2020 Hot Chocolate OKC Virtual Race

"Disclaimer: I received an entry to this race to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!"

This year's race season has been challenging between COVID and then having surgery.  I was hoping that the 2020 Hot Chocolate OKC race would continue as I am on a streak for 3 year legacy but due to the COVID it makes sense not to have the race.  I'm excited that Hot Chocolate OKC 15K/5K has gone virtual so I can earn the awesome swag and continue my legacy.  

I ran my first Hot Chocolate Race in 2015 in Dallas.  I remember how exciting the environment was and running a race that wasn't a 5K, 10K or half rather a 15K.  I had made the trip down from OKC with friends but I was the only one running the 15K. It was just a blast, I love having all the chocolate during the race and getting a medal chocolate bar at the finish line. The bling itself was worth it.  Sadly I didn't take many pictures back then but I did come back to the race in 2019 as moving took me away from being close to Dallas.  Since Dallas was the closest race when moving back to OKC my friends and I made another trip.  I'm so glad I did, I was able to push myself and in the last few miles increase my speed.  I love the environment as it's full of all types of runners, may completing their first race/Hot Chocolate race because who wouldn't run for chocolate.  Then the finish line always has a bowl of goodies such as Hot Chocolate and various chocolate snacks.

Here is a picture at the finish line about to pass out from racing hard. 

The bling...do I need to say more?

Running the inaugural Hot Chocolate OKC 15K.  I got the opportunity to pace and help runners reach their goal.

Again...the bling 2019 Hot Chocolate OKC.

I'm excited to be running the 2020 Hot Chocolate OKC Virtual 15K.  I even have friends that are getting together and running it around OKC.  This most-likely will be my longest distance post surgery but either way I will get it done.  I'm excited for the new swag and medal (pictured below).  They have definitely kept up with game with their gear.  I haven't been disappointed in their swag since I started running with them in 2015. Thank you for Hot Chocolate and BibRave for the opportunity to run this amazing race again. 

Surgery

First off surgery was never on my list to have done while I was in my thirties but guess it was in the books.  I have an impingement that is congenital.  I did have to look up what congenital meant, basically I have had it since birth. Weeks before the surgery I was getting stressed trying to figure out the insurance portion. I was not worried about the surgery itself but what I would have to pay and what insurance was going to cover.  Thankful the individuals at Mercy Ortho helped me through it.  The procedure I would have is a hip scope and labral tear repair.

Due to COVID I had to get tested no more than 48 hours prior to surgery and that was nerve racking waiting to get the results.  I was negative and was able to move forward with the surgery.  I didn't know what to expect in this surgery as this was my first procedure.  I'm thankful for modern medicine, normally this surgery they would have to cut you open but now this procedure can be done as a minimal invasive procedure which means they will make small incisions (three to be exact) to complete the procedure.  The night prior to surgery there were things I couldn't do such as couldn't eat or drink past 11 pm, couldn't use lotion after my shower and then the day of I couldn't have my contacts in.  I made sure to follow all the direction given so that I could get the surgery.

Waiting for the nurse to call me back.

Surgery day!  My surgery was schedule at 8 am and had to check in at 5:30 am.  It was a weird experience going into the hospital as COVID was happening as it was empty.  They limited the amount of patients but also there were no visitors allowed.  Once the nurse called me back, I knew I was walking in but going to be wheeled out.  That was a weird realization.  I got into my room and changed into my gown.  At least five different people came into my room at various times: two nurses, the doctor, the anesthesiologist and the OR nurse. The first nurse took my blood pressure and it was very high, she was a little worried but when I shared that this was my first procedure she gave me some time to calm down before taking it again.  The second nurse was the one that was going to prep me for my surgery.  She was a lot of fun to have around as she lighten the mood.  The funniest thing was when she tried to give me a pill and I asked if I could eat it.  She just stared at me.  I shared that I couldn't swallow pills and she was in shock.  She was able to give me a tiny bit of water to get it down but nothing more.  Then she goes to put an IV in me and the first hand didn't work well so she went over to my left hand.  I said something about my body being difficult and she was like I'll beat the vain out of you.  That made me laugh.  She was finally able to get it in.  The surgeon came in to answer any questions and mark my leg of the side that I will be getting the surgery on.  Last but not least was the anesthesiologist, he shared that he will be doing a nerve block, which will block the sensation in the regional part of my body.  After that he will control the rest of my anesthesia.  He shared this is the best way to do it.  Is it too late to turn back?

My new swag and bed for surgery.

After my little talks, the OR nurse was ready to take me away.  I'm glad she wasn't driving the surgery as she accidentally bumped my surgery bed I was on into the walls all the way to the OR.  I was told it is heavy from friends later.  Once I got into the room, it was just a weird feelings that I'm doing this.  It all happened fast but I believe there was six people in the room.  They wheeled me up to the bed.  First up was the anesthesiologist, he did the nerve block which was taking a needle with some type of drugs and putting it directly into my hip.  The needle was not the best feeling but he said that will be the worst part.  He then shared that when I started to feel tired it was him making me go to sleep.  He then asked if I can move myself onto the operating table and I said yes.  I moved over and within a second of getting myself onto the OR table I was out.  I don't remember anything about the surgery.

Ready for surgery.

The next thing I knew was the nurse asked me how she can put my mask back on my face and that my toes were cold.  I was groggy from the surgery and it was hard to move my right leg.  The nurse shared that everything went well and there was water and crackers for me next to my bed.  I started to eat the crackers and the second one I had I dropped on the floor, which made me feel sad.  I wish someone had that on tape. Haha.  Within 30-40 mins of returning to my room I was being wheeled out to the car, where my amazing friend KJ was there waiting for me. I was really appreciative that he took time off of work to take me and then pick me up.  I'm not the type of person that ask for help so I'm glad that he was there.  If I could have drove home I would, but that wasn't the case.  Tune in later when I go through my recovery.

Getting home from the hospital.

Journey to Surgery

After an amazing 2018 season I started having pain in my right hip while I was on a trip to California. 

First run that I felt the pain. 

Thinking it was overuse I kept going until the pain got a little worst. I ended up seeing a running doctor when I was back in OKC.  After an eval and x-ray he figured out that I had an impingement that caused a labral tear.  He suggested that I get an MRI to double check, and when the results came back it was confirmed.  Luckily in 2019 I was able to rehab my hip and finish all of my scheduled races without a DNF thanks to my amazing doctor and physical therapist at PT Central. 

2020 didn't start well as the pain came back.  I knew this could happen but was holding out that it would keep me running for longer without any issues.  I took another chance and rehabbed it but it wasn't working.  I would continue to have pain and even had trouble sleeping.  At that point I knew I would have to get it done within the year.  I figured I would get through my planned races and get the surgery done either in the summer or after my fall races of 2020.

Picture from a ten miler, and almost exactly at mile 7 I start to feel my hip.

After my race in Atlanta at the Publix half marathon, where I finally broke 2:30 half (which had taken me 5 years to reach) Covid was becoming more prevalent in the US.  With the disappointment of races being postponed I reached out to another ortho surgeon and got an updated MRI but also a hip injection to 1) to make sure that the injury did not get worst over the last year and 2) if the hip injection works then it isn't the tear that is causing the pain.  The next week I came back and the tear was not worst than the previous MRI and the hip injection didn't work so he recommended surgery.

 With the Olympic Marathon Trial winner Aliphine Tuliamuk

After several talks with friends and my current PT I decided to go to another surgeon at Mercy Orthopedics.  Dr. Brantley reviewed my recent x-ray and recent MRI, then finish the visit with an eval on the hip.  After he was done he said he believes he can help me (once elective surgery resumed).  He didn't pressure me but shared that it looks like I have tried many different options and nothing was working.   With OKC Marathon being postponed I decided if elective surgery started up in a certain time period that gave me the option to run in the fall that I would go for it.

Elective surgery started at the end of April.  I knew that I could potentially get a call soon.  Mid May I got a called and the nurse stated if I was still interested.  I was like yes I am.  We scheduled my surgery for May 22.  Up until that day I ran like I wasn't going to run again.  It was a crazy two months and was able to set a PR in miles per month with 112 in April and also run a couple of virtual half marathon.  I was told it will be a process to be able to regain strength and to run again but decided that surgery was the best option as I didn't want to have pain at all.  The story will continue on the next blog. 

Publix Atlanta Half Marathon

This race was on my to do list, for two reasons.  The first reason is I am trying to complete a half marathon in each state.  The second reason is that the race partnered with the Olympic Marathon trials, so if I went down to Atlanta I could see the best US road racing runners race to make a spot on Team USA.  Once registration opened I signed up and I was ecstatic.  We decided to arrive on Thursday to make sure we had enough time to see the city but also be able to participate in some of the extra activities that were brought to the city because of the Olympic trials. 

The first night we decided to go to a social run with Saucony, as they were releasing their new shoes which were the Endrophin Pro and having a Q&A with some of the Saucony endorsed runners.  I was sad I wasn't able to try on the Endorphin Pro because I have wide feet.  I did hear some good reviews from others runners there and some even purchased the shoe.  I didn't know much about the Endorphin Pro but it was awesome to hear that Jared Ward was part of the design of these shoes and he wouldn't stop until it was perfect.  We were able to meet some of the athletics afterwards and I decided to get a picture with Jared.  Jared was such a nice and humble guy.  I was excited to see him perform that Saturday.  

Flash forward to Sunday and the challenge ahead of me, which was running a sub 2:30 half.   This was a scary goal as I've been trying for 5 years for this sub 2:30.  Also this was one of the most difficult course because of the hills.  We started the morning by going to the Half Fanatic/Marathon Maniac tent to drop off our gear.  Then it was off to the start corral. 

The start corral very crowded, I tried to move up to the 2:30 pacers but it was hard because of the crowd so I decided I'll take on the challenge by myself but make sure that I keep an eye on them.  Sadly I forgot to print off a 2:30 pace band so I decided to calculate the time in my head.  I knew I had to run a sub 11:30 per mile but also take into consideration if I did not run the tangents that could add distance which would then add time to the clock.  The course was beautiful, it showcased the city well while also keeping us on our toes with the rolling hills.  I think calculating the time helped take my mind off the hills, being tired and how many miles I had left as I had to make sure I had my numbers correct.  I had some doubts of my ability to calculate time while I run so I made sure I had some banked time just in case there were any issues.  Once I got to mile 12 I knew I had a chance.  I didn't want to get too confident as all runners know anything can happen.  Once I saw the turn to the finish line, which was the same finish line as the Olympic trials I knew I had it in the bag.  I crossed the finish line with so much excitement and joy.  I couldn't believe my eyes, a sub 2:30.  Official finish time was 2:29:29.  The picture below was taken right after the race at the finish line.  

I decided to enjoy my finish by grabbing some coffee and wait for my friend to finish.  During that hour of waiting I was able to reflect on my run but also cheer on other runners while they finish.   The people of Atlanta were amazing and the race organizers did a great job in managing the race.  I felt safe from traffic and well sported while I run.  On the way back to our hotel I really wanted a finisher pick with the Olympic rings.  Little did I know that I would get a picture with Aliphine Tullamuk, who won the Olympic trials the day before.  She was so nice, she asked me about my race and how it went.  Just to be right next to her was an honor and can't wait to see her crush the marathon in Japan in 2021. 

I would definitely recommend this run for anyone who wants to check off Atlanta on their journey for all 50 states.  From the swag, to the course, to the people of Atlanta and lastly the medal it was an amazing experience.  I can't wait to the next Olympic Trials so I can cheer on the best of the best.   

 

Joplin Memorial and Chicago Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon

I'm definitely behind on my blogs as so many things are going on.  Between work, softball, races, gym and other things in my life it has been a little crazy.  Race number 12 and 13 were Joplin Memorial and Chicago Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon.  Doing both of these runs added a new state to my list, hitting state number 7 and 8 but also hitting number 5 and 6 half marathons in 2017.       

Recap: Joplin Memorial Half Marathon
For some of you that don't know, the Joplin Memorial Race is put on to remember the people lost on May 22, 2011.  Here is a little blurb from the Joplin Memorial Marathon website, "On May 22, 2011 an F-5 tornado tore through Joplin destroying many homes, businesses, and taking 161 lives. For the first and last mile of the Joplin Memorial Marathon course we display 161 victim banners that our runners run through. One name is on every banner displayed."  This was definitely a emotional race as like Oklahoma City as both races remember people that were lost on a tragic day.  This half marathon race I ran alone, but my friend Carly ran the 5K.  Leading up to the race I was having issues with my knee and so I didn't know how this race would turn up but I was going to give it my all.

As the blurb stated the first mile and last mile displayed the 161 victims on banners.  I was definitely emotional at the beginning just seeing the names and how many lives were taken.  These types of tragic events are just terrible but what happens afterwards give me hope for mankind.  Now living in a tornado area, tornadoes are more than real.  While living in California I was far removed from tornadoes but now it is really serious.  After passing the banners I had to get my head back in the game and the long trek.  Whenever I felt tired I tried to remember why I am doing this race.  I felt really good with the first six miles.  If I can remember correctly I hit the 10K mark at about 1 hour and 5 minutes which is pretty close to my fastest 10K mark at just under 1 hour and 2 minutes.  After that mark it was a tough second half.  I started to have stomach issues and the next 7 miles were tough.  I would run a little then have to stop and keep doing that method til the end.  The people around were just amazing supporting each other throughout the race.  Support is the one thing that gets me through the race and I am thankful for all those people.  This race was one of the smaller half marathons I have done.  There were 623 finishers and 258 of those runners were male.  Even with my stomach issues I continue to run and even sprinted at the very end.  I finished with an official time of 2:44:28 at a pace of 12:33.  I place 17/20 in my age and was 491 out of 623 finishers.  Even though it wasn't an amazing race in terms of running I felt an accomplishment of finishing another half marathon but also running for a purpose.  I would highly recommend this race for what it does for the community and bringing everyone together to remember the people lost on that day.  Also the bling was pretty dang cool.  

Recap: Chicago Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon
Chicago Rock 'n' Roll was the latest race.  I was kind of against "corporate races" because I want to be part of a race that a local community put together and was proud of/race for a cause.  I will say the company putting on this race did an amazing job with the whole race experience.  I was very pleased.  Back when I ran the OKC memorial marathon several weeks after my friends had an idea to run the Chicago Rock 'n' Roll.  I love to travel and I would be able to check some stuff off my running list so I was like "let's do it."  I traveled to Chicago with my good friends Kevin and Kari, while Roksana (another friend) was already in Chicago.  We flew out early Saturday morning to get there later that morning, get checked in and pick up our packet.  Kevin's sister Kris (who lives in the Chicagoish area) and her daughter Tess picked us up from the airport, which was super nice of her and we were off to the hotel.  We were able to check in early at the Congress Plaza Hotel.  We decided to go with a suite and in downtown because there would be six of us and it was close to the starting line.  Thus we wouldn't have to wake up super early.  Anyways we met up with our friend Roksana and did some sight seeing while heading to the expo.  We got to the expo about 3 p.m. and got our bibs for the race.  Before we entered the official expo there was a large Brooks booth(ish).  Apparently Brooks is a sponsor and so they were doing a ton of discount items.  I was so tempted to buy several things but knew that I would rather run other races then spend all my money on clothes and shoes.  Luckily I left the expo only spending $17 bucks on a singlet that I wore the next day.  We did all the typical racer things like get free stuff and take pictures in front of the Rock 'n' Roll signs.  After the expo we explored more of Chicago, mainly Chinatown and got some pretty authentic Chinese food.  By the end of that day I had walk 10 miles, which I definitely felt and knew the 13.1 the next day would be fun...not. 

Race day.  All of my races (except OKC 2017) was chasing a PR.  This race I wasn't chasing a PR, rather I wanted to stick with my friends and help support each other.  One of my friends Roksana was having surgery later that week so she wanted to beat her PR.  I decided to stick with her to help Roksana get to that PR.  Everyone wanted to do the same so we started together and held on as long as we could.  Sometimes it is hard to run in a group.  The one nice thing about this race was that it showcased downtown Chicago and all that it had to offer.  Having this route also helped get your mind off of the race and see Chicago (if you have never been before).  At around mile 6, I believe, our group started to split, I didn't know what was happening but kept with Roksana to get her to a good pace and time. Come to find out a few minutes after the split Kevin told us that Kari had some sort of injury.  We debated going back but Kevin and I knew that Kari would want us to continue along to get Roksana to a PR.  We continued and about mile 10 I was hurting a little but didn't want to disappoint my friend in getting her PR.  At mile 12/13 ish I took a small break, I couldn't keep going at our pace (even though it wasn't a fast pace).  I took a minute or so to walk then caught back up with Roksana.  We were close and I wanted to finish together.  The last stretch was the toughest because it was a straight shot to the finish.  I could kind of see the finish line but there was some distance to get through.  Roksana and I finished at a time of 2 hours 48 minutes and 36 second.  Unfortunately we didn't break Roksana's PR but it was one of the best runs she had til this day.  That made me happy to help a friend.  

Before this race I never paced the whole race.  My mentality going into a race is to run as far and fast that I can and then take a break.  Usually it's about 8-10 miles before I take a break but trying to be steady the whole race is another head game.  I always warn my friends that I run alone but this experience changed my perception and that I could run with others (at a steady pace).  This experience also gave me some insight on how my pacing is and that one day I could pace a group, which would be amazing.  To give you some numbers I finished 8186 out of 9834 people and in my age group 563/603.  The numbers don't really mean anything to me, rather the time does.  Even though this was one of my slowest time this year, just being able to run with friends means a lot more.  

As I take a break from half marathons until October, my next race is less than two weeks.  I will be headed to Hutchinson Kansas to run a 10K with a good buddy of mine.  This will be a special race for multiple reasons, the first reason is this is my friend's first race.  He has never ran in a race like this before and to tackle a 6.2 mile race out the gate is amazing.  He has been sticking to a good running schedule and I know he will do well when it comes to race day.  In addition this is the first time this race is being put together thus I may have a chance to place.  Generally new races don't attract a lot of people thus the competition is smaller.  I'm not the quickest runner but can finish a 10K around 1:05 to 1:10, depending on the day.  I'm excited to see what can happen, if I don't place it's not the end of the world as this race will help round out the second part of the year with 4 half marathons left in the year.  The goal for the rest of the year is to finish and take care of my body.  This is the most races and running I have done in a year so it is taking a toll.  Whatever you do for your extracurricular activity make sure you take care of your body.  You only have one of them and you better take care of it.  Thanks for reading my gibberish.  

Forgot to add I'm endorsed by Brooks now, I'm fancy that way. 

Half Marathon Number 11 Done! And what's next?

OKC Memorial Marathon is near and dear to me.  There are many reason why I cherish this race, first off Oklahoma City has been my new home for about 2.5 years, this was the third time running this race and the only race that I have ran more than once, and lastly because this race is to remember and celebrate the lives lost in the bombing on April 19, 1995.  With any race you want to do well but with this being my (new) home town I wanted to make my city proud.  This year I decided to dedicate this race to the 168 lives that was lost.  I wanted to run for those that can't because they aren't with us anymore.

The weekend of the race I decided to run a 10K in Tulsa as a warm up.  Unfortunately due to weather it was cancelled but it was probably a good thing because of the amazing run I will have the next day.  The night before the race I met some amazing runners from IG at a local restaurant called Zio's.   It was a great night of conversations and getting to know each other.  After that night it made me want to run a marathon even more.  But I know that if I take that next step into the marathon territory I will need to up my training.  

The today of the race came and a lot of emotion was going through me.  I was excited to be able to run this race again since last year I was living in Kansas and couldn't make it back for the run.  I was also nervous because the last half marathon that I completed in March was the worst performance in my running "career."  I went into this run not expecting to do well.  I wanted to run and enjoy the race, since most the time I am chasing my PR.  

The race started a little slow for me and probably almost every runner that morning.  There were 16,753 runners on the course so it was a little hard to get a good pace going during the first couple of miles.  After mile two I was able to break away a little and get a good pace going.  I use Runkeeper and it gives me updates every 5 minutes and I started to realize I was running an 11 minute pace, which is pretty fast for me theses days.  I didn't want to waste my good pace so I kept with it.  The first five miles went by really fast without much problem.  Just after mile five I started to get hungry and when I get hungry I hate running.  I started to eat my chia bar.  Through the next two miles it was a little tough because it was hard to eat for some reason.  I wasn't able to get the food down into my stomach fast enough so it would stop talking.  I got through those two miles and was heading to Classen, which is a long street that is from about mile 7.5 to about mile 10.  This was a little hard because when you make the turn to Classen the wind was hitting us from the South.  It is tough to run when something is coming the other direction.  I kept going because I wanted to make it to mile 10 before walking.  I kept reminding myself that this is for the 168 people that lost their lives.  It definitely helped a lot and just seeing all the wonderful people on the course and the volunteers that were in the cold with us make me keep going.  I finally made it to mile 10.3 before walking and I hit that mark at 1 hour and 55 minutes.  This was better than my fastest 10 miles this year.  I was really happy about that.  I took a minute or so and walked to catch my breath.  I started to make the calculations and figured out that I am on pace to finish under 2 hours and 30 minutes.  This has been my goal since I took two years off of running races.  Mile 11 I saw the 2:30 pacer but wasn't able to keep up.  The last mile was really tough for me because of the last hill.  I did my best but like every OKC Memorial Race that I have participated the last part of the run from 13th street to about 8 street is a long stretch.  I did my best and even though I didn't make it under 2:30 I did make it under 2:32 and cut almost 7 minutes from my faster half marathon this year.  I was thrilled about.  I still have about 13 minutes to cut in order to hit my PR but I am making progress.  Below you can see my progression through the race.  

I am just thankful to be able to participate in this race and I can't thank the volunteers enough for spending their early Sunday morning with us and cheering us on until the end.  Remember that no matter what you are going through you are lucky to be able to wake up each and every day.  Tomorrow is never guaranteed.

What's Next?

Well as of right now I have six more half marathon this year and several smaller races.  The half marathons I will be participating are the Joplin Memorial Run, Wounded Warrior Half, Chicago Rock n Roll, The Mother Run, Kansas City Half, and the Route 66 Tulsa Run.  I'm excited to be participating in all these races.  I also did a crazy thing this week and submitted my ballot for the London Marathon.  I will know in mid October if I am accepted.  If I am this will be my first marathon and what a great marathon to participate.  If not I will continue running half marathons and take more time to train for a full.  Good luck to everyone who has submitted their ballot.  Until next time.  Thanks for reading. 

Lucky Number 10, heading to 11.

Lucky Number 10

As I gear up for my 11th half marathon I have to reflect at the last ten races.  It's kind of crazy how far I have come and the love and support that I have been give over the years.  Back in high school I could barely run a mile at the weight of 270lbs (ish).  I started to get into shape after living in Germany for a semester.  It was one of the top event in my life and changed where I am and what I am today.  Even though running sucks at time, it can be very rewarding.  Distance running is a gradual process and it all starts with one step.  Then 20,000k later on.  Haha.  Now I can run half marathons and by run I mean jog.  Here are the 10 half marathons that I have completed with my times.  And yes my PR is my first half marathon and no I haven't been able to reach that time.  One day I will. 

 San Diego Holiday Half Marathon 2013

 OKC Memorial Marathon 2014

 Colfax Half Marathon (Denver, CO) 2014

Disney Half Marathon (Anaheim, CA) 2015 

 Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon (Orlando, FL) 2015

Disney Avengers Half Marathon (Anaheim, CA) 2015 

OKC Memorial Marathon 2016 

Cowtown Half Marathon (Fort Worth, TX) 2017 

Little Rock Half Marathon 2017 

A2A Half Marathon (Arbuckle to Ardmore, Oklahoma) 2017

I am very thankful that I have been able to complete all of these races.  There was a lot of hard work put into getting prepared for these races and completing them.  Each race holds a special place in my heart and no two races are the same.  My next half marathon is OKC Memorial Marathon which is to remember the 168 people (including 19 kids) that were killed in the OKC bombing in 1995.  I wasn't here when this bombing happen but I am thankful to be running and celebrate life.  I am having knee problems but I will get through this one no matter what.  Whatever you are going through, there is someone going through the same thing with you.  You may not know them but you aren't alone.  I challenge you to step out of your box and try something new or pick up a hobby that you haven't done in a while and do it.  I gave up on running races for about 2 years and I am so thankful to be back.  Happy Monday.

Chris