Believe to Achieve

First, ran two miles on my own nice and easy  in the wind (AP 9:04). Then ran with my trainee Jenn.  This time I let my garmin run through ALL of the walking at every mile starting at mile three.  Pace slower than two weeks ago but after mile 12 (we started at 530am) we had a very nice headwind.  The wind had died down after two miles together.  The moon was FULL and spectacular to look at.  Jenn was down about the wind but she persevered and made it to my home where we parted.  She only had .4 miles to go and we stopped to use my bathroom.  I had to get going to see Melanie finish her race (a whole  'nother sad but funny story), the Shamrock Half in Saratoga Winds, I mean Springs.  Our pace with no stopping of the garmin except for three times for longer stops (total of 8.5 minutes) was 10:37.  Total time 3:12 minutes!!!  Just a minute slower than my SGM PR!!  The only thing about running slower is that my joints were more achy.  Probably because I don't think I get my adrenaline and or endorphins going.  We did do some bursts which were fun to watch Jenn do.  She could really pick it up and, while my legs were stiff and struggling to catch her, she looked ENERGIZED. Seriously, she doesn't give herself credit.  She can run fast.  We got to 6:30 pace briefly.  Anyway,  back to Melanie.  She missed the turn and followed the lead pack of guys (uphill mind you) for .7 miles, then turning around after the sheriff told them they were going the wrong way.  So she and 4 other guys ran 1.4+ miles longer on the course.  She WAS in first until then and then ended up in third.  She was right next to the second place girl  at the finish and  I tried to get her to sprint with me, but she was mentally/physicall spent.  She did say she got to 13 miles in 1:30.  And that course and wind  IS a bugger!!!  The first guy came in at 1:27:40.  I don't know if he took a wrong turn so I bet the other guys really beat him.  The "first girl" followed wrongly as well but only for an additional 1/4 mile.  She came in at 1:34 something including the extra time.  Basically, KNOW YOUR COURSE.  There was noone at that turn, but a small cone with an arrow and if you blinked or if you were cruising you could easily miss it.  BUMMER.  The winner got a pair of running shoes.  The race director apologized and Melanie said "it's all good", mistakes happen.  She got in a good work out.