Virtual Success!! Pittsburgh Marathon Steel Challenge Achieved!

I received entry into the Dicks Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Half Marathon as a part of being a BibRave Pro. Check out BibRave.com to read and write race reviews. 

So this weekend, finally, all my long planning paid off! Despite a one week delay (see here for details of why: https://runnerdgirl.blogspot.com/2020/05/change-of-plans_3.html) I completed my Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend Steel Challenge! My race weekend consisted of a 5K on Saturday and a Half Marathon on Sunday. And while I am still super bummed that I couldn't travel to Pittsburgh for my actual races, the Pittsburgh Marathon race team did an awesome job keeping participants pumped and excited through email and social media. Again, I hate that the race had to go virtual, but this was really one of the best virtual race experiences I have had. 

So here's how things went. First up on Saturday was the 5K. I decided that even though I was fresh off an injury, I was going to try to push my pace a bit for this one. I mapped out a nice flatish course from my house and took off running. I felt pretty good, so I pushed the pace a bit more. And while I am never able to recreate the excitement of a proper race day and the speed boosts that I can manage when trying to pass others, this was one of my fastest 5K times. My current 5K PR is from this past October of 24:18 and on Saturday I ran my 5K in 25:35. So I was pretty darn pleased with that time for sure! It was a bit cool, especially for May in SC which may have contributed a bit to my pace. Heck I wore long sleeves even! 

Next up, Sunday morning it was time for the Half Marathon. I didn't want to push hard again, not with my knee still being a bit out of sorts, so I decided to focus more on the miles than the time. My Half and Half Half Marathon Plan (see here for the planning: https://runnerdgirl.blogspot.com/2020/04/the-half-and-half-virtual-half.html) would be perfect for this since trail miles are always slower and more about the view than the pace. 

Best Aid Station EVER

First, I had to make arrangements for my aid station. Since half was to be on road and the other half on trail, I wanted to switch out my shoes. Luckily, right at the trail head is one of my favorite hangouts, The Grapevine Riverwalk. The Grapevine is used to hosting us crazy runners, especially on Sunday mornings where my Fast Feet Run Club has Sunday Funday runs at 7:30 am each Sunday on the Riverwalk Trail. Then after, we usually hang out for coffee, mimosas or whatever. So I sent a message to my friend and owner and explained my crazy plan and asked if she'd be cool with me stashing a bag with shoes and extra water there for a few hours. "No problem!" she said. So first thing Sunday morning, I dropped my gear and told Leslie, the Sunday morning bartender, I'd see her soon. 

I returned back home, grabbed my last minute gear (Aftershokz, Honey Stinger gels and a water bottle) and set off from my house towards The Grapevine. I was a bit nervous about crossing though the part of the Highway that leads onto the Interstate, but traffic was pretty light, so it was no problem. A short 5K later and I was back at The Grapevine for a quick shoe change and off towards the Founders Trail for the next 6.5 mile section. 

To get to the trail, I had to run up and over the Hwy 21 bridge over the Catawba River. I planned this intentionally since I was supposed to be doing this race in Pittsburgh and running over some of the awesome bridges there, I wanted to run over at least one bridge. It's not quite the West End Bridge over the Ohio River, but hey, it was the best that I could pull off in Rock Hill, SC. Once you cross the bridge, it is a quick hop over the guardrail to descend under the bridge to access the Founders Trail.

I love the Founders Trail. I haven't run in a few weeks because I was wanting to rest my knee but let me tell you, I grinned like a fool when I first stepped on to the trail. It was pretty cool out, and a bit early still so the trail was pretty empty. The trail is basically an out and back along the Catawba River with an option about 2 miles in to follow a loop into a quarry for an extra mile. I had my route planned for the Half Marathon distance so I just did the basic Carolina Thread Trail route. When I got to the turn around point at 3.25 miles in, I stopped on the rocks for a moment to soak in my surroundings and also to take one of my Honey Stinger gels. I could have sat out there all morning, but I was only halfway through my race. 

The Turn Around Spot. Can you blame me for lingering?

After my quick stop and refuel, I made my way back up the river trail and back over the bridge. Another quick stop at The Grapevine to change shoes and then just 3.5 miles back to my house to finish up. I was slowing down a bit, but feeling pretty good and finished the 13.1 miles pretty much right at my doorstep. The Half and Half Half Marathon was a rousing success! It was in no way my fastest, but it was one of my most fun!

Now all I have left to do is to wait for my awesome swag! Since I ran both races for the Steel Challenge, I will be getting 2 shirts, 3 medals and a pair of custom Pittsburgh Marathon Knockaround Sunglasses. 

These will be shipped out by the race as soon as it is safe enough to gather together a team to get everything out. Additionally, the Pittsburgh Marathon team has said that they hope to host a finisher party on location when they are able to. The hope is to set up a finish line for photo ops and a celebratory festival. I really hope that whenever that is scheduled for, that I can make it. I really hate that I missed out on a trip to Pittsburgh. 

Change of Plans

I received entry into the Dicks Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Half Marathon as a part of being a BibRave Pro. Check out BibRave.com to read and write race reviews. 

So today, May 3, I was supposed to run my Epic Half and Half Half Marathon as my Virtual Pittsburgh Half Marathon (see here for the master plan: https://runnerdgirl.blogspot.com/2020/04/the-half-and-half-virtual-half.html. And while I was still a bit disappointed that I would not be going to Pittsburgh and running the races live, I had done my best to change my expectations and make the weekend be something fun. And the Pittsburgh Marathon peeps had been pumping us up in emails and on socials, it was the best that it could be.

I had made my plans. I had done my training. I was ready to go. 

But then, my crap knee decided that it wasn't getting nearly enough attention so it decided to throw a tantrum of sorts. I've written about how bad my knees suck in the past. I'm a long-term sufferer of dodgy knees. The technical term for what my issues is actually Osteoarthritis, which I was diagnosed with about 15 years ago. Basically, I've got no cartilage left in my knees. I've done all kinds of things in the past to deal including various Kinesiology tape configurations, braces, and flat out denial. But about 2 weeks ago, something seemed seriously not right. My left knee would totally just kind of give out on me all together. And things were hurting, like a lot more than usual. I could barely run or bend or well, even stand great.

So, I made an appointment with an Ortho to get it checked out. Turns out, at least according to the doctor, your knee caps are supposed to be in the MIDDLE of your knee (see pic). Huh? Mine aren't, plus I've no real cartilage left so my knees are bone on bone. 

My Knee X-Ray

But this isn't a terribly new problem as that doesn't happen overnight so while this is a contributing factor to a lot of my pain, it's not what is causing my new issues. 

Doctor thinks there is a new tear to the meniscus on the left side which is causing the sudden weakness, knee failure and intense pain. It was too swollen to tell though so I was given a cortisone shot (OMG that hurts) under the knee cap on the left side. The surrounding tissue was so damaged he could barely get the shot in 😳.

But the real kicker is that I was benched from running the whole weekend, until Monday. Which means I had to miss my Pittsburgh Marathon Virtual Runs. I am super super disappointed about this turn of events, but there is a silver lining. Turns out, I have until May 15th to submit results, so I am hoping that if I am a good little patient and do my PT and keep icing and rest my knees a bit, then I will be in well enough shape to still do the Half and Half Half Marathon before the deadline. I really really really REALLY want to EARN that sweet bling. And my especially my sweet custom Steel City Knockaround Sunglasses (seriously, these things are SWEET!) 

So in the mean time, I've been taking some walks (allowed) and have done some upper body workouts that do not involve my knees in any way. I've been being a good girl, because while I am stubborn and can make some really terrible decisions (seriously, I'm amazing at getting involved into some crazy dumb situations), I know that if I don't play this right, I could lose even more running time, and I've got some Fall goals that I am not willing to compromise on.

So stay tuned. I may have to reduce my miles for a bit, and I may get a bit slower, but I am totally shooting for the long term. 

Just you wait. 

And be sure to check back before May 14th. Cause I'm doing this, even if I have to walk it!

The Half and Half Virtual Half

I received entry into the Dicks Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Half Marathon as a part of being a BibRave Pro. Check out BibRave.com to read and write race reviews. 

Okay, so I have this crazy idea, yeah? I'm gonna run a Half and Half Half. Crazy right? 

No idea what I am talking about? Let me back up a bit then for the full story. 

As a BibRave Pro, I am very lucky in that I get a lot of really cool opportunities for promoting and running some amazing races all over the country. See, if money and time were no object, I would run SO many many races in SO many places. And by many, I mean literally any race I could. But alas, here in the real world I have to pick and choose races based on travel costs. So most of the time, unless the race is located within a few hours drive of where I live in northern South Carolina, then I have to sadly pass. 

There is however, a few locations that are an exception to that rule. Locations where I have family living. And there is no place in the US that I have more family than in Pittsburgh, PA. So when I learned that BibRave had partnered with the Pittsburgh Marathon sometime in mid-2019, I immediately put my name in. I love Pittsburgh, it's an amazing city with spectacular views and amazing bridges to run over and the huge added bonus of several dozen Nypavers living there that I could beg a few nights stay off of. 

I was so excited, I doubled down and registered for the Steel Challenge, the 5K on Saturday, May 2 and the Half Marathon on Sunday, May 3 (technically you could do any distance on Sun and it be a part of the Steel Challenge - Half, Marathon or Relay). 2 days of racing, 3 medals, 2 shirts, a pair of custom Pittsburgh Knockaround Sunglasses for running in Pittsburgh, over some amazing bridges and the cherry on top I get to see my family. HELLS YEAH! 

Fast forward to a bit over a month ago. COVID 19. Global Pandemic. Races being cancelled right and left. I knew it was coming, but I didn't want to believe it. Maybe it'll just be March races cancelled. Maybe just March and April. But no, eventually the email I knew would be coming came on March 17 - "We regret to share with all of you that the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon will not take place in 2020..."

I was gutted! But the good people at the Pittsburgh gave us runners 2 options to proceed. One option, and one that not many other cancelled races was offering, was to get a full refund. I'll be honest, I was a bit surprised, but pleasantly so that they offered this option. 

The other option that was given was to run the races as Virtual Races. Basically, runners can run their race distance whenever and where ever they are and they will receive their medals and SWAG in the mail once completed and time submitted. Additionally, the Pittsburgh Marathon team is not just going to just leave us runners to do this on our own, they are issuing challenges and cheering on the runners on social media. And once it is safe to gather in groups again, they will be hosting a mini-festival in Pittsburgh where they will set up the finish line for photos. They also updated their website to go into more detail about how to run the race as a Virtual with information about challenges, perks and other details here: https://thepittsburghmarathon.com/VirtualRace The virtual option is good for all race distances including the kids races. 

I decided that I will be doing the Virtual Race option for my two races. And even though by the new rules, you can run your Virtual Races anytime between April 1 and the original race date of May 2, and 3, I plan to still do my race on the actual race dates. 

So now this is where things get a bit trickier. See, there are lots of good things about Virtual Races. I've written several blog posts on this site about Virtuals. But there is one con that has been creeping up on me lately with several races and challenges going Virtual - how to keep things interesting. I've already done several Virtual races recently, including a Half Marathon, and I'll be honest, I'm getting a bit tired of running the same routes from my house. Enter, the crazy idea of the Half and Half Half Marathon. 

Founders Trail

The idea started forming when I was curious how far away one of my new favorite trails to run, the Founders Trail, was from my house. So I mapped out the distance out from my house to the trail head on MapMyRun and turns out it is 3.3 miles from my house to the trail head. It is then 6.5 miles on the trail and another 3.3 miles back home. An lo and behold... that is EXACTLY 13.1 miles!!! Half on Road, Half on Trail - hence the Half and Half Half Marathon! It's almost too perfect to not do. It's a route I've never run before and it will encompass some of my favorite areas to run. And, I even have to run over a bridge to get to the trail! It may not be the West End Bridge, but it's something.

The grapevine is already my unofficial aid station

Plus, as an added bonus, right at the trail head is one of my favorite local shops to hit up post-run, The Grapevine Riverwalk. The owners are amazing and I've known them for years, so what I am hoping to set up with them to act a an aid station. I would stash my trail shoes and a water bottle there so I can run there, change out my shoes and refill my water if necessary, run the trail, change back into my road shoes, refill the water, and then run back home. They are used to hosting us crazy runners so I am hoping they will be cool with this plan. And of course when I'm finished, I will of course need to go back to pick up my shoes and bottle and MAYBE (ok, definitely) pick up a few refreshments to celebrate my success.

So that is my plan for my Pittsburgh Virtual Half Marathon. It will by no means be my fastest time, I can never seem to pull a PR unless in actual race conditions, so I figured why not make it fun and interesting! 

What do you think of my plan? Crazy? Fun? 

What about you? Have you been doing any Virtual Races? What have you done to keep them interesting and avoid getting bored of the same routes? Let me know in the comments below. 

Virtually Running Wild with the Lincoln Park Zoo

Disclaimer: I am participating in the Lincoln Park Run for the Zoo as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews!
So as this whole Covid 19 Pandemic thing is happening, it has been easy to get a bit overwhelmed by all of the bad things that have come of it. This was me until just recently. All of the changes and losses had become a bit too much and looking on the bright side was getting harder and harder to do. But I've been trying to turn that around recently. I mean, I'm healthy, the people I love are healthy and ultimately that is what is most important. But there are some other bright sides that I've begun to notice now that I am focusing more on looking for them.

One of those bright spots have been the increase in cool Virtual Races. Virtual Races have always been around in some form or another, and have always boasted a variety of benefits (you can read more about my thoughts on that here: https://runnerdgirl.blogspot.com/2019/03/the-benefits-of-racing-virtually.html) with more and more races that were location specific going virtual due to necessity, there have been more opportunities for runners to experience races that were otherwise unavailable to them. 

One of these races that I am excited for is the Lincoln Park Zoo Run for the Zoo 5K/10K. The Lincoln Park Zoo is an amazing Zoo located in the heart of Chicago that is free for all to enjoy. How they able to accomplish that is through fundraisers much like the Run for the Zoo race that will run for it's 42nd year this year. Unfortunately, they Zoo has had to close to help lessen the spread of Covid 19, but to help make sure that when they do open, they are able to continue to be free and open 365 days a year, they changed the event to a Virtual. 

Here's how the Virtual Run for the Zoo Experience works (info from the Lincoln Park Zoo Website): 

Enjoy the run wherever you are. Complete your distance at home on the treadmill or outside in your own community while practicing social distancing. Either way, you’re competing for your personal best while supporting Lincoln Park Zoo.

Run anywhere in your neighborhood, take photos, log your time and miles, and share your experience with us!  Email us your stories (events@lpzoo.org) and encourage your fellow running community members on the event page. Participants release liability to share submissions with the public.

All virtual 5K/10K participants will receive their packets in the mail. They will include a themed tech shirt, and those who make an additional donation of $25 or more will also receive a Supporter Medal. Please be sure to verify your mailing address during the registration process, as Lincoln Park Zoo is not responsible for misdirected packets.

Each week from April 6–June 7, a virtual 5K and 10K participant will be randomly selected and awarded with a special animal plush from the Gift Shop. 

In addition there are some really unique awards that all virtual 5K/10K participants can earn:

• 1st place male and female runner for the virtual 10K and 5K races will each receive a special animal plush from the Gift Shop. To qualify for this award, participants must submit a photo of GPS verification.
• In honor of the 42nd year of Run for the Zoo, the 42nd-place male and female runner for the virtual 5K and 10K races will each win a membership to Lincoln Park Zoo. (This will be based on the honor system.)
• In honor of the 152nd year of Lincoln Park Zoo, the 152nd-place male and female runner for the virtual 5K and 10K races will each win a large animal plush from the Gift Shop. (This will be based on the honor system.)

Register here before May 22 in order to participate: https://www.lpzoo.org/run-zoo

And, for an added bonus, I have a 10% discount code to share with you! Register with code BIBRAVE10 for 10% off your registration fee. And once you register, be sure to join the Facebook Event page here: https://www.facebook.com/events/446240282720510/

My running bestie, Kim, and I have decided to do the Virtual together since we both are excited about this event. Hopefully by June 7th, things will be a bit better and we can actually meet up in person plan an event together. I will head over to her neighborhood where Kim is planning out a 5K route for us. She's doing the 5K and I will be doing it twice for the 10K distance. She's planned out a few cool things that I'll wait to share because if it all works out, it's gonna be awesome. Let's just say, there will be photo stops and an aid station and post race refreshments and food. I am super excited about it. Here's a quick run down of the race that Kim posted on her blog: http://barkingmadaboutrunning.blogspot.com/2020/04/lincoln-park-zoos-run-for-zoo-virtual.html

And be sure to swing by both here and Barking Mad About Running after June 7th to read our follow up posts on how our Virtual went!

The World's Gone Virtually On Hold

This is my first post since this whole Global Pandemic thing reared it's ugly head. We've all been having to adjust to the "new normal" and learn how to navigate the world again. So it's kind of a weird time, right? 

My new office

First of all, I'd like to say that I acknowledge that I am very very lucky. My family is healthy and we have the luxury of being able to work from home. We were able to stock up on plenty of food (without hording) and heck even have a few spare rolls of toilet paper. We are not on an official "Lockdown" order here in SC, but we are acing like we are in the sense of sticking close to the house except for leaving to run solo. I expect that I will need to make a run to the grocery store by the end of the week, but I will be doing that alone and going in, grabbing what I need, and coming right out. As you can see, we are very fortunate. 

So with all that said, I feel like a total brat for complaining... but... OMG I LOST ALL MY SPRING RACES!! 😭😭😭

You may recall, I had signed up for an insane number of 9 Spring races over a 2 month period. Well, I got to do exactly 1 of them, the Myrtle Beach Half Marathon, and all 8 others were cancelled. Also cancelled was my first Summer race on May 31. The announcements of these cancellations all came within a few days of each other and I admit, I took it a bit hard. There were some tears even. I totally understand the decisions, cancelling these types of events was totally the right call, I know the Race Directors did not want in any way to disappoint the runners and pretty much all of them have offered multiple options for cancelled entries. For more races, here's how they've been handled:

1. Shamrock 4 Miler, Original Date - March 14, went to Virtual Option - run the race, post your time and get your packet and medal.
2. Yuengling Shamrock 8K, Original Date - March 21, could choose either Virtual Option and get packet sent to you or defer to 2021. I chose to defer.
3. Yuengling Shamrock Half Marathon - Original Date - March 22, could choose either Virtual Option and get packet sent to you or defer to 2021. I chose to defer.
4. Craft Beer 5 Miler, Original Date - March 28, could choose either Virtual Option and get packet sent to you or defer to 2021. I chose to defer.
5. Come See Me Road Race 5K, April 18, looking to reschedule but no new date yet
6. Kings Mountain 10K, April 25, choice of either Virtual Option or Race rescheduled on October 3rd. Right now, I am hoping to do the Oct. 3 race, but there may be a scheduling conflict that I am trying to work through.
7. Dicks Sporting Goods Pittsburgh 5K, Original Date - May 2, could choose either Virtual Option and get packet sent to you or refunded entry fee. I have chosen to race Virtually.
8. Dicks Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Half Marathon- Original Date - May 3, could choose either Virtual Option and get packet sent to you or refunded entry fee. I have chosen to race Virtually.

My Virtual Shamrock 4 Miler Post run presentation of SWAG

So yeah, everyone is doing the best they can and offering all kinds of options to make everyone as happy as possible. And for now, for me at least, the only "race" I have on the horizon is the Virtual Steel Challenge - the Dicks Sporting Goods 5K and Half Marathon on May 2nd and 3rd. And while I hate that I do not get to race it in person in Pittsburgh, one of my favorite cities full of some of my favorite people, I'm excited to earn some pretty awesome bling including 2 shirts, 3 medals and a pair of awesome Knockaround sunglasses. And if that sounds good to you as a way to keep motivated during this time of uncertainty, the good news is that they are still accepting new Virtual entries. You can register here if you like. https://thepittsburghmarathon.com/VirtualRace

Getting it done... Solo Style

So that's my plan. Gonna keep running and keep training, while making sure to practice smart social distancing. Been hooking up with my run crews virtually, but have been doing only solo runs for the last week and a half.

So what has kept you active and motivated during this super weird time? Let me know in the comments so I can cheer you on virtually. And I'll be sure to keep you up to date on how my Steel Challenge training is going.

I received entry into the Dicks Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Half Marathon as a part of being a BibRave Pro. Check out BibRave.com to read and write race reviews.