Saturday, March 9, 2013

A Perfect Day for a PR!

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!

8 comments:

  1. 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!

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    1. Lesson learned - I will always carry my own. Why do I branch out on things I try during my training runs?

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  2. Great job! Way to push through the sideache:)

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    1. Thank you! I definitely need to work on my fueling. :-)

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  3. Great 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.
    Hope you aren't too sore!

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    1. 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!!

      Not too sore - a little in my abs, oddly & some quad pain. I need to work on my core!

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  4. Replies
    1. Thanks!!! I was thinking of you & your awesome PR when I was running. :-)

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