My training consisted of a run/walk plan. It seems at this time that I am controlling the hip/knee pains I'd experienced all year last year. In this plan I came up with what worked for me: .10 mile walk followed by 1 mile easy running. This had been done a couple of times before the race [.50 mile run had been done several times but upped it to a mile the week before the race and it felt comfortable]. This plan has encouraged me and built up my confidence. I want to run solid so bad and so far using this plan may help me get there again soon.
I saw some friends before the race. A pic was taken to reflect back on the running buddies that had come. Don't get to see them much except for races but it's always like good friends. I love my running family! Thanks, Pete, for the pic.
A brisk walk was done before the race started to warm up. I wanted to begin the race with my mile run. This worked great. The first mile was a breeze and very comfortable. I realized that this plan was working just like I'd hoped it would. The only bad thing about it is that the water stops came up during my run stint which affected my pace. I believe most of my running intervals were in the 10:00 paces. Every time I looked at my watch that's what I'd see...then there would be a stop. I always got water and walked through the stop. When I saw on the map that the stops were over 2 miles apart I felt needed to do it this way. I had a small water bottle in my Flip Belt and probably should have ignored some of the stops and used it if I needed it...but didn't. I'll rethink this in the future.
Everything was going great...until...we left the Backcountry Trail System and hit the beach for the last 3+ miles. I was taken back with the strength of the wind that hit us like a ton of bricks. But this monster kept pelting us solid; not like a breeze that comes and goes, it was solid strong winds! You keep thinking that it will let up but instead the opposite happened. The difference became the strong gusts. We all thought we were going to die! Everyone around me began walking...totally and completely. Occasionally, you'd try to run but no more than a few steps could you make without resorting to walking again. We received colored leis from the last water stop which was at the end of the trail before getting onto the highway. The leis blew back so hard that it blew straight out BEHIND you. Yes, everyone's did this! After trying to get use to the strangling feel and couldn't, that little sucker came off!! It wasn't long before my friend, Diane, came along side of me. She said she had been watching me [I was trying to run so hard!] and said that I wasn't making any progress running and to start power walking. She's super at this...I'm not but was getting worn down. Said we'd probably do better by doing that...until we got closer and we could run in to the end. Still thinking the wind would let up, I looked ahead at the tall buildings hoping that once we got by them the wind would break. Well, NO WAY!! The buildings seem to cause a tunnel for the wind to get stronger. Man...this blew any and all chances of getting a decent time. The end of the race was so hard. I did run through the Finish Line. That was good..........actually good that the race was over after the last 3+ miles of being beaten to death. By the way, got word that there was 15-20 mph winds and that's not counting the gusts! Whew!!
Now that I got the bad out of the way, there were many good things that came about.
1. I felt great. There was no pain until I tried to run against the wind for so long that it seem to be too much resistance. BUT...overall, no pain!
2. My run/walk plan worked. Real pleased that I came up with this ratio. It works for me.
3. My Flip Belt worked well carrying an 8 oz. water bottle. Wasn't sure about this.
4. The temp and sun was great. It was easy to breathe and I'm grateful for that.
5. My hubby was there to support me. Folks, it's a long time waiting for someone to complete long races. If you have someone who does this for you, you are blessed.
6. I did not want to "race". My main objective was to finish uninjured.
7. The bad part of #6 is that I'm a runner at heart...meaning I had hoped I'd finish under 3 hours with this run/walk plan. I finished well below the 3 hours...yay!!
8. My run intervals were much better than I would have predicted.
9. After a successful race, I'm looking forward to solid running again soon.
10. I'm feeling stronger...still cautious...but beginning to love running again. Yay!
Notables that raced were Jeff Galloway and Brett Favre. Cool! I love my running family. Don't think I've ever met a runner that discourages you. They all pat you on the back for a good race effort and encourage you to keep at it...and...look forward to seeing you at the next race. It's a cool family to belong to! Here are a few pics Kent took.
We're off...
Brett Favre
Diane G. looking good.
Wind was horrible even when you aren't in the blast of it.
[These Flip Belts do nothing for the figure!]
Post race talk.
Diane G. and Kim T.
Marsha C. finishing strong.
One final picture and it's of the medal. It doesn't do it justice because it's just beautiful.
Well, there you have it. The first half marathon of the series. Got a lot of racing coming up...long ones, that is. Hope you're doing well in your winter racing. Until next time,
Run 4 It
No comments:
Post a Comment