G'town Half Mary RR

I think a more appropriate title for this post should be something like, "A bad week = a PR?" That basically sums up what happened.

It all started on Sunday when I woke up at 4:15 (really 3:15 b/c of DST) to meet Laura in Germantown for a 20 miler on the road. I only made it 10.66...it was just not a good day! My hips and my right knee and foot were hurting me, so I called it a day...plus I was needed to get home to get ready for Ella Kate's christening.

This past week was my spring break, so I thought I would have plenty of time to run - Drew's is this week, so I was on my own all week. Monday I went to the dentist and had two cavities filled, so no running. Tuesday...just didn't feel like running. Wednesday...didn't feel like running but I ran 5 miles in the morning and 5 that night. Thursday...I had a ten miler planned, but I made it .8 miles away from home and said I really don't want to do this so I went back home. (What was up with me this week?!?! I was completely unmotivated!!!) Friday...I actually had a decent workout - 8 miles bike then 4 run. And I did nothing but drink lots of water yesterday and eat some pasta. I went to bed last night with a bad feeling about today - I just was not in the mood for this race!! I don't know if it's the fact that it was a road race or what, but I was worried. So I made it my goal just to beat my last half mary time - 2:04 in Nashville.

The race ended up being awesome!! Michael and I were all decked out in St. Patrick's Day attire - I'll post a pic later when my sister uploads them. But as a preview I had on a green tank that said check out my shamrocks and green boxers with beer mugs!!

The race started at 7:30 and I have to admit I was a bit cold in my outfit, but I quickly warmed up. My plan was just to go out and see how I feel and try to beat 2:04. I started the race with Laura and we ran the first part of the race together...including the first mile in 8:19!! She looked at me and said, "Do you realize how fast we are going?" I had no idea and it didn't feel too bad, but I slowed a little because I knew I could not hold it for 12.1 more miles. I ran with a handheld and I'm glad I did because those aid stations get crowded plus I can't run and drink out of a cup! I took one gel at mile six. I never had any serious stomach issues (like Nashville) although if I had kept going, I probably would have had to stop for one bathroom break. Anyways, my final time was 1:55:18!! Here are my splits:
8:19
8:46
8:34
8:44
8:52
8:49
8:51
8:53
8:48
8:47
8:38
9:00
8:44
1:31 (Garmin said I ran 13.22 miles...so .22 miles here)

So I totally kicked the poo out of my Nashville time!! When I finished I thought about the marathon and if I could have held that pace...I think for a few more miles then the times would have creeped above 9:00 for sure. Plus I know I would have had to use the bathroom. Hmmm...the full mary scares me!

After the race we headed over to Patrick's parents house for post-race festivities and that was fun to hang out over there with everyone. Now I'm just relaxing at home watching NCAA basketball...and trying to get ready for school to start back tomorrow!! I haven't been to school in 17 days!!!!

Happy running!!!

PS - Don't forget to sign up for our 6-hour endurance run!!!