I didn't sleep well the night before. My three year old decided that she wanted to scream for an hour before going to sleep. Then in the middle of the night, my son was screaming from having a nightmare.
For breakfast, I ate a whole grain bagel with Nutella.
On the drive to the race, I realized that I wasn't wearing my heart rate monitor. Ugh! I also forgot to eat my SportBeans before the race.
I debated if I should wear my visor again or try to wear sunglasses. I thought that I would try the sunglasses since it was very sunny. Visor next time though unless I am blessed with some "running" sunglasses.
This is also my first race running with my ipod. I usually don't run with my ipod except on my long runs. I haven't decided if I like running with it or not.
The last trail race, I used my waist pack to carry the water bottle on my back. Today, I wanted to try the handheld. I did use it on a training run, so it wasn't new to me. I'm undecided on which to use during my first half marathon next weekend. I like them both. Any comments would be appreciated.
Let the fun begin:
Mile 1: 11:25
The start and the finish was at the bottom of the ski hill ... so the entire first mile was up hill! I was surprised at how well I did in the first mile. I guess this was a 'fast' start for me. I conquered that hill!Mile 2: 9:50
Now, my garmin data says that this was downhill. I remember it as mostly flat. So maybe it was a slow descent that seemed flat to me. I really opened it up. My first mile ever under 10:00!!!!
Mile 3: 12:14
The scenery was beautiful. A green canopy kept me shaded and cool. One runner was 'relieving' himself on the side of the trail. A little more modesty, please. I had confused runners coming towards me. They somehow missed a turn on the course ... not sure how they did that. At the first aid station, I didn't stop; I didn't need to.
Mile 4: 12:26
Went through a puddle that stretched the entire trail. I was able to pass a few ladies on the way up this hill. Guess the hill training paid off. =)
Mile 5: 11:06
Had a bit of relief from the hills.
Mile 6: 13:04
This mile had hills that were the steepest of the course. I had a hard time breathing. My ears hurt. They felt all plugged up. I also felt a little dizzy; not quite sure what that was about. I made sure that I kept drinking my powerade that I had in my handheld. I ended up walking some of this part; guess more hill work is in my future.
Last 0.43: 10:15
This was the fun part. The last stretch I jumped down into the snowtube run and really opened up my stride and let gravity help me down. It seemed like I was flying to the finish line.
Coming down the snowtube run:
Coming into the finish:
This race was very well organized. Everything was done online ... green, you know.
The trail was marked well. All I had to do was follow the blue flags and make sure that the blue flags were on my right. Apparently, there was a group that lost their way and ended up doing the loop twice. Ouch!
This race had timing chips. The results were posted online the same day!
01:14:32 PR
7.27/K or 12:00/mi*
9th out of 21 females
1st in age group!**
*Yes, the route was a bit on the long side by 0.23 miles. My true 10K time would have been 1:11:47 with an overall pace of 11:35, which is what my garmin shows. Yes, it's a PR (Personal Record), because it's my first 10K ... but which time do I use?
**There was one other female in my age group, but she finished 1st overall. Since I was the only one in my age group then, I finished first in it.
My award for finishing first in my age group: pure Wisconsin maple syrup, YUM!
Mission accomplished!
Remember the ultra runner, Eric Charette ...
He was so gracious to allow a picture with him. Thanks to Laura his wife for taking it. Super nice couple!
Here's a recap of the marathon.
My three year old took this picture of me stretching after the race:
No leg cramping here!
For the runners, there was a lunch of bison burgers; but by the time it was ready, the kids were antsy. Maybe next year, I'll get to eat the lunch.
My son took this picture of me soaking in the local lake (modified ice bath):
Elevation:
Well done! Sounds like there were some brutal hills. And first in your age group! That's awesome!
ReplyDeleteAs for water options: Will your half have water stations? Then you wouldn't have to carry anything. But if it doesn't, or if you don't want to deal with water stops, then use whatever is the least "annoying" to you. I can't stand to have things in my hand for that long (over a couple hours), so I like my fuel belt (but I have yet to use it in an actual race because I just use the water stops).
awesome!
ReplyDeleteYou're awesome! I love getting the race recaps--you inspired me to do one at Let Mercy Lead on my 15K. You will be great next week in the half. I agree that there are (but check) plenty of water and gatorade stops usually to make it easy to get enough hydration. Go girl!
ReplyDeleteAll your training did pay off - yay! Your photos look great, and I bet it was a great experience for your kids to see you and others running and to see how being active can be really FUN!
ReplyDeleteI agree with your other friend; the half should have water stations, and then you wouldn't have to carry anything BUT if they don't, you might want your belt??? I usually get annoyed carrying something in my hands... you could always take a disposable water bottle, and then if it started to annoy you, just drop it at one of the water station trash cans along the way??? You will do great!
Congrats on your awesome trail race! That is one thing that I hope to be able to do this running season. Thanks for the great pictures...I am a huge fan of pictures in race reports as it makes me feel like I was right there with you:) Nice work!
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed reading your race report!
ReplyDeleteI prefer not having anything to carry while I run. I rely on water stations. I also think I prefer not running with an I-pod.
I'm not much for hills during a race - they always slow me down! :)