After
I really hope they do this event/class again next year. If they do, be sure and go! You'll be glad you did. :)
Race Day Finally Arrived!
The BF and I picked up my friend SD on the way to the race. We work together, and have become great friends over the past several months. This was her first half marathon, and we have been comparing notes for months. It was so fun to head to the big race together.
SD and I posed for a pre-race photo. For the record, we did not intentionally coordinate our colors. :)
The day after the race, a very good friend of mine underwent a pretty intense surgery to remove some tumors. I thought about her throughout the race, drawing strength to go on when thinking about how simple a half marathon is compared to her ongoing fight. The race encourages runners to make these little "back bibs" and I've not done it before. This time, it seemed very appropriate.
Before we knew it, it was race time. SD and I split up (we had different goal times), and I got one last smooch from the BF. I headed off toward the 2:30 pacer sign. My plan was to stay near them at the beginning, in order to prevent going out too fast.
Unfortunately, I was running blind on race day. Ok, maybe not blind, but definitely without my glasses. I'm not completely lost without my glasses/contacts, but I'm definitely at a disadvantage. This was particularly apparent when the pacers put their signs down on the ground before I got a chance to get close enough to see them. I knew they had the pace time bibs on their backs, but I couldn't see them anywhere. Wah wah wah. :(
At that point, I told myself, "Self, you're on your own. You can do this." Don't worry, I didn't say it out loud. :)
Run!
Heading East at the beginning of the race was wicked bright. Even with my shades, I couldn't see much at all. It was blinding, but there was something cool about starting a day running into the sunrise. I started off nice and slow, even without the help of the pacers. In fact, I started almost a little too slowly.
In time, I noticed a gal dressed all in red. As I got closer, I saw the 2:30 pacer bib on her back. When I realized this spunky, energetic gal not only had my goal time pinned to her back, but she was WEARING A SKIRT (respect), I knew it was destiny. I kicked up my pace to catch up to her and her little group, and settled in behind them. I eventually noticed that she had a partner (also in a skirt- more respect), and about a dozen runners sticking with them.
At first, I wasn't sure if I would stay with the group, but it didn't take long before I realized this was right where I belonged. It was a nice little crowd of cheery women and one quiet guy. After a few miles, Lori and Katie (pacer gals in skirts) realized I was the newest member of their group, and cheered me right along with the team.
My Take on Pacing Groups
I was very hesitant to commit to a pacer group. I don't know exactly why. It made sense to me. I knew it would probably help me meet my goal. I just was afraid of the commitment, I guess.
I see it completely different now. Not long after I globbed onto the group, I saw the BF cheering me on (as he did numerous times throughout the route). I said, "Check it out! The pacer gal has a skirt!" (grin) One of the next times I saw him, I pointed to my leaders and told him, "that's my PR, right there." I knew I had it. I knew they'd get me there. I knew I would stick with them until the end, even if they never said another word to encourage me. Staying close enough to those red-shirted 2:30 pacer gals meant I would achieve my goal.
There's no doubt in my mind that I will actually commit and sign up for a pacing group in a future race. I'm sure it's not for everyone, but it is clearly right for me. I grabbed both those gals after the finish, and forced them in a photo with me. I was so grateful for their help and support. Thank you, Katie and Lori!
Miles Ticked By
We kept a pretty steady pace, as you would assume a pacing group would. I felt a little sluggish around the 9-mile gu stop, but I'm still not sure why. It almost felt like everyone else kicked it up a bit, and it was a little above my pace. As a result, I was a little bit behind the crowd and inside myself as we ran through Jefferson Park and past the water. That worked out, now that I think of it. It was a nice check-in for me.
Not half a mile later, I was right tight with the group again, and before you know it we saw a sign that read "2.7 miles to go!" No problem! That's not even a 5k! Whoop dee doo! I got this!
Up and over two bridges, and finally the left turn on Wisconsin Avenue (Neenah) for the swell of the crowd. The BF was right. That's kind of a tough part. That's when you see all the runners who have already finished. They're walking past you, heading to their cars, wearing their finisher shirts and medals, silently taunting you. "We're all done, and you're not. You're almost done, but doesn't it feel like forever yet?"
Ok, no one said that. In fact, there was a pretty steady stream of fans for the last couple miles. But, man, aren't those the hardest? This route's last mile is probably its most beautiful. You run along a road that runs between some of the city's most beautiful homes and the shore of Lake Winnebago.
Beautiful as it was, I dragged. It was clear I was running out of gas (understandably), as were the rest of the (remaining) 2:30 group runners. We all spread out quite a bit, and the leaders really poured on the encouragement. I hit my "power song" on the Nike+ app, and dug in. I was slow, but steady.
Around the curve, you can hear the crowd again. Those with good vision could also see the finish line. I turned down the volume on my ear buds, and listened to the crowd. I heard an announcer say he saw a pacer car. "The first marathoner is coming in to the finish line!" (crowd cheers).
Aw, dang. Fine. I'll get over. I veered right, in order to make room. I could hear the car, but I didn't want to turn around to see it and risk falling. Apparently I totally wigged out the race volunteers. They were gesticulating WILDLY, trying to get me to veer left. Gee Whiz, already. Let me just finish off to the side. Sheesh.
Then I got it. I got close enough to see they were holding their fancy little ribbon up for the marathon dude on the right side of the chute. They had this narrow little spot to the left of it where they were hollering for the lowly half marathoners to pass through. My bad. I followed direction, and headed left. I really should have tried to see if I had a pair of contacts stashed somewhere and worn them for this race.
At this point, the crowd was really worked up. I had thought I had nothing left for a sprint, but the chaos of this marathoner coming in, combined with the crowd hollering, gave me just what I needed. I found energy out of nowhere and kicked it up for a strong finish. Running Diva Mom always says to smile at the finish, so I took her advice. I smiled AND threw my hands up for victory! Goal achieved! PR!!!
Check out the video of my strong finish! The local paper was so thoughtful to capture it and post it on their web site. The crowd went wild for me!!
wait... were they cheering for the marathon winner? Nah, it was totally for me. ;)
Success... or not?
The BF was at the finish with his camera and a smooch. I got my photo with the pacer gals, and the Cherry Coke Zero I asked the BF to bring. (I totally crave soda after a long run. I'm sure it's horrible, but whatever.) Add in a really cool medal (love, love, love the ribbon) and my finisher shirt... pure joy! I wandered through the chute, got some snacks, and met the BF at our spot.
We walked around a bit, saw SD finish strong (she rocks), and went to the results tent. I strolled on up, pointed to my bib number, and asked the young lady for my results. She looked me up, confirmed my first name, and handed me a paper with results. I looked at it, paused, and asked, "um, can you look that up again, please? That's not right."
She had written my bib number wrong, and the time was about four minutes slower that my watch AND Nike+ had told me I should have. She looked again, assured me it was right (and that she just accidentally wrote the bib number wrong), and explained to me the difference between gun and chip times. Um, thank you, young lady, but I know the difference between gun and chip time. I also know that my chip time should be significantly different from the gun time, as I started IN CORRAL C!!! For crying out loud. To be fair, I believe she did say it wasn't the official time, and it wasn't her fault, of course.
Anyway, I was short but polite with the girl, and crumpled the little paper into my pocket. I sulked back to the car with the BF. Obviously, I was not in the mood to have my medal engraved with my time. I knew it wasn't the end of the world. I knew it was only about a four minute difference. I knew it was still a PR, but I was still a little bummed.
My goal was 2:30! I stayed with the 2:30 pacer gals, with whom I had complete trust. I sprinted ahead of them at the end. I actually remembered to stop my watch and Nike+ immediately after I crossed the finish line (I usually forget), and both devices said I was 2:28 and change. I just wanted to make my goal. I worked hard for my goal.
Fortunately, a few hours later, when the official results were posted on the web, I got my time!
2:28:36
Vindication. Success. Accomplishment! Yeah!
World's Greatest BF
Now's the time where I mush. You are warned.
I'm really very fortunate. My man not only insisted all the meals and plans and everything were whatever I wanted for what he insisted was "my weekend", but he was the best fan a girl could ask for.
He was there. He was at the start. He was at miles 3ish, 4ish, 6ish, 9ish, 12, and 13.1. He held up signs at some places, and took photos at others. He always had words of encouragement and a big smile. I can't begin to describe how awesome that was.
The first poster I saw him holding was a large version of my RSNS avatar. How cool is that? Much like my man, that poster's a major keeper!
Another poster said, "Running is a pain in the butt, but you sure have a cute butt!" (He's a funny one.)
Another one read, "Tomorrow you can be sore or sorry. Choose now."
Needless to say, I flashed that guy some grins, some "I love you's" and he even got a mid-run smooch. (awww)
I couldn't have done it without him. I was still a little sad not to have my munchkins there. It was a "dad" weekend, and he doesn't take them to any of my events (my choir concerts, races, etc.). The BF nonetheless made me feel very loved and special. It's easier to believe in myself when I know how he believes in me. (I told you it was mushy.)
He's my boyfriend, my best friend, and clearly my biggest fan.
Thank you, BF!
Poor SD was forced (by me) to pose for this photo while she was munching an apple. I just had to get a post-race photo of us together. Patience has never been something I have much of. :)
(my apologies for the format of this crazy blog post. Something is up with blogger tonight, and the formatting keeps making errors. Thank you for hanging in there with me. I've almost thrown the laptop numerous times.)
Almost done... The Final List
Community First Fox Cities (Theda Care Orthapedic Half Marathon)
Pros:
1) Plenty of volunteers, fans, music, etc.
2) Plenty of water, Gatorade, gu, etc.
3) Overall, just extremely well organized. You're getting the idea, right?
4) Great medal. Well, the medal was ok, but I loved the ribbon it hung from. Great inspirational words and phrases. Just great.
5) Nice simple finisher t-shirt design. Not tons of advertisements.
6) Perfect weather (though I thank Mother Nature for that)
7) Some kick butt pacer leader ladies (thank you to Pace Setters)
Cons:
1) Bummer about the results tent thing. I'm so thankful they fixed it for the official posting, though.
2) The finisher shirts were sized small. I know I'm no twig, but I am not so big that a 2xl women's fit should make me feel so self conscious. Sadly, I'm not sure I'll ever wear it again. :(
3) Simmer down in the chute. Of course I know better than to run through the marathon winner's fancy ribbon. :)
Alright, that's enough for tonight. I can't handle anymore blogger/BlogSpot glitches, and anyway this is way too long as it is, right?
Thank you for reading!
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