Securian Winter Run 2020 - Half Marathon - Race recap

My fav Winter race Securian Winter Run - Half Marathon was on 25-Jan 2020 Sat this year.

That thing on bottom-right pic is an Ice Sculpture.

Temps were between 20F+, no sun, no wind, no snow. Supposedly great conditions, but I prefer the one from last year. There was slight alley wind in the downtown streets. But Shepherd road was perfect even with no-winds. This race has the best start location, with the spacious Securian building & skyway as warming location for practically everyone.

My run gear was not-so-perfect. With my neck gaitor & bulky gloves, I was overdressed. Rest were fine.

1. Columbia thermal jacket + 2 tech shirts 
2. Run cap & headband to cover ears
3. C9 thick Neck Gaitor - This weighed my neck after an hour. Totally not needed for 20F+ race.
4. Compression pants + wind-cheater-type outer layer pant
5. Ski socks in my regular running shoes. My toes never got cold.
6. Gloves. Large loose ones with hand-warmer - Totally not needed for 20F+ race

My finish time was a 3:10+ hours. I am officially the last finisher I think. They haven't published the results yet. I would blame the extra time on the last 3 miles, that I had to run on the slushy sidewalk. And in this patch I got nose-bleed, my first time for any race. I had been blowing my nose on my handkerchief all along, that must have weaken my nose in this dry winter. Organizers were about to dismantle the arch & time recorder when I reached the end. I think I will hang my boots on Winter Half Marathon. I know I said it so last year too. But, this time I am serious.

Race swag was a cool full sleeve hoodie shirt and neat mug.

If you are looking for more specific info on the facilities provided by this event, then please refer to my older posts. They have more details.

My Securian Winter Races - 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2019 | 2020 |

Securian Winter Run 2019 - Half Marathon - Race recap

My fav Winter race Securian Winter Run - Half Marathon was on 26-Jan 2019 Sat this year. I was here after a gap.

Being a Winter Run, this race has the best start location, with the spacious Securian building & skyway as warming location for practically everyone.

 

As usual there was lot of hand-wringing before the race about weather conditions. The day I signed-up, the lowest it had been was bright & sunny 35F in Jan. Right after I signed up, the temps started dipping and hovered before -10F and 10F. I can't explain the number of nervous messages I exchanged with my run buddies.

But all that worry was for nothing. Weather worked out perfect for this morning. The actual bad weather came up right next week onwards - with a week of Polar Vortex (temps before -45F), followed by 3-4 days of icy road condition. Icy throughout the twin cities, like never ever seen before. And then weeks of snow blizzard. Looking back, that weekend was a warm one.

Temps were between 0F-10F, no sun, no wind, but light snow throughout the 3 hours.
My run gear was perfect. I was worried about overheating before the race. But my choices were perfect in these conditions.  I was never cold or hot throughout the 3 hour run plus more time to get back home.

1. Columbia thermal jacket + 2 tech shirts 
2. Regular Woolen cap
3. C9 thick Neck Gaitor - Most of the quick runners had the thin variety on. But this worked perfectly for me. I alternated between covering mouth till nose every few minutes. So it never got too moist. Air was not cold, so that helped.
4. Compression pants + wind-cheater-type outer layer pant
5. Ski socks in my regular running shoes. My toes never got cold.
6. And most importantly - Gloves. Large loose ones, so I could curl up my fingers on a warm palm. And Hand-warmers to keep warm the palm.

 

I have run out in cold past few years. But this year I hardly stepped out in Dec & Jan. But in all my life, this is the first time I had so much snow on me, my face. I got #FrozenLashes or #Lashicles.
When the leading crowd was coming back after turnaround, I got to see the leaders with #FrozenBeards. Unique sight indeed. 

My finish time was a decent 3:04 hours. So every half race, 11-13 is the killer stretch, where some pain drags my mood down. This time it was at mile 10, but no physical or mental time. But the van showed up. Driver asked me to get inside as they will open the roads in 10 minutes. I was incredulous - how can they open so soon. Its never been so soon before. But I knew they had to, coz it was snowing throughout, volunteers were few (& stars) and they couldn't stay out freezing for so long. Made sense, but also made me angry. That I wouldn't get a finish time in my record. I was so looking forward to this race, I didn't want it to end bad. I swore, this is the last half I do for any winter anymore. Anyway, I opted to continue, and after the van moved on, I was worried about getting lost in the city. Shepherd Road is a straight stretch, but after the left turn within city, I had no idea how to make it to the finish location. But once the choice is made, I had to stick to it. On the Shepherd Road, I switched to the sidewalk on the right. A police officer helped me cross the half open road. Far away I spotted an Orange jacket running. Even with snowy visibility, I kept him in sight. Then once I turned inside the city, turns out I knew the way ! Roads were opened, but the finish stretch outside Securian was still closed. Finish arc & time machine was still around, so I got my finish times. Asked others for pics & I was done. 

Race swag was a cool full sleeve shirt and neat cup. Cup was useful. As soon as I finished, first thing to do was get the free coffee in this new mug, coz everything else was packed up.

My Securian Winter Races - 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2019 | 2020 |

Securian Winter Run 2016 - Half Marathon - Race recap

Time really flies off. Or I think I have completely forgotten that I have a blog. Or I was disappointed by my time in this race and did not feel it special enough to post. But it's a race with some unique experiences. So yes here comes my speedily written post.

I have signed up for Securian Winter Run for last 2 years. This year I showed up at the start venue,  like just before closing time for packet pickup; not a few hours in advance like last year.

It was cheerfully crowded. I like this race's waiting area - indoor on a January morning and perfect distance from car park. There are food samples, hot chocolate, Frosty the mascot and warm-up routine by Y.

The Half Marathon race route was usual from the Securian Building via St Paul downtown to Shepard Road and then back. Water stops were 3-4 miles apart. The race morning started out at 30F and soon it was 40F at the peak race time. It qualifies as hot, but nevertheless the water -stop spacing were perfect. As usual, there was enough race crowd till 10K turnaround - note the 5Kers and 10Kers start 5-10 minutes after Half Marathoners. Then after the 10K turnaround, I was left alone. I could see a pink-jacketed female half-a-mile ahead, and all I could do was follow her; not letting her go off my sight; else I would be truly alone in the back. This went one for another hour.

Soon the leaders could be seen coming back after the turnaround. Gwad I hate this part of loopback races. I am not embarrassed, I just hate their guts/training/skills. So the leader came, I don't hate him much. Then the next bunch of high-achievers, and soon the middle packers. I avoided eye contact with any, by looking to my right at the mountainous cliff. (Revelation music - Oh so that why I never have any memory of the river during the Securian race. I was wondering last week, if that part of the river is completely frozen, but did not remember. Coz I never looked at it !). But most of them murmured encouragements to me. At this point, somebody called out my name, and it turned out to be my training team Coach Beth. It felt good, so I hugged her, then off our way.

I had avoided looking behind me all this while. Thinking I was maybe last & proud of it. I didn't want the pressure of finding someone else behind me, and then competing to stay ahead of her, which I knew I wouldn't be able to and then be dead last again. Or know that, yes I was the last anyway and be disappointed. But turnaround is when it is inevitable and it is revealed where I stand. So here I saw there was one lady a quarter mile behind me. I shouted some encouragements at her. By now its like 7 mile and exhausted enough to not really compete. Soon she caught up with me, chatted and then went ahead.

I have come away with a new superstition now. That other talkers take away my energy. Ofcourse it is because I always train alone without conversing with anyone. And in a race anytime someone says a sentence, I overcompensate by jabbering away. Then that person goes way past me and soon disappears somewhere in the lead.

And by last 3 mile, we 3 had traded places. The last one was front of me and Pink jacket was behind me. And when I was in mile 10 or so , I saw an old guy on the other side. I didn't believe he was in Half because that would be like 6 miles for him. In the last mile, a girl in Ragner shirt ran with me and gave me a pep talk. I swear all those volunteers who stayed back for us last benchers - Big Thank You !

When I finished, the clock showed 3:03 hours. I was like, "Shucks where could I have saved those 3 minutes !" I mean with my pathetic non-training during the dark fall months with icy outdoors combined with a move, I didn't expect any better performance. But this was worse than last year's finish.

I made my way to the Securian building which was completely deserted by now. And this is why I never get to partake the freebies at the end of the race ! But volunteers had kept my bag and food ready for me. I limped around and settled on the granite bench. The girl in Pink jacket came. Once we were fed and drunk and basically alive, we chatted a bit. She is a young girl and was running with a bad knee. I lingered around for my ride to come. After more than half hour, that old guy came. I was so shocked to see him that yes he was in the Half. I wanted to help and we could find his bag but nothing more.

This time though, my run gear were perfection.

1. C9 cap and Securian headband from the 2014 race. This is my perfect (slightly excess but still) head gear for Winter.
2. C9 compression pant. No extra layer because I knew beforehand, that this would be in 35F-40F range. I didn't want to get hot like last year.
3. And for jacket I stuck to the C9 Soft Shell Jacket from Target. It has a perfect Hood and neck protector. A hood that doesn't fly off and saves my neck from wind, without needing a separate gaitor.
4. ASICS Women's GT-2000 3 Running Shoes
5. Gloves - they were the only bulky ones, but I did not get double layers like last time. I promised myself to buy some decent real-runner gloves after the race.

Among the race swag this year they gave a Tech full-sleeve T-Shirt, which I was looking forward to and a mug. Both in Black, Blue & White color theme. This year since I did not come early, it meant they were out of my size shirts and I got a XL Men's size, which is big even for me. There was some exchange schedule latter, but St Paul is too far for me to go for the shirt.

Apart from tradition, the other reason I love this race is the singular view of St Paul downtown, while trudging along from the mile 10 to mile 12.

My Securian Winter Races - 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2019 | 2020 |

Securian Winter Run 2015 - Half Marathon - Race recap

Securian Winter Run 2015 was my 2^nd Half Marathon of January 2015. Earlier it was Polar Dash on 1-Jan. And this is my second time with Securian run. I ran a 5K last year . It was sub-zero last year and most challenging hills in this course lie in the first & last 3 miles, within the downtown. After that, it is the super smooth Shepard Road.

This year I was ambitious and registered for the Half Marathon in the Fall of 2014. I had the scary visuals of last year’s freeze, yet went ahead with the longer stretch. (I need to stop being so anxious. Agree every race happens in a different weather and different course. And inspite of 1 year cycle, the same race doesn't come off as the year before. Yet I should believe in myself & my training. Even if my training was below par). So I had to do this race. Even though they do not give any medals. The swag this year included a Winter cap, Coffee mug and few other goodies. This race is special because it’s close to or on a celebratory date.

I left early from home so I could find a convenient parking. This is one of the best parts of race. Leaving home while it was ink dark and slowly watching the sky lit up with sunrise flames. And watching other cars and knowing there are others who have an important mission too, at this time of the day. It’s the same feeling any early risers gets when she steps out of the house. With no rush traffic, I reached my destination pretty soon. The Parking directions were correct to the tittle. I exited the I35E and smoothly swished to Securian’s parking. This time I put my faith in the exact parking instructions instead of Google maps path and thus was saved from getting trapped in blocked roads.

This year I decided to leave my "official cheering squad" home and go to races by myself. We did it successfully for like 10 races last year. But now with my increasing run times, it was not a good use of their time while they wait. We agreed it was time for me to do this by myself. So I went early, picked my packet, checked-in my bag and waited in the Securian Center.

Crowd grew slowly. And the Half marathon started at 9:00 AM. The 10K & 5K yers started 5 minutes apart and gave us back-packers company till a few miles in the Shepherd Road. It was only once they turnaround, and I went ahead for half-mara course, that I realized how far behind I was ! 

The course winded through the downtown in a few loops, before heading out to Shepard Road. It went via the Ice Sculpture show, part of the Winter Festival. And then … how I hate those hills of Jackson Street, Broadway Street and 5^th Street E. They are very own version of Boston’s “Heartbreak Hill”. They were steep down, on our way out. I felt like I will roll off and let out a mumble-scream, and someone was like “isn’t it ?” And on the way back, when we are practically dead, it’s like climbing a mountain. Add the heat of 30F.

Here is my run gear for this race – along with the wrong choices pointed out, so I/we know better during the next race at 30F temp:

1.  2 tech shirts and Columbia Thermal Jacket. Definitely never wear this jacket for any run at above 15F. I should have gone with my trusted lightweight green jacket.
2. Lightweight C9 cap & headband to protect my head. Wizened after the restrictive ski cap in my last run (Polar Dash 2015), I stuck to my lightweight cap & headband for anti-slip support. Perfect choice for this weather.
3. Neck gaitor – was useful while waiting. Because its cold when standing. But it was incredibly heavy and useless after 2 miles. Just added weight for me to carry.
4. C9 compression pant + Extra layer of pant (which was totally not needed. I meant the extra layer, not both).

Eventually I was the last 4^th. Other 3 were using the walk approach. I am sure I was running most parts, tried speed & stride when I could; of course combined with walk breaks. But it’s still a mystery how I maintained pace with them ? My end time was 2:58 which was 20 more minutes than my previous times; and my worst including training runs.

It was easy for the bags check-in folks to find my bag; because there wasn't any other bag around ! And the food guys opened the counter for me to pick as much I could. Volunteers were cheerful everywhere. Medical and Water stops were spaced every 3 or so miles and it was in small bottles. This helped me as I was trying not to drink as often as I do usually (out of anxiety) and so this spacing was really good. I did not crave water so much. I just realized I don’t need water for atleast 5k. But after halfway mark, I sorely missed Powerade. I had taken this nutrition for granted with every race and missed to check this detail for this race. By the end of the race, I was literally screaming for  “Salt … Salt”, gobbled as many chips packets I got hold of and continued eating chips for few days at home. My brain kept asking for salt for days.

Lessons Learned

1.       Clothing for sub-20F and over-30F are different. I wore my really warm jacket and was hot from mile 2 to 13. Like REALLY HOT ! And I could not afford to discard my jacket, neck-gator and gloves. As they say,  it’s cold when you are still - or even for 2 miles. Note to myself –

a.       learn to be without this extra gear for 30 minutes outside. In hindsight, I did not run outside enough this winter.

b.      And also do not be shy about giving a 2^nd bag at checkin – those containing the things you changed your mind about 5 minute before start time.

2.       Salt. I missed it so much. With only water at the water stops, I missed the electrolyte of Powerade. I did not carry any beans or salt-tablets with me coz I was used to Powerade in all past races. I should have paid attention to this details of the water-stop rather than focus on other goodies.

3.       Hills in the StPaul downtown turning towards Shepard Road. Gwad are those killers ! Only other hill in this course is the bridge on Shepherd Road.

Overall, should not be confident based on last year’s performance, but should train atleast the month before the race. Though in my defense it was very unpredictable this Jan. Just 2 days before the race had been hovering at 0F.

Or I guess, no race is ever perfect. Some things work and some don’t. And that’s how things are.

This summary is soothing, but the above details will come handy next time ;)

My Securian Winter Races - 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2019 | 2020 |

Securian Winter Run – 5K - 2014

Securian Winter Run 2014 was my very first race. I had only just started running last month and wanted to get some race exposure for excitement. The fact that it was an open outdoor race in January in Minnesota, in the middle of polar vortex, did not discourage me – maybe because I was naïve and also because I had trained outside (flying hifi). Nevertheless, I started small and went with 5K.

It was an instance decision because the date was of significance to me. Inspite of that, the fee was not so high. Securian had a great parking space; covered, spacious and accommodated nearly all runners cars. That was connected to their warm, indoor pre-race space; again huge with all facilities in there. Late packet pickups, bag check and stretching areas were running smoothly. Family warmed me with their hugs to calm my nerve and waited for me here while I ran.

Race started in the downtown outside the Securian center and winded out of the downtown to Shepard Road. 10K and Half Marathoners continued, while we 5Kers could turnaround back to the same place for finish. Towards the end I happened to see the clock and nearly stopped to curse; it was incredibly over my expectations. After a pause, realized it was for the other race and my race clock showed 48 minutes. Phew that was a relief. It’s not a great record but it was my first time racing in my  adult life.

Temperature for the duration of the race was closed to 10F. Remember we were still in the middle of Polar Vortex i.e. we were colder than Antarctica that January. So my running gear was:

1.       Bulky wind proof winter jacket layered over fleece shirt, full-sleeve tech shirt and half-sleeve shirt.

2.       Winter cap & neck gaiter for my face

3.       Now this was my first race in Minnesota winter, so in my anxiety I was trying out new gloves. They did not work. For the initial 15 minutues I was scared I might lose them to frostbite. I kept thinking I should have stuck to my gloves-&-mitten combo from my training run. But after some distance, my fingers warmed up.

4.       Lower limbs were protected by C9 Compression pants and wind-proof track pants.

5.       Reebok shoes with thick soles & compression socks.

Race goodies: There was no medal for the 5K category. But they gave a Headband which has been useful for me for my runs across the chilly part of the year. That and the ceramic mug. This run is part of Saint Paul Winter Carnival. and so there were other promotional goodies. Their waiting area had numerous food offerings.

Race results were published on Chronograph with details and photos. This being my first race results, I am so proud of it and also spoiled for all other races when make any mistake in their results.

My Securian Winter Races - 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2019 | 2020 |