So this race wasn't exactly an A race for me. I had kind of resigned myself to not PRing b/c my last PR was in the middle of marathon training when my run volume was much higher and I had gotten a few 15+ mile training runs under my belt. My longest run this year was 10 miles before this race. I assumed I wouldn't be able to pull off a sub 1:45. So I had just said "I'll be happy with a 1:50."

On the way to the race I told Scott, "I just want to not be a pussy when it gets tough." In races, I ALWAYS let up when it starts to hurt towards the end. Going slower doesn't really change the fact that it hurts, yet I sitll always go slower. If I can just get past being such a wimp and suck it up and run hard through the finish, I know that all my racing will improve. So my goal was to just not be a puss.

The first mile was crowded and I just tried to get into the flow without bobbing and weaving around people. Wish I had been closer to the front of the pack for the start.... had to pass a lot of people in the first half mile! Some women were WALKING. Hellooo if you're going to WALK, get your ass in the BACK of the corral. No racing couth whatsoever. Do you see all these runners that have to run around you? Get a clue!!!

Was holding a pace right under 8 min/mile and that felt really good so I stuck with it.

Once we left City Park we were on Colfax and it was nice and uncrowded. The temp was pretty great (could have been a little cooler but I was comfortable). There were hardly any spectators because the race started so friggin early. Bummer.

So everything was just dandy and I focused on steady breathing and an even pace. Didn't want to rubberband at all.

At the turn around I made up my mind to stick with the pace so that I could try to PR. If I didn't get too much slower, it was in the bag. Sp this was a relatively easy thing to do until the end of mile 10. My legs felt like logs. Probably becuase I haven't run further than 10 ALL YEAR. It took a lot more effort to keep myself going. But this is where I said "DO NOT BE A PUSSY!" I really wanted to walk. I had this internal debate going about walking versus suffering through it. And while I did have my pace drop off by quite a bit, I was working hard and really trying to gut it out.

I allowed myelf to walk through one water station at mile 11, and then went as fast as I could without blowing up. It hurt. I was telling myself the whole time "think of how good it will feel to PR! you can do it! you didn't evne think you'd be able to! just hold on for another couple of miles and you'll be done! what's a couple more miles at this pace? it's nothing!"

so lots of self talk and heavy leg dragging, and finally I'm upon the final mile. people were passing me and that felt shitty but I really couldn't have gone faster if I wanted. Scott was there on his bike around 12.8 and was trying to be encouraging and cheering and riding alongside me, and I just grunted at him: "get awaaaayyyy from me. just GET AWAY" hahaha.

FINALLY finished and once I stopped running my hips were aching and my legs were dead weight. but I was SO HAPPY that I wasn't a pussy and that I had a new PR, even if it was only 4 seconds.

7:59 - okay, not too shabby, feels good
7:50 - settling in
7:52 - cruising, feeling dandy
7:51 - life is good
7:48 - guy farted really loud next to me
8:02 - bit of a long small incline
7:59 - this is fine, not worried about it
7:41 - downhill
7:52 - gravy
7:53 - gravy
8:26 - UGHHHH
8:12 - trying to get back on track
7:55 - much harder than you'd think
1:26 - DONE. this was .2 miles.... I bobbed and weaved more than I thought at the beginning of the race and had added an extra .1 in the first mile

train as if it were an A race for me! I've done this a few times, raced when I wasn't really taking it seriously and I still PR'ed and it makes me think "well what if I HAD taken it seriously?" that's how it was for my HIM last year. oh well, a PR is a PR. I am most proud of not slowing down (much) when I really wanted to. really, slowing down and walking for a bit doesn't make it hurt any less. it's pretty useless to walk in the final miles of a race. if I can keep myself from being tricked into thinking walking will feel good in my marathon in september, I am sure I'll have a much faster last 6 miles and a great new PR!

Scott was there at the finish line and he was hollering and cheering. What a great fan to have :) I had to keep moving so I walked all around City Park. Then back to the car to change out of my stink-o-licious clothes, then back to the marathon course to see if I could see any BTers finish.

Went down the block on 17th and watched for awhile from a coffee shop, but didn't see anyone until I made my way back to the beer area (hah of course).

Hung around for a while because it was such a nice day, but my stomach didn't want any beer or food or water or anything... I just wanted to go home and sit in an ice bath. So we went home, I iced, took a looong nap, and then ate lots of good food on my deck. What a perfect day!


Not training enough, a 50+ mile ride the day before the race


I know the marathoners had some course problems, but our half course was easy to follow. The volunteers were great but I think the water stations were way too small.

All in all I'd say this was a well done event and I'd totally do it again. The early start was nice because we avoided the heat and then I had the whole day to be lazy!

I'd like to add that this race goes to show that my 98% vegan lifestyle (I still eat fish on occasion) is helping my training and I am getting all the nutrition I need. I have been eating this way for over 10 weeks now and I feel GREAT. Anyone that thinks vegan eating is too hard or that is will hinder their performance, I invite you to ask me questions or talk to me about it! I am so happy I have made this change in my life, and I feel like a million bucks!