I was so excited to race again. Glad I was able to stay healthy and escape the bug that seems to be floating around. And I couldn't have asked for better weather for this race in sunny California. Got to the bus around 5:20 am and hopped on. I had heard that this course was downhill...so I was expecting a bus ride up a canyon similiar to the Ogden Half Marathon. By the time we got to the start I wondered if the race was even really downhill, because the ride seemed pretty flat to me. Chatted with a few people until I started warming up about half hour before the race. The porta pottie lines were awful, so I started the warmup. And it paid to warm up. Literally a quarter mile up the road was a huge campsite filled with open bathrooms, and no lines! So I was able to use the bathroom as often as I needed to, and felt very ready to start the race.
I headed to the start. The gun went off and the first 3-4 miles I was doing my best to hold back. The first 5 miles are pretty downhill, and then the course flattens out so I didn't want to die at the end. I felt like I was jogging. Miles 3-6 my legs were aching, I think they were used to a cushioned treadmill vs the hard concrete. I thought for sure my goal of 1:35 was in jeopardy.
I kept plugging along and around mile 7 I noticed a lady tuck in behind me. Clouds rolled in and there was a light breeze. After having her trail me for a few miles, she let me know she was taking the lead and I tucked behind her. This definitely was a pick me up. I felt like I was back in my college days running with a group and hanging on.
I was able to keep switching back and forth until about mile 10 when I mentally started to lose focus. I was able to hang on through mile 11, and then I ran out of steam and hit the wall-mentally and physically. I was glad it didn't happen sooner, but I was on pace to run about a 1:28. I tried to hang on and break 1:30, but I didn't quite make it.
Overall, I feel really good about this race. I feel really good about how far I have come in the past 4.5 months that I have been running. Penny will be 6 months old tomorrow and I wasn't in the shape I am now until my other girls were at least 1. Thank you treadmill. The only thing that is bugging me is that I was close to breaking that even 1:30. I am hoping to come back next year and be in contention for the win- it is always hard to get beaten by people that you know you are faster than, but I had to put my pride to the side and be happy with the progress I have made and the blessing that is it to have a little family.
Not sure what is next for me...I am going to sign up for a marathon mid November, so that might be the next time I get to really race. Think I can train for a marathon on a treadmill? Guess we will see.
Split times:
6:37, 6:42, 6:54, 6:46, 6:48, 6:46, 6:38, 6:33, 6:36, 6:53, 6:59, 7:40 ugh..., 7:26 ugh...6:42 for the last .15
Average of 6:52 pace as my watch clocked it in 13.15. 1354 calories.
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