I set my alarm for 7:30 but was up a little after 7:00 AM to start getting ready. The race was about 20 minutes away from Linda's house, so we planned to leave by 8:30, run a few errands and get to the race location by 9:15 (race started at 10:00). I brought my own breakfast, which was a bagel from my favorite bagel place down the street from my apartment and peanut butter. I had no problem downing the whole thing along with some water.
The forecast was not looking great - it was supposed to be absolutely frigid throughout the entire race - when we woke up it was 7 degrees. I just kept telling myself and Linda and my mom that it was going to be OK - I would do just fine during the race. I was starting to get worried as I was packing up my clothes about how cold it was going to be, but I wasn't about to back out!
I settled on 5 layers - a lululemon tank top and GAP tech long sleeve shirt as base layers, an insulated Nike shirt, an insulated GAP pullover and a long sleeve cotton shirt on top. I wore insulated Target running tights and knee socks, thin gloves and a headband/ear warmer. I also work my skiing buff (I use it to soak up sweat and keep my hair back under my helmet) around my neck as a nose wiper/neck and face warmer.
Ready for the start!
We got there as planned and I easily picked up my packet and shirt. I was shocked at how many people where there - there was nearly 1000 runners! I jumped in line for the bathroom at 9:30 which was lucky as I didn't get back to where my mom was standing until nearly 9:50! I put on all my layers, pinned my bib and headed out side at the last possible minute to brave the now 9 degree weather.
I didn't hear a word that they said during the announcements, so before I knew it we were off. The first 3/4 of a mile were on the driveway into the Atkinson Country Club and it was fun to see everyone before the spread out - there were lots of great Christmas costumes and I really felt like I was a part of something pretty big!
The first 3 miles were through neighborhoods, so we had some people cheering for us and even one guy outside playing Christmas music on an accordion! I skipped water at the first aid station because I was wearing my hydration belt and I don't tend to drink a whole lot while running when it's cold out. I did situate my Gu underneath a bunch of my layers so that it could warm up before I was ready to eat it. Mile 4 and 5 brought us onto a busy road which was kind of a pain - it was pretty much single file and because my pace matches a lot of people who run/walk I was constantly being passed and then passing the same people. I was going back and forth with one run/walker for about 4 miles - she would run for what seemed like 15 or 20 seconds, then walk for awhile. I absolutely respect anyone who finishes a half marathon, but constantly finding a way to pass her was pretty annoying.
I took my Gu at mile 6, only to find that my water bottle had frozen and I could hardly get any water out of it. I made it work and got the whole Gu down, and then was on the lookout for my mom, Linda and Pippa, who were planning to be near mile 7 because it was pretty close to the start if they cut through a side street. I was glad to see them cheering wildly, and was glad to switch out my water bottle for a non-frozen one!
Waving goodbye to my cheering section!
I chatted with another runner for awhile who told me that I had the best family for braving the cold. She ended up falling back to check on her sister, so I put my headphones back in. Miles 8 - 11 flew, my favorite part being the hot chocolate aid station. When I was preparing for the race I didn't think I would have any interest in it - I don't really like hot chocolate, I don't drink milk, I thought my stomach would feel a little weird. Boy was I wrong! It was probably the best tasting thing I've ever had.
Mile 11 was really challenging - back on a busy road, nearly all uphill. I considered stopping to walk for a minute but kept reminding myself how accomplished I'd feel when I finished, and how soon it was going to be over. I knew I was in the homestretch at mile 12 because most of it was back on that road into the Country Club, so I tried to enjoy. I'll be honest - I did think about the hot soup at the end quite a lot!
My mom and Linda were at the final corner cheering me on, and I sped up a bit for a final time of 2:36. I was disappointed as I wanted to cross in less than 2:30, but with the frigid temps and hills, I was pleased.
I grabbed my medal and immediately went inside and took off all my sweaty layers - I didn't even wait for a stall to open in the women's bathroom - I just changed right inside the door. I put on dry layers and my winter coat, got some soup and then headed out for a late lunch (and hot tea for me!) at a delicious Italian restaurant.
Best part of a long run!
(l-r) Linda, me, my mom
I really enjoyed this race and would like to run it again next year. With temps closer to 30 I think it would be an ideal half marathon!
Pippa and I resting after the race
Pippa in her Christmas stoll and me with my Jingle Bell medal the next morning!
No comments:
Post a Comment