September 7 11.3 miles around Gaston MS
September 8 11.2 miles around Gaston MS
September 9 Rest
September 10 13 miles around WRL with 2 miles at marathon pace
September 11 8.6 miles around Gaston MS
September 12 Rest
September 13 26.2 miles Boston Virtual Run 2.5 times around WRL
Total Mileage for the Week 72
Virtual splits
1-6:46
2-6:47
3-6:46
4-6:44
5-6:31
6-6:51
7-6:50
8-6:57
9-6:58
10-6:48
11-7:05
12-6:44
13-6:25. 1/2 way around high 1:28 low 1:29
14-6:21
15-6:51
16-7:01
17-7:07
18-7:28
19-7:28
20-7:23
21-7:32
22-7:23
23-6:50
24-6:43
25-6:44
26-7:11
.2-6:44
Elapsed time 3:02:15 Second split 1:33
So this week was the Boston Virtual Run on Sunday and overall it was a great event and I’m glad that I was able to be apart of it at the Lake. Several local clubs like the Dallas Running Club, White Rock Co-Op, Rogue among others had a hydration/cheering station and they were terrific. Definitely helped in providing motivation throughout the course.
Breakdown of the Boston Virtual Run
Pre-race
Decided that I was just going to run from my house toward the lake the week before. The official start finish was from norbuck park but running from my house down to the lake was just more convenient and time saving. I prepared my clothes and equipment, such as my gu’s, water bottle, salt pills, heart strap the night before so I would be ready. When I woke up I looked at the weather and it read 72 degrees with 86% humidity. I decided to start at 5:20am from my house in order to get the early miles before the sun came out. I also decided to run with a water bottle as I wanted to make sure I had hydration during the race. After grabbing all my stuff and making sure I didn’t forget anything I stepped outside and without a warm up I started the clock!
The Run Breakdown
As I ran towards the lake I was suppose to meet Albert by the bath house who provided company during the first loop of the lake. But before I did that I noticed at sunset bay a group that I recognized, it was some of the Rockwall Running Club runners who were also doing the virtual run. I ran across the parking lot gave them cheers for their own run and then headed towards the bath house. At the stone tables I saw Albert and also saw my watch with miles splits around 6:45sh, and thought okay stay around that pace if you can but more importantly try and run within your heart target rate. As we headed towards the spillway I made sure to keep the heart rate steady and not deviate too much from the pace. Passed the cheering station, and passed the RRC runners which were running in a group. Then headed towards the west side of the lake. The morning was still very dark and I was careful not to step on any uneven ground, but for the most part the pace was steady and I felt like it was something that I could control. As Albert and I reached the east side of the lake it got lighter and was able to see much better. Once we got to Sunset bay again I saw that I was at a high 1:28/low 1:29 half, and a little bit later Albert turned around to go back to his house. I’m very grateful for Albert’s willingness to come out, and run the first loop with me as it was dark and having someone next to you keeping a steady pace certainly helped to get it down. I took a gu at mile 5 and 10, as well as salt pills for hydration.
Second Half
At Winfrey I was now running by myself and holding a steady pace. At the spillway I stopped at the DRC hydration station where everyone was so friendly and supportive and helped fill up my water bottle. After passing the spillway I was now at the west side of the lake again and the sun was now up and bright. The day had high humidity and I realized continuing to take the hydration was vital. Running clockwise around the lake meant having the sun in your face, and I could tell I was sweating a lot. I kept going steady and one thing that I remember is the mileage that I have been putting in especially during the hot months of the year and how I could certainly manage the weather. As I was approaching the north side of the lake I began to notice my heart rate going higher. At mile 15 I took some more salt pills and gu in order to stay hydrated as much as I possibly could. At about mile 18 my heart rate was approaching high 170s, low 180s which for me is high, so I told myself to stay calm and get the HR back down to 170. My pace got higher for the next 4 miles low to mid 7 minute pace, but I wanted to avoid a collapse and would rather have a steady heart rate for the remaining miles of the run. At mile 20 I took some more salt pills for hydration, my stomach started to feel sensitive so decided against another gu.
Once I hit the last 3 miles I was fortunate enough to have encountered Diego & Jose Barraza who were on their bikes and both of them accompanied me until the end. Originally I had planned a out and back finish at Winfrey but I knew a little further down was the DRC water station and they had been so fantastic on the first and second loop that I decided to finish there and act like the water station was the finish line! I got a second wind those last 3 miles and started to push the pace with Diego & Jose nearby on the bikes. The last few miles almost seemed like the first few miles and although I was tired I certainly felt in control of the run I really enjoyed them and felt like I could keep going. Once I got to the spillway I did a short U-turn and finished right were the DRC water station was to the cheers of the group. Three hours two minutes and fifteen seconds is what my clock read when I finished. Mimi, Aki, and others were quick to provide the hydration and I was super thankful for all there help. Also thankful for Diego who took many good picture and sent them to me so that I could remember the event. After recovering a bit, I went back home and used the mile and half to cool down and cheer the other runs as they were coming by.
Grateful
The support was amazing, the local volunteers gave there time bought signs, and provided cheers to the runners doing the virtual run. I’m deeply thankful to them and even though the Boston Marathon was not able to take place, running from my house to the lake was definitely a memorial experience.
The conditions were tough with the sun out and the high humidity, but I think overall managed to keep a steady pace and be in control of the run. Even when things got tough I’m glad that I didn’t panic, but instead acted rationale and adjusted based on my bodies feedback. I’m also grateful to those that helped, it was great having others just being so willing to lend a hand and being so supportive. I’m truly grateful for the experience and even though this year looks much different than last, it has certainly made me appreciate the sport and all of those involved in the sport.
Next steps
After the race and going back home I took a much needed rest and tried my best to re-hydrate and replenish. Will see how my body recovers and will take it day by day to get back into my routine. I didn't really taper for the run, just ran it off the mileage I've been doing. The virtual run has certainly provided some confidence that with the coming fall and cooler weather I will be able to lower some of the paces for my run. Finally, again I want to end with saying how grateful I am for those that assisted, helped and made the virtual Boston run very memorable. Thank you for reading and all the best!
Photo Credits to Diego
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