Harvey's Lake 8.2 Miler

I decided to do this race as a tune-up for the St. Luke's Half Marathon in two weeks. I thought it would let me know where my speed and fitness was. Overall, I am pretty happy with how I did. I was aiming for 8:00 pace, and according to Garmin, I did 7:47.

First, the weather forecast was horrible. It was supposed to be rainy, windy, and cold. I made arrangements for my mother-in-law to watch Caden, as Aaron wanted to come and see me race for the first time in awhile, and it was much too cold to bring him. I woke up on Saturday morning and I went outside and it wasn't that bad out! The temperature wasn't bad, and it wasn't raining! I decided to wear a tech t-shirt, a tech-long sleeve t, and a wind breaker. I didn't think it was cold enough for Under Armour, so I just wore black breathable pants. I brought a baseball hat in case it started to rain.

This race is about 10 miles from my house. It was around a big lake that is pretty popular around here. Our friend actually just bought a lake house there, so we will probably be spending some time there this summer. I anticipated this being a big race since it is a scenic, flat route. Apparently it used to be a big local race (before I got into running) and they stopped holding it. Many people were excited that it was back. Aaron and I got to the lake pretty early since they advertised that parking would be tough. I got my packet. I was kind of disappointed. The race cost $25 and we just got a cheap cotton T-shirt. I was happy it was teal, but it was still cotton! Well, once we got to the lake...it was COLD! You would think I know how to dress by now...nope! I didn't have gloves with me and I should have brought something for my ears. I couldn't wear my baseball hat because of the wind (it was my nice Boston Marathon hat that I forgot I had, and I wasn't going to risk losing it).

The race start was strange. We were lining up and all of a sudden, people started running, I didn't hear a gun, horn, or even a "go!". I hit my watch and took off. As usual, I took off too fast. I felt really good. In fact, I think I ran a really good 5k! BUT....this was an 8-mile race. I hung with my uncle for the first 3 miles, then he took off and I knew I didn't have the endurance to go ahead. I tried to keep my pace up, but around mile 4, one lady passed me. Mile 5, another did, Mile 6 another, and that's pretty much how it went! I think my speed is back, and I just need to work on my endurance. When these ladies passed me, I thought, go for it because I can't hang! I just did my best and I did better than I thought! I finished less than a minute behind my uncle, so I held my own!

When the race was over, I looked at the board, and I didn't think I was going to place. I was 11th Woman Overall, and most ahead of me were in their 30s. I always like to stick around for the awards to clap for the people who did place, and surprisingly they did a 26-30 age group! I ended up getting 2nd. I usually beat the woman who won, but it goes to show that my endurance is lacking. She passed me right at the end and there wasn't a thing I could do about it! Regardless, I lucked out winning a medal, and I am happy with my time. I'm not sure of my official time, but Garmin has me at: 64:09

My splits
Mile 1: 7:07 (you would think I would know by now!)
Mile 2: 7:24 (still too fast for my fitness)
Mile 3: 7:36 (this would be nice if I could hold on to this pace)
Mile 4: 7:42 (Hmm...I'm seeing a trend here)
Mile 5: 7:50
Mile 6: 7:51
Mile 7: 7:50
Mile 8: 7:51
Garmin has .25: 6:39 pace...at least I picked it up for a quarter mile!

Overall....not a bad race for someone who just gave birth 3 months ago. I tend to be hard on myself, but I beat alot of people! I'm not where I want to be yet, but I'm getting there. I honestly don't know if I have a 1:45 half in me now, but I am going to try. Like I said before, I have no plan, so I'm going to attempt a taper. I have no clue what I'm doing with half training, but we'll see. Either way, I should be proud I am out there and doing it!

And....on a side note....I am not lucky that I lost my baby weight...except for 3 lbs...I bust my butt!

Here is Caden on his 3-month bday with my hardware!