This race came up on me fast. I knew Nov. 21st would be here quick...but I got back in town on Weds, worked and then BAM! It was here.
I knew it would be a BIG stretch to get my new PR and be under 2:10. I debated the day before "should I just run it & have fun and not try" or "see how I feel and go for it". And if I did try to "go for it"....when do I know it is not possible, or would it be too painful or if I would just set myself up to be disappointed. Of course on race day, all those questions/worries were answered.
It was a warm morning here in St. Petersburg. Had to already be in the 60's when we got to the race at 6 AM. When I am not COLD before the race you know it will be a warm one. I also realized I have not raced ANY distance since my full marathon in Feb. No wonder I felt nervous and weird.
So I decided I would head out with a faster 1st mile than training, so IF I had a chance to have a good time I would not have to make up for my really slow starts. So I headed out at about a 10:30-ish pace. I felt good and of course by mile number 2 I was in the 9:30 - 9:40 pace range. I knew if I held this pace for a while I could "stock up" time for when I slowed later. But I also knew at this pace I could burn out very easily. Long story short...I did. But I was OK with it. I went out fast and paid for it. But you never know how fast you can run unless you try. I really think the sunny 70+ temperatures did not help any.
So I held a good pace til mile 5 and started worrying and also thinking "do I slow now or keep pushing". By mile 7 - 8 I knew I could not hold this pace. But I was OK with it. I found my rhythm (although at a slower pace and kept on). Since the run was in my hometown I knew the roads, but I still marvel about how beautiful our little waterfront down town is. It was a great day. There were a few "out & back loops" just to get mileage that I didnt' love. We had to run thru the parking lot of Tropicana Field (our baseball stadium--Tampa Bay Rays) that was NOT fun between mile 11 & 12, but that was so we could run IN THE STADIUM, ON THE FIELD (along the warning track). That pretty COOL!!!
I also knew that I was close to running my 2nd or 3rd fastest half-marathon and I was pretty happy with that.
So the result was:
2:16:43, my 3rd fastest time. Pace 10:26
I placed 173 out of 633 in my age group (I am pretty darn happy with that!)
Without sounding like I am judging people by how they look, but I never feel like I look like a runner...I am short, stocky, not athletic looking. I watched younger, taller, more slender women finish behind me and it made me feel pretty good about myself.
Lastly I was 1530 out of 4746 total participants (there were about 60 men included in this)
The medal had a charm on it you can remove and put on a chain and wear around your neck. That is so great, cause wearing the medal the rest of the day, or next day or week is not an option...but I can wear the necklace w/ the charm on it!
Feet were sore yesterday, but no blisters and have all my toe nails! Actually I have not had any blisters or other injuries to speak of this training session.
Today my hamstrings and quads are a bit tight, sore...but feels good. Like I accomplished something.
So no PR, but still a respectable finishing time. I can actually say I feel happy and proud of myself. And in the end isn't that what it is all about?
So what is next on the list? I still have another 1/2 marathon in Feb. to run w/ my sister. But it will be at her pace, so that should be fun (not that she is slow, but not faster than me!). I have a 5K in Jan. scheduled. I am thinking I'll try and see if I can get under 30 min. I know I can run 9:30 for a few miles...I should be able to do it for 3!
Hopefully I'll get back to posting my runs on a more regular basis.
Thanks for all the support. Just reading about everyone's runs they post is great and helps keep me going. (Even if I don't post mine!)
Off today, but will just take it easy. I'll run on Weds and then this year I miss the Turkey Trot since I have to work. Maybe I'll make up my own Turkey Trot when I get off in the afternoon!
K