It has been very, very hot and humid recently. Last week, the heat index soared above 100 degrees multiple times and it felt like a sauna by 7:30 in the morning when stepping outside. Not fun running weather. I spent most of my week inside at the gym putting in a few runs before my half marathon on Saturday.
I was very nervous for the race because of the predicted 92 degree high and the continuing humidity, but I planned to hydrate well and take it easy.
The morning of the run was cooler than expected, but wet. We had gotten a record rain fall the night before the race, so the course was already slightly flooded in areas, but in addition to that, the rain continued on and off while we were running. I would complain about it, but I must say that I really enjoyed this run! The humidity was so horrible that even before the rain started, it looked like I had just stepped out of a pool. So, when the sprinkles (and later heavier rain) started, it was very welcomed by me. It felt very refreshing to be covered in water instead of sweat. ;-)
I ran with a pacing group from Dick Ponds for the first time and I plan to do so from now on if I am signed up for a race without a friend. This was a great way to meet people to chat with along the course and pass the time. Before I knew it, we were rounding the turn at mile 10 with only a 5K ahead of us and I felt strong. At mile 11, our pacer asked if we thought we had the energy to sprint to the finish (for the last few yards). The group was indecisive, but I said that if I felt this good by mile 12, I was hoping to run up ahead and finish a few minutes ahead of schedule. The course was hilly, though, so I was making no promises. We hit #12 and off I went! I ran the last mile in about 9 minutes and finished in 2 hours and 17 minutes total. What a great finish to a fantastic race.
I'm not sure if I will do this race again, though. It's convenient because of the location (just 10 minutes from home), but I was disappointed by the lack of on-lookers and cheering squads. In those moments when you want to quit, a cheerleader on the sideline might be the only thing to keep you from doing so and this race had none of that… It may have been the heat, humidity and rain that kept people away, but I still expected to see more people than I did. Oh well.
Praise God for another fun race and for giving me the strength and endurance to finish another 13.1 miles! Next Monday I will be attempting my longest distance yet: 15 miles. It will be a challenge, but one I am looking forward to. This is the part of my training I've been excited about: the part where I finally begin to build and accomplish new goals. I can't wait to tell you all about it.
No comments:
Post a Comment