I really didn’t want to race today. Really. Did. Not. Want. To. This monster month of marathon training is adding up to a whole bunch of tired. I know, it’s supposed to be that way and because of it I’m going to run a really fast marathon. Or at least that’s the plan.
Michael and I took Kenza to the local homecoming football game last night; Kenza had a blast, but we didn’t get home until late and I took a Tylenol PM to help me sleep – that was my first mistake. I just could not wake up this morning.
My second mistake was not having my race gear ready the night before. I used up all my race bib safety pins on Kenza’s spirit wear for the game. You give the girl something to cheer for and she goes all out, face-paint, colored hair, cow bell and 40 safety pins worth of spirit-attached attire in all. I admire her spunk, but it left me rummaging around on her bedroom floor at 4:30 in the morning, in the dark, trying to find her clothes from last night to recover at least 2 safety pins.
My third mistake was being constipated. I’m not sure how that is a mistake, but I was and I’m sure on some level it affected my race time. Or is that effected? FYI – spelling and grammar are way over-rated.
Richie and I met in the parking lot and headed over to the start line where I got to meet Kevin from 5ks and Cabernets. I love that blog title, and what a super nice wine-drinking guy he was. Richie said Kevin was really fast, so we move back in the pack a little.
Okay, so despite every step of this race being a struggle, I ran halfway decent. Probably slow for Richie, but respectable for me. I could go into a lot of details about how we had great weather, and how the second half was really hilly, and how I didn’t walk at all except for a few seconds during water breaks, and how Richie saved me from emanate death when I was nearly run over by a car around mile nine. (Note to self: turn volume on ipod down in traffic) And I could tell you that we ran negative splits almost the entire way. But what I mostly want to tell you is that the last mile we ran in 8 minutes and 18 seconds. For real. Seriously.
It was a PR 20k day. 2 hours, 3 minutes and 22 seconds.
My doubtful self asked Richie about 20 times how he thought I’d do in Chicago based on the last two races we’ve run together. He seemed pretty confidant that I’ll do well. After today’s race with the negative splits and 8:18 last mile, I’m thinking it might be possible to run faster than a 5-hour marathon. God, I hope so.
Yeah, I know, it looks like Cherry Berry styled my hair.
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{ 28 comments… read them below or add one }
I think you did fabulous!! You are going to kick some Windy City BUTT!!!!
I just want to know what kind of gloss or chapstick you use? I have to have some kind of chapstick/lipstick when I am running.
Thanks
Well done! What a confidence booster. Just imagine what you could do with a decent nights sleep and free and easy gut.
Runner Susan is BACK!
All that leg torture is paying off, isn’t it? Wonderful news that you hit a PR, even with Tylenol PM in your system…yeah, that stuff is lethal if not taken early enough in the evening.
Nice job, Susan! And your second half was better than your first… way to go!
It’s all you baby!
You run faster than the 5-hour marathon time!.I Think a 4:44 hour.
You run a good time and a good job.
Faster run 3 weeks for a marathon is not so good!, so you run a fast marathon.
Sunday i run in Amsterdam a 10 mijl “slow”and for the fun..And for 3 weeks the marathon off Eindhoven fast!.
Good job Susan.
Groet Rinus.
http://rinusrunning.punt.nl/?home=1
Wow…you did a great job out there today! Nice time.
WOOT, WOOT, WOOT! AWESOME RUN.
Also, being constipated is not a mistake, per se, but it is a PAIN IN THE ASS
Bwahahahahaha (so sorry, I just couldn’t help myself).
Seriously…Good Job. I am so envious of your inevitable sub-5 hour marathon, but you have soooo worked for it!
Excellent race Susan! Way to kick in 5th gear the final mile! Hope they had that good beer at the finish like last year.
Way to go, Susan! A PR during a late-training haze of exhaustion is fantastic. You will kick some serious sub-5:00 hour ass in Chicago.
Great photo, great time! Especially considering you were off your game.
Chicago will be great.
Nice Run, Chicago watch out!
You were good today. I’m thinking with a restful few nights pre Chicago 4:30 or thereabouts is seriously possible. Your pacing was excellent today, and as for that 8:18 last mile… go Susan!
Keep the training going. 10:20 miles will be a cruise in the windy city
Good job!!
Way to go, Susan! What a speedy last mile.
Hey look, I have a picture! It worked after all.
That’s good hair for a PR. (Congratulations.)
Nice job, Susan. You will do well in Chicago.
Suz,
8 minutes 18 seconds or 498 seconds it is AWESOME anyway you write it!!!
Good job Susan! The rule of thumb I seem to see work for most of us ‘normal’ folks (not the super fasts), for marathon prediction is double your half marathon time plus 20 minutes, and remembering Chicago is almost totally flat, I’d guess you’ll run about a 4:40 if everything goes your way. Just make sure to take the first 10 steady. I can’t wait to see how you do!
Take the first 10 steady. I’ll try to remember that too.
Wow. You made some history out there. It helped to have Richie pinching you along too.
You ROCK!!! You will definitely break 5 hours for the marathon – no ifs, ands, or buts about it! GREAT JOB!
If I can get close to 2:03 this weekend on my 20K, I’ll be happy as a clam, NICE RUN!!! You’ve really stepped it up girl!
you’re going to be awesome in chicago – 8:18?? !
You did better than half way decent. You rocked, rock star!
whoa, how did i miss this???! Why didn’t you tell me, or say, BLOG about it???
Just think how fast you’ll be when you are NOT constipated!!!
that last mile–i’m in awe. you’re a running goddess.
your 2nd 10 km of the tour de fleurs was a whoop de deux!
and all those people you passed were better than passing your … “motions”.
congratulations on a new PR Susan you you did good.