On the Run: Move to the Beats 5K 2015

September is a busy month for me with a race every weekend.  I kicked off things this weekend with a fun Rock CF event in Royal Oak as part of the Arts Beats & Eats festival. Move to the Beats has both a 5K and 10K race but I decided to step outside of my comfort zone and sign up for the 5K.  

If you know me at all, you know I don't do 5K's.  They are basically the worst.  I'm not a sprinter and that's how 5K's are won.  

So why did I do this?

1. This would be a good speed test.  My last 5K was on May 3rd and I wanted to see how my speed work has paid off.
2. I had an 18-miler this weekend.  By doing a shorter race (plus warm-up/cool-down) I would still be able to get in my long run on Sunday.  When I run a 10K I add on mileage after to get the long run distance and that gets exhausting.  Better to start fresh the next day.

Although it would be painful I was looking forward to the race.  Mostly because it was a Rock CF event so I knew everything about it would be awesome!  I picked up my shirt and bib the day before (I always feel better being prepared pre-race).  I arrived during the lunch rush so it was pretty hoppin'.  I stayed and helped Emily (race director, Rock CF founder, and all-around amazing lady) for a while because she was by herself.  It's so much fun to help with packet pick-up.  I love seeing who is going to be racing.  One runner told me he didn't need safety pins because he would use his lucky pins.  He ALWAYS uses his lucky pins.  I thought about my piles of safety pins at home and thought that might not be a bad idea.  But I can't stop hoarding the pins!  (I think I have a problem.)

I have to mention that the swag for this race is awesome.  With your entry fee you get a super soft cotton tee shirt, a bag (with a zipper and a pocket), and 2 tickets to Arts Beats & Eats. Not a bad deal!

On race day I got to Royal Oak early to do my warm-up.  It was very humid and I was already sweating after 2 miles!  Thankfully the sky was overcast and we even got a few raindrops to cool us off before the start.  My RUNdetroit teammate Sara was racing the 5K, as well, so we started together.  I was so happy she was there!  She was ahead of my for the first mile and I credit my speedy start to her and her friend Laura (who won the 10K).  I caught up to them and we all ran mile 2 together.  

After that I started to drop back.  Sara went ahead and encouraged me to keep up but I just couldn't hang.  The early fast pace of the first two miles caught up with me.  I was fading fast.  Although I was still well within my tempo range I had to push really hard.  That finish line couldn't come soon enough!

I was so glad to have Sara in front of me to chase.  She finished ahead of me, first female, and I was right behind.  I gave her a big hug when I crossed the finish line.  I was so proud of her for winning!  And I was so grateful to have her there to help me push hard.  I couldn't have done it without her!

Photo courtesy of Ian Pettigrew Photography

I'm now just 12 seconds off my 5K PR.  A best-shape, Boston-ready, pre-injury PR at that.  I need to work on my pacing (6:12, 6:15, 6:33 are hardly consistent) so I don't burn out in the last mile.  And on October 17th I'll be stepping out of my comfort zone to chase that PR once again!

Distance

5K

Time

20:16

Pace

6:32/mile

Fuel

Banana, CLIF Shot - Vanilla

Tunes*

I Want You to Want Me / Cheap Trick

Hey Jealousy / Gin Blossoms

1983 / Neon Trees

All is Well / Soul Asylum

Everybody Talks / Neon Trees

The Innocent / Mayer Hawthorne

*Cheap Trick, Gin Blossoms, Neon Trees are 2015 ABE artists; Soul Asylum and Mayer Hawthorne are past ABE artists

Medals for age group awards

On the Run: Allen Park 10K 2015

I didn't think I would be able to race the Allen Park 10K this year but last week my schedule opened up and I was able to add it my calendar.  It was my third time doing this event, having raced it previously in 2011 and 2013.  Last year I must have skipped due to my hamstring.

This event is about as perfect for me as it gets.  Race time is 9:00 so although it's in August and can be a little hot, it allows me to sleep in.  I only have a 10 minute drive.  My parents live a few blocks from the start line so I can park at their house.  And because they live in the city, they come out to see me race.  (Really the best part!)  The 10K is a double loop so that allows them to see me twice.  

This race is put on by the Downriver Runners.  They do a great job.  The course is lined with fabulous volunteers, ensuring nobody makes a wrong turn and no traffic gets in the way.  It's also an accurate course, which I fully appreciated after my last two 10Ks!  It's a small race but draws a competitive field.  Oh, and it's a cheap race!  I think it was $25. That was race entry plus a hat and water bottle.  

I went into the race tired, adjusting from a week of new paces and increased mileage.  I've been struggling physically and mentally with tempo work during training runs and was looking forward to the race environment to give me a push.  I have a confidence in a race that isn't there in training.  I was excited to just relax and do my thing.  

The weather turned out to be perfect - 70's, cloudy, and a slight drizzle.  I slept in, parked at my parents' house, hung out with them for a bit, and then ran my warm-up mile.  I arrived at the race during the National Anthem (about 10 minutes to start).  At the start line I talked to some old friends and made new friends (I love small races).  When the race started, I decided to stay as close as I could to my friend Rob (a fitness and nutrition coach) who I knew would be keeping a good pace.  He was a great rabbit and helped me maintain about a 6:50 pace for the first 4 miles.  Then he sped up ("the faster I run the sooner I'm done method" he said).  At that point I learned I was 3rd female.  That was all the motivation I needed.  Although I was pretty certain I wasn't going to catch 2nd place I was damn sure going to try!  I was able to narrow the gap significantly and chick one dude in the final half mile.  I crossed the finish line strong, proud to know I had given it my all.  

For the first time since my injury I ran a smart race.  I started out at the top end of my tempo zone and worked down from there.  I wanted to run a 6:45 pace and that's exactly what I did.  I ran with my legs and my heart.  I ran happy.  My parents were there cheering me on.  Brian was there.  I think this picture that Brian captured shows it all.

Photo Credit: Brian Wolski

I'm also pleased to say that this was a post-injury PR and a course PR.  Still working my way back towards my 10K PR but that will take some time.  I placed 1st in my age group, 3rd woman, and 10th overall.  I won another pint glass to add to my collection!  And I got to hang out and celebrate after with other fabulous RUNdetroit Flight Club ladies who also placed in their age groups!

Photo Credit: Brian Wolski

Time 

41:55 

 

Pace  
6:44 min/mile

    

Fuel 

Kit's Organic Fruit + Seed Bar, Banana

   

Tunes 

10th Floor Ghost Girl / Cibo Matto
The Wolf / Mumford & Sons

  Random Name Generator / Wilco

  Dead Brains / Jessica Hernandez & The Deltas

The Innocent / Mayer Hawthorne 
The Walker / Fitz & The Tantrums 
Shake it Off / Taylor Swift 
Runaway Baby / Bruno Mars 
I Love It / Icona Pop
Dancing Shoes / Arctic Monkeys
50 Ways to Say Goodbye / Train
 Deceptacon / Jessica Hernandez & The Deltas

Love Runs Out / OneRepublic

I wore my new racing flats for the first time: Saucony Type A6.  I usually wear the Fastwich 6, which are a stability flat but I wanted to try a neutral shoe.  These shoes are fantastic!  Super light and comfortable.  LOVE LOVE LOVE!  

Photo Credit: Brian Wolski

Saturday is long run day so after the race I ran 9 more miles through Allen Park.  I lived there for about 12 years so it's my second home town.  It was nice to explore the city on foot again, revisiting some of the areas I used to walk around (because I was NOT a runner when I was growing up).  I covered some good ground, got a little lost, and eventually found my way back to my parents' house again.  By the time all my running was done for the day - race, warm-up/cool-down, and extra miles - I'd logged 17 miles for the day.  My longest run since my marathon in October!  The hamstring was feeling it in the last mile but after a day of rest and foam rolling, I should be feeling better.

Maybe this race was the confident boost I needed.  Bring on another week!

Age Group Award - Detroit Free Press Marathon

It took over 2 months but age group awards were sent out last week for the Free Press races that took place on October 18th and 19th.  Considering that they are personalized and engraved, plus the number that had to go out, the wait makes sense.  The timing was good, coming during week 7 of my running hiatus.  Yes, because of my hamstring injury I haven't been running for SEVEN WEEKS!  So yes, the little reminder that I could once run was nice.

I've won my age group in races before - even in my first marathon - but I've never been as proud of winning as this.  This wasn't an easy race to run.  I was injured before the race even started, my pacing went to sh*t at mile 1, everything was hurting by mile 12 and I had to really push myself to keep going.  My time was 3:08:48.  I finished 15th woman, 118th overall. I qualified for Boston 2016.  But when I was done, all I could think of was that I wanted to have run it faster.  And the fact that I could barely walk.  Now all I can think is that I want to run again.  

It's interesting how a couple months can change things.  Looking back, I am thankful for the race I ran, for what it taught me, and for everything I learned leading up to it.  I love that I fought hard and earned this award, and for that I will cherish it.  However, I will also let it be my reminder to train smarter and pace better.  And to listen to my body so that I will be ready to run again.  

Photo credit: Brian Wolski

On the Run: Detroit Women's Half Marathon 2014

Forgive me if I've used this analogy for races before, but the Detroit Women's Half is like childbirth.  What does this lady without a baby know about childbirth, you're asking?  Just hear me out for a moment.  

I was all excited for it when I signed up last year.  A women's-only race on Belle Isle sounded awesome!  It was on my training plan and I was ready.  As it got closer I started to wonder why I signed up.  Wait, ALL women?  2+ loops around Belle Isle?  What was I thinking?  The actual event was going to be awful!  It would be painful mentally and physically.  But finishing a race has it's rewards.

It did end up being kind of cool, what with the support and camaraderie of the other women and all.  I showed up by myself and ended up meeting some great girls after the race.  The field wasn't super fast so I placed 1st in my age group and 5th overall.  I won a bottle of wine!  All of that, however, blocked out the horrible parts of the race - the boredom of 2+ loops around Belle Isle, the desolation of running most of that ALONE except for when you're dodging 5K walkers, the wind that is inevitable on 80% of the course, and the weird end of the course around the Casino.  Oh, and did I mention the utter BOREDOM and DESOLATION of the course?  I did?  They get a second mention because they were the worst parts.  

Yeah, so when I decided to sign up this year, I was remembering the good times and the award wine from last year - the post-race fun - not the actual mental and physical discomfort of running the race.  It also fell nicely into my training plan this year because I needed 15 miles that day so there was also that.  

Photo credit: Brian Wolski

Thankfully my teammates Sarah and Lindsay decided to sign up at the last minute, as well.  We all got there early to warm up and hang out before the race in the RUNdetroit tent.  I had pegged Sarah to win until Dot McMahan, one of the Hansons Brooks elites, showed up to do a sub-6:00/mile workout for the race so...  Yeah.  

Dot and Sarah were off like shots.  After the first turn around the fountain both were gone and I didn't see them until the race was over!  Two other women were next.  Lindsay and I ran together for the first couple of miles.  I got a little ahead of Lindsay and eventually passed one of the other women to fall into 4th. Once I got ahead of Lindsay I regretted it.  I should have just stayed with her for company.  3 miles in and I was already regretting this whole race.  I stayed very close behind 3rd - only 3 seconds difference for the first loop.  Even though it was boring I was hanging in there. 

Photo credit: Brian Wolski

The second loop is where I fell apart.  Once we got to the back half of the island the wind was even worse (20-30mph) and I was slowing.  My pace was inconsistent and negative thoughts abounded.  I tried to run hard enough to keep 3rd place in my sights (she had black compression socks on - I just wanted to be able to see those socks!) but she was getting further and further away.  I knew I couldn't catch her and didn't have it in me to try.  She had 3rd place in the bag and I was hoping to hold onto 4th.  But if not, whatever.  I was so over this race.  I just wanted it to be done!

At mile 10 I got hungry and didn't have a gel with me.  I never need one for a half but the wind was making me work harder.  Thoughts of "It's only 3 miles" turned into, "ONLY 3 miles?  STILL 3 miles!  That's a whole 5K!"  I thought I was going to puke.  My mantra became, "Don't lose your sh*t.  Don't lose your sh*t."  My hamstring was sore and getting worse.  Around mile 12 I saw some of the RUNdetroit boys with a big sign for me so that really helped perk me up.  If I could run just a little faster it would be over sooner!  That lasted for a couple of minutes and I slowed down again.

Getting to turn off the main road onto the bridge felt so great!  Until I realized I was turning into more wind.  And I also realized that when I made the turn toward the Casino that would also be into the wind.  Argh.  Running toward the Casino, however, I did see some familiar faces - Sarah (already done!) and my friend Bridget.  They were directing me where to go on what was a confusing portion of course.  I had to vault over a large puddle and zigzag around the Casino and past walkers who didn't realize they were on the course.  I was a little disoriented when I got to the finish area (or needed caffeine?) and accidentally almost ran toward the coffee cart instead of the finish line.  Thankfully a few friends were there to point me in the right direction!  

Despite the horribleness of it all, I did run it a bit faster than last year.  I finished 3rd open, 4th overall (3rd place was master's).  Sarah was 2nd and Lindsay was 5th.  RUNdetroit women's team top 5 - wahoo!

Photo credit: Brian Wolski

While we were waiting an eternity for the awards ceremony to start, Sarah, Lindsay, and I made a pact never to run this race again.  Never EVER EVER.  There are plenty of other races out there - more scenic, single-loop or point-to-point, non-desolate, and with guys to pass for competition.  SO, for those reasons - NEVER again.  Sarah and I opened up our prize envelopes.  Want to guess what we won?  Free race entries for next year!  HA!  

Looks like I'm expecting . . . another unpleasant half marathon next September!

 Time 
1:32:48

Pace 
7:04/mile

Fuel
Vanilla chia pudding, banana 

Tunes 

In the Sun / She & Him  
Water Fountain / tUnE-yArDs
Move Like You Stole It / ZZ Ward  
You've Got Time / Regina Spektor
Rattlesnake / St. Vincent
Violet / Hole 
We Found Love / Rihanna
Blood for Poppies / Garbage 
Just a Girl / No Doubt  
Dance Apocalyptic / Janelle Monae 
Fruit Machine / The Ting Tings
Stranger to My Happiness / Sharon Jones & the Dapp Kings
 Shake it Off / Taylor Swift

Hot Summer Night / Grace Potter & the Nocturnals

Anklebiters / Paramore

Party in the USA / Miley Cyrus

Turning Japanese / Liz Phair

All Hands on the Bad One / Sleater-Kinney

Bootylicious / Destiny's Child

I Love It / Icona Pop

Bitter Rivals / Sleigh Bells

Everything's Just Wonderful / Lilly Allen

Born This Way / Lady Gaga

Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You) / Kelly Clarkson

Man / Neko Case

Brave / Sara Bareilles

Don't Save Me / Haim

I also won a medal hanger and Hanson's gift card

How do you push through races that aren't going well?

On the Run: Head for the Cure 5K

Last week I raced the inaugural Head for the Cure in Detroit- my first 5K since Nain Rouge in March.  I had planned to work on speed over the summer so that come September, I could get my 5K time under 20:00.  Due to my hamstring injury, however, speed has not been my friend!  In the past couple of weeks - thanks to an oral cortisone taper and an anti-inflammatory drug - I've been able to pick up the pace a bit.  Not back to what it was in the spring at the peak of Boston training but I'm getting there.

So back to last week.  I had no idea what I would be able to do for the race and I didn't put any pressure on myself.  I just wanted to go out and give it my best.  I lined up at the front with runners of all ages.  Many of them were high school cross country runners. A few girls gunned it right out of the gate but several slowed down after the first turn.  One was WAY ahead of me and there was no catching her!  I passed the other girls quickly (and a few guys) to fall into place for 2nd female and maintained that position for the rest of the race.  Near the 3-mile marker, I chicked one more dude so that I was able to finish 6th overall.

I loved this race!  The course was awesome.  Out and back, flat, with just three main turns, plus a loop around a building at the end.  It started and ended on the Detroit River.  We got to run along The Dequindre Cut, which features some of Detroit's finest graffiti.  It was a good cause, raising money and awareness for brain cancer.  Best of all it was organized by RUNdetroit - my favorite running store!  I got to be there with several of my friends and they all had amazing races, as well!  It was great to support them, cheer them on as they finished, and celebrate their amazing PRs!  I loved the feeling of racing a 5K again!

Distance
 5K 

Time 
20:35

Pace 
6:38/mile

Fuel
banana

Tunes 

Bring Me Your Loves / St. Vincent 
Animal / Langhorne Slim & the Law
Violent Shiver / Benjamin Booker  
Runaway Baby / Bruno Mars
Dance Apocolyptic / Janelle Monae  
The Walker / Fitz & the Tantrums
Heart Attack / Raphael Saadiq

Age Group Award - 1st Place

On the Run: Stony Creek "Back to the Beach" 1/2 Marathon 2014

Last weekend I ran my first ever "Ultra" 1/2 Marathon!  Wait, an "Ultra" 1/2 Marathon, you say?  Never heard of one of these?  I'm sure you're wondering how I was lucky enough to find this event and get it on my racing calendar.  Well, you can actually turn any regular 1/2 marathon into an ultra!  Here's how it works: 

Step 1: Run the race well enough so that you hit a point where you are running by yourself.  You can't see any runners in front of you to follow; you can't see any runners behind you if you turn around.  You want that sweet spot where there is a nice isolating gap.  This point will likely come past the halfway point after you have worked hard to pick off many runners.  

Step 2: Try to hit that gap right where there is a crucial turn.  It would be preferable if that turn is not well marked and instead of taking the turn, you could easily keep going straight.  

Step 3: Once you keep going straight, be oblivious to the fact that you still don't see runners, volunteers, spectators, or any other indicators that you are on course.  Don't stop even when you see that you're in a parking lot.  

Step 4: When you finally sense a problem, PANIC!  Do not immediately turn back.  Run in circles for 30 seconds trying to figure out what to do while you waste precious time.  

Step 5: Run back and forth a little bit as you try to figure out what to do.  This is an ULTRA, damn it!  You're here for the miles!

Step 6: Tell yourself that enough is enough.  Run back to the point where you missed the turn. Rejoin the race and haul to the finish line.  And honestly, this is the fun part.  Remember all those runners you passed in the first half of the race?  You get to pass them all again!  And they'll wonder where you came from.  Shhh... it will be our little secret!

There you have it!  Now you too can run your very own Ultra 1/2 Marathon!

Despite my little, uh, detour, Back to the Beach was a fantastic race.  The weather was perfect - a little cool at the start but sunny.  I love this race for the mix of trails, dirt road, pavement, and hills.  It's definitely a tough course but I'm not one to shy away from a challenge!  

All in all, I raced this one well.  I was slower on the trails, not wanting to trip and twist an ankle.  All the tree roots were well marked with orange paint but it had been a long time since I've run on trails so I needed to find my footing again.  There are two sections of trails (with dirt roads and pavement in between) and by the time I got to part two I was moving a little quicker.  The trail portions are varied - part shady, wooded areas and part open, grassy areas with dirt lanes (a.k.a. trolley trails).  In the second section of trails - around mile 8 - there is a really big gravel hill that you really have to work at to power up.  I loved it!!  There was a decent crowd to cheer me on and I smiled and waved to them as I ran up.  Even though I was slower on the trails, I made up some time on the paved portions of the course.

At mile 3 I passed a woman, putting me in 3rd and held onto that spot until getting lost at mile 10.  At the halfway point I was 3.5 minutes ahead of 4th place but I spent so much time checking out that parking lot (so scenic!) that she ended up finishing 48 seconds ahead of me. 

On the bright side, I ran hard at the end to nearly catch her and passed a whole gaggle of women (plus chicked a ton of dudes!) to do it.  It was thrilling to be able to pour on the speed at the end, especially when normally I'm just trying to maintain in the final miles.

After the race I chatted with some other runners at the finish line.  My friend Bridget was with me and I loved being able to see her finish out her race.  She did an amazing job at her first Back to the Beach! 

And she was pretty lucky to be with me for my first "Ultra" 1/2 Marathon!

Time
1:38:03

Pace 

7:28/mile*

(*Based on official race results for 13.1 miles.  Because I ran 13.7 miles due to stupidity, my actual pace was a little faster!)

  

Fuel 

Vanilla Chia Pudding (this recipe, minus the cocoa), banana 

Tunes 

Beatnik Beach / The Go-Go's 

Summer of '69 / Bryan Adams  
Chop and Change / The Black Keys  
Beanbag Chair / Yo La Tengo

  Designer Drug / Mayer Hawthorne

Machu Picchu / The Strokes

I'm Shakin' / Jack White

Honey in the Sun / Camera Obscura

Bulletproof / La Roux

The Violet Hour / Sea Wolf

Never Wanted Your Love / She & Him

Do It Anyway /Ben Folds Five

Take Me Anywhere /Tegan & Sara

Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You) / Kelly Clarkson

  What Happened to the Sands / Pas/Cal

Sunshinin' / The Vines

Let's Get Out of This Country / Camera Obscura

Can't Hold Us / Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

Mercy / Duffy

Miami / Will Smith
 Hell / Tegan & Sara

Love the Way You Lie (Ft. Rihanna) / Eminem

Never Go Back / Grace Potter & The Nocturnals

So Good / B.o.B.

Misery / Maroon 5

Gold on the Ceiling / The Black Keys

Bright Side / Otto Vector
E.T. / Katy Perry 

Race Day Swag - Backpack (1st place AG award), medal, pint glass, and sticker

On the Run: Novi 1/2 Marathon 2014

I never planned on running the Novi Half Marathon.  It was just 13 days after Boston.  I was going to be a good girl and wait a full month to race again.  Then my friend Jen emailed me 2 days after Boston asking me if I wanted to transfer her bib.  I thanked her kindly but said no, I'd have to pass.  Too soon.

I took things easy, slowly increased my mileage over the next week and a half, cycled and did yoga.  I'd gotten up to 7 miles and felt good.  I was recovering nicely.  I was going to be good and ready for my upcoming Back to the Beach 1/2 Marathon on May 18th.

And then I did one of those crazy Amanda things that I do so well.  Two nights before the race I texted Jen asking if anyone had taken her bib.  No one had.  So I said I would.  I couldn't let a race bib go to waste, could I?  I'd just do it for fun.  Nice and easy, no expectations, no worries about placing or setting a PR.  It would be a good chance to get in a long run on a new course.  

For those of you who know me, however, you know these are all lies.  I can't show up to a race and not race it.  I knew it wouldn't be my best race but I would still give it my best shot.  And honestly, I had no idea what to expect, either for my own performance or for the race itself.  This was an inaugural event.  I am not too familiar with the area - Novi, Wixom, and South Lyon - and honestly didn't even look at the course map before the race.  All I knew was that the course was advertised as "fast and flat," which sounded perfect to me!

I got to the race early for parking and bib transfer, which turned out to be nice and easy. I thought the set up for the race was pretty nice.  Everything was at South Lyon East High School.  I did a warm-up mile around the tennis courts and parking lot (where I stalked some lady at her car for a piece of gum!).  Port-a-potties were near the start line and there were plenty because the lines weren't too long.

People seemed hesitant to start up close so it was just a small group of guys, maybe one other girl, and me near the front.  The limit for the race was 875 (still with race day registration so it must not have sold out) so it wasn't a huge crowd anyway.  I liked that about this race.  Smaller is better sometimes.  

I started the race and was immediately passed by a girl in a pink tank top.  Hot damn, she was flying!  No way was I going to catch up with her!  I also got passed by a few guys but no worries.  I didn't want to go out of the gate too fast.  Then I got passed by another girl.  Again, very early and I wasn't here to worry about placing.  The first part of the race was on a dirt road and there were some potholes to watch out for.  Nothing too bad . . . at first.  Then we made a turn onto another dirt road that was even worse.  It was uneven and littered with potholes.  I kept trying to find some solid footing but it was a challenge.  My pace slowed but safety was more important than speed.  I was grateful to get off the dirt road and onto some pavement.  I'm not sure how many miles in we were here but it was probably only about 2 at the most.

The next 6 miles or so were on pavement through subdivisions.  It was mostly flat but there were a few hills.  I remembered that I had run on some of this course before when I did the Live Like Andi run a few years ago.  That had mostly just looped around Island Lake.  The lake was pretty to look at and there were definitely some beautiful homes.  It was, however, a little lonely for a while.  At the beginning there were a few people close to me but around mile 4 I passed a couple of guys and one of the girls who passed me early on.  This put me in the #2 female spot.  So much for only running for fun.  haha.  

At this point I couldn't see anyone ahead of me except for one guy in a blue shirt who I would catch a glimpse of every once in a while.  There were no spectators.  The few water stations I passed were staffed by 2-3 people.  I waved but didn't get much enthusiasm in return.  It's hard to get excited for one lonely runner.  I ended up catching up to some other runners and then the half marathon route converged with the 10K for a bit.  Just in time for us to be back on that pothole filled dirt road again.  yuck.  But this time it was worse because not only were we dodging potholes but we were also dodging the slower 10K runners.  Plus we had 5K walkers coming in the opposite direction on the other side of the road.  I was even more glad to be off that road than before!

Until I saw what was next.  Instead of turning left on the next dirt road we turned right.  And to the right the potholes were even worse.  We had another 4 miles to go on on that road before the end.  At least there was more room to run.  With 3 miles to go I saw a pink tank top in the distance.  Could it be?  I was actually starting to catch up with the first place female!  I had to keep pushing it.  I knew I wouldn't beat her but I had to get as close as I could.  At mile 10 there was a turn-around so coming back, other racers were running past.  It was a great feeling to hear people shout out, "Only one ahead of you!"  Some people were clapping, cheering, or giving me thumbs-up.  I saw a few people I knew.  I kept pushing.  

The final stretch of dirt road was uphill, so that slowed me down a bit.  The course finished on the track but to get to the track you had to run through the parking lot and around the outside of the track.  Unfortunately, many people who weren't running didn't realize it was the course.  So as I was running the final stretch, I was having to dodge spectators and 10K finishers walking back along the course.  There was even a stroller or two!  Then there was a blind turn to get onto the track before finishing out the final stretch.  Again people were on the course and a race official kept yelling at them to get off.  Aye, aye, aye!  They really need to rethink that for next year.  Once I got onto the track I finished strong, only 13 seconds behind the 1st place female, Melissa, and 11th overall*.  

We were both interviewed by Michigan Runner at the finish line.  (Warning: Cheesy music ahead!)




Melissa and I hung out afterward while we grabbed water and collected our age group award mugs.  (No overall awards.)  

All in all, I think Kona did a decent job with this race, considering it was the first time they put it on.  I definitely could have done without the potholes, but after the winter we had, I'm not sure there was much that could have been done about those.  My only major complaint was with the end of the course.  I hope they either consider changing the end for next year or at least do a better job making sure people aren't walking back on the course.  

*Results kept changing.  At first I was 8th, then 10th, then 11th.  I should have stopped checking!

Time

1:29:17

Pace

6:49/mile

Fuel

Vanilla Chia Pudding, banana

Tunes

Pompeii / Bastille

Don't Save Me / Haim

Digital Witness / St. Vincent

Breakout / Foo Fighters

We Found Love / Rihanna

Get in My Way / Robin Thicke

Youth Without Youth / Metric

Mallie Chan / Otto Vector

I'm Shakin' / Jack White

After the Disco / Broken Bells

Stranger to My Happiness / Sharon Jones & the Dapp Kings

Birth in Reverse / St. Vincent

The Innocent / Mayer Hawthorne

Tightrope / Janelle Monae (ft. Big Boi)

The Walker / Fitz & The Tantrums

Man / Neko Case

Runaway Baby / Bruno Mars

Dancing Shoes / Arctic Monkeys

The Stars are Ours / Mayer Hawthorne

What Makes You Beautiful / One Direction

Work Around It / Them Swoops

Sexx Laws / Beck

50 Ways to Say Goodbye / Train

Blood for Poppies / Garbage

Brave / Sara Bareilles

Uprising / Muse

If I could go back, I probably would reconsider my decision to run this race.  Not because of the race itself or the course but because I should have waited like I had planned from the get go.  It may have been a free race bib but I've been paying for it all week in my hamstrings and glutes!  I'll take it easy this week to make sure I'm recovered for Back to the Beach next Sunday.  

And if need be I'll take it easy at that one.  I can just run it for fun.  (wink wink)