I had high hopes for the Lake Sammamish Half because the course is flat, flat, flat! And, unlike my first half last May, I wasn't fighting bronchitis. Based on my 12 miler time, I was hoping to come in between 2:10 and 2:20.
Despite the worst side ache I've ever gotten running between miles 7 & 8, I manged to squeak in at 2:20:08. I'll take it! :-)
The first 7 miles were all rainbows & unicorns, but I made a huge mistake at the first water station & gulped three cups while I was running. Cue the side ache that would not go away. I debated bringing my own fuel belt & water/Nuun & actually had it in the car, but didn't want to carry it unless I needed it. I do need it, because I'm a sipper of water, & need it consistently throughout the race. When I chug it down, bad things happen.
I was finally able to run consistently again around the 8.5 mile mark. The sun came out (it was really foggy before that) & I was feeling better. I know I gave it my all, because I had big plans to finish hard the last two miles, but I was barely able to keep my pace. Even when I saw the finish line, I didn't have much energy to close with.
I'm a little sore, and know I'll be feeling this tomorrow. And, I had the mostly heavenly lunch ever. It's one of my favorites, but a calorie bomb, so I usually resist. . . Turkey & swiss on a cheddar bagel with Russian dressing from a local bakery. So, so, so good.
I'm off to take Nick to get party stuff for his birthday next weekend and enjoy the sunshine. Life is good!
Good Job! I'm with you, I always carry water! I like to sip it throughout the race. It's almost like a security blanket for me!
ReplyDeleteLesson learned - I will always carry my own. Why do I branch out on things I try during my training runs?
DeleteGreat job! Way to push through the sideache:)
ReplyDeleteThank you! I definitely need to work on my fueling. :-)
DeleteGreat job! I like to carry my own water too, that way. I never have to stop at a water station and can sip away. I sort of feel naked without my water. Really.
ReplyDeleteHope you aren't too sore!
I feel like this race was the one where I learned a lot of great lessons about how to improve - both my pacing & my plans for next time. Good luck on your race this weekend!!
DeleteNot too sore - a little in my abs, oddly & some quad pain. I need to work on my core!
YAYYYYY!!!!! Congratulations!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks!!! I was thinking of you & your awesome PR when I was running. :-)
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