Race Recap – Page 9 – Zenaida Arroyo

Category: Race Recap

27
Apr
2015

Illinois Marathon Relay

categories: Adventure, Fun, Race Recap, Running

My first relay race was Ragnar Relay Chicago in June 2012. On Sunday I completed a marathon relay and got to cross it off this list.

There were 8 girls doing this relay race (two teams: Pink Ladies and Faster than Snails). One of my teammates offered to drive to Urbana-Champaign (about 2 1/2 hours from Chicago) and we left Friday afternoon. There were two girls from the other team so it was nice to meet them and talk to them. They had food and I snacked on crackers, hummus, and sweet potato chips.

We arrived to pick up our bibs and to check out the expo. It was OK but does not compare to the Chicago Marathon or RnR expos.

ILMarathonRelay2 — I almost bought this headband.

After the expo we went to Destihl for dinner. The food was delicious! We had a few appetizers to start off along with beer. For dinner I had pasta with spicy thai shrimp. The rest of the teammates met us there and we all had a lovely time. We then said goodbye because it was late and we still had to check in the hotel and get our stuff ready for the next day.

ILMarathonRelay17 — From L to R: Lety, Liz, Rocio, Fabiola, me, Angie. We were missing Ana and Arasally.

As I was getting my things ready for the next day, I realized that I had forgotten my socks. I had originally packed everything in my Apera bag. I switched to a bigger bag because all of my things wouldn’t fit but left my socks in one of the pockets. Luckily, I borrowed a pair from a teammate.

I checked the temperature and got really nervous because all I saw was rain, rain, and more rain.

I slept good Friday night. I was up at 5am and got ready. I shared a room with 2 other girls so I waited for them to get ready before heading out to get something to eat. The hotel provided us with a free continental breakfast. Love it when hotels do that. I had coffee and a waffle. Not too much but enough for a 6.7 run.

It was cold and drizzling. I was hoping the rest of the rain would hold off till AFTER the race. It didn’t. There was a long line to get to the parking lot. One of the girls was familiar with the area and told us of a shortcut. We parked the car and got out to meet up with Ana and Lety. We quickly got a team picture and since I was runner #1, I headed over to the start line.

ILMarathonRelay15 — Team Faster than Snails From L to R: Ana, me, Lety, Rocio

I don’t remember hearing the National Anthem but I realized the race was about to start. I walked over to the start line, got in the corral and off I went.

I don’t remember too many specifics of my part of the race. Here is what I do remember:

I felt really good the first two miles. Unfortunately, I do not know my splits because the Nike + app in my phone did not work. I turned it on but somehow it turned off.
I felt tired after the first water station.
The volunteers were wonderful!
The crowd support made me happy.
I would run, walk, and repeat.
It started to rain and I had forgotten to wear my visor.
I was running in new shoes and they felt really good. Ha, little did I know what was happening in my right foot (too much callus remover and a lot of water is NOT a good combination).
One water station was after mile 2 and the next one was after mile 4. That worked out for me since I had a short run but not sure if marathon and half marathon runners will agree with me.
Between mile 5 and 6 there were signs along the course with several facts about the University. I don’t remember the exact words but I do recall reading about REO Speedwagon, PayPal, YouTube, and a Nobel Prize Winner.

I saw a sign on the floor and I thought it was the the 6 mile marker. I told my teammates I would send them a text when I got there since the exchange was at mile 6.7. There the volunteers were giving out oranges. Yummy! Up ahead I saw the actual mile marker. Oh well.

Finally, I saw the exchange spot. I removed my belt and put it on the next runner. I was done but I was also very cold.

We got in the car and drove to the next exchange which was about 10 minutes away. It was raining so much harder and I felt bad for the runners. Runner #3 got her stuff ready and then we left to meet runner #2. We finally got a text from her that she was at mile 13.

Two legs done and two more to go. The next exchange took a bit longer. I drove this time because the owner of the car was running. I am OK driving but get nervous driving other people’s cars. Luckily, nothing happened and we arrived at the next exchange spot. Lety was nice enough to get coffee for the both of us. It felt good to drink something warm. Earlier I had changed my top but left my skirt. I was getting colder so I changed into capris. Not sure why I didn’t do that before.

ILMarathonRelay9 — Love my colorful shoes!

We got a text from Rocio that she was at mile 20. We were meeting her at 20.5. One of the volunteers told us that the race was cancelled because of the weather. We were like “What?!?” We couldn’ believe it. We kept walking and asked another volunteer and she was not aware of the news. Ana was the last runner and she said that she would run no matter what. We saw Rocio and Ana took off to complete the race. We told Rocio what we were told about the race. On our way to the finish line, Ana sent us a text. Yes, the race was cancelled and time would not matter. She would keep going till the buses arrived. She called me and I asked her if she wanted us to pick her up. She said no and I told her that we would meet her before the entrance of Memorial Stadium.

It was raining even harder. We arrived at the stadium and went inside. It was pure chaos. There were so many people there.

ILMarathonRelay8 — Definitely not a signage you want to see at a race.

While waiting for Ana, I used the bathroom and got some pizza. There was also water, bananas, and bags of pretzels. She texted us at mile 24. We waited a little bit before heading out to meet her so that we could cross the finish line together. While waiting we cheered for the runners. Some looked tired, cold but also excited to be almost done. We waited and finally saw her.

We ran inside the stadium. We held hands and crossed the finish line together. Finally done!

ILMarathonRelay20 — Our finish time is 4:29:47.

Even with the nasty weather we all had a great time! We made the best of it and felt thankful for being able to participate in this race. We ran, laughed, motivated and helped each other out. And the rain did not stop us. Definitely teamwork! We had so much fun that we are already planning to do it again next year.

Have you ran a relay race? Which one and how was it?

21
Apr
2015

Live Grit 10 Miler

categories: Race Recap, Running

On Saturday I ran my second race of the year. I’ve run this race in 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012. I was very excited! 10 miles is the longest I’ve run this year.

I picked up my bib Friday after school. Very fast and easy. Nothing fancy. Just a bib and a black long sleeve shirt. Definitely my kind of packet.

Saturday morning came and it was time to run. I got ready, ate, and drove to Montrose Harbor. Luckily I found a spot not too far from the start. I took advantage of the extra time to relax and use the port-a-potties.

Then I met a few bloggers and it was nice to chat with them. Notice the before and after picture. I am the only one without a jacket. I did not check in a bag and clearly I did not need a jacket cause it was almost 60 degrees. Big mistake!

LiveGrit10Miler5 — Before the race. From L to R: Erin, Marcia, Sara, Wendy, me, Emily

LiveGrit10Miler6 — After the race. From L to R: Marcia, Erin, Emily, Sara, Wendy, me. Photo Credit: Emily Seto

Emily and I had decided to run together. The plan was to start at 10 minute miles and then hopefully still have enough gas in the tank and speed it up during the second half.

She is a great runner! I was able to keep up with her for two miles before realizing that the pace was too fast for me. Plus, I got so distracted with several girls talking nonstop behind me and the sound of feet scraping. I wished I had brought my headphones to block out those sounds. I don’t run with my headphones (except on the treadmill) and I like it. But I know I need to learn to tune out the noise/sounds and just focus on the race.

Between mile 2 and 3 is the dreaded Cricket Hill. Oh how I dislike that hill. I walked. No shame.

I was feeling great until the turnaround on Fullerton Avenue (mile 6). That is when it got unbearable with the wind. I was running very slow and took several walking breaks. I was also very cold and had a headache.

Finally I saw the finish line and sprinted to it. No PR but I did get my personal worst for a 10 miles race.

After the race I met up with the same bloggers from before the race. I did not stay longer than 5 minutes before I was COLD. Heck, I couldn’t even enjoy my free beer. Bummer.

Overall, I think it is a great race. Small, nice location, and inexpensive. For sure I plan to run this again next year.

Next race: Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon (Relay Member), April 25.

01
Jan
2015

December and Year in Review 2014

categories: Ambassador, Hammer Nutrition, Monthly Review, Race all 50 states, Race Recap, Running

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post below are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.

In December I ran 90.71 miles compared to 69.82 in November. Last year (December) I ran 142.39. Big difference but I remember that I was training for my 50K in April.

Here is my 2014 running year in review:

# of Miles Run: 1001.48. I did my last run yesterday morning.

Races Run: 17, 50K (1), marathons (1), half marathons (9), 10K (2), 8K (1), 4 milers (1), 5k (2).

Fun Race Destinations: All Disney races except the Wine and Dine Half Marathon. Also, Des Moines and Tulsa (basically all races with Jaime).

Best Races: I had a great time at both the Shamrock Shuffle and the 4 on the 4th. I felt really good in both races and definitely enjoyed them. Also, I enjoyed the IMT Des Moines Half Marathon because I also felt great (besides some pain in my glutes) and did well despite my lack of running/training.

Worst Races: Chinatown 5K, ZOOMA Chicago Half Marathon, Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon and Route 66 Half Marathon. I really hate running in the rain and hills. However, I would like to run again Chinatown 5K and Route 66 Half Marathon.

Running Shoes: I started off the year running in Brooks PureConnect 2 (315.35 miles). Then switched to the Brooks PureFlow 2 (346.28 miles) and then back again to Brooks PureConnect 2 (65.18 miles). I then needed more support so I got a pair of Mizuno Sayonara. There were OK. I guess I was used to lightweight shoes and found the Sayonara too heavy. I went back to Fleet Feet and was fitted with a pair of Newton’s Kismet. Wow! I really loved those shoes. Everything was going well until I experienced some toe numbness in my right foot. I went to the podiatrist who diagnosed me with Morton’s neuroma. I don’t think that’s accurate since I did not experience many of the symptoms. “Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of your foot, most commonly the area between your third and fourth toes. Morton’s neuroma may feel as if you are standing on a pebble in your shoe or on a fold in your sock. Morton’s neuroma involves a thickening of the tissue around one of the nerves leading to your toes. This can cause a sharp, burning pain in the ball of your foot. Your toes also may sting, burn or feel numb.”

Luckily, I only experienced the numbness but it was enough to take me back to Fleet Feet for another pair of shoes and I walked out with the Brooks Ravenna. Really comfortable shoes but somehow I experienced some discomfort on the right side of my right foot. I really tried to make them work (because I did not want to buy more shoes) and used several different pairs of socks but no luck. In November I bought my last pair, Saucony Ride. My feet are happy and I am happy.

Star Sightings: I met Scott Jurek, Deena Kastor, and John Cox. Plus, I got to see Bart Yasso again in Chicago and Tulsa.

Ambassadorships: Zooma Chicago Half Marathon and Fort2Base. I did not run Fort2Base but instead volunteered at gear check which was fun but also exhausting.

Next year I will be am ambassador for Christmas in July and will be sponsored by Hammer Nutrition.

Register for any Christmas in July Race and use discount code AMBARROYO10 to save 10% off and code 228361 to save 15% off your first Hammer Nutrition order (affiliate link).

Personal Records (PRs): 2, Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle and Community Bank of Elmhurst 4 on the 4th. I am excited and looking forward to running them again this year.

Favorite Medals:

Best New Running Product I Tried: Hammer Gel in Nocciola (Hazelnut-Chocolate).

My plans for next year?

Run 2,015 miles as part of Run 2,015 in 2015 Challenge. The plan is to run them with three other friends but don’t think they’ve signed up.

Run in at least 5 different states.
PR in a 5K.
Participate in Ragnar Relay Chicago and Illinois Marathon (relay team member).

22
Dec
2014

104.10 Miles for runDisney

categories: Adventure, Fun, Race Recap, RunDisney, Running

So this year I ran a few Disney races. I ran a total of 8 races which equals to 104.10 miles and 14 medals. I won’t get into how much money I spent. I had fun traveling to Florida and California but prefer going to Florida because 1) It is closer and cheaper and 2) More parks and more things to do.

I remember when I signed up for the Goofy Challenge and I was nervous and scared. Running a half marathon is tough but then to add a marathon the next day? What was I thinking? I wasn’t. My friend, Jaime, convinced me to do it so I did. She did Dopey Challenge (5k, 10k, 13.1, and 26.2). At the end of the marathon I was almost in tears because I had accomplished something that I did not know I was capable of. Plus, I enjoyed the course more for the full than the half. I was also very sore.

But I recovered quickly because the following weekend I went to California for the Tinker Bell Half Marathon. Traveling there was nerve wrecking because there were problems with my flight and I got to the hotel after 5pm. I was too late to pick up my packet but luckily I picked it up on race day. I was not able to get my shirt but someone was nice enough to mail it to me. I liked the race and the course. The weather was perfect too. The last time I was in Disneyland was in 1991 so I stayed an extra day to hang out in Disneyland.

In February I went back to Florida for the Glass Slipper Challenge (10k on Saturday and 13.1 on Sunday). Definitely so much “easier” than Goofy Challenge. I ran the Enchanted 10k with Jeff Galloway and it was nice to chat with him. It was muggy and humid that morning but I finished early enough to head back to the hotel, shower, eat breakfast and hang out at Magic Kingdom with Arasally. We had a blast! The last time I was there was in 2004 (I did run through there in January but did not stay at the park). The half marathon was OK. Nothing too exciting about it.

At the end of August was another trip to Disneyland for the Dumbo Double Dare (10k on Saturday and 13.1 on Sunday). This time I made sure to leave early enough to avoid any problems with my flight. I saw Jaime again and it was fun hanging out with her. I knew Emily was also planning to run the half marathon but I did not see her at all. I liked the 10k but not so much the half marathon. It was cool running through Disneyland and California Adventure Park but could not wait to finish the half marathon. I did like the medal I got for completing both races.

Finally my last race was last month. I was nervous and excited about that one. The race was at night and I am not a fan of night races. The weather was pretty decent during the day but then things turned for the worst. It rained pretty much the whole time for the whole race. I heard good things about the race and was looking forward to it and the post race activities. I was cold and miserable. I could not wait to finish. I walked a lot, which made it worse. I know this was out of Disney’s control but the rain ruined it for me. However, the best part of the race was seeing all of the beautiful lights in Hollywood Studios.

Final thoughts:

Each race is a fun experience. I like the Disney theme and seeing the various costumes.
I prefer traveling to FL than CA. But unless you have a car or stay on property, it is much easier to get around in CA.
When traveling to FL make sure to stay at a resort. Disney does a great job of providing shuttle busses from/to the airport and to/from the expo and race.
Why, oh why, is it so expensive for these races? I know I spent over $300 for Goofy Challenge and while I did get 3 medals and 3 shirts, there pretty much nothing in the goody bag and in the post race box snack.
I told myself I would never run another Disney race but am finding myself drawn to the Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon in 2015 and the Glass Slipper Challenge in 2016.
Part of me wants to run again the Wine and Dine Half Marathon and actually enjoy the race.
Ugh, I will not miss the 3:00 wake up calls. Those were brutal. I understand the reason behind it but they’re still brutal.
Every runner has to run one Disney race.

My favorite medals.

28
Nov
2014

Route 66 Half Marathon

categories: Race all 50 states, Race Recap, Running

On Sunday I ran the Route 66 Half Marathon in Tulsa, Oklahoma. That makes it state #32.

On Saturday morning Jaime and I made our way to the expo. Our plan was to meet Bart Yasso for a shakeout run at 10am but quickly changed our minds when we saw that it was raining. The expo was GREAT! So many vendors. I bought some Balega socks and cute charms for my shoes from Shoe Frosting.

My traveling running buddy! Jaime is also on a mission to run in the 50 states. To date she has run in 44 states and might be done next year.

Bart Yasso.

One day I will run the Little Rock Marathon.

Half Fanatics!

Check out these beautiful cars!

Cute shirt!

On race day Jaime and I got ready and headed downstairs to have breakfast (free provided by the hotel). I wasn’t too hungry but had coffee and a waffle. Temperature was in the high 50s which makes it ideal running weather. I took a long sleeve shirt just in case I got cold. I wore it in the beginning but took it off before the 1 mile marker. I had absolutely no time goal for this race but just to run by feel considering that I had not been training properly (or at all). 🙂

There was so much excitement around us. And did I mention it was close to 60 degrees? Finally it was time to run. We were both in Corral B so we got to see twice the confetti show put on before the start of each corral.

I had NO idea how hilly this race was supposed to be. I don’t check the course map prior to the race because I’d rather deal with it on race day.

This mascot made me laugh.

The course itself was beautiful. I did like it except the hills. However, the second half of the race was not as bad as the first half but there were a few hills that snuck up on me in the last few miles. I felt good throughout the race. The weather was just fantastic and at times there was a breeze that would cool me down. I didn’t have any pain in my glutes but my quads and calves did get tight.

I took a grape jello shot because why not?

The Route 66 Bridge.

Almost done.

Around mile 12.5 is when the course separated for the marathon and half marathon runners. That meant two more turns and I would be done. However, it seemed like that last half mile felt longer. Finally the last turn and I saw Bart Yasso. We high-fived and I sprinted to the finish line. Done. Finish time is 2:42:17. I am very impressed with my time considering that the course was hilly and I am definitely undertrained.

Love the medal. When I crossed the finish line I got a different one but then exchanged it for a Half Fanatic themed medal.

I did not stick around to take advantage of the Half Fanatic VIP area as Jaime and I had to head back to the hotel, get ready, and head out to Oklahoma City because we both had flights departing from there.

Overall it was an awesome race and if you are planning to run in the 50 states then this is the race for you. It was well organized, many great vendors at the expo, a lot of food at the finish line, plenty of water stations, and a beautiful course.

That was my last race for the year. My plan now is to get back to running on a consistent basis. Since August, my runs have been mostly once a week on Saturdays. I’ve struggled to got out for a run during the week but am hoping that will change.

I have not signed up for any races in 2015 but have a few in mind and can’t wait to race again.