Posts Tagged ‘race report’
I don’t even think I mentioned that I was running the Angel Island 25K with Pacific Coast Train Runs, because I had just intended it to be a “real pretty and hilly training run.” Now, “Trail Runners” in the running world are kind of their own breed. They get dirty, they run with backpacks on, they pee in the woods, they eat potato chips and M&Ms and scarf boiled potatoes at aid stations. City Smurf and her wetnaps and lil’ mini handheld (I’ll admit I was even wearing a little mascara) was quite out of her element. Before Saturday, I’d never even run on a trail- unless you count the dirt patch next to the bike path in Golden Gate Park. But, not to ruin the big ending, I ended up coming in FIFTH-PLACE FEMALE (out of about 35), so in order to brag, I guess I have to write a race report. So, here goes…
The week before Bay to Breakers was total crap, as we found out on Tuesday that a friend had taken his own life… this led to WAY too much time out on the town as we dealt with the events of the week. I opted to stay home the night before the race because I was just physically and emotionally depleted.
At any rate, I made myself some delicious perogis that sat like a rock in my stress-sensitive stomach, tried to get to sleep early but still was just on edge and slept fitfully….Wasn’t feeling too hot at all Sunday morning, but I took the time over my traditional pre-race breakfast to check my 12K PR, just so I would know.
I’ve been looking forward to July 26, 2009 for the past year. Last year, marathon Sunday found me nursing a stress fracture of my left foot after only a few months into my new “hobby,” so Rob and I went to Pork Store on 16th for breakfast and to spectate. I committed that, on July 26, 2009, I would be running the full San Francisco Marathon.
Fast forward to March 23, 2009, when I started my official marathon training program- a somewhat modified version of Pfitz’ 18/55. Through a combination of doing new types of speedwork that I wasn’t used to, and pushing to hit paces vs just being concerned about mileage, by March 31st I’d developed extreme pain in my right hip and left shin that were later diagnosed as “stress fractures” (though, more correctly, “stress reactions.”) Whatever semantics you want to put on it, only a week and a half into my training the marathon was out. I was relegated to joining the Y for pool running, lap swimming and hitting the HELL-iptical. To add insult to injury, I was laid off 3 days after my diagnosis, and all I could think the whole time I was in with HR was, “Man, with no job, I could have had an EPIC training cycle!”
Yeah, yeah, yeah… it’s late. So was I. It’s gonna be lackluster, but… you know. It’s a theme. I figure I want to excel at something, why not make it mediocrity?
So, the Kaiser Half Marathon was a really tough race for me. As you know if you follow this blog, it was the first half marathon I planned to really put in a full training and tapering cycle for, but was sidelined by a mysterious ankle injury two weeks out. I really had hope in the back of my mind that the two weeks off to get the ankle in running shape would get me to the line so well rested and amped on running again that I’d just fly through the course to my goal of 1:59:59.
I’m back from the Run Wild for a Child 10K in Golden Gate Park. Woke up this morning feeling really kind of crappy- nervous tummy and a lil’ barfy and just generally weak. Visions of every greasy/heavy meal and overindulgent cocktail outing of the past 3 days weighing heavy on my frame. Ugh! Went down to Golden Gate Park, thinking it would be easy
enough to street park in my old ‘hood. (6th and Fulton.) I was getting nervous that I was running late when I rolled up at 8AM and did one loop- no parking. Did another loop- still no parking! Finally decided to drive away from the park and pull into the first spot I see. Of course my nerves are in overdrive at this point. Why didn’t I just leave a few minutes early? I’ve been painfully early to all my other races. (Indicator # 345 that I didn’t take this race as seriously as I should have.)