Race Times « Ariana Hilborn

9Jun/10Off

Together we could break this trap, We’ll run till we drop, baby we’ll never go back!

Pre-race at the start line, it was already warm at 5am!

I HAD to use these lyrics as I swear between the Rock and Roll San Diego Expo and Marathon, I probably heard "Born To Run" a million times! What a wonderful weekend we had!

This race was a very important race as Matt, Bradford, and Dan were all trying to qualify for Boston, and without making you wait, they ALL DID!!! I am not going to be too wordy, I will let you look at fun pics instead, but I will share a bit about Matt's race.

Matt was feeling great going into this marathon. We got to the start line at about 5am

The BQ fellas!

*Thanks to my wonderful sis and her boyfriend Brian who woke up so early to support Matt!!*

Don't they look ready to start the day! LOL!

All of the guys were in corral 2. DK was with them as he was banditing the entire 26.2 miles to pace the fellas.

Nerds at heart.

I jumped on the course with Matt at mile 11 and he was looking SO strong. I talked to him for a bit, he wasn't out of breath and was averaging a 7:08 pace, he needed 7:15's, so all was well. I admit I did bandit some of the race but I will say that I used all my own water, gatorade, and gels. I also made sure not to be annoying or get in anyone's way. I was trying to be a good bandit.

Anywho, we made it over to Fiesta Island at about mile 17 and the clouds had burned off already. It was getting very hot and there was no shade. I was really worried about Matt at this point. He and the sun do not get along so well. He had slowed a little bit, but still had great form and was hitting his paces pretty close. He was staying with me and his body was not hurting, so all in all, he still had more in him! At mile 24 we started to pick it up a bit and I could not stop from crying as I was (am) SO proud of him. I knew he had it in the bag at this point and I was getting ready to jump back into the crowd. He shouted "Cross with me!" So together, we came across the finish line at 3:09:48. He had 1 minute and 12 seconds to spare for his Boston Qualification! Bradford and DK came in next at 3:10:46 and Dan came in with a new PR at 3:14. Wendy PR'd in the half too, she rocked that thang! Our friends Lisa and Todd smoked the 1/2 marathon as well! Big shout out to Brandon, Blake, and Angela who same out to support Matt. That was so awesome and just made the race even more special for him!

Wendy kickin' bootie in the half marathon!

Wow, what a celebration!!! We were all elated!!! Looks like its Boston again for us in Spring!

The following days were spent at Hamilton's post race,

That's better!

T-Lo abd Lil' Lisa- who also PR'd in the half and her husband Todd placed 3rd in his age group!!! woohoo!

The guys! Ready for a good beer, at last!

Cousin Brandon came out for the festivities!

Siblings! Yes, I did put on SPF 45!!!

Amigos

the Del,

Hotel Del Coronado

Show me the face of a Boston Qualifier!

Mark and Wendy relaxin'

Happy Danimal

George and Bradford

There's DK!!

drinking Sangria at El Camino

and the beach!!

Dog beach at Coronado, Tank's favorite place on this earth!

He has pure joy in his eyes at the dog beach! So awesome!

Gosh, I sure do love California! Matt's plan is to not do another full marathon until Boston. He wants to try some shorter distances and half marathons for the time being. Oh yeah, he also wants to break 3 hours at Boston...

Next up- Summer Series 5k this Sunday! I am hoping to race this one a tad smarter. Ugh.

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Tagged as: Marathon, Race Report, Race Times 2 Comments

26May/10Off

Bandido Mile

Last night, my running club held the Bandido mile. You predict your time a week before so their can be objections to your time by other club members if, for example, you try to sandbag it. At the race, the clock begins and the person with the slowest predicted time starts first with the clock. Then each person is given a start time according to their predicted mile time. For example, I predicted I would run a 5:20, so I began running when the clock said 2:10. Theoretically, if everyone predicts close to their time, we should all be trying to outkick each other in the last 200 meters.

So, I knew I had to run 80 second quarter miles to run a 5:20mile. I knew it would be rough. I dread mile races all day because I know they will hurt! I began running when the clock read 2:10 and knew I had to be around when the clock read 3:30. I came around the way in about 76 seconds. A little too fast. Well, here is where I lost all train of thought, I don't even really remember the race! lol! I don't know where my head was. I did have some negativity creep in, but I am really trying to work on pushing it aside.

My ending time was 5:22. I am really happy with it, my last mile race was a 5:36. I lost 2 seconds in there somewhere in lap 2-3- the 'dead zone'. When I finished, my sinuses were pounding and my throat felt full of broken glass, I was so happy it was over! I think all that breathing helped to loosen up whatever has had my sinuses in pain all week. So that was a plus!

So, that leaves me to my 5k on Saturday! My goal is to break 18 minutes. Last year I ran a 19:40 on this course. Should be fun!

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25Apr/10Off

Truckin’ Down On Boylston Street- Part 2

So, as I am sure you know, I did run Boston.

The morning of the race (After I slept through my alarm!!) I choked down some rice and a few sips of chamomile tea. Usually I have coffee, a huge Gatorade, the works. I just couldn't this morning.

My dear friend Mark brought me some Immodium when I met the gang at the busses down on Boston Common. The bus ride was fun as usual, always interesting characters! I didn't have anything to eat or drink on the bus as I was real worried about what could happen.

We arrived at the village and I immediately used the restroom. I took Immodium and about 5 minutes later, I went again. After the 3rd trip to the restroom, I decided that it warranted the second recommended dose. blech. Every time I would try to lay down, I would need to get back up in line. It was awful. I had my phone and was texting Matt as I was very worried about this race. I really didn't even know if I should try to start. I was so dehydrated at this point, and everything I tried to eat or drink was being rejected by my stomach. I was pretty upset.

I figured I would give it a go and that maybe I would 'forget' about my stomach once I started running. Well, its not like nerves. The flu is pretty unforgettable while running!

When I got to the start line, I tried to think positive. I knew the Big Guy would take care of me, and that I had a job to do and I was going to just go out and do it. (wise words from Don) They played Tom Petty's "Running Down A Dream" which perked me up. I am his biggest fan (atic), and I listen to this song before every race. Except we didn't bring it to Boston, so I was really happy to hear it blaring at the start line! There is no song quite like that one to get you amped up. Agreed? Good.

And we are off!!

Female winner!

First American female, fellow Arizonan Paige Higgens!

Men's Lead Pack

Ryan Hall

Superfans Mark and Wendy.

I would include my splits but they are all messed up as I ran an extra .42 to the restrooms and forgot to turn off the 'auto-stop' function on my Garmin. My 2 slowest splits (not counting restroom stops) were 6:55- Mile 1 and 6:55 Mile 20 at Heartbreak. Happy with that!

Crowds are unreal!! So awesome!

Fellow Bandido JT rockin' it! He ran a 2:41!

Bandido Brett looking for more cowbell. Yeah, he ran a 2:42!!

Luckily my Bandido friend Paul started with me and was able to help keep my mind off of my stomach for awhile. By mile 6 I was frantically looking for a restroom. Finally found one at mile 8. Bad. Took GU #1

I eventually caught up with Paul again, but we lost each other when I had to stop for the second time. I also met 2 friends from Daily Mile on the course, Chaz and Caleb. They looked so strong and I was SO glad to see them. My stomach was cramping bad and I needed a distraction. I tried to hang with them, but I was falling back. Took Gu #2

So happy to see my friends!!!

Off to hunt for a restroom! lol!

At mile 16, I had to find another restroom. This time the one I found was occupied so I had to run through the marathon to the other side of the road to another port-o. This is where I started crying in the port-o-potty. Bad. Took GU #3- only ate 1/2 of it.

Terri! Looking as strong and cute as ever!!

Here come the Heppercraft!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The rest of the race is pretty blurry. I passed DK and it took me a few minutes to realize that it was him. And he is a close friend! I know I was really dehydrated. I drank at almost every aid station. I felt a bit out of it and I probably should have stopped. I usually take 4 or 5 GU's during the race but could only choke down the 2.5.

Citgo Sign!!! 1 mile left!

I will tell you what, I have never been so excited to see a street before. Boylston had angels singing on it, I swear! I tried to give it my all and was super happy that the clock had not turned to 3 hours yet. I had no idea what the time was during the race as my Garmin was all messed up. After I crossed I felt completely depleted. I think the wisest thing would have been to stop at a med tent but I knew there were probably peeps worse off then me so I decided against it. I grabbed my bag from bagcheck and waited for Matt. I was SO COLD!!

Lips blue, post-race.

I love this race but felt so blah about it from being sick. I was disappointed and quite angry that I was so sick. Bummer. I have learned that I am tougher than I thought though. Although I was very far from my goal time of 2:48, my legs did not cramp up at all and the pace felt easy. Heartbreak was much smaller than last year as well! I know that had it not been for the flu I would have been much closer to my goal. I felt so great and ready to go all week before the race. This is the first time I did not feel sluggish before the race. Seriously, my coach rocks.

With all that, this is going down in the books as my 'bad race'. Everyone has to have one race where something goes wrong. This was mine and its over with! Yay!

Highlights:

The volunteers and people of Boston are AMAZING. They make this race what it is for sure.

My friends had amazing races. They all ran so well. I have never seen a man so overjoyed as my friend Paul upon breaking 3 hours. Amazing.

DK ran this one for his late father and did so awesome. He swore that Dad helped him out with a tail wind every once in awhile. I believe him 100%.

post-race napping.

Spent

Post race antics coming up!

Runningly Yours,

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Tagged as: Marathon, Race Report, Race Times 2 Comments

23Apr/10Off

What a long, strange trip its been.. Boston Part 1

I need to preface that I LOVE the Boston marathon. I love the crowds, the expo, the city, it is just awesome. I love, love, love the course. Moreso than I remembered from last year. Rolling hills are my favorite! I was SO excited to run my heart out at Boston. Seriously, I could barely contain myself. But more on that later.

Anyways, this was an...interesting trip. We got in Thursday night after a looonnnggg day of travel. Matt and I went to the Barking Crab for a late dinner and went back to our hotel to get some shut-eye.

Friday morning came and it was cloudy and rainy outside. I went to the treadmill and did my 6 miles with strides and felt SUPER!! Boston here I come!! My legs felt awesome! We met Terri and Mark for a Trader Joe's trip and proceeded to the expo. We were walking around quite a bit in the damp, cold, air which in hindsight was probably not so good for me. We stopped at the Nike store to write on the Great Wall of Boston.

Expo time! We got our numbers and walked around.

I should have realized that there was something wrong when, after about an hour at the expo, I felt tired and not really into it anymore. I did perk up when meeting Steve from Brooks ID and I probably embarrassed myself a little bit..(but she's cute!) I told him my goal on video- an exuberant 2:48 I knew I could do it! He sent me off with and awesome Brooks duffel and some Brooks arm warmers. I *LOVE* BROOKS!!! I was super happy!

lights, camera...

Action! I am such a nerd!! lol!!!

Terri and I sat down to watch a video of the course. I look like I am seeing Santa Claus! I love this course!

After the expo, we went to eat at Bella Vista in the North End. The food was PHENOMENAL! Seriously so good. After dinner we went home. We finally made it off the T at about 8:30 pm. By that time I felt drained, like I was getting a cold. I figured it was just from walking around in the rain, traveling, etc. Boy was I wrong.

Matt ended up violently ill all night Friday. We thought it must be food poisoning as he was so sick so suddenly. Saturday morning I began to feel queasy. Maybe it was just in my head. So I tried some coffee. About 10 minutes later it came up. O.K. , maybe just nerves, lack of sleep.. Tried to run on the treadmill. That lasted about 2 minutes. I was SO weak. Came back to the room. Could not eat or drink anything. I started to cry. This was the most important day for carbs and hydration and I could not stomach anything. I started vomiting around 1pm. I was completely devastated. My head was pounding, I could keep nothing in me. I have not been sick all year long. I could not help but think- Why me? And I know that I have a great life, and it seems silly to be upset over this to some. But for me, it was awful. I had worked SO hard to prepare for Boston. Although it is not a goal race, I was looking at it as a major stepping stone.

We laid in bed ALL DAY and night Saturday. I finally stopped feeling nauseous Sunday at about 12:30am. My head was pounding but I thought I might still be able to run well. I woke up at 7am feeling much better and immediately tried to get in all of the carbs and fluids I could. I did a 4 mile jog and felt pretty good. We went to watch our friend Wendy run the BAA 5k- she did awesome, a 3 minute PR!!

We went for breakfast after the race. I ate pancakes and was hydrating like a mad woman. We came back to the hotel and I was already super tired. I took a nap, shower, and began my pre-race relaxation rituals...(girly pampering stuff)

I went to sleep at about 8 pm. Midnight I woke up sick again. This time it was the other *fun* flu symptom. Bad. I was up going another 4 times in the middle of the night. This could not be happening. I thought I was in the clear but my stomach had other plans. I was hopeful that it would be gone by 10am start time, but I knew I was losing more and more of the little I was able to replenish myself with on Sunday. I slept through my alarm on Monday morning- on race day! I never do that regardless! Luckily we set Matt's phone as a back-up 30 minutes later! I woke up still going to the restroom. It was worse. I was completely devastated. Should I even try to run?

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Tagged as: Brooks ID, Marathon, Race Report, Race Times 4 Comments

1Apr/10Off

FAITH NOT FEAR- My Arizona Desert Classic 1/2 Marathon RR

Love, love, love this race! The Arizona Distance Classic was held in Oro Valley, AZ. This right around the area of the Tucson marathon where I ran sub-3 in December. Matt, Mark, Terri, and I began race weekend with monkey cakes from the Orange Table in Scottsdale. We then headed down to Tucson to pick up our race packets. We were beginning to worry as the wind was pretty strong! We drove the course and Terri and I were diggin' the rolling hills. It looked like a challenging course, but an excellent Boston practice! After searching for food and Banos, we checked in to our hotel to relax and rest up for the race in the morning.

We woke up at 4:30am, had our breakfasts- I went with my usual rice and honey. No one told us silly Phoenicians how cold the morning would be! It was about 45 and we didn't bring gloves or ear warmers! Luckily it warmed up quick once the sun was out! When we got to the race Terri and I ran a 2 mile warm-up with striders.

My goal for the race really was sub-1:20. That would have been about a 6:08 average pace. Coach told me to run anywhere between a 1:19 to 1:22. He said that I would be able to keep a 6:15 pace. I was a bit nervous, I have barely run that fast for a 5k much less a half marathon!

The wheelchair division began first. They are so amazing. I cannot imagine how hard they had to push themselves to go up those hills on the course. They are just so inspirational. It is unreal.

We were called to line-up and I got a spot in front. My Bandido friends JT and Brett were up there as well, so it was good to see them before the race.

Garmins ready! lol!

The gun went off and I went out like a bat out of hell.

I was first for about a quarter mile when I realized I needed to back way off or I would never finish! A group of men passed me and I was perfectly fine with that! The course was an out and back, which I love so that I can see who is coming up behind me. The weather was perfect, I felt the wind a few times, but nothing major.

Here comes Ter!!!

And there she goes!

There was a lot of downhill on the first half of the race, so you know what that means.. what goes down, must come back up. Whew, I was dying on some of those hills coming back. I think of myself as a pretty strong hill runner, but running as fast as I was (or was trying too) the hills were tough! I was thinking of a few things while running that really helped me to push through when I wanted to just stop. 1. My mom gave me an excellent mantra "FAITH NOT FEAR". 2. Coach John would not have told me to run so fast if he didn't think I could do it. 3. He also told me to BE BRAVE, boy was I trying!

Brett and I

At the 10 mile mark, my friend Brett and I were running together. It helped me so much to have him there. I was really starting to lose it. I ran a 10 mile race back in November and won with a 1:03 time and I met the 10 mile marker today at 1:01, new PR! Brett left me with about .75 left in the race and started with his strong finishing kick. Brett is a VERY fast runner, usually he would be way in front of me, but he just had the stomach flu, so I am very lucky I had him to help me pull through! Thanks Brett!

So I get to mile 12- and I have this thing where the last mile I start to relax and not push as hard as I could or should. Don't know what that is about! Must work on that. Anyways, I was the first female finisher with a time of 1:20:59. A 1:18 PR!! Yay!! That is a 6:11 average pace. I NEVER thought that I would be able to run that far that fast.

I am so thankful for a wonderful husband, wonderful friends, and a fantastic coach that all help me to achieve my goals and believe in me. I am a lucky gal.

Here are my mile splits- They are all over the place and you can tell where I am going uphill! I wish they were more consistent, but hindsight is 20/20.

6:03
6:34
6:03
6:08
5:57
6:10
6:14
6:23
6:29
6:22
6:31
5:50
5:55

results page

Accepting my award. I am such a nerd.

Terri ran well and finished first in her age group! She was having some major leg cramping and just powered through like she does!

Brett came in right in front of me and our friend JT passed a fella at the end to take third overall male!!

WOWZA! Lisa and Dan set new PR's, and our friends Paul, Eve, Jeff, and Steve all ran super fast races! We have some speedy friends!!

I also got to meet up with my former Principal whom I worked for when I just started teaching. It was so good to see Julie again, I just love that woman! Her daughter Melissa just started running this year and set a new PR in the half marathon as well. You go girl!

The course was beautiful, the volunteers were amazing. I am so happy to have had the opportunity to run this and I highly recommend it. Thanks Arizona Distance Classic!