5/11/13
Paducah, KY
Time: 2:15:38 (PR!)
After what seems like months of bad runs, I finally had a good one!
Sweaty Betty snagged a PR!
The last long training run I did was pretty terrible (I yakked up a GU), so I didn't really have expectations for this half. Back in February, my goal was to PR. I did this race last year, so I knew the course and thought it would be a good race to train hard for. But I didn't. With injuries and just a lack of drive, I phoned in the training. Sure, I'd get my runs in, but I didn't do speed work or hill repeats. I've thought a lot about why running has been so difficult for me lately and I really think it was because I was just going through the motions. Running for me is more fun when I am challenged. In 2011, my goal was to just run a half. In 2012, I trained for the Mo' Cowbell Half Marathon for a personal best. I accomplished both of these because they were new challenges. My first half was all about running those distances. Mo' Cowbell was about speed work and getting (just a little bit) faster. I now realize that I haven't been really pushing myself and that is probably why running hasn't been that fun. This weekend, I had fun and pushed myself. It paid off.
The evening before the half, I was pretty tired and wee bit cranky. I had already decided earlier that week that I was just going to run and not get caught up in pace, time, etc. I also decided that I wasn't going to even wear my Garmin. I know, I know. I'm obsessed with my Garmin. It is my favorite thing in the whole world and I love it. But it was time for a break. I read an article in Women's Running about running naked (no technology, not nakey, nakey!) and it hit home with me. The idea of just running based on feeling seemed like something I needed to do. Especially since running has been making me FEEL like crap lately. Now, I will admit, I still packed my watch before we left for Paducah-- just in case I changed my mind!
The morning of the race, I was my usual cranky self. I seriously rethink the whole running half marathons thing every time the alarm goes off at 4:30am. Ugh. Hate it. The host hotel had a breakfast for the runners, so Tim and I hit that up. I wasn't feeling like oatmeal, so I did a hard boiled egg, a Clif bar and a banana. This is probably the most I have ever eaten before a race, but I was genuinely hungry that morning. I just kept my fingers crossed that I wouldn't have belly regrets later. We left to pick Laura up from her hotel (she was doing the relay with Tim's mom and aunt) and headed to the start line.
Parking was a bit busier this year. The race had over 950 runners and that was up from the 650 they had last year. Tim was annoyed, I was cranky. Blah to running. Once we were parked, it was potty time. Okay, this is going to sound weird, but this race had the BEST bathrooms ever. They weren't port-a-potties, but a large trailer with actual FLUSHING bathrooms! I imagine this is what the VIP bathrooms are for the Rock 'n Roll Series. If not, then the extra $$$ they ask for isn't worth it. Anyway, after the bathroom break, we found Laura's team and Tim and I headed for the line up.
I didn't really pay much attention to the line up. Last year, I ran with the 2:20 pacer and she was pretty awesome. This year she was the 2:10 pacer and though I had hoped to run that this year, I knew with my lack of training, that would not happen. I settled in somewhere between the 2:10 and 2:20 pacer and waited for the take off. Tim had decided to run with me again. I told him he could do his own thing because I know even with the lack of training, he would kill that course, but he said he'd do it next year. Which is what he said LAST year when we ran this one. :)
The first few miles flew by pretty fast. I ran a comfortable pace and was able to chat with Tim. He had his watch on, so I resisted the urge to ask him what our pace was. I would hear it beep, and then look at my bare wrist. It was KILLING ME. I finally broke down about mile 4 when the 2:20 pacer passed us. PASSED US! I honestly didn't think I was running super fast, but I thought I was running faster than a 10:40ish pace. Tim told me that he was running too fast and not to let it bother me. Easier said than done.
I didn't wear my hydration belt for this race. They had 12 water stations, so I figured I would just grab water when I felt like I needed it. It was the first Relay Exchange that I decided to get some water at. Laura was there waiting for her turn to walk. I said hello and wished her good luck as I walked with my water. See, I was being all cool and easy about this run. No need to try to run and drink a cup of water, I was there to have fun!
That next section of the course was pretty hilly. Not steep hills or anything, but enough hills to make me kind of feel bad for Laura! I had told her that the course wasn't bad and all, but it really felt like there was a hill at every turn! It was somewhere in this section I decided I needed to do a gel. I was still maintaining (what I thought) was a decent pace, but we were just over 5 miles and that is usually when I feel like I need a pick me up. I brought along Clif Bloks and a Clif Espresso Double Shot Gel. I hadn't had any issues with Clif products, so I was hoping today wouldn't be the day I would. The espresso gel was fantastic. I realized then that I really missed my cup of coffee that morning!
They had a timer at the halfway point and I couldn't resist glancing at the clock: 1:08:24. I didn't attempt to do "runner's math," but shortly after we were past it, Tim said, "You saw that, right? You're on pace to PR." I shushed him and told him not to get mad at me if I suddenly fall apart.
The next section of the course was on a graveled trail. It's actually my favorite part. I like running on something other than pavement. Jaime has been talking about trail running and I have a friend that posts about it on Facebook, so Tim and I have been thinking about giving it a try. I realized that not all trails are graveled and some could be rather difficult, but it is a new challenge that I up for. Plus, it seems like it would be distracting. I like distractions when running.
I don't know if it was the fact that it was warmer on the trail because the trees blocked the breeze or what, but I was pretty hot after that section. We still had 3 more miles to go, so I did the Clif Bloks and drank a lot of water. This is the part I hate the most. Only 3 more miles, but my legs were just ready to be done. I knew that after we passed the last Relay Station, the course was just a long, boring, straight stretch. I knew I was still running strong and that I was at least going to do a little better than my time from last year. We finally caught up with the 2:20 pacer at the beginning of Mile 12. He called out to us that were were about an hour and 55 minutes in. At this point, he had no one with him and he was walking. Not sure what his plan was for pacing, but I'm glad I didn't try to stick with him.
During the last mile of the race, I tried my hardest to pass these 2 girls we had been running with most of the time. I pushed a bit too hard and did get ahead of them, but then got plagued with a side stitch. Boo. I knew once they passed me, that I wouldn't be able to take them, but I didn't slow down too much. I glanced at the clock at the finish line and saw 2:15 something. What?!? Did I really just run my fastest half marathon ever without my watch on?!?!
I felt pretty fantastic. I wasn't stiff like I usually am after a long run. I think the fact that I wasn't uptight about my time made me run more relaxed. Sure, not having my watch made me antsy at first, but once I got over that, I really did just run on feeling. I think when I run with my watch I get nervous that I'm going too fast too early or I'm going too slow too late in the run. Without my watch, I had no clue what my splits were. I really just enjoyed myself. Sometimes I would push hard and other times it was nice to go easy and have a conversation with Tim.
This is one of my favorite half marathons. It's no fuss since it's so close to home. The coordinators do a fantastic job with the course support. The volunteers are super nice and cheer you on. The post race snacks are great-- Chocolate Milk!!! It's also a great one because our family participants as well. This year my sister joined 4 Soleful Contenders in the 4-Person Relay-- they did fabulous! You did awesome, Laura! I'm looking forward to seeing you at future running events! Also, Jaime and Tracy rocked their previous times and are so close to a sub-2 that they can taste it! I hope to be there when they do it! If you are reading this Leah, you MUST do this one next year! You would totally blow any PR out of the water! :)
Can't wait to do it again next year!
This event has totally rejuvenated my running mojo. I start training for the marathon next month. Sure, I'm still anxious (and feel like peeing my pants every time I think about it!), but I also feel reconnected with running. And not just because my time rocked this weekend. It's because I somehow found that happy place where I had fun and ran well at the same time. That is the dream, my friend.
Until next time...
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