I felt good for the first half. I didn't go out too fast. My splits were: 11:31, 12:05, 12:15, 12:16, 12:45. At mile 6 I began to slow a bit. I was also a bit dehydrated. I was taking fluids, but I don't think I was prepared before the race.
I knew I was not going to hit a PR today, but I felt I could hit 2:05. As I came out of the tunnel of the stadium and headed to the finish, I got the time I wanted - 2:05:31. Overall I am pleased.
Lessons learned?
Better hydrating. I am thinking it is time to take water with me on the longer runs.
Better conditioning. My body, while ok, did not feel as strong as it should. The gym and I are going to be friends!
Thoughts on the run?
I thought about my No Boundaries group. They felt down the other day, when they had no real reason to feel down. I could have been down that this wasn't my best race - I wasn't. Considering I have not run the distance in a year, I was pretty darned happy out there. I know that setbacks are tough, especially for runners, but I was trying to think how I could cheer the folks up.
I also thought about Mark. He was waiting for me at the finish line, so I was hoping he was ok. He fell last night and whacked his shin, so he has been in pain. After I crossed the finish line, I heard him yell my name, and I "ran" over to him. Very happy to see his smiling face.
The race itself was well run. Plenty of water out there. Plenty of port-a-potties. Great course. I give the race a thumbs up.
So today was a success. Now I am resting and drinking plenty of fluids. I bet I will sleep well tonight.
Charlie
2 comments:
Well done, Charlie. Does it help you to use some sort of athletic drink (Is that what they're called? Gator-Ade and such?) to keep your electrolytes up, or is plain water better?
I did not like the Gatorade. I like to drink Nuun, an electrolye replacement you can put in water.
Post a Comment