Streak #4 is done! Some parting thoughts...

 
Well, it's over and done. My New Years Day 5K with friends was my finale of the Runners World Streak-36 Days of Awesome. I'm glad I finished all 36 days of streaking, but I am even more glad to be back to what I call "normal."

Streaking is not something I particularly enjoy, nor do I recommend it for everyone. Like all things running, it works great for some and not for others. For me, it feels like a huge obligation looming over my presence. Something I "have" to do, not necessarily something I "want" to do....at least it feels that way towards the end. This was my fourth time doing a streak, and although it was the smoothest of all streaks I have run, it still had some difficult moments, especially in the final days. Read on,...here's a quick look at what happened....

My streak began on Thanksgiving Day with our 3rd annual (local) Turkey Trot. The temps were especially cold, single digits with the Iowa wind!  Day-2 had better temps (and I got to wear some of my Black Friday fashion finds). On Day-3, the husband and I did a couple miles around the lake. The following day, the temps plummeted, and the good 'ole wind returned with a vengeance.
 
 Day-5 was sunny and cold. On Day-6, I did a couple miles after work. Day-7 was shared with several geese flyovers at the lake (thankfully, nothing landed on me...if you know what I mean). I did a couple of miles under the street lights for Day-8.

On Day-9, I was up and running early...back to the house before 5:30AM. Day-10 was full of sunshine. My friend, Barb, joined me for five chatter-filled miles on the trail for Day-11 of streaking.

I was happy to do a quick mile after work on Day-12. My thirteenth streaking day had me back at my favorite trail, looping around the lake. I had another early morning run on Day-14.

I ran a couple very chilly miles on Day-15 of streaking.  The next day was damp and foggy. On Day-17, I ran in the Santa Shuffle 5K. The following day, we had temps in the 50's...unheard of in Iowa!



Day-19...and we have not snow in Iowa, but rain!

Streaking Day-20....a beautiful run in the evening. Another run at the lake for Day-21. More running in the wee hours before work for the twenty second day of continuous running.

Day-23 of streaking had me in the company of friends, running in our ugly sweaters and admiring all the beautiful Christmas lights throughout town. A quick mile after returning from a fun-filled day at a family Christmas gathering for Day-24. Another cold and damp run for Day-25.

Streaking Day-26..can you see the wet pavement? Streaking Day-27...looking skyward, trying to remember what the sun used to look like. Streaking Day-28, another cold and damp run....after receiving the news about my father-in-law's passing.

Christmas Day, Day-29 of streaking. We lost my dear father-in-law the day prior, so this run was in honor of him.  It also was the first day we were blessed with sunshine in quite a long time...I don't think it was a coincidence.

Day 30, another early morning run, but in moderate temps. Day 31, a very late evening run after returning from a long day spent with extended family, saying farewell to my father-in-law. Day 32....a few wonderful miles around the lake with plenty of glorious sunshine.

Despite bitterly cold temps, there was sunshine for Days 33 and 34.

Woot Woot! Doing a victory leap on Day-35!

 The final day of the Streak arrived!  Very cold temps, but lots of beautiful sunshine...truly there is no better way to celebrate the New Year than in the company of friends!

So, the Streak has ended. Any regrets?  Well, I should have used this time to better focus on stretching and foam-rolling. I finished the entire streak with a total of 58 miles. As mentioned in prior posts, I am working through a not-so-smooth transition to neutral shoes. I was really hoping the minimal mileage and lack of long runs would be key in helping this transition process...and my strategy did not appear to work. My aches and pains did not get worse (thankfully), but they have not gone away and still are a small (though manageable) burden.

I am not a selfie-enthusiast, but I managed to snap a selfie every time I streaked. I'm glad that's over as well. It was fun coordinating 36 different and (usually) colorful outfits,though.  

I was very fortunate to have great weather for most of the 36 days of streaking.  We have had very minimal snow this winter season in Iowa.  There have been some cold days with temps in the single digits, and there has been some frigid wind to battle...but I was able to do every streak run outside.

Will I do another run streak? Most definitely. Even though I do not particularly enjoy streaking (and know it's not something I should do regularly), it is a fun challenge to do occasionally. It gets me out of my comfort zone, and that's always a good thing.

Have you ever streaked?  

2014...My Running (on the fly) Year in Review

Is it already that time of the year?  You know, when most of us not only look towards the goals and aspirations on tap for 2015, but also reflect on what made 2014 so stellar?  Well, it is for me!

This past year was not only a year of excitement, but also one of growth and transition.  I participated in 23 events (four of which were virtual events in the colder months when there were limited "actual" races in my area), and two of which were "vertical" races (The American Lung Association Fight for Air Climbs, Chicago and Des Moines).  Most of these events came with hardware (finisher medals and, on a few occasions, medals from placing within my age group), but all of them were significant in terms of goals met and comfort zones violated.

My major goal for 2014 was to do "14 in '14," finishing 14 distance events (any distance longer than a 10K). My goal was met and finished in early November, giving me the remaining time to rest, recover and rehab my (somewhat) fatigued body.

One of the main things I'm always striving towards is to violate my comfort zone.  I love taking on new challenges, and testing my limits.  This involves not only registering for new events (with varied distances) as often as my schedule allows, but also traveling to different locales (as much as I love where I live, I am always eager to go elsewhere and see new sights in my running shoes).

A new experience for me in 2014 was participating in a relay race. Myself and team of co-workers raced in the Market to Market relay in May. Similar to a Ragnar race (but on a much smaller scale), the teams (most of them in costume)  raced across 70 miles of trails on a cold, rainy and windy day in Iowa. It was a fun and action-packed day, and reinforced the love of running all of us share.

Despite all the triumphs, there is a frustrating challenge that still plagues me, though.  I have been battling piriformis issues for several years.  It has gotten much more manageable, but has never quite vacated my being. Several months of physical therapy have helped, and if I could/would/should discipline myself to foam roll and stretch (especially when I don't think I "need" to), the problem would be minimized further. Meanwhile, I have been trying to transition to neutral shoes (via the counsel from a recent gait analysis at a reputable fitness store), and this transition has not been what I'd hoped. Thankfully, my aches and pains have not gotten worse, but they most definitely are still there, even with the self-imposed off-season I'm currently entertaining. Stay tuned, I predict (yet) another consultation with (yet) another store is on tap for 2015.

Here are a few of my 2014 highlights:

 
Late January-Chamburrr Scurry 5K, single digit temps with that good ole' Iowa windchill!
  

In March, I did back-to-back weekends of Fight for Air Climbs. The Chicago Climb was March 9 and involved 180 flights of stairs, the Des Moines Climb was March 16 and had us climbing 63 flights!

In May, I ran in the Market to Market Iowa relay with a team from work.

 

In mid June, my hometown hosts a weekend of events called the Grinnell Games. This year, I ran the 10K Twilight Trail on Friday evening and the Half Marathon the next morning...and was able to PR both events!

July 4th, I ran in a nearby 5K....not only placed 2nd in my age group, but set a new PR (and anyone who knows me, knows I do not like 5K races...much...)

Later in July, I traveled to the windy city and ran the Chicago Rock'n Roll 5K and Half Marathon with my dear friend, Penny.

While in Chicago, I had the pleasure of meeting Shalane Flanagan following the 5K!

Another brush with (running) fame was meeting Meb Keflezighi, the reigning Boston Marathon champion a week later, at the Quad Cities Times Bix-7

The highlight of all highlights happened on October 19, when I proved to myself that I am, indeed, a marathoner!  I finished the IMT Des Moines Marathon with a 26.2 PR on a much more challenging course than the other marathon I'd run.

14 Distance Events in 2014...finished!!

So, what's in store for 2015?  There's definitely another marathon happening. There's also talk of running an ultra with some of my runner friends, and another friend has just about successfully convinced me to do a duathlon with her. Comfort Zone Violations all over the place.

Stay tuned.....the best is yet to come!

And the Streak goes on.....La Da Da da da....

As most people know, I am not a streaker.

The daily running thing works for a lot of people, but I am not one of them. I'm currently, however, just past the halfway point of the Runners World 36 days of Awesome running streak, and all is good. I have done short running streaks before (April 2013, December 2013, June 2014), and am familiar with the routine. Though I am usually satisfied with my efforts in honoring the commitment to run daily, I am always glad when the streak ends.

This streak seems to really be running smoothly (no pun intended), and has not required any extra effort to "just get it done."  I still have 17days remaining, though, and I am aware that my attitude could easily change. For me, getting to the halfway point is not difficult; it's the final 5-6 days just prior to the finale where I have struggled in the past. By then, I have accomplished more days of daily running than what I prefer (and my body wants/needs some R&R). In the other streaks, I have persevered through those final days, though, and gritted it out so I could say that I finished. And, I have had no guilt or remorse ending the streak(s) and returning to my regular routine. None whatsoever.

So, here's a quick review of the first 19 days of my streak:
 

Day-1--Thanksgiving morning, a freezing cold Turkey Trot 5K (single digits temps!)

Day-2--1 mile in some of my Black Friday finds

Day-3--2 miles at the lake with the husband

Day-4--1 windy mile

Day-5--1 mile after work
Day-6-- 2 miles in the early evening
Day-7--1 mile around my favorite lake (with lots of geese flying overhead)
Day-8--2 evening miles under the street lights

Day-9--1 quick mile in the early morning (I was back to the house before 5:30AM)
Day-10--2 glorious miles in moderate temps
Day-11--5 miles on the trail with my buddy, Barb

Day-12--1 mile after work in my favorite pink puffer vest
Day-13--1 mile around the lake
Day-14--1 mile in the early morning

Day-15--2 chilly miles around town
Day-16--1 quick mile in damp, foggy weather
Day-17--Santa Shuffle 5K!
Day-18--1 easy mile in the unseasonably warm temps

Day-19--a very quick mile in the 47-degree December temps & rain

What are some things I have observed during this streak? Well, as mentioned in prior blog posts, I am treating myself to an official off-season this winter. I am not giving up exercise, running, or cross-training....I am just easing up on the intensity. Doing these daily streak runs (most of which are only the minimum 1-mile distance) gives me a daily commitment that is not very time-consuming. 

I am also desperately trying to have a smooth transition to neutral running shoes (switching from my stability shoes of the previous nine years). I am not without aches and pains, but the aches and pains have been minimized. Each run in the new shoes has gotten easier, though I am still not in love with them (yet).

Consequently, I am not in love with the daily streak selfies, either. But they go hand-in-hand with the streak.....I'm keeping accountable to myself and all others who are also streaking. And I'm exhibiting my obsession with bright colors & fleece head bands. That's as real as it gets.

Streaking, have you given it a whirl?

Here Goes the Off-Season...but first, let's Streak!

 
As much as I have been looking forward to an off-season (and, as bad as I know my body needs one), I have decided to do the Runners World 36 Days of Awesome Streak. Again. (I did the same streak last year)

What is a running streak?  Ever tried to do one?  This will be my fourth such streak. It simply means running everyday. In this case, running all 36 days from Thanksgiving through New Years Day.

Now, as most people know, I am not an advocate for daily running.  It works for some runners, but  I am not one of them. Most of the runners who streak do so because they do not do other forms of cross-training. Running is their exercise of choice and they choose to give it their full attention.

Turkey Trotting in the sub-ZERO temps--Day 1

I, however, tend to get easily bored. I love running, but I simply need other forms of exercise to keep me happy. True, running is my main form of exercise, but I need a balance of other activities as well (and so does my body). I also have realized that although the simple act of running (itself) has made me a decent runner, it wasn't until I added consistent cross-training to my life that I became an even better runner.

Yadda Yadda Yadda.

Breaking in some of the Black Friday finds--Day 2

 So, why would I chose to do a running streak, especially when I do not advocate daily running? Because it forces me out of my comfort zone. Plain and simple. And, although I am in the early stages of my self-proclaimed off-season, the daily running will give me a goal on my calendar. Also, I am desperately trying to transition from stability shoes to neutral shoes, and dong a series of short runs is probably my best option for that process to be successful (trying to do this towards the end of my 26.2 training was NOT so successful).

I have scaled back my mileage considerably since my last race (the Hillbilly Hike Half Marathon, almost a month ago). I'm running a couple times during the week (going only 2-3 miles each time) and my weekend runs have not been further than six miles. I will do an occasional longer run (maybe every three weeks or so), but that is contingent on my previous runs being pain-free and the weather being conducive (I refuse to do any long running on the treadmill...just not happening). I'm still doing cross-training (strength, stairs, calisthenics, etc.) on the other days, as well as yoga a couple times each week. My current level of fitness will not suffer from the lower mileage in my running shoes, in fact it will either maintain or (most likely) increase because of the extra attention I am giving to cross-training.

A few awesome miles with the husband! The 43-degree temps felt awesome--Day 3

If history repeats itself, this running streak will not require much of an effort on my part. I simply plan to run an easy mile on the "non-running" days.  Since I don't have any distance events on my immediate calendar, I really have no reason to be training as if I did.  I have no one to impress and nothing to gain by doing excess mileage this time of year.  And, as I have said before, my body needs a little vacation and some TLC.

Side note---Another comfort zone violation for me is my use of the dreaded "runfies."  You've seen them, the selfies a lot of runners feel compelled to post following a run.  I post them occasionally, but am going to try to post a "streakfie" during each of these 36 days of streaking....just to keep me accountable to the others who are streaking (and to see how many different and colorful outfits I can put together!). I think that's a win-win.

...and just like that, winter was back!  Sub-freezing temps with 17 mph wind --- Day 4

So, there you have it. Streaking through the holidays. Care to join me? 

Let Me Say, "ThAnKs"----2014 edition

 

It's Thanksgiving! I love this holiday, and not just for the abundance of tasty food. It's a special time of year, a time for looking outside of myself. A time for reflecting on all the blessings around me. A time to give thanks.

Where do I start? There are far too many things for which I'm grateful, but I will name the big ones:

* My family.  I am so absolutely in love with my husband and three amazing kids.  They don't usually run with me, but they let me run.  And, they don't complain too much about the running shoes scattered throughout the house or the ickiness of my toes. We don't always get that perfect family photo on the first attempt, either.



*My faith.  I'm not gonna get all high and almighty on you, but my faith is my cornerstone. My humbleness, and my strength. It's my everything.

*My friends. I have an abundance of awesome people in my life.  I appreciate all their kind words, messages and hugs. They make me smile and feel warm & fuzzy.



*My Virtual Running Buddies.  There are so many wonderful people who have become dear friends, and all of them came to me via my running page, Running On The Fly.  There have been countless messages, well wishes, (virtual) high-5's, and many laughs shared through our computer screens.  I have met some of you in person, and look forward to meeting many more.

*The racing community.  I don't consider myself a racer, but I love the atmosphere on race day.  There's something about an entire bunch of strangers all running towards the same finish line that invigorates me. Nothing is better than the final 100 feet of a race...the finish line fanfare is intoxicating.


*The gift of running.  Having spent most of my life believing I was not an athlete, I am so humbled (and proud) to call myself not just a runner, but a marathoner! It's not my intention to impress others. Instead, I hope to inspire them to violate their comfort zones. If I can be an "athlete" (with my less-than-athletic body), anyone else can be one, too.

Happy Thanksgiving, FrIeNdS!

...about last night...

 
Have you ever been in a (runner's) slump? At a crossroads? Satisfied with your achievements and ready for a rest....but still wanting to do more?

Welcome to my life!

I have had a busy run-filled year. Destination races. PR's. Age-group placings. Highest monthly mileage totals (twice!). Another 26.2 completed. And, I will end 2014 with my highest-ever total miles for a calendar year.

And I'd be deceiving everyone (especially myself) if I didn't admit that my body is exhausted. How do I know? Recently, following my last half marathon, I took an entire week off from running....and felt no shame, guilt or remorse in doing so.

I have battled intermittent issues with my glute muscles and recurring piriformis pain. I hesitate to call any of these aches and pains anything more than simple strains from over-worked muscles. They have been there for awhile and did not just suddenly appear. 

Although I don't think they are actual "injuries," I am treating them as such. As much as I'm eager to keep on running as if I'm training for another event, I'm allowing myself an off-season instead. A time to regroup and refocus. A perfect opportunity to fire up my cross-training and recharge my energy.

I will still be running throughout the next few months, just in moderation. I have witnessed too many others who train like maniacs through the winter only to burnout. Maybe not right away, but they do burnout, often not by choice.

So what happened last night that was so significant? For the first time (in a very long time), I got to enjoy a simple run with no agenda. It also was my first official run of the winter season, complete with snow, cold temps and a double layer of running tights.

I ran it under the halo of street lights, at the end of my work day. It was only two miles, but very much worth my time and effort (as cold weather runners know, it often times takes longer getting dressed for the run than the actual time spent running itself).

Professional athletes have an off-season after all, why can't I?

What are your thoughts?  Do you take an off-season? Or ease up on your training periodically?

The Hillbilly Hike Half....Can you say, "Wind?"

Y 
I have been on a quest to run 14 distance events in 2014.  Keep in mind, I live in Iowa. There's not a lot of metropolitan options, so there aren't many long distance race options either. Sure, there are plenty of 5K races, and there's an increasing number of 10K events.....but when it comers to anything longer, the availability of races is very limited.

With the racing season winding down, and 13 distance events completed, I was at odds with finishing this 14 in '14 Challenge.  I knew I could find a virtual race without a problem, but preferred a "real" event to finish the season.  Hello, Hillbilly Hike Half Marathon!

Having just completed the IMT Des Moines Marathon three weeks prior, the timing of this event was perfect.  Although I did not need any further training, my body did need some recovery time. The three weeks between races was enough time to recover from the demands of the 26.2 miles of the marathon, but also enough time to taper for 13.1 miles.

The Hillbilly Hike was a fundraiser, benefiting the Indianola Christian Union Church (and its fundraising efforts towards a 2015 mission trip to Belize). This was the inaugural year of the event, and also featured a 10K option.  The course was a point-to-point race along the Summerset Trail, connecting the towns of Carlisle and Indianola.  The packet pick-up was in Carlisle. The half marathoners were shuttled (via school buses) to  Indianola, and the 10K racers were dropped off at Summerset State Park (near the south side of the lake), and all of the runners would finish back in Carlisle.

We have had cold weather the past week in Iowa, though it showed signs of warming up somewhat by race day.  The predicted temps were to be in the 40's, and there were some nasty NW winds also in the forecast.  The course map showed the trail going straight north to the meet-up with the 10K racers , then a gradual northeast path to the finish line.  Although I was not looking forward to seven-plus miles with a head wind, I figured the "cross wind" for the remaining 6.2 miles would be less menacing.

I woke several times in the night to the sound of the wind howling outside.  It sounded like a blizzard was brewing outside my bedroom window. When I got up around 4:45AM, the wind was still blowing like crazy. We (myself, the husband, and my friend, Barb) left town around 5:45 to make the hour-long trek to the event site.  Thankfully the sky was clear, and as the sun came up (despite the wind) it looked to be a beautiful, sunny morning.

Selfie on the bus, enroute to the start line

We arrived in Carlisle, got our race packets, and boarded one of the shuttle buses. The first stop was at the lake, and the 10K racers got out.  Those poor souls had nowhere to huddle (other than in the porta pots) prior to the race start. A short while later, the rest of us were dropped off at the Indianola High School.  There were a few porta pots set up by the start line, but most of us headed into the school. We weren't stupid!

 It was hard deciding what to wear.  I knew the wind would make it feel colder than the already chilly 40 degrees.  Not being familiar with the trail, I didn't know if we'd be out in the open air, or if we'd have some trees or brush for shelter from the wind. Should I wear my puffer vest?  Or would the tank top and two long-sleeved tech fabric tops (one of which was flannel-lined) be enough?

Barb convinced me to leave my puffer vest in my drop bag.  I was worried about being cold without it, but I wouldn't have the option to tie it around my waist if I needed to shed it. We headed outside to line up, and had to wait an extra 15 minutes or so for the last shuttle bus to arrive. The wind was bitterly cold, but the sunshine felt great.

This course had been promoted as being flat and downhill (therefore, fast as well).  Prior to race day, we'd fantasized about ending the season with a great (fast) finish time, possibly a sub-2 hour or (even better) a PR! Well, the weather conditions completely shattered those aspirations. We decided to just run it as best we could, and not expect a super fast finish time. The wind would be a major obstacle to battle, and would require a more concerted effort than normal.

The race started, and we were soon headed out of town towards the trail.  Imagine my surprise to see my husband along the road!  He'd dropped us off and was headed to an appointment with a client (and was planning to meet us at the finish line).

With the sun at my back and gloves on my hands...here I am at the first mile

Barb and I ran together for the first few miles. Surprisingly, the wind didn't feel too bad. There was some shelter from the trees along the trail, thank goodness! I glanced at my watch at each of the mile markers. The first mile seemed difficult, I had a hard time getting my breathing to even out and it felt like my feet were dragging...then I noticed my watch said I'd run that first mile in eight minutes! OK, that was not going to happen for the next 12 miles. I had to make a conscious effort to slow down because everyone else seemed to be going so fast.

It didn't take long for all the runners to spread out, and we had ample room on the trail. I was able to progressively slow down my pace, but still ran the second mile faster than desired. My watch showed 17 minutes had elapsed since the start. For me, that's pretty fast, especially at the beginning of a race (when my body hasn't had those first few miles to get in a groove). Also, I needed to conserve some energy to battle the wind for the remaining 11 miles.

photo from Michael C. Riggs Photography

It didn't take long for me to be glad I had left my vest in the drop bag.  I wasn't warm, but I would have been uncomfortable if I'd kept the vest.  I took off one of my gloves to grab a water cup, and promptly put it back on as soon as I pitched the empty cup.

By the third mile, Barb had moved a little ways ahead of me.  I found myself keeping pace with another gal, though.  We chatted briefly, but mainly just ran alongside each other. One of the things I absolutely love about running is that "bond" you have with other runners, without needing to speak at all.

I kept checking my watch at the mile marks, which confirmed that I was keeping it steady (just under a 9-minute pace).  And it felt almost effortless, even with the wind and cold air.

Still feeling fine! Photo from Michael C. Riggs Photography

As we approached the lake (just after the 6-mile mark), I started to have second thoughts on that sub-2-hour finish time, and the possibility of a PR was looking like a potential probability. If I was able to run this kind of a pace against the wind, it would be smooth sailing once the trail changed directions.

The course had an out-and-back segment around the lake, which was where the 10K racers had started. As we looped our way towards the turn-around, I had a great time cheering on all the returning racers, as well as encouraging all the others as I passed them on my way back from the lake path.  I won't apologize for being the cheerful weirdo (sorry, not sorry). It probably looks like I don't take the race seriously, but I know how good it feels to receive a cheer, a smile or a high-5 from a fellow runner...and I believe in paying it forward. Besides, it's not like I'm in contention to win the race. Why not have fun along the way?

Something I strive to live my life doing....

I was so busy people watching and cheering, though, that I didn't notice the mile markers along the lake. Whoops. My bad.  I guesstimated that it was about two miles before we were back on the trail. I also kind of forgot about my glute issues (which I've been battling for the past several months). My glutes were feeling better, but still were kind of tight.  My left hip was feeling a little iffy, though, and there was that recurring strain on the inside (towards the back) of my left knee.  I was really looking forward to the change of direction to get out of the wind....except we passed the 9-mile marker and the trail still didn't appear to have switched direction, and I still had the wind in my face.  My watch said 1:21, still a solid 9-minute pace, but I could tell my body was starting to feel fatigued. I did some quick math in my head ..... if I could maintain the same pace for the remaining four miles, the PR would be in the bag, and the sub-2 hour would be a guarantee!

Now, I am not a competitive person, and I am definitely not a competitive runner. I enjoy the sport of running too much to obsess over splits, pace or speed. But this was my final big race of the season, and now that I could see the PR and sub-2-hour off in the distance, I really wanted to make it happen. The weather wasn't ideal, but so far the wind really hadn't been much of an obstacle.

So, onward! With joyful thoughts of the possible PR (and sub-2) dancing in my head, I forged on towards Mile Marker 10.

 And so did the wind.  Seriously?  Wasn't this path supposed to be veering northeast pretty soon? And shouldn't that head wind feel more like a cross wind by now? Or did the path already change directions and the wind changed with it? And where did all those trees and bushes go? As I approached the 10-mile mark, I suddenly realized this race had gotten difficult. The wind was feeling stronger, my body was hurting more, and my co-pacer friend had fallen behind. My watch now showed 1:31 had elapsed since the the race start. My sub-9-minute pace had slowed to a 10-minute pace during this last mile. UGH. More quick math in my head....even if I maintained a 10-minute pace (which at that point of the race was my best option), I'd really need to gun it to attempt to get under 2 hours, and the PR would not be happening after all. Maybe I had some unknown hidden strength (on reserve?) that I could tap into that could get me back to that easy 9-minute pace....the pace that had been so effortless for the first nine miles. Maybe?

At a loss as to what to do, I did all I could do.....I just kept running.  I made it to mile 11, still at a 10-minute pace.  This was so defeating. Not only was the PR out of the picture, the sub-2 was probably not going to happen either. And I was starting to feel like the kind of runner I do not want to be...one who obsesses over the stats on the watch and doesn't really enjoy the race itself.  I realize some runners thrive on the competitive aspect of races, and I respect them. I'm just not one of them.

This says it all!

Mile 12 came and went, still pushing a 10-minute pace, but now with even more effort than before.  The wind really was a beast, I felt like there was a gigantic piece of plastic wrap holding me back. My left hip and left knee were feeling so strained, and the wind just kept pushing against me.  I was tempted to walk, but decided against it.  I have let myself walk (more times than I care to acknowledge) at moments such as this when I have felt like there's been absolutely nothing left in me. I have never cried on a race course, but at that moment I was ready to let the tears spill.

I don't know what kept me moving forward, or how I managed to keep running when I wanted so badly to just walk and give up.  I had almost caught back up with Barb, and she wasn't stopping either. I hadn't noticed, but the sun had disappeared during these final miles. What had been a beautiful, clear sky was now  covered with clouds. And the wind had definitely picked up, making the temps feel even colder than before the start of the race.

Finally, I spotted the finish line. I crossed it with an official time of 2:02:14. Although it was very disappointing to not get my PR or sub-2 hour, I am satisfied with how I did.  Up until the final miles, I was on pace to finish around 1:55. I have run a sub-2-hour half marathon before (several times, actually). I have done it before, and I know I could have done it that day if the weather conditions would have been better. Besides, if I ran a sub-2 for every half marathon, it wouldn't mean as much.  I have said it before, but anyone can run a great race given the ideal race day conditions...but it takes true grit to run a difficult race. The finish line definitely means more if I have to fight to cross it.

Whew!  We have never been so glad to have the finish line behind us

 So, how was this event?  I thought it was very well organized, especially since it was the first year of it.  The registration was $40, which is a great deal for a half marathon. We received short-sleeve cotton shirts and a finisher's medal for swag. Nothing grand, but given the fact this was a fundraiser for a worthwhile cause, I am totally OK with that. They need the funds more than I need another fancy shirt or decorative medal.  The trail was beautiful!  Most of the trees had lost their leaves, but there seemed to be pretty good wind shelter until the final 3-4 miles.  There were water stations (some of which also had Gatorade) every two miles, great traffic control at the few roads that intersected the trail, and an on-course photographer. The food at the finish line was awesome...biscuits & gravy, pie, chocolate milk, water and the usual bananas and bagels.

It turns out there were 135 runners who ran the half marathon.  I actually placed 4th (out of 11) in my age group, and finished 30th out of the 79 women runners.  The gal who got first in my age group finished only seven minutes (1:55:25) ahead of me, the 2nd place gal (1:56:49) was not far behind her and the 3rd place gal (2:01:10) was one minute ahead of me. So, I am happy with my finish time.

This race was tough, no doubt.  As much as I wanted to walk, I was able to keep running.  It was another great reminder that no matter how much you  train, there are only so many things you can control on race day...the weather not being one of them. Although there's a great deal of frustration while running a difficult race, it's a pretty great victory knowing you finished it. Easy races in perfect conditions are ideal, but there's not much to be learned from them.