I managed to survive the taper without my head overpowering my common sense to make it to race weekend. The race packet pickup continues to be held in a space to small for the number of participants, but on the bright side the process seemed to be streamlined compared to previous years. On the bright side, the expo contained some great deals, including Newton Shoes.
After last month's Runner's World article on the company's founder, I was intrigued to try a pair. However, seeing a price tag of $175, I decided that exceeded my appetite to try something new. Newton provided the opportunity, during the race expo, to try and buy a pair for $100. So, I tried and purchased a pair of my very own. I have not yet worn them, on account of the race and recovery, but plan to start easing into them soon.
Race morning was stormy and wet. We drove through a stiff rain storm and by the time we reached Lincoln the sun was starting to rise with the clouds breaking up humid and warm. I lined up between the 2 and 2:05 hour pace groups with optimistic aspirations. After the starting gun, it took me near 20 minutes to reach the start line and I launched with an easy pace. A quarter mile in I looked down at my watch and realized that I was going out faster than I planned and faster than my smartpacer wrist band said for mile 1. I tried to slow down, but felt good (famous last words).
Long story short, I ran out of gas at mile 10 and walked/ran the rest of the way on guts, finishing in 2:09. Not my slowest time, but not close to my fastest time nor my best time. My lungs didn't quite on me, my legs did. I have spent this last week recovering from the run and spend most of it in Tuscon for work. Next post will talk about my future training goals.
