The morning started off a bit hectic. I met my friend Meghan at her house around 5:00 to head out early. However, we got a call right away from Somer, who was driving separately, that she hit a deer on the way! So plans changed and we met up with Somer, did some vehicle swapping and proceeded on our way a bit late. Oh, and Somer is okay, I should have already stated that!
I tried my best to stay hydrated so of course that means my bladder could not handle the hour drive to the city and I made a desperate pull over to a closed gas station. Sigh....luckily there was a donut shop next to it that after my begging/pleading and promising to come back and buy donuts, they let me use their non public restroom. And of course, I forgot to come back and buy donuts (sorry!).
We made it to the race a little later than my comfort level, but it actually worked out just fine. I had time to check in, pee, stretch, visit a bit and line up. My goal from a few weeks ago was to finish ahead of Branson, so around 2:20-2:25, so I started off in the pace group between 2:10-2:30 markers. Of course, I spent the first mile tripping over people who were already walking, but pulled ahead of the 2:10 group for the first several miles.
This race was so different from Branson. I started off feeling much stronger in Branson and didn't feel really fatigued until the end. However, I started feeling fatigued early on. I had Gu Chomps with me and ate those every two miles or so, but not sure if they really did anything or not. I wanted to run at least 6 miles before needing water or slowing down, but it was so hot. At mile 4, there was a huge nasty hill that the lady next to me called Diablo and it lived up to its name. I had to walk up it. It was so steep and I was feeling weak. I got up the hill, got a drink and pressed on. My back started to hurt around mile 5 but I was able to run through it (which I have done in both races- I need to force myself to in practice). I stopped at EVERY drink stop getting about 2 cups of water at each one. I tried to drink water while running and that doesn't work. It was pretty funny I am sure if someone was watching me. I feel like I walked more off and on than I did in Branson. I had my Fitbit telling me my splits and I felt comfortable at my pace.
Around mile 8 or so, the 2:10 pacer passed me and I tried to stay close but eventually lost them between my running/walking. At mile 11, I felt strong again, even though my legs were sore. I knew I was close to the end and I was determined to be done asap. I was able to run the last two miles! I however got confused with my paces and felt like I was behind my Branson time.
I got into the little mall where the finish was and was able to pick up my pace some. I was a little upset with myself for being slower than Branson, but I was happy that I was finishing strong. But then, I saw the finish line and realized I was AHEAD of Branson!!! I think it said 2:22 or so when I crossed. I forgot to turn off my fitbit immediately, but here are the splits, with the final split being about 2 minutes too long:
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Race Name/Distance
|
Half
|
|
Overall Place
|
152
|
|
Division Name
|
F3034
|
|
Division Place
|
29 of 88
|
|
Gender Place
|
152 of 619
|
|
Run Pace
|
10:48
|
|
|
|
|
Finish Time
|
2:21:20
|
I cut about 4 minutes off my time!!! While waiting for the rest of my group to finish, I found a nice shady spot to sit and stretch and cheer on the remaining runners.
Next race is a 5K on Sept 19th!
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