Riverbound Race Series 15k

The 15k. I really enjoy this distance. It's long, but not too long. So, I had taken most of the previous three weeks off from running. I did a barefoot run (3 miles) about a week in and then last Wednesday tried out the legs with a 4 miler and then raced on Saturday. However, I had done a fair amount of mountain biking to supplement my fitness. My shins were suprisingly quiet during the entire race. The right knee got uncomfortable, but I have gotten used to that one.

I was excited about going to this race because of the people I would see. I was meeting my friend Brian, who I hadn't seen since the DuPont half. Christina would be there with a unique perspective, since it was also her wedding day. My 2nd and 3rd cousins Missy and Abby would also be there - racing the 5k. Coming back from three weeks off, I figured I'd just take my time, and enjoy the company.

Knowing the mistake that had made the 10k so miserable, I started slow. I did not try and get in front of anyone here. Brian and I ran together and caught up on eachother's running lives. We chatted races, injuries and experiences. It made almost 4 miles go by very easily. Brian also shared the pour-the-aid-station-water-on-your-head stragety. At first it felt weird, but Charlotte in July made it a necessity. It really helped me to keep my body temperature down! I was planning on taking my time, and enjoying this experience. At this time, the entire wave we were in began to slow. There was an article in one of the magazines I get, about the middle miles. Apparently this is a place where the miles slow for everyone. I was fine for a bit, but then got antsy so I picked up the pace, and continued on my own.

I started thinking about the middle miles at this point. I like them. They are what make a longer run a longer run. They are the ones that test you, and push you. I knew that they could also break me, so I tried out a stragety. If I was behind someone that I wanted to pass, I would see if I could "regain my breathing". (The phrase my head came up with.) If I was behind them and had breath control, I would be allowed to pass them. This stragety seemed to work well, and didn't let me get my ass kicked by trying to go too hard. There was no hurry, and I was running for the experience. (I had to put in the back of my mind the part of me that likes the push-until-you-drop-experience.) Basically this is how I completed the rest of the race. If my breathing got out of control, I'd slow my pace. I walked the steep hills. I didn't judge myself for it. I even decided to walk at mile 8 for 50 steps so that I could have a good finish. (I'm a counter.)

The race ends around the "river". It's out in the open. Once I got to this part, I was pretty tired. I had been pushing decently for nearly an hour and a half. I knew I didn't have much of a kick left in me. There was a guy on the side observing, so I asked him if anyone would be able to overtake me. He said "no - you're wide open". Ahhh. I just kept my pace until the end. I saw Abby and Missy on the side cheering and I smiled. I love my family!

It was a great race. I didn't have that horrible negative self-talk this time. I started slow and enjoyed the run. At the finish I had no idea how I'd done, and I didn't care too much. I had really enjoyed the run. When you're off for weeks, getting to do a long run is a gift. I'm actually looking forward to the half marathon. (I was dreading this run, just a bit, despite all the good people I knew I'd see.) Christina actually ended up getting sick at mile 4, and left to get ready for her wedding that afternoon. I also met Pearce, a new friend who discovered my blog while searching about the riverbound series. Brian ended up having a good race - I believe his injury stayed under control. Abby and Missy I believe had fun - and both finished 2nd in their age group.

I ended up 2nd in my age group. My time was 1:27:42. I think I was about 10 minutes behind the first girl in my age group. (wow!) I was pleased. It was fun and I enjoyed it. I hadn't run over 4 miles in weeks. Good run. I appreciate the gift.