Resolution 15 miler

I just returned home from the Resolution run series, 15 miler. In my last post I said I had a goal of completing the race in 2 hours. I know this was an ambitious goal, but I did complete the race in 2:09. So I was close, and I am very happy with the time.

It was 38 degrees and raining when I arrived at the school where the race begins. I decided to wear my waterproof jacket, gloves, ear muff thingy, and my hat. I started out the race running with Rick, who found out that I had a goal in mind, although he did not know what the goal time was. I told him that he would not like it. I teased him a bit and told him that it was really a dream goal and that I would run as hard as felt good. We ended up only running together for about 2 1/2 miles. At this point Rick told me to go on ahead. I did.

I few minutes later, I caught up with another Y runner who lives a bit further north. She runs with the group on occasion. We ran together for quite some time, chatting about running and triathlons. She told me her goal for the race was to not go over a 10 minute pace, which would mean finishing in 2:30 or less. I decided this was a good goal too. We were at least 5 or 6 miles in by then and well under that goal.

Just ahead of us was Monica, another Y runner. Her boyfriend Mike, was our crew for the day. He took lots of pictures. I'll post some when Monica sends them out. I shed my ear muff thing, gloves and a water bottle throughout the race. It was nice to be able give them to him, rather that stuff things in pockets and carry an empty bottle. Thanks Mike! We high fived Monica at the turn around point, 7.5 miles and soon caught up to her. We ran altogether for probably two miles.

Somewhere between the 9 and 10 mile marker, at an aid station, I did not stop and pulled ahead of the two ladies, never to have them rejoin me. As I passed the 11 mile marker, I was feeling pretty good and decided to see if I could pick it up. I knew there was a hill coming up somewhere, like at mile 13 or so, but I thought I could just slow up a bit when I got there. I was happy with my time so far and just decided to push for the next person in front of me. When I got to that hill, it was easy. The last time I ran that hill I thought I was going to die! It was a piece of cake!

The next person was at least 1/4 mile ahead of me, but I caught her and a few others by the 13 mile marker. I continued to pass people. I even caught up to a woman that I work with in the last mile. She told me she had hit the wall. So, I tried to get to the next two people ahead of me also. I got really close, but in the last loop around the track back at the high school they realized I was coming and picked it up too. They finished a couple of steps ahead of me.

I placed 3rd in the 30-34 age group. 2nd place finished in 1:59 and 1st place in 1:52. So, they were well ahead of me. I am still in first place for the series, with the 20 miles still to go.

It was a really good run, and I think I fueled well. I used e-caps, one before the race, and then 1 per hour. I took a gel before the race, had a few sharkies during the race, and another gel just after the turnaround. I drank about 30 ounces of Gatorade along the way too.

The 20 miler is the 24th of March I believe. Who knows whats in store until then. I'll try to get in lots of miles, maybe a 20 miler in a couple of weeks ( hear that Michelle? I know you wanted a 20 miler in early March! Maybe the 2nd weekend?)

Anyway, I hope that all your running is going well. That's all for now, I gotta go get ready for a playoff basketball game. It's do or die for our boys tonight!

Grace and peace to you.