So, My first "go" at the Painters 1/2 marathon. It was a great run and a great way to get some miles in but I have to admit, it was a little hard for me. At least harder then I thought it was going to be. I had no plans how I wanted to do at this race, no strategies, so I don't know why I act surprised, I should have figured it would hard for me given the way I have slacked at my training lately. But, to break it into little tiny reasons, here are some of the reasons that I think why: (1)We didn't get into St. George until late Friday night and so after making a few stops (One of which was my highlight: we stopped and visiting Kelli and Scott, Smooth and her Hubby, Marion and her hubby, met Leslie and her sweet husband, saw John and his girl friend Kelly, who was a sweetie, and Mary Ann and her friend. It was so fun stopping and seeing you all, thanks for letting us crash to party for a bit oh and Kelli, thanks for the wonderful Mint Brownie, it was yummmmy!!), Anyway, then I went to the grocery store late and ended up getting to bed late too. (2) I had an upset stomach all day Friday and so I hadn't eaten very much that day or taken very good care of myself so I just felt out of energy. (3) I haven't been running near as much as I need to be (4) I left my arm band to my i pod at home, along with my head phones, so I found some head phones at Albertson's but ended up having to hold my i pod the entire race, not that big of a deal, but just a little annoying. (5) I was feeling good at first so I think I went out too fast not understanding the course or what was to come. (6) Did I mention that I haven't been running much??
No, I don't mean to sound unhappy or dis-pleased with my time, I just wished I could have felt better at the end. I started with the Heidi's and we were right together until about mile 2 when all of a sudden I tried to find them and couldn't. I felt really bad but didn't dare look too hard for them and get distracted so I just let my legs take me. I felt awesome, my stomach ache was going away, I had my music going and all was well up until about mile 5. I had planned on taking my first gu at 6, but decided, due to the water stop, that I would take it now and try to get a little added energy. So, I did. Then I felt reasonable until about mile 8 and that is when I hit "the wall". I really didn't feel well at all and I started psyching myself out a little bit. I struggled through the gradual inclines, taking my next gu at 9, and just tried hanging in there as well as I could. Michelle N came up on me at about 11 and was running strong. I wanted to keep up with her but I just didn't have it in me. So, I fell back a way just hoping I would get a second wind and soon!! Anyway, I made it past 12 and my dear hubby came and found me. I told him I needed him to talk me through to the end. I had no idea about the course change and was not prepared for the end. However, I kicked it up a notch at the very end and finished strong so that was good. All in all, my time ended up just 2 minutes slower then Hobble Creek, which in my opinion is a much easier course. So, I have to feel happy about that. I feel great today, no soreness or anything. I hope that I can train a little better and run this race a little stronger next year. It was sure fun seeing so many fellow bloggers and meeting new ones for the first time. It was great putting faces to names (Teena and Julie for instance, so fun to meet you). For now, I am glad to be home and excited to get to bed. Night night. Avg. Pace: 7:55
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