Beyond frustrated today! I felt I ran really smart. Got some quick miles in with Zach Holt as we approached Veyo. Then I left him on the hill, not intentional. I didn't go too fast in the first half marathon (like at Charleston) and overall I felt pretty good and was satisfied with my efforts.
Between 17-18 miles my IT band started flaring up, it was right around this time that Zach Holt re-passed me and told me sub 3 was mine if I just kept my miles at around 7 minute pace. I knew that and it sounded so easy. I packed some anti cramping pills in my little running pouch to avoid future cramping, they must've fallen out somewhere. I prayed for the IT flaring to not be an issue. It wasn't an issue.....but my inner thigh and quads started to seize up a little. At this point I had flashbacks to Charleston and my quad struggles there. I was running cautiously. I stopped at every aid station and had someone rub icyhot on me. It didn't really help. At one aid station I accidentally stopped my watch too, maybe cost me 20 seconds. I loved seeing PV at aid station 22. They were excited to see me and I wish I was in a better state to show off for them.
Once I hit all the spectators on the north end of Bluff my quads seized and then my calfs seized. My legs went stiff and I awkwardly fell to the ground ( kind of hard). I tried to stretch out my legs but each time I did they got worse. Some spectators came and helped. My quads get so tight it looks like someone shoved a baseball into my quads. They will not loosen for anything! I probably spent 4-5 minutes on the ground. Cooper passed me and saw me struggling! Eventually I got up and walked to diagonal. Then I got brave again and tried to jog. Immediately seized up and fell hard again. Runners yelled for someone to help me. Justin Snyder and Scott Bushar wanted to stop and help but I told them to carry on. A really nice man took the time to help me and stretch me out. IT WAS A PROCESS! I am so grateful he helped me out. I was debating dropping out because I was embarressed to keep falling over and it was really painful. People probably think I am just being dramatic.
I got going once again and Dawson found me. I could tell he was struggling too. We made a pact that if I fall over he would help and if he fell over I would help him. We jogged, we walked, we hobbled, and we got closer to the finish. It was great to have him there! I left him on the last turn and finally made it to the finish.
I am grateful for running examples in my life. Aaron has been an amazing mentor! PVXC and Marieta have been great training partners! Marieta ran a 1:43 in the half! I was really consistent in my training in preparation for this race! I am not sure what else I could have done different? I was ready for sub 3. I really can't blame myself for this one. My body failed me a little bit today. Back to the drawing board!
Shout out to Noe for throwing down a 2:43!
1. 6:39
2. 6:47 13:26
3. 6:32 19:58 5k- 20:48
4. 6:26 26:24
5. 6:33 32:57
6. 6:22 39:19 10k- 40:05
7. 6:21 45:40
8. 7:18 (Veyo) 52:58
9. 7:03 1:00:01
10. 6:52 1:06:53
11. 7:03 1:13:56
12. 6:46 1:20:42
13. 6:38 1:27:20 13.1- 1:28:26
14. 6:38 1:33:58
15. 6:20 1:40:18
16. 6:18 1:46:36
17. 6:35 1:53:11
18. 6:52 2:00:03
19. 7:45 2:07:48
20. 7:26 2:15:14
21. 7:28 2:22:50
22. 8:52 2:31:42
(accidentally stopped watch somewhere between 22-23)
23. 8:37 2:40:17
24. 14:18 2:54:35
(Fell to the asphalt)
25. 18:09 3:12:44
(Fell to the asphalt again)
26. 10:44 3:23:28
.21. 2:38 3:26:06
3:26:15 7:52 mile pace
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