Another weekend passes, and with it, another race run. While I set a PR in this race of 2:08:52, I left feeling like I didn't give it everything and that it wasn't the best race I've run all year so far. I had a lot of gas left in the tank, and as I sprinted around the track, I felt like I could have done so much more. Like gone under 2:05. So I was kind of disappointed.
But on the other hand, I should be happy that I set a PR and wasn't tired at the end. That means that my conditioning is improving, and I am able to run these half marathons with little effort. Which SHOULD translate into a favorable result for the Big Race in October. Like actually making it past the halfway point and putting myself in a position to finish. So I guess it wasn't a totally wasted effort.
We couldn't have asked for a better day. The temps were warm, the breeze was light, and there was sunshine everywhere. I wore a light long-sleeved shirt, and regretted it around mile 7, when I had to take it off and wrap it around my waist.
Mile 1: Started out in a good position, despite the fact that there was no organization in the start corral whatsoever, AND the race didn't start on time. Oh well, what can you do. I've been training for the whole year at my own pace, why should that change now?
I'm glad that I wore my long-sleeved shirt, as there is a light breeze coming off the lake and my arms are a little chilly. We're running through a residential neighborhood. I don't remember there being that many cars on the street last year... a repeat of the Bucktown 5K, perhaps?
Now we're crossing Deerfield Road. I am always amazed at the amount of people stopped by the traffice who are so angry and yelling at the cops. The Village of Highland Park does a really great job in putting all the traffic closures on notice way, way, way in advance. I chuckle at these people as I pass. Wow, the mile marker already!
Mile 2: I'm running pretty good so far, a little bit faster than my target pace, but I should be ok.
I get to the aid station and there's HEED again. Hmm. Well, I'm going to try and get it down, otherwise I might lose too many electrolytes and pass out somewhere near the end. I take a sip, and it's still gross. Time for the old "medicine" method... I plug my nose and chug the HEED down. Much better. I got it down and didn't really have to taste it. Yuck.
Mile 3: Yay trail time! I think this might be one of the reasons why I love this race so much. We get to run on the bike trail that borders the Metra tracks and will eventually take us past Ravinia.
The one thing I do not like about the trail is that due to all of the rain we've had this spring (most rain in 89 years in the Chicagoland area), the trail is mud. I'm probably making the people running behind my a little bit mad, since I keep changing direction to avoid the mud holes. The last thing I want is to be covered in mud for the remaining 10+ miles of the race. I go to the right of a particularly scary-looking mud puddle, slip, and almost face-plant. Thank God for the "almost." I am definitely going to slow down a bit for the rest of the trails.
Mile 4: Still running on the trails. It's nice and cool in here. Another thing I like about this race is that they keep it small. Otherwise, running down this path would be a little too crowded.
We're approaching the festival grounds and another aid station. I think I'm going to skip the HEED this time around. I'll have to have water for awhile instead.
Ahhh Ravinia. Such a nice place. My mind wanders and I remember going to concerts here when I was a kid. And once when I was in college. I'm thinking with all the rain, the lawn seats are probably not the best idea. Hopefully the rain holds off when I go to Ravinia in August to see Carrie Underwood.
Mile 5, 6, 7: These miles honestly passed by in such a blur. Pretty houses to look at, a stone's throw from Lake Michigan. You can almost smell the lake from here. We're running down winding roads, and now the hills are coming. But they're rolling hills, and we are getting some downhills. And trust me, after Little Rock, I can handle any kind of hill thrown at me.
There aren't really a lot of people outside cheering the runners, compared to past years. Maybe the time change screwed them up? But it's ok, I have my ipod for company.
Someone's Garmin is beeping every 100 yards or so. Most annoying noise ever. I'm either going to slow down or speed up. Either way I have to lose this person before I lose my mind.
I am still running under my pace. In fact, I crossed the Mile 6 marker well under 60 minutes. Can I sustain this pace and achieve negative splits? Only time will tell.
Mile 8: Maybe I won't be able to run negative splits. I am getting tired. It's getting hotter outside, so I take off my long-sleeved shirt and wrap it around my waist. Not my favorite way to go, but desparate times and such. I am sweating around my elbows. So gross.
Now we're getting into the HUGE house territory. There are also Jewish temples here and there. I see a GORGEOUS Spanish-style home right on the lake. I kinda want to live there; it's absolutely stunning.
I also could really use a bathroom. I haven't seen any toilets aside from the start line. I look ahead and see a lady emerge from the bushes next to the forest. She must not have found one either.
Mile 9: Hardest part of the race. Here comes the wicked downhill. I am conscious of the fact that when I FLEW down the downhills in Little Rock, my quads were like rocks and I could barely walk the next day. I am taking small steps and working hard on maintaining my pace even though gravity is taking me for a ride.
We get to the bottom of the hill, and yes! A toilet! I have never been so happy to see one during a race! Not only will I feel better when I emerge, but it will give me a little break before challenging the *famous* Park Avenue Hill.
One of my race goals was to run this entire hill. And I'm doing it. Small, quick steps, and up I go. Damn this hill is long. Where is the top again?! I am determined to finish it. I can now see the top, and I'm swinging my arms to propel my up. I stick my tongue out, Michael Jordan style. All the champions do it.
And then... done! I'm a little winded, but I actually ran up the whole thing. I am awesome.
Mile 10: More winding roads, more huge houses. Still feeling good, still running a good pace. Just a little over a 5K to go. I can do this.
I approach another aid station. Hardly anyone is taking HEED. Glad to know I'm not the only one who thinks it sucks. The girl handing out water says, "Yeah I heard it's pretty bad." You have no idea...
I can see the lake again! And a park! And... clowns! Yikes! There is nothing more terrifying than a clown. I practically sprint to the other side of the street. No I do not want a balloon hat. I just want to get the hell away from here!
Mile 11: Ok, at this point, I'm pretty sure that my negative split idea went totally out the window. I am not feeling so good. My tummy aches. My legs fell like lead (damn hill). I'm hot. I really just want to be done. The important part is to keep my head together and not have a meltdown. I'm trying very, very hard to do this. I can do it.
I stop and walk for the first time all day, cursing myself, but knowing that I do need a little break and will reap the benefits with a strong finish.
We're up to Highland Park High School now, and I know that we're nearing the end.
Mile 12: Just after the high school there's a busy road. And at this road are 2 ways of traffic. And in front of the traffic are 2 cops. And running through it all are myself and 3 others. The cops clap for us as we approach. The motorists yell. The cop yells back. Curses them out, actually. We cheer.
We pass the Highland Park Hospital. I hope I don't end up THERE...
Almost through with the race. Honestly, I can't wait to be done. I'm starting to lose everything- form, sweat, motivation, my breakfast. I hope that I will be able to hang on and still get a PR.
Mile 13: Only 1+ miles to go! I am so excited! I take another quick walk break at the mile marker, and then again a little further on. I've fallen off my pace a little bit, but I think I can still salvage a 2:10 today. But we'll see. I'm not feeling so good.
We go through the hole in the fence (literally) and onto the athletic fields where we started. The grass beneath my feet is a welcome change from the hard roads and the hills. I am picking up speed at this point, knowing that it's almost through. I can see the finish line from here!
Mile 13.1: On the track now, it's just like a meet back in high school. I sprint to the finish as they call my name over the PR system. I believe the announcer comments on my "burst of speed." I cross the line in 2:08:52. Another PR. Apparently.
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