Half Mary... Part 2, "The Event"

Stitcher · Jan 20, 2008

This is loooong.......... 
my apologies. 
Stitch 
------------- The EVENT Off we all walk, down and around a bit, to the start. WAIT! We’re going the OTHER direction. Sheesh. So, everyone turns around…I find the back (I like the back…the back is my friend), and as soon as I’m set, got the watch on “chrono” off we go. We do a little box shaped thing in the parking lot, and we end up on the “rolling hills” of the local roads. One of the Sat. morning runners commented that I seemed to be starting fast for me…and as soon as she said that, I realized it and relaxed a bit. I didn’t try to slow down, just tried to relax. The first part of this course is also the same course as our Summer 5K series used to be, so I’m fairly familiar with the road. It’s also the same as the “Tough 10/Tough 2” race that we have every year. The police support for the race was EXCELLENT. There were at least 2 different patrol cars (I’m not sure if there were more) that were constantly driving the course with their flashy lights on. I know that their presence made the drivers a bit more careful when they were on the course. It’s not a closed course, so everyone has to be more alert, but there is a bike lane the whole way, so runners have a place to go when there are oncoming cars. Only 1 driver was a ******* “stupid head” as he exited his neighborhood and turned onto the course. I’m certainly impressed at how he was able to make his tires spin….NOT! Yeah, it’s cold, but not too bad. It’s raining, but not too bad. I feel pretty good through the first 4 miles or so. I was able to stay relaxed, held my breathing together pretty well, and felt as if I had managed to settle in to a steady pace, though not what you’d call “quick.” The biggest challenge was making sure that I didn’t splash through any standing or flowing water. I knew my shoes were going to get wet, soaked even, but I didn’t want to make it EASY for Mother Nature to do it. Mile 1: 11:54 (hmmm….sorta quick for me) Mile 2: 12:20 (ok, that’s more steady) Mile 3: 12:15 First water stop was at about 3.5 miles. I had a mini bottle of water in my pocket and used it about every two miles, unless there was a water stop, then I used that. I walk ALL water stops. I can drink and run if I’m using a bottle, but cups….NO WAY! That’s just too much coordination to expect of my brain. My swim coach was at the water stop checking in on me… “feel good,” I said. She was way bundled up, in her red jacket with a hood. Great as a beacon. I’d given her my camera to get some shots of folks we both know. Mile 4: 12:20 Somewhere soon after Mile marker 4, I passed Kick member HRMAY. She was in the lead, and except for a very wet head of hair, looked as if this was a total walk in the park for her. We live close to each other, and have exchanged emails, but haven’t met face to face yet. I shouted introductions as we passed. At about 4.3 miles (according to my inaccurate tracking on gmap-pedometer, the “bike path” started. There are so many ups/downs in a “rolling” configuration that the inexperienced might get seasick. On a day like today… I’m surprised no one did. At the entrance to the path was a MONGO HUGE puddle. The kind that can eat small children. Everyone ran around it in the squishy grass. The direction givers were great about pointing it out to people, too. I guess they didn’t want to have to go swimming to fish people out of it. Mile 5: 12:23 Mile 4.3-5.8 is the “out” portion of the bike path. I saw tons of people…ok, I saw everyone. They were going in the other direction. Lots of support from friends, and only a tiny bit of confusion in the areas where there were large amounts of standing water. Lesson 2: The baggy clothes that kept you warm at the start of the race, look really bad, soggy, and cold in the middle of the race. Several people (for some reason, mostly men) had very unhappy looks on their faces. I attribute this to the state of their clothes. I was still feeling ok with my tights on the bottom and my layers with a wind shell on the top. The shell was pretty wet, but it insulated me enough so that as long as I was moving, I was warm enough. At the end of the bike path was the 2nd water stop. One lonely guy, a tent, a table, and the choice between water or Gatorade. I did Gatorade that time (orange, for once). I like orange Gatorade. Looking back, I think this portion of the path was a net downhill. Yes, there were some rolling ups and downs, but in general, I’m pretty sure it was mostly all downhill overall. Mile 6: 13:25 I say the “out” was downhill, because look at the drop in my pace. Holy crap! I knew I slowed down at this point, but I didn’t realize it was by that much. Climbing….more climbing, and more climbing. I tried to remember to take littler steps and pick up my knees more, and was reasonably successful. I was starting to feel as if I was working at this point, too. My legs were starting to speak to me…. “uh, hello? Yeah, see….we’re cold, and we are thinking it might be nice to back off a bit.” I started to feel cold at points, as well. Not all the time, just every once in awhile. My shoes started talking, too. “Squish, squish, squish……squeeeesh, squish squish.” They’re not as linguistically developed as my legs are, it appears. Mile 7: 12:25 I have no idea how that happened. But, I’m grateful. Great volunteers, maybe? There were two people running ahead of me, I could see them on straights, but would lose them around curves. Ahead of them was a friend that I work with who was race-walking. Every once in awhile, I’d start to catch up to them a little bit, was never really close, but then, they’d start running again, and off they’d go. My relative position to them was about the same throughout the race. So, they helped me hang in there when the legs started getting snippy. Mile 8: 13:32 Water was a bit after mile marker 8. My quads, up near where the crease in your leg is…were starting to make themselves known. I’d been having some soreness in them all week, but I attributed it to “experiment day” at the gym with the weights. While I’m running, I’m starting to wonder whether this is an indication of lack of preparation, or residual soreness from a new exercise, or just a crappy day. I see Ann (swim coach) a bit after the water. She’s got my camera out, and I think I might have a pic of me not looking dead. Bless her heart! It was sooo cold and rainy for her. <img alt="" src="http://www.auburn.edu/~wolfsa1/images/halfmary/fr2.jpg" style="border:0px solid;"> 
He's fast. <img alt="" src="http://www.auburn.edu/~wolfsa1/images/halfmary/swbud2.jpg" style="border:0px solid;"> 
So's she. She also swims in the mornings, and is a new triathlete. <img alt="" src="http://www.auburn.edu/~wolfsa1/images/halfmary/st2.jpg" style="border:0px solid;"> 
I'm not dead looking! My head is "glowy" too. <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"> I also start to plot against my weight trainer lady, cause SHE thinks it’s fun to come up with new things to do that will either make me look foolish (not all that hard, it’s hardly a challenge), or to make it so I email her the next day with various parts of me not wanting to work. Revenge plotting is surprisingly effective in picking up a pace. As I turned the corner for the last leg, headed for the next turnaround, I told the intersection monitor, “that sign needs to say 10!” I had to run past the 9 mile marker, and then come back to it. But, hey, I can do simple math. I know that this means I’m over half way finished. This, is a good thing. I see the two people, and my walking friend on the way down as they’re headed back. The turn around guy (Alan) ran back to the water stop with me… well, ok… he speed walked, I slogged. More importantly, he talked. The hardest part I’ve found about being in the back is that there isn’t anyone to go with you and help with distractions (if that’s what you need). The mid packers have friends that they run with, so they can take turns keeping up the mindless chatter. If this isn’t your thing, you can still go off on your own. But, us last placers….we usually don’t have a choice. On the other hand, we do learn how to run our own events, and learn how to depend on ourselves, rather than others. I guess it’s a give/take. Mile 9: 12:49 I’ve now come to terms that I’m going to have to put the quad issue “away” for the remainder of this event. It’s not a “race” for me, as I’m really looking just to finish and be respectable for myself. I think that the weather kept a lot of people who had registered, home. And, I think that some of those people might have been back of the packers. The front of the packers all showed up! I pass Ann again, ‘nother photo op. She says I’ll like that one. <img alt="" src="http://www.auburn.edu/~wolfsa1/images/halfmary/st1.jpg" style="border:0px solid;"> Then she says she’s going home. I can’t really blame her… that’s pretty nice of her to go out and stand in the cold and rain to support folks. 4 of her swimmers were running and she’s done this course before, too. She said she’d leave my camera with someone at the finish. <img alt="" src="http://www.auburn.edu/~wolfsa1/images/halfmary/fr1.jpg" style="border:0px solid;"> <img alt="" src="http://www.auburn.edu/~wolfsa1/images/halfmary/swbud1.jpg" style="border:0px solid;"> When I saw her the first time, I told her that the tops of my quads were bothering me. On the way back, she said to “keep pushing down with your heels.” Ok, I can do that. I’m not sure why I’m doing that, but I can do that. I’ll ask about that later. Back to the same water stop that was after mile 3, and mile 8. Gatorade again. I didn’t even look before I crossed the street, on the home stretch. I just trusted that the intersection lady would do her job. The temperature really started to drop during mile 9. It feels as if it might be sleeting, but I can’t tell. I can tell that the rain is getting “plinkier” as opposed to “ploppier,” though. My hat is doing a great job of keeping the rain from hitting my face. Mile 10: 12:40 Yay…on the home stretch. No longer do I feel as if I’m running constantly up hill. Still seeing my 3 people ahead of me…. In and out of my sight as curves and hills permit. Consistent sightings of the police. Strangely enough, as well…. Many little brown birds were flying. I don’t know why I noticed them, except they seemed to be going awfully fast for such a wet day. Mile 11: 13:54 Really felt like caca here. I think I start to fall a bit apart. My left pinky toe is starting to form its standard blister on the bottom. I get one there frequently…it’s just what it does. No matter the type of shoe, the size, the distance… I just get a blister there. But, it doesn’t feel as bad as it has felt in the past. One police man was encouraging me through his microphone. I had enough presence of mind to wave and smile so that he knew I wasn’t half dead. I tell ya, when the “man” tells you to keep going, you’re almost there, you’re doing good… you don’t want to stop. He’s got a gun! Mile 12: 13:40 I started cussing once I hit mile marker 12. The nice intersection dude (Mike) was there… in his clear plastic poncho, soaking wet gloves, and hood. I told him I was last, and that he could go in. I also told him that I felt like shit. From here to the end, I find that I have to force myself not to get hunched over, and start to collapse in my torso. I feel better when I stand up a bit straighter, so I do as much as possible. Note, “better” doesn’t equal “good,” it’s just better. So, after a bit, I hear him coming up behind me. He’s running to the finish, carrying the cones that marked the way! He’s talking…. Apparently, I’m doing a good job. Honestly, dude….have you looked at my face recently?? He he. I’m still cussing, but he either doesn’t hear it, or recognizes it for what it is. He’s “making” me “finish strong.” Actually, this is working. It’s now SNOWING. But, not pretty snow. It’s snowing snow that’s the consistency of 7-11 slurpies. Yuk. Mile 13: 13:22 Now, I start to see more people, including the ring-leader of the doomed relay team. He’s got his umbrella at the LAST turn to the finish. He’s clapping and cheering… and ignoring my cussing. Mile 13.1: 3:08 (that’s off, though, because I didn’t stop my watch when I crossed the finish, I was too busy breathing) Greg is waving his arm at the finish. Don’t worry….I’m zeroed in on those cones, buddy. Basically, I put my head down and concentrate on not tripping UP the last .1 mile. Ok…. Who’s freakin’ idea was putting the finish at the TOP of a hill? Huh? Cause, that person is going to have WORDS with me. Grrrrrr……. I make it into the chute, and get caught by someone…don’t know who. Since I’ve pushed it, I had started to wheeze. More than just breathing hard, but not a full-on asthma attack. Just really really loud breathing that has a wheeze. This is NORMAL. It doesn’t sound normal, but it is. I know that I have to keep walking/moving, though. This guy wants to stop and take my number. I’ve got both my hands on his forearms, and I’m pushing him to make him let me walk. Finally, I get to where I can lift my shirt to find the number. What I think happened, too, is that others there were worried cause I’d been out there so long. I was pretty cold and cranky, but the gym was 20 yds away, so I was really fine. They kept asking me if I had asthma and did I want/need an inhaler. I kept saying no to the inhaler…cause I could feel the breathing getting easier every 10 seconds that went by. After 90 secs or so, I was back to breathing hard, and continued to get easier. I also made a beeline for my car with my dry clothes, and into the gym. I found my friend Larry with my camera, and did get a pic with his two kids as well. My time for the finish was: 2:50:12 (but I still need to get the official clock time since I had the “forget to stop the watch” moment). The first time I ran it I did it in 2:36:29. I wore fewer clothes that time. J

Tithers · Jan 20, 2008

Stitch-good job at keeping up and finishing! I wonder how many folks stayed home instead of raced... 
Did you get a sweet medal and shirt? 
Did you take in ANY nutrition besides water in the race? Gel? Gatorade? 
I had a crappy nutritionist when I ran Chicago. I would cramp on anything higher than 14 miles...my new nutritionist has me eating x # of calories on the clock...for me it makes a difference... 
I bet Sheldon will have a lot of good advice...that's why he's a coach and I'm not! 
CONGRATS on a job well done in crappy weather! 
And CONGRATS on the steak and the "scoring" of towels!

Stitcher · Jan 20, 2008

Ya know... 
I don't think I got a medal. :S 
I probably can, though...it's not like it wasn't a local race. <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"> 
I did get a cool shirt, though. UnderArmour, dri-tek....fits nicely. They made the sponsors logos look like snowflakes, so they're not quite so obvious. 
yes, I had gatorade, I think at the 2nd and 4th water stops. Not that much, though, when I think about it. 
Several people talked about gels and stuff, and that ole' 20/20 hindsight says that I might have should have....blah blah....BUT, I never used them while training, so I was for sure not going to use them today. 
Yeah....I'm hoping that working with Sheldon will improve my "racing" cause for right now, I just get out there and finish. I wanna race. Even if I only race me. <img alt="wink.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/wink.gif"> 
Thanks!

Tithers · Jan 20, 2008

It's funny Stitch...in the triathlon...I feel like I race the swim...I race the bike...I'm ok at them, but don't suck. 
The run...I do it b/c I have to. My goal this year is to race the run...I want to feel good about all 3 sports. 
Yah...I wouldn't try anything new on raceday. 
I'm like you...mostly competative with myself. 
Now get on your bike! After you enjoy your cheesecake!

Stitcher · Jan 20, 2008

Bike's getting a tune up. Wanna be ready for when "work" starts. lol 
NIIIIICCCCCE people at bike shop recommended to me by my student. Didn't laugh at my dumb questions. Cute, too. <img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif"> 
I'm doing my best right now to stay awake and upright....cause I know that if I go home, I'll just get in the shower, then fall into the bed. I don't think being still for that amount of time is a good idea. 
In a bit, I'm going to go get Panera for dinner, then get home to get super clean.... 
And....ugh....take care of the wet running clothes. I put them in my race bag, but if I don't get them out tonight, and into the wash.... eeeeewwwwww!!

Tithers · Jan 20, 2008

Yah...take care of that...I've ruined a garment or 2 in the past. 
You'll have a GREAT night of sleep...you deserve it!

Kate60 · Jan 20, 2008

Nice job hanging in there.

Yo Sake · Jan 20, 2008

GOOD job, Stitch!! You showed up in spite of the weather and did it! Those extra layers clothes (plus cold temp of course) add some serious minutes to your time. Rest well!

Stitcher · Jan 20, 2008

<img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"> 
Thanks... 
Now I have Feb swim meet to get ready for. 
Doing the 500 again... 
AND 50 fly for the first time. (*gulp*) (Sometimes, I enter events because my swim coach says to) lol 
Otherwise, I'd stick with the "comfortable" things. She challenges me. 
and won't let me STOP doing 50 breast stroke. (*sigh*)....she really wants me some time to do 100 breast stroke, but I'm not to a point where the stroke won't completely disintegrate at that distance.........yet.

Boyerdavea · Jan 20, 2008

Great job out there today. Pretty good splits throughout the race as well. You had a few slow miles but the rest were all right in the 12:30ish range. 
And under those conditions, you did great. Thanks for the report and great job.

Stitcher · Jan 20, 2008

Thanks, Dave.... 
You missed one fun time!!

hobey · Jan 20, 2008

Fantastic job Stitch! You looked great out there!

ericd256 · Jan 20, 2008

Good Job!!!! 
Man i hope i can do that good on my half in april!!

bcc594 · Jan 20, 2008

Great work. It takes toughness to keep fighting through a bad day! Way to go!

LookiLoo · Jan 20, 2008

Great job Stitcher! Way to hang on durning the crappy weather!

mmoonptdeux · Jan 21, 2008

Good job Stitch - congrats! Sometimes the battle is finishing despite some crappy weather or not feeling completely up to snuff, and you did that with flying colors!

kimber45 · Jan 21, 2008

Great race report. It sounds like it was a struggle but you kept on. That's inspiration for me.<img alt="hello2.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/hello2.gif">

TriAndStopMe · Jan 21, 2008

Great job toughing it out!

COcarrie · Jan 21, 2008

Nice job, Stitch! You should be very proud of yourself for hanging in there in less than ideal conditions. I loved the report... felt like I was right there with you!

Econo · Jan 22, 2008

holy moly -- nice job in the slushy sleety snow!

Half Mary... Part 2, "The Event"

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