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| Yes, this is Seattle in late November :) |
The Star spangled Banner began and it was time to focus, all the training lead up to that moment. I was physically ready, mentally ready, I had a plan and I was going to go for it.
The Race:
1-7:22 I started with the 3:15 pace group which was my plan. I intended to stick with the pace group through 1/2 way and then access how things were going
2-6:29 A lot of downhill in this mile. The pacers were trying to bank a little time in the first 1/2 to account for the hills in the 2nd half. Feeling good.
3-7:17 Started chatting with a fellow New York orphan who was running her first marathon
4-8:18 At least half of this mile was in a tunnel where my watch lost reception. I had pulled ahead of the pace group and was trying to slow up a little bit so they would catch up with me. I was feeling so good but I also did not want to go out too fast. Started out on the floating bridge.
5-6:03 Obviously my watch was trying to figure things out :) I think averaging miles 4&5 would be an accurate pace, I was probably running around 7:10 for both miles.
6-7:23 I was really trying to slow down. I wanted to stick to my plan and I was not, I was feeling too good though. Turnaround on bridge and headed back. I slowed almost to a stop through the water station again hoping the pace group and Tyler would catch me. I saw Tyler and she was a little ahead of the pace group
7-7:30 Just running really easy at this point. It was here that I made the decision that around mile 9 where my husband was going to be with my banana that I would stop and let the group catch up. I know it seems crazy but I really did not want to blow up and kick myself for not sticking to my plan.
8-7:25 Coming to the end of the bridge and getting ready to turn onto the path, I was looking forward to seeing my husband and getting my banana.
9-7:27 So happy to see my sweet husband who was holding a neon yellow sign :)
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| Literally stopped waiting for the pace group and my teammate Tyler |
11-7:17 I was running very easy and relaxed. There was no doubt or fear. I was enjoying the foggy morning. It was a bit chilly but it was really beautiful. We were running right by Lake Washington. i was so grateful that it was not raining or windy!
12-7:15 I was enjoying chatting with a few people around me. Pretty uneventful. I was in the middle part and still feeling great.
13-7:18 I was staying committed to my fueling plan. I took 4 Honey Stinger chews here. I will also mention that I was taking fluid at every aid station (every 2 miles) I would alternate gatorade and water. I did not drink a lot but I was getting something.
Half marathon split 1:35:27
14-7:13 The next few miles flew by. Miles 8-17 were a loop out and around a park and back. It helped that there were runners going the other way, anything to distract the mind. Looking forward to mile 17 where I would again see my husband and Tylers friend Nick. I had no idea where she was at this point and was hoping that they had some info.
15-7:12
16-7:22
17-7:19 I was so happy to see Mike and Nick. I got my 1/2 banana and a sip of gatorade and was off again. I was also happy to see that Nick was dressed to run. He planned on running 3 miles with Tyler and I was glad that she was going to have company. They told me she was not that far behind me. It really helped knowing that I would be seeing Mike along the course. It helped to break things up.
18-7:35 Just running. A few little hills
19-7:22 I knew the hills were coming and I was still feeling good. Trying to concentrate on staying relaxed. the ball of my right foot was starting to burn a little.
20-7:39 oh yes the hills were starting. There was a pretty good hill in this mile. according to the plan I took 3 more chews and kept on pushing.
21-7:54 Big hills!!! The worst hill was really steep. I train on hills a lot so while they slowed my pace I was passing so many people. I felt strong and in control.
22-7:25 After climbing there was a good hill which offered some rest. I went on cruise control for a bit. I was looking for my teammates Brittney and Nicole who had driven up from Portland that morning. They were going to be there to run Tyler and I in. They said they would be between 22 and 23.
23-7:51 This mile was in a beautiful hilly park. Running through tall green trees and looking for my teammates. I knew that if I could just make it to them i was going to be ok. They were right before mile 23 screaming for me :) Nicole jumped in and ran with me. It was so nice to have company!! I had really been on my own since the beginning. She had a banana and gatorade for me.
24-7:25 I was grateful that Nicole knew that there was some relief from the hills coming. I did not really feel like fueling but I forced myself to eat some banana and drink some water. Nicole was so positive and was helping me focus.
25-7:10 I knew that I was in the top 10 women and I was able to pass 2 women in this mile. I was tired and my calf was aching but somehow I was pushing hard. I have never felt so good at the end of a race. I started to tear up a couple times because i knew that I was going to accomplish my goal but I knew i needed to stay focused for a little while longer.
26-7:02 What? For the last mile :) There was a long hill to the finish and I was talking out loud at the hill. Nicole was so helpful on this hill.
.2--??? I turned the corner into the stadium and pushed as hard as I could. It felt amazing. I could see the clock and sprinted to cross before it turned to 3:13. of course I for got to stop my watch immediately, I was too busy being in shock. I was so happy and of course emotional. It felt amazing! All the hard work had finally paid off. Everything came together and i was so grateful because it does not always go according to plan.
3:12:55 9th overall female, 2nd in age group
I got my medal and heating sheet and turned to wait for Tyler thinking that she would be coming in soon. The 3:15 pacers came through and I immediately asked them where she was. They told me that she had dropped from them around mile 13. I knew then that it might be awhile but was hopeful that she could still be coming soon. I stood there until the clock hit 3:32 and then went to get some water and find Mike. I spotted him and he told me that Tyler was struggling. I felt so bad, after New York we both needed to have good races.
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| So many miles together, love her! |
I saw her come through the finish and went to give her a hug. It was emotional and she was so sweet and excited for me. My heart broke for her! I love that girl!
This race was amazing for me! I finally ran the race that I trained for. I figured out how to fuel, that is huge for me!I am itching to run another one, I know I can run it faster. I felt like I had some left in the tank but I am so grateful that I ran a smart race.
My coach says 3:00 by 40 :) I turn 37 on Wednesday. We will see what the future holds, for now I am happy!!
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| A new PR, so happy!! |
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| Done :) |
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| Final push |
