Let's talk about the last race I did, shall we?
Waking up at 4:30am.
Running 11.5 miles.
Scorching Memphis summer heat and humidity.
A month of minimal running and maximum chillaxin.
A month of minimal running and maximum chillaxin.
And I rocked it.
Official time: 1:50:10
Pace: 9:35 (fastest- 9:29)
Overall place: 174 (out of about 525)
Age group place: 4
I was scared. When we started, I just kept saying to myself, "It's OK to walk. It's OK to go slow. It's hot. Just do your best." But, of course, there was that nagging little voice way back there saying, "No! Push it! Harder! Go!" And who won? The nagging voice, of course. I didn't walk at all, but I wouldn't use the word "run" either. More of a hobble/trot/shuffle. But whatever, my feet were moving.
There was 1 spot about 2 miles in where we circled around a tremendous horse pasture. There must have been about 30 horses in there, and they were all running around the perimeter of the pasture along side the race course. It was beautiful. Picture it: 7am, sun rising over rolling hills, horses galloping, and nothing but the sound of your feet on pavement. It was a beautiful moment (all things considered).
The spectators were great; they had hoses out and were spraying runners to help cool them down. Cheering, signs, etc. There were several long stretches that were in restricted access areas of the Navy base, so it got quite lonely and boring. And there was a group of people handing out beer at mile 10. I love them.
Here are some pictures. They make me laugh.
There was 1 spot about 2 miles in where we circled around a tremendous horse pasture. There must have been about 30 horses in there, and they were all running around the perimeter of the pasture along side the race course. It was beautiful. Picture it: 7am, sun rising over rolling hills, horses galloping, and nothing but the sound of your feet on pavement. It was a beautiful moment (all things considered).
The spectators were great; they had hoses out and were spraying runners to help cool them down. Cheering, signs, etc. There were several long stretches that were in restricted access areas of the Navy base, so it got quite lonely and boring. And there was a group of people handing out beer at mile 10. I love them.
Here are some pictures. They make me laugh.
Around mile 2, feeling pretty good...
Around mile 10, feeling completely miserable...(I am amazingly proud of this photo. Crooked knees, T-Rex arms, face of agony. I am so sexy.)
Finished!
Bruce, my race buddy!
Pretty sweet bling.
