I had a lot of fun running this! The scenery was beautiful and I felt like I was on top of the world! The weather was even tolerable once we got going.
The weather at the start was around 43 degrees. I wore my tights, a long sleeve tee, and my lighter weight running jacket. I also had a hat and gloves. I saw my coach at the start and that was a morale boost. I got into my corral and I selected the 10 minute corral to try and push myself rather than the 11 minute corral where I knew I'd be comfortable. I think that was a smart move. After colors and a beautiful rendition of the national anthem, we were off!
The run was fun! I enjoyed it. I can't explain, but I felt good as I was doing it. I kept telling myself to keep a steady pace, stand tall, be loose, and make it look easy. I reminded myself not to fly down the downhills and to take it easy.
The time on my Garmin at the finish was 1:33:31 and it registered 9.34 miles. That puts me at a 10:01 pace! I can't believe I maintained that the whole way! I did pick it up at the end. I knew we were close and I still had energy.
Splits: 9:52, 9:53, 10:01, 10:07, 10:17, 10:12, 10:12, 10:14, 9:42, 3:02 (=8:52 pace). Avg HR = 182. Max HR = 250.
I felt like I could have pushed myself a little faster, but I didn't because I didn't want to poop out too early.
My feet hurt a little during and after the run, but not anything like they have been! I think I may be on the mend and that is great! I am so thrilled about that. I stretched them right after and I have been doing some stretches periodically throughout the day. I will massage later and with the splints, I think they'll feel good tomorrow.
Chris and his wife Jackie were at the finish line for me. I called Chris from the top of the bridge (he wanted to get a picture of me so I could send it to Bill and since I was ahead of schedule, I thought I'd call. He didn't hear me say that I had taken off my hat, so he may not have gotten the shot. But he took some pictures afterward, so I'll share them when I get them. It was so cool that they were there. I wasn't cold at the end, but about five minutes later I was shivering. Jackie gave me the blanket she brought for me. She also had a sweatshirt and fig newtons, which were so tasty! They are a great post-run food. Then we walked around the post-run party and I got my celebratory beer. Following that they drove me back to the start to my truck. Their generosity is overwhelming. They live in Navarre, which is the opposite direction, but to come out to the race for me and drive me back, is just ... wow! They wouldn't let me take the blanket home to wash it, either!
I saw Liz after the race. She is the Director of the Humane Society. She was inspired by my running to start and she did the 5k race today. I am so happy (and flattered)! This was her first 5k ever! She has been soing speedwalking rather than running, and she completed it with an average pace somewhere around 14 minutes per mile. I know some beginners don't even run that fast. Way to go, Liz!
I also saw Carol (my 73 year old running mentor) at the finish. She did the 5k and I think she took third in her age group. Way to go, Carol!
My official stats for the race:
Net time: 1:33:27
Overall place: 1262/2754
Gender place: 429/1342
Division place: 67/109
I agree with the official time, as I started the Garmin as I approached the start line and I stopped it after I had crossed the finish. I think the four seconds is accurate. The official time with my distance gives me an average pace of ... wait for it ... 9:59!
A sub-10 pace! Can you imagine if I do that at the Seaside Half? That would give me a time of ~2:11, which is 17 minutes off my current PR. Holy Cow! You know what the crazy part is? I actually think I can do that! I think I could have maintained that pace for another four miles. I really do! The proof is in the pudding, as they say. I have four weeks and some great training ahead of me, so we'll see what happens.
For now, I am going to put my feet up and enjoy the feeling.
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