My parents decided to tag along - as always they made the racing experience all the more fun. I snapped a few pre-race pictures, then took off on a warm up. I ran into these guys along the way and just had to get a picture. Being the heroes that they are, they couldn't say no to a photo op!
(from left to right Thor, Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Captain America)
Race time temps were supposed to be in the high 80s, but one of the ladies I was lined up next to said it was mid 70s. If that was the case the humidity had to be at a billion percent because it felt HOT! Thankfully the race start time was 9 PM, so we at least didn't have the sun to contend with.
I tried to start off fast, but had to spend the majority of the first mile passing other runners. Given the weather conditions, I wasn't hoping for a PR but I wanted to race my best. This race is ran on the same road as my current PR and I very much enjoy it.
Mile 1 - 9:15
During the 2nd mile I expected traffic to ease up, but it really didn't. I was still passing people as I made it to the turn around spot and headed back. After a brief up hill spurt, the cluster broke up a bit by that point the exhaustion (from passing? from the humidity?) had kicked in and I couldn't will myself to go any faster.
Mile 2 - 9:36
The next mile was more of the same. The fire department had a truck along the course spraying us with water, but since I'd brought my iPod along I skirted the outside of the spray. Bummer too, because I'm sure it felt great for all who ran through it.
Mile 3 - 9:36
I had told my parents to look for me between the 25 minute (a girl can dream, right?) and 30 minute mark. No matter what I wanted this race to be sub 30, but beyond that I really didn't have a goal. As I neared the finish line I saw my dad with a cowbell. He immediately started ringing it and looking towards the finish line.
My mom wasn't with him, and I quickly figured out this was the system they had set up for him to signal her to get the camera ready. Apparently they didn't do a great job of spacing themselves, because she ended up getting a picture of my back. The picture looks horrid and makes me look much larger than I am, so I will not be sharing it. I do, however, applauded their attempt.
(this isn't the above-mentioned picture)
After crossing the finish line, racers were given a bottle of water and a cold, wet towel. Add to that the Rita's Italian Ice in the snack line and I'd have to say this race had the best after party I've seen at a shorter distance.
How'd I do?
Gun Time: 30:26
Chip Time: 29:38
Not a PR, but before this year sub 30 was a big goal of mine. If I can go out and do that on any given race, I consider that a win!
You did great for an evening race in that heat and humidity. And your post-race festivities were so much better than mine. :) I would have paid good money for italian ice (or a cold, wet towel!)
ReplyDeleteGreat job!
O.K. It took me until the end to realize that this was a night race. I kept thinking "Wow, the sun doesn't rise until after 9am? That's odd."
ReplyDeleteYes, I know. Leave me alone.
Great job on hitting that sub 30 mark!
Stop being mean to pictures of your legs.
Good job girl. Those are great splits!
ReplyDelete