I wanted to start this post out with runners etiquette. To the Lady standing next to us in Corral four, when we are all packed in like sardines it may not be the best time to do your high knee kicks. Several people around me didn’t appreciate getting kicked right before starting a 13.1 or 26.2 mile race. To the guy who tried to take me out in the water station. There is plenty of water for everyone, no need to try to body check me over the curb. Next time at least choose someone smaller than you so you don’t end up receiving the worst end of that blow. That was my ranting portion now onto the race.
It was a little cold at the start but actually pretty ideal conditions to run a 13.1 mile race. I think the only part that was hard at the beginning for me was that the water at the water stops was very cold so I know for me it was difficult to get down. I was running right on pace until about 9 miles. My calves at that point got really tight. I am not sure if it was the lack of proper hydration or the need for one more long run in training. Is there shame in being passed by a lady in butterfly wings and two ladies in angel wings? If it would help me I would wear wings in my next race. At one point I thought I heard buffalo behind me but it was just people in five fingers. They may work for some people but they sure are loud on pavement surfaces. Anyway back to the race. By mile 10 I kept seeing pace flags go by me and couldn’t stay with them. At mile 11 I determined I wasn’t going to run exactly what I wanted to but I would finish with a decent time. I kept going along talking to those around me, pushing each other to the finish. Those who know me know I don’t talk much during running so I must have been really hurting. By mile 12 I heard someone say it is all downhill from here pick it up. Mentally I picked it up but I think physically I was still trudging along feeling my calves. When I actually saw the finish line I did turn it on a little or so I think at least. I was proud of myself for finishing and had an ok finish time. I am still a work in progress which I will be for the rest of my life and I am ok with that. Lori sent me a text that said “nice run” and I talked to other friends who were very encouraging. I know I could have run faster but that is the beauty of it, there is always another race. I will keep going with running and blogging and update on my continued progress. I am still this turtle in the pants but definitely picking it up a bit speed wise. Matt
