drammatical

So the half was this past Sunday. R, A and I all ran it. R did awesome as usual but I’ll let her share her unofficial time *wink wink*.

It’s taken me some days to make this post because I’m full of emotions I care not to share with everyone. Not because I’m trying to exclude people but because not everyone has to be subjected to my issues. So here goes, hopefully it won’t come off as too bitter…

The day started off pretty hectic. I didn’t get anything to eat prerace and I was sorta stressed because A and R were stuck in traffic. N and I stayed down in LB so all I had to do was walk over to the starting line. A finally got there but since this was our first time there we had no idea about the starting time and how that’d affect our official times. Being as rushed and stressed as we were I screwed up his chip and told him to carry it in his water belt. BIG MISTAKE. Due to my stupidity he never got an official time. *tear* But all in all we had fun and stayed together, for the most part.

Up until mile 6 we were talking and having a great time. We were right on pace with 11 minute miles. Then I had to use the restroom. I wasted 15 minutes just waiting in line. This was really infuriating because I just can’t understand why this happens to me. This is about the 4th time I’ve felt this way during a long run. A said that he’d press on and I gave him my blessing. After the bathroom incident I was so pissed that I just ran as hard as I could. Then I found that I was only a few yards from the 6mi mark so my 10K was off. Caught up to A little after mile 9. He was walking and I pushed him to run with me. We made it all the way without stopping except once after mile 10 for some water and powerade. He sprinted the last ¼ mile and I couldn’t catch him. According to my watch his time was 2:50 and mine was 2:53. If it wasn’t for that stupid stop I had to make we would have made it at 2:35/ 2:38.

Things I’ve learned/considered -

1. If it wasn’t for all that powerade I made a point of drinking I’m not sure I would have made it without food. Must eat, no matter what. This may be a contributing factor to my bathroom stop.

2. I’m physically strong to run 13.1 mi without stopping. Need to work on my mental strength during Saturday training runs.

3. Running with a cell phone in hand is not a good idea.

4. Running with a partner helps tremendously with number 2.

5. Having your own water belt is the best.

6. Sucks having to dodge/swerve through people while running.

7. Not sure if I want to do this particular race next year. It was pretty unorganized at the starting line and we couldn’t get anyone to help with our bib and chip issues listed above.

8. Surprisingly I’m not sore at all and was ready to startup yesterday but N and R advised against it. Left knee is feeling off but that’s about it.

9. Got a massage on Friday and I’m guessing that helped.

10. Took Tylenol before the race, that helped too.

11. Best of all, I looked at this race as just another training run.

Looking forward to our AR this coming Sunday.