Training went far better than I could have expected considering the amount of training I had been doing to this point. I was feeling pretty confident. Until the last couple weeks. We had a weather change, that happened to coincide with my knee deciding it was done training. It seemed most runs after that were pretty difficult and if they weren't difficult it was because I cut back miles, laid off the speed work, or just kept things extremely laid back.
When race day came, I was in a good place. I love this race. I love the course, the spirit stations, the finish line energy. It's all fantastic. I knew my number one goal was to finish still loving it all. By this time though, I was most excited about the fact that my dad was running it too! He took nearly a 6 year running hiatus and rather than easing back into it, jumped all in to prepare to run RussVegas.
The three of us got to the finish line by 7:00am. As is our usual, we stood around letting the excitement from other runners soak in. A little later we moved into our corral, took the traditional start line selfie, then with good luck wishes, Scott and I moved a little closer to the front of the corral. Dad was assigned B also, but he didn't want to start too far forward. I was looking for the pacers but it wasn't until we were pretty packed in that I noticed they were all (from 1:55-2:20) at the front. I'm not sure what the deal was, but I wished they had been spread out like in the past. I was really counting on using a pacer to keep me going. Too much really.
When the race started, we did a bit of weaving until the crowd cleared a little. In the process we passed a couple pacers. By the time we got to mile 2 or so Scott and I had passed the 2 hour pacer. I was feeling pretty good. I was quite worried about my knee, but hadn't had any trouble in the day or two leading up to the race and I was hopeful things would stay that way. Unfortunately by the fourth mile I had a pretty good idea that I'd have to lay off the pace if I wanted to finish the race without hurting myself or at the very least still wanting to come back. I know it's hard when I'm on a long gradual downhill early in the race and it still feels extremely difficult. I kept pushing though. The temperature was climbing quickly. It wasn't warm for a typical spring day, but the sun was strong and for a runner who is pushing extra hard, the warmth made a difference for sure.
I pushed for a few more miles. By mile 7 my legs were already jello, but I kept pushing. I held a PR pace for almost 9 miles. I do not have a single regret about pulling back. I am confident I would not have made it those last 4 miles holding the sub 9 min/mile pace. I'm almost as confident that if I had tried, I would have ended up on the side of the course with a DNF. Once I made the decision to pull back, the race changed for me. I stopped looking at my watch (I had no idea of my finish time for quite a while after finishing... who AM I!?). I walked a couple times. I was able to thank the volunteers. I encouraged the early start racers. All the things that are my favorite parts of racing when I don't have a time goal. Scott later said there was a noticeable difference in my demeanor. More than me talking to others, but the way I carried myself and the look on my face.
Between 9 and 11 miles there was off and on rain. I could have cried I was so happy. Another happy cry moment happened as we hit 11 miles... my dear friend Andrea was there waiting! She drove almost 2 hours just to spectate. She's pretty special.
The next mile was pretty quiet. Too quiet for me really. It gave me too much time to think about the stinking huge hill coming up. We made the turn and I set a goal that was about half way up the overpass. About half way to that goal I stopped. Not stopped moving, just stopped running. This hill is the kind of steep that makes my heart rate sky rocket. One day I hope to keep it under control and run the whole thing. For now, I'm ok with walking and smiling nicely for the camera. :)
At the top Scott said something about barely a mile to go and that made me so happy I flew down the other side. Between a beach themed spirit station, businesses out playing music and spectating, other people cheering, there is a lot to see in the last mile. I was feeling good and ready to crush the last bit of the course. Then, out of nowhere, my knee painfully tried to give out. Half a mile to the finish line. That's all. I tried to limp through it as I've been able to do sometimes before. I ended up walking and gave myself permission to be frustrated for a minute and then tried to jog it out again. I could see the turn to the finish line and all I wanted was to cross the line without anymore walking. When we turned I told Scott I was sure I didn't have anything left. No finish line kick would come.
I was wrong. It wasn't my fastest kick, but it still surprised me. Just like it always does. I was so happy and extremely thankful to be done. I was never worried about not finishing, but somewhere deep down I must have been worried about something because as soon as I finished I felt like a huge weight had been lifted.
I did not break two hours. I did not PR. I did finish the race smiling. I did finish basically injury free. I did still finish with a big love for running.
Chip Time- 2:03:29
Overall Place- 283/1233
Female Overall Place- 102/797
Female Age Group- 19/133
After receiving our medals and getting some snacks we found Andrea waiting for us outside the finisher's area. We talked for a few and then went to find a good place to wait and watch for my dad to finish. Andrea stood in front of the finish line, and we found a place just beyond. As soon as I heard his name I started shouting, startling the volunteers that were on the inside of the finish line area. Oops! :)
I'm so so proud of my dad. It's so fun to see him running again!
We didn't hang around long. After taking some pictures we decided to leave. Scott, Dad, and I were hopeful we could have late check out so we didn't have to drive the long drive being stinky.
This is my third year to run RussVegas. I've loved it more each time. The first two years I got a PR each time so I wasn't sure if my opinion of the race was bias because of that. Turns out it's not. The course is beautiful; a good mix of backroads lined with beautiful green trees and busy city roads full of distractions. The spectators, aid and spirit stations have always been great! And the medals rank up there in my top favorites. I definitely love this race and already look forward to next year!
Stay tuned, one week after RussVegas I ran the National Women's Half Marathon in Washington DC! Hopefully that recap is coming soon. :-D
