March 14, 2009

I did it!!!

Here's the deal from this morning. I got up and ran the 19. It rained for some of the run, putting me a not-so-good mood. I kept the pace easy (7:54 average) and ended about 20 minutes before the race. I was very pleased with our map-dot town this morning. They had a decent turn out, more than I expected. A few high school speedy runners were there, removing my chances of an overall win. Beforehand, Coach told me to aim for GMP (6:52) and he would be pleased if I hit it. My legs were feeling pretty dead already, so I had my doubts. Plus, the course ran on the ONLY hill in the town. Poor planning, but whatever. That's what happens when non-runners plan running events.

We took off down hill for the first mile and I was unpleasantly surprised at the amount of lactic acid that had already placed itself in my legs. Mile 1- 6:32, not too fast for down hill. Mile 2 was uphill and the sun was showing itself royally- 6:58. I didn't freak out, I just made terms with my limits. I was right behind the number 1 girl, a sweet gal that is the best h.s. runner here. I stayed behind her and gave her some encouragement. Mile 3- still a bit of a slope, but I felt better at this point, hot & humid, but better- 6:34. I told h.s. girl to kick in past me and she did. Last 0.13- 0:47. Total time: 20:51 (6:40 average).

Afterwards, I ran back out to get Sandy (doing her first 5K) and she did awesome! I was also so, so proud that two of my former students raced this morning and they did awesome! It was a privilege to see them finish. K ran this morning, too. He wasn't pleased with his time, but the hill & humidity was not nice. He still did a great job!

I feel pretty good considering I ran about 23 miles this morning and 3 were at near HMP. My legs are tired and sore, but I should be okay soon enough. Also, I knew that people in this town thought I was nuts, but afterwards, I found that many of them had already had the discussion of how many miles I ran before the race. They were all in agreement that I HAD run before the race, but disagreed on the mileage. They weren't even surprised that I would do something so crazy as run 19 before the race. I was proud of Brewton today. Many people came out to support a great cause and tested their own fitness abilities. Everyone seemed to have a really good time, too. Maybe this will become a runners' town after all! Below are pics of Sandy, K, and I finishing the race.

5 comments:

  1. You are my idol. Serious congratulations for an intensely hard day of running. Cracks me up how well you can run a 5K after a measly 19 miles. Looking forward to the pics.

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  2. YOU DID IT!!!! Congratulations, Runner Girl. You're an inspiration to us mere mortals.

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  3. Anonymous3/15/2009

    Hey R!

    First of all, congrats on your recent win on the 10k! You are looking great, amazing to be able to run 19 miles AND go do a 5k race! I would be totally spent if I did that! It's also nice to see that you look out for others but just remember when it comes to the BIG day, look out for yourself--;)

    Keep up the great work, you have to be proud of your hubby as well, he is looking strong!

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  4. I KNEW you would do it!!! Way to go, R. You're awesome!!

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