Well I have to start by saying that this was my last "race" race. I am retiring in a sense from racing and just going to dedicate more time to my family, to coaching at AFHS, and overall just less work and stress. I am content with what I have accomplished thus far in my running days and feel it is a good time for me to go out.
Having said that, I wanted to go out on a high note with this being my last race. I wanted to PR from last year, (1:12:13), I wanted to win, and the course record would be a great extra bonus. So I arrived at the start around 6:40 am, after a long bus ride, warmed up about a 1/2 mile, did a couple strides, potty break, and then went over by the start around 7:05...the race didn't start until 8:00, ugh! I don't blame the race director for the late start, I think the forest service puts a ton of regulations on this race and they are forced to comply, even if complying pushes the start back. Anyways, as soon as I was by the start line, I saw Nan and was able to chat alot with her, (she is amazing by the way and it was so fun to see her again).
The race starts and I immediatly got sucked into a pack of about 5 guys, which quickly turned to 3 guys and me. First mile, 5:06. I knew this was faster than I could hold, but at the same time, if I let go of them I wouldn't be running with anyone. So I continued on with them, mile 2, 5:08. At this point I backed off the guys about 10 feet, but slowly gained that back over the next mile. Mile 3, no split, missed it while trying to grab a water...which ended up just being me knocking it out of the volunteers hands...dang it. Since I missed that marker, I couldn't tell my exact split at the mile 4 and 5 marks, but knew I was still ahead of my goal pace.
Heading into mile 6, I dropped the guy I had been side by side with and came upon Clark, who I had been using to pace off of. He said he had a horrible side ache, I told him to run through it, but then he stopped, too bad...I was really hoping to run with him for a few more miles at least. So now I was alone, mile 6, my running time was 31:07. Whew, I was just hoping I could keep it up. The next 4 miles were all around 5:25-5:30. I think the toughest mile being the mile from 8-9, when you are back along a trail away from the road it makes it hard to keep pushing. So glad to see mile marker 10 and some people cheering. Got a great downhill, followed by a steady slight uphill that really made my legs hate life. Once I got back to flat pavement, I got mentally tough again. Mile 11, running time was 58:58, last years time at this mark was 60:00 flat. This gave me the boost I needed to keep going. I knew that if I could just hold a decent pace to the finish, I was going to attain my goals.
Water station around mile 11, just threw the water on me...at least I actually got this cup in my hand...I forgot to say the I missed all the water at ALL the prior water stations, I just kept knocking it out of their hands, dang it! Got to mile 12, 1:04:40...definitely feeling it, but still trying to push. The last mile was so long, it felt like forever until I could see the park and people cheering. As soon as I came to the block by the park, I could hear my family yelling, parents, husband, kids, bro-in-law, and nephew...this gave me just enough to get through the finish. I stopped my watch, 1:10:26, exactly what my chip time was. Before I could even take a couple steps, I heard Nan's voice...she had just crossed as well. I had no idea she was so close, I really thought I was running in no man's land from mile 6 on, apparantly not.
I really think that it was a great race for both I and Nan...we both smashed the prior course record of 1:11:33, and both had huge PR's. Props to Nan for doing so well on this course for a first timer and I know that she is going to go on and do great things in her upcoming races. It was fun to be able to do my last race with such good competition.
After the finish, I met Allie and Lily from the blog (thanks for cheering)...then went back out to watch my sister finish her first 1/2 marathon (1:33)...ran a 2 mile cooldown, and then just sat in the shade with my family until awards. Got $250 for first place.
It was a happy, bittersweet day. I hope that I can continue to influence other runner's for good, especially my AF girl's and FRB's. I know that I have not been a good blogger, but I have loved meeting some of you and getting feed back from you. I wish you all success in your running goals and aspirations! If I can ever be of assistance, just ask...I will happily answer any questions about my prior training or give my advice to any who wants it. I know I will always run and always love it...I now just get to do it a little less and little slower! |