Pre Race:
There was so much to think about unrelated to running the days before this half marathon. It wasn’t until Saturday night that it began to hit me, I had a race to run.
The clothes were set on the bathroom floor (because that’s where I put my workout clothes for the following day). I never claimed to be a neat freak. The running skirt, the sports bra, the short sleeve shirt with a back pocket (hope it’s not too cold for that shirt), Injinji socks and plain old undies (no thong when running), all clumped in a pile on the cold tile floor.
On the counter, ready for the morning were my prepaid entry form, a list of forgotten groceries (needed for after the race), fuel belt loaded with sports beans (one for every 2 miles), a GU, 5-Hour Energy drink, Ipod arm band, Garmin (my running friend), pace band (so my ipod band won’t chafe my arm), and finally the Delta Lake Inn Restaurant Gift Certificate for brunch.
Pre race fuel: Banana with peanut butter, eaten at 6 am and a Marathon Snickers Energy bar picked at in route to Delta Lake (ate about 2/3rds). *You can’t imagine how difficult it was to get that banana to stand up against the peanut butter jar!!!
Shane and I went for a 2 mile jog. I changed into running clothes for the race and we were off. Ted had his bike route mapped out. He was doing 30 while I ran.
At Delta Lake:
We picked up my packet, no time chip. A nice casual race. The temperature was cool for standing around but just right for running. Shed the coat before taking off.
Hit the facilities 4 times within 45 minutes. Hey! Gotta make sure, right?!!! Set off to the starting line which was at the entrance of the park. The National Anthem was sung and we were off.
Race Recap and Thoughts:
The first mile is the toughest then getting past the 3 mile point before finally feeling in the mood to run a race. I seeded in the front 1/3 of runners which ended up being a good position for me. I saw Richard Cohen (an area elite runner) take off in front. He was so far ahead of everyone, I thought that’s going to be a tough run for him since there’s no competition. Richard ended up winning overall with a record time for the course of 1:17.
I had one sports bean at miles 2, 4 1/2, 7, 9, and 11. At mile 9 1/2, I took the 5 Hour Energy drink and ended up not using the Gu at all. Although the beans were going down, I think they may have begun to give me a little cramp and caused a couple of burps that could very easily have been more than just a burp. BACK OFF THE BEANS! I drank at the water stops, except for the last one. They were set up about every 2 miles.
My thoughts while running were how much I hated mile 8. Not sure why? There’s just something about miles 7 to 9 in a half marathon that’s very unappealing. Maybe because its the middle of the run and you’re a bit tired but still trying to reserve the energy to go all out at the end.
There was a stretch in the run that cuts through a neighborhood. Houses on both sides. It was DEAD QUIET. No one around. I couldn’t hear anyone behind me. There were only 3 runners ahead with quite a gap in between all of us. It was the most boring stretch of the run and the most difficult even though it was flat. I run better if I can hear people talking or even if they pass me. I like to play “catch up”.
The course was rolling but no extremes. It was 13.2 miles right around Delta Lake. I thought a black cat crossed my path at one point but she was grey and I breathed a sigh of relief. Superstitious? Yes I am!
It was nice to pass the 9 mile point, 10 miles, then 11. I checked Garmin. My average pace was 8:17. Not good. Speed it up. There was one last hill, then mile 13. I could see the finish. Turned it on and crossed the line at 1:48, average pace was 8:13. I maintained an even pace throughout the run. Fastest at 7.43 (last mile) and slowest at 8.32. My goal was 1:45, a bit too aggressive for me but what the hey –
if you don’t reach for the stars you’ll never know right?!
I was the 5th female in my age group and 38 out of 150 runners. Lots of comps. on my outfit…Note to self: When fishing for comps. always run in a skirt and make sure the outfit matches. 🙂
The hamstring was achy before the race but it didn’t get any worse while running so all was good there.
We just took a quick peak at the results because we were HUNGRY!
1:48 is still a PR so we celebrated at brunch
or rather BLUper (B reakfast, L unch, s UPER) – so the waiter called it.
After Race Eats:
First plate: eggs, mini bagel, fruit, potatoes.
Second plate: whole grain roll, pasta salad, fish, mashed potatoes, and garlicky vegetable medley. No way could I finish the bread nor the potatoes but did enjoy the fruit, eggs, fish, and veggies.
Ted surprised me by going for dessert. He said it was painful but he couldn’t resist.
Monday Recovery: Leg workout with weights, nothing too heavy and a 6.25 mile easy run with Shane. He was a wild man and needed the workout. Crazy dog.
What’s up for the coming week? Any running on schedule?
Joanne
Wow – what a great time – congratulations!!! I know what you mean about the quiet – those are the hardest miles.
Breakfast looks great – you earned it!
Thanks Heather.
Congrats on the good race, Joanne!!! 🙂 your outfit is very stylish!
Thanks Anne. It was fun to run in a skort.
awesome race! and add one more compliment to the list. Super cute outfit. I’ve never run in a skirt…might have to look into it!
Thanks Indi. They have great fitting shorts underneath.
Don’t you look wonderful in your medal. . !! LOVE your outfit, and seems it would be very comfy too. Congrats on the great time – – we continue to be so proud of your accomplishments. It’s amazing to me that you could actually speed it up on the last couple of miles. Methinks you are definitely ready for the Wineglass in a couple of weeks!
Thanks Nancy 🙂 Love my friends support.
you did amazing!!! congrats on a very strong race 🙂 you definitely have a 1:45 in you soon!
Thanks so much. If I could make running look easy like you, I’d be thrilled.
Congrats on the race! Great time!
I like to be around other runners too. I would have been bored in the neighborhood! 🙂 I haven’t heard of taking a 5 hour energy during a race. Did that help?
I think it does help. I don’t need to be at a water stop to take it. If you are used to caffeine, it simply clears your head – makes you more focused. It doesn’t replace glycogen like GU does though.
Congratulations! It looks like you had an amazing time…and you look so cute in your outfit! I loved seeing all the yummy food you ate to both fuel your body and then to refuel after the race! Thank you for sharing with us!
Thanks Monet. Your homemade strawberry rum jam looks HEAVENLY!
Great job on the PR and that is a super cute running outfit 😀
It seemed like a very relaxed race for you.
I’ll be starting my brick training this week for the duathlon, so I am upping my running.
Good luck with the brick. That’s tough – but you can do it.
Oh my garlic you wear running skirts too! Yay! I love their stuff. But now I’m officially jealous as not only do you have Shane to run with but you have the power purple plaid that’s been sold out in my size for months!!
Great job on the run! Love that it was just another outing for you. You talk about 13.2 like I talk about 3.1. And such speed!
Oh yeah, and I voted for ya.
Those skirts are great. So comfy.
Great race congrats and good luck in the competition! You look marvelous!
Thanks 🙂
Joanne,
Congrats on your half marathon and great job on the time!!
Love your outfit too 🙂
Love,
Pam
Great recap! I’ve got to post my recap soon. Looks like I came in two runners behind you, but I don’t remember seeing you. I think there was a full minute gap between myself any anyone in front of me. It was a nice casual race, oh, and I hate mile 8 too for some reason! Congrats on the PR! It was a great race… one of my favorites so far!
LOL – you say you are not a neat freak, but you are very organized!! I love the outfit – lovely!
And you did so well – congrats!!