I have been trying to sit down and post all week. Last Sunday, Pete and I ran the El Paso 1/2 Marathon. I was going to run it with my new Sunday running partner, but she got sick and couldn't run. So, I decided to race it and see how well I could do. Prior to the race, I had been doing my long runs, but no speedwork and limited miles during the week.
The course is difficult. The first 5 miles or so are all hills. I thought that would be the most difficult, but I guess running a mountain every Sunday paid off. They were fine. So, I was thinking, hmmm, not bad, all is good from here. The rest was highway, but flat except for 2 overpasses.
Then, I hit the turn around at mile 8 right into a wall of wind. It was so bad! Now, it is boring, I am running straight into a head wind, and we are spread out to a point that no one is going to pass me and I am not going to pass anybody. No chance to draft. I really wanted to blow a whistle and make a deal with everyone that we would stay in order and just walk this in.
I finished in 1:42 and it put me first in age group. Not my best time, but considering the circumstances, I think I did well. I got a nice trophy with the mountains of El Paso (very appropriate), a gift certificate for a pair of Spira running shoes, and a container of the supposed wonder salve. Ian said they gave it to the winners because if you ran hard enough to win, something must be hurt.
I am 2 weeks out from the Shamrock Marathon in VA Beach and my head is not in the game. I am burned out and dreading the runs. My miles are not good and my last over 18 miler was 2 weeks ago. I really needed to do a 22 today, but we did a Brigade offsite this weekend and got back this afternoon. My house was filty, laundry was critical, but not as desparate as food. So, I didn't run and instead, I shopped for food, swept and vaccumed, got laundry going, and made dinner. I think I will try again next weekend, before we fly. I'm not going to do as well as I did last year anyway. What's the worst that can happen? I walk some.
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2 comments:
You crack me up because yes, the worst that could happen to you is that you have to walk:) You'll be at a lower elevation, in a city you love, taking a break with your family - I'm sure it will go great and you may surprise yourself and win again! Congrats on the half - at least the wind prepared you some for the first half of the Shamrock marathon. Luckily you will have it at your back on the way in. Have a great vacation!
I know you well enough to know you'd only walk if your leg was broken, so the worst that will happen is you'll run really slow! Great job on the half!
Take a little break and go into the Shamrock looking to have fun and you'll be fine. And you can always remind yourself that at least you're not wearing snowshoes!
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