Race Re-Cap with PIP

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Today I did my final race for the year - the Conwy Half Marathon. Can't lie, I was hoping to beat last year's time (1:51) since I have now done 25 halfs in a year so theoretically I should have killed it. Spoiler alert: I didn't. My feet are done. Here's a new blister that began around mile 3 today.
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Yeah. That hurt. A lot. 

Still... the scenery in Wales is gorgeous. And frankly, that's what I look for more in a race. Not t-shirts or medals. Scenery. 

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Call me weird, but is this not a fantastic sight just before you finish?
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Chip time was 1:53 - 2 mins slower than last year. The course had changed, but I know from segments that are logged on Strava which I ran through last year (i.e. the same stretches) that I was off-pace the whole way, particularly on the 2 mile climb. I can make any number of excuses for this, but frankly, I just didn't have it in me today. And that's totally okay. Like I said - the scenery was incredible. 

And now? I'm switching to cycling for the winter. I'll do the odd shorter run here and there, but I need a break for a bit. 

[G22]

OUCH! That blister, girl I'm impressed you ran on that from mile 3 on. That picture of the castle is pretty though!

[Mushe]

Your poor feet! That's still an awesome time, and you're right - amazing scenery makes the race!

Have a great winter off.

[thom]

Ok, I thought my feet looked rough. But no. I am nowhere near as tough as you.

Take care of those footsies.

The scenery blows me away. It looks so magical it's almost hard to believe it's real. I would love to see that someday.

Congrats on your epic year of races. Somedays just aren't PR or course record days. Especially with that many races you will have ups and downs. Congrats on a strong time!!

[ktzmoh]

Yikes what a blister! Ouch!

But congratulations on #25! That's awesome!! And yeah that's pretty stunning scenery.

[2doxies]

Beautiful setting for a race! I'm glad that you were able to enjoy the day. Wowzers, your feet....enjoy your running break this winter. You had a hell of a year!

[cinco]

Ouch! Congrats on wrapping up an impressive year of running. The scenery looks amazing.

[juliabug]

Ouch! My feet hurt looking at that. You are one tough runner to run 10 miles with that blister!

[bostonmichelle]

Congrats on a great race and a great running season. Have fun biking!

[gt7301b]

EWWWWWW, does this mean we didn't get a leap ?

The scenery is AMAZING!!

[libbygrl109]

Yow! Your poor feet! That scenery is amazing. Congrats on a great year of halves!

[sassystace]

Can't PR every race!  Awesome time none-the-less and on those feet - ouch!!

Gorgeous views, can't find ones quite like that in Ohio!

[sadlebred]

Congratulations on 25!
The scenery is amazing!!! I can't say we have anything like that in the States.
Your bikes have missed you!

[shauni27]

that is one nasty, painful looking blister, you poor thing! but nice job on the run, even if it was slower that years past, it was still a very fast race and it looked beautiful.

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Nov 23, 2014 19:20:32 GMT -5 gt7301b said:

EWWWWWW, does this mean we didn't get a leap ?

The scenery is AMAZING!!

The race wasn't as well organised this year - I was actually on the toilet when the gun went off, bag drop was hopeless and there was no obvious official photographer. 

Plus I had horrendous period pain. I did a half hearted leap in front of a photographer, but I'm not certain he was an official photographer.

Sorry everyone! 

[skwcm80]

Ouch to that blister!! Congratulations on a great racing year!

[emilyinchile]

There is nothing weird about thinking that Conwy Castle is a pretty sweet finish view! Congrats on your massive accomplishment of running all those 13.1s this year!