Drake-Fessions, Anyone?

Are we ready for another trip to the ‘Fessional?

How about we add a slight twist to the mix, and throw out a few Drake Relays ‘fessions this month? After all, there was a whole lotta Drake running and racing on the agenda, not just this week but also this past month in preparation.

Last Saturday (April 18th) was my ninth time running the half marathon. Just a few days ago, on Tuesday (April 21st) I returned to downtown Des Moines, for my fifth attempt at running the Grand Blue Mile. Oof, yes…we’re talking a long distance race (with a whole lot of hills) and a very short one, within three days of each other.

Anyways, here are some thoughts and Drake-fessions on the matter…

For starters, I’ll be the first to admit I was slightly ill-prepared for both events. Yes, I had done some long runs, but it would have been in my best interest to maybe (?) have done some more long-distance running prior to race week. I didn’t do any focused speedwork either (which is never a priority anyways, LOL). I can blame the weather (mainly the wind), but we all know it ultimately comes down to us and our dedication to the training. 

All that being said, I ran my last long run (10 miles) on Sunday, and did a couple other short runs, then ran the 13.1 on Saturday (race day). Doing the math, that was just under 28 miles for the week, which is a much higher count than what my legs are used to running in such a short time span. Although the race was tough (hello, it was 13.1 hilly miles, on a cold and windy morning!), my body didn’t feel much fatigue, nor were there any DOMS thereafter. I have to Drake-fess, this was a true testament to the value of cross-training in picking up the slack when the training miles aren’t there.

On race morning, I had everything laid-out and ready upon wake-up. I was dressed, had a quick breakfast, and was on the road by 6:30 for the 20-minute drive. I was as organized as “organized” could get…except, upon glancing at my watch, I realized I’d left said watch still plugged-in, on the charger. Let me Drake-fess, I was pretty glad I had that revelation only a 1/4-mile from my driveway!

Can we talk about the weather? After a solid week of summer-like conditions, the temps nose-dived by a good 60F on race morning. Then, at the Grand Blue Mile, the temps were (again) summer-like! Yes, I’ll Drake-fess, loud and clear, I much preferred the heat! Mind you, running a mile is equally as tough as a 13.1-miler, but in a different way. Don’t ask me how, but I was able to snag my first-ever first place AG at the GBM!

I may have done a potential race day taboo for the half marathon, in that I wore the race swag (#gasp!). When I saw the forecast, I wanted something warm, but colorful. Well, the swag was this pretty flannel-lined 1/4-zip! With two base layers of flannel-lined tops underneath, this proved to be the perfect mix of race day layers. Also, I have to Drake-fess I wasn’t the only one decked-out in the event swag, LOL. 

Finally, speaking of race swag, I came away with a bonus piece of hardware for doing both the half marathon on Saturday, and then the GBM a few days later. Doing the GBM in addition to any of the events on Saturday (there’s also a 5K and a 10K), you’re rewarded the Bull Dog Double medal, a tribute to Drake University’s mascot. There also was a cotton shirt for the GBM, but I Drake-fess that I gave it away, so there’s no pic to share. OOPS.

Whew! So, there you go! Oh, I have a bonus Drake-fession for you: my race recap mojo is in a bit of a lull, LOL. I have both recaps in the works, but there’s another race happening this weekend, so it’s anybody’s guess when I’ll have all these recaps ready for the world to read. Stay tuned!

Your turn, any ‘fessions to share?

I’m linking this with Marcia for the monthly Runfessions link-up

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