I spend an inordinate amount of time researching road races.
From course maps and start times to which vendors will be at the expo, elevation gains, where the water stops are, what the medals look like, is the race t-shirt cute or not, and more, I waste a lot of time “researching”. Oops!
Maybe it stems from anxiety and my desire to be in control? That I need to know what to expect and then I will prepare accordingly? I think that’s partially it, but I also just think it’s fun. It’s definitely a hobby. #runnerlife
I generally pick a race based on location, date, kids’ schedules, and probability that I can schedule enough time to train. And if I think the race shirt will be cool. Joking…sort of!
Most recently I was trying to determine if there was a half marathon I could do that would fall on my 12-14 mile weeks while training for Kiawah. I looked at several local races and even some in other parts of the state including the City of Oaks Marathon in Raleigh, Bull City Race Fest in Durham.
I looked at my calendar, played some mental gymnastics on figuring out some logistics, looked at the race website (which has the best medal? Is it a popular race? How easy will parking be?) and determined that since the Charlotte Half Marathon is local AND is turning 20 this year, I would run it again in 2024.
As a North Carolina native, I remember when this race was the Charlotte Observer Marathon (RIP newspapers of yesteryear), and I even recall my dad running the half marathon in the early 90s. I think it used to be in January though because I remember it being really cold. 704 represent.
If you’re looking for a good fall race that has a great course right through some of the prettiest parts of Charlotte, here is my referral link if you want to sign up.
The Charlotte Half was my first half marathon after having my youngest son in 2021. I had signed up to run it in 2022, just over one year postpartum, but I sorely underestimated how difficult parenting two kids was. And how tired and grouchy I would be 75% of the time. Mustering the energy to run was not yet part of the equation so I deferred my entry.
I didn’t even remember I had done so until I got an email the following summer reminding me that I deferred my entry to 2023.
Even at that time I figured I’d have to pass on it. I wasn’t in a good groove just yet…pelvic floor issues still bothered me, and my littlest did NOT like the BOB stroller nearly as much as my oldest did at the same age. “I WALK! I DO IT. I RUN WIFF YOU.” “No, son. Sit down.” *Crying ensues*
But with the encouragement from my husband, I confirmed my entry and made a plan to complete the 2023 Charlotte Half Marathon.
…and I did it! I completed my first half marathon since 2019, and I crossed the finish line in 2:14:12.
After looking back at those results, I decided to look for my first marathon time at the Marine Corps Marathon in 2014. Fortunately, they had years and years of archives because I found it…4:54:24…omg.
I haven’t run a full marathon since 2015 (Chicago) and now I’m getting nervous as shit at the idea of running for damn near 5 hours. What was I thinking????????????????
(Deep breaths) Now, I guess my goal is to meet or beat my 2014 time (when I was 30 years old and before kids). With over ten years of running experience and more grit and determination than before, I am hopeful I can do it.
So, to better motivate me and give myself a sense of community, I started following a few different runners on Instagram (you can follow me @emilytherunnerbee) and now I’ve learned a few things that I need to incorporate if I want to both improve my longevity AND speed up.
4 Things I’m Adding to My Training Regimen:
More tempo/interval work - I started taking a few peloton classes by Matt Wilpers to better guide me here. Yesterday, it was a 30 minute workout with 3x 3 minute segments where I really pushed my pace and held it. I did this on the treadmill.
Better nutrition - mix of healthy carbs, protein, and more water
More details to come about this in the coming weeks. I am not a science girly so I will research and provide more info here. For now, I’m just trying to not eat like a pig.
Slow my pace - apparently, I need to slow my training runs down well below my race pace! Who knew?
I probably need to rotate a couple of pairs of shoes instead of just one. I’ve always run in Brooks, but I may head to Charlotte Running or Run For Your Life (two of Charlotte’s best locally owned running stores) and see if they recommend another make or model.
Feetures Elite Light Cushion No Show Tab Socks in Lavender Rush - as seen on feetures.com
In addition to new shoes, I’ll probably add a new pair of socks to my collection. I am obsessed with Feetures, a Charlotte-based sock company. I started wearing them in 2020 after one of my best friends, Angie, told me about them! They are not only super comfy, but they are moisture-wicking, form-fitting, and are the best socks I’ve ever run in. Even if you aren’t a runner, they are great for any sort of activity. Lots of fun colors and cuts too. If you want $10 off, use this link.
I’m working on planning my next post, so coming next week, I’ll have:
Labor Day recap
My new favorite instagram follows
Newest running gear I’ve purchased off Amazon and a review
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