I wasn't sure what category to log my miles in (threshold, etc) But basically about 5 of the miles were marathon pace and the rest were challenging, but not as fast.
SO- Basically, after running this I feel more prepared for SGM and excited for SGM! I did not make my ambitious goal of keeping 8:35 pace, but the race was much more hilly than I expected so I'm not too disappointed with 9 minute miles. Last year I ran SGM with 9:11 av. pace and I'm confident that I will keep under 9 minutes miles at SGM this year thanks to all the downhill. How close I can keep to 8:30s to get a BQ time still remains to be seen.
It was a rushed morning. Started with my Garmin not working- urggghhh! I charged it yesterday so it would be all ready for this morning. When I went to take it off the charger it was blank and would not turn on. (Of course after I got home from the race it was working?!) So I printed out a pace band and grabbed a digital watch- not the ideal pacing systerm. I picked up my friend Lenae and I made it on the bus with 5 min. to spare. Started with the Sole Sister gang. We all got spread out with Theresa P. & Tina finishing first for our group, Theresa T. & I finishing next, then Conaday, then Stephanie & Shelly. I felt really good on the downhills and uphills were a struggle. Downhills and flats I was between 7:10-8:30, but the uphills squashed my overall pace. Don't have my splits unfortunately due to the Garmin issue.
The course was beautiful!! Wish I had a little camera in my pocket. We passed a nice little pond and some horses up on a cliff- both would have made spectacular postcards.
The race was pretty well organized. My only complaint was that there were only 2 porta potties at the start!! But the aid stations were every 3 miles and were well stocked and I saw at least 3 porta potties along the way.
I feel really good, no injuries as far as I can tell. Not even too sore- EXCEPT for my toes- darn it!! I have about 5 sore toes, I'll probably lose at least 2 toenails. Thank goodness for nail polish.
My only other whaaa- beside the garmin & toes is that I'm SICK OF 4TH PLACE!!! At least 3 of my friends who came in AFTER me placed! I wasn't out there to place today, but I was kinda bummed when my friends placed in age groups under & above mine and I didn't. Those 35-40 yr. olds in my division are unstoppable obviously! Ah well. I really didn't train to deserve a AD award anyway. A big CONGRATS to our very own bloggies, Marcie & Dustin for their 1st Place Accomplishments- whooo-hoooo!!!
SO- if you're still reading this ramble- mission accomplished. Didn't hit the wall, feel more prepared for SGM and am encouraged that I can at least PR at SGM this year even if I don't pull off a BQ.
Happy Running & Racing bloggies!
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