Giant Eagle Multisport 5K - 7.31.11

I was feeling overly confident and *thought* this race started at 8:30 a.m.  Since my LSD (long slow days) weren't going so well, I decided I needed to meet up with some friends at 6:30 a.m. and run 4 miles.  Those 4 went great. I left Sara & Marie, changed, age a protein bar and fueled my belt.


I pull into the parking lot only to find out they are cash only.  Who has cash? Ever?  Not me, so I sprint to the ATM.  I see runners rounding the corner.  I think "Oh God, please tell me that's the family 2 miler or something".  Nope.   The race just started.  I sprinted to back to pay the attendant, then sprinted to the start.  Mind you, I already have 4 miles under my belt for the morning.  I get to the start....it's not there.  The timing device has already been removed.  Perfect.


I laugh and say "oh well, here I go anyway".  I paid my entry fee....I'm getting this race.  Every police officer I passed I would yell "guess who was late".   Tri-athletes were passing me about 3 minutes in.  I really didn't know what to do running beside them.  I yelled "great job" a few times....not sure what was proper.  All I know is I wanted to stay out of their way.  I could hear their footsteps and could tell they were all business.  I didn't want to catch the wrath of a shaven (yeah, I noticed) tri guy.  So I kept trucking along.....


I ended up passing 5 runners, mostly walking.  It's funny how fast you can be when you are embarrassed.  I'd much rather be around other people, I don't like to run alone.  And to be honest, I saw a homeless guy, which freaked me out a bit.


The course was difficult due to small but steep inclines.  The sun was beating in your face for the entire route as well.  How's that for a big fat whine-fest?


At the ending stretch, a female tri flew past me wearing just her swimsuit looking fit and cute as ever in her pigtails and said "great job girlie, keep going".  Me?  You're encouraging me?  Sometimes I don't hate people afterall.


I don't have any photos to share but here is the schwag: 

Unlike every other 5K, no one seemed super fast since I was ALONE.  Nonetheless, I feel good about this race.  They had a kickass afterparty and awesome snacks.  Thanks, triathletes, I'm sure those were mainly for you :)

  

The Details

The Course:

Note: if you wait to update your blog 3+ months later, the course map may no longer be online.

My bib: 87

My chip time: 40:02, but complete bogus since the timing device was gone when I started

My Garmin time: 32:42, 10:31 pace, 3.11 miles

86/89 overall, 46/48 female.  bogus.

My splits:

1 - 9:46

2 - 10:42

3 - 10:59

4 - 1:10

Another Super cute tech shirt to add to my collection!  

See ya on the run!

Race for Ellie - 6.12.11

I signed up for this race to run with my MIT peeps.  And--since peer pressure is a bitch, I signed up for RACE CLUB.  You know, I've been running 6 months, so now I think I can "run with the big dogs".  Ok, maybe not, but it came at a good price, with a singlet, and possibly a jacket.  Sold.

Back to the race.  The Race for Ellie is a fundraiser in partnership with The Ohio State University for research toward a cure for Mitochondrial Disease (mito). Ellie Kovalcik is a bright, 9-year old girl who loves her family, many friends and just being a kid. Diagnosed with mito at age two, Ellie has suffered through many medical challenges to the point where she is unable to eat, breathe, walk or talk on her own. Mitochondrial Disease has essentially affected her ability to have a normal childhood, and have a normal life expectancy. The mission is to find a cure is a race against time...a race where Ellie, and all mito sufferers, would be the real winner. 

I felt OK, I didn't have any expectations.  I was a bit anxious, but excited to meet up with some friends I haven't seen in awhile.  

Here's a Race Club group shot.  Trust me, I'm in there.  

Once again--the ages and experience of the runners were all over the place.  And just like before, everyone came out of the gate flying, included me.  I felt really good though, I wanted to see if this was the race where I would finish in under 30 minutes.  I'm not the type of runner that "leaves it all out there" for fear of fainting or puking, or both.  Anything that doesn't draw attention to myself would be nice.  I was still getting passed left and right {it sure felt that way}, but I didn't mind this time.  I was surrounded by real runners....with real experience.  Here's what I've learned, people who run don't judge you.  They are supportive, regardless of your form, body shape, or speed.  I need to learn how not to be my own worst enemy.  I'm getting there.  Speaking of, it was a big step for me to wear shorts.  I haven't wore shorts in years....hopefully it wasn't as scary as I'd imagined.  Baby steps.




About half way through the race, a fellow twin MoM caught up to me.  I knew her from CMOTC (Columbus Mothers of Twins Club).  I hadn't seen her in awhile, but I knew she ran. It was a pleasant surprise.  Although she was fairly new to running, the girl has some major speed.


We ran and chatted.  I skipped water and knew right away that I would regret it.  Seriously, did I think seconds were going to matter?  I was faster than normal and didn't want to give up any momentum.  I remember having 1/2 mile remaining and was feeling the pain.  She asked if I wanted to walk, I replied "no way--you can do anything for 5 minutes, right?"


As soon as the finish line was in sight, we picked up the pace even more.  At one point she turned to me and said something {I wish I could remember what} that pushed me to sprint.  Sprint the last of a race? I've never done that before.    

Ellie was waiting at the finish line passing out high fives.  Regretfully, I smiled and walked by.  I thought I was going to lose it.  I need to just walk, get some water, and breathe.  Within seconds I felt fine.  I went back to watch all the Lucky 13s (MIT 13 Minute Pace Group) complete their race.  


The Details

My bib: 209

My chip time: 29:47, 9:36 pace, 3.1 miles  SCORE 

My Garmin time: 29:47, 9:34, 3.11 miles

26/53 female in my age group

165/292 overall

My splits:

1 - 9:23

2 - 9:45

3 - 9:49

4 - 8:12

 {now I know why I wanted to puke}

Race Packet goodies:

Super cute tech shirt to add to my collection!  

And a NEW PR !!! 

{insert cool sign off here}