AP: 8:43 Tim and I left American Fork around 12:00pm on Friday. I was so excited he was coming with me (to support my *habit*). We stopped in Washington city center to pick up my race packet. They gave away shorts instead of shirts. They were nice shorts, but have "Get Bit" on the back of them...lame! We checked into the hotel, ate some pizza at the Pizza Factory and decided to see the movie "This Means War" (which was very funny). I got to bed around 10:00pm. I slept great but my hips were still aching. I guess you never know what to expect on a race morning. Since it's been 4 weeks since my last race, my main goal was to beat my 1:55 St George Half Marathon time. Tim drove me to the start. I was very surprised to see how small the race was (405 runners versus 1400 for the SGH). Though it was a bit chilly, the sun was shining and it was definitely going to warm up. They played the National Anthem - I LOVE when they play it! I was so grateful I was able to run today (versus not being able to run).
Mile 1 (8:02) - It is always hard to judge how fast to go out on a steep decline. They had the race running on a tiny trail. I finally got off the trail and ran on the shoulder of the road - too many people. I was really worried I had gone out too fast. Mile 2 (8:25) - Still very down hill. The wind was blowing from the side and my eyes kept watering. I had tears running down my face. Nice! Hips are definitely aching and I'm hoping that they will stop soon.
Mile 3 (8:43) - Still down hill. We start running on a dirt road. Thankfully it didn't last long. Water stop. Feeling good. Mile 4 (8:20) - Hell's Hole - the canyon's walls felt like they were close enough to touch! There were a lot of "dips" - super steep decline...dip...super steep incline. Those drastic changes are hard on the body. The shade from the canyon was wonderful! Mile 5 (8:31) - It started to flatten out which can be hard when you've been going down such steep declines. Wondering when I am going to blow up! Mile 6/7 (9:02/9:14) - Starting to climb. I was pleased with how I handled these two big climbs. I was definitely tired, but felt like I put forth an honest effort (knowing I still had a big climb at mile 10). Water stop-GU. Mile 8 (8:38) - A nice long downhill. It was quite refreshing after a long climb. I was starting to get tired. I knew Tim was going to meet me somewhere along the course and I was getting excited to see him. Mile 9/10 (9:04/9:22) - Climb, climb climb. Tim joined in just before mile 10. He knows me so well - he asked if I wanted stories (to keep my mind off of running) or just to keep quiet and run). I only had enough energy to say "run". Water stop - GU. We got up through one climb, turned right on a street and started another climb. When I turned that corner, I let out an audible"Uhhhhh". Mile 11/12 (8:45/8:39) - The course started to flatten out and we were running through farm country. I was just trying to hang on at this point. I looked at my watch and thought I could maybe hit a 1:52 if I could just hang on. Water stop. After this water stop, I started to feel the pukes coming on. I hate the pukes. Mile 13 (7:22) - I had a hard time figuring out where the finish was. I knew the mile markers had been off and the race was slightly short. I crossed the line and knew if I didn't get my breathing under control, I would lose my breakfast. I had a volunteer run up to me and grab my arm. I said I was fine and just need to stand here a minute and catch my breath. He stood and waited a few minutes to make sure I was ok. I was just hoping I wouldn't puke on his shoes. I grabbed some gatoraide and it made me feel more pukey. I just sat for awhile till my stomach settled down. I was pleased with my time and effort. I'm still trying to decide how this course compares to the St George Half marathon course...easier or harder. I don't like having the steep decline at the beginning. Though I felt pukey at the end, I think I pushed harder through the entire race (more so than SGH). We went back to the hotel, and cleaned up (no ice bath this time). I had to sit for awhile and let my stomach continue to settle. I'm so grateful for my husband who understand that sometimes I just need to be quiet (like during the race and at the hotel). We ate a quick lunch at Cafe Rio (a pork salad does wonders for the stomach...NOT) and headed home. Nap on the way home!
My hips are ON FIRE!! I need to figure something out with them. St George Runner's Series DONE!
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