Sunday, July 14, 2013

Run Through the Lavendar Half Marathon

I ran this race last year, and I seemed to enjoy it more this year. I actually looked around as I ran and saw how pretty it was. The lake and mountains, and then the lavendar fields.

I ran a wu w/ Devra. She wasn't sure how it would go and I didn't want to run too hard. So we took it out conservative the first 2 miles. At this point I felt I could pick it up a bit and gradually opened a gap over the next 4 miles. There had been a head wind up to this point, so it felt like running up hill.

Then the course turns up and continues a gradual climb over the long stretch to the lavendar. I felt strong and I think the tail wind helped, although it made it hotter.

The last 5k is on the 5k course through the lavendar and it was a brutal climb on uneven dirt and rocks. After the 11.5 mile point, the hill leveled and came down a bit, only to turn and go back up. Finally the last 3/4 mile was downhill and that was great. Melody joined me at this point and helped me stay strong to the end. Then w/ about 1/3 mile to go 2 more of my old teammates, Tawny and Kristen, joined me until the last stretch. It was so nice to have friends cheering me on to the end. (no family with me today)

I finished with a quick mile, but never pushed all out.  Devra finished 2nd, and then came Rachelle and Jen H. Everyone agreed it was pretty tough. I think I was 10 seconds faster than last year. Not trying to run faster, I just didn't want to go too hard. I feel good with my outcome being similar to last year with less effort.   I don't know my official time, but my Garmin said 1:22:24 for 13.16

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