Shamrock Half Marathon

Sorry that it's taken me longer than normal to post about my race.  I was EXHAUSTED on Saturday and then just never got around to it yesterday.  And now I'm at work, so I don't have all of my stats from my Garmin to post along with this.  So this will be a short and boring recap.

I went into this race, not expecting to do very well.  I had a goal to finish under 2:15, but I didn't think that I would come in under 2:10.  The morning was COLD and I sat in the car with my husband for a long time before the race started.  I got to meet Alicia just a few minutes before start and that was fun for me.  Especially because she's a hugger and gave me a hug as soon as she saw me.  I like hugs.

I knew that I wouldn't be able to keep up with her, but after the start I kept her in my sights for the first 5 miles.  This was the smallest race that I've ever done (under 100 runners), and it was my first race completely by myself (I've run every other race with someone from my family or a friend). 

The first 6 miles were uneventful.  I was keeping a really good pace for me (I really wish that I had my stats!!!), but the beginning of races is where I always do well, so that wasn't a surprise. 

Mile 6 had an aid station and a Honey Bucket and I NEEDED a pit stop.  I also decided to try my first GU (I know, not the best idea to try something new in the middle of a race), so I only had half of it and then chugged some water and continued on my way.  Chocolate GU really isn't too bad and I actually kind of liked it. 

Mile 8 had an uphill that I hated with an aid station at the top and then gravel road on the way down.  I let it fly on the downhill even though I was tired from the uphill.

Mile 10 had me getting jumped on by a dog that wanted to play.  That scared the crap out of me because I was totally in the zone and didn't notice anything until the dog had jumped at me and then went back to its owner.  I was really loud with my "WHAT THE???"

Mile 11 I realized that I was going to beat my PR if I kept up the pace and I got really, REALLY excited.  I was NOT expecting this!

Mile 13, there's my hubby cheering for me and I have to yell at him that I'm going to get a new PR and then take off for the finish line.  I love to try to sprint at the end.  And I appreciate the 20 people at the finish that cheered for me.  What a small race!

Finish time: 2:06:33.  2 minutes 20 seconds faster than my current PR!  Wahoo for me!

I spent the rest of the day on the couch trying to sleep because I was so worn out.  Super sore all day long.  But yesterday was better and today I don't really have any pain anywhere.  I'm excited for this coming Saturday's race, but really plan to hold back and just take it easy.  This upcoming race is a tough course.

Hope you all had great weekends!