Initially after the race on Sunday...I basically wanted to curl up (and possibly die) and forget that the race ever happened. At that point, I felt that nothing had really went right for my race. Now, a couple of days later...I'm starting to see a lot more good things about the weekend than I initially had.
My first thanks for the day has to be everyone that was helping prep breakfast at the tent. As soon as I walked up...the first pot of coffee was finished brewing...you really can't ask for more perfect timing than that :)
After hanging around to watch everyone dance into their wetsuits...I wished Katy (my swimmer) good luck, told Ginny I would see her on the bike...and I headed out to Toothpick lane where I was volunteering to point everyone left. I thought I was going to be the only one there, but was pleased to see Erin standing there as well. I really enjoyed getting to cheer for everyone as they flew past on their bikes. Seeing everyone's faces as they grimaced looking at the hill to come was priceless.
After my volunteer shift was over...I headed back to the Z tent to chill out before I needed to run. I have to say that I absolutely love relaying...and I especially love doing the run portion...but the wait is a killer. But I was calm...which is a completely new thing for me. Normally I'm a nervous mess...but you know...never having ran a half marathon before...not to mention the course...what did I have to be nervous about?
It was great getting to hang out with all of the other runners in transition...especially hedging bets with Chris on when I would pass him. I was a little jealous of seeing everyone else off as their bikers came in...Ginny had told me she needed 5 hours on the bike...and when she passed me that morning at 9:20, I knew we were exactly on schedule. But to be honest, Ginny was the only one that ever said she needed 5 hours...everyone else knew she'd be in before that. And true to that...she was in at 4:30. Awesome job on the bike Ginny.
And finally...I was running...which felt awesome. I had seen a large portion of the run course...and knew that it was challenging, but not...horrible. The first loop really wasn't bad. The only time I had to walk was half-way up the Tower Climb. And it also helped that by the time I was running my first loop, I was getting passed by a ton of people on their second loop. One guy even gave me kudos for wearing my running skirt...and appreciated that I was "bringing it back". By the time I got to the park to start my second loop...my legs were starting to feel it...but at the time...I didn't think it was anything I couldn't overcome. I slowed down. I tried to keep myself as hydrated as possible without giving myself a stomach ache. But I could not have been more wrong about being able to overcome my legs. I had also checked my time, and knew that I was perfectly on schedule to come in on my goal time of 2:30. Rock on.
I passed Holly...looking like a rock star...early on the second loop. I must say it was awesome racing with you Holly!
My first challenge was that my plan to eat a banana the first time I passed the aid station at the entrance to the campground was foiled by the fact that they no longer had any bananas.
Dang.
I'll just have to wait 4 miles until the next aid station.
I also got a chance to see Chris...and he made fun of me for not passing him in the campground, and we again hedged bets on when I would overtake him. He was banking on me passing him by the Tower Climb. I wasn't so sure...but was willing to try.
But then...my calves...and oddly my ankle...started cramping. I slowed down even more...and walked up a few big hills. Which really sucked...because I actually LIKE running up hills...but my legs just wouldn't let me. By mile 9.5...I was done. I just wanted to be across the finish line and sitting down...with my legs soaking in ice. But for some reason, this pesky course thought that it needed to go on for a few more miles. WTF is up with that?!?
I'm not going to lie...the next few miles were awful. There were times I was in tears my legs hurt so badly...and if it weren't for the occasional cheer from either fellow Z'ers or the occasional spectator...I probably wouldn't have made it. When I once again passed Chris after he had made it down the Tower Climb...I knew I wasn't going to catch him. I knew my legs wouldn't be able to get me there. But he still told me that I would. Chris...that seriously meant a lot. This is the second race that we've been in there at the end together...and it's been fantastic!...well...mostly :)
Then on to the next aid station. Guess what. No bananas.
#$?%(!@
Oh yeah...and did I mention that half way through the second loop, I look down and realized that I no longer was wearing my race belt? Fan. Tas. Tic. When I wasn't feeling like I was going to die...I was casually looking at the ground to see if I had dropped it in a ditch somewhere.
But then I get to the top of the Tower Climb, and to the aid station there. And guess what? THEY HAVE BANANAS! At this point...I basically realize that it's going to have absolutely no benefit other than a placebo...but I thought that might be enough to get me across the finish line. As I rounded the cone at the top...another volunteer stopped and said "222...I have your number...I've been waiting for you!"
Phew...no penalty for that...hopefully :)
I hook it back to my waist...and take off down the hill. By this time...my legs are hurting enough that I can't even really run downhill either. Lovely.
Over the last couple of miles...I honestly don't remember a lot. There were a few Z'ers that passed me...and tried to get me to run to the end with them...and I just couldn't keep up. I appreciate the support because I definitely needed it!
By the time I got back to the park...I knew I was close...and couldn't wait to finish. I ended up walking a huge portion of it. And at approximately mile 12.75, my race belt fell off again. ARGH!?! When I leaned down to pick it up...remember that weird ankle cramp. Yeah...it just got a million times worse. At that point...I knew I'd have to walk the rest of the way. I kept trudging along...and finally made it to the curve before the finish line. There was absolutely no way I was going to let anyone see me walk across the finish line...so I started jogging...and crying at the same time. I remember seeing Ginny and Chris there...and Jeff doing his usual of asking me what took so long. I don't remember much about crossing the finish line other than sobbing against Jeff and attempting to ask to sit down somewhere. Jeff and Ginny got me to a bench...and then got me to calm down a little bit and tell them what hurt...which was basically everything.
Shoe removal. Foot up. Ice pack. Drinking half of Ed's beer. I'm feeling slightly better...but the embarrassment of crying across the finish line is starting to set in...
Up to this point...I was feeling awful about how the race went. I hadn't made my goal time...even though I was fairly certain I was in under my "even if I eff up" time. At that point I was sure the slim chance my relay team had of getting on the podium for all female relays was gone. And I was just looking forward to coming back next year and crushing the race.
Since then...my perspective has changed a little.
I checked the times yesterday...and found out the EngergiZer BunnieZ placed second (2 podium placements in 2 weekends...I could totally get used to that...) and my legs aren't hurting nearly as bad...and I've realized that a lot of really good things came out of this race.
First off...huge kudos to some people...
Chris...you were totally a rock star out there and you and Ginny were a fantastic to support all weekend.
Fabrice...major kudos on actually giving Chris that 1 loop lead he needed to stay ahead of me (I wasn't actually serious when I told you to do that!?!)
Holly...for sticking in there looking like a rock star while doing it...and making sure that the trees knew you were ok after you fell :)
Nicholas...for actually starting to run when I made fun of you on the Tower Climb
Katy and Ginny...for being an awesome relay team! I had such a good time...and you both did amazing...and I'm glad we were able to beat out 2 (not just 1) other relay team!!!
Every single Z member that encouraged me on the run...you are all amazing and I literally could not have done it without your support.
There was another racer who had finished and was cheering on the last leg of the run...who had told me good job...to whom I responded "You lie...but thank you anyway."
Lessons learned...
CARRY YOUR OWN NUTRITION. Yeah...no more dumbass moments for me there.
Don't wait until you can actually tell that you need new running shoes before buying them.
Aquaphor in a small tube is a great thing to bring on the run.
Buy a race belt that is actually going to stay on.
When camping the night before a race and the weather prediction is for the 40's, bring fleece.
I'm feeling better about life now...and about my prospects for next year. My goal is to do the entire Half next year...and this has just given me even more motivation to work my ass off to do it. It's a great race, a great course...and with the support of all of you...it's totally possible :)
Best. Team. Ever.
:)
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