Sunday: Biked 4 miles
Monday: Ran 5 miles
Tues: Ran 5 miles
Wed: Ran 6.1 miles
Thurs: Ran 4.1 miles
Fri: Rest
Sat: Ran 6.2 miles
The entire time we were in Pensacola, the weather was beautiful but the wind was strong. We ran anyhow. After running my first half marathon, I realized training "elements" are good for you though you don't know it at the time. Several times I had to run in gusty winds. When time came to run the half, it was then I realized the previous running was great preparation. Winds were 25-30 mph throughout the entire race with temps in the 30's making me wear layers and layers of clothing!! A record breaker for the race. It was beautiful, but these things were a challenge to say the least.
At the race Saturday, the Gulf Coast Classic, I thought I was ready for beach wind. But when we drove up, I told Kent that my stomach wasn't feeling well. This annoyed me and I chalked it up to pre-race nerves. For some reason, I get the jitters before a 10k but no other race, even half marathons! Go figure...it makes no sense. The last run I had done (on Thursday) was a series of fartleks. I had hoped with this and the running I had done this week it would prepare me for a great race time. The weather was gorgeous, temps were perfect, breeze (not wind) was fantastic and the course was flat. Perfect criteria for a PR.
BUT...at the first half mile I realized this was not going to be the case for me. My stomach was getting upset. There should be absolutely NO reason for this. I take great care in eating correctly the night before a longer race to fuel my body for what it needs. I kept going but at a much slower pace. When I would increase my speed, my body told me "NO WAY", so back to a slower pace I went. This went back and forth adding to this the thought of even walking part of it; but I didn't have to.
I was so disappointed as I felt so ready for a great run. I saw the clock as I neared the Finish Line and instead of the usual push at the end, I kept my slow pace and eased in. My Garmin read 57:59!! Awwww!! This is horrid to say the least! So I figured the official time would be a second slower as I looked up exactly when I crossed the line. But there was an error somewhere as they recorded 58:18...that is just not right. You can't be off that much. So in lieu of this discrepancy, I will maintain my Garmin reading as the correct one. It's never off more than 2 seconds from the clock. This is close to 3 minutes off my usual 10k time! All I could think about was finding a bathroom to go get sick. And that I did. I was so glad this was over. Though I'm smiling here, I'm sick as a dog!
Kent had a great time. His racing times have really changed in the past couple of years but this day it was better.
Here are a few pictures of the park and a beautiful memorial to those that lost their lives in Hurricane Katrina.
When we got back to the camper, I curled up and went to bed. After a good nap, I felt so much better. By the following day, I felt like the "bug" or whatever had run it's course. Whew! I was afraid I had contracted something. Now, to focus on the next 10k!!
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