Tyranena Beer Run Race Report

Aka 7 was NOT heaven...

I wasn't sure how things would play out, seeing as though I ended up going to the race by myself. Well that and the temps jumped 30+ degrees in less than 48 hours. I ended up finishing the race in 2:05:57... But it was ugly. I don't ever want to feel that way during a race ever again.

MILE 1:
Started off just fine. We left the brewery and headed down a country road into the town. And the town was so cute! Reminded me of Woodstock, IL. Mile split right at 9:00.

MILE 2:
End up racing next to 2 sisters. One had a deep voice and one had a voice that was too high. I wonder if there's another sister with a voice that's juuuust right.

MILE 3:
First aid station and I'm dying of thirst. Now I know why so many people are wearing fuel belts. I get a little splash of Gatorade and keep moving.

MILE 4:
Holy scary hill! I thought I was invincible after Little Rock. Not so. I run up it against my better judgement and press on.

MILE 5:
I don't want to do this anymore. Like, at all. I wonder if someone will take me back to my car?

MILE 6:
Where is the aid station??? I am desert thirsty. And we are running by a smelly farm. Yuck. Oh thank God, I can see the aid station. I have never been so happy to drink blue Gatorade!

MILE 7:
Suck, suck, suck. I hate this and I want to go back to Illinois.

MILE 8:
Pretty trail, but a long boring one with no turns. I'm near tears and freaking out. Next aid station comes, and I eat a Gu in the hopes of quelling the meltdown.

MILE 9:
My photo got taken while I was eating Gu. GREAT. I'll just tell my mom there was no photographer...

MILE 10:
Random links course at the side of the trail. Who would have thought you'd find one of those in small-town Wisconsin? Last aid station and still dying...

MILE 11:
I just did something I haven't done in a race since June... I walked. Worst feeling ever. Bye bye PR. Bye bye good time. I just want to make it to the end and go home.

MILE 12:
I feel like I've been out here for hours. Like, full marathon hours. Almost there. Walk, run. No more stopping!

MILE 13:
I spoke too soon. Walked once more and then kicked it into high gear. I can hear the announcer. I can see the turn. Almost there.

MILE 13.1:
Turn the corner and sprint towards the finish line. I'M FINALLY DONE! I'm ready to head home. I'm overjoyed that I have one more half before Vegas. I need redemption and a chance to get the rest of the junk out before Vegas.

If I have to pick a positive, I did finish. And for 2009, this race time ranks 3 out of 7. That says something. I'll get 'em next time!