I'm SOOO excited!!!! I actually have race photos and found out what my actual time was and it was MUCH better than I anticipated. I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am.
If you're interested in seeing the photos you can look HERE and if it asks for a bib number mine was B2926. There were 4 photos of me! Granted the first one is impossible to see me with the logo overtop and the others aren't so flattering but hey... it's me in my first race!!! And I went to check out the previews of the types of photos they sell and my time read... 1:06:36!!!! Wow... now I went and typed in several other bib numbers to see if this was just a standard number but it wasn't so I'm hoping this was my actual race time!
***ETA This takes you to the first page of the site. Click on HK Marathon and then type in the Bib number and whala
Oh wow... this just really made my day!
Okay... I have more to share about my day but it's much later than I want to be up so I'll try to write more tomorrow before heading out to camp.
Blessings!
Showing posts with label 10K. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 10K. Show all posts
Friday, March 09, 2007
Sunday, March 04, 2007
HK Standard Charter 10K
Lining up in the waiting zone.
A few shots of the runners... 
there's just a few to compete with.
Posing in front of the line...
taking my place in line.
2 minute countdown
10,9,8...... 3,2, RUN!!!!
My attempt to get to bed early last night was unsuccessful. Not because I didn't try but because I couldn't sleep. I was so nervous, excited, fearful... and of course I dreamt that I was late, forgot my number cloth, etc.... which woke me up probably every hour. So when the 4:45 alarm went off my first words were.... 'You've got to be kidding me.' LOL
I got ready, then Mike got up and got ready and we were out the door by 5:10. We took a cab, who informed us that he really couldn't get us that far but that was okay. We just wanted to be a bit closer than Hung Hom. We got to East TST and the cabbie dropped us off in the middle of the highway! It was crazy but thankfully there really weren't many cars out and there were tons of people on the streets. We made our way to the waiting zone and tons of people were already lined up. I was convinced that I would be at the end... a place I REALLY didn't want to start at but I managed to squeeze in about half-way through the pack. I was able to be at the edge so I could be with Mike until the race started. He was so great to get up with me and see me start. It was raining at the beginning so I sent him home instead of trying to meet me at the end. I figured he'd be soaked and I didn't think he'd actually get to see me cross the finish line so there was really no need for him to make his way over there.
So I got in line and at about 5 minutes before hand they let us move a little closer and then again at 2 minutes they moved us up to the starting line. Unfortunately there wasn't a lot of English spoken by the announcers (at least I didn't hear any) but everyone started cheering and then I could understand the count down and new the race was beginning. It was so exhilarating to cross the starting line. I was still pretty much walking at that point (with my 9000 friends) but it was fun nonetheless.
We started to spread out a tiny bit and I found a comfortable pace but I learned quickly that it's impossible to keep a steady pace with that many people. I dodged and weaved, got pushed, almost tripped and on occasion found some empty space to pick up speed. I was amazed at the people participating in this. There were definitely some seasoned runners and quite a few first timers. There were children and elderly. It was amazing to be a part of that. There were quite a few people who walked a large majority of the race as well. This was encouraging to me because I wasn't so embarrassed when becoming overheated and my knee acting up caused me to walk for a little.
So as I said, I started well... kept a comfortable pace and was feeling great through the first 5K. By that point though we were in the tunnel and breathing became difficult for me. The tunnel was very warm (imagine that being underwater with no ventilation and 9000 people running...lol) and I found myself becoming very overheated. And then I started to see people on the sides with oxygen masks or passed out... this made me a bit nervous and I think I panicked a bit. I decided it would be best to walk half way up the hill at the end of the tunnel for fear if I didn't I would too pass out. I was so glad to get out of there! The fresh (as fresh as it gets in HK) air and breeze felt absolutely wonderful! And then there was the 2nd and 3rd hill that no one told me about. lol There aren't many hills where I run (to run up) so I was not prepared for this... especially at the end.. but I pushed through. Unfortunately, my knee began to bother me a kilometer 6 and I had to on occasion walk for a few seconds to give it a rest. I was so TOTALLY bummed to have to walk but I knew it was best for my life for the next week. (I refer to the first time I decided to train in which I pushed and pushed and then couldn't walk for the next 3 days!) It was so wonderful to see the sign that said, '500 left', and to cross the finish line! I felt relieved, energized, and simply exhausted. I really should never have given myself the break that I did while I was at home. It really affected my running abilities but alas... I did. I was really bummed at my time. It read 1:27:?? (didn't pay close enough attention to that). My goal had been 1hr but it felt great to look back and see thousands of people still behind me! LOL After the race, I collected all my goodies (water, sports drinks, chocolate, fruit) and caught the ferry back to Hung Hom. It was so surreal to be done. All the training, preparation, excitement of this race... over. It left me craving for another chance, an opportunity to beat my time, and a nap. 4:45 was awfully early. :)
While I was bummed about my time, I am so proud of myself. I'm so proud that I went through with this, that I pushed myself, that I was dedicated to something, that I learned to enjoy another sport. I had a BLAST and would do it again in a heartbeat. I felt like I accomplished something big but that there was more out there to reach for. I felt strong and powerful.
It was absolutely a GREAT experience and I look forward to the next chance I have to race. I'm seriously considering either the Singapore 1/2 marathon or the Macau 1/2 marathon both on December 2 of this year however, I'm also considering re-running the 10K to both beat my time and prepare for next year's HK 1/2 Marathon. I for-sure want to run the 1/2 marathon here in HK next year and maybe the following year to complete my first marathon. I guess I'll have to put off that second child for at least one more year. lol We'll see though... a lot could happen in that time.
A couple of things I learned:
1. It's very difficult to keep a steady pace when you are amongst so many people. I tried to stick with a few people to help me stay within a comfortable pace but with the need to dodge and weave so often... it was hard to stay steady and not trip over someone.
2. Take a watch or my iPod with me next time. I had no way to judge my time or pace. I feel as though if I had one of these, I would have pushed myself a bit harder.
3. Wear a tank-top. I always exercise in one so why didn't I race in one? I'm going to be hot and sweaty no matter what the temp is. LOL
4. Do not give up on your training the weeks before your race. It really killed my endurance and knee.
I know there is more that learned... I was making mental lists on my ferry ride home but of course I can't remember them now. Maybe in the days to come.. they'll pop into my head.
So if you've made it this far... you deserve a medal! :) Thanks for the support and encouragement throughout this process.
My attempt to get to bed early last night was unsuccessful. Not because I didn't try but because I couldn't sleep. I was so nervous, excited, fearful... and of course I dreamt that I was late, forgot my number cloth, etc.... which woke me up probably every hour. So when the 4:45 alarm went off my first words were.... 'You've got to be kidding me.' LOL
I got ready, then Mike got up and got ready and we were out the door by 5:10. We took a cab, who informed us that he really couldn't get us that far but that was okay. We just wanted to be a bit closer than Hung Hom. We got to East TST and the cabbie dropped us off in the middle of the highway! It was crazy but thankfully there really weren't many cars out and there were tons of people on the streets. We made our way to the waiting zone and tons of people were already lined up. I was convinced that I would be at the end... a place I REALLY didn't want to start at but I managed to squeeze in about half-way through the pack. I was able to be at the edge so I could be with Mike until the race started. He was so great to get up with me and see me start. It was raining at the beginning so I sent him home instead of trying to meet me at the end. I figured he'd be soaked and I didn't think he'd actually get to see me cross the finish line so there was really no need for him to make his way over there.
So I got in line and at about 5 minutes before hand they let us move a little closer and then again at 2 minutes they moved us up to the starting line. Unfortunately there wasn't a lot of English spoken by the announcers (at least I didn't hear any) but everyone started cheering and then I could understand the count down and new the race was beginning. It was so exhilarating to cross the starting line. I was still pretty much walking at that point (with my 9000 friends) but it was fun nonetheless.
We started to spread out a tiny bit and I found a comfortable pace but I learned quickly that it's impossible to keep a steady pace with that many people. I dodged and weaved, got pushed, almost tripped and on occasion found some empty space to pick up speed. I was amazed at the people participating in this. There were definitely some seasoned runners and quite a few first timers. There were children and elderly. It was amazing to be a part of that. There were quite a few people who walked a large majority of the race as well. This was encouraging to me because I wasn't so embarrassed when becoming overheated and my knee acting up caused me to walk for a little.
So as I said, I started well... kept a comfortable pace and was feeling great through the first 5K. By that point though we were in the tunnel and breathing became difficult for me. The tunnel was very warm (imagine that being underwater with no ventilation and 9000 people running...lol) and I found myself becoming very overheated. And then I started to see people on the sides with oxygen masks or passed out... this made me a bit nervous and I think I panicked a bit. I decided it would be best to walk half way up the hill at the end of the tunnel for fear if I didn't I would too pass out. I was so glad to get out of there! The fresh (as fresh as it gets in HK) air and breeze felt absolutely wonderful! And then there was the 2nd and 3rd hill that no one told me about. lol There aren't many hills where I run (to run up) so I was not prepared for this... especially at the end.. but I pushed through. Unfortunately, my knee began to bother me a kilometer 6 and I had to on occasion walk for a few seconds to give it a rest. I was so TOTALLY bummed to have to walk but I knew it was best for my life for the next week. (I refer to the first time I decided to train in which I pushed and pushed and then couldn't walk for the next 3 days!) It was so wonderful to see the sign that said, '500 left', and to cross the finish line! I felt relieved, energized, and simply exhausted. I really should never have given myself the break that I did while I was at home. It really affected my running abilities but alas... I did. I was really bummed at my time. It read 1:27:?? (didn't pay close enough attention to that). My goal had been 1hr but it felt great to look back and see thousands of people still behind me! LOL After the race, I collected all my goodies (water, sports drinks, chocolate, fruit) and caught the ferry back to Hung Hom. It was so surreal to be done. All the training, preparation, excitement of this race... over. It left me craving for another chance, an opportunity to beat my time, and a nap. 4:45 was awfully early. :)
While I was bummed about my time, I am so proud of myself. I'm so proud that I went through with this, that I pushed myself, that I was dedicated to something, that I learned to enjoy another sport. I had a BLAST and would do it again in a heartbeat. I felt like I accomplished something big but that there was more out there to reach for. I felt strong and powerful.
It was absolutely a GREAT experience and I look forward to the next chance I have to race. I'm seriously considering either the Singapore 1/2 marathon or the Macau 1/2 marathon both on December 2 of this year however, I'm also considering re-running the 10K to both beat my time and prepare for next year's HK 1/2 Marathon. I for-sure want to run the 1/2 marathon here in HK next year and maybe the following year to complete my first marathon. I guess I'll have to put off that second child for at least one more year. lol We'll see though... a lot could happen in that time.
A couple of things I learned:
1. It's very difficult to keep a steady pace when you are amongst so many people. I tried to stick with a few people to help me stay within a comfortable pace but with the need to dodge and weave so often... it was hard to stay steady and not trip over someone.
2. Take a watch or my iPod with me next time. I had no way to judge my time or pace. I feel as though if I had one of these, I would have pushed myself a bit harder.
3. Wear a tank-top. I always exercise in one so why didn't I race in one? I'm going to be hot and sweaty no matter what the temp is. LOL
4. Do not give up on your training the weeks before your race. It really killed my endurance and knee.
I know there is more that learned... I was making mental lists on my ferry ride home but of course I can't remember them now. Maybe in the days to come.. they'll pop into my head.
So if you've made it this far... you deserve a medal! :) Thanks for the support and encouragement throughout this process.
brief update
For those of you who may be interested and might check one more time before bed... I MADE IT!!!!!!!!!! I survived my very first race. Updates later today but as far as enjoying myself...
LOVED IT! Would do it again in a heartbeat. I guess this means.... 1/2 Marathon.. here I come!
LOVED IT! Would do it again in a heartbeat. I guess this means.... 1/2 Marathon.. here I come!
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Pre-Race
It's here! Just a few short hours and I'll be running my heart out... literally I'm sure. It'll be pumping so hard I'll feel like I'm going to explode.. a mixture of nerves, excitement, fear... and of course the whole exercise thing. I'm actually REALLY excited now and am dreading the results of my unmotivation this past week. But... it'll be okay. I'm sure the adrenaline will kick in and keep me going.
Yikes... I can't belive it. I must be crazy to run amongst 9000 other people! There's a total of 47000 people participating in the 3 events... CRAZY! But I must admit that I've been having a blast talking with some friends who are also participating and feeling a part of the culture and biggest event here in HK.
Well... I NEED to get to bed. 4:45 comes awfully early for me. Keep me in your prayers please!
Yikes... I can't belive it. I must be crazy to run amongst 9000 other people! There's a total of 47000 people participating in the 3 events... CRAZY! But I must admit that I've been having a blast talking with some friends who are also participating and feeling a part of the culture and biggest event here in HK.
Well... I NEED to get to bed. 4:45 comes awfully early for me. Keep me in your prayers please!
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Final Weigh-In for Biggest Loser
Well... TheBiggestLoser-DigiStyle is over (well the first round) and I'm thrilled that while I wasn't the biggest loser, I did lose and managed to gain a better grasp on my eating habits. My final weigh in was 115lbs and lots of inches (can't remember the total off the top of my head) smaller. :) It was fun to push myself and try some different exercises but the thing I'm most excited about is that it got me running. I'm really excited about my first 10K and Tim told me on Sunday that he will keep me posted on other races in the future. Races here are a really big deal with people coming from all over the world to compete so while I know I'll never win, it will be fun to be competitive even if it's just beating my own time.
However, right now I'm so frustrated! With the holidays, weird work schedules and a severe lack of desire (no comments Mike...lol) to get up at 7am... I haven't run consistently for about 3 weeks and now I'm paying for it. The ache in my knee has returned. :( I'm so frustrated with myself and nervous about the 10K but am trusting that going back to interval training for a few days will fix the problem again. And to top it off... I lost my LV card and can't get into the gym for weight training which I really thinked helped as well. Grrrr but it's my own fault. I'm just going to have to be more disciplined that I thought while in the states. No slacking for me. LOL
However, right now I'm so frustrated! With the holidays, weird work schedules and a severe lack of desire (no comments Mike...lol) to get up at 7am... I haven't run consistently for about 3 weeks and now I'm paying for it. The ache in my knee has returned. :( I'm so frustrated with myself and nervous about the 10K but am trusting that going back to interval training for a few days will fix the problem again. And to top it off... I lost my LV card and can't get into the gym for weight training which I really thinked helped as well. Grrrr but it's my own fault. I'm just going to have to be more disciplined that I thought while in the states. No slacking for me. LOL
Friday, January 05, 2007
Biggest Loser Update
Only one week left! I'm so excited to push myself one more week and then I move on to maintance! Wohoo so exciting. I have really enjoyed the challenge and adding some new things to my exercise routine... including running and not on the elliptical. They have allowed me to stay a part of the boards and I'm really looking forward to cheering on my current (and new) team members. I think this board is just fantastic in promoting healthy lifestyles.. not just quick weight-loss. Yesterday we had 5 (10 minutes) challenges and it was so fun to see how much I'd improved. For some things (like curls and squats) I came close to doing almost 1 per second for 10 minutes straight! I haven't lost as much as I thought I would but I have lost a lot of inches and that's ultimately the most important thing to me.
As I mentioned before I started running and as of today... I'll be running the 10K for the Standard Charter Marathon!!! I am STOKED!!!! I've been having some problems with registration but today it was confirmed! WOHOOOOOO! Can you tell I'm excited! The only bummer is that I can't totally relax while I'm home... I'll have to keep running but that's okay. This was just the extra motivation I needed this week. YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Watch out HK here comes Melissa! LOL
As I mentioned before I started running and as of today... I'll be running the 10K for the Standard Charter Marathon!!! I am STOKED!!!! I've been having some problems with registration but today it was confirmed! WOHOOOOOO! Can you tell I'm excited! The only bummer is that I can't totally relax while I'm home... I'll have to keep running but that's okay. This was just the extra motivation I needed this week. YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Watch out HK here comes Melissa! LOL
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