Race Recaps-CGSC Triathlon and Bill Snyder Half Marathon

After a very trying, cold, and emotional winter and early spring, this month of May finally brought on the beginning of triathlon season. In addition to that, I also had signed up for a half marathon, out of character for me to do a stand-alone half marathon within triathlon season, but I will admit it this time, I wanted the finisher's medal. The finisher's medal was a purple Powercat, the symbol of Kansas State University. Although I am currently no longer a student at K State, I'm still a huge fan and I bleed purple. No matter my finishing time or how under-trained I was, I wanted that medal.

CGSC Sprint Triathlon took place on May 2nd on Fort Leavenworth, about two hours away. A misunderstanding with registration meant I had to drive out there the day before the race just to register as they were not doing race day registration. Had I known how far off in the cuts Fort Leavenworth was, I would have stayed the night after driving there and back home just to register. Oh well, live and learn.

Race morning was a bit chilly, but not to the point where it was miserable. I liked the very short pool swim, only 200 yards.

Go time!

It had rained all day the day prior, and since it was overcast on race morning the roads were very slick. The bike course had some very challenging climbs, the kind that make you gag going up them. Steep hills up and down. The down hills were a little sketchy for me. I had on my race wheels with Michelin Pro4 race tires, and a few times when I would apply my brakes going down hill I would start to fishtail a bit, which was scary. Toward the end of the bike it started raining and I managed to stay upright.

Loving my new Cannondale Slice

Hubby did an excellent job on my bike fit, I feel powerful and comfortable, a hard combo to achieve

The run course had a few hills but nothing killer, the rain continued throughout the run. It was my first race using Newton tri racers and a little past the 1.5 mile mark I was regretting the purchase. I could feel the hot spots and cuts on my feet and I still had another mile and a half to go. Nothing I could do about it at this point but suck it up. I made a mental note to myself to order some Zoot racers before the next tri. Joel came to the race with me for support and its always awesome to see his smiling face at the finish line. I took off my shoes right after I crossed the finish line to see bloody feet. I put my comfy shoes back on and vowed never to wear the Newton racers again.

On the run

I ended up place 4th female overall and 1st in my age group (30-34)

Awards

My super sherpa

I have since ordered some Zoot racers and I love them. These are the same racers I wore in 2012

Zoot Ultra Kiawi 2.0

The Bill Snyder Highway Half took place on May 23rd. Joel had also registered for the race. Neither one of us trained for the race, but we both wanted the medal. The race took place at K State, which is only a half hour away from us, so the morning routine wasn't too rough. Parking was at the football stadium, since it was a point-to-point race we took a bus to the start line. This was the inaugural race, and for the logistics of a point-to-point race they did a great job. It was nice to do a half marathon with Joel again, the last time we did a half marathon together was 2011. We started together and took this pic right before the start.

The start

We stayed together about the first 2.5 miles, I got ahead and didn't see him again until after the finish. The first 8 miles were on a highway of rolling hills. The long highway was a bit of a mind game. I rarely race with headphones, but just running the highway portion of the race I wish I had brought mine. 

Out on the highway

Around the 8.5 mile mark we headed into town. Around mile 9 I was feeling the consequence of not training for this. My legs started to feel heavy and my pace dropped off. Mile 11 brought us through the Kansas State University campus and a giant hill I literally shuffled up. Finally we made our way back to the football stadium where the finish line was. My official time was 1:49:59.

The finish!

Joel came in a few minutes later at 1:57. I'm so proud of him, he finished in his goal of sub 2 hours, and his longest run leading up to the race was 4 miles. We both earned our Powercat medals

Powercat medals!

I am happy with my finishing time considering the hills and the fact that didn't train. With Muncie 70.3 coming up in a few weeks I have been focusing on the bike lately. My 10 mile training runs for Muncie haven't come up yet, but I still wanted to do the half marathon and see where I was time wise for this distance. This half marathon had almost the same elevation gain as the run course at Muncie 70.3 so now I feel fairly confident I can run sub 2 hours on the run at Muncie 70.3. In 2011, I ran a 2:01 on the run course at Muncie 70.3.

Next up is the Legends Sprint Triathlon on June 7th in Lawrence, Kansas, and then Muncie 70.3 on July 11th.

Thanks for reading!

Closing the School Chapter

This day last week I decided I wasn't going to return to Kansas State University in the fall. I kept it to myself for two days, not even telling Joel. Finally on Wednesday, right before taking off on my evening bike ride, he looked in my eyes and knew something was up, and I told him. He just hugged me and told me he understood.

A lot went in to this decision. I didn't just have a bad day and say that's it, I'm out. This feeling has been building up since the very beginning of the semester. Sometimes we build things up so much in our mind and the reality doesn't match that picture in our head. This was the case with me as a student at Kansas State University. Since I was 19 years old, I wanted to go to K State. I remember being a soldier at Fort Riley, getting ready for my first deployment to Iraq, watching the college students going about their business in Manhattan, envious of them. I was the same age as them, but our lives were as different as night and day.

I have never regretted any of the choices I have made in my life, but there is always that natural curiosity one has if they would have chose a different path. I do know this. If I hadn't joined the Army when I did, I would not have met my soulmate, had my two wonderful daughters, or met my best friend who showed me what it means to have a best friend. For this I will never wish I went to school first.

I always told myself one day, when the time is right, I would be a student a Kansas State University. In preparation I earned my associates degree while Joel was stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia. When we got orders to come back here to Kansas, I felt this was my sign to go for it. For years I built it up in my head what it would be like to be a student there. I applied for admission and a few weeks later got a letter in the mail granting me admission.

The reality was, being a student at K State was nothing like what I had built up in my head. Within the first few weeks I wanted to drop out. Going to school there was certainly not the nice, challenging, enlightening experience I had built up in my head. I woke up everyday dreading going, I walked around campus with my head hung low. Nobody wanted to talk to me because I was old, in fact, I was older than all my instructors. The homework and studying took time away from my family. Just when I found a healthy balance with triathlon training as to not miss out on time with my family, school work took that away from me. School was making me angry, I found myself snapping at my kids for seemingly no reason at all, they were just being kids. I found myself snapping at my spouse and getting angry at small minuet things. I didn't like what school was doing to me.

This brings me to present day. Why is going to school making me such an angry person? How much longer can I live like this?  Why do I feel like this?

Long solo bike rides are the best time for personal reflection. It was on a long bike ride I realized that since moving to Georgia in Summer 2008, all I have done since then is go to school. I tried really hard when we moved to Georgia to find a job, and there were no jobs, so I went to school. First tech school, then a community college. I am just plain burnt out on school. I miss having a job, I miss going to work. It was on this bike ride I decided not to continue at Kansas State University, and that I will be rejoining the work force.

I started the term at Kansas State University with the best intentions, but the truth is, at this point in my life I'm not able or willing to make school a priority, and I have no shame in admitting that. Every person is different in what they can and can't handle, and I have no shame in admitting this is just something I can't handle right now. Maybe that will change in the future, only time will tell.

Since I told my friends about this decision I have had on outpouring of support and that means so much to me. My friends let me know that no matter what I am not a failure, even when I feel like one.

I'm not bitter or mad about this. I actually feel really happy and content. This doesn't change my fandom for K State. They will still be my favorite sports team and I will continue to attend as many games as I can as a screaming fan.

Thanks for reading!

Being Present

I have been having a rough time in Kansas. The winter was so cold and races were scarce. It bummed me out, repeatedly. Since I began this lifestyle, the winter was a time to focus on running, do a big running race, recover, and start full fledged tri training. Oh, and attending a big university in my early 30s hasn't exactly been fun, but we'll save that for another day.

My best way to stay motivated is to sign up for a big race. I didn't have that option here. Because of this I formed bad habits over the winter. The worst one being "going through the motions" in training. Showing up, training, but not being 100% present in my own training. Making my body move, but just mentally not in to it. Doing the bare minimum in order to have something to put in to the training log. In addition to that, I drank more often then I normally do. My normal is a few hard ciders on Friday or Saturday, but I found myself having a few on some weeknights, if I had an especially bad day, or even a really good day. Friday and Saturday I would partake, and even some Sundays. My reality check was when I was skipping early morning training because of a hangover. Fortunately, I was quickly able to go back to "my normal" and just a few on Friday or Saturday.

But the real issue still stood of not being present in my own training, and at times not being present in my own life. I was too easily skipping training that I knew had to get done. My time management was going poorly as well. I just didn't know what to do or how to deal anymore. I love triathlon, and this long off-season was slowly killing me. I felt like I was letting down my family, for not giving it my best, and my teammates, for the same reason. I was given a coveted spot on a highly sought after triathlon team, and I wasn't even present in my own training.

After a really amazing 32nd birthday with my family, I gave myself some time to reflect on the situation. I was picked for the team for a reason. Swim Bike Mom believed in me so much she selected me for this team out of 100s of applicants. I need to represent mom triathletes everywhere and the amazing brand that is Swim Bike Mom. I needed to get serious, and be present. I need to be the best me I can be. I know what I am capable of if I am just simply present in my training and racing. Armed with my new Garmin 920xt my husband gave me for my birthday, I snapped out of it, and got serious again.

Like night and day, that next week, my training was great again. Most importantly, I was present in my training again. This 1 mile brick run after a 36 mile bike ride made me hoist my arms up in victory in front of my house

First Sub 7 of the year

I was getting out there again. Not skipping anything, not cutting anything short. I was enjoying the process again, no longer going through the motions. It has been tiring, but feels great to get back out there

Swimming again! I only swam 1 time in February! Back at it, still my worst sport but I will keep coming back

This epiphany of suddenly being back in the present was strange. Where was I mentally for so many months? It made me realize we had to do something really great for the girls, something that would make great memories. We went on a family weekend trip to Great Wolf Lodge. We had so much fun, and I didn't feel one bit guilty for taking a weekend off of training.

Having a blast!

I was worried my shenanigans over the winter might have caused some damage, but even though my scale weight is up a few pounds, my body fat is 20%, pretty good for a woman my age. We did body composition in my Kinesiology class and that was my number. I also got the chance to do a VO2 max test and mine was 45.

I take that as a sign its my time to take control and do things right. Keep training in the same capacity I have been for the past month. Start tri season with the confidence that I am ready. Go to Louisville and finally find my unicorn, sub 14 on that course.

For my team

For my children

For my husband

For my friends

I will be present

Next winter I must find a way to combat this. I must find a way to be present all winter long. Thanks for reading!

That escalated quickly

I am in my 6th week of being a student at Kansas State University. A dream that was 10 years in the making. I went from not having much to do to having a whole lot to do in a relatively short time frame. I am still trying to adjust. 12 credit hours is considered full time, and I am taking 8 at the current moment, so slightly over half time. The big thing I wasn't prepared for at all was the university structure.

Community college did not prepare me for university.

SO. MUCH. STUDYING.

I breezed through community college in 2 years with a 3.8 GPA. I was diligent about my work, I worked hard, and I did well. I know my naivety is really showing here, and I am ok with that. I knew university was going to be hard, but I didn't know it was going to be THIS hard. I am taking 2 classes, but with lectures, labs, studios, and exam nights, I am at school 5 days a week. Community college you just go to class, its the same format every time.

Toche!

About 3 weeks in I had a breakdown. One of those rough breakdowns where you cry and ball up your fists and grit your teeth and try to tear through the walls. I was just so overwhelmed, and angry, at myself. Angry at myself I didn't go to college sooner, angry at myself I didn't know how to manage my time better, even angry at myself that I pursued this at my age. I was on the verge of throwing in the towel, quitting, something that isn't "me" at all.

Trying to do this

Joel, and my friends, talked me off the ledge. The comment I received the most was "you have come too far to quit". I knew they were right, but it was hard to think through the tears. I looked back to that hot summer day in Georgia I decided to pursue this adventure. It was August, I was on a morning run, just like I did most morning because of the extreme summer heat in the afternoon, and I abruptly stopped running and paused my Garmin, looking around at the empty loneliness around me. At that moment I decided I was ready to have a career again, and I was finally ready to drop the bitter feelings about what happened with my first career. When I got accepted in to the University, we had a family celebration. Now we all bleed purple

He bleeds purple with me

As with anything new in life it will be an adjustment, but I have to see this through. I want this degree, I want this career. My husband Joel and my best friend Loraine have been nothing but supportive and helping me out with everything. From the start, when going to Kansas State was just an notion, Joel was on board to do whatever he had to for me to be successful. There are challenges with him being active duty Army, but he does everything he can within his power to help me pursue this. Having so many people on my side gives me the hope that I will be able to do this, and one day I will grace the graduation stage in a cap and gown.

Not giving up that easily

Triathlon training hasn't changed, but I can say in a training sense, with school, my training has been better and I get the most of the training time I do have. I have been training and racing triathlon for 5 years, it has been a real constant in my life. Since moving to the Midwest and experiencing winter, a lot of my training has been indoors.

A winter wonderland......all the time

The first triathlon of the year for me is on May 18th, and with Muncie 70.3 on July 11th, and Ironman Louisville on October 11th, I am having fun with my training. I am mixing up base building, tempo work, and speed work in all 3 sports. I love swimming at the Kansas State pool. Its 25 meters and competition cold, I can swim 2000 meters there and still feel fresh because of the cold water.

Pool at Kansas State

I ran a 5k on Valentine's Day, but it wasn't a race to "love". A hilly course, strong 21 mph winds, and below freezing temperatures made for a tough day for a quick run, so I was thrilled with my 23:43 that morning. I placed 3rd in my age group (W30-39). Despite the miserable conditions, we were all happy to be there.

Fun small town 5k

When its bearable to run outside here I really enjoy it. The terrain varies so much and I can really find  perfect routes for my specific goal of that run. I've adapted enough to where high 30s I can now wear capris and long sleeves instead of tights and compression top. I ran 8 hilly miles on Saturday at a 8:23 pace and felt great and feel ready to put in the work for Muncie 70.3 and Ironman Louisville.

Was nice to let my legs breath! Well, lower legs

Here's my biggest tri news, I got a new bike!!!! After 3 years of trying to make the Cervelo P2 work for me, spending 100s on fits and stems, we (Joel and I) decide the best next step to take would be buying a bike with a more compatible frame for my body. We found a 2012 Cannondale Slice 105 that a shop had still in the box for an amazing price so we bought it. My fitting is on Thursday, and yes, the seat post and aerobars need to be trimmed with a saw, I know it looks silly in this pic, but I am so excited about the miles about to be put on this bike.

My new whip!

So that is my life at this current moment in time: school, triathlete, wife, mom, friend. In no particular order, Training is important to me, I make it a priority, but never a priority before my family and friends. The finish line means nothing to me without them there cheering me on, even if they can't be there in person. Honestly I still haven't figured out where school falls in here, but I suppose I will find out. I have yet to miss a homework assignment or fail a test.

Thanks for reading, happy training!

The Lonely Life of a Triathlete

Now that it is 2015 I am embarking on my fifth year of triathlon. I train a lot. Recently on a training run a stark realization occurred to me. It was a cold day, the wind chill was 14 degree. I was dressed appropriately. I paused briefly and stopped my Garmin, I had to put my buff over the sides of my face as the wind was picking up and I was getting that now familiar feeling of the cold just chomping at my face. I looked around, saw the tall grass swaying in the wind, the leaves on the trees still trying desperately to cling to the branches. I could hear the gentle sound of the winds blowing. Not another soul in sight, only me.

Cold day in the Midwest

Its lonely out here. As it has always been.

For the past five years, the majority of my training has been solo. Over the years I have been fortunate to have training partners for brief periods of time in running and swimming. The periods of time I have had training partners are memories I cherish. In addition to that, my husband and my best friend have taken turns riding alongside me on bicycles on long runs (anything over 12 miles) for support. I have always thanked them tremendously, but I don't think they realize just how grateful I have been for this.

It gets lonely. Miles and miles on the road, lap after lap in the pool. I don't particularity enjoy the alone time, its just the way it is, and the way its always been. Driven by my goals, I get out there day after day, alone.

Yar!

Bike rides are probably the worst. Long course triathlon requires hours and hours on the road, and listening to music on the road is too dangerous. Quiet loneliness.

Time to roll

So why I am writing this? My writing is usually positive and upbeat. Its the start of the new year, shouldn't I be writing something encouraging? I'm going somewhere with this.

In the end, it will all be worth it

This is my fifth year of triathlon, and I will be racing my 7th half ironman and 3rd ironman. With the turn of the new year I have noticed an influx in folks registering for ironmans and half ironmans. I love this, the feeling of finishing either distance is an amazing feeling, and I have never quite been able to find the words to describe what it is like to finish an ironman.

It will be lonely, there will be solo long runs, bike rides, and swims. There will be days where the hours of loneliness will make you not even want to bother with it. There will be days where the hours of lonely training will drive you mad. There will be days when you will be training alone and question why you are doing this. In training for long course triathlon, you will discover you are much stronger than you thought you were. Overcoming the loneliness is one of the aspects of mental fitness in triathlon. You can do this.

It won't be easy, but I promise you, it will be worth it

The moment I have no words for

Race Report-Alternate Chili 10 Miler

I had been looking for a race that would be an adventure. My husband Joel treats his training as an adventure, when he heads out on his bike he goes exploring and takes neat pictures, and excitedly tells me about his adventure when he gets back home. Inspired and encouraged by him I wanted to step outside my comfort zone and go on my own adventure. I found the Alternate Chili 10 miler in Kansas City, a trail race on a hilly and technical bridal trail, was just the adventure I was looking for. 

The drive to the race site went by quick, the speed limit here in Kansas is 75 so the long rides on the highway don't seem as monotonous. Joel was accompanying me to the race. An almost two hour drive and we were there at the state park. The race didn't start until 9 a.m. so we didn't have to wake up as ridiculously early. Temperature was in the low 30, but it didn't seem too bad, I must be getting used to the cold. After running in single digit and teen temperatures, 30s is manageable. Picked up my race packet and was given a Sweatvac cold weather cap, and a coffee mug with the race production company's logo on it, great swag!

It had rained all day prior to the race, so rumor had it the course was to be very muddy. I was concerned about this only because I am a total klutz and I was worried I might seriously hurt myself falling down, or rip my clothes, this cold weather running gear isn't cheap. From doing my research I knew how challenging this course was and I knew it would most likely take me over 2 hours to finish. On the road I can run 10 miles in around 1:18, but today it wasn't about going fast or PRs, today was about going on an adventure.

Lined up for the start of the race a few minutes before 9 a.m. and had no idea what to expect. Air horn sounds and we were off.

Only part of the course not covered in mud

Time for the adventure to start

Less than a mile in and already we hit some deep mud. Everyone was sliding all over the place, this mud was slick! Not even a mile in and my shoes we already caked in mud and heavy. I can confess that at this moment I thought about turning around and taking a DNF, I was having that tough of a time in the mud and we were barely 10 minutes in to the race. I was getting frustrated already. The course approached a steep climb that was un-runable for me because of the mud so I has a moment to walk up it and collect my thoughts. I told myself to be patient and give it time, the race just started, and I wasn't the only one having a tough time in the mud, that everyone at this race had to the same course and everyone else was probably struggling in the same way I was.

Somewhere in the first mile

At the top of this climb it was flat so I was able to pick it up to a run again. Because of the mud and my short legs I was running with high knees, this allowed me to stay upright. A brief stream crossing I wasn't careful enough on completely submerged my right foot, but since I was wearing my trail shoes, my Newton BOCO ATs, my foot didn't get that wet. Around mile 2.5 we got a break, a section of the course where the mud wasn't as thick. It was still muddy, but it was packed mud and not as gunky. This section of the course was very technical, a mile of twists and turns, and lots of downed trees to jump or climb over. On this section I was having a lot of fun. Without the thick slippery mud, for the first time all day I got a chance to look around and take in the beauty of being in the woods, so far this was turning in to more of an adventure than I expected.

At the aid station at mile 3.3, I drank some full strength Gatorade for electrolytes and calories. I was wearing my 2 liter Nathan Hydration vest filled up so I was covered water wise. I stepped aside before taking back off to send Joel a text. At this point I was 45 minutes in to the race. In the text I wrote "3.3 miles in, the s**t is hard".

Heading back on to the course, I was once again in the thick slippery mud. Joel responded to my text "You got this babe, I love you". Going downhill was scary, so many times I almost fell, it was a real balancing act. Some of the downhills I didn't even run or walk, I just honed my skateboarding and surfing skills from my youth and slid down them. Going up the hills was difficult and required some problem solving skills. On some hills I would start to go up, only to slide backwards back down them. At times all I could do was laugh. I slipped and fell somewhere around mile 4.4. Not even halfway through and I knew I was going to have lots of good stories to tell later.

Made it to the mile 5 aid station, and since I wasn't concerned about my time, I took a porta potty break so I could be comfortable the second half of the race. A few more cups of Gatorade and I headed back out on the course. I was already at the over an hour mark, my body felt tired, my feet and legs were heavy from being covered in mud, but I had the motivational spark I get from being halfway done with a race. The night before, I had received my purple Swim Bike Mom shirt with the mantra "Just Keep Moving Forward" across the chest. So many times during the race I looked down and took those words to heart. Sure the conditions were miserable and I was hurting, but I wanted an adventure, I was committed, and I was already halfway through, so all I could do was just keep moving forward.

Another muddy climb

Roughly around mile 5.7 we got another break on the course, more of the mud like the mud at mile 2.5. I was picking up a good rhythm and getting some time back on the course. I was mostly alone at this point, I saw an occasional fellow competitor, but for the most part I was alone and had time to think. I did the race music free, so it was just my breathing and the sounds of nature. The climbs in this section were un-runable for me so I hikes up those. Walking in the mud, I got flashbacks of being in Iraq in 2003-2004, walking around during the rainy season, deep sticky mud wearing an armored vest and carrying a machine gun, my boots and uniform pants getting covered in mud. This was much needed alone time in the woods to think, to think of my time in the Army, think about my family, my friends, the challenges that await me in the next year.

At this point, as rough of a time as I was having on this course, I was grateful I signed up for this race, not only did it give me alone time in a beautiful place to think, I was also having fun going up and down the hills. Two of the hills were so steep there were rope assists to help us get up them. This was like nothing I have ever ran on before. Around mile 7.2 I heard a loud, proud squawk and realized it was coming from an American Bald Eagle. The state of Kansas is full of Bald Eagles, especially around the lakes (for obvious reasons) and this was a one loop course around a lake. I slowed my paced so I could look up and see if I could spot the magnificent bird. I couldn't see it, but it was squawking continuously. I made a mental note to tell Joel about it.

Joel had asked me to text him once I reached mile 8 so he could be ready. I made it to mile 8 feeling great since I just went through 2 miles in manageable mud, but shortly after that, we were back to the thick, deep, slippery mud. I waited until I got to another hill and texted Joel to let him know where I was on the course. Another long, winding muddy climb and I got the excitement that the end was in sight. Mile 9, almost there. I had been at a 13-14 minute pace thus far the entire race, so where I typically tell myself in the last mile of say, a half marathon, that I just have to hang on for 8 more minutes, I had to tell myself to just keep moving forward instead of putting a time stamp on it.

The last difficult climb

Just keep moving forward

Around mile 9.3 there was one last climb, at the top of the climb I could hear the music coming from the finish line. That was the last hill and my Garmin read 1739 feet of climbing for the whole 10 miles. Down the hill I emerged from the woods and crossed the finish line.

The finish arch right out of the woods was neat

Finishing time was 2:15:20

Got my finisher's medal and oval sticker, I have to say, this is now one of my favorite finisher's medals

Sweet bling

What an adventure!

Joel was right there and I got my congratulations hug and kiss. Then we looked down at my legs and feet, it was quite a sight.

Took a lot of scrubbing to get these clean again

I am writing this 2 days later. My shoes came clean and none of my winter running clothes were ripped. I smiled several times typing this because the memories I have from this race are great. Joel and I have been together almost 10 years, and have been in this lifestyle together the past 4 years. Listening to his perspectives of training and how he picks races he wants to do inspired me to try something new. My heart is still in triathlon and I will continue working hard to meet my goals of getting faster, but it was fun to step outside my comfort zone and do a race "Joel style". I have an even greater understanding and appreciation of what he gets out of this lifestyle.

Official Stats:
Finishing time: 2:15:20
Overall place 98/165
Gender place 13/46
Age Group 3/15

Garmin file

Thanks for reading!

Race Report- Longview Half Marathon Kansas City

Saturday I ran my first half marathon in over a year. Literally, my last half marathon was the Savannah Rock 'n' Roll in November 2013. September I did the Konquer the Konza 25k, but I definatly don't count that as one in the same as a road half marathon, KtK25 was all trail with nearly 1200 feet of elevation gain, I mostly did it as a fun challenge and to see what running on the Konza prairie would be like. This was my 12th half marathon, first one since moving to Kansas.

The Longview half was advertised as hilly, but not ridiculously hilly, so roughly a little over 500 feet of elevation gain. Since we move to Northeast Kansas at the beginning of September, I had a solid two months of training on the hills to prepare for this race. All my 10 mile runs in training had roughly 500 feet of elevation gain so I felt confident going in to the race. I knew it would hurt, but I knew I could do it. Most notably was at mile 2 of the race there was to be a 1 mile climb. On all my 10 milers, I started them with a 2 mile climb so once again, nothing I couldn't handle, but I knew it would hurt.

Joel came with me for support, since the race didn't start until 8 we drove in on race morning, a nice 2.5 hour drive alone just the two of us.

Winter started early here in Northeast Kansas, and on race day the air temperature was 25 with a windchill of 18. Fortunately a few days prior all the remaining cold weather gear I ordered came and I would be all set for the freezing temperatures. I nailed it, I dressed perfectly and was comfortable the whole race. Even though it was cloudy, I wore my glasses. I switched out the smoky lenses for the amber ones so I could see. I learned from my training runs in the cold, you eyes will water nonstop if their not covered.

Ninja style

Cuddling for warmth before the race

My goal for the race was sub 2 hours, maybe sub 1:55 if I was having a good day. I felt I didn't have the fitness for a sub 1:50, and I knew I didn't have the fitness for a new PR (current PR 1:44). My emergency surgery in January really set me back endurance wise so on this day all I could do was run my race and see how I felt along the way.

Among good company, despite the cold everyone was happy to be there

About 1500 people were running the race so when the gun went of it was fairly easy to find some space. My first mile ended up being my slowest at 8:40. I wanted to start slow because I couldn't feel my feet, and I knew that monster hill was at the start of mile 2.

At the mile 2 hill, there was a timing mat at the bottom and the top of the hill. The were doing a race within the race for King/Queen of the mountain for this hill. Top 15 times on this hill for males and females got a special award. Tempting, but I decided to run my race pace normal for the hill so I wouldn't risk burning all my matches. This hill was an out and back and then the race continued on the main road. The mile up the hill I ran an 8:23. There was a U-turn at the top of the hill where we headed back down the same hill. The only advantage I have ever found in running with having short legs is downhill running. I was holding back a lot on the downhill trying not to trip and I still made it the mile down in 7:57

Mile 5 I took my gloves off and stuck them in my tights. Then I noticed it, having my gloves in there, it looked like I had a bulge. Not wanting any race pictures I might regret later, I took them out of my tights and held on to them. I knew Joel was going to be at mile 7 so I would just carry them until I could hand them off to him. A small gradual climb to mile 7 and there he was, literally, standing next to the mile 7 marker. Cheering and shouting, I knew he had to be freezing, I was so happy he was out here. I handed him my gloves. He told me I looked great, I wondered if he noticed all the snot dripping down my face.

Love you, can you take my gloves?

A quick glace to my Garmin and I noticed I was a few minutes under a hour at the 7 mile mark. The was the first moment in the race I felt I had a realistic shot at sub 1:50. The worst climb was over and done with. I knew there was one more steeper climb at mile 11, but it was only about 50 feet or so. The next 3 miles I stayed at an 8:17 pace, steady enough for me that I knew I would have something left for the hill at mile 11. 

Professional photographer at mile 11

Mile 11 came and I knew the hill was coming. I leaned forward, looked at the ground, and got it done. I made a point not to look at my watch going up the hill, I didn't want it to mentally mess me up. At this point I was determined to get my sub 1:50. Everything that has happened since my last half marathon, getting a sub 1:50 would prove to myself that I have made a full recovery from my ordeal in January, as 1:47-1:51 was my average half marathon finishing time before that. Mile 12 my Garmin read 1:40, I had 9 minutes to run 1.1 miles to reach my new goal that seemed so far fetched on this day I had shoved the thought out of my mind originally. I turned the last corner to head to the finish line, I was going to make it. It hurt, I ran the last mile with my heart. I crossed the finish line and heard the MC announce my name. Official finishing time was 1:48:30

Finished!!!

Even after all that running, the cold air still hurts

In the finishing chute I received the nicest (and heaviest) finisher's medal I have ever been given.

Awesome medal

Joel was right there at the finish line, I actually went to him first and got a hug and kiss before getting my medal. I was on the verge of tears. I have never had such an overwhelming emotional feeling after a half marathon, not even after my first half marathon. 

So trilled over what just happened

About 15 minutes after I finished it started snowing, my first time seeing snow in years. Joel and I stopped in town and had lunch at Jack in the Box, we had been planning that for weeks, us both being kids from California. We hadn't been to Jack in the Box since 2007.

It was a great race, and a great reminded of why the half marathon has always been my favorite running race distance.

Thanks for reading!

I gave it everything I had to give that day