Race recap, broken into the awesome, awful, and meh

[irene adler]

The awesome (40%)--This is race is so well organized and beautiful.

I had a great time waking up and hitting the road with a friend at 430 am--we got to the bus nice and early, and had a great time hanging out at the start line (despite the fact it was a cold 27 degrees). I am hoping that my smashing rendition of Ellie Goulding's Burn will win me a free pair of Hokas!

Taking ng a porta potty stop .08 miles in. No line!

The post race swag was a blanket, which was amazing because it could be thrown down on a big grassy field for stretching! Brilliant!

It was fascinating watching what my spits were--miles 1-2 (mostly uphill)--11:30; miles 7-8 (the steepest downhill) 8:15, aka the fastest miles I will ever run.


The awful (30%)--between the elevation (4686 down to 3000) and having an immense amount of crud in my nose, I had to stop constantly with an awful hacking wheezing cough. Throw in deep down, exhausted muscles, and it was one of the least fun actual running experiences I've ever had.

I was really disappointed with my time, and knowing I was pretty far off my goal time affected my mind the whole race. Pity party crying ensued at several points, filed by coming off such a draining week. I know I'm being a whiner, but dammit, I set 3 big goals this year and totally failed on this one.

The Meh (30%)--most of the (non coughing) parts of the run.

Sitting on the couch feels amazing. I should probably nap. But here are some pics!

Attachments:

[sadlebred]

Way to hang in there and finish!!

[cinco]

I'm sorry you didn't have the race you wanted, but way to tough it out!

[thom]

Congrats on making it to the start and finish !

It's so disappointing when sickness de-rails your race goals. It sounds like you did your absolute best under the circumstances, and that is still something to celebrate. Hope you feel better soon!

[cole]

Great job on finishing and the speedy miles! Sorry it wasn't what you were hoping for, but still, you are awesome!

[irene adler]

Oh, and the beer rest stop happened right after one of my saddest miles. Truly, the opportunity to drink a half can of PBR while wallowing is its own brand of poetic awesome.

[wanderlustmom]

I still think you rocked it!!!!

[ktzmoh]

A beer pit stop sounds amazing. But I'm really sorry you didn't have the race you wanted. What were your three big goals? It's only March 1, plenty of time to try again!

[irene adler]

Mar 1, 2015 19:46:07 GMT -5 ktzmoh said:

A beer pit stop sounds amazing. But I'm really sorry you didn't have the race you wanted. What were your three big goals? It's only March 1, plenty of time to try again!

One of the goals was a sub two half marathon. My pace has slowed in the last two years (which has coincided with a very stressful time in my life.) I was really hoping that gravity would help me reach that goal today--I came really close last year on the same course

The other two are work-related, so I'm feeling pretty good about those.

[ilovecandy]

Good for you for powering through. I know it wasn't the time you wanted but I think you did fantastic.

[ktzmoh]

Mar 1, 2015 19:57:56 GMT -5 irene adler said:

Mar 1, 2015 19:46:07 GMT -5 ktzmoh said:

A beer pit stop sounds amazing. But I'm really sorry you didn't have the race you wanted. What were your three big goals? It's only March 1, plenty of time to try again!

One of the goals was a sub two half marathon. My pace has slowed in the last two years (which has coincided with a very stressful time in my life.) I was really hoping that gravity would help me reach that goal today--I came really close last year on the same course

The other two are work-related, so I'm feeling pretty good about those.

What's on your race schedule this year? You totally have time to make your goal. You had some factors out of your control on this one. Try again?

[jamalynn]

Congrats on making it through. You did great!

[bostonmichelle]

Congratulations on making it thru! Knowing you are way off your goal and pushing thru is one of the hardest things to do in my opinion. I'm sorry it didn't go the way you wanted. I hope you can find another race to get that sub 2 hour mark. I'm personally chasing it as well and fell apart in my last attempt so I can totally commiserate. Hugs. Rest up and review your race plans and get yourself healthy.

[gt7301b]

I'm sorry you didn't have the race you wanted, but glad you stuck it out. Those views are awesome.

[irene adler]

You are all awesome for listening to me whine. Thanks for indulging my man cold ways

ktzmoh, I am not signed up for anything right now--there was a chance we could move this summer, so I haven't signed up for anything.

Although there is a local half in 2 weeks that I might run (I recently found out I will be in town and an able to run) and Marin is still on the table, but I'm not ready to commit.

[schenkertobe]

Sorry you didn't hit the time you were aiming for. But you started, toughed it out despite the circumstances, and you finished. Congrats! Enjoy relaxing on the couch.

[shauni27]

wow, what a beautiful race! I'm sorry it wasn't exactly what you were hoping for, but great job on pushing through and finishing!

[jene]

Congrats on making it through! You did awesome!

[CallingAllAngels]

I am sorry you didn't have the race you wanted. You will get there!

[theoriginalbean]

I'm sorry that you didn't wake up feeling awesome, but you still finished it! And I hear you on the mid-race pity parties. I've been there, and it sucks.
Keep your head up, you'll get it next time!

[itsme]

I think you did great! Even though it wasn't perfect for you, you ran it and finished it! That's an accomplishment in itself.