It was very cold. I originally planned to go out early and run some miles before, but when I saw that the temp was -17 with the wind chill, I thought I better not. And then I only got there in time to "warm up" a little less than 1/4 mile.
So this was a trail race and it was moderately difficult. I didn't push the first mile because the start narrowed very quickly so it was hard to get around people. Then I started moving a little more. There was only one area that we were all forced to walk--a very narrow steep incline that wound around a bit. Other than that (and I didn't pay attention to how long it was, maybe a little less than .2) it was running all the way. There were some narrow parts and some icy parts, but overall it was a pretty trail. As far as racing goes, I could have done better. My splits were 9:48, 9:01, 8:39, 8:27, 11:16 (this was the uphill part), 9:21 (I got lazy and talkative here. I had a few minutes of conversation with the guy behind me), 9:51 (can't remember what the deal was here, but I think this was a little rougher terrain), and then about 8:53 (but I'll update that when results are posted because I forgot to stop my watch, but I know the finish clock said 1:10 something). The only thing that irritated me was that the whole way there was a woman running behind me and I just wanted to beat her. In the last mile I kept trying to send her a vibe to pass me because I wanted her in front. And then when she did pass me, I wasn't expecting it. The trail was narrow and there were a couple people in front of me and she passed us all at once. By the time I got by the other two in front she was already about 15 paces ahead and I stupidly just gave up with about 1/4 mile to go. That's why I hate racing--because at the time I don't care that much, but it bothers me now that it's all over. I did feel a little better because one of the other two I passed right in the end was a woman, and she tried to out kick me in the end, but I edged her out. Then I was interviewed by the news. I doubt I made it on because I think my response was unintelligible. He asked me if I was cold, and I tried to say, "No. I was dressed perfectly." That's how it sounded in my head, but I was still out of breath and it didn't come out that way. I was happy because I was the 12th woman finisher and my award was a t-shirt and a stocking cap. Hooray! Oh, and I beat crazy Que, the lady that I saw last week running with a chute. I did stop to talk to her afterward. She's been injured, but she might be running Boston this year. She qualified last year at the Illinois Marathon and didn't even realize it until her coworkers told her she had. She's turning 60 this year, I think. And then I cooled down 2 miles. And I really cooled down because I was running around looking for the girls that were holding my jacket (former runners). I finally found them and the jacket and still wanted to run a little more. My last mile was frigid. UPDATE: I updated my time. I swear that when I crossed the line the clock said 1:10 something. Oh well. Maybe I looked at it 5 seconds before I crossed the line.
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