Today, I was the 2nd female to cross the finish line in the AORTA 1/2 Marathon. (#1 female also won overall - woman power!) I'll have to write a race report when I regain feeling in my fingers. Here are a few of the topics:
- it was 33 degrees at the start... and only got colder
- it rained the entire race
- my clothes & shoes probably gained 10 lbs of water weight
- I actually considered stopping & hopping in a support vehicle... more than once
- my face went numb upon hitting the head wind at mile 9
- since face was without sensation, I could not even grimace during the 2.5 mile uphill starting @ mile 10
- less than 50% of the registered participants started the race
- my eyelids went numb, blinking became a delayed reaction
- thoughts turned to: hot shower, dry clothes, blankets....
- I might have cried, but don't know due to aforementioned numb face & eyelids
- My sister and her boyfriend are the BEST SUPPORTERS EVER for coming to cheer me on in those conditions!!! Honestly, I don't know if I would have had it in me to finish - without them... and "off site" supporters like Jen, my Mom & Dad, my fan club (founder and pres Matt)...
7 comments:
GRRRRRRRRR, you are tough, that is for dang sure! Those conditions DO look miserable for a 1/2m!!! :) Hey, guess what? Greenville, SC made the Chicago news today - they were showing pictures of G-ville and laughing saying "Wouldn't you trade THIS (meaning some light snow) in G-ville for our -30F windchills??" It was too funny! Thought of you. Congrats again on toughing out that race! Jenny
Yeah! Super Star! Only the strong survive and woman YOU SURVIVED! I think this was maybe the BEST thing that could have happened to you at this point in the season, just think, first race of your season and now everything after this will seem like cake! Every time it hurts in future races this year and you want to stop, walk, quit, chill, you can remind yourself how darn tough you are and if you survived that you will survive any race!
BURRR.... I am cold from your photos but I do like that head thing you have on. I always wanted to wear one but it's so hot hot hot here!
Way to GO! I thought of you yesterday, as we were getting pounded with rain, sleet, and COLD wind (NNW at 22 mph, gusting to 32). Windchills in the teens. Nothing like good old chicago or green bay, but not the norm for the south. I am SO IMPRESSED with you - awesome! You are totally hard core and kick butt! Looking forward to reading your RR, and shivering with all the chilly details. May have to grab a cup of coffee or hot tea for that one. Congrats again - you're a stud!
Wait a second! Wait a second!!!! Isn't this the destination of camp next month?????? Where is the SUN???? Way to go and I will humbly run in your dust in just a few weeks! WOO HOO!
:-) mary
Damn - Nice race! For this time of year (and in this weather) that's even more amazing!
Yowch. Nasty. You're a stud!
I'm so proud of you! The weather was tough, the race demanding and you brought your tri-game up to a new level. As your friends say, this is the mental muscle that you will be able to use throughout your upcoming season. Way to go. Way to be tough. Way to push. Way to FINISH! I AM SO PROUD OF YOU. love, Mom
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