I ran the Urban Bourbon Half Marathon yesterday. I ran my
butt off. I did a personal best and broke 2 hours. I felt so beat at the end.
At mile 10, I was trying to figure out what could be my slowest speed and still
come in under 2 hours. I have never run so hard. For the first 5 miles, I kept
up with the crowd. My watch beeped an 8:45 minute mile, which is an
unsustainable pace for me. My pace slowed between a 9 minute and 9:30 minute
mile.
I usually don’t carry water with me during half marathons. This
time, I carried a 300 ml bottle with me. I found this to be more efficient to
ensure I am taking sips more often but not stopping. I did stop to fill up the
bottle and also to finish an energy gel. My fingers were numb in the cold and it
was hard to get it all. I was spreading chocolate gel all over my fingers and
the mouth of the bottle.
I found myself having some breathing difficulty. It was a combination
of being run down after a couple of 5:30 am runs during the week, baked goods
and the crazy temps going from summer to fall in one week.
My training regimen of strength, hills and improved
nutrition have all helped. I got to see how uncomfortable I needed to be to
achieve that time. I was aware I was “racing” rather than trying to “get
through” the distance, which I have done often.
The MRTT crew was wonderful to be with post event. I got
huge hugs when I told them I did a PR. We ate, recovered and enjoyed each other’s
company.
Bourbon Rangers! |