I ran the new South Valley 1/2 Marathon today. I was really impressed with how well organized it was. I met Cheris, Michelle M. and Michelle C. at the buses at 5:30. We got to the race start and got in line for the porta potties.
I'm glad we ran this course last week. It helped me to know what was coming. I really hated the uphill miles between 4-7.7. I walked several times during that stretch, but never for more than a few seconds. I don't know why I do that. It's such a mental thing. I don't think it slowed me down too much, because I still passed serveral people through that section. We had like a 30 mph head wind for the whole second half of the race.
Mile 1: 7:16 downhill I was trying to catch up to the 1:40 and/or 1:45 pacers, but the were going to fast.
Mile 2: 7:05 very downhill. I ran with Mignon during this mile. I also passed the 1:45 pacer.
Mile 3: 6:48 I pushed pretty hard to catch the 1:40 pacer. I ran with him until just after mile 4 when we started going uphill and I slowed down.
Mile 4: 7:15 gradual uphill. I'm struggling a bit. I take a gu at the mile 4 aid station.
Mile 5: 7:52 still uphill. I'm slowing down.
Mile 6: 8:35 This is mile I start doing my little walks here and there.
Mile 7: 9:11 very steep uphill section.
Mile 8: 8:34 This is where I pass the girl in the green shirt. That helped give me energy. I'm feeling strong even though it's still partly uphill. I know the down hill is coming. A very nice biker also helped encourage me here.
Mile 9: 7:25 yes! finally some down hill.
Mile 10: 7:33 I took another gu. They handed out a wet wash cloth here. I loved that.
Mile 11: 7:33 It's still downhill, but the strong winds are really taking a toll on me.
Mile 12: 7:41 I think there's still a chance to get a 1:40:xx
Mile 13: 7:43 crap. I hit mile 13 in 1:40:37. I can see the course is a bit long. I just keep running.
.23 Average pace 7:13
I ran a 3 mile cool down around the lake with Kelli, Scott, and the Michelles. My legs had a hard time moving. We came back and got our awards. When I finally looked in the mirror, I was covered in a white salty sweat. How gross is that. I actually felt decent during the race. I had a pop tart about 1 1/2 hours before the race and I took 2 Immodium AD's. I didn't have any bathroom issues which has hurt my time in many races. I didn't take any ibuprofin until after the race.
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