Unlike last year I did not taper for this race. My big race this year is Ironman Canada in August. I was using this race as an opportunity to work on some speed and pacing for Boise 70.3 Ironman in June. So I toed the line this morning during the middle of a build up to Boise that had me somewhat beat up, but feeling ready to race. Well, I messed this up right away. My buddy Jer and I were hitting the restrooms right before the start so I wasn't able to get towards the front of the back before the gun went off. I should have run up along the side and then hopped the fence right before the start line. Instead I tried to make my way through the 7,000 people towards the front. No luck...I started with the 10 minute per mile pacer.
Holy cow. What an ordeal. I didn't even start moving until almost a minute after the race started. Damn, this was going to suck. Within the first 2 miles I must have passed 2,000 people. I was so frustrated. I was zig zagging all over. Running along sidewalks, grass, etc. My goal going into this race was to go sub 1:30, I had my sights set on 1:28:30. The plan was to go first 4 miles at 7min/mile pace, middle four at 6:45, and final 5 sub 6:45 if feeling good. My splits are below
Mile 1: 7:05
Mile 2: 7:00
Mile 3: 7:05
Mile 4: 6:55
Mile 5: 7:06 *hill*
Mile 6: 6:51
Mile 7: 6:54
Mile 8: 7:08
Mile 9: 7:28 *hill*
Mile 10: 7:08
Mile 11: 7:07
Mile 12: 7:08
Mile 13: 7:10
By mile 4 I knew my race was over. I had not fully recovered from my sinus infection and could tell I was in trouble with my asthma as a result. My chest cavity got so tight, it was like...well you ever been in a wetsuit that is too tight? Makes it hard to breathe? It was kind of like that, but then imagine that feeling but you are at altitude so it feels like each breathe is half what it should be to begin with. That is the best way I could describe how hard it was to breathe today. My chest burned. I tried to stick to the plan and put in a few decent miles at sub 7. I saw my fiance and family just before 8 miles and was hurting so bad I was worried I wouldn't be able to finish. I thought about just throwing in the towel and walking on in with them, but then figured what the hell, why not just try to find a pace that I can deal with and work on my mental/run toughness. I made it up the fairly decent hill you get at mile 8.5 and settled into somewhere around 7:10 pace.
The last 4 miles went by quick enough. I tried to pick it up multiple times, but it was useless. My airway was so inflamed, I didn't have a chance. This year the finish took place at Hayward Field, which is awesome!! Unfortunately, I was so frustrated with the race I didn't really get to enjoy it. Shame on me, there are things in the life that you can feel sorry about, but being able to race for fun shouldn't be one of them. That being said, I was still pretty down. I crossed the line in 1:33:15. A PR for me, but almost 5 minutes slower than I wanted, and knew I was capable of today. I figure if I had started nearer the start and not had to expend so much energy running around and through people I probably could have delayed the asthma issue and would have been around 2 minutes faster or so. Just a guess, but who really knows. These are what ifs anyways. It doesn't really matter. What matters is what you learn from this tough races. Here is what I learned and will take away:
* I'm much fitter than last year. To be able to hold 7 minute miles on a damaged airway is something I definitely could not do last year.
* I felt very comfortable running at 7 min pace for my half marathon despite the airway and during a high mileage week without rest.
* I now can settle into a pace and hold it for miles at a time, regardless of pain, terrain, etc.
* Despite where I am, I still have a lot of room for improvement. Rather than what you might think, this is a good thing!
* I have done no speed work yet this year, only two other road races, so I'm looking forward to seeing my pace drop as I incorporate more track sessions into my training.
My buddy Jer found me at the finish. He had dominated...a 1:25!! I was really happy for him. Glad one of us left there under our goal :) I walked over and found my family. Big hug to Meg and the day was complete. Yes, that means no medical. I guess I should add that to my positives on the take aways...I know when to throttle back when my asthma is that bad :) Thanks to everyone for the positive messages, cheering, texts, etc. I look forward to giving this time a run for it's money next month in Boise!! Thanks for reading,
Final Results:
Total Time: 1:33:15
155th place out of 4058
-T
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