Sunday, March 17th, I ran in the Huntington Beach Shamrock Shuffle 1/2 Marathon! This was a training race for me, to prepare for the big one.
I started off my morning with a banana, and on the way to the race, at 6:30 in the morning, my boyfriend and I stopped for some Starbucks coffee. I took mine black, with a little cream. Kept my breakfast light, and energizing.
This race was much smaller than your average event. With about 29 participants, there was no dodging crowds, or getting stuck behind a group of slow runners. But don't let the size fool you, I was still just as nervous as ever! I think I went to the bathroom 2-3 times when we arrived...I pee a lot when I'm anxious! ;)
Well...the count down began, and before I knew it, we were off. I managed to stay up front, keeping on track with my goal pace (8:30-8:45 min/mile) About 2 miles in to the run, I was averaging 8:32 min/mile. Right where I wanted to be, and was feeling GOOD!
All of a sudden, I started to get warning signs of a side ache. THEE worst!! I'm not sure if it was the coffee right before the run, or if it was my nerves. The only way to completely get rid of a side ache, is to stop. I tried every technique, slowed down my pace significantly, breathing in through my nose and out my mouth...nothing seemed to work. When you keep pushing through a side ache, it starts to hurt so bad, it almost takes your breath away. So...I walked :( I walked for about 3-4 minutes, until I knew it was completely gone. The last thing I wanted to do was pick up the run again, and have it come back.
Once I knew I was relieved of the "ache", I resumed my course! Striving to make up for lost time, I managed to keep a solid 9 min/mile pace for the first 6.5 miles! :)
Lately I've been having these sharp pains in my left buttock. I did a little research and thought it might be my Piriformis muscle. The pain occurs whenever I land on my left foot, it shoots up my left thigh in to my booty. Either that, or it's my IT band...which after running the 1/2 marathon this last Sunday, and identifying the problem areas, I'm thinking that may be the source of my problem.
Here's a blog post from a runner, describing in more detail, the Piriformis syndrome:
http://blog.timesunion.com/running/piriformis-syndrome-a-real-pain-in-the-butt/8122/
Anyway, it's been a struggle to get over. I've taken a couple days off here and there, when it's really bad. I also went and bought a foam roller, now making it a priority to roll out all of my leg muscles every night before bed, and stretch. I trying to stay away from taking too much time off, as it might set me back with my training. So I'm focusing on taking care of my body in other ways.
Long story short...the pain was brutal on Sunday. I really messed up when I didn't take the time to warm up or stretch, especially since it was so cold outside!
Total Distance: 13.2 miles
Total Time: 2:06:40
Average Pace: 9'32"/mi
Here are a couple pictures from my run: (the little Pomeranian in the pics is mine, he was my cheerleader!)
.JPG)
The night before the race, my boyfriend and I went to his cousin's wedding! It was a beautiful event :) We had a great time. I also cut my hair!!
Cheers to Being Fit N Gorgeous
Well...the count down began, and before I knew it, we were off. I managed to stay up front, keeping on track with my goal pace (8:30-8:45 min/mile) About 2 miles in to the run, I was averaging 8:32 min/mile. Right where I wanted to be, and was feeling GOOD!
All of a sudden, I started to get warning signs of a side ache. THEE worst!! I'm not sure if it was the coffee right before the run, or if it was my nerves. The only way to completely get rid of a side ache, is to stop. I tried every technique, slowed down my pace significantly, breathing in through my nose and out my mouth...nothing seemed to work. When you keep pushing through a side ache, it starts to hurt so bad, it almost takes your breath away. So...I walked :( I walked for about 3-4 minutes, until I knew it was completely gone. The last thing I wanted to do was pick up the run again, and have it come back.
Once I knew I was relieved of the "ache", I resumed my course! Striving to make up for lost time, I managed to keep a solid 9 min/mile pace for the first 6.5 miles! :)
Lately I've been having these sharp pains in my left buttock. I did a little research and thought it might be my Piriformis muscle. The pain occurs whenever I land on my left foot, it shoots up my left thigh in to my booty. Either that, or it's my IT band...which after running the 1/2 marathon this last Sunday, and identifying the problem areas, I'm thinking that may be the source of my problem.
Here's a blog post from a runner, describing in more detail, the Piriformis syndrome:
http://blog.timesunion.com/running/piriformis-syndrome-a-real-pain-in-the-butt/8122/
Anyway, it's been a struggle to get over. I've taken a couple days off here and there, when it's really bad. I also went and bought a foam roller, now making it a priority to roll out all of my leg muscles every night before bed, and stretch. I trying to stay away from taking too much time off, as it might set me back with my training. So I'm focusing on taking care of my body in other ways.
Long story short...the pain was brutal on Sunday. I really messed up when I didn't take the time to warm up or stretch, especially since it was so cold outside!
Total Distance: 13.2 miles
Total Time: 2:06:40
Average Pace: 9'32"/mi
Here are a couple pictures from my run: (the little Pomeranian in the pics is mine, he was my cheerleader!)
.JPG)
The night before the race, my boyfriend and I went to his cousin's wedding! It was a beautiful event :) We had a great time. I also cut my hair!!
