Post Race Interview

Some Post-Race thoughts...

I enjoyed running the 30k at Salem Lake. The scenery was beautiful and the trail was fair. There were uphills and downhills and several inclines of death. The weather was yucky but cold rain is always better than blazing heat. My pre-race prep (meal and routine) was the same that I had practiced dozens of times throughout my training but it was not sufficient for this race, which I will discuss later.

I am a little agitated at the fact that I lost steam at mile 14 and was not able to speed up on the last 4.6 miles. I did maintain a steady pace and would not allow myself to drop but it could have been better. No negative split, no positive split...just a neutral split. (Runners like negative splits. It is a psychological thing.) I plan to fuel differently for future races over half marathon distance. I saw several runners sucking down sugar after mid-range and it seemed to help their stamina. When I say I lost steam at mile 14, I mean I lost all nutrition. My stomach lining was rubbing together, my head was spinning, my legs were cramping and a throw up ball was stuck in my throat. I felt completely nauseated and Gatorade was not helping. I did not have my normal problem of needing to pee mid-race so I was happy about that and believe me, I was using all the liquid I put in my body.

My dad and son stood at mile 15 to cheer me on and that helped. (Ben felt the need to remind me how FAR back I was from the front...thanks son!) I had one girl/lady/runner pass me after mile 15 but she so deserved a closer spot...she was shouting hallelujah and all I could do was grunt a little.

I went out strong and finished at the same pace. My feet hurt like crazy and my body will not hold down food. My mind is racing with several "should haves/what ifs" and I can't seem to shake the feeling that I did not do my personal best but I finished and I beat my goal. We always criticise ourselves harder than anyone else and that is exactly what I am doing. Am I happy with my time of 2:31 and some change? Darn skippy! Am I proud of the group I ran with and how we all encouraged each other to keep pushing? Beautiful! Am I proud of myself for doing what one year ago was impossible? Yes! Is it awesome to see your kids in shirts that say "RunningFever" when you cross the finish line? Absolutely! Am I thankful that God has allowed me to experience this beautiful journey in running? Priceless!

Most people find no joy in mud splattered legs, drenched socks, dripping wet hair, sweat stained eyes...I see things differently. My mother sees no point in running unless you are being chased by a dog...I see things differently. I love the quickness, the strength, the sweat, the sounds, the breathing, the sights and the constant mind-games but, most of all, I like the finish.