A big huge thanks to Angie for letting me crash her house and spend the night up in Ogden. It was so much fun to stay up late talking to her and getting to know her better. By far my favorite thing about this whole running gig is the amazing friendships I have made. No PR or Happy Gilmore sized check will ever come close to the relationships I have built through this hobby.
Nutrition: The late 10am start had me so off. I grabbed a roll and a granola bar in Angie's pantry (thanks Angie) and then had 2 caramel tootsie pop suckers (seriously try one - they are great), half a banana, and another granola bar before the start. 32 ounces of fluids. This is way more than I normally eat before a race but I was kind of bored waiting for the race to start. Absolutely nothing during the race my stomach was a complete wreck. Looking back I truly don't think it has anything to do with what I ate...I think rather it was a matter of over-exerting myself too early in the race + breathing to hard + cold weather + higher elevation. I really think my stomach cramping was breathing related and not nutrition related.
Splits: 5:59, 5:57, 5:58, 6:14, 6:08, 6:09, 6:05, 6:06, 6:20, 6:14, 6:23, 6:21, 6:17, 1:23
Race Strategy: I felt like I was in shape for 1:22-1:22:30. When I plugged those numbers into Andy's pace band the fast start frightened me so I clicked the big x in the corner of my computer screen. Basically I wanted to win the race. It's not a time trial, it's a race and it was a race I felt I could win.
The rust buster miles 1-6: I had plans to go to Lagoon over the weekend but I had no idea it would be in the first 5 miles of the race. The start was FAST, too fast in hindsight. Mandy was matching me stride for stride and taking the lead. I was determined to win the race and the pace was not necessarily uncomfortable (yet) so I hung with her. I did enjoy this part of the race. It was pretty and I felt good.
Just hold it together miles 6-10: I made a move at mile 6 to gap Mandy. I still felt strong and ready to take the lead. The course started winding a lot and rolling more than I anticipated through these miles. I got a side stitch at mile 7 that was relentless. Mandy was not far behind and I knew I just needed to hold it together so I just pinched my right side, tried to focus on relaxing my breathing a bit, and kept moving forward. I knew that if I could relax my breathing and get a grip the side stitch would get better. By mile 10 I was feeling better but the wheels were definitely starting to come off.
Fake it until you make it miles 10-13: Nothing pretty about these miles. I was running all by myself through farmlands in Huntsville. I just tried to make it through to the next turn, fence post, horse, cow, sheep, rare car....anything I could focus on I did. I was kicking myself for not doing more tempo workouts. These miles were hard and my feet were killing me but my pace shockingly wasn't completely tragic....having Mandy close behind me definitely kept me motivated. At mile 12.8 I saw real people...my Mom and my friend Julia and that was enough to carry me up the small hill. I think I mustered up the energy to lift my arm and wave to them in appreciation but I do not clearly remember. After I turned from the hill I executed the absolute worst kick in the history of ever. So dang happy to be finished!
I am really quite happy with where my fitness is at right now and happy with the win but man it was tougher than I would have liked. I've got a lot of work to do to get that sub-1:20 but I'm completely motivated and excited to get there. The highlight of the day was definitely running back for Angie and getting to run the last mile (her fastest!!) of the marathon with her. I know it is incredibly cheesy but at the end of the day I'm just continually grateful for the way that running has enhanced my life, the people I have met through the sport, and the person racing has helped me to become. Thanks so much to everyone on the blog for the daily words of encouragement, the support, and the constant example and motivation.
Lastly Huntsville put on a really great race and the organization was really good. For a newer race I have no real complaints and I won a huge trophy, and a legitamate life sized check -- it is kind of awesome! :)
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