Unfortunately this is not a PR post. But, I wanted to do it justice as my last distance race for a while.
Back in August, I had planned to do the 1/2 marathon of this race. I started out the first week of training excited and motivated, but with work and family demands, training became a huge chore and source of internal guilt. I went down to the 10 mile instead to join my SIL and a few of her friends/family.
Training was okay, but I didn't do as many of the longer speed workouts I should have. My long runs were fine, but nothing great. I did 9-10 mile long runs for most of them, so the distance wasn't an issue.
The morning of the race was a little hectic with coordinating with so many people. I was reminded why I like to do these things alone. Plus, I knew I was going to miss meeting thomjene and @mn06. We arrived at the race around 8:10, and it was set to start at 8:30. I knew the porta potty line was going to be an issue. Low and behold, I was in the porta potty when the gun went off. Oops. So the start was not ideal. The 5 of us started together, but I needed to pick up the pace to run my race, so I did. Well, tried - it was so crowded the first few miles. My SIL caught up to me, then passed me. Wah.
I got a bad side stitch around mile 3 and knew I was in trouble. I had trouble relaxing and working it out. I wanted to quit and/or slow down, but I tried to get through it. I had a few good miles at 5 and 6 and then things got hard again at mile 8. I caught up to my SIL again, and we ran together a bit, but she stopped for water at the last water stop and I kept going. I knew i was close to the PR time, so I tried my darnedest to work, but I just couldn't go any faster.
I finished in 1:23:xx and missed my PR by 6 seconds. I also ran 10.10 miles. So without all that bobbing and weaving it might have happened. Here's a pic of the Globetrotters at the finish - you can't see my sweet knee high socks though:
I will still run after this but am already feeling a sense of relief in having this over with. I am a runner and always wll be, but I need to find more balance. Next Monday I am starting a boot camp class that will be a great change. I will still run to get my goal of 1000 miles, but for a while, will be cheering on all the awesome racers here.
Aw, I'm sorry on the 6 sec miss, but congrats on pushing through! I had a similar too crowded, bobbing and weaving start to my 10-miler this weekend, and it threw me off for the rest of the race. It's hard to recollect and get back on track!
Enjoy what sounds like a needed break. Running/racing will always be here!
Post by bostonmichelle on Oct 27, 2014 10:50:44 GMT -5
Congrats on the race! You still had an awesome time and even with all the issues were close to a PR so definitely within reach when/if you decide to get back into racing longer distances. Have fun with bootcamp.
Congrats on the race! I have had issues with side stitches lately and I'm amazed at how close you came to a PR with one. That picture is great. Enjoy boot camp!
Great recap Breezy!! The combo of sun and wind made this a little tougher than I was expecting, but it was still a beautiful day and you ran a strong race.
Based on your time I'm kind of surprised/bummed I didn't see you somewhere around miles 9-10. I was maybe too spent at that point to notice...
I finished at 13.21 on the garmin. Part of me thinks I should go back to racing with just a normal watch so I don't agonize over the distance. I know it's just a fact in bigger races, but it's still annoying.
With that, a big congrats to you! Enjoy bootcamp and this new fitness chapter you're starting on.
Great recap Breezy!! The combo of sun and wind made this a little tougher than I was expecting, but it was still a beautiful day and you ran a strong race.
Based on your time I'm kind of surprised/bummed I didn't see you somewhere around miles 9-10. I was maybe too spent at that point to notice...
I finished at 13.21 on the garmin. Part of me thinks I should go back to racing with just a normal watch so I don't agonize over the distance. I know it's just a fact in bigger races, but it's still annoying.
With that, a big congrats to you! Enjoy bootcamp and this new fitness chapter you're starting on.
ETA: Nice work on the costumes!!
I was thinking the same...I was wondering if I would see you out there and kept looking for your Team Dairy shirt
Great recap and such a fun picture. I am sorry the race was a bit of a cluster and not how you had hoped it would go, but that was a damn speedy race!
I understand what you mean about taking a break from running or having more balanced workouts. Sometimes you get burnt out and stepping away for awhile is just what you need. Good luck!