My Race Results!

Whew! Is it just me or does it take forever to catch up on reading blog posts sometimes? I got way behind. And then I feel bad for not leaving comments for people. I truly want to be supportive and responsive, but when I leave a comment a week after the post went up it just seems less relevant. Have you ever experienced this? I guess it's bound to happen to each of us at some point. But now that I am all caught up on the great things everybody has been posting the last two weeks, it's time to share my race results.

The Helvetia Half Marathon 2010 was incredible! It got me all excited about running another half marathon this summer. My goal was to finish all 13.1 miles in less than 2:30. I had finished the Tacoma Half Marathon last summer in about 2:45, so I figured this was a reasonable goal. I admit, I was afraid to talk about my goal, though, because I didn't know if I could do it. The course has a reputation for hills and I was pretty sure my training had prepared me. I ran the first 8 miles faster than I expected and was way ahead of my goal pace until a nearby runner exclaimed, "Only 5 more miles!" Gross. I did not want to think about another 5 miles at that point. I slowed down. The last three miles my partner went ahead (and ultimately finished 4 minutes before I did) and I alternated between running and walking because running slower just felt terrible.

The last 20-30 minutes I was really wondering if I would meet my goal. I happened to ask a man next to me what time it was and he renewed my hope; it was 10:22 and the race had begun at 8:00. Then I started to think I could still do it. I had eight minutes to finish, plus the time that had lapsed before I even crossed the start line (it takes a while to get 5,000 runners across the start line). So I ran faster and stopped as little as possible. I hit the turf and was running at a full sprint. I passed the lady in the picture that appears just ahead of me. I crossed the finish line and my time was 2:22! I was so happy. Here is a picture of me, Juliette, and Terecit.

It was a gorgeous day and I loved it. We received finisher's medals, free burgers, all the Jamba Juice we could drink, and even a loaf of yummy whole grain bread. And that was all on top of the race shirt (Juliette and I are sporting them in the picture), a couple energy bars, and gift certificates for Old Spaghetti Factory, Jamba Juice, Cinnabon, and a workout music website. I definitely got my money's worth in this race and I had a great experience. It was partnered with a 10K race and the organization was great. I highly recommend it!

I love all the race excitement we have going on here at The Skinny. Alex, you inspired us all with your bi-athlon. Way to go, Katie and fellow racers on the 5K! Your next one will be even better; I wish I could run it with you. Kathy, congrats on registering for The Best Dam Race with Mark. Thanks for letting me know about it. I'm still trying to put together the rest of my race schedule for the summer. Isn't this so fun? I feel like I have a runner's high just talking about it.

What are some other races and events going on in your area? What active things are you going to get involved in this summer?