Well, that was a whirlwind week! This time last week I was in Orlando for work … in fact, just a few days ago I was in Orlando, running on little sleep, a decaf latte, helping with my company’s annual sales meeting. But here I am now, writing a recap of the Cleveland Marathon Race Weekend! And what a weekend it was. We also had a piano recital, a ballet recital and more …. but this post is about the Cleveland Marathon event so let me stick to that.
As I’ve shared, I’m a Cleveland Marathon Race ambassador, which means I get to promote the fun race and get free race entry. Really, it’s just a wonderful way to meet with some other really wonderful people in the Cleveland running community. Take Adam, for example, our leader — he shared impromptu videos about each of the ambassadors leading up to race weekend and here’s what he had to say about me:
Since this is also part of my weekly recap, here’s a quick look at my week before the race weekend – it included some short runs but I tried to keep it simple the week before the race. Unfortunately for race prep, I didn’t get much sleep (including 5 hours Monday night and 3.5 hours Tuesday night), and I had a lot of time on my feet during my work trip. I did take a few days off which included some walks:
Sunday: 4.12 miles before my flight out and some weights
Monday: 4 miles hotel gym
Tuesday: 3.23 miles hotel gym and some weights
Wednesday: Off – just a 2.5 mile walk
Thursday: Off – just a 3.3 mile walk
Friday: Off – just a 2.6 mile walk
And then race weekend began! This year, here’s what the weekend entailed:
FRIDAY — THE RACE EXPO
One of my favorite race weekend traditions is volunteering at the Cleveland Marathon Race Expo with other Cleveland Marathon Ambassadors. I volunteer at the registration/packet pick-up booth on the day/time the Expo opens, and it’s the best way to kick off the weekend! Seeing everyone in the expo picking up their packets really does get me so excited for race weekend! When the doors open at 12 and the rush starts, I feel ALL the feels. And as an added bonus, I get to meet up with some other race ambassadors who also volunteer.
FRIDAY NIGHT — AMBASSADOR PRE-RACE DINNER
Friday night, one of the ambassadors hosted us all for a pre-race weekend dinner! It was the first time we had an informal dinner at someone’s house. We typically have a formal event hosted by the Marathon, with other VIPs, but it was nice to be with just the other ambassadors in a more intimate environment. She had a gorgeous house and an amazing kitchen, and hosted us for a fabulous pasta party.
SATURDAY MORNING — 5K
Saturday morning: I kicked off the day with the Cleveland Marathon 5K. It looked like it was going to rain, so I ended up wearing my old sneakers and a short-sleeved shirt, but by the time it started, it was 68 and sunny. I regretted the sleeves (I was hot!) and old sneakers (my feet were sore), but I had an okay time running. I’m not going to lie – I was disappointed after this race. Especially after last year when I felt like I was flying and could’ve kept going – and I finished at an 8:15 min/mile. This year I was 40 seconds slower per mile and felt awful. So I left the 5K feeling disappointed and also nervous about what the half marathon would hold for me, knowing how lousy I felt running the 5K.
SUNDAY — HALF MARATHON
Sunday morning: Half marathon time! Again, my goals this year were to just have fun. A few months ago, my goal would’ve been to get close to 2 hours, but the past few weeks have not been great. I haven’t been sleeping well, my feet were sore from standing all day Friday and wearing heels during my work trip (when will I learn?), and after Saturday’s 5K, I told B my goal was 2:10 or under.
I kicked off the race with a pre-start photo with my other ambassadors. Being at the starting line with them always gives me a boost of energy. After the photos, we head our separate ways and into our own corrals. We have such a diverse group – one of the ambassadors even won the full women’s marathon several years in a row!
I’m so grateful for B and the kids. They got up EARLY with me and headed to the starting line to take photos and then watch me all along the course. I am so lucky to have them – I couldn’t have done this year’s training without B there to support me, watch the kids, etc.
I had debated wearing a tank or short-sleeved shirt – it was 58 at the start, and I like wearing tank tops at 60 degrees for races. I clearly opted for the short-sleeve but wished I had the tank top on by 1.5. I’m not going to lie – I was not feeling good the first 5-6 miles. My feet were already hurting, and I felt hot and out of breath. By mile 6 when I saw B, I realized I hadn’t taken any fuel at the start as I had in the past, so I quickly grabbed my Gu and within a few miles felt better! I decided to take it easy and not try for the sub-2, and instead, just enjoy the run. I gave all the high fives out I could, touched all the “power up” signs, ran through a hose, stopped at all the water and gatorade stops, etc. I decided to just enjoy the run – and I’m so glad I did! It made the 2nd half of the race that much better.
Even with all my stops, I finished at 2:02:22! While my Garmin time was slower, my official time was faster than last year by 20 seconds, so I’m counting this as my post-partum PR!
THANK YOU Cleveland Marathon for A WONDERFUL weekend. I can’t believe I’m now one of their old ambassadors. Every year I wonder if taking on the Challenge Series during the craziest time of year is a good idea, and I’m SO GLAD I did. I’m so grateful for B for taking care of everything to help me run, and the Marathon for letting me run around my city. It really is a beautiful way to see it and take it in, and I loved every moment of the weekend (well, minus the first 6 miles or so hehe). I’m so grateful to be part of this amazing ambassador team!
Questions for you:
- What is your “tank top” temperature if you have one?
- What’s your post-run go-to meal? I love a rosemary bagel with egg and cheese sandwich.
I am linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Run Down.
I Crashed The Web 
Always fabulous when you end up finishing faster than you expected! Congrats on a great race and solid training. You look really happy
Congratulations!!! I’m glad the rough 5K wasn’t a sign of things to come like you feared.
I don’t usually race in a tank because I use a Hydraquiver and am concerned about chafing, but it was so warm Saturday morning I wore a tank walking Scooby at 5 am — and was warm racing in my (lightweight t-shirt).
It is great you have so much support from your husband and kids. It’s good for your kids to see you work for a goal and crush it — and be proud of their mommy!
Post race I usually go for bland – a banana and plain or sesame bagel.
Bananas hit different after a race!!
Wow, you did great! Congrats on the almost sub-2:00! I’ve had some sub-2’s, but just can’t seem to get there anymore. I’m usually in the 2:05 range, which is still very satisfying, but it’s tough to get those faster finishes out of one’s mind, LOL.
I know that feeling… look at the time and wonder why you are slower than previous years.
It does help to let go of goals for longer races and enjoy them. Hard, though. I think you did great!!
I’d love to be that fast again. Realistically, I don’t put in the time to train and I’m OLD!!
Congrats on your races! So glad the last half turned out better than the first half. That’s the way to do it – end on a positive note!! I also think packet pickup is a fun place to help out and connect with all of the runners.
Congratulations, Melissa, you ran a fantastic half considering the work trip required so much time on your feet and so little sleep! I’m giving you a virtual high five!