CARA lakefront 10 miler RR

I had every intention of being awesome at this race... until the weather forecast went from drizzly to awful in the matter of a couple of days.  It was supposed to be cold.  And rainy.  And overall nasty.  Gross.

But I love this race, and I wasn't about to skip it... especially since I hadn't yet picked up my packet!  So I woke up early Saturday morning, put on my TIGHTS, grabbed a windbreaker, and at the last minute, wore my old Mizunos (part of the race would be run on grass, and I didn't want to ruin my pretty shoes).  I was ready for whatever Mother Nature had planned.

So I drove in the POURING rain from my house to Montrose Harbor.  Got a sweet (free) parking space about .25 mi away from the start line.  I went to get my packet and use the bathroom.

Race shirt.  It has gray stripes down the side... too cute!

After waiting until the absolute LAST minute, I bravely got out of my car and walked to the start.  The rain had let up.  The wind was blowing nasty off the lake.  But, you know, I'm already here, might as well run 10 miles.

So after a (taped, creepy, Whitney Houston) version of the national anthem, we were OFF!

Mile 1:  I'm cold.  I could be complaining, but instead I start to think about positive things.  Like... I'm glad I wore tights.  I'm glad I have on thick socks.  I'm glad I looked at the course map.  Oh, and I'm glad I'm running fast, because it's only the sooner I can get back to my nice warm car!  Best mile of the day.  7:37

Mile 2:  Running a little on sand, which is kind of like mud, and OH MY GOD THIS WIND IS TERRIBLE.  I should have worn a parka.  And gloves.  Good God.  7:52

Mile 3:  I actually run into someone I know on the course... the lady who complimented my shoes at the Egg Shell Shuffle 3 weeks ago!  She's not going for a PR, as she has a marathon next weekend.  I tell her I have #doubletrouble next weekend.  She says I'M the crazy one.  I don't even tell her that I want a PR today.  Because that would just be ridiculous.  8:05

Mile 4:  Crap on a cracker, it's time for that hill.  I'm scared.  It remind me too much of mile repeats during cross country season.  I swear, I can see my crazy high school coach at the base of the hill with a stack of cones and his whistle.  *shudder*  But you know, just up and over and then it's done.  Oh, and don't fall in a hole.  Success all around!  That wasn't TOO bad.  (Although I am quite grateful that it's at this point in the race and not at the end!)  8:01

Mile 5:  I want to be done.  NOOOOWWWWW.  8:02

Mile 6:  Here's where the doubt monster comes to visit.  I keep telling myself that I'm insane for attempting to do this double half marathon next weekend.  That I can't do it.  That I don't have enough.  Then I decide that the doubt monster is going to lose this one.  Enough whining, I will get this PR, be ready for next weekend, and crush them.  No more pity party.  8:10

Mile 7:  FINALLY heading back towards Montrose Harbor.  I'm cold, and tired, but I still have some juice.  The conditions are SO TOUGH.  The wind is at my back, but only for a little bit.  Finishing this beast in any form is going to be an accomplishment in itself.  8:02

Mile 8:  The math says that I am going to get a PR, as long as nothing catastrophic happens in the next couple of miles.  I grit my teeth, crank up the tunes, and rock it.  7:59

Mile 9:  Almost done.  Just keep running... 7:51

Mile 10:  Stopped at the aid station for one last glass of Gatorade, and now it's time to go.  I run my absolute hardest.  I swear the wind is getting me from all ends, like it's changing directions every time I do, just to hit me in the face.  I know that given another chance, I can be better than this.  But I am giving it everything as I sprint to the finish, and I have a PR by a little less than a minute.  Job well done by me!  *pats self on back*  7:47

FINAL TIME:  1:19:28
AVERAGE PACE:  7:56
LESSON LEARNED:  Tough conditions only make you tougher.  I wanted a PR, so I went for it.  I'm better because I didn't phone it in.
NEXT 10 MILER:  Run for Recreation, 5.19.2012

After I crossed the finish line, I got my medal, Gatorade, and some granola bars, then headed to the beer tent.  It's amazing that if you are a cute girl standing by yourself in the beer tent, you can make new friends in 2 seconds.  After 2 sips of my beer, I had 3 new friends.  It was great.  We swapped bad weather race stories, and I enjoyed my 312.  (Gotta love races with REAL beer at the end!)  I had a great time.  This is one of my must-dos for a reason!

Medal!

Back to my warm car, with a shiny new PR and some cool bling!