Sole Sistas of the 618: Fly with the Eagles Half Marathon on Feb 9, 2013

Some of our fellow Sole Sistas, Jennifer Murphy, Teresa Hobbs, Shay Henshaw, Candy Ticer, Lisa Garner and Holly Dunderdale ran the “Fly with the Eagles Half Marathon.” It was held last month on Saturday, February 9, 2013 at the Crab Orchard Refuge. I was only a spectator on this day, but me and my dog, Addi (RIP) showed up to cheer the Sistas on. It was an amazing turn out. I overheard some runners talking and they had traveled from Chicago, St. Louis and Evansville.

Fly with the Eagles Half Marathon Course Map

Participant's Hoody

Participant's Medal

With being in the midst of my training for my first River to River Relay race and also for my very first half marathon as well, I found myself extremely curious about how the experience was for our first timers. So I thought it would be nice to do a Q&A for the Sole Sistas of the 618 Blog.

The content of this Q&A is meant purely for entertainment and to discuss our common interests and goals. We are not professionals J

SS = SOLE SISTAS (questions were asked by Beth Sutton)

JM = JENNIFER MURPHY

SH= SHAY HENSHAW

• Deciding to Run a HM

SS: Was this your first HM?

JM: Yes

SH: Yep

SS: How did you know you were ready to run a HM?

JM: I didn’t know if I was ready, I just wanted to try a Half.

SH: A prayer and a dream . . . And another prayer.

SS: Why did you decide to run a HM?

JM: I wanted to see how my training was going…to give me an idea of “Do I change what I’m doing?” or “Keep what I’m currently doing.”

SH: “Blonde Jenn” made me do it.

SS: What was the farthest distance you had run prior to beginning your HM training? JM: I had only previously ran 10 miles.

SH: 9 miles

• Training

SS: What HM training advice/tips do you have for a novice runner?

JM: Build distance!! Go out and do a practice Half run. I went out one Saturday and practiced my Half routine, I only ran 10 miles. I noted what I had eaten for the week, dinner, breakfast, the clothes I was wearing, my mid race snack. I felt great!

SH: Don’t give up . . . Even when your sports bra does

SS: How long did it take you to train/prepare for a HM?

JM: I have only just started running back in Aug 2012. Started out training for a 5K. But then it just seemed we were pushing ourselves to more…..10K, then 15K, so the Half was next on my list.

SH: It was kind of a last minute decision. It was a test run for the half marathon in April.

SS: What is good way to stay motivated during your training?

JM: The best way to stay motivated I think is to run with a group or partner. Find someone who pushes you during your practices. Try different things…..sprints, hills, etc. Change your scenery.

SH: Run with other enthusiastic runners

SS: How do you motivate yourself to run on days that you don’t want to? Do you even have days like that?

JM: I have had days where I haven’t wanted to run but I had committed my time with a partner or a group…..suck it up and go. I usually found that I felt better after the run.

SH: Everyday is a day like that. I just get myself started and then want to keep going once I get going. Adrenaline junkie, I know.

SS: What is your opinion of treadmill vs. outdoors?

JM: I think runs on a treadmill are easier than outdoors. On a treadmill you have the belt to propel your feet forward. When running outdoors, you are fighting gravity more. The ground doesn’t propel your feet forward, you do.

SH: Outdoors. Always outdoors.

SS: What is the number one tip you would give to someone training for a HM?

JM: Again, build your endurance by increasing your distance. Do a mock run; note what works and what doesn’t.

SH: Just focus on beating yourself, not others . . . Especially not “psycho blonde Jenn”

SS: What is your opinion of carb-loading?

JM: I believe carb loading should start 3-4 days before your race. (4g carbs for every pound of body wt)

SH: Makes me poop . . . just saying.

SS: What shoe do you recommend?

JM: I love the Asics Kayanos 19.

SH: Brooks . . . I mean Asics J

SS: How often do you replace your shoes?

JM: I keep a running log and I feel you need you replace shoes every 400-500 miles.

SH: Every 2-3 months

• Goals

SS: What were your goals for the half marathon?

JM: 1) Finish in an upright position 2) Finish under or around 2hrs.

SH: Not to die

SS: Did you achieve your goals?

JM: Yes, but was still disappointed with my time of 2:01:25. I didn’t wear the socks I had previously trained in. I passed every water station by and I didn’t eat my mid-race protein snack. At mile 9-10, I hit a “Wall”.

SH: Duh!

• Race Day

SS: What was the weather/temp like on the day you ran?

JM: I think it was around 32 degrees, very chilly, windy, and partly sunny.

SH: F#+%king cold

SS: What did you wear?

JM: I wore Kayanos 19, two pair socks, insulated running pants, insulated long sleeve shirt, T-shirt, gloves, I stuffed cotton in my ears, and wore a head band over my ears as well.

SH: Cold weather gear, but no gloves

SS: What did you carry with you?

JM: A mid-race protein snack (which I did not eat)

SH: iPhone . . . So I could call Beth while on the brink of death if necessary J

SS: What did you eat pre-race?

JM: Protein shake, oatmeal, peanut butter sandwich

SH: No carbs! J

SS: What strategies did you use on race day?

JM: Pre-Race? I kept telling myself “Breathe”. I was so nervous.

During? Nothing, I just kept telling myself, “You’re doing fine”

Post-race? Drank lots of water

SH: Pre-Race? Don’t cry.

During? Don’t fall down.

Post-Race? Don’t die.

SS: Did your strategies work?

JM: Somewhat, my body was so broken down from the Half.

SH: I am still here! J

SS: What would you do the same?

JM: Register

SH: Still would try not to fall down or die

SS: What would you do differently?

JM: I wouldn’t pass ALL the water stations, Eat my mid-race snack, and not change my socks the morning of the race. (I ended up with multiple blisters on my feet) LAY OUT YOUR STUFF THE NIGHT BEFORE YOUR RACE SO YOU’RE NOT SCRAMBLING TO FIND YOUR FAVORITE SOCKS IN THE MORNING. BRING EXTRA CLOTHING FOR CHANGING CONDITIONS, LIKE RAIN AND UNSEASONABLE CHILLS.

SH: Don’t walk for more than 1 minute at a time . . . Even after 10 Miles. Otherwise the numbness quickly turns to stiffness.

SS: Would you do it again?

JM: Yes, I plan on running this Half next year and doing better than 2hrs.

SH: Yep, in April 2013.

SS: What did you eat post-race?

JM: Banana, oranges, recovery drink, and lots of water

SH: Not much. I felt like I was hungover and had the flu.

SS: Did you reward yourself with anything?

JM: Steak and shrimp (I was starving)

SH: Bragging rights J only bad asses can run half marathons J

Mistakes/Recommendations:

SS: Some common mistakes when running HM are: starting off way too fast, wearing the wrong clothing (ex cotton = chaffing), waiting until thirsty to hydrate and wearing new shoes. Any advice?

JM: Again, do a mock run. Note everything. I had changed my socks up the morning of the race and ended up with multiple blisters. Don’t pass the water stations without drinking.

SH: Don’t take it too seriously your first time, just have fun. Then set goals. Finishing a half marathon is a goal in itself.