Rock N Roll Las Vegas Marathon Race Recap

Pre-race warm up!

Coming back home on the long ride from Vegas I reflected on the bittersweet weekend. I come home again failing to run under 4:00 hours in the marathon, but in an odd way I wasn’t really disappointed, honestly a little but with each marathon comes another new experience. In comparison to the other marathons I have ran this one was actually good.

Despite my two port-a-potty stops, the time I ran felt good,

there’s just something about running a marathon with friends that makes it oh so much sweeter! What an experience running down the Las Vegas strip at sunrise, there was so much excitement and buzz in the air.

We left our hotel room at about 4:45 am and boy was it cold! I have never ran this long or this far in 30+ degree weather, in retrospect I was happy to have friends in Vegas provide weather reports, They said it was to be cold and itwas! I prepared well, for those of you who know me I HATE TO BE COLD! I purchased some CW-X compression tights, one CW-X Long sleeve top, Adidas running jacket, gloves, hat and headband! It kept me warm the whole entire race!

I was amazed to see all of the other crazy people that came out to run on such a cold morning, when I left our hotel it was still buzzing with people wide awake and lively still gambling and partying, no wonder why they call it the city that never sleeps. I got funny looks from people as I passed in my head to toe running gear.

At 6:15 the race began, a rock band dressed as the blues brothers played as para-gliders lofted downward and fireworks blasted. What a sendoff! The sun was just coming up as we sprinted out onward to our first mile. I looked at Rory and blurted, “I can’t feel my lips!” I don’t think I could again until at least mile two or three! There were a lot of spectators on the strip, “Go runners,” they shouted!

Mile one 9:07,

Mile 2 8:46,

Mile 3 8:39, (26:33) I wanted to make some leeway, in case I needed to use the restroom, which I later did!

Mile 4 8:27, Mile 5 8:30, Mile 6 8:40 (52:16) Mile 7 8:39, Mile 8 8:34, Mile 9 8:42

Mile 10 8:53 (1:26:54)- I think somewhere around here I stopped, waited in line for my first pit stop! (I stopped my watch, so I could see my actual running time and splits.) I had to catch up with Rory and Ray!

Mile 11 –13 I messed up on my mile splits but by mile 13, but on my watch read 1:55:00 flat. (I knew I’d have to pick it up for the restroom minutes.)

By this time we were moving off the strip and out into the city. I could feel myself slowing down, not realizing we were gradually moving up hill. I was getting hungry and Ray gave me a Shot Block. Mile 14 was 9:

32, Mile 15 9:19, I again messed up my splits by either pressing it too soon or too late because I couldn’t hear the beep alerting me of each completed mile.

But at this point I was slowing down big time, I could feel the fatigue settling in again and I felt the urge to use to the rest room. “Where’s a port-a potty when you need one?” I was doing around 10 minute miles, and trudged along- Dang it and I had felt so good!

At Mile 20 I was at 3:07:03, way off the 3-hour goal for 20!

But an amazing thing happened I got a second wind! At mile 20 we turned around and headed back towards the strip. W

hen we turned around a heavy weight lifted and I realized we were now going down hill! “No wonder I was going so slow, and felt so horrible, it’s amazing what a little incline can do to a fatigued runner.”

Mile 21 9:57, Mile 22 9:35 (3:26:08) I was finally picking it up again. Four miles to go Yay! During the marathon I thought of what my new friend Mark said, “Break up the marathon into four 10k’s and then a little less than a 5k.” His words rattled around in my head as I passed each mark, 6.2, 12.4, 18.6, I actually stretched out the 3^rd 10k to 20 miles and thought- I have only a 10k to go! It really does help when you break it up like that. Not to think of all the miles you have done, only what you have left of each segment!

Mile 23 9:36, Mile 24 took us back up hill and down again. I could see the Luxor and the Mandalay Bay Hotel. Mile 24 9:46, Mile 25 10:21, Mile 26 10:01. Finally sensing that it would soon be over! I again felt overwhelmed with emotion. As I ran towards the finish line with Ray I saw my son and my dad waiting for me. I shout

ed, “I love you!” as I passed to finish short of my goal time but never the less to finish, faster than I have ever gone as an adult. 4:08:37 on my Garmin at average 9:25 min miles. If, I wouldn’t have drank coffee, if I wouldn’t have this, or that- No excuses! I fell short on the 2^nd half of my marathon; I realize that now. But I have to remember every experience is a learning experience. And so far every marathon has been, I have learned that I can endure a lot more than I thought I could, ESPECIALLY THE COLD!

Having friends there to help you along is always great too, I realize that yeah, I could have ran this thing by myself but it was a lot more fun with friends to laugh and talk to along the way! Am I too ambitious going for a sub 4 marathon? Maybe, maybe not, only time will tell. I had a heck of a great time and I would definitely do it again!

Well I guess I can still celebrate, so here’s to the average marathon runner

and the thrill of 26.2.

Official Final time: 4:13:43

Thank you Ray, Rory and Mark for a great time in Vegas—Jackie congratulations on running 3:53 and knocking it out of the park!

That Elusive Sub 4:00 Hour Marathon

^{On Sunday December 6th, 2009,}

I will run my 6^th marathon in Las Vegas, Nevada in the Rock n Roll Marathon. It will be the 3^rd marathon of the year and yet another chance to beat the clock and the elusive sub 4:00 marathon. Coming closer to it in my past two marathons, Los Angeles Marathon May 30, 4:15:14 and St. George Utah marathon, October 3^rd: 4:17:25.

I ran my first marathon at 15 years old and finished somewhere just after 4:00 hours and another at 17 years old and again finishing a little after 4:00 too. At the time I didn’t care about time or even pacing, I just wanted to finish! It is such an emotional moment to push through to and past the last exhausting mile point two. Since then I equated every difficult situation to the experience; I reasoned, “If I can run a marathon, I can do anything!”

As I got older I still ran, but it would be 16 years and 4 months before I would attempt another marathon. I guess I wanted to prove I could still do it, after the 16 years, pregnancy and a chronic illness I believed I had something to prove. Again the objective was just to finish, I started the course strong that year but fizzled fast at mile 15 I just wanted it over but again persevered to finish 4:39:46 (10:40 pace).

By my 4^th marathon it was a certainty in my mind that I would finish, my goals shifted towards time. I wanted to run as close to 4 hours as possible. I felt good and was healthier than ever! My dear friend Ray Mena, an Ironman, who has a marathon PR of 2:58, and who just happened to be running San Diego Rock n Roll Marathon, the following week offered to help pace me, I was in heaven, this was the most enjoyable marathon ever, passing through water and fruit stations Ray would ask, “What do you want?” He’d fight the crowds and grab whatever I needed as I ran straight through. We had a great time. It was nice having company for the long run. Although I didn’t make it in 4 hours flat I was still close at 4:15:25 and 24:32 faster than 2 years before!

On October 3^rd, 2009 it was my 5^th marathon and my 2^nd attempt at running under 4:00 in St. George, Utah. This course was perfect for getting a personal record but that morning I made a fatal running mistake and changed the sports drink I usually use in the marathon. Needless to say my body didn’t agree, I cramped up and made quite a few pit stops along the way. And even through that I managed to be only 2 min 11 seconds off my LA Marathon time.

Now 6 days until attempt number three! I just have to average 9 minute miles for 26.2. My training has been a little different this time, I’ve included speed work and more hill training. I ran my last 20 mile run in just a little over 3:00 hours. Ray is also back to pace, and we won’t be alone. We’ll be running with Rory and new friend Jackie who also wants to break 4:00 hours. I am looking forward to the experience. I feel more confident and stronger to go after and trounce the elusive 4:00 hour marathon.

Thanks to Jack, Rory, Ray and Nesrein and Randy for all your inspiration. You all keep me running!

Sunday 11/29/09 Beach Run

Sunday 11/29/09Location: Warner/ PCH to Huntington Beach PierRunning at the beach is always great when you are running with friends! I met up this morning with a group of fantastic triathletes I am proud to call friends. I also brought along my friend Randy who is new to long distance running but doing fantastic!
It was 46 degrees when I left my house and I thought it was going to be a miserable cold run. But it turned out to be quite the opposite. The sun was shining and I had to remove my under layer of clothing.
We ran to the pier and back and I reset my Garmin for each 5.18 miles. I ran my first 5 pushing it a little – and easy back

Time: 8:38 am
Distance: 10.35 miles
Total time: 1:28:50Fastest Mile: M1 7:32
Slowest Mile: M6 9:28Miles 1-5.18 total time: 42:28
Average Mile 8:13Average Heart Rate: 185 bpmMax heart Rate 189 bpm

M1 7:32 (I had to run to catch up with the group, I was in the RR when they started)
M2 8:06M3 8:25
M4 8:34
M5 8:27

Miles 6-10 time: 46:22
Average Mile: 8:59
Average Heart Rate: 175 bpmMax Heart Rate: 187 bpm
M6 9:28
M7 9:16
M8 8:41
M9 8:53
M10 8:44

Overall a very enjoyable run—I felt really good and enjoyed all the company! 1 week left until Rock n Roll Las Vegas Marathon—goal time: anywhere under 4 hours! Yay!

Training Run Sat 11/28/09

Training Runs:
Saturday 11/ 28/09
Still sore from the Turkey Trot on Thursday I knew I needed to run, I missed running with my friend Randy in the morning because I was exhausted and needed to sleep in. I have learned over the years of training to listen to my body, if I am tired I rest! It was a chili Saturday morning and I hate running in the cold! I sipped my morning cup of coffee and contemplated getting out there. I turned on the TV only planning to watch only a few minutes that turned into 3 hours of Wyatt Earp! I didn’t realize it was that long! I finally pulled myself out the door and out to run two 3-mile loops around my local regional park. I ran one loop than reversed back the other way. Here are my running stats:
Time 1:38 pm
Distance: 6.01 miles
Time: 50:36
Average pace: 8:25
Max speed: 9.6 mph
Elevation ascent: 951 ft
Elevation descent 964 ft
Calories burned 646 cal
Slowest Mile: Mile 1
Fastest Mile: Mile 6
Mile 1: 9:30
Mile 2: 8:09
Mile 3: 8:01
Mile 4: 8:19
Mile 5 8:42
Mile 6 7:51
During this run I didn’t carry any water and didn’t have to make any pit stops; I felt pretty good despite being sore, but got some really good momentum going on the rolling hills. I always love finishing fast. Tomorrow I am looking forward to running my last 10-mile taper before the Rock and Roll Vegas Marathon next week!

Xterra Topanga Turkey Trot 2009 Race Recap 15K

Race recap: Topanga Turkey Trot 11/26/09
Race Type: Xduro Trail
Start time: 8:15
Hours of sleep: 7.5 hrs.
Distance: 9.3 miles
Finish time: 1:35:31
Past Results: Same Race: 2008 1:34:51; 2007 1:32:01; 2006 1:33:50
Calories Burned: 927 cal (but it doesn’t account for trail running- so it was probably more)
Elevation Gain: +2258 ft.
Avg. Pace: 10:16 min/mile
Max pace: 5:05 min/mile
Avg. Heart rate: 178 bpm
Max. Heart rate: 194 bpm
Fastest Mile: 7:20(mile 9)
Slowest Mile: 13:17 (mile 5)

mile 1 11:56 Big hill at the start
mile 2 11:42
mile 3 9:58 Moving into the single track
mile 4 10:12
mile 5 13:17 (I really don’t know why this mile was soo slow!)
mile 6 10:18
mile 7 9:43
mile 8 9:27
mile 9 7:20 (I love downhill! )
.3 6:13 pace (I was flying!)
Songs Listened to: ipods are not supposed to be used on the trails so other runners can hear you on the single track to pass
Oz of FRS finished: about 6oz
Chocolate Gu's: 0
Pretzels and Almonds: 0
Bathroom stops: 0-
Running with great friends: Nesrein’s very first Xterra race and Rory’s second, Ray was our athletic supporter (Ray didn’t run because he ad just finished IMAZ (Ironman Arizona) the Sunday before!) They all met up at my house. My dad and my son Anthony came too! It was very exciting to go with friends who were running. I usually went to run alone. Although over the last 4 years of Xterra trail running, you do make quite a few friends!

This year’s Turkey Trot was a lot of fun. I like this Xterra course, although still challenging is one of the easier (if you can even dare to say) of the So Cal Courses.
This course starts out with a long steep climb on a fire road and then dips into a single track of undulating trail with menacing hazards such as suspended branches, a dread for taller runners, logs, rocks and uneven sinking terrain.

While running wild through the curvy single track through vegetation that seems to grab you, you gradually ascend back to the fire roads, there you traverse through rolling hills with striking views that return you to your original ascent, only this time instead of an arduous climb you get to accelerate down the hill as fast as you can where your reward is the finish line, a nice finishers medal and a scrambled egg breakfast.

Overall a great run, Nesrein, I only saw her at the start, I said, bye, bye under my breath as she whisked by up the first hill and out of sight. Rory passed me too up the first hill he even beat me to the switchbacks of the single-track trail. That’s where I caught up, but couldn’t pass, I could see him just ahead of me- We were separated by about 5-6 people. Lucky for me he was wearing a bright yellow jersey so I could see him. I finally passed Rory when we got back to the fire roads- That man is crazy, I think he ran 8 miles at 3:30 am that morning on top of this race and still did phenomenal!
Results:
Nesrein: first in age group and 4th overall
1 247 Nesrein Sweidan 26 1:17:41.17 8:21
Me: 4th in age group 25th female
4 192 Diana Pacheco 37 1:35:35.68 10:16
Rory Sandoval 6th in age group 93rd male
6 230 Rory P Sandoval 50 1:41:43.16 10:55


To see all results go to:

To see all results go to:
http://results.active.com/pages/page.jsp?eventID=1814255&pubID=3

Why I Run

I started running... when I was in elementary school. I loved racing around the playground sprinting as fast as I could go. In 4th grade, I was the fastest girl in my school. I have always loved running. I have run pretty much most of my life although from 1992 - 1998 I wasn’t able to run — in Dec. of 1991, I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis, which is a digestive disease. In 1 month I dropped from a healthy 135 pounds to an enfeebled 93 pounds all on my 5’5 frame. I barely felt like eating and had no energy to do anything, I also had severe anemia and required quite a few blood transfusions over the years. I was miserable not being able to run and during one of my hospital stays after 2 weeks in bed, my muscles began to atrophy. I had my mom help me up and decided I would take a lap around the nurse’s station. It was the hardest lap I would ever take. I was so exhausted and weak, but as slow as I was I made it around and back into bed. I think back on those times now and know the hard road it took to become healthy again and how hard it was to first walk before I could run again. Running has always been in my blood and despite my roller coaster health issues I continue to run because I do, I just love it!

Fun with Numbers

Fun With Numbers




Start time: 10:29 am
Hours of sleep: 7 1/2
Distance: 20.00 mi.
Hours Running: 3:01:49
Calories Burned: 2,120
Elevation Gain: GPS reads 1711 ft ascent-Although mostly flat over 20 miles
Avg. Pace: 9:05
Avg. Heart rate: 173 bpm’s
Max. Heart rate: 189bpm’s
Fastest Mile: 8:43 (mile 20)
Slowest Mile: 9:33 (mile 9)
Songs Listened to: 0
Oz of FRS finished: 15oz
Chocolate Gu's: 1, I gave my other to Ant
Pretzels and Almonds: 0
Bathroom stops: 2-including water refill
Running with great friends: 1 my 12 year old Ant

Great run- ran with my son Ant, who rode along side me- man, that boy can talk! We got a late start because it was cold and we slept in. I was hesitant about going- I hate running in the cold- It was even sprinkling on our way to the Beach. I wore my tights and long sleeve tech shirt over a t-shirt; cold at first I quickly warmed up during my first mile. We had a head wind going out and my hat kept blowing back so I had to take it off and turn it backwards. I was excited about the prospect of getting the wind to our backs on the return. Going out I averaged 9:15 per mile- pushing through that wind wasn’t easy. At 10 miles I had my first GU- my FRS seems to sustain me for quite a while- plus I had a good breakfast and coffee before. It was nice indeed coming back I pushed it and I felt pretty good averaging 8:48 per mile for the last 10. I finished strong and felt good- now to taper for the Dec. 6th Rock-n-Roll Las Vegas Marathon!