Lets begin this recap with Saturday.  The day before a race is prep day.  It’s a day to take it easy, relax, get race clothes/accessories and thoughts together. On this particular weekend, there was a challenge to our usual pre-race day routine.  The challenge was Ted’s grandson Nicholas.  I don’t mean a challenge in a bad way but for Ted and I AND the dogs, having a six year old in the house means a definite curve in our routine. 

Nicholas ran the dogs around, which they enjoyed and totally conked them out by early evening.  He kept Ted and I on our toes so there was no sitting down for any more than 5 minutes before we were up and on the go.  It was fun but when you’re not used to watching a six year old, VERY active boy, it’s …like I said, a challenge.  Plus, our house is not “kid proof” so extra attention was needed.

Saturday was a day spend on our feet. Although Ted had a good nights rest, I kept waking up and felt exhausted in the morning.  In fact, my usual 2 mile shake it out run with the dogs turned into a 3/4 mile slog.  I was wondering how I was going to get my body working for 13.1 miles at half marathon pace. I started looking for excuses but then I saw this running quote from Gibson’s Daily Running: 

“That’s the funny thing about running.  The deceptive thing about it.  It may seem mindless, but it’s really largely mental.  If the mind’s not strong, the body acts weak, even if it’s not. If the mind says it’s too cold or too rainy or too windy to run, the body will be more than happy to agree.  If the mind says it would be better to rest or recover or cut practice, the body will be glad to oblige. “ – Wendelin Van Draanen

I couldn’t allow my mind to tell my body it was too tired. 

Turning Stone Half Marathon

The shirt

A beautiful day for a run.  60 degrees and sun shining so bright it was blinding.  Half marathoners started right at 8 am (10K racers were off at 8:30 am).  There was a course change for the first half of the race. It seemed as if we were running uphill for those first 7 miles.   A nice down hill reprieve for 2 miles then we went rolling hills again.  From mile 10 to 12 we ran up a busy road, route 5 (I think).  NOT enjoyable in the least.  The course in it’s entirety offered no shade and although the sun is welcome and enjoyable, it gets old when you’re running a PR for a half.  *There could have been more water stops in the first half of the race as well, especially on this warm day.

My preference was for the old course route where we could get the largest hill over with in the beginning.  From the discussions during the race, I wasn’t alone in my preference.

Posted finish time for me (PR):  1:42:35 (gun time)  Splits:  8:06,  7:44, 7:48, 7:57, 7:39, 7:54,  7:49,  7:55, 7:41,  7:46,  7:49, 8:08,  7:38.  

Garmin time for Ted (PR):  2:07:40  A new PR for Ted! 

just medal

First place in age group:  It was kind of an odd prize but interesting.

Prize pak

Contents of the box: Sore Muscle Soak, Core Power Protein Drink, A recovery bar, an Oat bar, SMOOCH natural energy pouch (all fruit), an Uno’s pocket calculator….

The goods

… a Car Seat Cover – I guess this is if you’re soaking wet after a race.  Ted could use this.

Car seat

Finally, a flyer detailing the 20% discount off retail prices for nutrition, etc. from  Race-Pak.com  Another one of those monthly subscription/delivery sites.

Race Pak dot com

A good day for runners prepping for a Fall Marathon.

winners

The best part of finishing a warm half and running so well is rewarding yourself with OH SO COLD fresh watermelon when you get home.

watermelon

What’s your favorite go-to food after a warm day in the sun?

Are you running any Fall races this year? Which ones?

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