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| Half Fanatics Info |
I did it. Booyah! I completed my streak of 4 half marathons in 21 days. You can call me Jupiter {um...no just kidding}.
It looked like it was going to be warm, rainy and muggy for this race. AND. IT. WAS. It just sprinkled right before the start but -- Holy Humidity! I'm so happy I did not run the full marathon that I considered for quite some time. Whew!
It's natural to want to compare my performance to others. I have to remind myself it's like apples and oranges. I know by running this many halves so close together I am sacrificing faster times (and possibly PRs). I'm OK with that. It's my choice and I love doing it.
But, I wish I didn't feel the need to explain my times to people expecting me to do better. {I just ran a half last week and the week before that...and...and} When I do this again (notice I didn't say IF), I'm stamping my forehead DON'T ASK -- I'M STREAKING. Or perhaps a T-shirt that says, "When's The Last Time You Ran A Half?" OK - Enough of that.
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| I'm Ready! |
Considering the course and the HUMIDITY, I was pleased with my 2:07:20. This is a tough course with the first 2 miles straight up hill. They roll along and then make another strong appearance starting around mile 10. The hill at mile 10 is so steep, very few people run the whole length. I tried not to think about how muggy it was, how heavy I felt, and just run as strong as I could, saving a wee bit for the last couple of miles. I felt like I accomplished that.
I caught up to my friend Valerie about mile 2 and it was nice to run together and chat for a few miles, until we couldn't talk at all. I actually stayed with or just behind her until mile 12. She gave me that extra incentive and I was able to kick it in high gear in front of the beautiful state capitol building running down historic Dexter Avenue, an awesome downhill section. {Thanks Valerie!}. A few times I actually fought back tears just because I freakin' love doing this, felt strong and, yep, it looked like I would come out on the other side of this streak healthy. A WIN.
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| Valerie and I are working hard at mile 3! If we keep our eyes closed...we can't see the fog, right? |
I'll Nutshell The Race For You:
Thumbs Down...
Packet Pickup Disorganized
Holy Humidity
Long Course (13.32 ugh - again?)
Started Late (Due To TV Coverage)
Difficult Course
Tiny Finishers Medal
Few Food Choices
Thumbs Up...
No Body Issues
Course PR by 4 minutes
Nice Finishers Ribbon
Good Tech Shirt
Visited With Friends
Completed My Streak
The last time I ran this half, it was held in October but the weather was identical. They moved the date hoping March would be nicer. That did not work. This is the race where I cramped all the way to my rear end. This is the race where they pulled me into the medical tent when I came across the finish line in so much pain. I guess I can thank my SaltCaps for this one. I'm very grateful to replace a bad memory with a much better one.
Did Anyone Else Race This Weekend? If Not, What Did You Do?
Please visit my friend Tara who hosts the Weekend Update over @ RunningNReading
