Despite yesterday’s business, I’ve finally had time to create a race recap. I always love reading other people’s race recaps, but I had a hard time deciding how to start this one. Since I discussed the training and carbo-loading in yesterday’s post, I guess I’ll just jump right into race day.
I woke at 5:55 a.m. and immediately made a cup of green tea while checking the weather. I continued with my usual long-run breakfast, which included Trader Joe’s jasmine green tea, about 1 TBS Trader Joe’s all-natural crunchy peanut butter, 1 banana, and 1 slice of Archer Farms’ 100% whole wheat bread.
I laid out my essentials the night before, so getting ready was a breeze. Staying calm was another story. The last-minute hill additions and the cold, wet weather only intensified my existing nervousness.
When I arrived at the starting line at 7:05 a.m., all I could think was, “Why the *#&#@! did I think this was a good idea???” I stood in a very long porta-john line, but I was unable to use it before runners were called to the line (a scheduled 7:30 a.m. start time). Bummer – but no biggie.
Off we went! Working around people is always difficult. I was very surprised that this race did NOT have any clocks or time-calling volunteers at each mile marker. In fact, there was nothing to help you track your pace, not even pace groups. Thank goodness I had my Garmin Forerunner! Keeping my pace under control was difficult at first, but I quickly got the hang of it.
Sorry for the recycled picture…
When I was out tackling those hills, the hubs high-tailed it back to the hotel for a break from the rain, some coffee, and a warm breakfast. I don’t blame the guy. I couldn’t bring myself to ask anyone else to stand in that weather just to see (and possibly smell) my sweaty self, so I didn’t see my one-man cheering squad again until the very end.
Moments I Remember:
- Many times I asked myself, “Which hill is this?”
- At some point during mile 2, my hips started to hurt. I questioned my ability to finish.
- I had a hard time controlling my pace at mile 3 due to a LMFAO song and a downhill slope.
- At mile 5.5, I took my first Gu.
- Around mile 6.5, I tossed my cheap n’ crappy gloves.
- When Lady Gaga’s “Just Dance” came on my playlist, I told my legs, “Just Run.” And they did.
- At mile 8, I ran up a steep hill with 2 girls, and we fed off each other’s energy. So helpful!
- At mile 9, I was like, “Woah, I’m actually running a half marathon.”
- I took my second Gu around mile 9.75 or so.
- At mile 11, I wanted to scream, “This is the furthest I’ve ever run in my life!” I didn’t.
- During the last hill, I wondered what jerk planned such torture.
- Despite the hill (or perhaps, to spite the hill), I think the last mile was my fastest.
I ran through the finish before my playlist ended, and that’s all a girl could want. My goal was to finish in under 2 hours, but that was a stretch goal. I wasn’t actually confident that my hips would allow such craziness.
But I did. I finished in 1:56:00, and I couldn’t be happier about it. Whether he liked it or not, Kevin got a big ole’ sweaty, stinky hug when I crossed the finish line. I felt great… except my hips. I had a mini Larabar and an EAS carb control protein shake at the finish line. Now that I’ve had time to recover, I still feel great… except my hips.
Thanks for reading the recap. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I have enjoyed the recaps I’ve read.
Link Love: Some of my favorite race recaps, written by other bloggers
