Can I talk about my half? And I have questions

[fuckyourcouch]

So I ran my first half a week ago. It was in Austin, so I traveled there and stayed with one of my best friends, who also ran it. I felt like I prepped pretty well, my longest training run was 12 miles and I was feeling good about it, not very nervous - just wanting to get on with it!

the expo was crazy, it was in a museum () and we waited over an hour in line for our packets.   
I had never seen a line like that for a race. Then, the "expo" was like 4 crappy booths for random stuff. Clif had a huge tent thing giving away a lot of freebies, and since the race was sponsored by 3M the swag bag was nuts. Full size clif stuff, random cleaning stuff, post it's, you name it lol. 


Anyway, Sunday morning came. My friend didn't live too far from the 7am start but she's a nervous time person so we ended up getting there way early (before 6). I had a bagel with almond butter and a banana for breakfast, it sat really well honestly. It was really a perfect temp too, I do terrible in the heat and was a little worried about going to TX, but it was in the 40s. we stood around and did some stretching, waited in the terrible portapotty lines twice for my friend (lol), and then it was time to line up. 

My my quicker runs are in the 9-9:30 range, but for my longer runs I've been doing closer to 10:30-11 (depending on terrain and temp, I usually trail run my longer ones). I optimistically lined up near the 2:15 pacer but just really having the goal to finish since it was my first. Pretty soon we were off.  I brought my camelbak filled with nuun water (and I was so glad, I was pretty consistently thirsty and water was only every other mile or so) and 2 gu gels. 

I was afraid of going out too fast, and also afraid of obsessing over my garmin pace. I felt great though and was killing it for 10 miles at 10:15-10:30 pace. I really felt so good and only had to stop for a few seconds to get out my first gu pack around mile 6 - otherwise I never had to walk or had any issues. I was thinking I was going to crush it and then the course was a lot of straight shots into direct sun beating down, and a few uphill stretches. I sort of wilted a little and watched the 2:15 pacer pull away. I was so disappointed!  I had to take a few power walk breaks sprinkled in to those last couple of miles, but I did my best to finish strong and cross the finish line. I ended up about 2:21. 

I grabbed a banana and a really crappy bagel. No chocolate milk or anything else, that was disappointing. My friend was a lot slower than me and I had no idea how far behind me she ended up. I got my medal, and tried to walk through the crowd but I kept thinking "sit down!" ...so I did. What a HUGE mistake. I didn't really think about it but as soon as I sat I was like, "damn, I immediately regret this." I hadn't had any pain the whole race but when my friend crossed about 25 min later and I stood up, my legs were on FIRE. Holy crap. Live and learn on that one. But I did it! Then we went to an amazing brunch and had mimosas and relaxed the rest of the day. 

I felt something weird with my pinky toes on both feet within the first 1.5 miles, but I couldn't figure out what it was and I had never had it happen before, even on long runs. I'm still not sure what happened - same shoes, same socks, nothing different, but I ended up with a weird blister in between both pinky toes and the adjacent toe, from my pinky toes curling under the other toe. Very strange and no pain from it, but I can't figure it out. 

I immediately wanted to register for another one and I plan to do a couple (and maybe a full??) later this year. 

So my questions:
1. Anybody had that weird pinky toe thing? I don't know what did it so I don't know how to fix it. Minimal pain during the race, really just a weird discomfort. 
2. Any tips for the 10 mile bonk? I run a lot of hills at home so I can't blame that too much, I do think some of it was the direct sunlight because that always kills me. I took one gu at 6 miles (right around an hour) and one right around 2 hours. 
3. What do you do at the finish line? I know now I shouldn't have sat down but I also don't feel like I had the energy or focus to do much of anything else. 
4. How in the world do you make it through a full? My HRM said I burned about 1550 calories, and I was STARVING once I finished. I assume a full would burn about twice that amount, how do you cope? I assume more energy stuff during but I feel like damn, I would need a full meal in there lol. I would love to do a full and my h is supportive but the logistics!
5. Any advice for ankle weakness? I wear compression calf sleeves or socks to mitigate any calf strain which helps a lot, but my right ankle feels weak and stressed after some runs. What can I do to help or strengthen it?

and finally, a pity party. All that excitement and goal meeting in one week and then I got laid off Thursday.  *-) It was done in a really stupid way (and was the majority of my department even though I was the top performer and just got a huge raise in December because of it - they did it strictly by years of service) and I've had multiple managers from other departments reach out to me and tell me it was a mistake and I'm too good for the place lol. I'm not even sad, just frustrated. But luckily, I had an interview a couple of weeks ago and they asked for references and were actually checking them Thursday as I lost my job. My old boss told me they told her that I was a perfect fit for the job and they were really excited about me, so hopefully that's all good and fingers crossed I have an offer this week!

[G22]

Congrats on finishing your first half! That really is a good finish time for your first time. I tend to go out conservative in my first race at a new distance. Then the next time around I know what I'm capable of and how much to push myself.

Never had that happen with my toes. Sometimes weird shit happens even though you don't change anything. If it happens again, I'd start to rethink the socks or shoes. But I probably wouldn't worry much if it only happens this time.

No advice on the sitting thing. For shorter distances I usually don't sit after. But I usually sit on the ground after a half/full. Especially if I'm running with someone and waiting for them to finish. The pain doesn't usually set in for me until a few hours after the race. Then it hurts. But immediately after, I'm just tired and all I want to do is sit.

For fulls, there is usually food along the course if you want it. I usually will only take fruit, but I've seen cookies and donuts along some courses. Yuck. Once I reach a certain distance, usually around mile 20, I can't even think about stomaching food. But I'll force down a banana or gel if I need it. I tend to focus more on continuing to move forward and any aches and pains going on than any hunger I have. Then I eat all the food after I finish

I'm sorry about your job that really does suck to have that happen right after something as exciting as finishing your first half. I hope something else comes up for you soon!

[sassystace]

Congrats on your race!!

That's a lot of questions, (1) don't know what happened with your toes--maybe try some vaseline between them next race? (2) the 10 mile bonk--the last 3 miles are always tough for me in a half. Maybe fuel more sooner, like a gu at 45 min and at 90 minutes? (3) I try to keep moving and drinking afterwards (the more you walk the better you feel) (4) you have to (or at least want to) eat actually food in general to run a full, I didn't really eat more the race--I did about 500 cal during the one marathon I did(400 cal in Tailwind (liquid) and 1 gel).

Sorry about your job but I hope the next one works out and turns out to be even better!

[runaways]

Congrats on your first half!

Not sure what to tell you on the toes. Re: the 10 mile wall, I really think the best way to deal with it is to do more 10+ mile training runs. I also think you will feel at least a little better in your next one just because your body will have a better idea of what to expect. I will sit down after a half or a full and it doesn't usually make things worse. That said, I think it's important to keep moving around later in the day to prevent soreness. Don't do what I did after my first half, which was go home and pass out in bed! I was SO sore the next day.
I obviously take in more fuel during a full, although I think I only had about 300 cals worth of sports beans plus random gatorade and a sip of beer during my last one. I personally tend to go on the low end of fueling though I think; I only had about 70 calories during my 15 miler today. A lot of it is just adaptation that occurs during training. Your body learns how to cope.

So sorry about your job but I hope the new one works out even better for you. Keep us updated!

[foundmylazybum]

Feb 1, 2015 13:19:48 GMT -5 fuckyourcouch said:

So my questions:
1. Anybody had that weird pinky toe thing? I don't know what did it so I don't know how to fix it. Minimal pain during the race, really just a weird discomfort.

You might try the toe socks.  Also, I've gotten this before when my toenails were too long or I cut them to be too square and the little sharp edge was cutting into one of my other toes.


2. Any tips for the 10 mile bonk? I run a lot of hills at home so I can't blame that too much, I do think some of it was the direct sunlight because that always kills me. I took one gu at 6 miles (right around an hour) and one right around 2 hours.

This isn't mileage related. It's much more time/calorie related.  At around 45 min our bodies go into glycogen depletion and it's hard to get out of. I see that you ate ONE gu at 1 hour. Eat sooner and more it's much more likely that you will avoid the bonk later. By more, you don't necessarily have to eat another gu but you might consider more nuun.  Also, at what time where you at at 10 miles? Typically at around two hours of exercise we also can have a nutritional disconnect so if you head that off with a gu or energy drink that has caffeine in it that can give you an extra boost. 


3. What do you do at the finish line? I know now I shouldn't have sat down but I also don't feel like I had the energy or focus to do much of anything else.

I typically bend over and try not to throw up. Then I walk around with my hands on my head, and then sometimes find a private place to throw up.

4. How in the world do you make it through a full? My HRM said I burned about 1550 calories, and I was STARVING once I finished. I assume a full would burn about twice that amount, how do you cope? I assume more energy stuff during but I feel like damn, I would need a full meal in there lol. I would love to do a full and my h is supportive but the logistics!

Not my circus.

5. Any advice for ankle weakness? I wear compression calf sleeves or socks to mitigate any calf strain which helps a lot, but my right ankle feels weak and stressed after some runs. What can I do to help or strengthen it?

www.runnersworld.com/workouts/feet-ankle-workouts

and finally, a pity party. All that excitement and goal meeting in one week and then I got laid off Thursday.  *-) It was done in a really stupid way (and was the majority of my department even though I was the top performer and just got a huge raise in December because of it - they did it strictly by years of service) and I've had multiple managers from other departments reach out to me and tell me it was a mistake and I'm too good for the place lol. I'm not even sad, just frustrated. But luckily, I had an interview a couple of weeks ago and they asked for references and were actually checking them Thursday as I lost my job. My old boss told me they told her that I was a perfect fit for the job and they were really excited about me, so hopefully that's all good and fingers crossed I have an offer this week!

I'm sorry about your job.  Hopefully this other offer works out. If not, use this time for running .

[Wines Not Whines]

Congrats on your race!

Do you need to cut your toenails? If it's not a nail issue, try putting body glide or vaseline on your toes and see if that helps.

Fuel - I try fuel early and often. I have a sensitive stomach and it's hard for me to eat an entire Gu at once, so I split it up into halves or even thirds and eat a little bit every few miles. This also helps me with bonking.

The more you run, the easier the distance gets. If you start incorporating 13 and 14 mile runs into your training, it should help you on race day.

As for a full, I generally eat at the same intervals as during a half. My stomach basically shuts down, so I don't feel very hungry during the race. Different people digest differently, so you may need to eat more. It's trial and error.

For your ankle, I've recently learned (via my husband) that strengthening a weak ankle is very important, because otherwise you'll overcompensate and overuse other muscles, and it can lead to injury. He's in PT right now, working to resolve a hamstring strain and restrengthen his ankle muscles from a previous injury.

I usually don't sit down after a race until I'm back in my car or on the Metro. Sitting makes me stiffen up like whoa.

[venice2007]

Congrats on finishing your first!

Be careful how you cut your toe nails. That's what happens to me. Like pp tiny sharp edges can cause that.

Fueling not only day of and during, but the days leading up to race day are very important. For me I'm not a carb water but I try to be for long runs and races. So two to three days before I up my carbs and calorie in take as well as water and electrolytes. I can always tell when I haven't fueled before had well enough. Huge huge difference.

After races I walk around a lot. I try not to sit fit a long while. And stretch and I bring my old foam roller and roll by my car. Makes a huge difference.

Good luck. You're off to a great start!

[cinco]

Congratulations on your race!

Feb 1, 2015 14:59:26 GMT -5 Wines Not Whines said:

As for a full, I generally eat at the same intervals as during a half. My stomach basically shuts down, so I don't feel very hungry during the race. Different people digest differently, so you may need to eat more. It's trial and error.

This is true for me too. I never get hungry while running, but need to to take gu's so I don't bonk. I don't fuel (other than water) for my long runs unless I am going over 2 hours, but when I do fuel I start from the beginning (45-55 min or so). I notice a huge difference when I don't fuel at that point (2 hrs).

After races I keep moving. Sometimes I'll try and do a light jog, but usually it is just walking.

Sorry to hear about the job Good luck in your search.

[mrshandy]

Congrats!! I agree with everyone else. It's all trial and error. Definitely fuel earlier at 45 minutes and then every 45 after that. Practice it on your long runs and see what works best for you.

Toe nails being too long have led to pain between toes for me.

For me sitting for a few minutes us ok, but too long is bad. But you're going to be sore and tired no matter what if you've pushed yourself.

[Mushe]

I agree with trying some longer training runs; it will really help boost your confidence and avoid that 10 mile bonk.

For me, I like to take Gu before a half, and then have some of the chomps/shot blok kind of things starting around 45 min in, just spaced out. I find that helps more than a Gu all at once.

After a half, I like to keep walking and stretching. I don't get hungry, so I usually end up throwing my banana to my kid, but i do drink a lot of water. If they have a massage area, sign up! I used to pass right by, and my recover has been night and day since I started partaking.

[fuckyourcouch]

Thanks everybody! I appreciate the tips and well wishes

[taratru]

Allll the things they all said. I just wanted to say congratulations!

[jamalynn]

Congratulations.

I have learned a lot by trial and error. I personally like cliff shot bloks b/c I can take one at a time (33 calories per blok). My stomach is sensitive during runs.

[kams]

Awesome job!!!!

I agree with fueling a bit earlier and more often - maybe in the future, start every 45 minutes during your long training runs and see how that goes - that's my preferance, and as fmlb said, it's when your glycogen stores begin to deplete. Also maybe keep track of the food you eat outside of your runs and see if they have any effect (bigger breakfast, carby lunch the day before, etc). No idea on the toes. Also, just more 10+ milers to avoid the bonk at the end. That will come with more HMs, should you be interested

[hannahb]

Nothing new to add. Congrats on the race!

[ktzmoh]

You've got great advice here - so I'll just give you a huge congrats on your finish!

When I started having ankle pain, what really helped was putting my foot in an ice bath after runs to take care of the immediate discomfort, and doing lots of ankle raises and flexibility stuff, plus working out the knots in my calf to take care of the underlying issue.

[bostonmichelle]

Congratulations on your first half!! Not much else to add. I hope the job search is quick for you.

[gt7301b]

Congrats!!

Mile 10 is a mental turning point for me. 10 miles means I only have a 5k to go and I know it is time to turn it on.

I also always pack my own chocolate milk, cause I never know if the race will provide it or not.

Lastly, what I eat the day before a race has almost as big of an impact on me as what I eat during the race. I try and hydrate and I avoid leafy greens. For a full I reach a point where I can't take in anymore calories without feeling ill. The runger doesn't really hit till later. But like the others have said figuring out what works for you is really trial and error.

[sadlebred]

Congratulations on your first half! I love the medal! Sorry about the job, but it sounds like you are already on your way to another position!

[Deleted]

congrats on the half! if that's the 3M january race in austin i've done it several time and i LOVE the goody bag, i still have a stock pile of post-its and i haven't bought tape in like 8 yrs.

as for the toe things, maybe a lacing issue, since it was on both feet (if i understood correctly). or maybe the toe box of your shoes is too narrow. there are things i do running wise all the time the same and only notice things i should change during a race because of the extra effort put in (both mentally and physically).

[itsme]

Congrats on running the half! Crappy about your job. Sorry to hear about that.

[Deleted]

Congrats. I heard that the expo line was insane. I have no idea what posesed them to do it at the Bob Bullock Museum. Stupid planning if you ask me. Did you early register for next year? My friend talked me into it.

ETA:  Just read the layoff part.  That sucks.  But maybe the fact that somebody was calling for references helped them decide to let you go.  If you were already looking for another job before the layoff then it sounds like it was all for the best.  Hope you get some good news about the new job.  

[fuckyourcouch]

Feb 2, 2015 16:59:26 GMT -5 ditzydi said:

Congrats. I heard that the expo line was insane. I have no idea what posesed them to do it at the Bob Bullock Museum. Stupid planning if you ask me. Did you early register for next year? My friend talked me into it.

ETA:  Just read the layoff part.  That sucks.  But maybe the fact that somebody was calling for references helped them decide to let you go.  If you were already looking for another job before the layoff then it sounds like it was all for the best.  Hope you get some good news about the new job.  

I didn't register since I had to travel and I'll have no idea what's going on for my schedule next year. 

I didn't list any references from that job, by "old boss" I mean the previous company I worked for, not this one. These layoffs were all strictly by years of service so nothing to do with me. I really didn't like my job at all so it's for the best in that sense, but I would have preferred to have employment lined up! Oh well. 

[shauni27]

I do not have great advice for your questions, but congratulations on a GREAT first half! And I am so sorry to hear about your job, but it sounds like perfect timing, honestly, and that the job you interviewed for will gobble you right up!