12/9/07: 30k Race Report!
...and all that's left is the Marathon!

Well...it wasn't pretty but I ran much better then I thought I would. Only walked twice (or was it 3 times?) and finished really strong. Only missed a PR by less then a minute. 2:53 and some change.

Oh yeah, I literally passed out at the finish line. Luckily Strider Santos was there to catch me! I'm fine though...just got overwhelmed by all the people at the finish talking to me.

4th in my age group on a less-then-ideal race day with a bum (runner's) knee.

I'll take it!

(more later...)

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It was definetely a 'less then ideal' race day sue to the damn weather. There is no doubt about it-ask anyone who raced this past weekend or even supported us. I heard numerous times during the race 'If it's this hot during the marathon, we are all in trouble!' I actually lost count of how many times I heard this...

And I couldn't agree more. It was 76 degrees with 97 percent humidty at the 7am start time, with the sun starting to pop out from behind the clouds around 9am. We ALL knew it was going to be tough.

Mentally, the first 6 miles of the race I was a mess. I kept mentioning the stupid weather out loud to anyone that was in earshot. I am sure I really pissed/annoyed some people off, so I apologize now after the fact. No one needed a reminder as to how bad it felt. However, a good Samaritan who heard me told me to relax around mile 2..."It's all in your head," he said, "You are above this...you can control you..." and he trailed off as he ran off in front of me.

Words to the wise...but it made the biggest difference...believe me...

Nothing worth mentioning really happened during this race...lots of running, lol. Lots of people walking after about Mile 10 and people with cramps too. I mean WALKING, like a death march. It was really sad, the heat really was getting to people, especially the crowd that went out too fast and didn't adjust their pace due to the weather. Runners were grabbing 3 or 4 cups at the water stations just to cool off with. I would usually grab 2-one to drink (Gatorade) and one to splash on my neck and back to cool off. It helped a little.

Around mile 14 my right knee started hurting in that dull, aching 'marathon-sorta pain.' Anyone that was has done a marathon knows what I am talking about. This is the pain that hurts while you are running, but the second you stop, you feel fine. It's the worst! Anyhow, I pushed through it, and kept reminding myself to relax and keep my shoulders down (Thanks, Lisa, you helped remind me to relax too!)

Around mile 16 I was remembering how bad I felt in this race last year...and I actually felt much better this year! So...I started pushing it. I wasn't sure if I could still PR so I tore off my pace band, but I mean, it felt like I was pushing it and that was okay for now. Reality was that I was probably just draggin my feet a little quicker:) Anyhow, the Striders gave me plenty of encouragement and I was passing people left and right. It was a good time to praise God for keeping me moving, seriously. At this point, hardly ANYone was running (at least at where I was).

I got real dehyrdated as I dumped my bag of Sports Beans in my mouth, but luckily at mile 18 I saw my dad and he gave me some water which really really helped. Plus, knowing my daddy and mommy were there gave me the biggest boost of self-confidence! And maybe I could still PR! I crossed the finish line with a huge dumb grin on my face (again!), but knowing I missed my PR by less then a minute, I started feeling real light-headed. All of a sudden I felt surrounded by people and really confused. Everyone was talking to me and all I wanted to do was keep walking.

Right then, I turned around towards a place to sit down and blacked out! Santos caught me in record time and I don't think I was out long but I did hit the ground pretty fast. Then I opened my eyes and more people were around me! I motioned (I think I did) for people to give me air and I stood up after a minute or so and started having an excerise-induced asthma attack! It was horrible, but Santos helped me calm down. I felt fine after a few minutes and my parents were right there to watch me until I felt okay to walk around again. Sorry for the scare, folks!

Yes, a dramatic finish! Hopefully, the Marathon will have a finish that is more memorable, but for the right reasons:)

Things I learned today: Don't forget my iPOD. Drink more water-even if means grabbing two waters at each station. Thirlos socks are too thick for me (even the thin ones). Having family and friends support means absolutely the world, no matter how tired I am. and most importantly:

I am mentally ready for the marathon.

I can't wait...I can't wait! Slightly over a month to go!!!

THE STATS:
18.6 miles @ave 9:18/mile
2:53.10 official chip time

1:25:33 first 15k
1:27:30 second 15k

9:47, 9:21, 9:27, 8:53
9:13, 9:09, 9:00, 8:46
9:01, 9:14, 9:13, 9:15
8:06 (short), 10:55 (long), 10:17, 9:21
9:10, 9:15, 5:37 (.6 mile)




and a little post tid-bit 'o fun!...thanks to Karen @ Your Sporting Image!





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