Really? Another PR? Really?? :) I'm really doing it. I'm really getting faster!! I wasn't sure about this one. I wasn't sure if I was recovered from my marathon, my back muscles were tight from deadlifts earlier in the week, I jumped to 3 cross fit sessions per week, and to top it off 5 miles would be run with a 13 mph tailwind meaning the last 5 miles would be run in a 13 mph HEADwind. Nice... My boyfriend eased my stress the night before by telling me that I've PR'ed for multiple races in a row, and that this would be a good race to not PR if it's not in the cards. I knew it was so true, but in my heart I really wanted sub 8s. So here's what happened. I lined up just behind the 1:20:00 pace group. I figured I would just need to finish in front of them to meet my goal. Once we finally crossed the start, the tailwind did an excellent job of aiding my sub 8 pace. I decided to try to bank time - from experience I know how brutal a Chicago headwind can be. I maintained sub8s through the first 4 miles. Then watched as the speedy runners heading back appeared to be battling the wind. I knew the 2nd half of the race would be a test of wills and I felt like I was already losing steam. At the turn around, I felt that overpowering head wind. I tried drafting behind some big dudes, but they weren't going as fast as I would like to go. I had a decision to make. I thought about how it would be okay to not PR, but I just couldn't let go of my pace. I couldn't give up on my efforts - I decide to run MY race. So there I was, blazing past runners and feeling pretty good. I look down at my watch and I'm maintaining sub 8s! What??? I was feeling pretty good at that point. We had a couple small hills (mountains in Chicago). I see these hills and think how treacherous they will be to run up against a headwind, but they were cake!! I actually laughed inside as I replay the Nashville hills I battled in a marathon just one month ago. By mile 7 I know I will PR. I just keep trucking. By mile 9, I can't wait to finish. My heart is pounding, I'm light-headed, and out of breath. I replay my speed work in my head. It's only 2x0.5 mile repeats (no break) left and I'm not running sub 7s so what's the problem right? :) I finally round the bend to enter the Soldier Field stadium. I decide to sprint my hardest once I see the light at the end of the tunnel (literally). I break away as I hit the green imaging racing the football players who have sprinted the same field. Then some guy sprints up next to me. Apparently I have a 6th gear because I hit it when I decide he won't beat me. I crossed that glory line in 1:18:03. So happy I crushed my PR and broke 8s on a double digit run! To top it off, my 5 mile split was 39:30, which means I ran negative splits against the fearful headwind! Really?? Yes, I will wear that finishers medal with pride! :) After my awesome race I had a pretty tough easy 2 miles to try to shake things out. Ah, time for a nap!! P.S. I hit over 47 miles this week. That's a PR for me too! I love this upping my mileage thing! :)
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