end I was still glad to do the race, it just wasn’t ideal timing and all things considered became a little more stressful than I had planned.
Here is my recap of the week leading up to the race:
Monday: 5 mile tempo run
I ran a 10 minute warm up, 2 x 10 minutes hard with 4 minute recovery in between, and a 10 minute cool down. This was on a hilly loop. I wanted to get my legs used to running faster, but I also knew that it wasn’t like I could really “train” for this race in a week or two. I made sure to do my only hard workout on Monday so my legs would have some time to recover.
Tuesday: Strength training
Wednesday: 3.1 miles easy
This was my first run in my new Levitates that Rob gave me for my birthday last week! So far, I really like them.
Thursday: Modified strength training/cross training
On Wednesday after work I drove to DC. I wanted to do something on Thursday morning, but definitely wanted to take it easy. The hotel gym was small and kind of crowded. I did 10 minutes on the elliptical and then a few strength training exercises. I didn’t have the equipment I needed for my regular workout and also didn’t want to be sore for the race.
Friday: Rest day
My body was not happy from 2 full days of sitting in a conference plus long drives in traffic to and from DC.
Saturday: Baltimore Half-Marathon
I ran the half in 1:52:51, which I was pretty happy with, all things considered. It was a warm day and they changed the course this year, adding a few extra hills at the end.
Sunday: Rest
I made sure to sped some time with the foam roller which I have neglected lately.
I have so many things I want to share about the race, but I need to try to organize my thoughts. Also, there are free race photos so I am hoping to have a few of those before posting my recap!
[Tweet “A surprise race week leading up to the @baltrunfest via @milebymilerun #weeklywrap”]
Have you ever signed up for a race at the last minute?
Does traveling throw you off?
How were your workouts last week? Who else raced?!
congrats on running the half! I’m so happy you are feeling well and back to running – can’t wait for the recap.
Thanks! I was glad I could do a last minute race otherwise I probably never would have signed up for this!
Surprise! Haha. I think those last minute races are the way to go sometimes. THere’s no months of stressing over it! Great job!!
Definitely! Its so much pressure to sign up for something months in advance.
Oh how fun that you signed up at the last minute. I usually do that myself. Sorry I missed you guys. I was even hanging out near the beer tent while they were announcing awards hoping to see you and Rob but no such luck, too many people:( Great job on your unexpected race. Can’t wait to hear how it went!
I was disappointed I didnt see anyone but it was such a huge race! I should have coordinated earlier but last week got crazy with being away for work and not being sure about my plans. Congrats on your marathon!
That is beyond awesome that you’re feeling good enough to run a half! Can’t wait to hear more about it. Love that medal!
Thanks! The medal is one of my favorites.
I’m superhappy for you, and it goes to show how much work you have been putting in!
I was shocked that I was able to pull that off. But I forgot how hard half marathons are when you’re not training for a full (and used to running 13+ miles every weekend!)
This is great!! So happy that your journey back to running is going so well. Congrats on your half marathon this weekend!
Thank you!
Congrats on the race! I am so happy for you that you were able to get back into racing so well!
Thanks! I guess I figured I just had to jump right back in there…
Congrats on running the half! That’s awesome! It was so hot that day, I agree. I was hot before I even started running. I wonder when our pics will be up? I love signing up for races last minute.
I had about 5 pictures come through the day of the race (I did that thing where you could sign up for them to post your pics to FB) but I havent seen any more than that! The only pics I have are from the start line.
WOW!!!! Well done, really looking forward to that race recap! I’m doing one this Saturday which is a last minute affair too! Feeling rattled and excited all in one, lol!
That’s awesome that you are also doing a last minute race! I think it takes some of the pressure off to not have quite as long to worry about it:) Hope it goes well!
Wow! Congrats on a strong half, especially for such a short ‘training’ cycle- that’s awesome!!
Thanks! It was kind of nice to not have any pressure to actually train!
Congrats that’s a great half time! I love Baltimore!! We ran that last year and did the Baltimoron challenge. Can’t wait to hear more about your race!
Thats awesome that you did the Baltimoron challenge! My husband did that a few times (before it was an actual “challenge”- he just signed up for the 5k and the half!)
GREAT JOB! That is wonderful news!
Thank you!!
HA! Your instagram post made my day this weekend! I literally yelped out loud with glee. You’re such a beast for throwing down a FAST half marathon after such a long running injury struggle. You’re my hero.
I’m glad I could make your day! This race was really tough but it felt so good to push myself again.
Excited to read your race recap! I’ve never done a surprise race before but I love the idea of it 🙂 congrats on such a great race, and have an awesome Monday!
Thanks! It was nice to not really worry about a goal time or training, and just go out there and see what happens!
Congrats!! You’ve done so well coming back from your break! I totally understand about traveling before a race. Like traveling to a race. I’m trying to come up with things that will help keep my legs loose in Vegas. I hate flying, and I’m always tense.
The traveling can really interfere pre-race. Hopefully you will have some time after you get in to loosen up your legs before the race!
I think you finish time is amazing! I have done a few last-minute 5K’s but never a half marathon LOL
Thanks! Haha, it’s not very common I’m sure to do a last minute half. I don’t know if I would recommend it especially when not trained, but it was kind of fun to not worry at all about training or goal paces!
Congrats on a great finish!! I’ve signed up for lots of races at the last minute, sometimes it’s not such a bright idea, but most times it works out great 😀 And yes, traveling definitely throws me off and makes me way more tired then I normally would be.
I agree that sometimes the last minute races are not the best idea but they can also work out really well! I think its sometimes nice to go into a race without all the pressure of training and setting goals.
Thats awesome that you were able to sort out all the things with registration and race! I few of my friends ran the 1/2 and really enjoyed it!
It was such a fun event!
Ahm, 1:52 is amazing in my book (still chasing the sub-2 myself) and especially after your long injury! Way to go! (I probably wouldn’t have told anyone either ;)).
Thank you! It definitely took some of the pressure off to not tell anyone.