Crossing the finish line

Chip Time: 2:01:01
10K Split: 58:23
Average Pace: 9:18
Overall Place: 584 / 1383
Age Group Place: 38 / 117

Splits
Mile 1: 9:27
Mile 2: 9:19
Mile 3: 9:08
Mile 4: 9:15
Mile 5: 9:14
Mile 6: 9:15
Mile 7: 9:24
Mile 8: 9:17
Mile 9: 9:18
Mile 10: 9:18
Mile 11: 9:14
Mile 12: 9:03
Mile 13: 8:47

It feels surreal to be writing a race report with the word “marathon” in the title, even if it was just a half. Three years ago, I DNSed the San Diego Rock ‘n Roll Marathon due to injuries. It’s been a slow, rocky road to recovery since then. I am ecstatic about the Du/Tri season I had this year, but as far as accomplishments go, this race takes the cake.

When I was training for the SD Marathon 3 years ago, I stuck to my “training plan” like a survival guide. If the plan said to run 6 miles and I felt like I couldn’t walk 10 feet, I’d still go out there and run 6 hard miles. This time, I don’t even feel like I trained “enough.” You can look through my training logs. On a good week, I managed two regular runs and one longer run. Running is a high impact sport. If it’s all you do, you will eventually suffer an injury or burn out. I’ve learned how much cross training helps to avoid injuries.

I felt tense about the race because of what happened 3 years ago. I almost expected to wake up with both my feet in casts. I have noticed, however, that this year has made me a lot more confident about racing. I don’t get the shakes I used to feel years ago every time I thought about “the start line.” Geoff and I had a wonderfully relaxing day yesterday. We even slept in and saw Madagascar 2 at the IMAX. I got less than four hours of sleep, but still felt rested this morning.

The temperature was 67F (19C) when I left my apartment, but it must have been slightly cooler down by the start line. It was very windy as well. I ran into two of my running friends, Denise and Helen, down there. I had no idea they were doing the race, so it was a nice surprise. Denise is really fast. Helen is just getting back into running after having two babies back-to-back. Helen said she was going to run with Vicki, another of our friends, but we didn’t see her until we had already started. I decided to run with Helen. I don’t get to spend much time with her these days and I thought it’d be good for both of us to have someone to run with.

The miles seemed to fly by. Before I knew it, we were crossing the 10 mile mark and I felt my heart sink. “That’s it ? Three more miles ??” I felt so good and happy, like I could go on forever. I couldn’t tell you if it was Helen’s company or the fact that I’d slowed down to run with her that made the difference. Whatever the case, it worked out perfectly. There will be plenty of other races for setting PRs.

I feel great inside, but I did run 13 miles. I am aching and sore, but feel much better than I thought I would and best of all, I’m in one piece ! I am considering doing another half next month, but will with consult my feet before I make a decision. That’s the runner in me talking, already planning out the “next race.” What I want most right now, though, is to enjoy this incredible feeling of pride and accomplishment. I did it !


Sporting my Livestrong shirt, a gift from my friend Laura, and holding my medal backwards like the goof that I am

As always, Geoff was super supportive. He dropped me off this morning which meant waking up very early. He actually went for a run as well which made me very happy. And he made the most amazing breakfast for me. He got everything ready last night and cooked while I showered after the race. He made my favorite: tofu scramble with kale and home fries. He even made Mimosas !


Cheers !