Whatcha Weighting For?: February 2012

I think I have finally recovered from running The Pink Series Half Marathon, either that or I am really slow at posting about it! It really was a great experience and so much better than my previous half in Farmington. The race was set for October 8, 2011 and I was making the final plans for the big day. I trained better and focused more on my running and getting the longer distances in so I would have the endurance to make it to the end. I found myself really looking forward to my long runs on Saturday and amazed myself each time I got back from a 2 hour run that I was still moving! The best times running were when I could let my mind go, not worry about when I needed to walk, find that awesome stride and just go! One time I was out running before the kids had school and I needed to get home so Nick could go to work and I came to an intersection and completely tripped and fell! I was watching to make sure the cars would stop and didn't watch my footing, I banged up my hands and knees and hurt my pride more than anything, I ended up walking most of the way back and getting home much later than I should have. Nick and I decided to make it an overnight trip and enjoy some quite time in beautiful Park City, it was great to have a little getaway. My parents were great to come and stay with my crazy kids, I'm sure they were glad when we got back! I'm also so very grateful for my loving and supportive husband who took care of things while I was out running and then took care of me after the race!

The night before was the packet pickup at the Newpark Hotel. It was great to meet the ladies behind the race and to get the things needed to be prepared for the early morning. I had a rough time sleeping and was very nervous for what lay ahead. The weather was not cooperating, it was a very cold, windy, and SNOWY weekend. I had to be to the shuttle by 7:00 am to make sure I had a ride to the start, so many of us were waiting inside the hotel to stay warm -- it was really cold!

Being bussed to the start got my nerves going again and then waiting outside in the cold conditions wondering why am I doing this? I was able to meet and talk with other ladies as we huddled together trying to stay warm, it helped to see those familiar faces along the course! I was excited to learn that this race would have pacers to help along the way, I really wanted to hang with the 2:30 guy and almost caught up with him at one point but I fell behind and finished at 2:37. I was really bummed at not hitting my goal time of 2:30 but I did shave off quite a few minutes from my last 1/2 marathon. The course was beautiful and once I got running the cold didn't bother me, it actually helped me run better because I was not hot. I was having a really good run and right on pace maybe even a little ahead of time but then I hit the 10 mile wall and I felt like I was stuck. I probably walked most of that mile, it was hard for me to get back into the groove. I got to mile 11 and I knew there was only 2 miles left. I could still hit my goal if I really pushed for it but I couldn't do it. As I came to the white barn at mile 12 I had to keep telling myself only 1 left to go and to keep with it. The last half mile wrapped around the Newpark Town Center and condos and I could not see the finish line to know when I could push that last bit of energy into gear, it seemed like it just appeared as I rounded the last corner. It was a great sight to behold and I about fell apart when I saw my very supportive husband at the finish line waiting to give me a hug. Nick volunteered to help at the finish line and was clipping the timing chips off the shoes. There was the Fab Four at the finish handing out the ribbons and medallions and welcome the finishers. It really was a great time and a great race and would love to run it again and the other races in the series!

Beautiful Park City